Chapter 7: Homecomings
The room was dark when she woke up. As weird as it was to be back, she was glad she was. It wasn't as bad as she thought it would be; her friends were there for her if she needed them and she knew that they would let her progress as she wished, but would be there for support all the way. And then there was her beloved, the one who had saved her and would never again leave her.
She smiled as she thought of Shylock; knowing she had his love was more than anything she could ask for. His tanned and muscular abdomen was resting behind her, adding to her comfort. For the first time in awhile she felt normal. Waking up from a long sleep after...she sighed remembering the pleasure of Shylock, with his arms around her was as normal as she remember and just as wonderful. Last night.. wait.. this morning was just ... Alanna sighed. There were no words to describe it. It was all devotion, love, and console. What happened between them in that early morning made Alanna feel happy that she chose to be alive. It made her feel like her life was getting back on track and she would have felt normal except for the hole that was in her heart and soul. She knew only time would heal it and she would forever bear a scar, all she could do was wait and accept the comfort that was offered. And by the Gods she would take the comfort that was being offered now- Shylock's warm presence shaped around hers.
After laying there for awhile her sad/joyous mind drifted to the letters. Duke Gareth's she bristled at for his cold unemotional way of telling her what she already knew, as if he really didn't care what had happened and it was just his duty to inform her. Prince Jonathan's she almost cried again- he told her of a brother she would have loved to have known. His made up for his uncle's by giving emotional support to some one he hadn't seen in two years. But the question she had to ask her self was if she wanted to go to the funerals. She had almost forgotten about her father. It really didn't hit her hard that he had died; he was just a figurehead, nothing really real to her. If any one could be called a father it would have to be Coram. If she went to her father's funeral she would see him; that cheered her a little. She decided she wanted to go to the funerals, but the only thing that was keeping her from making it absolute was Shylock; she didn't want to leave him, he was what helped her cling on to life it's self. Leaving him would be like jumping off a rescue boat after surviving a sinking ship. The only way she'd go was if Shylock would and to find that out was to ask.
Alanna turned around to face her sleeping lover. He groaned at her motions which woke him up. She spoke to him "Love, I need to make a decision that involves you. Are you awake enough think?" His eyes came open slowly blinking to adjust to the light. He propped himself on one elbow so he could get a better look at Alanna, his actions resulting in a midnight black lock of wavy hair falling into his eyes. Alanna thought it made him look even more strikingly attractive than he already was. Tucking it behind one of his ears he said, "Yes, I'm awake enough to think. What were you wondering?"
She looked into his soft, sapphire and aquamarine colored eyes. "Do you think you could come with me when I go to my brother's and father's funerals?" Inwardly she cringed; it still pained her to think of her brother as dead, it just didn't feel right.
He stared back, into her violet eyes and replied "You know I'd do any thing to keep you happy right now. You've decided to go to the funerals I see." Alanna nodded. "Well I don't see why I couldn't go. Only problem would being able to keep in contact with you. But don't worry, I'll figure something out. Go and I'll see you on the road or at the funeral. Are you going to both?"
"I think I will. I'd only be going to Father's to see Coram, but I'd with out a doubt be going to Thom's no matter what." Alanna hung her head with sorrow. "Gods, Shylock I miss him so much. I was there; I saw him die. Yes I know it was his choice but still why did he have to. I barely got to say goodbye." A few tears leaked out her eye and slid down her face as she collapsed. Shylock scooted over to her and gathered her in his arms, again.
"Sshh. It's okay baby. It's okay. You're not alone. Rarely do people ever get to say good bye to loved ones. This is even harder for you than other people because you were there to see but you couldn't do what you wanted and from the connection of blood between you two. I know it's hard to see someone you love die, I've had to endure it too". Shylock winced; a memory from long ago came into his head again. She didn't notice so he let it go, trying not to think of that painful memory he had locked away. He concentrated on the here and now, letting Alanna cry. Soon she stopped and reluctantly parted her self from Shylock, her face all red and puffy. Reaching behind him, Shylock grabbed a handkerchief and handed it to Alanna, smiling dotingly.
