I am SSSOOO sorry this has taken forever but I have had really bad writers block. Please forgive me and its lateness. This chapter may suck from my blockage but I hope you enjoy it anyways.
Jonathan: 1st yr squire- 15 yrs old
Gary: 2nd yr squire- 16 yrs old
Raoul: 2nd yr squire- 16 yrs old
Alex: 2nd yr squire- 16 yrs old
Luciano: 2nd yr squire-16 yrs old
Caleb: 4th yr page- 14 yrs old
Alanna: - 14 yrs old
Arianna: - 14 yrs old
George: 17 yrs old
Shylock: 17 yrs old
Here this is again for to know and remember
Recap: Thom died and Alanna went into a pit of angst. Alanna came out of her hole of despair because of Shylock. She decided to go to Lord Alan's and Thom's funerals, bringing Arianna and Cynthra with her. They stopped at Trebond for Lord Alan's funeral to find Shylock there and on good terms with Coram. From there they left to the Palace for Thom's funeral, with a menacing pair of eyes watching.
Chapter 7: Thursday Afternoon
13 days after receiving letters; Thursday; 5 days to Thom's funeral; Aug.
They all stood in front of the Palace straitening their tunics, waiting for the anticipated carriage Jon had scryed for. It had been two years since they had seen two faces that were coming in that coach. All of them had gotten permission from their knight masters to be here today to welcome back their friends, though they wished it were on better circumstances.
Duke Gareth had lectured them on how they were to behave. They were not to treat these new Ladies as they had treated Arian and Alan; now they were Lady Alanna of Trebond, Lady Arianna of Cymry's Ridge, and their friend Lady Cynthra of Elden. These ladies were to be treated as such, with courteous word and demeanor, not the harsh boisterous way the guys were with each other. All the guys put on a face and said they would of course be that way, and then unanimously agreed, when they met after that talk, that that wouldn't be up held if Arianna and Alanna were like they were when they had left the palace those two years ago this month.
In the welcoming committee were (in order of being greeted) Caleb, Luciano, Alex, Raoul, Gary, Jonathn, Duke Gareth, Duke Roger, King Roald and Queen Lianne. All of the boys were giddy to greet their old friends, but couldn't shake the the thin film of melancholy that hung in the air reminding them of the loss of their friend Thom. While their minds were supposed to be on their duty of being gentlemen, the boys were thinking of all the changes that could have taken place, the reactions to the greeting assembly, and what could happen over the next few days.
They could've been lost in their thoughts longer, but through the Royal Gate came that long awaited carriage, along with riders flanking it. At last the assemblage came to stop in front of Caleb, who had the honor of greeting the Ladies first. No foot man came with the carriage so the rider with black hair and clad in black breeches with a blue shirt did the task and handed the Ladies out of the coach.
The Squires all stood straighter as the door opened. Out first came a cream-colored face with a sunny expression topped by chestnut curls, and clothed in dark sapphire with a comely figure. This one was one that caught your eye because of her wonderful expression and not just her figure. This one was Lady Cynthra; the one no one recognized, but really wanted to get to know. Next came that familiar flaming red hair, but in a totally different style. Those flaming locks were now past her bosom in a brilliant shining red cascade. She was dressed in an elegant dark grey that embraced her curves. It was a shock, but not a bad one. All the guys were imagining what they could do with her … if she hadn't known them already. Finally came the spunky Arianna with her dark brown hair, bright blue eyes and her emerald green dress that hugged her nicely balanced body. (Sorry girls if this is all a bit demening, but it is coming from a guy's not me , point of veiw and you know how they notice these things… so sorry). Even more of a shock, but just as nice. The boys straightened even more trying not to think all those dirty thoughts that were running through their minds. But they couldn't help it. The Ladies were stunning and they were just normal hormonally charged teens. They'd hold themselves back, so as not to scare their friends.
