(no subject)

[the_lioness]

The cellar of the Dancing Dove is dark and dank, barrels of ale stacked high and crates scattered about in a haphazard manner. A week after the Equinox, it still smells of cider and honey mead. The door to the small wine room off to the left is an unremarkable door, made of heavy wood with a broken catch. Unremarkable, that is, until it opens to the bar at the end of the Universe, leaving Corus and Tortall far behind. Only Alanna, George and Jon know about this very special doorway, save for the visitors they bring through.

Alanna still regrets that these visitors get a rather smelly first impression of Tortall.

Comments

[the_lioness]

*Eager to be on the way, Alanna holds the door open for Arithon.*

Be careful, my friend. The thieves are messy, and cheerfully leave things lying about for the rest of us to trip over.

[prince-arithon.livejournal.com]

"I can take care."

He murmurs with a faint laugh, stepping with the grace of a dancer into the new world.

[the_lioness]

*A muffled curse sounds ahead of him.*

Apparently I can not. Hang on. *She finds and opens the stair door, sighing with relief. Typical tavern noises drift down the stairs, as well as a healthy (or unhealthy) dose of smoke.*

Mithros, George should have that chimney checked. Very well, up we go. *Tromping up the stairs, she calls back over her shoulder.* George might find us later at the palace, but this is his real home. He was the King of Thieves for many years. Since I met him, and before. Only last year did Jon make him a Baron. But the Dove is still his inn, and holds many memories for me.

[prince-arithon.livejournal.com]

He nods, drifting behind her like a small, dark ghost. He's looking at the people with the quiet, dark eyes of a sorcerer.

There are few expressions better suited, after all, to "Touch me and become uncomfortable".

"I see. Have you known him long?"

[the_lioness]

Since I was ten.

*She lifts her chin and waves to Lightfingers. Most of the Dove's thieves are deep in their cups, singing quite badly or entertaining themselves with the women who follow the Court of the Rogue. Although they get a few curious glances, they pass through the crowd relatively unnoticed. There's a new woman pulling ale tonight, and Alanna frowns slightly, wondering where Rispah might be.*

Actually, we saw each other in the marketplace the day I rode into Corus, but we did not speak until a few months later. Of course, he thought I was Alan then.

[prince-arithon.livejournal.com]

"Ah."

He laughs quietly,

"I assume he was not among those who are upset by your real self, then?"

[the_lioness]

No, not at all. I told him fairly early on. I... needed a healing woman and didn't know where else to turn. Then he got it in his fool head that we were meant for each other or some such thing. *She blushes, shoving open the front door and taking a deep breath of fresh air. It's not quite dark, but the shadows are lengthening. Two horses are hitched outside, and she beams when a palomino mare lifts her head and whinnies in welcome.*

I had Stefan send us horses, just in case you didn't wish to walk. Moonlight, meet Arithon. Arithon, Moonlight.

*Clearly besotted with the horse, Alanna croons softly and feeds her mare a lump of sugar.*

I have missed you, my girl. Do you wish to ride, Arithon, or walk? Either is fine.

[prince-arithon.livejournal.com]

"Riding, please."

He introduces himself to the horse, letting it snuffle him and petting it behind the ears,

"I miss my horse."

[the_lioness]

*She smiles crookedly, patting the bay mare Stefan had sent for Arithon.*

I know you do. We can get you one here, you know. Stefan can keep it until...

*Trailing off, she bites back an oath and swings into the saddle, not wanting to say the words aloud. Until we get our Slayers back.*

[prince-arithon.livejournal.com]

He nods, wincing and swinging up into the saddle in order to hide it,

"I would like that, yes. Thank you."

His player even has one picked out:

[the_lioness]

*Her player thinks his player made an excellent choice.

Forcing a bright smile, she wheels Moonlight around and points East.*

I will not discuss such sad things this evening. This is for you. Well, for me too, but primarily you.

*She lightly taps her heels against the mare's side and starts toward the marketplace. Several scantily clad women call out to them as they pass, remarking on their attire and speculating as to their purses.*

The lower city tends to follow its own path, though Jon is far more successful than his father at bringing them into play. *She pauses, eyes scanning the crowd.* How do you feel?

[prince-arithon.livejournal.com]

"And for your bards."

He says, touching his horse in the same manner and following her.

"I am fine."

His voice doesn't invite speculation as to the truth of his statement. When they have passed, children and the truly disabled have coins in their hands. What use is money if you don't give it away?

