the_lioness | (no subject)

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*Alanna paces back and forth before the large fireplace in the Dancing Dove's great room. Sighing, she casts another furtive glance at 'Fingers, the only thief to recognize her thus far. Granted, most of the thieves are still abed, but it makes Alanna feel better to know that the black wig gave even George's old friend a moment's pause.

She's not supposed to be here. According to their subterfuge, she should be hunting demons in the mountains near Trebond. However, she had awoken from an entirely too brief sleep this morning with an overwhelming sense of urgency. She had to talk to Jon, that much was clear. So she had procured a wig from Bar and raced out the front door. 'Fingers had been kind enough to carry a hastily scrawled message to the Palace stables. Johnny, your old black-haired friend awaits you in the place where birds cavort. The friend given to midnight strolls in the garden? Hurry. Stefan would handle it from there. Now all she can do is wait.*

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[OOC: ... you are not on AIM, so:

*cries* I though "'Fingers" was Salad Fingers for a moment.

*loves, flees*]

[OOC: *dies laughing* You KNOW I thought that while typing "'Fingers." How could I not? Clearly SF is Green Zogg. *loves, pounces*]

Jonathan stirred as he heard the door to his bedroom open slowly and footsteps stealthily headed towards him. He waited until they were within inches of him, then flung out his hand, grabbing the intruder and pulling them down on the bed, his other arm wrapping around their throat.

"Highness!" the voice choked out. "It's Stefan, I've a message for ya!"

Jonathan hurriedly released his arm and Stefan sat back on the bed, rubbing his neck, his blond hair mussed. "I'd forgotten the Rogue trained ye - yer Highness is damned quick."

Jonathan chuckled. "I'm sorry for that, Stefan. I've been a bit on edge lately, with the Counsel and such. But i'm sure you know all about that." He gave the hostler a sharp look.

Stefan just shook his head, then reached into his shirt and pulled out a crumpled piece of paper. "For yer Highness, it was delivered just a few minutes back. I wouldn't have waked ya if if it weren't anythin else."

Jonathan took the paper and read it through. Twice. Bird's cavort? What in the world does
Ahhhh . . . He sat up straighter and glanced over at Stefan, who was still rubbing his neck.

"Stefan, I'm going to need my horse. Quickly. And try to keep anyone else away from here tonight, I don't need any uncomfortable questions about my absense tonight."

Stefan nodded and left the room as quietly as he'd come. Jonathan pulled a stray piece of straw off of his shirt, mulling over the note in his head. I hope Alanna's alright. And she better not have another one of those demon heads with her. He shook his head and got up to pull on some clothing.
* * * * * *
A short while later, Jonathan strode into the Dancing Dove, scanning the room for a short figure with black hair. He grinned when he saw the pacing woman with her hair slightly askew near the fireplace. He walked over and clasped her arm, stopping her pacing.

"Alanna. I'm here. Are you alright? And why the disguise?"

*Alanna flinches at the contact, automatically reaching around to squeeze his wrist at just the right spot to make his fingers spasm. Hand hovering over his, she stops as soon as she sees his face. Relieved, Alanna growls and pulls him toward her for a hug.*

Thank the Goddess. You are safe.

*And suddenly, somehow, she feels both terribly young and far too old. She draws back and searches his eyes.* I'm meant to be off hunting demons remember? *Pausing, she looks around.* We should finish this conversation upstairs. I spoke with Rispah, and she knows we are here. She will alert us if need be. I assume you remember the way to George's rooms? Johnny? *She smirks.*

*Jon flinches at the look in her eyes; he isn't used to seeing desperation and fear on that face. He hugs her back, partly to reassure her, and partly to quell the faint flutters of nerves in his stomach*

Yes, i do remember the demons. How could I not? I think that smell will be with me to the day I die. *he shudders* And I also remember the way to George's rooms, thank you very much, Alan. *He tugs on her hair, pulling the wig even more askew*

After you, my lady. *He bows deeply, gesturing towards the stairs.* And once we get up there, i do hope you will be less cryptic.