Down the lie of greeters Cynthra, Alanna, and Arianna went, all acting like meek soft-handed, air-headed, perfect Ladies. Arianna observed that all the guys they had known were acting just as formally. 'Duke Gareth must have threatened then some how. I must figure out what it was,' Arianna thought with wry humor. Her cynical smile didn't reach her lips, but a charming, no teeth smile did; like a Lady should be smilig. She had just reached Gary, let him take her hand, and kiss it while she curtsied perfectly. He spoke to her formally. "My Lady Arianna, I am Garth of Naxen. It is a pleasure to meet you." She looked into his eyes and found that familiar twinkle which always came when Gary was being sarcastic. She let the same sparkle of mockery enter her eyes and drip in to her words. "Oh, no my lord, the pleasure is all mine." She knew he heard her right.
Now she prepared herself to do the job she had to. Right as she reached Jonathan she extended her mind and spoke to him in his mind, not caring how he took it. 'Jon, its Arianna. I know you have to be formal, but later we should all get together and be our normal selves. Don't you think that would be nice?' she added with ridicule and took her leave of his mind. Jon choked when he kissed her hand. 'Oops, guess that was a little bit of a shock'. He composed himself and made his formal introduction "My Lady Arianna. I am Prince Jonathan of Tortall. It is nice to see you again". As he let go of her hand he gave the slightest of a nod to let her know he was ok with her suggestion. She was in a good mood until she came to Duke Roger. When she looked into his face, his eyes unnerved her. There was something cruel about them. She shivered in the hot noon sun. Looking ahead she noticed Alanna looked shaken too. Arianna's mask didn't slip, but she wasn't in the jovial mood she was in before. Averting her eyes, like a shy Lady, she went on feeling unsettled. After greeting the King and Queen, the King said one more thing-
"My Ladies, the squires will take you up to your rooms and when you have freshened up, lunch will be served and introductions made. Please come." He left it at that. He, the Queen, Duke Roger, and Duke Gareth left, and only Duke Gareth looked back giving a menacing glare at the boys. They looked as innocent as puppies; but ones that had just torn up your slippers.
There was silence for a few moments. Alanna had gone to Shylock and held his arm. Cynthra stood next to Arianna, who was watching Coram unload their luggage, observing the boys. All the squires stood apart from the Ladies wondering what to do next. Arianna, being her tactful self, broke the curious silence, and addressed her old friends.
"Well, looky here. It seems you ruffians have shaped up into some decent young men. Who'd have thought? I certainly didn't." Arianna just stood there smiling in mirth. The observant faces of the squires all broke into grins. Time to trade jibes; their favorite past time. Jonathan went next.
With a mockingly astonished face he retorted "Who'd have thought about us? You, who were once as manly as us?, I think not. It is we who should be astonished. Alan and Arian in a dress. Who'd have thought, indeed." There wasn't face that wasn't cracking a grin. This time Coram chimed in. "Ay, laddie. But I bet you still couldn't beat one of 'em on the courts."
That only made Jon and everyone else smile more. "Well, we'll have to see about that." He raised his eyebrow at Arianna questioningly. She only raised her back, challengingly. Then she addressed everyone again. "I guess I'll make the introductions, again. Me 'n Alanna you of course know, but our friends here are Cynthra, a co-conspirator in our diabolical plans; Coram, the steward of Trebond; and lastly Shylock our friend and weoponsmaster". At his introduction Shylock came forward, Alanna still attached to his side.
"It is nice to finally meet those who Alanna and Arianna have spoken of." He greeted all the squires with a smile and a handshake. Alanna still stayed silent but met everyone with a smile. No one wanted to push her, but Jon being his Royal mischievous self, raised an eyebrow at Alanna and looked pointedly at Shylock. She, of course, blushed and ducked her head. Shylock was in a discussion with Raoul about jousting and took no notice. Looking up again she gave Jon a threatening glower, vowing to herself to beat him to a pulp in a practice court. That only made Jonathan grin; he knew what was between Alanna and Shylock. But he let it go, for now at least, and addressed everyone else. "Well lads, let's get these Ladies to their rooms so they can get ready for lunch with the Court. Always a fun ordeal".
