25 Chapter Twenty Five- Torn
Nine lives of The Lioness
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The Wild Magic flooded her body and Alanna exhaled softly, it was time. She closed her eyes as she walked towards the ocean, rampant waves rearing into turbulent skies, and focused on her new ability, sonar.
It was hard to understand at first, but as water rushed across her boots she smiled. The tournament was hers to win, and win she would. After all, she had nothing to lose and everything to gain.
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"Li-on-ess, Li-on-ess, Li-on-ess, Li-on-ess!" Flooded the arena and with a flash and a crack Alanna appeared within the centre of the dome, clutching her mangled arm to her equally damaged side. The crowds were roaring, even her enemies supporters, as she slowly got to her feet, cradling the remains of her limb.
Raku appeared next to her and his Gift settled across her skin, her torn and broken flesh re-stitching and the poison throughout her body weeping out of the holes it was injected into.
She smiled up at him through a swollen eye and leaned into his victory embrace, before being swarmed by her fans, the ones brave enough to touch her.
The warrior guards flung themselves at the crowd, bashing aside those who would not move, after a time they formed a box, three men deep between Alanna, her team and the crowd.
The tunnel at the end of the dome had opened and members of the losing teams were dejectedly making their way into it and out of the Arena, some would head home, others would remain on and attend the banquet tomorrow evening.
Tonight she, and the competitors to finish after her, would rest while the crowds would keep music, dance and cheer flowing throughout the night; the guards would be hard pressed to keep order, with cheap wine and ale already being consumed at an astronomical rate.
Raku's muscular arm about her shoulders kept her from stumbling in exhaustion as they vacated the Dome, trusting he had her back as she had left her weapons in the final arena and her Magic was held, awaiting the end of the tournament, when the last competitor either died, withdrew or completed the task.
She was exhausted, the drugs, potions, spells and vials taken daily to reduce her natural prowess had taken their toll, she was not used to feeling so... weak.
The journey to her chambers was as uneventful as it could be, her guards had doubled in size as they moved through the city, fighting off well-wishers and people who wanted to see the Legend in person. The courtyard surrounding the Hall of Residence was full of beings, many were not even human, all were chanting, screaming or speaking in their own language as she got nearer, but the word was the same.
"Lioness!" Rang forth from every mouth and mind, creating a three beat roar that the heart's of those around her responded too, Alanna and Raku were the exception, they were in control of their bodies, not the other way around.
Feeling exhilarated as she always did after a fight Alanna felt power returning to her limbs, Raku might have helped, and maybe the bottle of Tahakén liquor steadily emptying in her hand.
She managed a small smile in the direction of the fans as she was swept in through the gate, her guard falling behind her, pushing back the wave of the crowd. Above them, winged beasts of legend circled, all hoping for a glimpse of her. Outside of the competition the small golden balls were disallowed, the live picture had to be taken through someone's eyes, they had to wear special eye masks and what they saw would be beamed back into the small domes of everyone who was watching her.
In the distance she heard the boom signalling another competitor had been slain, and Alanna sighed as they crossed the threshold into the palace and the magical wards came into effect. The silence was strangely disorienting, after the buzz of the crowds and Alanna took a while to adjust as their boots padded onto the smooth marble. Servants bowed low as they passed, lower than even to their ruler, Alanna was a multiple Champion, she was also incredibly dangerous and her eyes were unnerving.
Their arrival had been heralded and their room had a range of food and beverages available, there was also a servant holding a towel next to a series of wooden horizontal blinds at the end, in the corner. Raku and Alanna shared an eating and dining area; there was a large fireplace, with two comfortable looking bed chairs and a great animal fur on the rug that covered the floor. A gold etched mirror hung on the wall as they entered and Alanna took the moment to examine herself after her latest victory.
She remained in a rigid but relaxed posture, her body angled to move in any direction with any amount of force and her newly healed skin shone red through the holes in her sweat covered tunic. Rips and burn holes were dotted around the fabric, her leggings fairing only slightly worse. Both were covered in blood, dirt and grime and her weapons sheaths were non-existent. Her boots looked as though they had been taken through a campaign, which was kind of true, she certainly needed a new pair, the soles were coming away from the sides and she could see her socks through the top.
Her hair was in its normal braid down the centre of her head and down her back, it had held surprisingly well, considering what she had been through in the last nineteen and a bit hours, though it really needed a wash. Her appraisal was somewhat hampered by her left eye, which had turned a dark purple and had almost swollen her eye shut, her right was as fierce and as confident as normal.
