the_lioness | (no subject)

He reaches out in the darkness, waiting for his eyes to adjust to the lack of light. He gropes blindly for a moment until he encounters her hand. "Here." he says, squeezing her hand.

"Could you possibly make a light for us?"

*Alanna squeezes his hand reassuringly, thankful that he can't see her grimace in the dark. Avoiding using her Gift is already proving impossible. She lifts her other hand above her head and summons her Gift. Within moments, the cellar is lit with an almost eerie purple light.*

There we go. No more darkness. *After glaring at the offending crate, she turns to flash him a quick smile.* Good for the wine, bad for my shin.

He laughs. "Anything broken, other than your pride?" he asks gently.

Not a thing, and even that is merely dented. *She winks.* Shall we? *Without waiting for an answer, she continues on toward the door to the stairs. One, two, three tugs later, it finally opens. Light from the tavern above streams into the room, and Alanna extinguishes her Gift light.* So mote it be. You should have that checked. *Smiling, she moves back to let him pass.* After you, George.

"I'll do that." he says, "Although, as a gentleman, ought'en I let you go first?" he asks, eyes twinkling, as he walks past her and out into the common room of the Dove.

He blinks for a moment, eyes suddenly sensitive to the change in lights.

"Good morning, Majesty." one of the younger thieves, what is the boy's name again - Jarek? yes, Jarek - calls over from one of the tables, where he is playing a game of chance with some of the others. Thankfully due to the early hour, the room is relatively empty, and those that are there are entirely those from the inner circle. Not a one among them would question his sudden appearance from the cellar. Nor Alanna's presence.

"Morning Jarek. Is Rispah about?" he calls to the young man, hoping his dear cousin is in. He'll be able to give the documents to her, and see them safely off to their destinations, freeing him up to head for the palace with Alanna.

"Aye Majesty." the boy nods, "She be upstairs. She asked me to let her know when you arrived."

George grins. Better and better. Hopefully she'll have remembered to bring him what he asked her, his last visit home.

"Shall we?" he asks Alanna.

*Alanna narrows her eyes playfully and smiles.*

Surely. I've missed Rispah.

*This time she leads the way, stopping every few steps to peer curiously at him over her shoulder. Here in the Dove she's not terribly concerned with drawing attention to herself, so she lets her cloak fall back and shakes her hair out. The thieves that didn't already know her could probably care less about George's red-headed friend. She glances around, sighing happily at the familiar surroundings.*

Goddess, it's good to be home.

Just as Jarek has said, Rispah is waiting for them in his rooms; she's sitting at his desk, going over the account books.

"George!" she greets him enthusiastically, as he enters the room. She pushes the chair back from the desk, and rises to her feet before sweeping up her skirts and running over to him. Grinning, he scoops her up in a tight hug. She returns the hug, just as tightly. Over her shoulder, she sees Alanna and her smile widens. "And Alanna, one moment while this lout," her tone is lighthearted and teasing, " ..puts me down, and I'll greet you properly."

She says nothing of them arriving together, for which George thanks the Gods. He hasn't yet had a chance to explain to Rispah that Alanna is engaged, to someone else.

*Alanna beams.* Oh, take your time. I'm in no hurry. *She glances around the room, eyes landing on the window she used to use to sneak in. All of a sudden, she remembers the look on his face when she stood here and declared that she was not, in fact, a boy. Giggling, she turns around just in time to brace for Rispah's hug.*

Goddess, ouch, Rispah! It's wonderful to see you. I hope you and Coram are doing well? *She pulls back and quirks an eyebrow.*

*Rispah snorts.* Of course, Lioness. I keep him young, and he thanks me daily for it.

*Alanna grins at George.*

He follows her gaze to the window, suspecting what she's remembering. Alanna sneaking out of the palace at night, first for fighting lessons to beat Ralon of Malven, then later after they'd become close friends to simply to sit with him over a drink and talk until the first signs of dawn. Those were good days. For a moment, he's overcome with a longing for those days. Things were so much simpler then.

The sight of two of his favourite girls together again, is enough to drag him out of those thoughts and he manages a genuine smile. Alanna's grins are infectious to him, they always have been.

