Ok so here i am again! a Not so Original fic but i suppose every1 has 2 do one some time. Oh and this doesn't mean i abandoned a seers betrothal - just working on 2 for when i have writers block nd that. so neway here goes hope u enjoy it.

Chapter One - Beginnings

The girl stared at the letter in her hands, brows close together, purple eyes murderous. And she felt almost capable of it too. But she was alone, having been wisely left to read the parchment without company. The wind howling outside the window, beating at the huge grey building, seemed to match her mood. With a growl of frustration and anger she threw a vase across the room.

It helped to quench her anger and she felt a little guilty about breaking someone's craftwork. But not guilty enough to stop and clear the mess away before shrugging on dark breeches and shirt followed by a black coat and hood. Flaming hair was hidden by a scarf as she nimbly climbed down the creeper and began the familiar path to the City of the Gods itself.

A shout rang out, signalling that a guard had spotted her and she slipped into leafy branches, silently cursing. She knew she shouldn't let her anger get the better of her and though she knew controlling her temper wasn't one of her strong points, she'd have thought that after seven years at the convent she would be able to keep it hidden. It seemed some things could still get through her barriers and she cursed the news for being one of them.

Jumping from the tree to the wall was easy and she landed motionless, before leaping to the ground and continuing her journey. The rain poured down relentlessly and she supposed she was glad of it. It made staying hidden and easier feat but unfortunately seeped through to her skin almost making her shiver. But she didn't show discomfort. The years had drummed all shows of feeling out of her – except usually those of intense anger.

Upon reaching a fairly disreputable looking inn, she slipped inside, greeting a few drinkers shortly. They had all experienced her temper and didn't attempt to make conversation. She was displeased and grateful for this – it meant no unnecessary conversation but they could obviously tell she wasn't in the best of moods.

She made a quick sign to a dark haired man and he waved her through to a room behind the inn where she proceeded to thoroughly beat up a punch bag. Aware of someone joining her in the room, she gave no sign she had seen them, but continued making straw fly up around her small frame.

"You keep on like tha', there'll be nought left o' it when you finished." She turned to glare at the tall man behind her; purple and blue eyes locking. It was he who looked away first but she sank down onto the straw anyway with a sigh of frustration.

"I hate him! Sends Thom off to be a knight instead of becoming a Master or something, dumps me in that Godforsaken hell-hole, and then decides to do something about our status. Isn't the book of gold enough for crying out loud! It's not like we even need a connection with a more distinguished fief! If he weren't so stuck in his books and prejudices and…" The man let her continue her rant until the girl paused for breath before cutting in.

"What exactly has your father done?" He had known her long enough to understand the phrases she used to implicate someone and also knew her enough to follow her from the bar room. He wondered exactly what had happened now.

"He's betrothed me to an almost-duke that's what!" Her voice had risen, her muscles tightened, but now she slumped, tossing a crumpled letter into his lap with a flapping of the hand. Unnecessary words were almost never spoken anymore, unless in anger, and he knew to open it. His brow also furrowed as hers had and he laid a sympathetic hand on her arm.

"You never know. Maybe he's friends with your brother." She snorted derisively. "No-one's friends with Thom. No nobles anyway." The man sighed. "Or Alanna."

"What's that supposed to mean?" she asked, knowing full well what he had been suggesting. He raised his eyebrows, knowing she understood. She looked away. It was true. She had been quick to make enemies upon arriving at the convent, angry and disappointed. Their plans had been overheard and she had not got past cutting her hair before they were both forced towards different destinies.

The Mistresses had disliked and punished her, although she knew she had brought it on herself. She was rude, spoke out without being asked and only two girls had managed to begin to bridge her firm barriers. It wasn't that she had meant to lift them. It had been instinctive and she had found other friends among the thieves and one old scholar in the city. And it was possible to talk to Cythera and Lin. They were simply more wound up in their own friendship. Alanna couldn't blame them. She wasn't exactly forthcoming either.

Standing up with a sigh she turned to her friend. "I'm going to see Ennim. Might as well say good bye before I leave." She would bid the thieves outside farewell of course. But they needn't know how long she would be away. Ennim and the man beside her, a skilled thief named Amli, would be the only ones to truly understand. The old scholar who was like a father and the thief who was almost a half-brother. (only Thom could take the title of brother.)

The two shared a quick hug that lasted less than a minute – Alanna hated physical contact– and gripped arms. With a quick smile, a promise to meet again and an almost lost 'goodbye', she passed back into the barroom. Farewells were called, none knowing how important before she slipped out into the rain filled night.

Alanna had come to hate lots of things. The cold, the convent, no choice, most people. And one thing she also hated was Good-byes.

xxx

so....? Alanna is kinda nasty in this fic but its more interesting.

i wont reveal the pairings but its not A/J. Sorry those bore me nd i cant write them. 2 hard.

neway hope u review nd tell me what u think. 2nd chap should b up with this one. :-)