~*~*~*~ Dreams of a Lady ~*~*~*~

Chapter Three: Teasing

Genre: General/Action/Romance

Rating: PG-13.

Disclaimer:  I'm planning an op! Yes, that's right! I'm going to steal George and quite possibly Dom from Tammy when she's sleeping! Is that ingenious or what?

Author's Note:  ::Hugs:: to all you people. I'm actually starting this early for one of my fics. I mean, I just posted today! Ha ha! Let's see how long till I've posted! ::turns on watch:: Glad you all liked that last chapter. George just happened to spring up! Ain't that great? I'm going to dedicate every chapter from now on!

Michy (M'cha Araem)

This chapter is dedicated to you! You knew exactly what I planned to do,

And quite nearly hinted at me to death to do it!

Okay, this chapter is a whole bundla dialogue. Sorta dull, but I tried my hardest to sneak in some fluff, though it's not considerably much at all! Hope ya like!!! 

~~~

Alanna pulled her cloak tighter to ward out the bitter autumn winds. She cursed the cold, cursed it with every curse she knew, which was quite a few.

"Ye cold, darlin'?" George asked.

Alanna nodded. "Oh Gods how I hate the cold! I hate it!"

George laughed softly at her outburst. "I know, darlin'." And with a grin, he pulled a heavy wool cloak from one of his saddlebags. "I figured you might get cold. Looks like I was right."

She put it on gratefully. "I can't believe you remembered! It must have been months ago that I told you!"

"I've got a mind for details. Especially when they concern you."

Alanna jerked her head sharply to face him and their eyes met. Alanna felt herself blush brightly before she finally managed to demand, "What are you on about now?"

"Nothing, lass. Nothing." He shook his head and smiled at her and they rode on in a thoughtful silence.

Great Mother Goddess, Alanna thought, what is he on about? Why in gods' name would he remember details like that about me? Then that little voice inside her head said, Maybe he loves you, you great dolt. Alanna shook her head. No. George and I are friends. He certainly doesn't think of me in that sense…Does he? No…he couldn't…

Damn it George Cooper, George thought to himself, you're making a fine mess of things. Again. Why can't you just spit it out? 'Alanna, I love you.'  See, it's easy! No! No, it's not. You heard how she nearly snapped at you! But, maybe it's just because you caught her off guard. She's got a lot to think about…Maybe back in Corus, when things are straightened out…

Alanna stole a sidelong glace at George. Could he?

~~~

It was late in the afternoon when Alanna cursed aloud in anger.

George turned to her sharply. "What's wrong?"

"I planned to nick that guard's sword. Having you around made me forget."

"Sorry lass. On the bright side, I figured you'd be needin' a blade…"

"You didn't!?" she laughed in astonishment. "Goddess! How do you remember these things?"

"It could mean your life. That's how." He slowed his mare and fiddled with the straps on his saddlebag, finally producing a sword in a leather scabbard. He handed it to her and she unsheathed it and inspected it.

"Nice weight," she commented. "Is it stolen?" Though she didn't really mind, as she had stolen many things in her day, she'd rather not be caught with a stolen blade.

The tall thief shrugged. "From Marek."

She laughed. "This is Marek's?"

He grinned. "It was. But, no worries. He'll nick another. I'd hope a heavier one. Doesn't say much for his strength if he's waving that thing around."

Alanna scoffed at him. "Watch your words, George Cooper! I happen to like the weight of this blade."

He chuckled. "You know I'm only jesting. It's a nice blade. I almost gave you mine, but I thought you'd say it was too light."

She gave him a lock of mock sternness. "You're lying."

He nodded. "Yes I am."

She leaned over in her saddle and punched him on the upper arm.

"Bright Mithros! Don't let me ever insult your strength again!" He joked, nursing his arm.

