[ Other plans. Ivan's sure. But he's not going to remark upon it. He's going to take it for what it is. An evening off with his beloved. He gives a nod and thanks the General before taking his leave.
He leaves him alone in the quiet of the War Room to ruminate on what's to come. In her own quarters, Alina is antsy. She can't sit still. She tries to train and practice her Summoning, but her mind keeps flitting to Aleksander and his touch and his lips upon hers. She thinks about his soft his hair feels between her fingers and how it makes her shiver when his beard scrapes against her skin. She knows it's time for dinner because Nadia and Marie come knocking at her door, dragging her along down the halls.
They notice that Alina is distracted, almost a little dreamy, but they only share smiles with one another. They've heard the rumors flying around. ]
"Will the General be joining us?" [ Nadia is innocent in her question. She even flutters her lashes when Alina looks to her quickly. ]
I'm not sure. Perhaps. [ Alina keeps her tone light and casual. She hopes for it if only to be able to gaze upon him from afar although that will drive her mad. So close, but so far away. She just wants the dinner hour to fly by already. How can she eat when anticipation and desire fills her belly? ]
[ The Darkling isn't present in the dining hall when the three Etherealki arrive, but a different familiar face is. Mal shoots to his feet when he spies them enter, nearly tripping around the table to run across the room. ]
Alina!
[ He skids to a halt in front of the trio, but he has eyes only for his best old friend. And he's feeling more than a little out of his depth here; the opulence and grandeur of the Little Palace is intimidating, as is that Black bastard that led them, although he thought he'd done quite well in standing his ground in the face of that ancient power.
Still gives him cold chills, it does.
But now, he's cleaned up and in clean clothes, grinning at his best friend - whom he's missed so much these last months - and he at first takes her hands in his, but then releases her to just pull her directly into a enormous hug, uncaring of the spectacle. ]
[ Her eyes are searching for tall dark head of hair and a black kefta the moment she steps into the dining hall. She's so set on her search that she doesn't notice Mal until he's called her name and is practically on her. She startles with wide eyes. A smile tugs at her gestures, and she does feel a swell of relief and happiness to see her lifelong friend there. She throws her arms around him and hugs him back fiercely. ]
Mal!
[ Nadia and Marie's brows shoot up. It's Marie that speaks first. ]
"Mal? The Mal?"
[ Alina pulls back and grins at them. She's got an arm around Mal's shoulders as she laughs. ]
[ A wave of relief washes over him to realize that no, she hadn't forgotten him. He hugs her hard, lifting her feet off of the floor, and puts her back down with a face-splitting grin, happier than he's been in ages.
Then he notices the other girls with her, both of them clad in blue Grisha coats, and, realizing his exuberance, Mal flushes lightly. All three of them are beautiful, but it's Alina that nearly glows, somehow. But her arm's around his shoulders, and he's not planning to leave her side any time soon, so. All's well in his world for now. ]
I'm so glad to see you! Finally! [ It's weird, how he just can't stop chattering. ] The General said you were busy, but he told me I had to eat with the Grisha and that I'd see you afterwards, but I didn't expect you to be here, I just figured you were doing something really, really important and wouldn't show up...
[ Then he trails off, because another figure has just stepped into the hall, and there's no mistaking this one.
The assembled Grisha rise as one, standing in deference to their lord and master. The Darkling strides through the doorway, impeccable perfection as usual, and he waves his people back to their seats. Then he pauses, gives the mixed group near the adjacent door a very dry look, and makes a gesture towards the tables. ]
Ladies. Sergeant. [ Only the keenest observer could notice the tightening along his sharp jawline when that black gaze fell on the tracker. ] Sit. Please.
[ It hasn't fully occurred to her that when she'd set her eyes on Mal, she doesn't feel the pull and the longing. There's affection there, certainly, but there's none of the yearning she'd spent years swallowing down. She's happy to see him because he's her family. They've all each other ever had. Even while he became more and more of the Mal he is now and she'd remain the scrawny, sickly girl from Keramzin, they were still tight knit.
