| ~*~ Alanna & George ~*~ A Compilation Written by Lady Of the Wolves |
| Leaving Town by Lady of the Wolves Dedicated to Lady Knight This is set sometime after Alanna left to find the Dominian Jewel. ************* George Cooper paced in his room. He was restless, and not only because of the recent trouble he’d had with the Rogue. It was about himself. George loved Alanna. It was as simple as that. But there was more to it from Alanna’s side. She needed more than love. She needed to find herself, and she had to do that alone. Oh your reputation’s so golden You’re never lonely and you’re never home I’m know you’ve been talking about leaving You’ve lost all your feeling for this town Paint your nails and put on your lipstick You don’t want to miss your ticket out Just because you graduate from school So high in the gene pool, that’s your point of view George turned and faced the setting sun. The shops had begun to close up and few were still on the streets. Cold winter air blew in through the open window, but George didn’t get up. He wondered where she was, what the Lioness was doing at that very moment. Was she watching the sun set too? But when you’re broken down And no one else is around You’ll come running back to this town And I’ll be there, yeah I’ll be there He knew she’d be back. Alanna was...she was so many things. But Alanna was the kind of girl who’d be back. She wasn’t done with her adventure, her story, and she wanted people to know that. How he missed her, though. Alanna was special, she was different. The time they had spent together, doing anything, so long as they were together, was paradise. The way she laughed, the way she always pushed her red hair out of her face only to have loose strands scraggle back again. Because I remember how we drank time together And how you used to say that the stars are forever And daydreamed about how to make your life better By leaving town, leaving town Alanna needed to know she was free. That she still had choices. And George fully intended to do that. He knew she needed to travel, to get the itch out of her boots. Pack your bags, your smokes in your pocket You’re wearing my locket around your neck Take a drag and wait for the Greyhound The world is your playground and you want to win A knock on the door brought George out of his reverie. “Come in,” he called, back still to the door. The door swung open and Rispah walked in, George could tell it was her by her footsteps. “Cousin?” she asked, putting her hand gently on his shoulder. It was rare indeed for Rispah to be so kind like this, she must have known he was hurting. But when you’re broken down And no one else is around You’ll come running back to this town And I’ll be there, yeah I’ll be there “Aye?” he asked, not lifting his gaze. The burning orange sun slowly dipped below the line of houses, its rays still covering everything in crimson light. “Missin’ your las, no doubt,” she said matter-of-factly. It wasn’t a quesion. Because I remember how we drank time together And how you used to say that the stars are forever And daydreamed about how to make your life better By leaving town, leaving town Suddenly anger overtook the King of the Rogue. He spun around and snapped, “An’ you’re not helping!” Rispah backed off, hands in front of her innocently. “Don’ you get sharp with me, I’ve got a man with her too!” she reminded him. Nothing in life will ever come that easy Doesn’t mean it has to be that hard I know you will find out who you are... George sighed and sank back into the wooden chair. Once Alanna found herself, she’d be back, and he would make her his. But when you’re broken down And no one else is around You’ll come running back to this town And I’ll be there, yeah I’ll be there Rispah walked over and patted his shoulder as the sky changed from orange to pink to gray, then as it dimmed and the stars appeared. “Time, m’ cousin. Be patient, your lass will return.” And she would, George knew. She would. Because I remember how we drank time together And how you used to say that the stars are forever And daydreamed about how to make your life better By leaving town, leaving town She’d be back. ********* Disclaimer: I don’t own “Leaving Town,” it belongs to Dexter Freebish. Which is a really great band, by the way. And that is one awesome song. But I don’t own it. I don’t own Alanna, George, or Rispah either. They belong to the powerful and mighty Tamora Pierce. Until Forever by Lady of the Wolves for Madeline ************8 Alanna woke up as sun streamed through her tent. She was confused for a second when she felt a warm body next to hers. Then she remembered about her fiancee, George Cooper. Twisting under the covers, she hugged him tightly. His arms snaked around her waist as he gave her a tight good morning hug. They had had a late night with her Bazhir tribe, the Bloody Hawk, celebrating her betrothal. “So when does my Lioness want to get married?” George whispered, his lips softly tickling her ear. She snuggled closer. “So now I’m your Lioness?” she asked, smiling. George rolled over, taking her with him. “Yes indeed.” Alanna grinned at him and he kissed her gently. “I think I like being yours,” she whispered. George leaned forward and kissed her until they both ran out of air and gasped. “Well, darlin’?” he asked in his adorable accent that always made her feel happy. “I don’t know. I still remember when I swore I would never get