***A/N: All right, bear with me. This plot line is so used it's like a soggy Kleenex – but for my first Alanna fic, I wanted to try putting my own spin on it. Also, I'm not sure how to use italics, or separate paragraphs – so bear with me 'till I get the format right, 'kay? And the first chapter isn't my favorite, so…erm…they get better. ^^;;***
Chapter 1: The Convent
Alanna's eyes blazed with a mixture of anger, frustration, and disappointment at her twin. Hiding behind this façade of emotions was a real feeling of helplessness; Thom was something she couldn't control, and if he refused to take part in her plan, getting it to succeed would be impossible.
"Thom. You'd learn sorcery, I'd learn swordplay. It all works out!"
"Alanna…this plan doesn't seem very…well, well-thought-out. Careful plotting isn't exactly part of your nature, you know. Dearest twin," Thom added with a cringe at his sister's anger, anxiously running a hand through his short, red hair.
"You're being selfish, Thom," she snapped back, placing her hands fiercely on her hips. In her impassioned speech moments before, her longer red hair had loosed itself from the leather thong she kept it in, framing her face with flames. "If you go to Corus – you'll still have a chance to learn what you want to know. Maybe not as in-depth as if you went to the convent, but well, you'd get around to it. I have no chance at what I want if I go there." Alanna was assuming that the Palace would have some sort of Gift class.
Her twin couldn't hide a cringe. Alanna had picked out very well his innermost thoughts, and he flushed. "No matter the case. Your plan would never work, however you state it. Father would likely disown us, if he found out. He's going to realize something's amiss when he starts hearing about his twin boys. It's implausible, Alanna. Our father may be absent-minded, but he is far from an imbecile."
A heavy silence descended between the two. Alanna's violet eyes blazed with fury, before subsiding.
"I know I can't change your mind, Thom." Inwardly she choked back a sob at her chance to become a knight, lost forever. "But let's not leave on bad terms." Keeping her eyes wide open, in an attempt to avoid looking as upset as she inwardly felt, Alanna plastered on a smile, and held her arms wide.
Thom released his stony countenance, and grinned with relief, wrapping his twin in a tight hug. "We should both get dressed, and say our good-byes." Alanna nodded silently, and the two headed towards their rooms, separated only by a brief stretch of hallway.
* * * * * * * *
Alanna, in her room, moodily tugged on her long, fiery red hair. Maude had advised her to wear a dress, since she was destined for the Convent. Might as well get used to it. No more running wild for me. In a strange way, as Alanna opened her drawers and pulled out a serviceable dress made from durable, dark purple fabric, she felt as if she was stepping into adulthood. So this is it, then. I'm not going to be a knight. I'm going to be a lady. The vicious, unrelenting thoughts raced through her head as she pulled on the dress, and tightened the sash. Tossing the thong that had formerly held her curls confined aside, Alanna tucked it back behind her ears.
She stared at the girl-child in the mirror, and grimaced; but made a silent vow to herself. I may have to be a lady, but I won't be useless. For the moment, Alanna determinedly ignored the fact that this might very well involve utilizing her Gift. Her father's words about it not saving her mother had made much more of an impact on her than they apparently had on Thom. Tugging on brown leather boots, Alanna of Trebond grabbed her bags, and cracked open the door to her room. She stepped into the hallway, nodded to her twin, who was waiting impatiently, and prepared herself to say good-bye to her father.
* * * * * * * *
The Lord of Trebond looked up from his scrolls, dimly acknowledging that the two in front of him were, indeed, his children. "Ah, yes. Well; Alanna and Thom, I wish you well. I expect letters, and I expect no complaints of your progress." And with that, he bowed his head, eyes returning to the text in front of him. For a moment, the four assembled (Coram, Maude, Alanna, and Thom) waited, as if expecting more. But when it became clear that this was their farewell, Maude and Coram ushered the twins out.
Here, in the courtyard, Thom and Alanna said their numb good-byes: Alanna to Coram and Thom, and Thom to Maude and Alanna.