Satisfied with her appearance she glanced to the servant, who looked as though he wished he were anywhere else, "You have a bath for me?" The man nodded, his dark hair falling into his eyes as he looked at the rug.
"Good," She walked slowly towards where the servant stood, passing by Raku at the buffet table to grab an apple and a strawberry tart. "What's the bet he looks?" The Tahakén Prince asked, as he took a deep gulp from a goblet. Alanna tilted her head as she poured a glass of juice, "Hm," she thought, glancing to the servant who was starting to shake, "Yes and you buy me dinner? Raku smirked, and gave a sharp nod.
Alanna grinned before tipping her head back and draining the juice, taking the tart and biting delicately into it, floating the apple in the air, delicate slices being made into the pale flesh, and the core came out, floating on the air before dispersing into water and then air.
She passed the servant and untied her hair, letting it fall in waves down her back, then she moved her hands to the buttons on her shirt. His eyes widened, before swiftly looking even harder at the carpet, as she pealed the fabric from her skin, a slight frown on her face as it caught, stuck to her body through sweat and blood.
She swept past the servant and into the bathing room, hearing Raku growl at the boy, "Look at her and I kill you," even she could hear his gulp of terror.
This section of the room had a great round bowl set above the ground, reachable through wooden steps. There was a basket for her dirty clothes and fresh ones sat upon a wooden table, the same wood as the steps and the wooden blinds. On a second table, right next to the bath, a variety of shampoos, oils and soaps cast a sweet aroma into the room and tendrils of steam rose from the bath.
Alanna walked slowly towards the bath, her clothing de-threading and falling from her body, before being magically tossed into the basket. The serving boy paled and shuffled into the corner, his eyes firmly closed.
Completely naked Alanna strode up the steps and tested the water with her toes, satisfied she slid into the water with a hiss, the water was hot, but she liked it that way. The water was slightly scented and she inhaled deeply before sliding under the surface, a smile on her face as the heat began to sooth her weary body.
After a time she left the bath, her body clean and her hair washed. As she walked down the steps, the boy literally threw her towel at her, his eyes averted. Smirking she wiped herself down, and snapped her fingers as she made her way to her clothes, water fell from her hair and dispersed into the air.
With her mind, she cast a silent and non-visible mirror before her, watching as the boy hesitantly peeked at her, she let the spell fade as she pulled her clothes on, choosing to use her hands rather than magic. If she made each move more seductive than normal, well, who would know.
Satisfied with her black tunic and leggings she tossed her hair over her shoulder and exited the bath, raising a brow at her companion as he glanced up from his sprawl on her bed.
He shrugged, but his cold emerald eyes snapped to the serving boy and watched him with a predatory glare. Alanna sat gracefully at the table as Raku got to his feet, "You looked," he said calmly, almost as though discussing the weather. The boy gulped and hurriedly shook his head, his eyes darting about, before looking at the floor.
Raku seemed almost kind as he answered, "Yes, you did. I was in your mind the entire time," the young boys eyes widened before he paled even further.
Getting to his feet Raku wasn't much taller than the boy, though his presence made him tower above the man.
"That's fine that you looked," Raku said softly, and Alanna raised a brow from where she sat at the table. The boys hazel eyes snapped up before he quickly looked at the carpet as Raku continued, "It's only natural to want her."
Alanna exhaled slightly louder than normal, the only sign of her amusement.
"She is beautiful," Raku tempted as he moved to stand next to the man, " do you want her?"
The man hesitated before nodding sharply and a feral smile lit Raku's face, almost blinding in its light.
"How old are you, Boy?" He asked mildly.
"T-ten and nine moon c-cycles, Sir," he gulped.
Raku's smile pulled even wider, "Have you ever been with a woman?"
The boy nodded sharply, growing more confident, foolishly, "Yes, Sir. Several, Sir," he smiled confidently.
"Ah, a Player then! Raku smirked before throwing a glance at Alanna, she shook her head slightly.
Raku's smile vanished, "I hate players," he snarled and the temperature of the room dropped, the boy having lost his confidence, beginning to realise his mistake.
"You see a girl, you want her, you take her and then you leave her," his voice was cold as he slid even closer to the boy, who was quivering in fear, "You don't care about her at all, all you want is to make another notch in your belt," he added in disgust.
"Tamsin?" Alanna asked softly from her seat.
Raku's head snapped to her so fast she could hear the air pop where his head had been, "Yes," he answered eventually.
Returning his attention back to the boy his lips curled in a cruel smile, "What should I do with you?"
Alanna sighed, "Take him elsewhere," and she rose to her feet, making her way over to her bed, "I don't want to be kept awake by his screams."