*Relaxing, Alanna pulls back with a firm nod and tugs on his arm as she starts to walk.*

Oh, it wasn't that bad. At least you didn't touch it. It took me three days to get the smell off my hands. *She straightens the wig with a frown, clomping up the stairs like a child.* I don't know Jon. I fear cryptic is all I can be. Something is just... wrong.

*She shoves open the door to George's rooms and glances around with an odd expression. Rispah had readied things for them, building a fire and leaving behind the makings of a meal. Eyes riveted on the fireplace, Alanna yanks off her wig. She runs her fingers through her hair, absently noting that it's longer than shoulder length now, and she should probably cut it.*

I had a dream that you were in trouble.

*Jon walks over to the table and pours 2 glasses of wine, handing one to Alanna and sipping from the other. He raises his eyebrows at the taste.*

You'll have to thank Rispah for me, i do believe she is spoiling us.

*He seats himself in a chair by the fire, gazing steadily at Alanna.*

You can see for yourself that I'm whole and sound. And nothing out of the ordinary has been happening, just the usual court intrigues and the griping of the counsel. But I'm not discounting your dream - you're the one with ties to the gods. *He frowns in thought* Could the dreams be coming from the ember stone? You do still have it, don't you?

*Alanna downs the wine far too quickly for polite company and hastily refills her glass. She remains standing, pacing back and forth and pausing every so often to glance out the window.*

Yes, I am relieved you are safe, but I still feel as though you should take extra care watching your back. I'm concerned that the men who attacked me are working for rebels. Rebels that wish to strike while the crown is still new to your head.

*Alanna blinks, her hand automatically lifting to grasp her ember stone.* Yes, I have it. It's possible, but I doubt it. It doesn't work in quite the same ways at the end of the universe.

*Jon watches her pace back and forth, unsure of whether he should get up and go to her, or stay where he is.*

Why don't you tell me exactly what happened when those men attacked you. Raoul was not as forth-coming as he could have been about the situation.

*He grips his wine glass angrily, then surges up, bursting out*
I hate the idea that my people still aren't safe in the streets! I thought after the coronation that was all behind us. I never want violence like that again.

*He turns and stares into the fire*
I still have nightmares about the Great Market Riot. I have never felt more helpless in my life.

*Alanna stops, regarding him seriously.*

Do you know that odd little alley near where Market Way and Harmony Way cross? Just past the Temple District? *She starts pacing again.* I was on my way back to the Dove, dressed in plain clothes and a thick cloak - great pains were taken to hide my hair. I wasn't in the mood for questions. As I passed the alley, the two men leapt out at me with knives at the ready. I threw my cloak back so I could maneuver. Well, also because I thought they might be taken aback by the hair. *She smirks.* However, they simply smiled and moved closer. They were neither surprised that I was a woman, nor shocked to realize that I was the Lioness.

*She looks him in the eye.* I find that telling.

We fought. I disarmed them, but they did not flee as one expects a set of thieves to do once they realize their target is not easy pickings after all. Once they were unconscious, I bound and gagged them and left them for the King's Own to find. One man... he had an ornate ring. A ruby set in gold.

That's all I remember. *Grimacing, she sits down beside him and rests her head on his shoulder as they both stare at the fire.* We've never really talked about this, have we? Not really. *She lifts her head and looks at him.* You saved that child's life.

*As Alanna speaks, Jon continues to look into the fire, listening intently. When she mentions the ring, he half-turns, frowning.*

A ruby set in gold? Why does that sound familiar? *He bows his head in concentration for a moment, then shakes it, frustrated* Nothing's coming. I will ask my Lord Provost, perhaps he'll know something.

I think you are right that they knew precisely who you were before they attacked. And, unfortunately, their source could be anyone. I will definitely set the Provost on this - and you should ask George. Though this stinks of a noble's hand.

*He sighs and accepts her head on his shoulder. When she looks at him, he glances at her, then looks back into the fire*

Yes, i saved the child. But how many others lost their lives that day? And how many more on Coronation Day? I'm not afraid of fighting, and i know that people die in battle, but these were innocents. And killed for what? *His voice cracks on the last. He sits quietly for a moment, calming himself.*

The power that comes with ruling a nation, especially when you are trying to be fair, is certainly outweighed by the compromises one must make. *He snort, with a half-smile.* If Roger had known how many boring meetings were involved in being king, he might never have bothered to try.