"Lass – I know y'had yer heart set on bein' a warrior, but there're other ways to make a difference asides wieldin' a sword," Coram told Alanna, before wrapping her in a bear hug. "Be sure to write me an' Thom! I'll tell ya all about his dismal progress." The old soldier wore a broad grin, and Alanna sniffled. "Thanks, Coram."
The twins had already said their good-byes, so settled for a last tight hug, and several promises to write. As five horses (an extra for the guard who would be accompanying Alanna and Maude) were led into the courtyard, Alanna watched as Thom attempted to mount, failing several times, the final fail ending with him cursing on the flagstone-covered ground. Hiding a grin behind her hand, Alanna watched as Coram, immensely peeved, dismounted to help her twin up. The two grabbed for their horses' reins (Thom's more of a grapple, actually) before heading up the road that led to Corus, waving at Maude and Alanna quickly, before turning to face the road ahead. The twin left behind felt her heart contract briefly, and realized this would be the last she'd see of her twin for six years or so, most likely.
Alanna quickly turned to face her own horse, burying her face in its mane briefly, before putting her left foot in the stirrup, and throwing her right leg over the saddle. On top of her horse, she heard a few cluck-cluckings from Maude. "You're going to the Convent, Alanna, and you're wearing a dress; they'll be no more of riding like that." Maude approached the girl she had come to view as some sort of a daughter, and showed an extremely reluctant Alanna how to ride sidesaddle. Minutes later, they were taking their own road out of Trebond.
An hour or so later, Alanna's back was starting to ache abominably from the uncomfortable position, but she endured it without any comment. For the third time, she tried to strike up conversation with the guard, who had many times indulged her with contests at archery when he was off-duty, although the result never varied: Alanna always lost. For the third time, she failed. Frustrated, Alanna spurred her horse to move up next to Maude's, grouchily demanding of her long-time caretaker, "Why isn't he responding to me?"
Maude sighed, before giving her her answer. "Alanna. You're no longer a child who can be best friends with all the soldiers; you're now a girl on her way to becoming a woman. You're moving on to things besides running wild and shooting arrows and learning how to fight from Coram." Alanna gritted her teeth while Maude shook her head and pushed her horse forward again. This's going to be harder for me than becoming a knight, she grumbled to herself, turning sullen eyes on the road ahead: it was markedly barren and dreary. Much like my life here's like to be, Alanna grumbled to herself. I'll go insane looking at this landscape day after day. Mithros, how could Thom have wanted to go here?
* * * * * * * *
Alanna's horse stopped abruptly, knocking her out of her melancholy thoughts and forward into the present. "Straighten your back, Alanna," said Maude stiffly. "We're approaching the City of the Gods." Alanna's eyes snapped up to view the great gates, looming tall and impenetrable. Guards were on duty everywhere, but there was only one to let them into the city. He was a warrior-priest; stiff and stern, she shouted to the guards manning the gates, and the walls were parted, allowing her and Maude to enter. It was at this point that their guard gave a sharp nod, obviously intending to wait outside until Maude had settled Alanna in, before leaving to go back to Trebond.
"To the Convent of the Daughters of the Goddess," Maude said to the guard promptly. "Alanna of Trebond and guide, Maude." The warrior-priest gave a sharp nod, before taking them to the front of the Convent. He turned to the right, and led them off to a stable, where Maude and Alanna dismounted, turning over their mounts in turn to the boy taking care of such things. Alanna, curious, was about to ask him if there were any prime warhorses hiding in the back, but received a firm 'No' from Maude in the form of a headshake. The guard turned about smartly, before leading to the Convent gates once more, and this time they were allowed in.
The corridors were so white, and clean – stark of any distracting color, aside from a few religious works of the gods and goddesses. Swallowing the knot materializing in her throat, Alanna straightened her back as the guard turned them over to a dedicate, who took them down the main hallway, supposedly to the First Daughter. Her hunch was proved right moments later, when they appeared in front of a stern-looking women, dressed in a simple, plain dress, standing imperiously in front of them. "I," she stated, her voice proving to be a delicate alto, "am First Daughter Undilia the Fourth, but you will call me First Daughter, and nothing else."
Alanna gave a mute nod.
