((Disclaimer-I dont really own anything related to tortall. so bah.))

I randomly wrote this late last night and realized i wanted to post it somewhere, but had no idea how to relate this to fanfiction...so came up with making it Alanna's mom while she went to the convent. And its my first one shot too...

This probably makes no sense. It did as i thought it, but not when i wrote it down...enjoy??

From the journal of Alianne of Oleaceae (eventually the Lady of Trebond and mother to Alanna and Thom) during her stay at the Mother of Mountains Convent when she was 15.

There is so much in the world that is out of our reach: riches beyond imagination, a gallant knight in shining armour, or power to make an everlasting mark on this world. But these fancies are only on the outside.

There is one wish deeper than them all. Something everyone wants, but what few dare to receive.

Freedom.

For some this is a part of everyday life, or so it seems, for liberty is a curious thing in that one may believe they are free, when they are not. But when one holds some types, such as being able to speak out, there is one left to be desired above all. This is

True independence.

Being able to withdraw one's self from the confines of society. To dress as you wish, without scorn.

But in order to have independence, one must have the courage. The valor to break away, and stay away.

They must have bravery beyond belief to endure the scorn of everyone in order to build a path for others to follow.

Those who dream about unreachables, only believe they are such because of what those around them say. If only were one person obstinate enough to defy all others and listen to their hearts and themselves alone, then truly anything can be possible.

Someday she will come. It was destined when the first seeds of independence were planted in history so many years ago. Many believe we have forgotten those who lived their lives in danger of scandalous gossip and injury alike. We will never forget those women.

They got their riches in the form of happiness; their daring knight was their own self. And their power came from the determination to prove themselves across the realm.

They were the Lady Knights of Tortall. And one day, they shall return.