But she's gone and become something else. She's healthier now that she's not wasting away. She's got a voracious appetite which means she's put on some weight. Not enough by Genya's standards though as the Tailor always encourages her to eat and snack. Her skin is bright and youthful, and her hair is so glossy it shines. Partly because of embracing her Summoning and partly because of Genya.
She laughs, somewhat sheepishly. ]
I have been training a lot. It takes up all my time, but you spoke to the General? What's brought you here? [ She's not sure why First Army is here in the Little Palace. She's about to say something else, but Alina feels a little tingle at the back of her neck. She turns, and there he is. Just as before, her entire face lights up at the sight of him. All the Grisha stand for him with reverent looks. They only sit once he's bade them to. She sees the tension in his jaw and wonders what's brought it on. Is it the business he'd had to attend to? Did it have something to do with Mal? ]
Indeed. The Sergeant has...found something for me. And I must share with you the details, but after supper. The others are waiting.
[ And he takes savage satisfaction in watching her lovely face brighten upon seeing him, and it's all he can do to keep his fingertips from brushing against her cheek. But the dinner table is, again, hardly the place for such, and again he directs everyone to their seats, creating a place for the otkazatโsya sergeant next to his best old friend.
Once he takes his own seat, the servants begin to serve, and the conversation is punctuated with the clink of glasses and silverware. As always, the food and wine are exquisite, and he manages to eat enough to satisfy his fussy Second and Third, but again, he listened to the Heads of the Orders with half an ear, far too invested in the happenings halfway down the table. ]
[ She's curious as to what all that entails, but she knows they will not have a chance to discuss until after supper. Aleksander is drawn away to sit at the head table while she takes her customary seat with her friends, only this time with Mal at her side.
She smiles at how awed he is by the dinner fare. Even if it can be simple, it's still better tasting and more nutritious than what they'd eat at camp. She chatters cheerfully to Mal about everything. The friends she'd made, her training, how strong she's becoming at controlling her light. She's glowing and effusive in a way she's never been before.
And despite the return of her best friend, her eyes still drift occasionally to the General. She smiles if she happens to catch his gaze, ducking her head down a little as she eats another bite of roast vegetables. ]
I'm sorry! I've just been chattering on! I guess there's so much to tell you although I put it in all my letters.
[ Mal's used to camp meals and hunkering down against the freezing cold, not crystal wineglasses and elegant plates. But he manages, remembering his manners to eat slowly, and with his fork, listening intently to every word Alina says. Yet, it seems that every time he looks over at her, she's looking beyond him, towards the head of the table.
Where the Darkling sits, enthroned, surrounded by a few important-looking older Grisha and carrying on like he owns everything in sight. Which, if rumors be true, he really does. Saints, but that man makes his skin crawl! Especially with just how close the Black General seems to be to his best friend.
Even though it's mightily tempting, Mal isn't about to turn his head to see if that Black bastard is returning Alina's silly little glances and those "odd" smiles, because that'd just be too much.
So he gives her his own grin, fondly clasps her hand with a tight squeeze, and shakes his head. ]
Nah, not really. I like hearing about all of your adventures. You look...so great, 'lina. Like...like being here is really good for you. [ Although with conditions such as these, it's no wonder. ] Letters? I...haven't gotten any of your letters. [ He laughs it off. ] Probably just haven't caught up with me yet. Been chasin' that stag for months, seems like.
[ Mal draws her attention back to him with a soft squeeze of his hand. It doesn't have the same surge of something more like when Aleksander touches her. It's simply warm and familiar. She laughs a little at his compliment. She gives him a rueful look. ]
I don't think you can call me Sticks anymore.