She gave a weak smile back. "I must look horrible. There are some who can look beautiful as the cry and I'm not one." Using the handkerchief she wiped her face dry, then yawned. "Great, now I tired my self out." Yawning again she looked at Shylock asking silently if he minded of she slept. He smiled and nodded his consent, wanting her to get more sleep and feel better and also for him to think about his relationship with Alanna. Oh, how he wished to burn whoever made the Oaths for the order of Disa.
It was morning again and sunlight streamed through the window, the light squarely hitting Arianna's face. Cursing herself for not remembering to close the curtain, she rolled off her stomach and got out of bed, taking the blankets that entwined her legs with her. Oh how she hated it when she got tangled up in blankets when she slept. It was a bad habit of her subconscious self to do that when she was asleep. Now after a full twenty-four hours of rest, she felt back to normal and was thinking normally (for her at least).
Since Alanna didn't know that they had tried to tell the First Daughter about Alanna's dilemma, it was up to Arianna to go inform the First Daughter that she and Cynthra weren't liars. Dressing in a pale blue gown she went to head out the door and to the First Daughter's office, only to remember she needed proof. The letters.
'Well, that's easily taken care of.' Arianna knew just what to do. A simple thought to form a spell and she had the papers in her hand. All she hoped was that Alanna didn't miss them. With that taken care of she strode out her door, down the hallway and turned into Mahira's, the First Daughter, office. The Daughter was clearly surprise to see her there, but before she could say a word Arianna put Duke Gareth's letter on her desk for her to examine. Mahira picked up the letter uncertainly, as if afraid of what it would say. Arianna kept her face in a neutral expression, waiting for the First Daughter's reaction. And the reaction was surprise.
"Oh, my. She must be so upset," exclaimed Mahira in a way that Arianna knew she really didn't give a damn about this. That made her want to wring the stupid bitch's neck. Only strong self control and reasoning kept her from slapping her. The first Daughter didn't notice anything wrong and kept talking on in that false sounding alarmed voice. "Do you know if she plans on going?"
"No, Madame, I do not know if she is choosing to go or not." Arianna cringed inside as she listened to how she sounded. Just like one of those air-headed idiots that like to call themselves Ladies and would do any thing to get in the good graces of people with power.
Mahira dropped the façade and spoke in her usual severe tone. "Would you go get her then I must speak with her." And left no room for Arianna to say anything else. In a swirl of skirts Arianna left the office and headed to Alanna's room in bad mood. She arrived at the wanted door and with out bothering knock, as she always did when in temper, walked in and immediately regretted it.
There on the bed, where she was expecting to find Alanna sleeping peacefully, was a melee of white sheets trying to cover the exposed skin of her and her beau. A leg, an arm, someone's posterior end, Shylock's abs, and too many other things attacked her vision. She stopped dead in her track like a deer caught in head lights looking at the same expression written on Alanna's flushed face. But only for a split second, for she turned and headed out the door she just came through. Out of the corner of her eye she saw a leg flying though the air and heard a thump telling her that someone had fallen off the bed in surprise or unstableness. Embarrassed to the up most, Arianna waited outside her best friend's door trying to get over her shock enough to speak.
Alanna was awake again and lost in the blissful moment. Shylock was on top of her kissing her neck and sending waves of pleasure through her with every one of his movements. A sound shot her out of the moment. The doorknob had turned and the door was open. Alanna almost froze, but remembered how she was dressed (or how she wasn't) and what position she was in (underneath Shylock) and grabbed for the sheet that was underneath her. Shylock was caught unawares and caught in the ecstasy of the previous moment as Alanna pulled the sheet out from under her and over the two of them. Luck wasn't with her. The blanket over shot the two of them and her arm's actions had pushed Shylock off her and almost off the bed. She pulled the sheet back so she could cover herself hoping Shylock was covered as needed. She looked up to meet Arianna's stunned eyes before she turned right back out the door her cheeks red with mortification.
