Hi guys! R&R as usual! Any ideas for future chapters welcomed! Please give me your feedback! Ask questions in the reviews and I'll reply in the next chapter! Alright let's start! This is going to be a Joren and Keladry pairing. Lots of fluff, a bit of plot, but not really. If anyone has plot ideas, review and I'll incorporate it.

Chapter 1: The Ordeal

Haha did you think I would forget the disclaimer?

DIsclaimer: I own nothing. Story, character, realm, and all other ideas from the book are property of Tamora Pierce or whoever owns the Protector of the small Quartet

Alright now we'll really get started!

Chapter 1: The Ordeal

He stood in front of the door, tracing the carved patterns with his eyes. The Chamber of the Ordeal stood in front of him, harsh and unforgiving. He had heard stories of those who had entered this very door and never returned. Those the chamber rejected, found dead just inside the chamber doors. Their eyes glazed and mouths open, screaming in agony. He had no control over what this chamber would do to him. No doubt he knew exactly what it was capable of. His mouth drew into a thin line. He had knew what would happen behind the Chamber's closed door would change his life. Either he would be knighted or dead. He could only pray that it would be the former.

Joren of Stone Mountain looked out the window to see sunlight peeking just above the horizon line. The world, still in the dregs of sleep, slowly began to brighten. As the edge of the sun crossed the horizon, Joren took in what may be his last look at his home, Tortall. The clock chimed, it's deep notes resonating through the castle. It was time. Raising his battle worn hands to the silver handle, a flash of hatred seeped through him. Hatred for the false security the chamber exuded to the squires, right before it would torture and kill them. Roughly, he grabbed the handle and yanked, striding in. The Chamber was large and barren, built of worn gray stone. The walls ran on, interrupted only by the intricately carved double doors through which he had entered. Around him, the chamber pulsed. His eyes slid closed in their own accord.

His Ordeal had begun.

Wind tickled his face as he opened his eyes. He was standing in the training court of the castle. Paired against him was Keladry of Mindelan. The practice begun and the two went through the drills, staffs clacking. Joren sneered at Keladry. A girl shouldn't be allowed in such a dangerous position. He was about to show her how vulnerable she really was when she sped up. Joren matched the speed with some difficulty, barely managing to avoid getting hurt. Keladry didn't break a sweat, speeding up still until she was a mere blur. Joren tried to back away but his legs wouldn't move. His hands slid on the staff clumsily and he couldn't block her hits.

"Now who's the one who can't handle training, Joren of Stone Mountain? Admit defeat or be killed on the battlefield." Keladry spoke, her hands speeding up still. Joren was taking hits now. He was injured and wouldn't last much longer. He had no choice but to submit to her, no matter how he despised it. He could not submit verbally, lest he be killed by the Ordeal. He had to submit physically. He forced his limbs to move, slowly lowering into a bow. The blows ceased almost immediately. Standing up, Joren turned to survey his surroundings. Suddenly he was roughly shoved up against a wall, a slap stinging across his cheek. Joren looked up, already knowing his attackers identity by the stench of alcohol that hit him. He was no longer on the training grounds but at home in his castle at Stone Mountain. His drunken father had him pinned to a wall, his mother sobbing behind him just out of Joren's line of sight. He didn't need to look to know his mother was sprawled on the ground, most likely nursing a wound.

"Shut up, Women!" His father roared. Turning back to Joren he smiled maliciously, a cruel glint in his eyes. He pulled out his belt as Joren readied himself for the thrashing. Knight training did nothing to protect him from his own father. The lashes rained down hard on Jorens body. Jorens didn't cry out, didn't shed a tear. He would not give his father the satisfaction. His mother's helpless sobs continued from behind his father as her only son was beaten black and blue. Joren stood still as stone, another layer of ice crawling up his frozen heart, hard from the many beatings he had received over the years.

"You are nothing. We never wanted you. It was your brother we wanted. You will never replace him. You will never be loved or wanted." His father whispered into his ear. Joren didn't flinch. Every time he was beaten his fathers told him those words. Every time he was beaten his mother stayed silent.

Suddenly the wall behind him dissolved, along with his mother and father. Joren turned into the pitch black darkness and ran.

The tunnel was dark and wet, though Joren took no notice as he ran through. He emerged one the other side on the observation deck of Balor's Needle. He was leaning against the railing as he looked out to see the breathtaking view of the city. Out of the corner of his eye, Joren saw movement and looked down. There was Keladry climbing down Balor's Needle from the outside stairs, alone. As he watched her figure in the distance, the steps under Keladry gave out. For a split second she met Joren's eyes with her own pleading chocolate orbs, arms outstretched. Keladry fell.

Joren dove of the observation deck. His weight brought him to Keladry quickly, falling faster than she. He reached out and pulled her into his embrace as they fell. Keladry's warm hands wrapped around his neck as they plummeted towards the stone courtyard neighboring the tower. Suddenly realization struck Joren as he neared the courtyard stones.

The Chamber meant to kill him, here and now.

He sent a prayer to the Chamber then, wrapping his arms tighter around Keladry's slim form

Tell her I love her. That I'm sorry.

The chamber rumbled in what seemed to be laughter. Joren was rightened, Keladry gone from his arms as he touched the ground in the Chamber. He stood alone as he heard the Chamber speak.

Tell her yourself

The doors opened to reveal his knight master. The crowd erupted with cheers as Joren staggered outside.

He had passed his ordeal.

Done! Tell me how you liked it! Next Chapter should be up soon, I have already started working on it! Hope you enjoyed! If you didn't, tell me why in the reviews! Thank you! Share with your friends. XP Tata for now!