[ It stings a little though at how blasรฉ he is about her letters. He doesn't even mention writing her. Did he? Her smile slips as she frowns a little. ]
Did you not write me? I never heard from you. [ But then the rest of his words catch up with her. ] A stag? What sort of stag? [ She's been dreaming about one for months now. It's haunting her so much so that she's put its image to paper. ]
[ Mal starts to answer, stammer something about how he tried to write to her, but could never really find what to say. Everything had seemed so inadequate, and besides, he'd been still sore about her just up and leaving like she had. ...although, and he frowns with the thought, that had been his fault, really.
Cutting his eyes towards the opposite end of the table, Mal is just in time to catch the Darkling's gaze, but the Black General isn't looking at him. A block of ice splashes in Mal's stomach as he realizes just where those focused eyes actually are looking. And this time, he goes right on and turns his head to see Alina looking past him and smiling, her cheeks an odd pink color, and her lashes half-lowered as if she's about to fall right to sleep. It's a look he's seen before, but never on her.
And Mal decides right then and there that he does. not. like. it. ]
Oh. Some big-racked white stag up near Fjerda. The Darkling sent the best trackers in the First Army after it, so naturally I got the assignment. Found it, too. [ A note of pride enters his voice. ] So that's why I'm here. [ Mal lowers his head and his tone both. ]
And...because it was the fastest way I could think of to see you again, 'lina.
[ The confirmation that he hasn't bothered to write her at all or even check on her deepens the wound. He can hardly come up with a good answer. It's exactly like whenever she gives him a hard time about whatever girl he's looking to tumble. It hurts more deeply than she can say at the moment in front of everyone. Just when she's feeling so overwhelmed by the feeling, she feels a dark gaze on hers.
Sasha is looking at her. She looks back and finds a strength in his eyes. It heartens her. The frown softens and gives way to a smile. Sometimes it feels as though he can tell exactly what she's feeling like they're tethered.
It gives her just enough to resume the conversation with Mal. He's quite pleased with himself. She hums thoughtfully as she sips her wine. That must be what Aleksander wanted to speak to her about. Mal leans in closer to murmur to her. ]
[ Mal fiddles with his silverware, still feeling so out of his depth. ] I-I wanted to, Alina. I really did. But...hell, I didn't know what to say.
[ Then he bites off the rest, suddenly aware that everyone nearby is pretending not to watch them, and true, the dinner table probably wasn't the best place to have this conversation.
So he leans over, reaches for her hand beneath the pristine tablecloth, and whispers entreatingly: ] Can we talk after? After this, I mean?
[ Because right now he feels like he has a target on his back, or at least the back of his head. And if there was one person on the planet Malyen Oretsev did not want slinging barbs his way, it was the Black General of the Grisha. ]
Anything! Literally anything, Mal. It would have just been nice to hear from you.
[ He'd hardly missed her, it seems. Alina realizes she's being a bit too loud, so she moderates her volume and tone. Nadia and Marie are polite enough they they don't appear to be paying attention as they talk though she knows they are. She feels Mal's hand take hers. Their fingers lace together, and she's struck with the reminder of holding on to his hand as they ran into the meadow together.
She softens just a bit though she shakes her head apologetically. ]
I'm to meet with the General after supper. We have much to discuss it seems. [ There's another brief glance towards the man in question. It seems they might actually have a discussion after all instead of what she'd been hoping for. ] How long are you here for?
[ And just because she cannot give him what he wants when asks for it, he drops her hand. It's like a wall goes up between them. Mal gets in these moods sometimes where it feels like she can't reach him. It used to drive her mad. Now it just exasperates her. Things are different now. She can't always be at his beck and call.
He's hardly at hers. She finishes her dinner and nurses what's left of her wine. ]
Three days? Does that mean you'll be joining us for the fete?
[ Mal too drains his wineglass, not stopping the server from refilling it immediately. He's done with the food and pushes away the plate. But her question gives him pause. ]
Fete? There's a fete happening here? When?
[ The Darkling hadn't said anything about a celebration. But if there is one in the works, then that's probably why he has to cool his heels here for three bloody days.