As the door closed Alanna let out a breath in relief. It was only Arianna; it could have been one of the teachers or students. She was thankful it was her friend, no matter how embarrassed either of them was. Dropping the sheet she turned to Shylock, who wasn't there. After scrambling to the other side of the bed, she looked over the side to find Shylock lying on his back not moving a muscle.
She smiled. "Baby, you can move now. It was only Arianna." He sat up and propped himself up by his elbows on the side of the bed to face Alanna.
"Only Arianna."
"Yes. Only Arianna. It could have been worse." She kissed him on the lips to make him feel better. "Now I have to go talk to her. I'll be back." Alanna got off the bed and grabbed her Yamani silk robe. When covered in the smooth red silk she went out her door finding Arianna sitting on ground, shaking her head, which rested on her knees.
She looked up when the door closed and mouthed, "I'm sorry", still red in the cheeks. Alanna only smiled forgivingly and Arianna was relieved. Getting off the floor Arianna said, "I went to Mahira with Duke Gareth's letter and she wants to see you and know if you are going to the funerals."
Alanna scrunched up her face in annoyance. "Ok then. Seems I'll have to get dressed.
"That might be a good idea. I'll wait out here," Arianna replied as she sat down again and Alanna went back into her room.
Shylock looked up as she entered; looking as if he was still getting over the shock. "So?"
His expression made her laugh a little. "Don't worry. She wants to forget this as much as we do. But, she came to tell me that Mahira wants to speak with me, so I have to get dressed, in mourning colors." She lost her smile, still not used to the fact that Thom was dead. Then she asked her self "How many dresses do I actually have that are in mourning colors?" After thinking she came up with three; one pale lavender, and two grey. "I guess I'll borrow some from Cynthra and Arianna for now." She picked one of her grey dresses, put it on, brushed her much tousled hair, gave Shylock a kiss and went out the door.
"So because you were Thom's twin your spirit was there when he died and it sent you into a state of shock that Lady Arianna brought you out of when the letters came. Now you are going to go to both your father's and brothers funerals and you'll be gone for about three weeks."
Alanna stood in front of the First Daughter's desk wearing a neutral face to her, but wanted to cry and rage at the same time. Cry for reliving everything from her brother's death onward and rage for how unsympathetic the Daughter was being; acting like she really didn't care and this was just a delay in her day. To get back at her Alanna decided to do something. "I'm also going to bring Lady Arianna and Lady Cynthra so no harm comes to me while I'm away."
Mahira frowned. "You'll have guards with you while you travel. And you'd only need one Lady to accompany you."
"Yes, you are right. I only need one Lady to come, but," feigning sadness, "I am distraught with grief, and need as much comfort as possible to be back to normal sooner. And also if I left one of them here they would very lonely with out their friends and all of us being timid we'd have a hard time making friends. So who ever I left behind would be miserable and not able to do their best work." Alanna smiled to herself knowing she prevailed in her goal.
"Very well," the First Daughter said shortly finding no quick way to refute what Alanna had proclaimed. "You, Lady Cynthra, and Lady Arianna will leave tomorrow at dawn so you will arrive at Fief Trebond the day before Lord Alan's funeral. Dismissed." Being released Arianna and Alanna hurried out the door to take care of their business.
It was two days before the deceased Lord Alan's funeral when a knock came at the front door of Trebond Manor. A maid answered the door to reveal a well built young man.
"Good day, sir. Is there anything I can help you with?" The maid was cautious; you never knew what kind of people turned up when you were out here in the wilds.
"Yes, mistress, there is. I have heard of Lord Alan's passing. I met him a few years back when I was traveling abroad in scholarly pursuits with my master, who knew Lord Alan too. We had come here to ask assistance from him on a document we had and he was very helpful, so I thought I could pay my respects to one who helped me".