"Your caretaker may be dismissed, now; I will give you a moment to say your good-byes, and then you will be shown the rest of the Convent, and given a class schedule and mentor." The First Daughter then called the dedicate who had led them in forward, and began to speak to her in hushed tones. Alanna took this as a sign that now was the time to say farewell to Maude. Something lodged in her throat, and this time, she was unable to dissolve it.
"Maude?" she croaked out, before moving forward to embrace the woman in a deep hug.
"Thom came to me shortly your disagreement, asking me if he had done the right thing. I Saw with him in the fire – he used his power to aid mine. I didn't find, perhaps, the answer he was looking for; but I did find out that you are destined for great things, Alanna, even on this path. Keep in mind what Coram said," she ended, referring to when Coram had commented that being a warrior was not the only way to affect the world. The two said no more, and Maude was quietly led out the door. Alanna felt utterly alone.
"Now, Alanna of Trebond," said the First Daughter, looking up suddenly. "Sister Emera will show you around, and tell you what you'll be expected to do here, give you your course schedule, and leave you to meet your new roommates – it is nearing the end of the dinner hour now, and they will have already eaten and most likely be idle in their rooms." With a dismissive wave, First Daughter Undilia IV indicated that the tour was to begin.
As Sister Emera led her through the right corridor of the Convent, Alanna felt nervousness hang low in her stomach. At the first door, the Sister began to conversationally inform Alanna of what was to take place at her stay in the Convent. "Well, now; you're eleven, and in your first year. We don't have ranks, as they do at the palace – we differentiate age and position by years. For the first here year, you will take eight classes: prayer (which is more of a period to pray, rather than a class – but you'll often be taught about more minor gods in certain areas of Tortall), sewing, basic manners and etiquette, basic math, reading and writing, history, varied arts (which you will be taken out of if you prove to have little talent or inclination, have no fear!), and then a blank period if you don't have the Gift – but, ah, I see you do, so you'll have magic in that space.
"Next year, the classes change slightly – you'll drop basic math, for instance, and gain another etiquette period. This year, you have a single trip to Corus, where you'll stay at the palace for a week. Next year, there are more trips, to different locales. After your fifth year here, when you will be sixteen, you will be given two years of Court time, assigned a family in Court (or your own, if it suits you); you will still, however, have to complete the Convent's assignments. When you are eighteen, you are released from the Convent's care; most choose, however, to put themselves on the marriage market, and they ascend that stage; you'll learn more about that in your seventh year, though, no need to dally on it now. Ah, yes, here is your room; room number twenty-three. Before you go in, it's been a pleasure to meet you – I'll be your sewing teacher."
Alanna, realizing she would have further contact with Sister Emera, scrutinized her briefly – she had a plump, eager face, and wispy, light blonde hair, from what she could tell. She gave a mute nod to Sister Emera, who opened the door. Two girls were sitting there, talking casually and easily. Two sharp claps got their attention, which were followed by the Sister introducing Alanna: "You two," she said with fondness, "pay attention. This is the fourth addition to your room – Alanna of Trebond. I expect you to treat her well. Now; who would like to be her mentor?" A brief pause of a few moments, and a taller, brown-haired girl, who wasn't outstanding-looking, but not plain, raised a hand. "I'll do it, Sister Emera, since Lamia isn't here right now," she said simply. Sister Emera gave a smile and a nod, before taking her leave, and leaving Alanna alone with the two girls.
The younger girl, who had long, raggedy dark brown hair that reached the small of her back, and a pale, oval face, set with blue eyes, was the first to speak, grinning genuinely. "So you're our fourth? Well, I know there's only two of us here," she hastened to explain, "but the third, Lamia of Viscont, is out at the moment. She'll be back at lights-out; we only have prayer after this, and then it's to bed." A pause, before the girl continued. "You're lucky; when I got here I came at the start of the day – my fief isn't very far away – and I had to sit through all the classes, not knowing what anyone was talking about. Oh! I've only been here a week, though – a first year like you, that's why I couldn't be your mentor – and I'm Jessaemitte, or Jess for short. Jess-AYE-mitt," she pronounced clearly, "of Deris. We're near Corus, on the landside side. Jess, remember?"