[ It's meant for Alina to show her light to a wider audience. It's all anyone's been talking about for days in Os Alta. She's almost certain that the General has decided to keep Mal here for three days because of they have to deal with the fete and the Lantsovs first.
But Mal is being cranky. She bites back a sigh and rises from her seat now that her dinner is concluded. ]
I'll make sure that you are. You're a guest here, Mal.
[ It draws his immediate attention when Alina rises from her chair. Piotr and Marcella are talking back and forth, pausing every now and again for input from Kaleb, Head of the Corporalki, but all three fall quiet when they notice his frown. ]
"Sir?"
[ Kaleb dares to inquire, but Kirigan just waves him to silence. He's far more concerned about the crestfallen expression on his Summoner's face; what had that idiot otkazatโsya said to her? It's tempting to bounce that idiot boy off of the marble a time or two, but that's his fierce protectiveness roaring.
Instead his nostrils flare with his sharply indrawn breath, and he forces himself to remain in his chair, even though supper is over and done. Grisha are leaving the table here and there, and the Darkling reaches out when Alina passes his chair, fingertips brushing the back of her hand. There's concern in the eyes that meet hers, and a Shadowed promise to correct whatever has upset her lurking behind them. Ignoring the raised eyebrows the Heads of the Orders are no doubt giving, he inquires of her, and her alone: ]
[ Alina knows Mal well enough to know that there will be no reasoning with him tonight. He's in a mood. It's only the fact that he'll be here for there days that allows her the chance to not push and insist and make things worst. They both need time to breathe. She can admit that she's being overly emotional, and he should hopefully admit that he's being a blockhead. It'll be better come morning.
Part of her thinks Mal may stand and follow after her. Maybe she can allow him to walk her to her quarters. He doesn't get up. She passed near the General, and the brush of his fingers give her pause. She stills and turns to him. The genuine concern in his gaze is like a balm. She offers him a weak smile and nods. ]
Yes. I'll be fine. Shall I meet you in your War Room to discuss what you wish to speak about?
[ The slight narrowing of his eyes suggests that he doesn't quite believe her, but he doesn't press. He dimly hears the Heads of the Orders give Alina polite greetings; despite her inexperience, she is somewhat of a celebrity within the Little Palace.
When they'd finished, he replies in the same low tone, meant for just the two of them: ] The library. In a quarter hour.
[ It's not the final destination, but it will do for a start. He can't have her in his quarters, not tonight, not when he's unable to trust himself to allow her to leave. ]
[ She makes polite conversation with the Grisha heads. They're kind and courteous which she tries to respond in kind. It's good practice for her for the fete. At the table where she's left him behind, Mal's been descended upon by people looking to get to know the Sun Summoner's little friend. She notices how many of them are women. Once, that might have felt a spike of jealousy through her, but how she feels nothing. If anything, there's an irritation that he cares so little for her even on the base level.
She finally gives a nod to signal that she is taking her leave. Her eyes goes back to the General. ]
I'll see you in a quarter hour. Enjoy your supper.
[ With a little bow of her head, Alina goes for the library straight away. She'll read and get her mind off things while she waits. There's an arm chair that she curls up in with a book that has nothing to do with political or the small sciences. It's a thrilling romance of all thing. Her fingers idly goes to her hair while she reads. She slowly begins to remove the pins and unravels the braids that Genya had put into her hair that morning. Reading takes her away and she forgets the world around her. ]
[ Thirteen minutes later, the library doors open and the Darkling steps into the expansive room. He's managed to swallow his ire after having that infantile otkazatโsya all but thrown into his quarters, and it'd been tempting to have the door bolted from the outside, but if the sergeant knew what was good for him, he'd stay put until breakfast.
But those concerns evaporate as he closes the doors behind him, the soft lights of the wall lamps casting a golden glow across the empty chamber. Well, hopefully not entirely empty. ]
Alina?