Alanna stayed with Shylock, but Gary was on her other side harmlessly asking about life at the Convent. Being his charming self, Jonathan caught Cynthra's arm and escorted her, wanting to induce his delightful self on the least unruly Lady. Luciano decided he wasn't quite yet ready to be confronted with his old friends quiet yet, was on the other side of Cynthra. Being the less tactful two and not wanting to upset Alanna or scare Cynthra, Raoul and Caleb attach themselves to Arianna, bombarding her with question about her weapons training and all the mischievous happenings at the Convent. Alex just walked behind the group silently observing the group.
"You should have seen the look on Mahira's face when the crocheting needles started flying through the air. It was priceless." Arianna was laughing so hard tears were in her eyes. She could see that Caleb and Raoul were having similar troubles.
Through his laughs Caleb questioned, "Haven't they found you out yet? I mean since you came there have been so many pranks. What's the deal?" Arianna just smiled, then put on her angel face. In her sweet voice she said, "Why would anyone think I did those horrible things? I wouldn't know how to. And why would I do that to my sweet classmates? They haven't done anything to me."
The boys just stared at her. Raoul spoke first. "You know, your talent was really wasted at the Convent. You should have stolen away with the Players. They would've greeted that pretty acting with joy." Feigning sadness Arianna sighed, "I know, but at least this way I got to meet all you, so I'm not complaining. But then again a sane person would".
She'd never felt like that before. The feeling of pure terror and no where to turn. It wasn't as bad now, but when looking straight into those deep blue eyes, the fear wrapped it's self all over her. Why would Duke Roger make her feel that way? He'd never done anything to her...
Now that she was away from his stare, Alanna felt better and more normal. Gary and Shylock were in discussion of Shang fighting techniques, leaving Alanna to think to herself and not talk. Since she couldn't talk to Shylock she did the next best thing. Within her mind she found that line of communication to Arianna and sent a questioning note along it.
The focus was now upon Raoul and Caleb and what had happened after Arianna and Alanna had left. On the conversing platter at the moment was their learning how to joust and all its glories. Cynthra and Alanna were as occupied as her with suave males at their arms. Somewhere a detour had been connived to visit some of the art galleries before heading up to the Ladies' rooms. Funny, though, was only Jonathan and Cynthra were really looking at the art, with Jon giving explanations, while everyone else was having their own discussions.
Arianna stopped in mid-laugh as a foreign thought tickled her own. Cocking her head to the side she smiled; it was just Alanna. This was the first sort of this kind of contact since Thom's death. Taking the moment to sit on a close by bench she replied to Alanna's question and ignored Caleb and Raoul for the moment. "Hey babe, what d'ya need"? A second later a thought came back. "I needed to talk to you". The slight hesitation of panic in the mental note made Arianna pay much closer attention.
"I'm all ears. You know that".
Again came that hesitation, but more prominent. "Ari...Ari, I'm afraid. I don't know how to explain it, but those eyes were just filled with something that made me startle with terror".
The fear in Alanna's Mind-voice scared Arianna to the bone. "Lana; 'Lana babe, don't be afraid. I wont let him do anything to you. I swear it. I saw it to- the malice hidden behind the mask of Duke Roger. He will not hurt you. You have all these people around you who will protect you. Don't fear. Besides, you could kick his ass any day". Arianna felt Alanna relax a little more at the thought of someone else seeing what she saw, the promise of safeness, and the humor that brightened the mood. Alanna Sent one last thing back, "You might want to put your attention back on your escorts; they look worried". Looking up startled, Arianna found Raoul and Caleb looking at her curiously and Alanna a ways away smirking at her. 'Ooops'; she'd momentarily forgotten about them. Oh well.
Arianna spoke to the pondering boys, "Sorry about that, I had to talk to Alanna. She needed someone to confide in for a moment. We talk mind-to-mind like talking". With a pause and one more thought she added "Don't mention this to anyone, please; it's a secret between friends". They nodded still perplexed at the thought. But before any questions could be asked the two other groups joined them with Jonathan saying, "We've spent too much time here. Arianna, the other two have agreed that they don't need to change their cloths and we can just continue on to lunch. Otherwise we would be late to Court. I hope you don't mind".
Arianna just gave him a charming smile, "Don't worry, I am fine with out changing."