"Let me take you to the steward of Fief Trebond." She beckoned to the young man to follow her. Up to the second floor they went and to the office where she knew she would find Coram Smythson.
"Please wait while I see if he's available." The maid entered the office. Coram looked up at the sound of the door and waited for an explanation. "Sir, there is a man here for the funeral. Do you wish to speak with him?"
Coram hadn't really been expecting anybody to come to Lord Alan's funeral, so it was a minor surprise to hear that someone actually knew and like him enough to come to his passing. "Please, do let him in."
The maid exited and brought forth a young man no older than eighteen. Examining him, Coram saw he wore plain cloths of good material, but worn form use. A sword was at his side and from the way he moved, he knew how to use it well. His way of movement also suggested that he knew how to use more than just that sword. 'Odd. I thought our Lord only knew scholars. Not trained fighters. Wonder what he is really here for. May as well find out.'
Coram got out of his chair and reached across his desk to offer his hand as a greeting. "Good day, sir. Coram Smythson, acting steward for Trebond. What brings ye to this neck o' the woods, Master...?"
The man shook his hand, and smiled. "Master Arden." Coram noticed the handshake was neither challenging nor weak. "I have heard about Lord Alan's death and came to pay my respects to him. A few years back my master and I came here to get help on a document we had found. Lord Alan was quite helpful and I admired his love for his studies. I remember him having quite a few books I was interested in and have read since then."
For some reason Coram was warming toward this fellow. He felt a liking to him that couldn't be explained. Long ago Coram had learned to trust his instincts and now they were telling him to befriend this man. Coram returned the smile that was being given to him with a genuine one of his own. "Well, Master Arden I think I could come to like you. Would you like to join me for lunch? I would like to hear more about you."
"Master Smythson, I would be glad to join you. I think we have more in common than you think", he said with an odd twinkle in his eye. "My full name is Shylock Arden, please call me Shylock."
(surprise surprise Coram meets Shylock)
The journey to Trebond was fairly uneventful. There was a film of clouds covering the sun for the length of the trip. Everyone's mood matched the sky; it was bleak. Everyone was sad for some reason or another. Cynthra and Arianna were the only people who talked. If the guards or driver talked the three Ladies never heard it. Alanna was also silent and had a right to be so. Arianna and Cynthra understood her need for silence and went with it; it wasn't hurting her to keep quiet and if she wanted to talk she would, there was no need to force her.
Alanna was unspeaking for many reasons. There was the fact that she was going to two family member's funerals and that would be depressing in its own way, but that it was her twin's made it the feeling worse (It has already been explained why she is so sad from Thom's death. And, hey wouldn't you be sad too?). Also she was seeing people that she hadn't seen in two years and was clueless on how everything would work around them. Nervous was another word to use. Could she act like she used to around them? Had she changed so much that they don't know how to respond to her? What would they think of her? These were her worries and they wouldn't be answered until she got back to Corus. Finally there was Shylock whom her mind lingered on. She wanted to see him so bad, but really didn't know where he was. He promised her would meet up with her somehow, but she wanted to see him as soon as possible and that wouldn't be at least until they reached her old home. 'Oh well. It can't be helped. But damn. He is the only person who really understands 'cause he was there. Arianna and Cynthra are good friends, but really wouldn't understand deeply, like Shylock does. I feel bad not talking to them, but somehow I know they understand and won't hold it against me. That makes me feel a little better.'
Alanna got lost in her thoughts again. A while later Cynthra tapped her on the elbow and nodded at the window. "I think we're almost there. I see a castle in the distance." Cynthra's words made her look out the window to see the fortress where she grew up. Looking back into the carriage she told her friends "Yes, this is the place". Now knowing that they were going to be able to get out of the carriage soon the Ladies were a little less fidgety.