Roger wouldn't have bothered with meetings, you mean. Meetings imply weighing the opinions of others. Roger would just have done as he pleased, and Goddess protect the person who challenged his methods.

*Alanna scowls.* Stop it, Jon. You're moping. It's not fair, no. You have a great deal on your shoulders, far too much for your years. However, do not ignore the alternative. You will be a wonderful King precisely because you consider the innocents. You can't save them all, but you think about them. You must rule with a combination of heart and head. You can't rule solely with one or the other. It would destroy you, and then who would make fun of me when I need to be knocked down a peg?

*Jon blushes as she compliments him, and as she finishes, he wraps his arms around her and squeezes her tight. Letting her go, he holds her at arms-length, looking straight into her eyes.*

I need you to help keep me balanced. Promise me that if you ever feel I'm becoming too much of one or the other you will beat me until I come to my senses.
*quietly* Promise me you won't ride off to your adventures and not come back. I need you here, always will, and now more than ever.

*Startled, Alanna nods rapidly.*

I promise, Jon. Even if I get an urge to strike out for a few months, I know where my duty lies, and my friends. Truthfully, my feet aren't nearly as itchy as they were a year ago. Milliways is a constant adventure in its own right. Simply dividing my time between here and there is proving to keep my wanderlust in check. Besides, that way I'm always close to you should you need me. *She smiles wryly.* In a manner of speaking, of course.

I'm here, Jon. I'm not going anywhere.

*She chews on her thumb and glances at the fire.* I'm contemplating looking in the fire to try and see who did this.

*Jon smiles at that*
Milliways is indeed an adventure - one i wish i could experience more frequently.

*His eyes brighten with excitement as he follows her glance at the fire*
I've not attempted that since becoming the Voice - I wasn't sure if that would interfere with the the seeing. *His eyes twinkle* But I would love to try.

*He cocks an eyebrow at Alanna* Do you have the vervain?

*Alanna exhales slowly.* It shouldn't interfere with anything, and if it does, we pull back. Simple, right?

*She laughs harshly, well aware that such magic is anything but simple. Eyes locked on his, she reaches in her pocket and pulls out a small pouch.*

Always. I rarely go anywhere without it. Maude taught me well.

*Flashing him a quick, determined smile, Alanna crosses to the fire and sinks to her knees. She stares at Jon for a moment before tossing a handful of dried vervain leaves in the flames.*

Now or never, Jon.

*Jon gets up and joins her at the fire. He looks at her, grins rakishly, then grabs her left hand with his and thrusts them into the fire. Sapphire fire flows from his and purple from hers, mingling in the flames. Sweat begins to bead his forehead, and he waits for Alanna to begin the incantation.*

Jon! Goddess. Always rushing things.

*Gritting her teeth, Alanna watches the flames turn both bright blue and amethyst before slowly closing her eyes.*

Dark Goddess, Great Mother, show me the way. Open the gates to me. Guide me...

*Before she's even halfway finished, Alanna finds herself assaulted by visions. Gasping, she squeezes Jon's hand and attempts to make sense of what she sees.

An ebony box, no visible catch. Masculine hands caressing the surface, tapping the sides with apparent boredom. No ruby ring.

A tall, blonde stranger, his hair filthy and matted down as if he has simply forgotten to wash it for many weeks. He paces on a wall, staring at the sea, his emerald eyes flashing as he watches several small boats pull into a nearby cove.

Two graves, side by side, together in death as they couldn't be for most of life. A third, more recent addition nearby. The Trebond name on all three.

Alanna swallows.*

Jon?

*Jon squeezes back as visions flood his own brain*

A pair of hands holding a scroll - it passes to another set of hands, this one with a large ruby ring on a finger.