[ It's a quiet call as he moves through the bookshelves, seeking his Sun Summoner. Something had upset her earlier, and that hadn't sat well with him. Whatever it is, he's going to take care of it. Because seeing that look on her lovely face had absolutely sent a lance through his heart. Never again. ]
[ She jumps a little when she hears his voice more insistently. Alina looks up from her book and seeks him out. He's got a dark, thunderous look to his expression that draws her to her feet immediately. Her first thought is that something is wrong. Something has upset him. She comes out from her little nook to stand before him. ]
Sasha?
[ She gazes up at him searchingly. Her dark hair is loose from its confines, tumbling in waves down her shoulders. Seeing him has fled all thoughts of Mal in her mind. She imagines he's still holding court with the Grisha. ]
[ It's more a relief than he cares to admit when he hears, then sees, her. She's still a bit pale and wan, long hair loose down her back, and damn it, his first response is to reach for her, pull her into his arms, and hold her close.
Her head fits perfectly beneath his chin, and his irritation just melts away from her warmth and sweet, soft scent. Aleksander strokes her hair, combing his fingers through the silky tresses. ]
I'm here. [ Murmured into her hair, his solemn promise. ]
[ She's still as he comes closer and wraps his arms around her. She's nestled against his chest where she can feel his warmth and breathe him in. A sigh escapes her. She releases the tension she hadn't realized she'd been holding. She closes her eyes as he strokes her hair.
She doesn't realize this is exactly what she's needed until he's given it to her. Her fingers curl in his kefta, not out of passion, but to simply cling to him. ]
I wrote him everyday. Everyday, and he couldn't be bothered.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
sarken
(no subject)
Date: 2023-07-04 01:05 am (UTC)He leaves him alone in the quiet of the War Room to ruminate on what's to come. In her own quarters, Alina is antsy. She can't sit still. She tries to train and practice her Summoning, but her mind keeps flitting to Aleksander and his touch and his lips upon hers. She thinks about his soft his hair feels between her fingers and how it makes her shiver when his beard scrapes against her skin. She knows it's time for dinner because Nadia and Marie come knocking at her door, dragging her along down the halls.
They notice that Alina is distracted, almost a little dreamy, but they only share smiles with one another. They've heard the rumors flying around. ]
"Will the General be joining us?" [ Nadia is innocent in her question. She even flutters her lashes when Alina looks to her quickly. ]
I'm not sure. Perhaps. [ Alina keeps her tone light and casual. She hopes for it if only to be able to gaze upon him from afar although that will drive her mad. So close, but so far away. She just wants the dinner hour to fly by already. How can she eat when anticipation and desire fills her belly? ]
(no subject)
Date: 2023-07-04 01:13 am (UTC)Alina!
[ He skids to a halt in front of the trio, but he has eyes only for his best old friend. And he's feeling more than a little out of his depth here; the opulence and grandeur of the Little Palace is intimidating, as is that Black bastard that led them, although he thought he'd done quite well in standing his ground in the face of that ancient power.
Still gives him cold chills, it does.
But now, he's cleaned up and in clean clothes, grinning at his best friend - whom he's missed so much these last months - and he at first takes her hands in his, but then releases her to just pull her directly into a enormous hug, uncaring of the spectacle. ]
(no subject)
Date: 2023-07-04 01:33 am (UTC)Mal!
[ Nadia and Marie's brows shoot up. It's Marie that speaks first. ]
"Mal? The Mal?"
[ Alina pulls back and grins at them. She's got an arm around Mal's shoulders as she laughs. ]
This is Mal, yes. My friend from Keramzin.
