The door swung open and Numair jumped to his feet, folding his book under his arm. He had wanted to ask her how her debriefing had gone but she had stalked down the hallway so quickly he hadn't had the chance. He watched her go, noticing the chattering of birds outside had increased dramatically.
Alanna exited the room, leaning against the door frame and crossing her arms.
"What happened?" He stepped closer, keeping his voice low. With their flight from Carthak behind him, the possible ramifications she may face had been on his mind.
"Here I was, steeling myself for the royal rebuke of Jon's reign," she broke into a grin, "only for him to receive the most thorough lashing I have ever witnessed. I'm a little put out; I think I may have held that honor up until now." Her expression left no doubt that she had thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it.
"About what ?" He struggled to find words, concerned that he should go after her.
"You," she laughed. "For sending you back to Carthak. I think she's fair fond of you."
"It's mutual." He didn't want to let on how touched he was.
"I know. So does Carthak," Alanna snorted. "The best part is it all ended with him apologizing. One little lecture from a wee lass —"
"That wee lass is the talk of the Eastern and Southern Lands," Duke Gareth the Elder appeared next to the Champion, looking vexed. "And that little lecture could be considered treasonous in less forgiving circles." He shook his head, shooting a look at Numair. "Here I've been thinking that you would be a bad influence, and now I'm not sure which way it goes. Come. We still need your account and I'd like to be done with this sooner than later." He swept back into the room and Alanna shot Numair a look of mock admonishment.
Alanna addressed Numair as they followed. "If you'd like to yell at him for anything, I think now's your best chance. He's probably still feeling nice and mollified."
"I can hear you, Alanna," Jon sighed, watching her from his desk where he rested his head against his hand. He looked tired.
"You were meant to."