married!” she admitted, causing him to chuckle. “And I remember when I told you that you’d be my bride, lass.” He sat up and held her close to him. Alanna closed her eyes and let her thoughts drift back to the day. It had certainly been a long time ago. She had been- Her thoughts were interrupted when George stood up, holding her, wrapping the blanket around them both. He kissed her deeply and she returned it with all of his passion. * * * * * A week had passed and Alanna was once again fighting with her loom. She and George had decided to leave the next day and she still wasn’t finished with his Midwinter blanket. I’ll just pack it and finish it in Corus, she decided. * * * * * George and Alanna reached the palace close to sunset. Their horses were led away by hostlers. “What now, darlin’?” George asked as they entered together. “First, I’ve got to see Jon. As the King’s Champion-” She stopped when George’s face crinkled into a smile. “What?” He chuckled. “Just fun to see my lass acting all important.” He kissed her. * * * * * A knock sounded on the door, bringing Jonathan of Conte back into the real world. “Come in,” he commanded in his best kingly voice. A redhead woman with a tan entered and he relaxed. It was only Alanna. “So my Champion’s back so soon, is she?” he asked, trying to sound imperious. Alanna snorted. “I see you’ve been busy whilst I was gone!” Jon looked around his study; paperwork was everywhere. He shrugged. “I don’t allow the servants in here, they might disturb something.” Standing, he left his desk and gave her a quick hug. “So what’s new in the world of the Lioness?” he asked. Alanna took a deep breath and smiled. “I’m marrying George!” Jon was in shock. “You’re-you’re what?!” Alanna frowned at him. “I’m marrying George-you heard me. And what’s the matter with that? I thought you’d be happy for me-for us.” Jon snorted. “Happy? I thought-still-” “Jon, we are no longer together. You’re marrying Thayet-remember?” Jonathan sighed and turned away. Angry, Alanna left. * * * * * George found Alanna in the stables. She was obviously upset, and it hurt him to see her like this. “What’s wrong, love?” he asked gently, wrapping his strong arms around her. “Oh George,” she whispered, hiding in his embrace. “It’s Jon. When I told him about you and me-getting married, he went ballistic. That fool!” She was angry in her unhappiness. “Alanna, don’t let that idiot tell you what to do. We love each other and it’ll always be like that!” George tilted her face upward to kiss her. She returned with passion. * * * * * It was evening and George and Alanna were in bed together. Alanna felt wonderful as George kissed her neck and mummured sweet nothings to her. “I can’t wait to start our lives together,” she sighed as he snuggled closer. He pulled her to meet his eyes. “But we have,” he whispered. “I knew we were meant to be the moment I laid these eyes on ye. And now all we’re doing is fufilling our destiny.” Alanna thought about that as they drifted off to sleep together. THE END Meant For Each Other by Lady of the Wolves for Madeline (again) ************* It was three days before the wedding of Sir Alanna the Lioness and Baron George Cooper of Pirate’s Swoop, and not a soul in the kingdom of Tortall hadn’t heard the news. The ceremony itself would take place in Corus, the capital of Tortall, and the happy couple had invited every friend of theirs, from Bazhir tribes to their parents. * * * * * Alanna, the bride-to-be, sat before her make-up table, head resting on it and hands clutching her face. She was supposed to be meeting her closest friends, Jonathan and Thayet (the royal couple) and her betrothed for dinner, but the wedding-shock had finally gotten to the Lady Knight. “I can’t do it,” she whispered, raising her head and staring into the mirror, inches away from her face. She observed herself; longish red hair with the slightest hint of curl, violet eyes, and a tan complexion. She replaced her head on the table. “I just can’t do it,” she repeated, whispering this time. “Can’t do what?” asked a voice from behind her. Alanna started and turned around, relaxing. It was only Thayet. The beautiful Queen leaned against the doorframe, looking concerned for her friend. Alanna replaced her head once again on the table. “I can’t get married.” Thayet came forward and patted her back gently. “Why not?” Alanna sighed. “I-I’m just afraid, I suppose.” Thayet laughed. “You’re not afraid to go into battle, but you’re defeated by marriage?” Alanna raised her head and gave her friend a long look. Thayet stopped laughing. “I’m sorry, Alanna. I didn’t think you were serious.” The Lady Knight sighed and looked .at her hands. Scars were etched over her fingers. “Look, Alanna, marriage isn’t bad! Think about it: you’ll have a man to yourself!” There was an awkward silence. Thayet opened her mouth to speak again when another voice joined them. “How’s my Lioness?” Both women turned around and Alanna couldn’t help smiling. George Cooper stood in the doorway. His winked at Alanna with a hazel eye and Thayet smiled too. The graceful new Queen walked towards the door. “I’ll just leave you two alone now,” she said slyly as she left. George came forward and kissed Alanna. The Lioness stood and pulled herself into his arms, not letting him break the kiss. George was surprised, but wrapped his arms tighter around his love. When neither could breathe, he pulled away and