the_lioness | (no subject)

(no subject)

*The door to Alanna's bedchamber slams shut.*

Mithros, I've had it with these idiots.

*At some point in the future, Alanna will remember that she likes Duke Baird. Now is not that time. Face red, she throws the covers off and slowly, carefully, climbs out of bed. She doesn't push herself too hard, but the effort is clearly written across her face. With some difficulty, she bends down and picks up her sword, opens the balcony doors and moves outside. She closes her eyes and feels the wind on her face, imagining that this is all just a bad dream. Sounds of swordplay drift up from the practice yards. Listening, she wonders yet again why her Gift won't work and considers Thom's questions.*

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

When a soft rap on the door elicits no response, Jon opens the door and pokes his head around.

"Alanna?"

When he doesn't see her, a worried frown crosses his face. He walks in and peers around, and when he sees the open balcony doors, his frown deepens. He walks out and sees Alanna with the sword.

"Alanna! What in Mithros do you think you are doing?"

What does it look like I'm doing?

*Still irritated, Alanna gives Jon a stubborn look and leans on her sword.*

They are driving me crazy, Jon.

Jon puts his head in his hands for a moment, gathering himself for the coming argument.

"Alanna," he says in his most reasonable voice. "I know they are driving you crazy. But if you don't put that sword down and get back into bed, you will see an entirely new side of crazy."

*quietly, stubbornly* No. Nothing they do, or I do, seems to help. Maybe I need the fresh air. Maybe I need the exercise. All I know is that if I have to listen to them blather on about sweating it out for one more minute, I won't be held responsible for my actions.

Jon groans internally, but keeps a sympathetic expression on his face. He feels for her - if it was him, he'd probably have had half the healers in the dungeons or infirmary themselves by now. He thinks a moment, then brightens.

"How about a compromise? You put the sword down and put on some actual clothing, and we'll go for a short walk. A SHORT walk, mind you. I do think it will help to get you out of this room." He mock-glares at her. "But the second, the SECOND, Alanna, that you begin feeling weak, tell me."

*A slow, cajoling smile spreads across her face.*

Could we visit Moonlight?

He sighs dramatically, but with a twinkle in his eye. "I suppose." He waggles a finger at her. "But remember, as soon as you feel off, we are coming straight back here."

He gives her an appraising look, then raises an eyebrow at her. "I would suggest putting on something slightly warmer. Though that is a very nice nightgown."

*Walking the halls may help clear his head, but it doesn't really do much for his patience. And so the door swings open just as Jon's last words come out, and there's Adam, with an incredulous look on his face.*

...excuse me?

*Alanna turns crimson.*

Blame your wife to be. Hullo, Adam. We're going to visit Moonlight.

Jon just looks back at Adam, a slight smile tugging at his mouth.

Moonlight? In that? In your-

*Adam shakes his head, trying to clear it.*

Can we start over?

*Horribly self-conscious, Alanna crosses her arms and frowns at her feet.*

I was just going in to change.

*After sticking her tongue out at Jon, she moves behind Adam and squeezes his hand.*

I hope you had a good walk. I don't think the healers and I are on speaking terms. And now I'm off in search of breeches.

Jon just grins back at her. He turns to Adam with an innocent expression on his face.

"Where did your walk take you on this fine morning?"

There were some paintings. Pictures or something. I'm not quite sure where I was, but they looked awfully nice.

*It's nice to feel Alanna's hand in his, and he squeezes it back before letting it go to let her change.*

If you and the healers aren't on speaking terms, does that mean I get to stay?

Did you see the painting of King Roald's grandfather? He had an interesting nose.

Always. In fact, I demand it.

*Moving as quickly as possible, Alanna scrounges up clean clothes and changes. She walks back outside and leans against Adam, more than a little surprised that he hasn't fussed at her yet.*

Shall we? I'm not waiting around for them to return.

"As quickly as possible. If they catch me helping you, I'll be in so much trouble." He sighs dramatically. "I get no respect from them."

Wrapping his arm around Alanna, he places a kiss on her forehead before looking up at Jon.

"Are you sure this is a good idea?"

You are the King. Give them trouble in return.

*She smiles, nodding as she looks up at Adam.*

It's the very best idea. Sitting in bed all day is obviously not doing me any good.

Jon mutters, "Easier said than done." But he's smiling as he says it.

He claps a hand on Adam's shoulder heartily. "She'll be fine. Besides, between the two of us, I'm sure we could heave her back here if we need to."

His expression gets a bit more seious. "And I've had a bit of healing training in my Gift, so I should be able to handle things if anything should happen."

*Adam nods at Jon and allows him to lead the way while leaning in to whisper to Alanna.*

The smallest bit of anything - anything - and we're coming back.

*Alanna tilts her head, listening. She starts to argue with Jon that if her Gift hadn't worked, his won't either. Deciding this would not be to her benefit, she bites her tongue and nods.*

Aye, Adam. But I will see Moonlight.

*As they leave her quarters, she looks around with a dazed expression.*

Mithros.

Jon knows what she's thinking, but puts it firmly out of his head. His Gift will work, if he needs it to. He's the King, after all.

"Hmm?" Jon looks inquisitively at her.

*His hand never leaves her elbow, and he looks at her carefully.*

Oh, it's just odd being out here.

*Eyes scanning the corridor, she concentrates on walking. It doesn't take long for her to blurt out something she's been thinking since Jon found her earlier.*

Jon -

I've had little to do but contemplate matters. I'm clearly not fulfilling my obligations.

*She glances at Adam, trying to gauge his reaction.*

Jon looks at her, biting back his initial exclamation. "Which obligations are those? Because if you talking about your Champion duties, there really hasn't been much for you TO do lately."

He glances at Adam, worriedly.