Author's Note: Right, well, this is my first story posted- I'm very nervous. It might be a while before I upload the next chapter, because I'm not quite sure where I want the story to go. It hasn't been beta read, so I hope there aren't any major flaws. Please review, thanks.
Disclaimer (Thanks for reminding me, GinnyStar): I don't own any of the books, or the world. That's all Anne McCaffrey's. I don't get any money from this, I'm just writing for fun.
The beach was empty; the ocean sighed faintly as the young woman lying on the beach blinked her dark eyes groggily and slowly closed them in sleep. Her head fell back as her body relaxed. Strands of long, strawberry-blonde hair slipped from the netted snood.
She was wearing a violet bodice decorated at the edges with gold thread. Her skirts were white, decorated with gold as well. Her bodice was a rigid, stiff material, but her sleeves and skirts were soft cotton, flowing away from her body elegantly.
The sleeping woman, who was really hardly more than a girl, had gold bracelets on both of her wrists, and a beautiful jeweled necklace. However, the necklace was covered by a tiny gold firelizard, snoozing as peacefully as her partner. Hearing something, the little queen lifted her head slightly and looked around. She must not have perceived any danger, because with a small chirp, she fell back asleep.
So it is understandable that Dalohny, a local Holder, and his journeywoman wife Numuna, thought she was a Lord Holder's daughter. Thinking this, they were surprised to find her alone. The couple approached her cautiously. Dalohny bent down, tapping her on the shoulder tentatively.
She awoke with a start, skin flinching from the man's touch. Her sudden movement startled the queen. Eyes swirling red, she squawked indignantly and launched herself at the man.
"No, no, Kyarei, stop!" The woman was on her feet instantly, hands outstretched towards her attacking firelizard. Gold Kyarei, with a penitent chirp, returned to the woman's shoulders. Dalohny was too busy shielding his face, but Numuna noticed the woman's speech. Clear, too clear, as if she had deliberately erased any accent. A Harper? No, not a Harper. Numuna had grown up in Harper Hall. No one there was like this, so obviously drowning in riches. No, there was a story behind this. The woman spoke again.
"I apologize, sir," She stroked the little gold, "Kyarei here is so quick-tempered. Sometimes I just don't know what to do with her."
"It's fine," Numuna reassured her quickly. Dalohny glanced at her, and she gave him a quick, quieting look.
"What's your name?" Dalohny asked, unable to refrain from asking that one question.
"Leanin," The girl replied, after hesitating slightly, then continued, "And you?"
"This is Numuna, and I'm Dalohny. Holder of White Sand Hold." Dalohny just couldn't stay silent. He was a naturally talkative man, and her sudden appearance was prompting him to talk even more.
"White Sand Hold?" Leanin frowned a little. "I've never heard of it."
Not from around here, Numuna noted.
"We're just south of Ista, nothing big, just three or four other families." Despite his modest words, Dalohny was very proud of his little Hold.
"We eat a lot of fish. We're a fishing community, you see." Numuna added.
"Oh. A fishing community." Leanin smiled politely, but the couple could see that she was disinterested. Then she opened her mouth, to say something, before hesitating and appearing to have second thoughts. Finally, she asked, "How far are you from Ista?"
"Oh, a day's journey on a runner. Seeking to go there?" Dalohny asked, curious.
"Oh, well, I suppose."
"And new clothes. But I think you really should stay a day or two with us, for at least one or two days. You are obviously exhausted." Numuna told her sternly. Even if this Leanin wasn't such a mystery, she needed a little help. She seemed so alone.
The girl once again battled with herself, before finally giving in.
"If you wouldn't mind too much, that would be much appreciated."
There were, of course, many questions when they returned to White Sand Hold. But Numuna and Dalohny refused to explain anything until everyone was there except for Leanin. Then they explained the story, their suspicions, and everyone joined in.
On her part, Leanin was sitting in a bedroom upstairs. Kyarei was grooming herself daintily. But the young woman was lost in thought, a slight crease on her forehead and a slight frown on her pink lips. Then, suddenly, the shutters of the window flew open with a loud bang. Leanin shrieked, clutching Kyarei to her, and jumped away from the dark silhouette crouching at the window.