[ She feels so close to him and yet, still not close enough. Her lips part to welcome him. He is the lord of shadows, but she feels like he's feeding a growing heat in her. She rocks against him experimentally to find more of that delicious friction. The knock barely registers to her ears. She gives a low whine of protest when he breaks the kiss. Her legs try and keep him trapped against her to prevent him from pulling away. ]
Sasha.
[ Saints, she's actually pouting. She lets him go because she knows it could be important despite what she feels. The kiss is barely enough to mollify her, but she watches him go.
The only one brave enough to interrupt the General is Ivan. He stands ramrod straight as he awaits for the door to open. He's quick to speak to keep the General from waiting. ]
[ There's murder in the Darkling's eyes when the eclipses part, but to his credit, Ivan doesn't falter. He gives his report, and for a solid ten seconds the Black General just...stares at him, nonplussed.
Then Kirigan's brain finally catches up with the rest of him and he blinks, frowning as if abruptly being woken from a deep, dreamless sleep. ]
--oh. The tracker. Good.
[ Impeccable timing. ]
Give me...ten minutes.
[ He closes the door to Ivan's nod and returns to his lovely Alina, her cheeks still flushed and her lips still becomingly swollen from their torrid kisses. And it is with deep regret that he takes her face in his hands once more, lowering his head to capture those sweet lips, kissing her thoroughly. Oh, how he wants her. ]
...I have to go. [ Damn the words. ] It's very important, otherwise...otherwise I'd take you to bed here and now. [ He cards long fingers through her dark hair. ] But, I will see you at supper? --and perhaps after?
[ Alina remains perched on the table. She's breathless and flushed and needy. Her lips are swollen from his kisses. It takes everything in her to simply stay put while he speaks to someone. She can't quite hear, so she patiently waits for her Darkling to return to her.
When he does, her face falls a little at his announcement. He tries to soften the disappointment with another kiss. She curls her fingers in the front of his kefta and kisses him soundly to try and take her fill before they're separated once more. ]
Yes. And yes. [ She shivers at the thought of him taking her to bed, but she understands that duty calls. They've had their nice little reprieve. Now the work needs their attention again. ] Will you be thinking of me?
[ 'Ten minutes', he'd told Ivan. An eternity, with his Alina's lips on his once more. It's almost impossible to stop kissing her. Especially when she clings to him once again, tugging at his kefta to keep him close. But he has to pull away, though it's with a shuddering inhale that he does, gently stroking her cheek with covetous fingertips. ]
You and naught else. [ Because it's the truth. She's invaded his thoughts, taken over his good sense, and left him wanting for so much more. Everything. He wants everything. ] But come, I'll walk you back to your quarters.
[ Damn the gossip. Fuck the rumor mill. And no one, no one, dares meet his eye as he does just that; every soul in the corridors ducks their heads and moves out of their way. At her door, however, the Darkling does refrain from pulling her close once more, though it's an effort. ]
At supper, [ he reminds her, giving her hand a covert squeeze. ] I will see you then, Miss Starkov.
[ Her hand cups his face, so that her fingers could stroke his beard affectionately. She knows that he'd stay here with her if he could. That already means a lot. She kisses him once more to have a taste of him that shall hopefully hold her over until after supper. She slides off the table and pulls her kefta back on. Fastidiously, she buttons it again and runs her fingers through her hair.
She wants to take his hand while he walks her back, but that's too obvious. She lingers close, so close that their fingers could brush against one another if they want. The walk is over too soon. She's hardly noticed anyone in the hall because all she's conscious of is him at her side. She turns to him and smiles wryly. ]
General. [ She gives one last nod and a soft squeeze of his hand before she's stepping through her doors. In the meantime, Fedyor and Ivan are escorting Malyen Oretsev to the War Room. The young man doesn't hide how his eyes look at everything. He's studying the layout as they walk. He notes each door as if searching for something. Tracking something. He knows this will bring him closer to Alina. He waits in the War Room with the Heartrenders. Everything in him wants to jump out of his skin to find her. ]
[ Ivan frowns, not at all thrilled with any of this. Fedyor, just coming on duty, is still a bit confused, but his significant other had filled him in more than enough before they brought the tracker to the Darkling's quarters. Neither of them have to tell the boy to keep his hands to himself, but both Corporalki keep a close eye on the First Army soldier.