(no subject)
Date: 2023-07-04 01:45 am (UTC)Then he notices the other girls with her, both of them clad in blue Grisha coats, and, realizing his exuberance, Mal flushes lightly. All three of them are beautiful, but it's Alina that nearly glows, somehow. But her arm's around his shoulders, and he's not planning to leave her side any time soon, so. All's well in his world for now. ]
I'm so glad to see you! Finally! [ It's weird, how he just can't stop chattering. ] The General said you were busy, but he told me I had to eat with the Grisha and that I'd see you afterwards, but I didn't expect you to be here, I just figured you were doing something really, really important and wouldn't show up...
[ Then he trails off, because another figure has just stepped into the hall, and there's no mistaking this one.
The assembled Grisha rise as one, standing in deference to their lord and master. The Darkling strides through the doorway, impeccable perfection as usual, and he waves his people back to their seats. Then he pauses, gives the mixed group near the adjacent door a very dry look, and makes a gesture towards the tables. ]
Ladies. Sergeant. [ Only the keenest observer could notice the tightening along his sharp jawline when that black gaze fell on the tracker. ] Sit. Please.
(no subject)
Date: 2023-07-04 02:02 am (UTC)But she's gone and become something else. She's healthier now that she's not wasting away. She's got a voracious appetite which means she's put on some weight. Not enough by Genya's standards though as the Tailor always encourages her to eat and snack. Her skin is bright and youthful, and her hair is so glossy it shines. Partly because of embracing her Summoning and partly because of Genya.
She laughs, somewhat sheepishly. ]
I have been training a lot. It takes up all my time, but you spoke to the General? What's brought you here? [ She's not sure why First Army is here in the Little Palace. She's about to say something else, but Alina feels a little tingle at the back of her neck. She turns, and there he is. Just as before, her entire face lights up at the sight of him. All the Grisha stand for him with reverent looks. They only sit once he's bade them to. She sees the tension in his jaw and wonders what's brought it on. Is it the business he'd had to attend to? Did it have something to do with Mal? ]
General, I hear you've met Mal.
(no subject)
Date: 2023-07-04 02:21 am (UTC)[ And he takes savage satisfaction in watching her lovely face brighten upon seeing him, and it's all he can do to keep his fingertips from brushing against her cheek. But the dinner table is, again, hardly the place for such, and again he directs everyone to their seats, creating a place for the otkazatโsya sergeant next to his best old friend.
Once he takes his own seat, the servants begin to serve, and the conversation is punctuated with the clink of glasses and silverware. As always, the food and wine are exquisite, and he manages to eat enough to satisfy his fussy Second and Third, but again, he listened to the Heads of the Orders with half an ear, far too invested in the happenings halfway down the table. ]
(no subject)
Date: 2023-07-04 02:43 am (UTC)She smiles at how awed he is by the dinner fare. Even if it can be simple, it's still better tasting and more nutritious than what they'd eat at camp. She chatters cheerfully to Mal about everything. The friends she'd made, her training, how strong she's becoming at controlling her light. She's glowing and effusive in a way she's never been before.
And despite the return of her best friend, her eyes still drift occasionally to the General. She smiles if she happens to catch his gaze, ducking her head down a little as she eats another bite of roast vegetables. ]
I'm sorry! I've just been chattering on! I guess there's so much to tell you although I put it in all my letters.
(no subject)
Date: 2023-07-04 02:53 am (UTC)Where the Darkling sits, enthroned, surrounded by a few important-looking older Grisha and carrying on like he owns everything in sight. Which, if rumors be true, he really does. Saints, but that man makes his skin crawl! Especially with just how close the Black General seems to be to his best friend.
Even though it's mightily tempting, Mal isn't about to turn his head to see if that Black bastard is returning Alina's silly little glances and those "odd" smiles, because that'd just be too much.
So he gives her his own grin, fondly clasps her hand with a tight squeeze, and shakes his head. ]
Nah, not really. I like hearing about all of your adventures. You look...so great, 'lina. Like...like being here is really good for you. [ Although with conditions such as these, it's no wonder. ] Letters? I...haven't gotten any of your letters. [ He laughs it off. ] Probably just haven't caught up with me yet. Been chasin' that stag for months, seems like.
