the_lioness | (no subject)

(no subject)

*Breaking the news of Delia's death to Indy was quite possibly one of the least pleasant things Alanna has done in recent memory. After showing him the way to the bar, Alanna hung back. She couldn't return just yet. If she did, she would either break the rules by getting in a drunken brawl or sneak off to cry somewhere. Neither option appealed to her very much at the moment.

She needed to breathe.

Within the hour, she was on Moonlight's back, galloping for Barony Olau like the Black God himself was at her heels. One night with Myles. That's all she needs. If she used her Gift to keep Moonlight going... well, it wasn't anything she hadn't done before, and it tired her way more than it would eventually tire the mare. Moonlight would enjoy a vacation at Olau. Myles treated everyone at Olau well, including the animals.

When Alanna pulls into the courtyard, she sits still for a moment, gently patting Moonlight's neck. A sleepy stable boy rushes out and bows stiffly before taking her mare's reins. Alanna smiles, gives him instructions and glances around.

Now that she's here, she doesn't really know what to do.

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She isn't left waiting very long, however, before there's another knight in the courtyard with her, absently tossing an apple in one hand.

He looks somewhat surprised to see her, as he has not come from the direction of the stables.

"Alanna?"

*She stands still, squeezing her eyes shut. Once she is certain her emotions are under control -however tenuous that control might be at the moment- she looks up and attempts a smile.*

Hello, Myles. I hope you don't mind... I seem to be dropping in on you a lot lately. *Swallowing, she walks over.*

"Mithros, my dear, why would I mind? This is your home as much as mine, whenever you like."

He holds out his hand to her, and then realizes that he is still holding his apple, and smiles a little before switching hands.

*Her eyes follow the apple in an almost helpless fashion as she reaches out to squeeze his hand. She doesn't let go, nor does she meet his eye. Yet.*

I know... I just wouldn't want to be an imposition. *She inhales swiftly, finally lifting her gaze to his.* I assume you heard news of Delia of Eldorne's trial?

"You're never an imposition, my dear."

He pulls her closer, wrapping his arms around her in a quick embrace, not dropping the apple; a moment later he pulls back again, and offers her his arm.

"Come, let's go to the library. I did hear about it, yes. Life imprisonment, wasn't it?"

*Hand shaking ever so slightly -possibly from the long ride and use of her Gift, but most likely not- she grabs the apple and takes a swift bite.*

That was the sentence, yes.

*She takes his arm, resting her head against his shoulder.*

Right. Library. Peter loved your collection, by the way. He hopes to see it again, even worried that you wouldn't show him. *She looks up with a small smile.* I assured him that you wouldn't mind showing your books off again.

"Of course, I wouldn't mind if he wanted to look through them. He seems a sensible young man, after all. I highly doubt he'd care to cause damage to them, not least because I don't particularly think you'd be pleased with him if he did."

He watches her from the corner of his eye as he leads her upstairs.

"--Alanna, my dear, I'm... not surprised you're upset, but is something other than the trial bothering you?"

Sensible. *Her smile widens ever so slightly.* That he is. Sensible and bright. Still a little frightened of horses, but no one is perfect.

*She stops, turning to look at him.*

Do you remember what I told you of Milliways?

He nods.

"I remember, yes."

*Alanna continues somewhat warily.* Well.. with life imprisonment, I was hoping... Delia had changed. She was free of Roger's influence and made a decent life for herself there. She stayed out of trouble.

*She absently takes another bite of the apple and sighs.*

I thought we would eventually be able to get her back there. Somehow. I mean... Yrael made a fake body for Svava! Anything is possible there. But.. *Her breath catches.* Delia killed herself last night.

He lets the names attached to faces he's never seen slip past, attention instead caught by her last words.

"She-- my word."

Raoul told me early this morning. I was on my way to talk to her, and Jon, but obviously my plans changed. *Her face crumples.* Then I had to inform Indy.

"And Indy is..."

Her... *Alanna waves a hand in the air.* Lover. I don't know. He loves her. Loved. I suspect she loved him back, which just makes me feel even more horrible.

"Ahh. Well, my word."

He studies her for a moment.

"... how did he take the news, my dear?"

*Alanna gives him a look. She wants to ask him how he would feel if Eleni were taken from him, but she can't bring herself to say the words. Instead, she rubs anxiously at her nose and shakes her head.*

Not well. I've certainly never seen him so distraught. *She sighs, holding the apple out to him with a faint blush.* Sorry.

Delia left because of something I said. Well, something George and I both said.

He shakes his head at the apple, waving a hand. "No, my dear, keep it..."

He steps closer anyway, wrapping an arm around her shoulders hesitantly. "What was it?"

*Alanna abandons all pretense of calm and stoicism (or at least a valiant attempt at it anyway) and wraps her arms tightly around her adopted Father. She rubs her cheek against his shoulder and sighs.*

We told her that her family was suffering because of her actions. I didn't... I should have made more of an effort to help their situation. I knew they weren't guilty.

He pulls her into a tight hug, then.

"They were suffering, Alanna. And perhaps you should have, yes, but in the end it was still Delia's choice, as it was always her choice."

*Alanna squeezes her eyes shut for a moment. He's right, of course. She still feels responsible.*

It was certainly her choice to do what she did, yes. *Pulling back, she smiles thinly.* It's done. How have you been?

"Eleni and I have been well, perfectly fine, really. Did you want to visit with her? I believe she's still awake..."

No, I'm selfish. I hoard my time with you. *She smiles.* Say, I don't suppose those ruins of yours might have any more swords lying about?

He chuckles.

"Well, considering that before you came along, I was unaware there were any at all... I've no idea. I don't know that right now would be a particularly wise time to go traipsing about out there looking, however."

Oh. *She looks mildly disappointed.* Well. Perhaps a bottle of Olau wine instead?

*Eyes hopeful, she smiles at him. Something... anything to avoid brooding all damn night.*

"That, my dear, is an excellent idea. The new vintage is just ready for testing, in fact, if you'd care to join me?"

Oh, I care to. Without doubt. It's all well and good to get it at Milliways, but I miss drinking your wine here, with you. *She kisses his cheek.* Come on. Let's see what sort of trouble we can get into.

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