Raku looked momentarily offended before smiling brightly, he flicked his hand at the boy and he rose, hovering several inches from the ground and followed him as he walked out, "Sweet dreams," Raku called sweetly to Alanna.
She shot him the universal symbol using her middle finger and he laughed as he left, the door closing and locking behind them.
Alanna lay silently in darkness, the glow from the fire casting slight sparks of flame across the room, as she began to prepare the wards around her. After a few moments an invisible barrier of pure magic covered her bed in a circle, even sinking below the carpet, just in case, in-casing her in a dome.
Linking her hands behind her head, she thought of what she would ask for at the Banquet tomorrow night, and a smile crossed her face as she drifted into her dreams.
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Queen Lianne smiled behind her fan as Roald made the announcement, "... and so I declare the banishment invalid and extend a hand for Alan of Trebond to return home."
The Knight friends of the young "man" erupted into cheers and even Jonathan managed a smile as he sat next to his wife, though for her part she looked slightly putout, having heard strange tales of the lad from the maids and other court Ladies. She was beautiful, with long black hair and sparkling green eyes, though her beauty was tarnished by the expression on her face as a server got close to her, and her disdain was clear.
Internally Lianne frowned, but resigned herself, if she made her son happy, then so be it.
Allowing her mind to drift as her husband ordered couriers to every Court in the region, even as far as Carthak, all in an attempt to lead Alan home.
Later when her son came to her room to celebrate the good news she smiled at him encouragingly and responded as she should, though she, unlike he, knew that Alanna, formerly of Trebond and Tortall, was now Alanna: The Lioness, Tahakén Princess and she wouldn't be returning any time soon, if at all.
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Alanna sighed as she appraised herself in the mirror, before her eyes rose to Raku exiting the bathroom, a towel wrapped low on his hips and Alanna's eyes were drawn across his body. His muscles rippled as he drew his fingers through his hair and he smirked over at her, well aware she was checking him out.
"Looking good," he drawled as he moved to his bed where his clothes were laid out.
"I know," Alanna answered returning her attention to her own reflection. Raku frowned behind her, "I meant me," he pouted.
"I know," she replied as she slid several rings onto her fingers.
He snorted with laughter and a small box flew across the room, to hover in front of her.
"What's this?"
Raku gestured for her to open it. She did so, peeling back the lid to reveal a small gold pendant, the shape of a large bird, which hung on a delicate chain. A small ruby gleamed at the bird eye and Alanna smiled in awe.
"Its beautiful, thank you."
Raku nodded and came up behind her, his presence setting a tingling feeling throughout her body, "Allow me?"
She handed him the necklace and he gently locked it about her neck, his fingers lingering for a few seconds.
"Happy Eighth victory, Champ," he smiled as he stepped back and returned to his bed, pulling on his shoes.
Alanna glanced at him before returning her gaze to the mirror, the jewellery casting a delicate contrast with her tanned skin.
Her dress was long and graceful, leading from white to a light lilac at her shoulders, before gradually darkening to a coal black at her feet, where she wore her normal combat boots, refusing to wear heels when no one would see her feet. The dress was light and flowing, though hugged her body in all the right places, it had a less-than-modest neckline, though not overly so, and plunged at the back, revealing toned skin, though littered with faded scars.
Amethyst twinkled at her ears and matched the slight purple shading abover her eyes, and her lips were a soft natural red. Her hair had been pulled back and now hung down one shoulder, exposing the other. The necklace finished her look, and she turned to Raku. Very rarely did he dress up, preferring comfortable combat clothes, though when he did he cleaned up well, very well.
His brown hair was neatly brushed and he had taken the time to shave, a fact Alanna was very happy about, she had no interest in kissing a man who had facial hair... she shook her head, ridding herself of those thoughts. The three-piece suit he wore was tailored black, though his tie was the same purple as the middle of her dress.
She had to smile, though, when she saw his shoes, he was wearing his boots, same as her, then she frowned, she didn't like it, not at all.
"What about your shoes?"
Raku glanced over near the fireplace, in the wood stack there was a pair of tailor-made leather shoes, "Just waiting to be burnt."
Alanna turned her glare on him, hands on hips, "Why aren't you wearing them? She asked sharply.
"Because," Raku drawled, his green eyes sparking, "I like my combat boots. Besides, I don't see you wearing your heels."
As he spoke he nodded towards a pair of white shoes, which remained in their box, untouched since she first opened them. Alanna blushed, before rallying, "So? No one will see them, my dress is too long."