smiled at her. “Now, what’s wrong, lass?” George asked gently, tilting her chin up so she met his gaze. Alanna sighed and sat down, once again placing her head on the table. “I’m afraid to get married.” It was unbelievably hard to say. She was scared of seeing the reaction on his face, so she didn’t look up. The silence stretched long between them, but neither Alanna nor George spoke a word. Alanna felt that each second lasted a year. She was about to say something....anything, when he spoke. “Do you love me?” She looked up and met his warm, loving eyes. He stretched his arm across and held out his hand to her. “If you love me, then don’t worry. We’ll make it. Our love isn’t something that can be broken easily. Our feelings for each other run deep.” He paused. “Do you love me?” Alanna smiled and placed her hand in his. He squeezed it, then pulled her into a tight hug. “Yes,” she whispered, love coursing through her entire being as she kissed George, crushing his lips against hers. He returned her passion, and the two lovers held each other, sharing an incredible love. * * * * * That night, as George and Alanna were in bed together, George reached over and squeezed her hand, ever so gently. The Lioness looked up at him, confused. The look on George’s face stirred deep feelings in her heart. “Hmmm?” she asked, snuggling up against his warm chest. “I love you,” he whispered. Glancing up at his face again, she was quickly pulled into a series of deep kisses. The Lady Knight wrapped her arms around her lover’s neck and rubbed her nose against his, making him smile. “It feels good to belong to you,” she whispered, and George pulled her back into his kiss. * * * * * May 14th dawned warm and sunny, the perfect day for a wedding. The perfect day for Alanna and George’s wedding. They had selected a beautiful but large meadow for the ceremony. White flowers were draped across the pews, and the arch where the two would recite their vows together stood straight and tall. A gentle breeze blew through the meadow and birds sang. George Cooper prepared for his wedding in his room at the palace. He was quite nervous, but he knew getting married to his love was a good idea. He grinned as he thought of the wedding night. "But first things first," he reminded himself, heading out the door. Alanna the Lioness locked herself in her room and used her Gift to secure the door. Striding over to the full-length mirror in the corner, she examined herself. She was adorned with in a wedding gown with a full skirt made with the finest white chiffon and her bodice was made of pure silk from the Yamani Islands. An amethyst necklace hung around her neck and her fiery hair was pinned up. A knock sounded at the door, shaking Alanna out of her inspection thoughts. "Come on, Alanna, it's time we go!" said Thayet, Alanna's matron of honor. "Arg! I can't do it!" Alanna cried, slamming her fist down on her dressing table and sitting in the chair. The same place, she reflected, that she had suffered from her misgivings about matrimony earlier. And she had sat there until George assured her of their love. The thoughts swirled around her head. George....love....marriage. "Drat." Thayet pounded on the door again. "Come on, Alanna!" Alanna was busy having a nervous breakdown. * * * * * The crowds waited for the Lioness. The wedding was supposed to have started earlier, but she hadn't shown up. Neither had Thayet. People whispered to one another, but George, standing at the altar, stood tall. He knew that his love would not stand him up. Not for their wedding. Jonathan of Conte, the best man, King of Tortall, was uncomfortable. He had a bad feeling that Alanna wasn't going to show, and he didn't want to hurt George. It was time to take action, he decided. Walking up to the arch where George waited, he held up his hands, the King's signal for everyone to listen. George gave him a confused look. Slowly the noise subsided. "People of Tortall, I-" Jon was cut off as Queen Thayet, his wife, rode up through the crowd on a chestnut mare. She dismounted and ran to the altar, where Jon and George stood. She panted for a second, trying to catch her breath. Standing up straight, she announced in her best queenly voice. "Alanna the Lioness is not coming." The noise from the crowd was deafening. Tortall's hero-heroine was not attending her own wedding? George stepped forward and demanded an explanation. Thayet sighed. "I'm sorry, George, but she wouldn't leave her room. She says that she can't do it. I'm so sorry, George," she finished, wincing at the look on George's face. Jonathan felt horrible, too. George looked as if the world was over. "George, don't take it-just-" But George Cooper had turned away. Leaning against the arch, he shut his eyes tightly. It was all a dream, he told himself firmly. Alanna wouldn't do this to him....would she? He tried desperately not to cry, but the emptiness inside of him threatened to overflow. He hadn't known just how much she meant to him, or how much this wedding had. Standing up straight, he blinked and scanned the crowd, but Alanna was no where in sight. "Aw well," he whispered. He turned and walked over Jon and Thayet and smiled weakly. "What now?" he asked, trying to keep the shake he was feeling everywhere else on and in his body. Jon and Thayet exchanged glances. The noise from the crowd hadn't dimmed. It was starting to get to him. George turned