Alternative PAGE – part one

Alternative PAGE – part one

Author's note:

This is meant to be an alternative version of PAGE. I have not actually read PAGE so flames will not be appreciated. Tiaret and her familybelong to me, you are welcome to use them if you e-mail me first. Everyone else belongs to the Immortal Goddess Tamora Pierce. please Read & Review no flames please.

Vashti

(Vashti_Rules@another.com)

Kel surveyed the Mess Hall as she waited for Lord Wyldon to come. It was the second day back, and the last day to get ready before lessons started tomorrow. Kel was relieved that she had been allowed to come at all as she had been on probation all of last year just for being female. She was sitting with Neal, Merric, Faleron, Cleon, Seaver, and Prince Roald. They all had got their dinners but Lord Wyldon was late and no-one was allowed to eat until he had offered the prayers. The boys were just starting to mutter when the doors swung open and Lord Wyldon marched into the Hall. His whole bearing showed disapproval and the boys immediately became silent. Walking behind Lord Wyldon was a small figure that was unmistakably female. She was wearing what looked like loose breeches and a long tunic that came down to her knees and was slit up the side. She was wearing a loose, transparent veil over her dark hair that was fastened by a gold circlet. Lord Wyldon went up to the lectern at the front of the room and the girl stood beside him. He silenced the mutterers by raising his hands and calling out

"There is a new page among us. She is Tiaret of Clashing Rocks. Due to a Spidren problem, she could not arrive yesterday. Who will sponsor her?" He looked around and gave everyone a stare as if to say this was not my idea'. Three hands went up, Kel's, Cleon's and Seaver's. Lord Wyldon ran his eyes around the room and settled his gaze on Seaver.

"Your reason please Seaver of Tasride?"

"Please Sir," answered Seaver nervously "Tiaret's family and mine have been friends for a long time"

"Very well" answered Wyldon shortly "You may sponsor her."

He nodded at Tiaret to join her sponsor and waited until she had joined Seaver's table. Wyldon then raised his hands and called out the evening prayer.

"To Mithros, God of Warriors and of truth, and to the Great Mother Goddess, We give thanks for their bounty."

"We give thanks and praise." Responded the weary and hungry pages.

"May Mithros give us guidance in these times of turmoil and the patience to carry on until the old ways are restored."

"So mote it be." Responded the pages before sitting down and attacking their food.

At Kel's table though, they were more interested in the newcomer.

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"Hi I'm Kel" Kel said reaching across the table to shake hands. Taking their cue from her, everyone else introduced themselves. Now that Kel could see the newcomer's face, she saw that she had light mocha skin and was very pretty. What you really noticed though were her eyes. They were large, dark, and sparkling as she tried not to laugh. "Did you hear that prayer?" she asked merrily "Was he talking about me?" she added in an innocent tone. Kel grinned back at her then replied "Don't worry, I got the same" They grinned at each other in a sisterly way and Kel knew this girl was going to be a good friend. "So Tiaret" drawled Neal as he forked up his food. "How do you know Seaver, and why do you want to be a knight?" She selected and apple from the bowl of fruit on the table, declined Merric's offers to get her something from the kitchens then replied

"My family's lands are adjoining Seaver's and we have known each other and played together since we were little kids. And as for the second question, last year I went to the convent of the Mother of Mountains" "What's that got to do with it?" asked Cleon interested. "I had to learn to walk with books on my head, etiquette, embroidery, and that was it. I was lectured on proper behaviour' banned from studying too much. All I learnt there was a little bit of English, a tiny bit of Maths and history, Music, no science, and they banned me from the library because I read when I was supposed to doing embroidery. I had not enough food and no exercise. So when I came home last summer I told my parents I was not going back and my Father said I could come here" came her fast reply. "Woah" said Kel, "I'm glad I didn't go." At this point all the pages started taking their trays up to the kitchen staff and leaving. "Come on Tia" said Seaver. "I'll show you the palace" They all rose and left the Hall. As they passed the other tables, the boys started muttering and staring. As they passed the last table all of them heard Joren mutter "More Girls" Kel made to walk on but Tiaret grabbed her arm and faced the bullies.

Part Two coming up soon! Please R&R!.