The once Sir William of Alden stands in a small room, gesturing furiously at two other men sitting at a table in front of him. The men are rough-looking peasants, with well-used daggers at their waists. William's clothes were once fine, but have been worn almost to rags, patched and worn. The table in front of them is covered with costly fabrics and bottles, certainly stolen.

A circle underground, white burned into the ground, a shadowy figure pacing before it.

It's William of Alden. He's alive, but i can't tell where he is. And i see the ring, the ruby ring, but i can't see who it belongs to.

*Frustrated, he tries to concentrate harder*

*Alanna stiffens, her hand tightening around his. Sir William of Alden, the unknown threat that had been revealed to Lochiel, forcing her hand and sending her running home last fall. She whispers, as much for her own benefit as Jonathan's.*

He hates me even more now. Not only am I still Champion, but his efforts to change that stripped him of his own wealth and privilege. Of course he wants me dead. I was blind not to see it before.

*Her breathing turns shallow as she bites her lip against the pain. Something lurks just beyond her vision, something she feels it is necessary to see. It's so close, yet not quite... there.

The blonde man, identified now as the former Sir William, jabs a long, narrow finger in a scruffy man's chest before driving a dagger through a large piece of parchment stretched out on the table. A military map of Tortall. Military plans... lists of defensive positions, knights on border patrol, even rations... little green flecks indicate troop positions near Tusaine.

He allies himself with Tusaine, and wishes ill to the Conte line, the Lioness and Tortall herself.

Alanna growls softly, opening her eyes with the intention of ending the spell. They have seen more than enough.

The Goddess apparently thinks otherwise.

A circular room filled with mirrors, each one reflecting the others on and on into infinity. She stands in the middle, unsure of where to turn, and a deep, soothing voice calls her name. His voice. "Do you like what you see?"

And all that remains is fire.

Snapping her head up, Alanna hastily pushes back from the fire and lands on her elbows.*

So mote it be. *She swallows.* He gave them secret information. He wants war.

*His head whips around as Alanna falls back. He sucks in a deep breath when he hears her words, then reaches to help her up.*

So, being a traitor once isn't enough. *he shakes his head* Do you think he has made a move to reach out to Carthak or the Copper Isles? After what happened with Josiane, they bear us no great love.

*He slams a fist into his leg* Gods curse it, we need more information. I'll have to talk to your father and get his network moving to find out more. And to find Alden. *he smiles grimly* He won't be getting exile this time. I was a fool to let him go once.

*He looks Alanna deep in her eyes* I need to you to be especially careful - we don't know how deeply his treachery goes. And we still don't know who the man with the ruby ring is. Can you find George and see what he can find out? I have to notify the council and put the border patrols on alert.

*Alanna resumes pacing around the room, her brow furrowed as she listens to Jon speak.*

I think the ruby ring belonged to Alden. Perhaps he gave it to the attacker as payment? But that seems so stupidly identifiable... maybe he has an accomplice. I do not know.

*She halts.* I'm sure he did contact Carthak, the Copper Isles, and anyone he thought might like to see Tortall lose influence. Alden seems the type to work every angle.

*Frowning, she studies him. Returning to the bar and telling George what they had seen is of the utmost importance. It occurs to her that she should ask Jon about his visions, but George will have plenty of time to question their King. Right now, she has things to do. Preparations for a return home that with any luck, neither Jon nor George will hear about.

She won't be careless, but there are things she needs to do.

One of them is ensuring that Jon himself is as safe as she can make him.*

Jon, you are the one we should all be concerned with. I'll be fine. I'm just a means to an end. Get back to the palace, and don't go anywhere alone. *She grins cheekily.* I order you, as your friend. I must return to the bar and find George.

*She strides over to him and hugs him quickly.* Do not be foolish, Jon. I refuse to lose you too.

*With that, she races out the door and back to Milliways.*

I will be careful, i promise. I'm sure i was secretly followed here if i know Raoul. *He frowns jokingly*. Besides, i do believe that you are the one who keeps getting into trouble!

*He squeezes her back hard* You won't lose me, I'll be fine. Just return quickly, or at least keep me updated. *quietly* And thank you.

*He watches her leave, sighs deeply, then also heads out the door, deep in thought.*

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