Nodding Jon added "Good because lunch with the Court starts in 15 minutes". Every quickly headed to the door, not wishing to embarrass themselves on their first day.
Lunch with Court wasn't as much of an ordeal as the Ladies thought it would be. It was practically the same as a dinner at the Convent except that instead of the Daughters watching they had the Lords and Ladies. The squires didn't eat lunch with them because they had serving duties, but instead the Ladies, Coram and Shylock were seated with Duke Baird, the Palace Healer, his wife, and the head of the university of Tortall. Discussions circled around the agriculture and resources of Tortall; a safe topic at any intellectual table with everyone, including Alanna, saying something or another. Another difference between here and the Convent was the food that was served. At the Convent the food was simple but cooked to perfection. Here, the food was elegantly spiced, herbed and presented. There was honey lime glazed duck; potatoes cut up and pan fried with garlic, onions and oregano; pork steak with brown mushroom gravy; pasta with tomatoes, basil, oregano, and parmesan cheese; green beans with a oil herb dressing; and a fresh salad. There were also apples, pears, grapes and strawberries aplenty.
Even before the meal was done everyone was clutching a full stomach, sated. Idle chatter began again when everyone had stopped eating, now that their mouths weren't occupied. People from other tables had started to leave and topics of conversation were getting slim so Alanna decided to do something about it. "My Lords and Lady, if you'd please excuse us. We had arrived just before lunch and have had no chance to unpack and get settled. Thank you". Duke Baird and the Dean of the University nodded graciously and the Ladies got up. Alanna looked at Shylock. He replied to her questioning look "I'll see you soon. I would like to talk to the Dean a bit longer". Smiling she left him to his business and left the table with Cynthra and Arianna. Even though they had only been in the palace for five months Alanna and Arianna knew where everything was, at least in approximation, and had no need of the page standing outside the door, clearly waiting for them. Arianna smiled at him and told him they could find their rooms on there own.
The only speech on the way to the rooms was harmless and if anyone over heard them, it would seem like normal talk from Ladies. They reached their chambers without running into any one. Like at Trebond the rooms were all in a row, but without connecting doors. Unspeaking for a decision they all went into the center room. It turned out to be Cynthra's with her luggage deposited in the center of the room. The room was in soft, bright colors. Walls were a delicate light blue with the trim (on the ground and near the ceiling) in light mint green, some type of silver flecks in the paint. A mellow blue-green color covered the ceiling. Underneath the lavishly designed rugs that covered the floor, the floorboards were a pale oak wood. In the far left corner was the bed (with dark blue bedding), and a doorway with an elegant drape leading to the bathing room was on the wall next to it. The wardrobe was found in the left corner of the wall of the entrance. There was a table with two chairs on the right wall in an unobtrusive spot. It was a small room compared to some they'd all seen, but about the same as their rooms at the Convent, and definitely more luxurious.
"Wow. This is a really nice room." Cynthra awed. "I can't imagine what some of the permanent residences look like."
Alanna gave a dry chuckle. "I know what you mean. It's been awhile since I've lived with luxury. Still, at least it will be comfortable." Arianna and Cynthra both nodded in agreement, smiling and a little taken aback at Alanna's wry humor.
Giving a large stretch upward with her arms Arianna yawned "I think I'm going to go unpack and take a nap. That journey and then lunch tired me out." Alanna concurred and they both left to their rooms leaving Cynthra in peace to unpack.
Looking around, Arianna was satisfied. Her unpacking all her cumbersome dresses and small knick-knacks was done and the bed was looking very inviting. Not to mention the room gave off an aura of calmness. The room was the same size as Cynthra's and, she supposed, Alanna's too, but there the resemblance ended. Instead of light blue walls she had dark green and a cream colored ceiling rather than bluish-green. Over the green wall paint there was a gold design like random veins of crystal running through a rock . The ceiling trim was a lighter hue of the color of the wall. Flooring was in a medium wood, maple maybe. Her bed was on the same side as the door, tucked discreetly into a corner. On the left wall was her table and on the wall opposite the entry was the doorway to the bathing room. The wardrobe was on the right wall and now held her gowns.
