Disclaimer: I don't own Daja or Kirel or the setting…all Tamora Pierce!!

The Story of A Ball

Chapter One: Of Boredom, Dresses, and Bashful Thoughts 

Daja lay in bed looking at the ceiling.  She had been so bored lately; Tris, Briar and Sandry were still away enjoying their adventures while she was stuck all alone at Discipline with no friends.    What was she supposed to do with all her time?  Frostpine hadn't needed work done in the forge for ages, and her usual chores around the house didn't occupy much of her time. 

"Daja!" A voice called from in the kitchen interrupting her melancholy thoughts.  She quickly sprang out of bed ready for anything that could put any interest in her day whatsoever.  She ran down stairs to find Rosethorn and Lark beaming at her. 
            "What are you two so happy about?" Daja asked curiously.

"Well..." started Lark, "See there is this tradition in Winding Circle.  Every ten years we have a celebration ball! Isn't that exciting?!"

'Sure' thought Daja.  'I'm sure I'll have lots of fun at ball.  Sandry is the one who should be here, she's the pretty and flirtatious one.  Besides, even Tris would attract more attention than me in a dress.  Me and dresses just don't go.  I'm not pretty enough to wear them.' thought Daja sadly. 

Now, not only was this not true but it was completely of the mark.  Throughout the years Daja had matured quite nicely into a beautiful young lady.  But she failed to see this, only seeing the young undeveloped girl she used to know of eleven years old. 

"Aren't you excited?" asked Lark hesitantly. 

"Sure! It'll be a blast." said Daja putting on a show for Lark and Rosethorn so as not to worry them with her silly problems. 

"Well that settles it then," said Rosethorn matter-of-factly. 
            "Settles what?" asked Daja.

"Tomorrow we're going dress shopping!" exclaimed Lark.  "You don't have anything to wear! You can't arrive at a formal ball in pants!  You have to look exquisite.  Who knows? Maybe you'll attract the attention of a certain special someone." 

Daja shrugged, sure that no one would be the slightest bit interested in her.  But as she thought this a flicker of a tall blond image formed in her head, and she blushed at the thought.  But no, she didn't have a chance.  All the girls were after him…why would he ever look at her when he could have anyone. 

A/N: There you have it! The first chapter! Review please! They make me happy and inspire me to write! The more you review the faster I write! P.S….can any one tell me what Kirel looks like? I forget…so just let me know (that's who Daja was thinking bout in case you couldn't tell from my summery…lol)