(no subject)
Date: 2023-07-04 03:04 am (UTC)I don't think you can call me Sticks anymore.
[ It stings a little though at how blasรฉ he is about her letters. He doesn't even mention writing her. Did he? Her smile slips as she frowns a little. ]
Did you not write me? I never heard from you. [ But then the rest of his words catch up with her. ] A stag? What sort of stag? [ She's been dreaming about one for months now. It's haunting her so much so that she's put its image to paper. ]
(no subject)
Date: 2023-07-04 03:13 am (UTC)Cutting his eyes towards the opposite end of the table, Mal is just in time to catch the Darkling's gaze, but the Black General isn't looking at him. A block of ice splashes in Mal's stomach as he realizes just where those focused eyes actually are looking. And this time, he goes right on and turns his head to see Alina looking past him and smiling, her cheeks an odd pink color, and her lashes half-lowered as if she's about to fall right to sleep. It's a look he's seen before, but never on her.
And Mal decides right then and there that he does. not. like. it. ]
Oh. Some big-racked white stag up near Fjerda. The Darkling sent the best trackers in the First Army after it, so naturally I got the assignment. Found it, too. [ A note of pride enters his voice. ] So that's why I'm here. [ Mal lowers his head and his tone both. ]
And...because it was the fastest way I could think of to see you again, 'lina.
(no subject)
Date: 2023-07-04 03:19 am (UTC)Sasha is looking at her. She looks back and finds a strength in his eyes. It heartens her. The frown softens and gives way to a smile. Sometimes it feels as though he can tell exactly what she's feeling like they're tethered.
It gives her just enough to resume the conversation with Mal. He's quite pleased with himself. She hums thoughtfully as she sips her wine. That must be what Aleksander wanted to speak to her about. Mal leans in closer to murmur to her. ]
You still could have written me, Mal.
(no subject)
Date: 2023-07-04 03:27 am (UTC)[ Then he bites off the rest, suddenly aware that everyone nearby is pretending not to watch them, and true, the dinner table probably wasn't the best place to have this conversation.
So he leans over, reaches for her hand beneath the pristine tablecloth, and whispers entreatingly: ] Can we talk after? After this, I mean?
[ Because right now he feels like he has a target on his back, or at least the back of his head. And if there was one person on the planet Malyen Oretsev did not want slinging barbs his way, it was the Black General of the Grisha. ]
(no subject)
Date: 2023-07-04 03:32 am (UTC)[ He'd hardly missed her, it seems. Alina realizes she's being a bit too loud, so she moderates her volume and tone. Nadia and Marie are polite enough they they don't appear to be paying attention as they talk though she knows they are. She feels Mal's hand take hers. Their fingers lace together, and she's struck with the reminder of holding on to his hand as they ran into the meadow together.
She softens just a bit though she shakes her head apologetically. ]
I'm to meet with the General after supper. We have much to discuss it seems. [ There's another brief glance towards the man in question. It seems they might actually have a discussion after all instead of what she'd been hoping for. ] How long are you here for?
(no subject)
Date: 2023-07-04 03:38 am (UTC)Oh. But he said--never mind.
[ He goes back to picking at his food, the delicious fare now tasting like ashes. To her question, he just shrugs. ]
Three days. He wants me to lead him to the stag.
(no subject)
Date: 2023-07-04 03:46 am (UTC)He's hardly at hers. She finishes her dinner and nurses what's left of her wine. ]
Three days? Does that mean you'll be joining us for the fete?
(no subject)
Date: 2023-07-04 03:51 am (UTC)Fete? There's a fete happening here? When?
[ The Darkling hadn't said anything about a celebration. But if there is one in the works, then that's probably why he has to cool his heels here for three bloody days.
He shrugs. ]
I don't think I was invited.