The double doors open perhaps five minutes later, and the Black General enters, the stylized eclipses closing behind him. The Heartrenders snap to immediate attention, already realizing that their commander's mood hasn't elevated any at all, evidenced by the dark glower dominating those sharp features.
Kirigan gives them a small nod, but then his attention snaps to the third occupant. The tracker. Yes. There was little time to waste. And his orders are always, always succinct. Which is why he gives the boy a single word: ]
[ The Darkling. The Black General himself. The leader of the Grisha and its Second Army that keeps all its own foodstuffs and finer accommodations to themselves. He's the one that spirited Alina away. The man is tall and finely dressed in his color. He has an impressive glower that might have made him falter, but he's learned not to back down from a fight.
Mal stands, spine straight, at parade rest. His expression is blank, but there's a fire to his eyes as he watches the Darkling. ]
"I've found it. The stag you're looking for. I can track it to the Fjerdan forests at the border."
[ He doesn't give him the exact location. He's not going to make himself expendable. ]
[ Of course he doesn't. And it's unsurprising. There's even a tiny glint of appreciation in the General's dark gaze; perhaps this one was more than just a filthy, savage gunbunny.
Fjerda, however...
Kirigan's eyes meet Ivan's over the soldier's shoulder. A silent question passes between them, in answer to which the Corporalnik gives a firm nod. Kirigan returns it. Very well. Then that intense focus turns back to the boy, over which the Darkling towers by a good three inches. ]
And you are certain it is the correct stag?
[ He has to be sure. He doesn't have time enough to hare off on a fool's errand simply on one soldier's questionable hearsay. ]
[ There's almost a tone of derision to his words. Mal had seen the stag with his own eyes. He knows it's not like other stags. He's growing impatient because he's spending more and more time in the same building as Alina, but he's not yet seen her. There'd been times when they'd been sent in different assignments across Ravka, so separation isn't new to them. This is different though. She's been taken somewhere he cannot follow.
[ Touche. A corner of the Darkling's mouth quirks, hearing the implied insult in the boy's voice. Spirited, he is. Very well. ]
Very well. Then you will take me to it in three days' time. Until then, you will remain here, in the Little Palace, in guest quarters. [ One of Kirigan's eyebrows went up. ] Consider it...an earned liberty for your efforts, soldier.
[ Kirigan half-turned, reaching for a rolled parchment on the map table. ]
Name and Regiment, soldier. Ivan will inform your superior.
[ Guest quarters. That he can work with. He can't say he's entirely comfortable sleeping on a pampered bed amongst the Grisha, but that gives him more time to find Alina. He gives his full name and his regiment. It's clear the General has dismissed him. ]
I want to see Alina, sir. Alina Starkov.
[ She's the Sun Summoner now, but she's still Alina to him. She's still Sticks, the girl who's been at his side for as long as he can remember. ]
[ That particular request, demand, gives Kirigan pause. The entire room suddenly dims, the light from the wall-lanterns providing only scant illumination. Parchment still in his hand, he turns and fastens that black gaze on the tracker, this Malyen Oretsev, a name he now recognized. ]
[ Mal repeats himself slowly. His gaze doesn't flinch from the General's. If he'd been a lesser or smarter, he might have backed down. Instead, he's bold and foolhardy. ]
[ Ivan watches his commander closely, noting the very brief tightening of Kirigan's eyes at the mention of the Sun Summoner. He gives Feydor a tiny nudge, signaling him to keep an eye on the tracker. The tension in the War Room skyrockets, and the Shadows deepen alarmingly. ]
Does she.
[ The words might have been encased in lead. Then the Darkling's chin lifts slightly, and his smile turns terrifying. ]
Ah. Keramzin. [ There's a very brief pause, then: ] Unfortunately, Miss Starkov is currently occupied. However, you will join us for supper, Sergeant Oretsev, after which Miss Starkov's schedule will be clear. And you may...meet, if she wishes.
[ Fedyor hasn't taken his eyes off the tracker. He feels a little indignant on his General's behalf. He, like everyone else throughout the Little Palace, had heard of the heated looks between the Sun Summoner and the Darkling. Malyen might be Alina's friend, but he's a usurper here. An outsider. He gives a slight nod to Ivan.