[the_lioness]

*No, not speculation, but perhaps gentle teasing.*

Just fine? Not even the tiniest bit excited? *She smiles, blinking in surprise when two boys go flying by, small faces lit with joy.*

I thought we could stop by the marketplace, then journey on to the palace. That will give us plenty of time for a bit of a rest before the gathering this evening. Er... I'm not entirely sure how to field questions related to your origin, but I fully intend to have you introduced as a Prince. Is that alright?

[the_lioness]

*Usually in the habit of dreading palace social functions, Alanna is shocked to find herself more than a little excited about this evening's event. Thankfully, it is to be a small gathering and thus too small for the Queen's Ballroom. Still, many lords, ladies and foreign diplomats would be in attendance, including several of the conservatives so fond of lambasting her. She smiles smugly as she slips on her favorite violet dress, confident that Arithon's music will trap their insidious remarks in their self-righteous throats.

She isn't quite sure why she's wearing a dress. Perhaps it is because she hopes the dress will halt questions of her whereabouts. Maybe it is simply that Arithon's music makes her feet restless, and dancing is more fun in skirts. Shrugging, she tugs on her skirt and wanders toward Jon's great room, mentally preparing herself for the task ahead.

Smiling when she sees Arithon waiting in the designated spot, she picks up her pace.*

Ready? At least we do not have to descend the Great Stair.

[collects_ears]

And in an astonishing coincidence, a very familiar fellow (who is perhaps slightly better dressed than he usually be, if he had his druthers) happens to have noticed her - and the other man - and begins walking toward her.

[the_lioness]

George! *Alanna blinks in surprise, stopping him before they reach Arithon.* Good evening. I've... brought Arithon to play for Jon.

[collects_ears]

He bows to her, as court politics dictate he must - but the smile he gives her is completely genuine.

"You look lovely tonight." he says, straightening up. "Aye, word was that you'd be bringing Arithon this night, so I found reasons to keep myself at Court. I felt this was an introduction not to be missed.."

[the_lioness]

*Hang court politics. She hugs him quickly and steps back, smiling at Arithon and holding her hand up, asking for a minute or two.*

Thank you. You look quite nice yourself. How have you been?

*She looks him over for scratches.*

[collects_ears]

The smile blossoms into a grin.

He squeezes her tightly, then lets go. Court gossips be damned.

"I'm well enough. Busy, as always." He shrugs. "I was able to get my first solid night of sleep this week, last night. That's saying something.."

[the_lioness]

Indeed it is. *Alanna drops her gaze. The subject of sleep is a sore one.* Staying safe, I hope? What of those papers, George?

[collects_ears]

"Safe as I can be." he says. "And as to the papers, my Lord Provost was able to make no headway translating them." He grins, remembering the look of annoyance on the face of the man who used to be his enemy by right.

"For the moment, he's left it to me. I'm thinking next time I see Delia, I'll take your suggestion. See what she makes of them..."

[the_lioness]

*Alanna furrows her brow and nods.* I agree. Just... don't tell Jon right away, alright? Well. Time to enter, I suppose. Come meet my friend, and prepare to be astounded by his talent.

*She smirks and leads the way to Arithon.

Prince Arithon, this is George Cooper, Baron of Pirate's Swoop. You might recall his former title.

[collects_ears]

George bows - a full court bow - to Arithon.

"Prince Arithon.. it's a pleasure to meet you at last.." he says, smiling.

[prince-arithon.livejournal.com]

"And to meet you as well."

He returns the bow as is proper; prince to Baron, and leans in to murmur,

"And Karthan, my father's kingdom, translates to 'the place of pirates'. We have much in common."

Then he grins. It is probably important to note that Arithon treats Alanna in rather exactly the way that someone treats a friend of the opposite sex that one loves madly, but will never, ever, ever make a move on. Bianca is far, far more than Arithon deserves, and he would never hurt her.

[the_lioness]

*The smile George gives Arithon is wicked indeed. He laughs, nodding, and gestures for them to lead the way.

Alanna starts to look a bit nervous.

She walks over to the chief herald and leans in to whisper, returning a moment later, pale.*

Mithros knows I hate this part.

*She smiles and clutches Arithon's arm. Looking pleased with himself, the herald opens the doors and strikes his staff on the floor. Three times. The sound echos through the room.*

Arithon s'Ffalenn, Crown Prince of Karthan. *He doesn't stumble over the name. Alanna relaxes a bit.* Sir Alanna of Trebond and Olau, Knight of the Realm of Tortall and King's Champion. George Cooper, Baron of Pirate's Swoop.

They enter, George following with his trademark long-legged gait.