Raku frowned at her, "I'll wear mine if you wear yours," he announced, and at Alanna's contemplating look he added, "Besides, you can throw yours at people and hurt them, mine are flat and wont."
It seemed Alanna hadn't thought of using her heels as a weapon and a misty smile crossed her face as she thought about it, "Deal!"
Raku grinned.
The celebration was in full swing when Alanna and Raku arrived, fashionably late as some would call it. Already competitors and their sponsors and teams were drinking, dancing and eating. Some had pretty serving boys and girls on their laps; others were mingling with the crowds. The room hushed as Alanna and Raku made their way down the staircase, her team had already entered, just moments ahead of her, the guest of honour.
There were gasps as the guests took in her appearance, she was beautiful, a Goddess as she floated down the staircase, her hand upon Raku's forearm. Raku was handsome and he knew it, as he stood tall next to the most beautiful girl in the room, the latest Champion.
Someone started to clap, others quickly followed until the room thundered in applause, though some, mainly her competitors, didn't clap.
Eventually the cheers subsided and Alanna mingled with the opponents she liked, Raku pulling away in search of some food.
The night wore on, with people coming up to ask for a dance, others to congratulate her, others wanting some advice, which she freely gave. Her enjoyable evening fell when she felt a presence behind her, drunken, possessive thoughts directed at her body.
With a sigh she turned to face the Lord, "Lord Orion," she nodded, "What can I do for you?"
The Lord's drunken mind went into overdrive, images flashing through it; of her allowing him to pull her clothes off, her pleasing him and finally one of her as she squirmed beneath him. She heard a soft growl at the other end of the room, and glanced over the Lord's shoulder at Raku, flashing him a warning look. "I was wondering if you would care to join me for a stroll through the gardens and return to my room for a celebratory drink."
Further images crossed his mind and Alanna forced herself to block them, "I am afraid not, My Lord. I am slightly sore still, from the Tournament, and fear that a stroll will set my injures off. And I do doubt your intentions."
She nodded to him and was about to take her leave when he grabbed her arm, faster and stronger than she would have thought for a drunk. "Now listen, here," he growled, his alcohol-stained breath on her face while she stared passively back at him, "you are going to leave with me and we are going to go to my room."
"I think not," she replied simply, jerking her arm from his grip. By now they had the attention of the guests closest to them and were drawing the attention of many more. Some guests were tittering at the Lord as Alanna turned and began to walk away.
His face turned an ugly shade of red and a vein on his forehead began to pulse and he roared like an enraged bull as he charged at her. She sighed before nimbly dancing to the side, flipping him forward and he landed with a crash. The rest of the room had fallen silent and were watching in interest as the drama unfolded. Lord Orion flayed about for a moment on his back before turning and getting onto his knees, using his hands to push him higher.
Alanna's heeled foot shot out and he tumbled backwards with a yell, she followed him and placed her heel at his throat, he followed her leg up her body until he meet her gaze.
She applied some pressure and watched him squirm, slightly pleased as he suffered. "Don't. Touch. Me."
Raku appeared in front of her and offered her his hand, "Would you care to dance?"
A brow rose and he nodded encouragingly, smiling brightly at her. With a sigh she took his offered hand, after pressing harder on the Lord's throat, and allowed him to lead her to the dance floor. Raku flicked his wrist at the band and the instruments began to play, the players blanching before picking up where the music left off.
The Tahakén Prince pulled her closer, intimately closer, as they began to dance slowly to the music. Around them other couples stood to the side and watched as Raku spun them gracefully around the dance floor.
"Told you, you would enjoy heels," Raku smirked into her ear, his arms about her waist, their bodies close together.
Alanna inclined her head slightly, "Should have killed him. I wonder how far into his ear my heel would go..." she mused and Raku laughed. Stepping back slightly as the song changed to a faster pace, more guests had chosen to join this song, though they were still watching the two Tahakén royalties with interest.
This song required twists and spins and even a lift, where Raku shot Alanna high above his head before spinning and catching her, bridal style, he then lowered her to her feet, bringing their bodies flush against each other. With a smile Alanna flicked away, her hair forming a halo and Raku stepped up behind her, pulling her close and tilting her so her body was parallel with the floor, as the song ended.
Their breath kissed their faces as they stared into each other's eyes, Raku's emerald gazed deeply into hers before glancing to her lips and back. Had she not been a Tahakén Princess, she was sure her heart rate would increase, as it was she almost forgot how to breathe as Raku lowered his head, and then...
"And now, the moment you have all been waiting for!" An announcer's voice tore through the moment and Raku straightened, effortlessly pulling her with him, he shifted to the side, not very far, but far enough for her to notice the lack of heat from his body.