With in an hour their carriage was pulling up in front of the main entrance of Trebond Manor. There was a small crowd of people waiting. As the coach stopped one man separated himself from the assembled people and opened the door to help the Ladies out. Cynthra with her curly chestnut hair and pale green dress came out first. Next came Arianna clad in a dusky cobalt blue that matched her eyes. Lastly, Alanna with her sad purple eyes- ones that held your gaze because of, not only, how deep and sorrow-filled, but also the magnitude of strength reflected there- came dressed in dove grey. She looked up from ducking her head to get out of the carriage and found she was looking into the face of Coram. He was smiling softly at her, his eyes as distressed as her heart. It was all too much; she was already depressed and worried, but add another person who was going through the exact thing as she was, it made her break down.
She stumbled down from the carriage and into Coram's arms, a few tears falling down her cheeks. A few minutes later she pulled away, her eyes were red, but now tears were gone and she was happy to see the man she considered to be her father. He was happy to see her too, by the look on his face.
Coram spoke first, addressing all who were outside "Well, now that we've gotten that over let us go inside and make th' introductions." He offered his arm to Alanna to take her inside. "By the way young 'un, I have someone 'ere who says he knows you and also knew yer father. I'll have you two meet up."
Servants led the three Ladies up to their separate rooms on the third floor. These halls made Alanna think of all the time she had spent running up and down them chasing her brother. She could almost see the ghosts of her and her brother thinking of another crazy idea that would get them in trouble. Those days were when the only problem was why her father didn't like her and everything else was perfect. It made her sad; she wished these days had that same joy. But the times of happiness were gone and replaced with an empty heart and a weary soul. Her brother was gone and would never come back; never to be chased or ducked in the fish pond. Depression was almost overwhelming. She couldn't break down again. No, she had to endure. Alanna straightened her back, held her head high, facial countenance blank and emotionless.
The rooms they were led to was not anywhere near the ones Thom and her used to have and Alanna was thankful. Three doors were lined up on one side of a hallway in the Southwest wing. On the opposite wall were two doors, one for bathing and toiletries, and another for storage of linens, towels, and seasonal clothing. They were exactly as Alanna remembered; three rooms with doors in the rooms to connect to the next room. Cynthra got the first room, Alanna the second, and Arianna the last; the arrangement suited them all well. After she had showed them all their rooms, the maid informed them, "In half an hour, people here for the funeral will be meeting in the Citrine Room". Without saying another word she left, leaving the three standing alone in their corridor. Cynthra, sensible as always, said, "I think we should see that we have all our luggage, and then head down.
Unsurprisingly, it took little time to do as Cynthra suggested and they were heading down the hallway in less than fifteen minutes. The Citrine Room turned out to be a room painted in warm inviting colors with semi-formal furniture styles and arrangements. The Ladies entered thinking no one was in there yet, but before they got used to the silence someone coughed. Arianna and Cynthra watched as Alanna's eyes went wide and halted in her placed.
Alanna started to whisper "No, it couldn't be..." But before she could finish a exceptionally recognizable voice cut her off.
"Yes my darling, it is me. All in one piece."
When she turned around Shylock stepped out of the discreet little niche in the wall. Alanna squealed and in to his open arms. They stood in each other's arms just holding one another enjoying being close once again.
They would have stayed like that longer, but, someone else coughed and they separated instantly and turned to stare at the door. Coram was standing there politely waiting. Alanna turned crimson and ducked her head. Coram coughed again and spoke.
"Well, I see ye two met each other again. Now that we've gotten through that lets discuss the plans for tomorrow."
Unsurprisingly the discussion for the next day was short. Coram, Alanna and Shylock would all say there words of peace to Lord Alan's spirit. Then a priest of the Black God would give the rituals and there would be a quiet after party.
The rest of the day Alanna and Shylock spent together under the eye of the ever present Coram. They discussed Alanna's childhood here in the castle and, hesitantly, plans for the future. Their love grew deeper over those two days, even if they didn't notice.