around, angry. "Will everyone shut up and leave me in peace?" he shouted. Then he sucked in his breath quickly, eyes glued on a figure slowly making its way up to the beginning of the aisle. "Alanna," he whispered. Alanna the Lioness, never looking more beautiful, made her way up the aisle with with Myles, who was beaming. The crowd was going wild, applauding. Jon and Thayet grinned and took their places. George couldn't move. When Alanna reached the altar, she separated from Myles and took George's hand. He couldn't help but stare at her. "Sorry I'm late," she whispered, and they exchanged a quick kiss. Throughout the ceremony, the two concentrated not on what was happening but gazed deeply into each others' eyes. Finally, at last, they were pronounced man and wife, and George was allowed to kiss his love. The kiss would go down in history as the sweetest, most loving, and beautiful kiss in Tortall. Not to mention one of the longest. George and Alanna seemed to melt together as one being as they kissed. When they finally broke apart, the crowds erupted in cheers. George and Alanna grinned at one another as the Lioness' new husband carried her down the aisle to the waiting carriage. In the midst of the masses, Alanna could see Thayet and Buri, her tribe, the Bloody Hawk, Coram and Rispah, along with many of her close friends. "You know," she whispered as they broke their kiss inside the carriage, "I'd have to say that this is one of the best days of my life, even in I did almost keep it from happening." George chuckled and kissed her softly. Meeting her violet eyes, he leaned forward grinned at her. "I'm glad you made it, though." The two kissed again and again until they had to stop to gasp for air. Alanna snuggled closer. "It feels good to legally be yours. Your wife." George met her eyes again and took her hands. "You'd be mine if we married or not," he said seriously. "Our love is a deep enough bond to hold us together, deeper than marriage." Alanna smiled. "Getting a little possessive, aren't we?" she teased. George growled and kissed her again. And so the Lioness and the Baron of Pirate's Swoop began their life together. THE END Just The Beginning by Lady of the Wolves Dedicated to Frisco **************** George Cooper rolled over as the sun began to rise outside the window. Opening his eyes, blinking away sleep, he searched for his new wife. Alanna the Lioness lay sleeping on the other side of the bed. George watched her chest rise and fall as she breathed, smiling. Alanna’s fiery red hair was draped over the white pillows, as if someone had spilled wine on the silk. Her legs were tucked underneath her body daintily. George grinned as an idea came to mind. Moving closer to his love, he tilted her head and body so she was lying on her back. Bending down, he could feel her warm breath, close enough that it was tickling his nose. George pressed his lips tightly to hers, wondering what her reaction would be. He didn’t have to wait long. The Lioness opened her violet eyes, meetig his gaze, and wrapped her arms around him. The two newlyweds kissed until they had to stop for air. Sitting up, George pulled Alanna into his lap. She leaned against him, still breathing heavily. The two watched the sun rise in silence. Then Goerge spoke. “So how does it feel, wakin’ up as a married woman?” he asked, arms holding her around her stomach. She laughed. “Well, it might depend on if we had or didn’t have a night like the last,” she said, remembering her wedding night passion. George chuckled and kissed her, smoothing her red locks away from her face as he lay down again, still holding Alanna close to him. Burying his face in her hair, he breathed in her scent deeply. “So when does my Lioness want to take this off?” he asked, fingering her pregnancy charm. She rolled over to face him, eyes wide in alarm. George laughed and kissed her. “Only kiddin’, lass. I know that ye’re not ready. Neither am I, for that matter.” The Lady Knight sighed relief and snuggled closer, putting one hand on his chest. Alanna closed her eyes and let her thoughts drift back to Jonathan of Conte, the King of Tortall and her former lover. Did she miss him? Did she wish that she was in his bed instead of George’s. Opening her eyes, she pushed George back on the pillows and put herself on top of him. “I love you,” she whispered. George grinned and pulled her close for a kiss of love and passion. Eyes closed as she felt warmth course through her body, she had a sudden thought. “George?” she asked tentatively. Her new husband rolled over so he was on top. “What were you sayin’, love?” he asked, lowering his face so it was inches above hers. Alanna sighed, then kissed him. George took her face gently in his large hands and returned. The Lioness pulled away and met his warm, gentle gaze. “What’s going to happen next? Are we over? All the excitement, the looking-forward to’s?” She sighed and rested her head against his shoulder. George pulled her face away so he could look her in the eye. “No! No, this isn’t the end, love. We have the rest of our lives to look forward to. And who knows what excitment we’ll have? No, my darlin’, this is just the beginning.” With that, George sat up, pulling his wife into his arms as he kissed her roughly but lovingly. Alanna returned, hands running over his broad back. “Just the beginning,” she whispered as they gasped for air. “I like the sound of that.” THE END |