Arianna liked this room. It made her feel peaceful. That peacefulness and being tired put together made the forest colored green comforter look like a comfortable place for a nap. And nap is what she did, not even bothering to undress and falling into an instant peaceful sleep.
Nothing was left to put away and having nothing to do didn't seem like fun at the moment; she wanted action. Before Alanna could begin restless pacing to figure out what to do, a knock came at her door. It was a surprise to find a page standing at her door instead of one of her friends. Shyly (he couldn't be older than eleven), he handed her a letter and disappeared before she could give him a coin in payment for the delivery. There was no writing on the outside that clued her into who this was from so her interest was caught.
To Alanna,
It's been a while since we've seen each other and I'm surprised that you haven't looked me up. My heart is in pain from your disinterest (his sarcasm seeped into that sentence) . But I'll survive. When you have chance, come by and we can catch up on old times.
Your old friend,
George
It was short and to the point and made Alanna have a happy feeling at meeting her old mentor. She would definitely have to take Shylock (where was he?) to meet him. Arianna would most likely come, but Cynthra, maybe; Alanna would have to ask her. This was going to be a curious week. She left to go talk to Arianna.
It worked out that no one answered at Arianna's door and Alanna wound up in Cynthra's room. Cynthra was reading a book and Alanna was restlessly sharpening her daggers and knives. They both looked up at the knock on the door. It was Cynthra who answered the door while Alanna hastily hid her daggers, just in case it was someone that wasn't supposed to see a Lady with a weapon. Once the door was open a tired and irate Arianna entered storming and a chastised looking Shylock followed meekly. Shylock already knew what was coming and answered before the question could be asked. "I came looking for Alanna and found Arianna's room instead. She had been asleep and is now unhappy with me for waking her up". Arianna just glared at him while Cynthra and Alanna smirked; knowing Arianna hated being woken up by people.
"I apologized, but I got a tongue flaying anyways." Shylock looked pitfully at Arianna. "Next time I won't go to you room unless I know you're awake. But this time, please, forgive me; I didn't know that was your room." He returned his attention to Alanna and Cynthra leaving Arianna to sulk. "I came here to see if anyone wanted to go down to a practice court that I know will be empty of unknowing people. It's been awhile since anyone's had practice."
Alanna's face lit up- something to do with her energy. "I'm up for it. How soon and where?" Shylock just laughed. "You seem to be in a much better mood." Alanna stopped smiling and her brow furrowed in thinking. "Hmm. I didn't notice. But now that you mention it, I do feel a lot better. It happened all of a sudden. I wonder why? It's sort of sad though that this sudden I have become happy so soon". Morose started to fill her and replace that new found energy
A comforting smile came from Cynthra. "It just means you're healing. It's a good thing; don't dwell on it too much. For now go enjoy your exercises". Her word squashed the depression, and made Alanna happy again.
Alanna smiled, reassured by Cynthra's words. She looked at Shylock, "What practice courts are going to be free? I'll meet you there after I change from this burdensome gown".
"You'll find me in underground court three." Shylock headed to the door. "Arianna, I hope you'll forgive me and join us there so you can vent you anger." Then he left, with Arianna grumbling at him.
In very few minutes Alanna had thrown off her gown, glad to be rid of it in the August heat, and replaced it with a pair of cream breeches, and a black shirt. Wherever she went she always brought her practice clothes and her weapons with her (not with-standing the knife that was always in her boot), this time was no exception. For the first time in what seemed like forever she strapped her sword to her side reveling in its weight . She took the blade from her dress boot putting it in her work boot and put another in her other boot. The last, a dagger, went on her belt opposite her sword. All the extra weight felt so natural to her unlike the added weight of a dress. After braiding her hair, Alanna pulled on a deep purple half cloak that came to just past her buttocks; it would look more natural in the heat than a full length one (even if any cloak looked natural in the warmth). Finally she was ready to leave; she had her weapons and her hood was up, to hide her face and hair from curious people. Feeling giddy she left her room and went to find the practice courts she hadn't visited in two years.