But Coram did and kept a watchful eye on them. He really did like Shylock; he was a gentleman in all respects. Coram knew by the way Shylock talked of Alanna when he and Coram were having a drink before heading to bed, that he cared quite profoundly for Alanna and would never intentionally hurt her. Still, with a father's interest, she (and he) was watched carefully. What he also observed was that in the two years that Alanna and he had been separated, she had grown more mature and lady like. Be that so he also knew that she had not given up on her weapons training from the calluses he felt on her hand.
Arianna had also surprised him. She was sweet, spunky, and a total flatterer; all the things a Lady should be. What he didn't expect was the calluses on her hand and the way she moved, suggesting she had hidden weapons and knew how to use them.
Cynthra was the only one who was as she seemed; calm, sensible and courteous. Her hands were as soft as lilies and just as white. She never had a bad word to say and always made a room feel sunny and bright. A perfect match for to unruly Ladies.
The only really eventful event was when Coram came out to do his morning exercise and found Alanna, Arianna, and Shylock already in the yard. Arianna and Alanna were street fighting with daggers while Shylock watched and instructed when needed. As he walked closer he got to see Arianna's specialty move. She just ducked a stab from Alanna, and still crouching swung out her leg and tripped Alanna, making her fall on her ass. But that wasn't it. Coram didn't even see Arianna move; the next thing he saw was Arianna on top of an Alanna holding Alanna's arms behind her back and her holding a knife at her throat . (A/N: in case that was confusing. Arianna tripped Alanna turned her onto her stomach and held her arms behind her).
When fully into the yard, Coram heard Arianna say "Give?" and Alanna nodding. He applauded and everyone turned. "That was great. Good job to both of ye." Hugging Alanna around the shoulders he whispered "I'm proud of ye". There was nothing more that could have pleased her. Louder he told them "Go rest. I'd like to have a bout with yer man Shylock" with a questioning look he glanced at Shylock, who answered with a small bow of acceptance and a question "Swords be alright?"
Coram smiled and responded "I know naught else." And the match began. The metal of the swords flashed in the morning sun and rang throughout the courtyard. Movement of the two was rapid when the were engaged, otherwise they observed each other, looking for an opening. They had done this before and knew somewhat of each other's styles. It went on for at least an hour and ended in a draw with both pouring off sweat. Alanna and Arianna greeted them with full water skins. Once Coram caught his breath he started to talk to Shylock. "Ye, my young man, are one of the hardest men I have ever had to fight. I'll be glad to hear that Alanna isn't that good."
Shylock chuckled. "Sorry to burst your bubble, old man, but Alanna is just as good as me and will be better someday. Watch out for her; she's fast and doesn't lose her temper." Alanna by now was blushing form all the compliments and Shylock noticed. "You know you are because when we have a bout is almost always ends in a draw." This just made Alanna blush more. They would have stayed longer to rest but Arianna noticed "We might want to get going the suns getting high and we need to leave for Corus." Unanimously it was agreed.
By the time two hours were up the entourage, now with Shylock and Coram in tow, left for the capital of Tortall. Everyone, who was having such a good time at Trebond, now was feeling the melancholy that had temporarily left. It grew worse the closer they were. Finally after six day of travel and dismal silence the procession topped the hill that led into the valley where the great city of Corus was held.
All of the travelers felt like they were coming home. Cynthra had only been here twice with her father. Alanna and Arianna had only spent 5 months there but to them it felt more like home than any other place. For Coram he had spent many years here as a guard and looked forward to seeing some old friends. Shylock had never been there but the sounds and smells somehow made him relax. Through the melee of sounds and smells the guards led the group. Many people on the streets paid no heed to the assemblage, but some ones' eyes watched intently. Those hazel eyes followed the crowd as far as he could see and vowed to see the people in it later.
Those hazel eyes weren't the only ones watching. Another pair watched magickly and not with a good intent.
Oohh their back in the capital- who knows what kind of fun, or trouble, they'll get into there. You'll just have to read and find out.
Also for the pairings/hook-ups I'd like your people's opinions so the story will be liked. So push the little review button and tell me what you think
Thanks again- M.S.