Mal notices the shadows. He takes an unconscious step back, but when he realizes what he's done, he straightens up. ]
She will. She'll be missing me. We've never been apart for long.
Odd. In her time here, she's never once mentioned your name to me. [ Yes, he's feeling just a bit spiteful. Not to mention eternally frustrated. ] And I am sure she would have, as she and I have become...quite close.
[ Kirigan lets that sink in, casually unrolling the parchment and scanning the contents. A beat, two, then he lifts only his eyes to the soldier still before him, adding: ]
You will need time to wash and dress for supper. Feydor will show you to your quarters.
[ It works. It stings. But only for a moment. Mal recovers quickly, taking the Darkling's words as a lie to get under his skin. He's also been summarily dismissed. The two Etherealki open the doors pointedly. One of them, Fedyor he assumes, begins leading him towards his guest quarters.
Ivan stays behind with the General. He closes the door behind them and resumes his post. He's quiet for a long stretch. ]
Shall I start preparing arrangements for the expedition to Fjerda, sir?
[ Kirigan's moved to the large bay window near his desk, gazing out into the Meditation Garden. The sun is slowly setting, gilding the gardens in a golden hue, but he doesn't see the loveliness in front of him. No, he's plotting and planning, running through every contingency over and over in his mind.
The tracker's arrival is frustrating, but all in all, quite the unexpected boon - better to deal with him promptly and have him sent back to his regiment quite quickly. And he hadn't been lying to the boy when he'd said Alina hadn't mentioned him, because she hasn't. A worm of doubt, along with its close cousin jealousy, rears its head to gnaw at him, but he brusquely slaps it away.
For not half an hour before, the same woman sat on the large war table right behind him, her arms and legs wrapped around him, her lips on his, and calling his name in her fevered passion. No, little tracker, you will not have her back. She is now mine.
Ivan's voice thankfully brings him out of his deadly brooding, and the Darkling stirs enough to turn to his Second, eyebrow lifted. ]
Mm? Oh. Yes. We will leave the morning after the fete, and will need only a token force. You and Feydor will accompany me, of course, as will Miss Starkov. Inform Piotr I will need David and Samara, and Marcella that I will require Barin and Analiese, as well. No carriages, we will need to make unexceptionable time.
[ Ivan is already making his own plans. There's many logistics he needs to consider and put into place. He has to ensure they bring all the supplies and food they need for their travel. He has time thankfully. The General is waiting until after the fete. It means that he can balance his security checks on top of this expedition.
Before he takes his leave, he adds. ]
Will you be taking your supper in the dining hall?
[ He can't imagine the General will have the little otkazat'sya in the dining hall amongst the Grisha, but he's not one to question his decisions. He follows them, brings them to fruition. ]
Thank you, Ivan. [ The Darkling is hardly cold to those who obey without question, and Ivan is one of his best. ]
Yes, I will dine with the Grisha tonight. [ Because he's made a promise. And, because he can very nearly read the Corporalnik's mind, he adds: ] As will our esteemed guest. He will be afforded all possible hospitality as long as he remains here.
[ ...unless the little tracker decides to interfere where he shouldn't. If he does, then his visit will be come quite unpleasant. Before the Heartrender leaves, however, Kirigan stops him with an additional word. ]
And Ivan? You and Fedyor are free of your duties this evening. I will need Fedyor on the day shift beginning tomorrow, so the both of you will report back to me at breakfast. [ A lifted hand stops any questions or protests. ]
I will require neither of you tonight. I have...other plans. Dismissed.
[ 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? ]
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sarken
(no subject)
Date: 2023-07-03 01:54 am (UTC)Sasha.
[ Saints, she's actually pouting. She lets him go because she knows it could be important despite what she feels. The kiss is barely enough to mollify her, but she watches him go.
The only one brave enough to interrupt the General is Ivan. He stands ramrod straight as he awaits for the door to open. He's quick to speak to keep the General from waiting. ]
"The tracker has arrived, sir."
(no subject)
Date: 2023-07-03 02:15 am (UTC)Then Kirigan's brain finally catches up with the rest of him and he blinks, frowning as if abruptly being woken from a deep, dreamless sleep. ]
--oh. The tracker. Good.
[ Impeccable timing. ]
Give me...ten minutes.