After Rispah lets go of Alanna, George addresses his cousin. "Rispah my dear cousin, we shant keep you long. We have business at the palace. We stopped by for two reasons.." he explains, reaching into his travel pouch and pulling out the sealed scrolls. The scrolls are sealed in more than just the wax that is visible to the naked eyes, they're also locked with a series of complicated key spells. They'll only open to those intended to read them. He hands all three scrolls to Rispah. "You know who these need to go to."

That's a statement rather than a question.

Rispah nods. "Aye." She stows the scrolls into a hidden fold in her skirt, and they disappear from sight.

George continues. "And if you have what I asked you for on my last visit?"

Rispah grins. "Indeed I did." she says, walking over to one of the shelves, and pulling down a wrapped bundle. She hands it over to George. "Thank you."

She smiles at her cousin, hiding a wink behind one hand, so Alanna won't see, then turns back to Alanna. "You make sure you come and visit us soon, you hear?" she says.

*Alanna meets George's gaze after he hands over the scrolls, and she looks at him questioningly. The bundle earns another look of surprise, but she tears her gaze away as Rispah speaks. Smiling, she nods.*

I suspect I'll see you soon, Rispah. Take care.

*Turning back to George, she quirks an eyebrow and exits the room, suddenly eager to be on their way.*

He studiously ignores the questioning look - making sure she's well aware that he's deliberately doing so. In short, he's baiting her.

After a final hug to Rispah, and promises he'll stop in to see her again soon, George follows Alanna down the stairs and back toward the main door of the Dove. Jarek is waiting for them at the bottom of the stairs. Keeping his face absolutely expressionless, he raises an eyebrow to the young man. Jarek nods, and George smiles.

"Lass, go on ahead outside will you?" he tells Alanna, "There's someone who wants to see you..."

*Curiosity nearly out of control, Alanna barely resists the temptation to inquire about the package. Still, she grumbles the rest of the way down the stairs, pulling her cloak up over her head again. George's words take her by surprise, but she doesn't argue. Much.*

George, what in Great Mithros' name... *She frowns.* Fine. I'll be outside. *She marches ahead of him, eyes blinking rapidly in the strong winter sunlight. Her breath catches as her vision clears. Their horses are tethered outside, and Alanna lets out a whoop of sheer joy when Moonlight wickers in welcome. She throws her arms around the mare's neck, rubbing her forehead against her warm coat. Eyes bright, Alanna smiles as George's horse turns and pushes her nose against Moonlight's side.*

*muffled* Hello, Daffodil.

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George watches from the doorway with a smile.

"I hope you don't mind, but once I confirmed our plans to come home, I had Stefan bring her here." he explains to her. "I figured there was no reason to hire a horse for the trip, when you had a horse who wanted to see you as badly as I know you wanted to see her.."

He walks over, to greet his own mare - Daffodil. She buts her head against his shoulder in greeting and he reaches into his pocket for some sugar cubes for her.

"The saddle-bags and tack are already taken care of. We can leave at any time.."

*Alanna relinquishes her hold on Moonlight only to throw her arms around George.*

Thank you, thank you, thank you. *She pulls back and grins.* You have no idea... *Grabbing a sugar cube out of George's hand, she turns back to Moonlight and rubs the mare's nose.* You're a sight for sore eyes, girl. Ready to get out of here? *She gives Moonlight the sugar and vaults easily into the saddle. Eyes sparkling with excitement, she turns her mare to face their companions.* Shall we?

"After you m'lady." he agrees, swinging easily into Daffodil's saddle. He waits for Alanna to mount, then tells her, "Lead, and I shall follow."

*Alanna grins, her mind already pondering which route they should take. She taps her heels lightly against Moonlight's sides and calls over her shoulder.*

George? Do you mind if we leave the palace for later? I've a mind to visit the Royal Forest first. Moonlight needs a good gallop.

*She pulls Moonlight up until hGeorge is beside her and grins.*

Would that be alright?

"Whatever you wish, Alanna. Now that those documenets are safely underway. I've no plans for today, other than spending time with you, of course."

He grins.

*Alanna blows out a relieved breath and urges Moonlight forward. Although the mare dances sideways in her eagerness to race, Alanna keeps her to a quick walk as they enter the marketplace. She looks around, taking in the bright colors, unique sounds and delicious smells.*

It was about right here, wasn't it? That first day I saw you? *Alanna smiles at George over her shoulder.*

He glances around, checking the location - all the while keeping an eye on the local traffic - pedestrian and those on horseback. The market place is crowded. "Indeed it was."