She sauntered through the hall feeling immense pleasure in being able to walk around a place in clothes of her choosing. People looked askance at her, but it didn't trouble her; she was in a good mood and didn't want it bothered. At a brisk walk it only took her a few minutes to reach the practice court. Alanna walked into the room and found herself looking not only at Shylock but at Jonathan and Alex. The sight made her stop abruptly and stare, not really fully at peace with having her old friends see her new self with weapons. She didn't know if they had the silly idea of her actually being a Lady. Almost, she chuckled; of course they didn't, unless they were totally different from whom she remembered. Again she started walking and spoke to the others, who hadn't even seen or heard her arrive. "Well it is a surprise to see you both here", addressing Jon and Alex. "But certainly not an unwelcome one. I need someone else to practice with other than Shylock. I know his style too well". She winked at her lover and he smiled in return. "Let me warm up an then I'll gladly have go with one of you".
Pretty soon she was looking at the blue eyes of the Prince waiting for the bell to start the bout. His eyes held already the satisfaction of winning. She planned to remedy that mistake. The bell came. Immediately she took her eyes from Jonathan's and looked at his body waiting for muscle twitches to tell when he would strike. There. He came at her with a low feint at her shins and turned it into a cut upward. She saw through it and neatly blocked. He backed off and they circled, watching eachother for weaknesses. This time it was Alanna's turn to go; she believed it was alwys better to attack than defend. She came at him with a side swing to his middle which he blocked, as she had expected, and she immediaty reversed it to his other side. He had to work to bring his sword to meet hers. Again her strike was blocked and she again attacked with a low feint a his calves which she neatly arched into an over-hand swing at the meeting place of his neck and shoulder. He got his sword up to catch her's at the hilt. Using his weight advantage he pushed her towards the floor, while he was smiling, thinking he had won. She grinned in return. His cocky smile wavered wondering why she would be smiling, and she broke away from him by going towards the floor and rolling away and had satisfation in seeing him stumble, not expeing her move.
Now they circled. Jon had sweat marks on his chest and a sheen of sweat on his forhead. Alanna knew she had sweat on her forhead, but also knew she hadn't sweated through her cloths. She was also glad to hear the sound of his heavier breathing. Taking a chance she looked ino his eye and found no hint of self congradulations, instead there was respect and wariness. Good. She turned her attention back to Jonathan's body and just in time to see his muscles tence up in to an attack. He lunged at her with his sword horizontal and aiming towards Alanna's stomach. With precision she brought her sword up and swung at the on coming attack, cringing at the thought of if she messed up what she was trying to do. Time seemed to slow as her sword connected with his below the hilt and half an inch from the Prince's hand. The instant she felf the jar of conatact she used the force of his blow and the position of her sword to yank Jonathan's sword from his grasp. With the clattering noise of metal hitting the wood floor Alanna brought her sword tip before Jon's disbelieving face. With out having Alanna say any thing the Prince said "I yeild", in defeat.
Alanna calmly put her sword in her sheeth while Jon let out exuberent praise and congradulations on her win. "By all the Gods, Alanna you were great. I am a good swordsman but you exceed me by leagues. When did you have time to do all this training? Where did you learn to do all this? How did you not get caught? Why didn't you give this up when Father sent you away? Aren't you supposed to be learning to be a Lady, so you can come back to Court and get married?"
All Alanna had wanted to do after the match was cool down and catch her breath. She would have been willing to answer his questions, but not so soon. That was until he asked why she hadn't given it up and why she wasn't being a Lady. That was it. Her temper got the better of her. She reached for reached for her Gift and found it blocked. 'What in the seven hells is going on!?!'. Her powers were bound, that much she knew.'Ok, time to find the lock'. Looking around her Gift she found it and her surprise rose. Jon didn't seem to notice anything wrong and kept talking. The lock around her Gift shown with Arianna's power. She sighed. Arianna would definitely have to explain this, but now she had to deal with Jonathan.