Alanna was a bit startled by this long-winded greeting, but recognizing a genuine offer of friendship, she silently accepted it with a smile. After all, better to be in this godsawful place with friends, rather than alone.
"Don't mind Jess – she's big on talking. I'm Mettrinne, of no particular fief. Just a merchant's daughter. My father's hoping to get some noble blood in our veins through Court," she said wryly. "Mettrinne or Mett – either's fine. I'm second year, which's why I'm allowed to be your mentor and Jess' not. Lamia's a bit rough around the edges, slightly rude, but she's fairly easy to get used to. Now tell us about your past, Alanna of Trebond."
Alanna paused. "Well…I'm from Trebond; as you know, and I've a twin brother by the name of Thom. He should be at Corus now. He's terrible at swordplay," she said with a wicked grin, fondly imagining how out-of-his-element Thom would be, before remembering what it was exactly that Thom was learning. "Then again," she said, "I'm just as bad at this," Alanna ended with a vague hand gesture.
Mett flapped a hand dismissively. "No matter; you've five whole years to learn to be better, and the trips are really worth it. The general routine is hard, but we learn as much about history, reading and writing, and even manners as the boys at the Palace do. You get equestrian lessons in third year; sport-hunting, too. And Jess' right, prayers is easy, and you should have nothing to worry about tonight, at least. In fact, we've got about ten minutes until it starts…" Mettrinne trailed off, piling a few books into her bag. "Oh; well, you have prayers. I have reading and writing. Sister Punlen is strict, so I don't want to chance being late." The brown-haired girl slipped off her bunk, hoisted the bag on her shoulders, and headed out the door.
Alone with Jess, Alanna dared to ask a last question: "How are…the Gift classes?" A shiver of nervousness mingled with light fear ran through her body. She feared her Gift, no mistaking that. Fighting's more noble, anyway. The Gift is…cheating. A small voice whispered at the back of her head, Fighting is closed to you now. Might the Gift be that other way to make a difference that Coram was talking about? Alanna ruthlessly brushed it aside, and waited for Jess to reply.
"Oh. Well, neither Mett nor I have the Gift – we have a free period. Lamia, though, has some Gift. You could ask her before lights-out. And don't worry, I'll let you share my prayers book," Jess added with a broad grin. Squinting at Alanna's face, the Derisian girl's blue eyes widened. "Purple eyes? Don't see that much. Anyway, don't worry about books – by tomorrow morning, the Sisters will have sent over all your books and a carry-bag for them, too." For emphasis, Jess displayed her own, and pushed a book in. "C'mon. Let's go – Mett was right, don't want to be late! Sister Yvennimina's teaching; she won't give you extra chores for being late. Still…we should definitely be there on time."
Trepidation filling her bowels, Alanna trailed after Jess through the many hallways, the other girl pointing out where their various classes would be. Prayers class was easy, as Alanna soon found out – they had five minutes of read prayer, ten minutes of silent prayer, and the rest of the hour was spent with learning about Carthaki gods and goddesses; then the Sister in charge of it assigned a report due in a week's time. Alanna was assigned the Hag, one of the Emperor's favorite deities, and one of the more prominent local favorites. Jess was blessed with a naval god she had never heard of – named Pensur, apparently. The two came out tired – Alanna from her ride, and Jess, it would seem, from the lesson.
"Honestly. Usually prayers is so much easier. Ah, well; at least you got off fairly well. They have a large section on the Hag in here –" accordingly, Jessaemitte held up a book (evidently the course book), titled Gods and Goddesses, " – but I can't remember seeing anything about Pensur when I glanced over the table of contents…"
Alanna, unsure why Jess' voice was fading, turned to see a larger girl (though not an unattractive one – she had jet black hair, although it was matched by a more tanned complexion that one normally saw on noble girls, and mocha eyes) striding down the hall. Nimbly, she picked up Jess' Gods and Goddesses book with her free hand, and stuffed it in her own bag. "I lost mine this morning – thanks for replacing it!" she said with false cheer. Alanna's temper flared, but as she made to go after the girl, she felt a restraining hand.