He smiles at the memory. "I remember waking that day, knowing something important was going to happen." he says, clicking his tongue to give Daffodil the signal to slow down a bit. "It was a similar feeling to the day I took over rule of the thieves from the previous Rogue. A feeling of expectancy."

"You were dressed like your brother, and sitting on Chubby's back, looking like a fish out of water.." he remembers it all so clearly, it's hard to believe it was nearly ten years ago. "Your mouth was hanging open, and Coram cautioned you to look to your saddle-bags.." he laughs, thinking of the look of consternation on the older man's face."What was it he said, something akin to I'd steal my own mother's teeth?"

"It wasn't till you met my eyes, that I knew you were the thing I'd been waiting for.." this last part is said softly, half to himself.

*Alanna smiles wistfully and shakes her head at the memory of Coram's face.*

Poor Coram. If we'd told him then he was destined to marry the Queen of the ladies the thieves surrounded themselves with... he would have turned tail and fled, honor be damned. *Alanna turns to look at George, missing most of his final statement. She does hear the word "eyes" and takes a moment to stare into his. A slight nudge, and Moonlight moves closer.*

I was so scared, George. I never would have told a soul, but I was terrified that people would see through me immediately. I didn't know why at the time, but the sight of your face soothed me. I thought to myself, as long as there is one friendly face in this city, I'll get by. I knew we would find each other again somehow.

*She smiles, her hands shifting to her dagger as a drunk man glares and stumbles their way. He moves on without incident, and Alanna clicks her tongue, signaling for Moonlight to pick up their pace. Before long, they are passing the Temple District and fast approaching the City Gate.*

He laughs.

"Aye. Poor Coram indeed. I remember when the lads were teasing him, asking him when he was going to 'make an honest woman' out of her.. His mouth opened and closed, and opened and closed - s'one of the only times I think I've ever seen Coram speechless."

It was Rispah herself who had put an end to the teasing with a peal of laughter. She'd laughed until she'd been near tears - then planted a firm kiss on Coram's lips, adding that perhaps she'd make 'dishonest man out of him' - much to the delight of the gathered thieves, himself and Alanna, who'd been present as well.

He's drawn out of reminiscing by Alanna's next words. They surprise him, and he mulls them over. There are so many things he could say to that, so many things he wants to say to that. Instead he settles for: "Of course we will," he says, trying to keep his tone light, "We'll always find each other.."

The drunk wanders into their path, and like Alanna, it's his immediate reaction to reach for a weapon. When the man passes them, he slips his throwing daggers back into their hidden sheaths again. He chides himself, for being unable to break old habits, but then again it's those habits that have kept him alive.

He's silent as they pass through the city gate.

*Alanna forces herself not to look too closely at George's last statement. She shoots him a bright smile as they pass through the gate, gathering her reins and shifting in the saddle.*

George, I've been cooped up in the bar for far too long. I hope you are ready to race.

*Tapping her heels against Moonlight's side, she races ahead with a shout of laughter, impatiently pushing her hair out of her face.*

Grinning, he lightly kicks Daffodils sides. Daffodil snorts, then goes racing off after Moonlight down the trail, her hooves kicking up dust and dirt from the road.

"Come on girl, we can catch them.." he murmurs, angling his body downward against the horse's mane. Even though Stefan takes the horses out regularly when he and Alanna are absent from court, he can tell that Daffodil is thrilled to be out running like this. He decides to let her go as she likes, only making minute corrections with her bridle to steer her, when she ventures slightly off the path. For his part, he's as thrilled to be on the open road as much as she is. He's aware suddenly how long it's been since he's done this.

He whoops in delight as they overtake Alanna and Moonlight, continuing on down the road ahead of them.

HEY!

*Alanna growls and pats Moonlight's neck.*

C'mon girl, are you going to take that from the likes of them?

*Determined, Alanna urges Moonlight forward. The mare's sides twitch in delight as she picks up speed. Eventually, they catch up to George, and Alanna leans over enough to tug on his cloak as they slow down.*

Not. So. Fast, George Cooper. I think I... *Moonlight whinnies and dances sideways, almost unseating Alanna. She curses and wheels the mare around. The last time she had been here, the Goddess had shown her face. Alanna is suddenly afraid of what she might say if she appears while George is here.*

These woods... Ever since Demon Gray, I feel like I'm being watched.