Author's Note:  This is my first Alanna fic.  Please read and respond.  I hope to continue this story.  Thanks.

Julie

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"Why is she not here yet?"  Thom of Trebond paced his quarters.  His old friend and mentor Myles of Olau sat on the bed across from him.  "She knows how important this is."

"Just because she missed the ordeal doesn't mean she isn't coming."  Myles smiled lightly and rubbed his chin.  "When I last met with your sister in the southern Desert, she was preparing to come to see you.  That was weeks ago."

"I know."  Thom sighed and rubbed his purple eyes.  "I know Alanna will come.  She always does.  I am just worried.  This is her first visit to Corus.  She had traveled the world and yet there is no way to prepare her for the Tortallan court."

Suddenly as a knock sounded on Thom's door, the two men looked up.  Myles pushed his friend down and went to open the door.  A figure cloaked in a black burnoose swept into the room.  Myles closed and locked the door.  Finally the figure let its hood slip from their head.

"What's wrong dear brother, you look pale."  The figure a woman, laughed and slipped off her cloak.  The young woman was short but stocky, as if she hadn't been originally built for the job she now fulfilled.  IT was if she had worked hard to get where she was.

Alanna was a beautiful woman.  She had shiny copper hair that hung in natural waves down her back, just passed her shoulders.  Bright purple eyes and sharp lines accented her heart shaped face.  Her body and face expressions showed she was full of laughter, but always aware of what went on around her.  Thom's twin sister was sight to herself.

"Alanna."  Thom sighed with relief and swept his sister up into his arms.  He was taller then her by only an inch.  The twins were identical, but if one looked, one could notice differences that had not been there just a few years before.

Myles stood aside as the two embraced and quickly caught up on lost time.  Finally Thom moved away and Myles smiled at the young woman.

"Alanna of Trebond and Olau.  Shang Lioness.  It is an honor to be in your presence again."  He bowed low, and Alanna giggled.

"Stop Myles, you shall make me too red to entertain Thom's friends."

Thom had stood by, confused.  "Olau?"

"Forgive us Thom.  Or rather, just me.  Alanna threatened me to keep my mouth shut until she arrived."

"What?"

"When Myles came to see me at Bloody Hawk."  Thom noticed Alanna smile proudly as she mentioned her adopted Bahzir Tribe.  He would ask her later.  "He asked if I would become his heir, as he had none.  How could I refuse?"  Alanna grinned at her adoptive father.

Before Thom could give his blessing and congratulations, Timon, Duke Garth's manservant appeared and told them Lord Thom was requested in the great hall.  After all, he still had to be officially knighted.

Alanna kissed her brother and father on the cheeks and promised to join them soon.  The two men shook their heads.  No matter how much time Alanna spent in the dirt and grim of the road, she never could go long without a hot bath.

TBC

Reviews Please.  This is my first Alanna fic.  Thanks

Julie