"Don't, Alanna. That's Imurah; she's of the Copper Isles. Low nobility; her parents sent her here to give her experience abroad. She's a third year. Always…bosses…us around, but don't pick a fight with her. The last girl who tried was a third year, as well, and ended up with a broken nose." Jess sighed, reluctantly announcing what she'd have to do: "I'll just ask Mother Superior for another."
Alanna sensed there was something more, and gripped Jess' shoulder. "You'll get punished for it, won't you?" she asked shrewdly, violet eyes narrowing. She gritted her teeth, as the emotions in the other girl's eyes confirmed her guess. Imurah of the Copper Isles, she thought, outwardly appearing to acquiesce to fate, and following Jess back to their room. I will remember that name.
Before entering, Jess begged Alanna not to mention losing her book, and she reluctantly agreed. If she were in Jess' place, she forced herself to realize, she would ask the same of Jess. As the door creaked open, Alanna saw Mett already on her bed, legs curled and light green eyes scanning a page. There was another figure in the room – a blonde-haired, hazel-eyed girl who looked to be around Mett's age sitting on the bottom bunk; underneath Mett. The girl grunted briefly, but Alanna rallied enough for a brief introduction. "Alanna of Trebond. Lamia of Viscont?" The girl (presumably Lamia) grunted once more, but she received silent nods from Mett and Jess confirming this fact. Jess pointed out the top bunk of the other bed as Alanna's; evidently hers was underneath.
With Mett and Lamia busy, and Jess standing firm on the fact that she had no work remaining for today, Alanna talked quietly with the Derisian noble until Sister Emera, whom Alanna had found out was in charge of their dorm room, came in to turn off lights. As Alanna's surroundings plunged into darkness, and the adrenaline of the day wore off, she slipped into more melancholy thoughts. Thom's probably learning the layout of the palace – he'll get fighting and riding lessons tomorrow, no doubt. While I get my first sewing lessons. Her stomach plummeted at the thought, but she resolved herself to Coram's earlier words; this wasn't the end of her aspirations. I can make this the start, if I want. A grunt from Jess below reminded her of something else: I have friends, here. Unbidden, Imurah of the Copper Isles flashed through her mind. And enemies; although enemy's too strong a word for her, Alanna dismissed it, turning over on her side. Someone to watch out for – now that's more appropriate.
Chapter 1: The Convent
Alanna's eyes blazed with a mixture of anger, frustration, and disappointment at her twin. Hiding behind this façade of emotions was a real feeling of helplessness; Thom was something she couldn't control, and if he refused to take part in her plan, getting it to succeed would be impossible.
"Thom. You'd learn sorcery, I'd learn swordplay. It all works out!"
"Alanna…this plan doesn't seem very…well, well-thought-out. Careful plotting isn't exactly part of your nature, you know. Dearest twin," Thom added with a cringe at his sister's anger, anxiously running a hand through his short, red hair.
"You're being selfish, Thom," she snapped back, placing her hands fiercely on her hips. In her impassioned speech moments before, her longer red hair had loosed itself from the leather thong she kept it in, framing her face with flames. "If you go to Corus – you'll still have a chance to learn what you want to know. Maybe not as in-depth as if you went to the convent, but well, you'd get around to it. I have no chance at what I want if I go there." Alanna was assuming that the Palace would have some sort of Gift class.
Her twin couldn't hide a cringe. Alanna had picked out very well his innermost thoughts, and he flushed. "No matter the case. Your plan would never work, however you state it. Father would likely disown us, if he found out. He's going to realize something's amiss when he starts hearing about his twin boys. It's implausible, Alanna. Our father may be absent-minded, but he is far from an imbecile."
A heavy silence descended between the two. Alanna's violet eyes blazed with fury, before subsiding.
"I know I can't change your mind, Thom." Inwardly she choked back a sob at her chance to become a knight, lost forever. "But let's not leave on bad terms." Keeping her eyes wide open, in an attempt to avoid looking as upset as she inwardly felt, Alanna plastered on a smile, and held her arms wide.
Thom released his stony countenance, and grinned with relief, wrapping his twin in a tight hug. "We should both get dressed, and say our good-byes." Alanna nodded silently, and the two headed towards their rooms, separated only by a brief stretch of hallway.
