A/N: Ok folks, here is the next chapter. It's a bit boring but I need to bring about a ball and I needed to mention the Copper Isles for future chapters. So, anyways, thanks to all of you that reviewed- its so encouraging (I think I'm becoming dependant on reviews!) um… dunno who to dedicate this to… all you great people out there for being…er…great! Anways, enough of me- read!
Alanna sauntered into her husband's study, a smile upon her lips.
'Good morning, George,' she said cheerfully.
'Hello lass.' He nodded towards the flowers she held in one hand. 'A secret admirer? Jon perhaps?'
She made a face at him as he chuckled. 'No. They're from our son, actually.'
George's eyebrows rose. 'Flowers from Alan? I always said it was a mistake sending him to the palace- too much of a mother's boy.'
'George!' Alanna scolded but her scowl and sharp tone of voice only made him laugh all the more. Alanna opened her mouth to continue but stopped and cocked her head to one side like a young puppy.
'Alanna?' asked George.
There was a silent pause. Then Alanna cried, 'Thom! What are you doing in here again? Haven't I told you enough times about listening in on your father's conversations?!'
Thom shed his invisibility spell and appeared in a corner sitting perched on a windowsill, an open book on his lap. 'But mother dearest,' he said, his voice syrupy smooth and his eyes dancing like fireflies. 'How else am I supposed to learn anything?'
Alanna glared at her son but George laughed. 'That's my lad!'
Shaking her head, Alanna turned back to her husband. 'Alan can't come home for his birthday.'
George's grin left his face and he sat up straight in his chair. 'What?' he demanded softly. 'We haven't seen him in ages…'
'But Ali…' said Thom. 'She'll be so upset so…disappointed.'
'I know,' replied Alanna grimly. 'But I've got in contact with Alianne and she wants us to continue. Therefore, we carry on organising this damned birthday ball for her.' Alanna sighed and turned to leave.
'Oh, Alanna.' Alanna turned back to her husband. 'I've had a letter from Myles.' Alanna glanced at Thom, decided not to send him out and looked back questionably at George. He continued. 'Nothing much. Just a warning to watch out- the Copper Islanders are stirring a bit- getting a tad more active.'
Alanna sighed and made a face. 'Best tell Kel then. Thom, go and find Lady Keladry. Bring her here, at once.'
Thom nodded and grinned. Then he opened the window with a purple flick of his fingers and leapt out, using his magic to propel himself to the ground.
'I wish he wouldn't to that,' grumbled Alanna.
George chuckled. 'You would have if you were him.' She smiled at him.
*
Whistling, Thom walked across the courtyard and into the guest's corridor. He turned a corner to see Kel open her door to Sergeant Masbolle of the King's Own. Thom frowned. The commander- what was his name? something like Domitan- wore deep blue breeches, a pale blue shirt and a bashful smile on his face. He seemed rather nervous.
Determinedly- he didn't like the look of Domitan- Thom walked over to the pair.
'Hi Kel,' Dom was saying as Thom walked up. 'I was wondering-'
'So sorry to interrupt,' butted in Thom. 'But my lady Keladry, the Baron and Baroness require your presence immediately.' Thom bowed slightly to Kel.
'Ok,' she sighed, taking Thom's offered arm. 'I'll not be long Dom- you can wait inside if you want.' Dom nodded and went into Kel's rooms as Kel and Thom walked to George's study. Once there, George relayed Myles's letter to his student and gave her a few quick questions. Kel answered them accurately but she kept glancing towards the Lioness who was listening intently.
As Kel was about to leave, Alanna said, 'Oh, Kel. My daughter is coming home soon for her eighteenth birthday. We are holding, on her request, a ball to celebrate her birthday. Do you wish me to have a dress made for you? Or have you another kimono like that beautiful one you're wearing now?'
Kel looked down at herself in her cream and pale green kimono and blushed slightly as the Lioness's compliment.
'No thank you, my lady. I am sure I can find something to wear. I could never ask you to spend unnecessary money on me anyway- you have already given me plenty of charity.'
'Not charity,' said Alanna firmly. 'My kindness. And it is my duty, as your host to make sure you have all you require for any unexpected events. Please don't be scared to ask me for anything, Kel.'
Kel smiled. 'No, my lady. Never, my lady.'
Back to Dom now, thought Kel on her way to her rooms. I wonder what he wants now. When she arrived, Dom was admiring her waving cat figurines.
'Meathead's told me about these,' he explained.
'Meathead's got one,' replied Kel, dragging her brush through her hair.
'Kel, today is my free day. I wondered if you wanted to go out for the day? You don't have to if you don't want to, just-'
'Dom. I'd love to,' Kel interrupted Dom's babbling, grinning.
'Oh. Good.' Dom grinned back. 'I didn't want to look like a loner on my day off.'
*
Now, be lovely people and review! Oh, and go and read 'Choices' by Sam.W. Cheers! Bye for now,
M da M.M.M.