Alanna shook her head and spurred Moonlight on.

~~~

It was raining by the time they stopped in a large stand of trees, and Alanna was already in a bleak mood. George's mood faired no better, but Alanna's company helped.

When they stopped, Alanna unsaddled Moonlight and brushed her down.

"I'll feed the horses if you'll start a fire," George offered.

"Deal." Alanna quickly and expertly started a fire and warmed her hands before it, cursing softly to Mithros about how she hated the cold.

"You certainly can be cute," George laughed, shaking his head as she he came to sit down across from her.

"Cute?!" she asked sharply, glaring at him.

He laughed. "I knew you'd like that one."

She gave him a withering look and tossed him the water skin. He drank, still grinning wickedly.

"I don't want to be cute," she grumbled.

"Well, what do you want to be?"

Yours…"You know I want to be a warrior maiden, George."

"Still set on that then?"
She nodded. "Of course."

"It just seemed that you mellowed out over the summer."

She frowned and nibbled on her thumbnail. "What makes you say that?"

"Whatever you had with Jonathan. That is before that Tirragen lad messed things up."

Alanna bit her lip thoughtfully. "I don't even know what I had with Jon, or even what I could have."

"From what I hear, before Alex fouled things up, you could have had quite a bit. The question is, what do you want, Alanna?"

She shrugged. "I don't think I could ever marry him. That's for sure. We're both too stubborn, and I'd be giving up too much."

"You think Jon would make you give up your fighting?"

"I don't know, but a queen can't be off slaying bandits. Besides, I'd hate being a queen. Too noble. You know my general opinion of nobles."

He laughed. "So you haven't lost your edge!"

She grinned. "What's more, if I was in the public eye like that, I'd have to give up the Court of the Rogue entirely."

"Won't you anyway when you finally go off adventurin'?" he asked, startled.

"I wouldn't stay away forever. It'd be nice to have something to come home to. You'd let me rough up a couple lads and take a drink with you for old time's sake, wouldn't you?"

"Of course! Would I ever pass up a drink with you?"

She smiled. "I sure hope not."

He shook his head with a laugh. "A noble, a warrior maiden and a rogue. Anything else?"

She pulled a face. "Who knows if I'll still be a noble then. Or a maiden for that matter. Not too many people would be fond of the idea of a warrior maiden. I might have to conceal my sex." She sighed then grumbled, "I should have been born a boy!"

George laughed softly. "Now how much fun would that have been?"

She shrugged. "I suppose you're right. I would have never become a thief that way."

"Exactly right. I still don't see why you couldn't take up a common lifestyle and go off on your adventures though."

She thought about it for a few minutes. "Maybe I could. Who knows? The gods only, I'm sure. I suppose I'll just have to bide my time. That and find a way to get away from that gods-forsaken convent."

"Haven't you already done that? As I see it, after you Heal Jon and we find your brother, you can just say it wouldn't do to travel in the winter. And you know nobles. They gossip. I'm sure news of Jon and your brother will get back to Treven fast enough."

Alanna thought this over. "That's true, but George, I just don't understand it! Who'd want to kidnap my brother anyway? I mean it's Thom we're talking about."

George chuckled softly at the sisterly comment, then said, "Anyone that wants you to go after him. That or someone that wants to get at Jon. Jon is sick. Thom managed to Heal him last time, but with him out of the way…"

"Jon dies. Well, whoever's got Thom is wrong. I'm going to fix Jon and find my brother and I'm going to kill the pig that's doing this all." She paused. "Roger…"

"It'd be my guess."

"Oh Great Mother and Bright Mithros! He's untouchable! Jon loves him to death! All the Contés do! Everyone does!"

"It's a shame too. No one would dare suspect him of treason."

Alanna shut her eyes and rubbed her temples. "And if Jon dies, he'll eventually be king."

"Not a king I'd trust."

"I hardly trust him as a duke."
George nodded. "And Tirragen as his once-squire. Alex still does things for him, you know."

"The thought had crossed my mind. And his attempt to court me—thought it failed—"

"Did it? It got Jon upset with you and put distance between you. Don't you find it funny how Jon blamed you and not him?"

Alanna grimaced. "His cousin's squire at one time and one of his best friends."

George nodded.

"But that would mean that Alex is part of Thom's kidnapping as well. And they were the best of friends!"

"Power corrupts."

"You're one to know, your Majesty. You're about as crooked as they come."

He grinned suavely "Why thank you. But as crooked as I am, I'm rather good at it."

"I'll not deny you that. I don't think I could manage in your position."
"You could," he said, with a grin, "But I'd never let you."

Alanna shook her head ruefully, yawning.

"Probably best if we get to sleep. We'll want as much daylight to travel by as possible. I'm afraid I'll have to part ways with you around midday tomorrow. I've got to head down to Port Caynne. I'll get word to either Gary or Raoul that you're coming."

She nodded. "Thank you. It'd be odd of me to just walk up to the palace and say I'm there 'cos Jon is sick."

"Probably." He tossed her a bedroll and started unrolling his own.

A cold wind whipped through the forest, causing Alanna to shiver. "The closer we are, the warmer we'll be."

With a grin, George helped her unroll her bedroll. "Someone's been camping before."

"You shut your mouth, George Cooper," she growled, removing her boots.

He held out his hands in surrender and took off his own boots and three daggers.

Both crawled into their respective bedrolls, each a bit surprised at the mere inches between them. Both were privately too happy, and just as much too tired to comment about it.