* * * * * * * *
Alanna, in her room, moodily tugged on her long, fiery red hair. Maude had advised her to wear a dress, since she was destined for the Convent. Might as well get used to it. No more running wild for me. In a strange way, as Alanna opened her drawers and pulled out a serviceable dress made from durable, dark purple fabric, she felt as if she was stepping into adulthood. So this is it, then. I'm not going to be a knight. I'm going to be a lady. The vicious, unrelenting thoughts raced through her head as she pulled on the dress, and tightened the sash. Tossing the thong that had formerly held her curls confined aside, Alanna tucked it back behind her ears.
She stared at the girl-child in the mirror, and grimaced; but made a silent vow to herself. I may have to be a lady, but I won't be useless. For the moment, Alanna determinedly ignored the fact that this might very well involve utilizing her Gift. Her father's words about it not saving her mother had made much more of an impact on her than they apparently had on Thom. Tugging on brown leather boots, Alanna of Trebond grabbed her bags, and cracked open the door to her room. She stepped into the hallway, nodded to her twin, who was waiting impatiently, and prepared herself to say good-bye to her father.
* * * * * * * *
The Lord of Trebond looked up from his scrolls, dimly acknowledging that the two in front of him were, indeed, his children. "Ah, yes. Well; Alanna and Thom, I wish you well. I expect letters, and I expect no complaints of your progress." And with that, he bowed his head, eyes returning to the text in front of him. For a moment, the four assembled (Coram, Maude, Alanna, and Thom) waited, as if expecting more. But when it became clear that this was their farewell, Maude and Coram ushered the twins out.
Here, in the courtyard, Thom and Alanna said their numb good-byes: Alanna to Coram and Thom, and Thom to Maude and Alanna.
"Lass – I know y'had yer heart set on bein' a warrior, but there're other ways to make a difference asides wieldin' a sword," Coram told Alanna, before wrapping her in a bear hug. "Be sure to write me an' Thom! I'll tell ya all about his dismal progress." The old soldier wore a broad grin, and Alanna sniffled. "Thanks, Coram."
The twins had already said their good-byes, so settled for a last tight hug, and several promises to write. As five horses (an extra for the guard who would be accompanying Alanna and Maude) were led into the courtyard, Alanna watched as Thom attempted to mount, failing several times, the final fail ending with him cursing on the flagstone-covered ground. Hiding a grin behind her hand, Alanna watched as Coram, immensely peeved, dismounted to help her twin up. The two grabbed for their horses' reins (Thom's more of a grapple, actually) before heading up the road that led to Corus, waving at Maude and Alanna quickly, before turning to face the road ahead. The twin left behind felt her heart contract briefly, and realized this would be the last she'd see of her twin for six years or so, most likely.
Alanna quickly turned to face her own horse, burying her face in its mane briefly, before putting her left foot in the stirrup, and throwing her right leg over the saddle. On top of her horse, she heard a few cluck-cluckings from Maude. "You're going to the Convent, Alanna, and you're wearing a dress; they'll be no more of riding like that." Maude approached the girl she had come to view as some sort of a daughter, and showed an extremely reluctant Alanna how to ride sidesaddle. Minutes later, they were taking their own road out of Trebond.
An hour or so later, Alanna's back was starting to ache abominably from the uncomfortable position, but she endured it without any comment. For the third time, she tried to strike up conversation with the guard, who had many times indulged her with contests at archery when he was off-duty, although the result never varied: Alanna always lost. For the third time, she failed. Frustrated, Alanna spurred her horse to move up next to Maude's, grouchily demanding of her long-time caretaker, "Why isn't he responding to me?"
Maude sighed, before giving her her answer. "Alanna. You're no longer a child who can be best friends with all the soldiers; you're now a girl on her way to becoming a woman. You're moving on to things besides running wild and shooting arrows and learning how to fight from Coram." Alanna gritted her teeth while Maude shook her head and pushed her horse forward again. This's going to be harder for me than becoming a knight, she grumbled to herself, turning sullen eyes on the road ahead: it was markedly barren and dreary. Much like my life here's like to be, Alanna grumbled to herself. I'll go insane looking at this landscape day after day. Mithros, how could Thom have wanted to go here?
