[ 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? ]
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 otkazat’sya 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 blasé 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?
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
sarken
(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.
(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 otkazat’sya 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 blasé 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.
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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.
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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. ]
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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?
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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.
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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?
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