"Jon." the cool anger in her voice mad him stop his speech. "Stop. Stop talking right now," and he did, startled at her anger. "I would have gladly answered your questions after I had caught my breath. Frankly I'm surprised you even had any breath to waste this soon. But then you asked the wrong questions. Why didn't I give up? I thought you knew me bit better than that." Jon muttered something meekly that she didn't hear. "I didn't give it up because that is not in my nature. I could never be happy just being a Lady. I want adventure and excitement, and I would not get that if I married a Lord not of my chosing. He wouldn't understand me at all and I would so unhappy. I do not plan on marrying a Lord. I plan to travel and live while I'm young. I thought you and the rest of the squires here would understand. Tell me I am not wrong."
Prince Jonathan had rarely been this embaressed in his life and wishedd he could take back his tactless words. But he knew he couldn't, so he did the next best thing- he apologized. He bent his head in humility. "Alanna, I am sorry. Very, very sorry. I was tactless and had forgotten who you were. You have changed a lot since I have last seen you and this display of excellence made you different person in my eyes until you reminded me of who you really were. I will never again make that mistake. Now please accept my apology for being a very tactless and rude person". With his last line he looked to Alanna's face and gave her his most charming smile, knowing her temper could make things very bad.
Alanna met his eyes impasively, "Ok, my Prince, I forgive you". She let a grin enter her face and Jon knew he was forgiven. "As long as it doesn't happen again". She proded him on the chest and then walked around so her muscles would stay loose. As she walked away Jon let out a breath he had been holding in. He turned to Shylock and Alex who had watched the whole exchange silently. "That was one of the hardest things I have ever done".
Shylock came up to him and patted his shoulder sympatheticly. "Now my friend, you have seen the Lioness. The one I have dealt with more than you ever will. Believe me you both," he addressed Alex and Jon, "never want to be her enemy". Both the squires took his words to heart.
While Alanna cooled down Shylock and Alex had decided to have their own bought. It had ended in a draw. Alanna had watched and knew it could've ended with Shylock winning; he had held back and it left Alanna wondering. All of them had had a work out and were pleasently tired from it. They left the practice court in a jovial mood. Alanna had her hood up in semi-disguise, and the others walked with her. A minute's walk aways from the court a page found them. He had a message from Alex's and Jonathan's knightmasters requesting them in their presence. The page looked curiously at Alanna who was hiding behind Shylock not wanting to be seen. Jon recognizing it took the page with him when he and Alex left. They would see eachother at dinner. That left Alanna and Shylock alone, both adreniline flushed. Alanna looked at Shylock's eyes and saw a certain glint in them. Lately she had be too distracted to really appreciate her lover. Now was a good time to remedy that. "Well, my love, I don't know about you, but I personally hear a shower calling me and plan on enjoying it".
Shylock smiled knowingly. "You know, that really sounds quite nice. Would you mind if I join you?".
"I don't see why not. It makes sense not to waste water with two showers when we are both quite willing to share just one". Grabing his hand she pulled Shylock to her, went on her tip-toes and kissed him lovingly. "Now how 'bout you grab some clothes to chnages into when we're done and I'll meet you in my room".
She tried to kiss him again, but he put a finger over her lips and said "Actually, lets go to my room. That way we are less likely to be overheard by friends". He raised his eyebrows suggestively and Alanna nodded in consent. "Alright then, I'll get my clothes and meet you in your room. Now she gave him that second kiss, "See you there". Alanna hurried away anxiuos to be with Shylock like she had before Thom had died.
Instead of taking clothes with her Alanna just changed into another pair of breeches and a shirt, so she wouldn't have to worry about leaving more clothes behind in Shylock's room. With her cloak to hide her features she opened her door and ran into Arianna.
The movement jarred them both and made Alanna flush from being caught on her way to Shylock's, even if her friend didn't know it. Arianna spoke first, Alanna too embarressed to say any thing coherent.
"Hey, there you are I've been looking for you everywhere. I wanted to see if you wanted to go into town". Arianna noticed Alanna's flushed cheeks and asked, "You ok?".
Alanna met her eyes trying mentally to make her reddend cheeks go away. "Yeah. I'm fine I just came back from sparring Shylock. And sorry I'm a bit too tired to go in to city now but tonight after dinner I would be glad to". With Arianna mentioning the city she remembered George's letter. "Hey, guess what? Before I went to the pratice court I got a letter from George. When we go into town lets go visit him". With saying that Arianna turned a smile, which in turn made Alanna smile because now Arianna wouldn't pester her as much.