[ He closes the door to Ivan's nod and returns to his lovely Alina, her cheeks still flushed and her lips still becomingly swollen from their torrid kisses. And it is with deep regret that he takes her face in his hands once more, lowering his head to capture those sweet lips, kissing her thoroughly. Oh, how he wants her. ]
...I have to go. [ Damn the words. ] It's very important, otherwise...otherwise I'd take you to bed here and now. [ He cards long fingers through her dark hair. ] But, I will see you at supper? --and perhaps after?
(no subject)
Date: 2023-07-03 01:17 pm (UTC)When he does, her face falls a little at his announcement. He tries to soften the disappointment with another kiss. She curls her fingers in the front of his kefta and kisses him soundly to try and take her fill before they're separated once more. ]
Yes. And yes. [ She shivers at the thought of him taking her to bed, but she understands that duty calls. They've had their nice little reprieve. Now the work needs their attention again. ] Will you be thinking of me?
(no subject)
Date: 2023-07-03 08:05 pm (UTC)You and naught else. [ Because it's the truth. She's invaded his thoughts, taken over his good sense, and left him wanting for so much more. Everything. He wants everything. ] But come, I'll walk you back to your quarters.
[ Damn the gossip. Fuck the rumor mill. And no one, no one, dares meet his eye as he does just that; every soul in the corridors ducks their heads and moves out of their way. At her door, however, the Darkling does refrain from pulling her close once more, though it's an effort. ]
At supper, [ he reminds her, giving her hand a covert squeeze. ] I will see you then, Miss Starkov.
(no subject)
Date: 2023-07-03 08:53 pm (UTC)She wants to take his hand while he walks her back, but that's too obvious. She lingers close, so close that their fingers could brush against one another if they want. The walk is over too soon. She's hardly noticed anyone in the hall because all she's conscious of is him at her side. She turns to him and smiles wryly. ]
General. [ She gives one last nod and a soft squeeze of his hand before she's stepping through her doors. In the meantime, Fedyor and Ivan are escorting Malyen Oretsev to the War Room. The young man doesn't hide how his eyes look at everything. He's studying the layout as they walk. He notes each door as if searching for something. Tracking something. He knows this will bring him closer to Alina. He waits in the War Room with the Heartrenders. Everything in him wants to jump out of his skin to find her. ]
(no subject)
Date: 2023-07-03 09:04 pm (UTC)The double doors open perhaps five minutes later, and the Black General enters, the stylized eclipses closing behind him. The Heartrenders snap to immediate attention, already realizing that their commander's mood hasn't elevated any at all, evidenced by the dark glower dominating those sharp features.
Kirigan gives them a small nod, but then his attention snaps to the third occupant. The tracker. Yes. There was little time to waste. And his orders are always, always succinct. Which is why he gives the boy a single word: ]
Report.
(no subject)
Date: 2023-07-03 09:09 pm (UTC)Mal stands, spine straight, at parade rest. His expression is blank, but there's a fire to his eyes as he watches the Darkling. ]
"I've found it. The stag you're looking for. I can track it to the Fjerdan forests at the border."
[ He doesn't give him the exact location. He's not going to make himself expendable. ]
(no subject)
Date: 2023-07-03 09:20 pm (UTC)Fjerda, however...
Kirigan's eyes meet Ivan's over the soldier's shoulder. A silent question passes between them, in answer to which the Corporalnik gives a firm nod. Kirigan returns it. Very well. Then that intense focus turns back to the boy, over which the Darkling towers by a good three inches. ]
And you are certain it is the correct stag?
[ He has to be sure. He doesn't have time enough to hare off on a fool's errand simply on one soldier's questionable hearsay. ]
(no subject)
Date: 2023-07-03 09:34 pm (UTC)[ There's almost a tone of derision to his words. Mal had seen the stag with his own eyes. He knows it's not like other stags. He's growing impatient because he's spending more and more time in the same building as Alina, but he's not yet seen her. There'd been times when they'd been sent in different assignments across Ravka, so separation isn't new to them. This is different though. She's been taken somewhere he cannot follow.
He needs to see her and make sure she's okay. ]
Never sent antlers like that. Just the picture.
(no subject)
Date: 2023-07-03 09:49 pm (UTC)Very well. Then you will take me to it in three days' time. Until then, you will remain here, in the Little Palace, in guest quarters. [ One of Kirigan's eyebrows went up. ] Consider it...an earned liberty for your efforts, soldier.
