Alright, so pregnant Alanna seemed like a fun thing to write, so I thought I'd give it a try. Criticism welcome, just don't be too brutal. I'm still working on my writing abilities.

Disclaimer: Tamora Pierce owns the characters...lucky. I just like to play with them every so often.

Rain pelted down on the travel-weary riding company that wound its way along the path, on their way back from Port Caynn. Sir Alanna the Lioness of Pirate's Swoop and Olau, the King's Champion, rode in front, the rest of her pack falling behind. Their horses picked their way carefully through the mud as a particularly strong gust of wind blew rain straight into the rider's faces. Alanna ignored it. Her travel companions watched her carefully. She was infamous for being very cranky on rides like this, but Alanna remained silent, her well-known violet eyes distant.

Unnoticed by her followers, Alanna fingered the anti-pregnancy charm under her tunic, which she still wore even after two years of marriage to George Cooper. George didn't seem to mind, although Alanna knew he wanted children. She bit her lip. Recently, she'd found herself watching her friend and queen Thayet tend to her children with envious eyes. The Lioness knew what she wanted, but she was terrified of it, as well.

"Alanna?" a voice called over the wind. "Did you hear me?"

"Sorry, Jon," Alanna mumbled, glancing up at the king. "I was distracted."

"So I could see," King Jonathan of Tortall teased, blue eyes twinkling. "I was merely trying to point out how close we are to the Swoop. You can see the tower just ahead, look."

Alanna obeyed, peering through the rain for the said tower. Sure enough, the stone emerged from the gloom, a waterlogged flag waving weakly from its pole. The Lioness sighed happily, the comfortable sensation of homecoming filling her like a drink and chasing away her troubled thoughts. The company rode on, heartened by the promise of dry clothes and warm beds. After a few damp minutes, they passed through the gates, the soaked men-at-arms unlucky enough to be posted at the wall calling a weary hello to their baroness.

Finally, they were able to dismount. Alanna did so readily and handed her reins to a waiting hostler, patting its flank gratefully. King Jonathan made his way towards her, brushing sopping black hair out of his eyes.

"Glad to be home?" he asked, grinning. Everyone at court knew how Alanna enjoyed time at the Swoop with George.

"Very," the young woman replied, returning his smile. They walked out into the rain again, headed for the building that had been Alanna's home for more than two years and chatting lazily. Before they could reach the door, however, a large, burly figure threw them open and jogged towards them.

George Cooper stopped in front of his wife, beaming down into her face. Thrilled to see him, Alanna flung her arms around him, no longer caring about the wet and wind, or the charm around her neck. George brought his lips to hers in a passionate kiss, hugging her tightly to him. Alanna broke free to breathe, and George grinned at her again.

"Welcome home, lass," he said in his charming lilting tone, his hazel eyes laughing cheerfully. Jon chuckled, and George looked over at him for the first time. "Ah, Jon, I didn't see you there. Come in, both of you."

George shepherded them through the door, where Alanna and Jon could finally be free of the relentless rain. The king and his champion sighed happily as dry, warm air rushed to greet them.

"I'll have your things brought up to your rooms, Jon," George said while his companions shook water from their eyes. "You can go up now and warm up."

"Thank you," the king sighed, already walking towards the staircase. "I must write a letter to Thayet. You know where to find me."

Jon disappeared upstairs, leaving Alanna alone with George. The Lioness fidgeted, her thoughts drifting back to the charm hanging around her neck.

"Trouble in Port Caynn cleared up?" George inquired, draping his arm across Alanna's shoulders.

"Easily. Half the trouble was over by the time we got there." Alanna shifted uncomfortably again. "I should make sure everyone is settled," she muttered, taking a nervous step towards the door and out of George's hold.

"Don't worry, Alanna. They can take care of themselves." George scrutinized his wife, who stared at the ground. For all her bravery on the battlefield, it only took the fear of letting George learn of her nerves to make her as skittish as a court lady. George lifted her chin with a gentle finger, making her look at him. "What's wrong, lass?" Alanna shook her head weakly. After a pause, George sighed and grasped her hand. "Come with me."

Alanna let George steer her up to their room, trying and failing to take comfort from the familiar surroundings. Her heart drummed nervously as the door to their room swung open under George's hand. She walked forward and sat down on the edge of the bed. George stood in front of her, arms crossed.

"Now," he started, "tell me. What's on your mind?" When Alanna remained silent, he moved so that his face was level with hers. "Come on, lass. We can't say hello properly when you won't even look at me."

A weak laugh escaped Alanna. She fingered her charm nervously again. Unlike the riding company, George saw her hand toying with the necklace. He wrapped his large hand around her smaller one and lifted the chain so that the charm dangled in the air. For a moment, both of them simply stared at it. Then a frown twisted George's lips slightly downwards.

"Is this what has you so sullen?" George asked, looking from the chain to Alanna's face. "This bit of magic 'n metal?" The young knight nodded silently, her cheeks burning. George looked surprised. "Why, lass?"

Taking a deep breath, the blushing Champion spoke. "I know how much you want children, George. And we've been married long enough—I thought it was about time…" Her voice trailed off uncertainly. The surprise on George's face had turned to incredulity.

"Lass, do you mean to tell me that you were plannin' on takin' that charm off, just because you thought it would please me?" he asked, frowning again. Alanna nodded, and George sighed. "I wouldn't dream of forcin' you into nothin'."

Alanna gazed up at him. "I want to do this—and not just because you do, either. I do want children, but I'm…I just want to be certain, George."

George circled his arms around Alanna and hugged her to his chest. "This is your choice, lass. Like I said, I won't force you."

Sighing, Alanna let her head rest on her husband's chest, still toying with her charm. She knew George would accept whatever she chose to do, and that he wouldn't try to influence her decision. Both options tugged at her heart; she truly wanted children, but she was afraid, afraid to fail. Not that she could even dream of admitting that.

George buried his nose in his wife's red hair, his arms still wrapped around her. She listened to his beating heart, still thinking.

"Do you think we could do this?" she asked, letting go of her necklace. "Do you think we could raise the young ones?"

"I do, lass," George answered slowly, "but only if you think you're ready."

Alanna nodded against his chest. Neither of them spoke for a while. Finally, Alanna peeked up at George. Almost shyly, she stretched her neck and kissed him gently.

"I think I'm ready, then," she whispered. George cocked an eyebrow.

"Your sure, lass?" It was obvious by the tone of his voice that he was truly concerned about Alanna's freedom to choose, but his hands betrayed his own feelings by traveling the length of her spine and back again.

In answer, Alanna lifted the chain from her neck with trembling fingers. George's eyes followed its magical glow as she laid it out on their nightstand. Then his gaze traveled up her arm and into her eyes. Alanna leaned forward and kissed him firmly again.

"I'm sure," she murmured as George kissed her forehead. His hands wandered down her back, drawing her closer to him. Alanna brought her own hands to rest at his neck.

George chuckled softly through Alanna's lips. "Welcome home, lass."

I know this chapter didn't have much angst or hormones, but they're coming, I promise. I apologize for any OOC-ness, but I tried to keep them as in-character as I could. Tell me how you think I did in a review, please?

Thanks,
Brighteyes