As Alanna tried to take her leave Arianna asked the question she was hoping to avoid, "Where are you going?". Gritting her teeth Alanna gave her best friend a half truth, not willing to blatently lie. "Shylock and I were going to meet up for some food; lunch didn't keep up wth our motabilisms". She tried to say it in a way that hinted that they didn't want any company. Arianna raised her eyebrows and smiled; she'd had caught the hint. It made Alanna's flush com back. 'Gods, how many people are going to know about me and Shylock'. Alanna's flush made Arianna react the same way as Jonathan had- she smiled more.
In a lofty, teasing voice Arianna replied "Oohh. Ok. Well I'll just let you two be alone. It would only be fair since you two spend ssoo little time together." Arianna turned to go back to her room only looking back once to say "I hope you enjoy your afternoon". She left Alanna alone staring after her friend. Her mouth only started to work when Arianna was a fair amount away from her. "This is not over. We will talk later!".
If a huffy mood, upset about Arianna's teasing, Alanna made her way to Shylock's room. Entering, she announced loudly "Arianna knows about us". Shylock looked up from where he was sitting on his bed. "Well I assumed she already knew. But since she didn't it's good now that she does; its not nice to keep secrets from your friends." He reached out and tweeked her nose. Pulling away she srcunched her nose at him, agreeing with him in an off-handed way.
"Anyways, how about that shower and maybe… a massage afterwards?". Alanna put on her cutest smile in order to bribe for that massage.
Shylock smiled back and got off the bed and pulled Alanna into an embrace and a kiss. He started walking to the bathing room with Alanna in tow. Once inside he started the water while Alanna started to strip off her clothes. When she was done she came up behind Shylock and hugged him, her naked body pressing into him. She felt his body instantly flush with heat as he turned around to face her . Her hands were already tugging at his shirt as his went to take off his breeches. Soon they both stood naked in the shower letting the hot water add to their passion. Soon the room was steaming and not just from the water. It was a good first day back at the palace.
I had way too much fun thinking of the food items and all the other unimportant stuff. Sorry if all the descriptions were a bit much, I just felt like being descriptive.
Ok people, I need to ask you a serious question --
What do you want the pairings/hook-ups to be by the end the end of the story? Anyone you want, no restrictions. Because I need it decided soon so I can plan all the little twists I want to put in. And I seriously mean no restrictions.
And also do you want anyone to be a bad guy (doesn't have to be Roger), if tell me who, anyone will work. Make it interesting if you wish. Well review and I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Tell me what you think-
Ok im sorry about the showers. I know in the books they had to have their water heated by the fire, but how about that in the guest quarters and most of the permanate living spaces that ther was an abitious mage in the past who created a magical water system…. Or something like that, because I forgot until the end that there were no showers then. PLEASE DON'T FLAME ME. I'm really, really sorry about it.
Lanna the Lioness- thank you for reviewing and I hope you enjoyed this chapter
Blaz-Grl- I'm glad you're enjoying this
Saphron- I came up with the name Shylock from Shakespeare. My friend has these Shakespeare tarot cards and in the booklet with the card descriptions I found the name "Shylock". I think it was from The Merchant of Venice or something like that. Thank you for reading my story, I enjoy the constructive criticism.
charlie and lola – you will just have to keep on reading to find out the pairings, but if you wish to have say in what they, are please tell me in your review.
Alenor- thank you for checking this out again. I look forward to your next reviw.
Pur- Nowyou. Since it seems to me you don't like my story I hope you are not reading it anymore. But anyways to vent on you I will reply to you this way. First, this is a fan-fiction and if I wanted Alanna to be an air headed bimbo you would just have to except it or not read it (Not that I would do that anywys). My characters are who I want them to be. I have a right to make the characters who I wish just as you have the right to critisize. I just hope I don't hear from you again.
Everyone- please continue reading and enjoying. I'd really like you to review and give me ideas for what you, the readers, want in the story. Give me your wants of pairings and I will most likely listen. Thanks again - M.S.