[ Kirigan half-turned, reaching for a rolled parchment on the map table. ]
Name and Regiment, soldier. Ivan will inform your superior.
(no subject)
Date: 2023-07-03 10:03 pm (UTC)I want to see Alina, sir. Alina Starkov.
[ She's the Sun Summoner now, but she's still Alina to him. She's still Sticks, the girl who's been at his side for as long as he can remember. ]
(no subject)
Date: 2023-07-03 10:36 pm (UTC)--I beg your pardon?
(no subject)
Date: 2023-07-03 10:51 pm (UTC)[ Mal repeats himself slowly. His gaze doesn't flinch from the General's. If he'd been a lesser or smarter, he might have backed down. Instead, he's bold and foolhardy. ]
She knows me.
(no subject)
Date: 2023-07-03 11:04 pm (UTC)Does she.
[ The words might have been encased in lead. Then the Darkling's chin lifts slightly, and his smile turns terrifying. ]
Ah. Keramzin. [ There's a very brief pause, then: ] Unfortunately, Miss Starkov is currently occupied. However, you will join us for supper, Sergeant Oretsev, after which Miss Starkov's schedule will be clear. And you may...meet, if she wishes.
(no subject)
Date: 2023-07-03 11:19 pm (UTC)Mal notices the shadows. He takes an unconscious step back, but when he realizes what he's done, he straightens up. ]
She will. She'll be missing me. We've never been apart for long.
(no subject)
Date: 2023-07-03 11:32 pm (UTC)[ Kirigan lets that sink in, casually unrolling the parchment and scanning the contents. A beat, two, then he lifts only his eyes to the soldier still before him, adding: ]
You will need time to wash and dress for supper. Feydor will show you to your quarters.
(no subject)
Date: 2023-07-03 11:53 pm (UTC)Ivan stays behind with the General. He closes the door behind them and resumes his post. He's quiet for a long stretch. ]
Shall I start preparing arrangements for the expedition to Fjerda, sir?
(no subject)
Date: 2023-07-04 12:06 am (UTC)The tracker's arrival is frustrating, but all in all, quite the unexpected boon - better to deal with him promptly and have him sent back to his regiment quite quickly. And he hadn't been lying to the boy when he'd said Alina hadn't mentioned him, because she hasn't. A worm of doubt, along with its close cousin jealousy, rears its head to gnaw at him, but he brusquely slaps it away.
For not half an hour before, the same woman sat on the large war table right behind him, her arms and legs wrapped around him, her lips on his, and calling his name in her fevered passion. No, little tracker, you will not have her back. She is now mine.
Ivan's voice thankfully brings him out of his deadly brooding, and the Darkling stirs enough to turn to his Second, eyebrow lifted. ]
Mm? Oh. Yes. We will leave the morning after the fete, and will need only a token force. You and Feydor will accompany me, of course, as will Miss Starkov. Inform Piotr I will need David and Samara, and Marcella that I will require Barin and Analiese, as well. No carriages, we will need to make unexceptionable time.
(no subject)
Date: 2023-07-04 12:23 am (UTC)[ Ivan is already making his own plans. There's many logistics he needs to consider and put into place. He has to ensure they bring all the supplies and food they need for their travel. He has time thankfully. The General is waiting until after the fete. It means that he can balance his security checks on top of this expedition.
Before he takes his leave, he adds. ]
Will you be taking your supper in the dining hall?
[ He can't imagine the General will have the little otkazat'sya in the dining hall amongst the Grisha, but he's not one to question his decisions. He follows them, brings them to fruition. ]
(no subject)
Date: 2023-07-04 12:31 am (UTC)Yes, I will dine with the Grisha tonight. [ Because he's made a promise. And, because he can very nearly read the Corporalnik's mind, he adds: ] As will our esteemed guest. He will be afforded all possible hospitality as long as he remains here.
[ ...unless the little tracker decides to interfere where he shouldn't. If he does, then his visit will be come quite unpleasant. Before the Heartrender leaves, however, Kirigan stops him with an additional word. ]
And Ivan? You and Fedyor are free of your duties this evening. I will need Fedyor on the day shift beginning tomorrow, so the both of you will report back to me at breakfast. [ A lifted hand stops any questions or protests. ]
I will require neither of you tonight. I have...other plans. Dismissed.
(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.
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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.
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