~~~

Alanna only woke once that night, to the howling of a lone wolf. She found herself in George's arms. Happily, she smiled a small smile and fell back asleep.

~~~

Alanna woke when dawn's first light seeped into the forest. She found herself still wrapped in George's arms, feeling very warm and secure.

She knew that in mere minutes, she'd have to leave that comfort as they breakfasted and started to travel. She let out a soft groan. Late in the night, when she had been warm in George's arms, the fire had burned to embers.

She gave George a sound poke in the side.

"Mphf?" he responded, barely awake.

"Go stir up the fire?"

"Why me?"

"'Cos," she mumbled sleepily.

"Oh fine." He slid from his arm out from around her, surprised to find it that way and got out of his bedroll.

Alanna snuggled down further in her bedroll as he danced across the nearly frozen ground and stirred up the embers of the fire.

George looked at the half-asleep girl as he added more wood to the fire, and smiled. As he was warming his hands , he heard a soft thump behind him, closely followed by an identical thump a second later.

"George Cooper, if you had any sense at all, you'd put your boots on. You're going to catch cold!"

George turned and saw Alanna sitting up, frowning at him. His boots were right behind him on the cold ground. "You sound just like my mother."

"Then obviously you didn't get your lack of common sense from her."

"You're a bear in the morning! Good gods!" he laughed as he tugged on his boots, then watched with interest as Alanna tried to put her own on without leaving the warmth of her bedroll.

After a short struggled, she looked up and caught George watching her. "You're staring," she said sternly.

"You're amusing to watch," he said with a grin, then ducked as she chucked her boot at him. "Well, that was dim of you."

Grumbling, Alanna climbed out of her bedroll, shivering the whole way. Teasingly, George stood and held it over his head.

"I know I'm short! I'm also cold, George Cooper! Don't make me hurt you!"

With a grin, he handed her the boot which she quickly put on.

"Are you always this entertaining in the morning?" he asked, retrieving his daggers.

"Are you always this much of a royal pain in the behind in the morning?"

"Point taken."

Shaking her head disgustedly, Alanna passed George a slab of bred and an apple from the packs and set into her own breakfast.

"You'll be fine if I leave at midday?" he asked.

Alanna nodded. "We haven't had any trouble yet I'm not to keen on either of us traveling alone, but it'll be for the best."

He nodded. "Just be careful, would you?"

She grinned. "I can't promise anything, but I'll try my best."

He reached over and ruffled her copper curls. "And your best is damn good, darlin'."

"Don't you forget it!"

~~~

Sometime after noon, the road split, one leg veering south to Port Caynne, the other continuing westward toward Corus. With a sigh, George announced, "This is where we part. Good luck and safe journey. Remember what villages to avoid. It might also be best to disguise yourself by day."

She quickly changed her hair and eyes to her Lanna Crell guise and winked. "I'll be fine, George."

"I hope so." He brought his horse close to hers, leaned over and kissed her softly on the cheek then spurred his mare on and was gone.

