the_lioness | (no subject)

(no subject)

*The first thing she notices as the door opens on the desert once more is the sunlight. Blinking, Alanna covers her eyes and tries to see, biting her lip as the scene before her slowly resolves. For all that people think the desert is dead, she sees life everywhere. Of course, she knows where to look.

Perfect. She glances toward the oasis, knowing well that a half hour's walk will see them in the center of her tribe's village.

It's a beautiful day, warm with a slight breeze. Alanna can't help thinking that starting off the new year in a warm place is a very good sign of things to come. Of course, there are other, more important signs as well.

Smiling widely, she pushes her burnoose back and squeezes Adam's hand, stepping through without a backward glance.*

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*Adam hangs on to her hand for all he's worth as he follows her through the door. Because he's not scared - not if he has her. As the door shuts behind them, he turns, half expecting to see it there in the sand, despite his time at Milliways.

The closest Adam had ever come to a desert was getting off the plane in Florida that time they went to Disney World. Which had the heat, but not the humidity, and there were buildings and cars everywhere. Here-

Here, the heat is oppressive and dry, and he can see for miles and miles.

Pulling Alanna's hand up to his mouth, he kisses her fingers.*

Right then. Let's go.

*Alanna smiles, adjusting his burnoose with her free hand. Although this trip is mostly spontaneous, Alanna would never travel anywhere completely unprepared. Thus they each have packs, appropriate clothing and sandals.

Adam's might be left over from his Halloween costume.

She takes a deep breath and nods, pointing toward the village. Night isn't far off, and it wouldn't do to be caught out on the sand dunes alone. Walking slowly, she thinks for a few minutes, struggling to put her thoughts into words.*

It's odd. I feel so completely comfortable with you, and you're familiar. You're home. But all of this? And most things we do? *She smiles shyly, blushing.* It still feels new at the same time.

*Adam doesn't have nearly the success she does at putting his thoughts into words, but they're all right there in his eyes, plain as day. He comes close to making a joke, something like

I hope it's all new

to break the tension, but it doesn't quite seem right, and so he only squeezes her hand and smiles at her.*

Are you nervous?

*He is. Not at the idea of the ceremony. But these people are as much her family as Liam and Coram and Myles.*

I probably should be. *She admits softly, pausing for a moment to consider.* But I'm not. I tend to be rather single minded when I know what I want.

*Grinning, she picks up the pace.*

Remember, they'll likely not be as welcoming as Jon and the others. Things are different here. I'm still something of an anomaly, and they are wary of newcomers.

*Adam bites his lip, now well and truly nervous for the first time. What if they kick him out? What if he's not good enough? What if he fails?*

What if they won't do it?

They'll do it. Or rather, he will. *Quiet and determined, she nods and gives him a reassuring smile.* We'll be talking to Halef alone. Since it likely won't be legal in any way, we won't need the seven witnesses.

*Adam nods, taking a deep breath and coughing on the dry desert air.*

How long of a walk?

Not much farther at all. Just over that dune.

*She glances nervously at the setting sun.*

We'll take our time. I don't want to arrive before the moment of the Voice.

*He follows her gaze, and squeezes her hand.*

He has to find out at some point.

I know. I'd just rather it not be tonight. *Winking, she swings her arm at her side and breathes in, marveling at her surroundings all over again. After a moment, she halts once more and looks at him.*

Are you sure? It's old magic. I- It's not something I can describe easily.

*Adam stops his stride and tugs lightly on her arm to pull her towards him. Kissing her-*

I've never been more sure.

Me either.

*Rubbing her nose once against his, she smiles and kisses him.*

Okay, we can continue on now. It will be dark momentarily.

*Taking his hand once more, she leads the way up over the last dune, automatically looking left toward the sentry she knows is there. Lifting her hand in a wave, she pushes her burnoose off her head and smiles.*

They don't call me Alanna.

*Adam smirks a little. This one he knows.*

Woman Who Rides Like a Man.

*He turns to face the sentry as well, bowing his head in submission as he lets Alanna take the lead.*

Yes. Or Burning-Brightly One. *Alanna snickers, tugging on a lock of her hair.* I like that one better, truth be told.

*Head turning this way and that, she grins at the sentry's call. As they near the tents and central fire, she feels a shiver of anticipation work its way down her spine.

They are really here. It's unbelievable. It's perfect.

Several of the tribe's young warriors step out in front of them, and Alanna nods her head, halting.*

We wait here. Halef will come to us.

It is a matter not of moments, but of minutes, before Halef Seif approaches.

His face is composed, but there is a look of pleasure in his eyes.

"You have returned to us, Woman Who Rides Like a Man. And you have brought--"

He turns slightly toward Adam.

"--company."

*Adam bows his head as low as he dares. There's an air about the man that commands respect in a way that he doesn't encounter very often.*

*Although her face remains somber, Alanna's eyes shine with fondness as she straightens from a bow.*

Greetings, Halef Seif. Yes, I have. This is Adam Young. *She bites her lip for a moment, trying to remember how such things go.* I speak for him.

Halef's expression sharpens, and he takes a longer look at Adam.

"Ah. I see."

Perhaps he does. At any rate, he gestures them toward the tents.

"Come. The sun is very bright, and you have been travelling."

Not so bright now. *Unaware that she hasn't taken her eyes off of Adam in the last thirty seconds, she grins and finally turns to follow Halef. She doesn't speak until she's sure that Adam is following.*

How have you been, my friend?

*She pauses to wave to a group of teenagers, promising to talk more with them later.*

"Our tribe prospers, as you can see."

Again he gestures to the tents.

"Your shaman do very well. I myself am also well. Though we have missed your . . . unique wisdom."

*Adam's been following along, keeping his head as low as he can, while taking in the surroundings. But at this, he can't quite contain a snicker.*

*Alanna pokes Adam in the side and smiles innocently at Halef.*

I see you continue to excel at tact, my friend. 'Unique wisdom' is ever so preferable to 'scandalous ways.'

Kara and Kourrem are well, then? I'm pleased to hear it.

*Her eyes wander to her old tent, the Shaman's tent and place of worship. She smiles a bit wistfully, but turns back when they reach the headman's own abode. Taking a deep breath, she lowers her voice.*

Could we speak inside? I've a tremendous favor to ask, and would rather do so in private.

Only Halef's eyes, widening slightly, reveal any hint of startlement or apprehension.

He nods, smiling slightly, and gestures her inside.

"It will be as you wish, Woman Who Rides Like a Man."

*If Alanna's cheeks turn a bit pink at the name, well, it's been a while since anyone called her that.*

Thank you, Halef.

*She smiles at Adam and gestures for him to follow him inside. The interior of the tent is spacious and surprisingly cozy. Sinking down on a thick rug, she glances around.*

It is good to be back.

*Adam follows and follows her example in sitting. Of all the things he'd expected here, he could have never envisioned this. Never envisioned him. Adam looks up to meet Halef's eyes.*

It's an honour to meet you.