Glancing around her, she realized that no one had seen the moment and Raku's eyes were clear, almost as though she had imagined the moment, she hadn't, had she?
Shaking these thoughts she walked gracefully to the podium where the Chairman of the Tournament waited, there was a trophy there, a large pile of gold on a bench and a tall and wide box, covered by a blanket.
The crowds parted to let her through in a rustle of silk and the clink of jewellery and she could feel every eye on her as she elegantly climbed the stairs, offering her hand to the Chairman.
He shook her hand enthusiastically, having had her on this stage numerous times in the past, and new she didn't take well to having her hand kissed, especially when the kiss lingered.
He ran through all the necessary words before getting to the prize, Alanna waiting patiently for the reveal, thought she wondered what the box hid.
"So, we have the value of one thousand Gold pieces in any currency, and..." Alanna frowned internally, that was a lot less than what she normally won!
Two attractive women with olive skin walked forward to stand next to the box, each wore revealing clothes of gold and they both struck a pose at each corner offering their arms to the box.
"...A full set of Midnight Steel Mount Battle Gear!" The crowd gasped in awe
Alanna clasped her hands in delight and gave a soft squeal which was hidden beneath the thudding of something approaching, and a loud neigh signified the arrival of a horse; clad hoof to ears in Midnight Steel armour.
"Yes!" She gave a scream of joy and the crowds laughed, some giddy at seeing her so happy, her magic flaring in happiness.
The horse snorted and rolled its eyes before stomping back into the doorway, Alanna glanced at Raku before grinning and following it.
She appeared at the horse stable and leaned against a stall as she watched stable-hands swarm around the stallion, it snorted in disapproval but remained where it was. The armour gleamed in the light, the colour of polished coal and silver veins ran through the runes etched into the steel. It came off the horse, piece by piece, evidently made to be put on in a hurry but the removal was much slower. Each of the parts fitted perfectly, completely covering the horse from all dangers and the straps holding it to the horse glowed to her Gift, glowed emerald.
She felt Raku materialise behind her, so did the horse for he turned his head and focused intelligent eyes on him, whickering in greeting.
Raku smiled and spoke in song, offering his own greeting in reply and Alanna blinked as she heard its voice. Get these amateurs away from me, Raku, he ordered stamping his foot in annoyance.
Raku smiled and moved forward, ordering the stable-hands away and back to their duties, though Alanna noticed their eyes lingered on the horse as much as they did on her. He was a magnificent, steel grey and standing at over seventeen hands. Muscular and big, he was built for strength, a giant version of the chargers back in Tortall. Raku removed the remaining armour himself and set to brushing the stallion down as Alanna drifted closer, he turned his head to her, We meet, Hunter. I am called Storm. Alanna inclined her head, Hunter? Don't you mean Lioness?
The stallion shook his mane in Raku's face and the Prince slapped him on the shoulder, Yes, Lioness Hunter.
Alanna nodded in acceptance before something occurred to her, "Raku, that armour, was yours, wasn't it?"
Her companion nodded, "I am one of the few with a set for my horse." He affectionately patted the grey, "Most choose to arm themselves, I choose my mount. I can protect myself, he cannot."
The stallion snorted and his hoof pounded the ground, "At least not as well as I," Raku amended with a smile.
Alanna nodded, accepting the value of this, it was true. There wasn't much a horse could do against several swords or bow and arrows.
"So, where is my armour?
"In storage."
Alanna nodded again before looking over Storm's muscular frame and a thought occurred to her, "Isn't all Midnight Steel custom made?"
Raku halted his brushing and turned to her, "Yes," he answered, his eyes twinkling.
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Author's Note:
Who wants' a kiss/ Raku and Alanna to get together? Lol. Sorry for the length and the time of the update, I am in my final year at school, final days before my exams. Life is slightly hectic. Anyway, enjoy. Hopefully I will update soon.
The next chapter is what I promised in the last, sorry :D
Children of the blood: Remember your review of chapter 17? *wink*
Fang: My faithful friend, read above if you're interested in a spoiler. :P As for your request, I may do that shortly.
Schubeyy: Where did you get your name, may I ask? And welcome! Thanks, you're so cute! Jon was cool until the POTS series, then suddenly he became dumb, Still a hottie though :D But he was a dick in TWWRLM. She will eventually return * don't tell anyone :p *
Review my friends and I may write faster :P
OMG, look what I found... thats handy. Question, would you rather the line, or the xxxxxXXXXXxxxxx?