He was well on his way to Port Caynne when Alanna had recovered enough to demand an explanation.

~~~

Author's Note: So, what'd ya think??? Like it? Hate it? Meh. I don't know what to tell you if you hated it, because I'm not too fond of it myself. Well, anyway. If any of you are interested, I've posted a chapter of the first of The Chronicles. It's called "No Regrets: The First Chronicle." If you want to look it up, be my guest! Anyway, on to the thanks and all that.

To:

Lady Kel of Masbolle: You are smart my friend! The way to my heart (and my writer's mentality) is with music! Very good! The song was very entertaining!

Krazy Kitty: I was beginning to think you were dead! The only thing that made me believe you weren't was beta related e-mails. Very good to have you back! The cello? Sweet! I want to learn the violin, personally. All stemming from my unnatural fondness of Celtic music. Dun worry, swear away when you review. I don't care. You should see my online journal. It's awful how much I swear sometimes….

Temptress: You're rather nutsy, do you know that? But that's quite alright. I am too. Thom, well I don't feel much malice toward him. How would you feel if I killed off Jon though? Yes? No? :o) thanks so much!

Adri: ::hugs:: You're the coolest. :o). ::gives you another cookie:: I'm very flattered that you review me consistently! I generally review yours. When you post. (hint, hint. I'll give you a cookie if you post!) You don't like Thom? Why not? Well, Thom's not the biggest of our worries right now. Right now it's "Should Sara Kill Off Jon Or Not?" It's in Capitals cuz erm…it's important. Yeah. That's right. Well, hugs wub and cookies and cocoa to you. You are the must wonderfulous review person!!!!

Nicole: Anything is plausible in the wonderful world of fan fiction. :o) Glad you likes it!

Lady Fire Eyes: Jon fluff, I'm not sure yet. Some, probably. Unless I kill him! ::takes on a demonic look:: Erm, sorry. I'll stop now… Well, assassins are generally important. But his employer, generally v. important. ::cough 'hint' cough:: Thanks so much!

Michy: So, Alanna and George are alone, eh? That had never occurred to me…how silly am I?? As far as Tanya Huff, I've only had the pleasure of reading the Wizard of The Grove books, but I love them very much! I read Billy boy's comedies. Oddly perverted, that Shakester. Sorry I have reviews….want some? Here, have this instead! ::hands you a cookie:: You artificially hate me?? ::runs off and cries then returns to finish the rest of the response:: Poor horsie… then again, who'd name a horse 'Punky'?? Was that you? Punkiepie…I could so live with that. Well, enjoy searching for a diabolical nicky! I can't wait! ::hugs::

Lady Arabian Knight: Thanks! :o)

Pickzee: Wub ya name! D'ya know who I hate? I hate Avril Lavinge. Sorry if you like her, though. She gives us real punks a bad name. Humph!!! Sorry you didn't get to hear the fantabulousness of Flogging Molly! I absolutely love them! :o) Thanks for visiting my website and for reviewing! ::hugs::

Charmgirl: She's Alanna. She'll figure something out.

Undiscovered Actree: You haven't sent me more story. Shame on you! Write more damn it! (Sorry if that sounds harsh, I say it to everyone! :o) ::wink:: ) Thanks!!!! ::hugs::

Pbwin: I can blow at your mind. I don't generally blow minds. But, I'm glad you like the suspense! Thanks so much!

Rose: I haven't decided what to do about Jon yet. He might have to die! Hee hee! But, anyway. I'm glad you like this and Pride. This is going to be sorta different then Pride, plot wise, but we'll see how it comes! Thanks!

Rya:  I have padded walls in my room. Cept they let me take the straight jacked off to write. How incredibly stupi—I mean nice of them! Right…nice…ahem… HAPPY ~~shift happy. Glad you like the suspense! I'll try to keep it up! You're going to New York??? You lucky ducky! Hope ya had fun!!!! Thanks!

Bookmaggot: I'm a self-proclaimed genius! Mainly cuz no one else will proclaim me one. Thanks!

White-wolf: Thanks so much!!!! ::hugs::

Chickensoup3: Thanks!!

Silenttina: Sorry I make Jon too nice…how about I make him dead??? (S'ry, no promises, but wouldn't that be fun? Maybe I can make him suffer. Yes. That might be enjoyable.)  I'm glad you like my convent related nonsense! Thanks!! ::hugs::

Keziah: I take it you're Mag? Am I right? You deserved a chapter to you!!! ::hugs:: I'd rather be British too. But, whatcha gonna do? Myf deserves the recommendation, but glad it made her happy. Tells her "you're welcome, dahling! ::wink::" Sorry for the cliffie. Hope you liked how this chapter ended. He he. You want Jon dead, huh? How about complete agony for a while, then he gets better, then Roger is killed by Alanna and then Jon gets run over by a runaway carriage. Or eaten by a dragon. Or sat on by something large…. Then CIVIL WAR and Alanna takes over and makes all the men be slaves…. Okay…now you have me interfering with my plan! Lol. Well, you'll just have to wait and see where the plot goes. If anywhere. :o) Thanks!!!! ::hugs::

Serenity Jade: Thanks!!!

Witch Child: ::blushes:: I lost the addy to my message board. Oops. My new webby doesn't link to it….and I erm…accidenly deleted the old one…cuz I'm a bit of an idiot… Care to remind me so I can come keep yous guys company (and put it on my new webby.)? Well, I have money for XMAS presents…but I could spend it on George. How much d'ya think we'd need? Hm… Thanks so much!!!!!! ::hugs::

Arctic Princess: Thanks!!!! J

Anonymous: George is a bad guard…he deserted his post. Shame on him. Tsk Tsk. Well, that's the story that we want the other guard to believe. Poor soul. Magic can scare men so easily… Can I kill Alex? No, not yet…. AND SEND THE EMAIL!!!! IF YOU DON'T I WON'T POST!!!!! Got it? And what courage does it take? I'm nice. Generally. I love beta reading too and you've got me dying to read your story so SEND IT ALREADY! Sheesh. Okay, done throwing a fit. You think I'm good at making people die. ::blushes:: Yay!!!! Thanks so much!!!!

Xelena: Hope this filled you in on Thom's kidnapping. Thanks!

Mystic_Moon_Empress: It's right now!!!! Thanks!!!!

Well, done!!!!!!!

Okay, so, that's it. Whole long thing done with. Well, a few final words. Visit my website!!! ((watch as I shamelessly self promote myself!))

http://pixiewrites.iwarp.com

Chronicles are up if you're interested,

Wow. I'm short on words tonite. Oh well.

Cheers!

Hugs and wub to all!!

Sara