(no subject)
Date: 2023-07-04 03:57 am (UTC)[ It's meant for Alina to show her light to a wider audience. It's all anyone's been talking about for days in Os Alta. She's almost certain that the General has decided to keep Mal here for three days because of they have to deal with the fete and the Lantsovs first.
But Mal is being cranky. She bites back a sigh and rises from her seat now that her dinner is concluded. ]
I'll make sure that you are. You're a guest here, Mal.
(no subject)
Date: 2023-07-04 04:08 am (UTC)"Sir?"
[ Kaleb dares to inquire, but Kirigan just waves him to silence. He's far more concerned about the crestfallen expression on his Summoner's face; what had that idiot otkazatโsya said to her? It's tempting to bounce that idiot boy off of the marble a time or two, but that's his fierce protectiveness roaring.
Instead his nostrils flare with his sharply indrawn breath, and he forces himself to remain in his chair, even though supper is over and done. Grisha are leaving the table here and there, and the Darkling reaches out when Alina passes his chair, fingertips brushing the back of her hand. There's concern in the eyes that meet hers, and a Shadowed promise to correct whatever has upset her lurking behind them. Ignoring the raised eyebrows the Heads of the Orders are no doubt giving, he inquires of her, and her alone: ]
Are you all right?
(no subject)
Date: 2023-07-04 04:14 am (UTC)Part of her thinks Mal may stand and follow after her. Maybe she can allow him to walk her to her quarters. He doesn't get up. She passed near the General, and the brush of his fingers give her pause. She stills and turns to him. The genuine concern in his gaze is like a balm. She offers him a weak smile and nods. ]
Yes. I'll be fine. Shall I meet you in your War Room to discuss what you wish to speak about?
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Date: 2023-07-04 04:20 am (UTC)When they'd finished, he replies in the same low tone, meant for just the two of them: ] The library. In a quarter hour.
[ It's not the final destination, but it will do for a start. He can't have her in his quarters, not tonight, not when he's unable to trust himself to allow her to leave. ]
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Date: 2023-07-04 02:49 pm (UTC)She finally gives a nod to signal that she is taking her leave. Her eyes goes back to the General. ]
I'll see you in a quarter hour. Enjoy your supper.
[ With a little bow of her head, Alina goes for the library straight away. She'll read and get her mind off things while she waits. There's an arm chair that she curls up in with a book that has nothing to do with political or the small sciences. It's a thrilling romance of all thing. Her fingers idly goes to her hair while she reads. She slowly begins to remove the pins and unravels the braids that Genya had put into her hair that morning. Reading takes her away and she forgets the world around her. ]
(no subject)
Date: 2023-07-04 04:19 pm (UTC)But those concerns evaporate as he closes the doors behind him, the soft lights of the wall lamps casting a golden glow across the empty chamber. Well, hopefully not entirely empty. ]
Alina?
[ It's a quiet call as he moves through the bookshelves, seeking his Sun Summoner. Something had upset her earlier, and that hadn't sat well with him. Whatever it is, he's going to take care of it. Because seeing that look on her lovely face had absolutely sent a lance through his heart. Never again. ]
Alina...!
(no subject)
Date: 2023-07-04 04:27 pm (UTC)Sasha?
[ She gazes up at him searchingly. Her dark hair is loose from its confines, tumbling in waves down her shoulders. Seeing him has fled all thoughts of Mal in her mind. She imagines he's still holding court with the Grisha. ]
(no subject)
Date: 2023-07-04 04:35 pm (UTC)Her head fits perfectly beneath his chin, and his irritation just melts away from her warmth and sweet, soft scent. Aleksander strokes her hair, combing his fingers through the silky tresses. ]
I'm here. [ Murmured into her hair, his solemn promise. ]
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Date: 2023-07-04 05:08 pm (UTC)She doesn't realize this is exactly what she's needed until he's given it to her. Her fingers curl in his kefta, not out of passion, but to simply cling to him. ]
I wrote him everyday. Everyday, and he couldn't be bothered.
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