* * * * * * * *
Alanna's horse stopped abruptly, knocking her out of her melancholy thoughts and forward into the present. "Straighten your back, Alanna," said Maude stiffly. "We're approaching the City of the Gods." Alanna's eyes snapped up to view the great gates, looming tall and impenetrable. Guards were on duty everywhere, but there was only one to let them into the city. He was a warrior-priest; stiff and stern, she shouted to the guards manning the gates, and the walls were parted, allowing her and Maude to enter. It was at this point that their guard gave a sharp nod, obviously intending to wait outside until Maude had settled Alanna in, before leaving to go back to Trebond.
"To the Convent of the Daughters of the Goddess," Maude said to the guard promptly. "Alanna of Trebond and guide, Maude." The warrior-priest gave a sharp nod, before taking them to the front of the Convent. He turned to the right, and led them off to a stable, where Maude and Alanna dismounted, turning over their mounts in turn to the boy taking care of such things. Alanna, curious, was about to ask him if there were any prime warhorses hiding in the back, but received a firm 'No' from Maude in the form of a headshake. The guard turned about smartly, before leading to the Convent gates once more, and this time they were allowed in.
The corridors were so white, and clean – stark of any distracting color, aside from a few religious works of the gods and goddesses. Swallowing the knot materializing in her throat, Alanna straightened her back as the guard turned them over to a dedicate, who took them down the main hallway, supposedly to the First Daughter. Her hunch was proved right moments later, when they appeared in front of a stern-looking women, dressed in a simple, plain dress, standing imperiously in front of them. "I," she stated, her voice proving to be a delicate alto, "am First Daughter Undilia the Fourth, but you will call me First Daughter, and nothing else."
Alanna gave a mute nod.
"Your caretaker may be dismissed, now; I will give you a moment to say your good-byes, and then you will be shown the rest of the Convent, and given a class schedule and mentor." The First Daughter then called the dedicate who had led them in forward, and began to speak to her in hushed tones. Alanna took this as a sign that now was the time to say farewell to Maude. Something lodged in her throat, and this time, she was unable to dissolve it.
"Maude?" she croaked out, before moving forward to embrace the woman in a deep hug.
"Thom came to me shortly your disagreement, asking me if he had done the right thing. I Saw with him in the fire – he used his power to aid mine. I didn't find, perhaps, the answer he was looking for; but I did find out that you are destined for great things, Alanna, even on this path. Keep in mind what Coram said," she ended, referring to when Coram had commented that being a warrior was not the only way to affect the world. The two said no more, and Maude was quietly led out the door. Alanna felt utterly alone.
"Now, Alanna of Trebond," said the First Daughter, looking up suddenly. "Sister Emera will show you around, and tell you what you'll be expected to do here, give you your course schedule, and leave you to meet your new roommates – it is nearing the end of the dinner hour now, and they will have already eaten and most likely be idle in their rooms." With a dismissive wave, First Daughter Undilia IV indicated that the tour was to begin.
As Sister Emera led her through the right corridor of the Convent, Alanna felt nervousness hang low in her stomach. At the first door, the Sister began to conversationally inform Alanna of what was to take place at her stay in the Convent. "Well, now; you're eleven, and in your first year. We don't have ranks, as they do at the palace – we differentiate age and position by years. For the first here year, you will take eight classes: prayer (which is more of a period to pray, rather than a class – but you'll often be taught about more minor gods in certain areas of Tortall), sewing, basic manners and etiquette, basic math, reading and writing, history, varied arts (which you will be taken out of if you prove to have little talent or inclination, have no fear!), and then a blank period if you don't have the Gift – but, ah, I see you do, so you'll have magic in that space.
"Next year, the classes change slightly – you'll drop basic math, for instance, and gain another etiquette period. This year, you have a single trip to Corus, where you'll stay at the palace for a week. Next year, there are more trips, to different locales. After your fifth year here, when you will be sixteen, you will be given two years of Court time, assigned a family in Court (or your own, if it suits you); you will still, however, have to complete the Convent's assignments. When you are eighteen, you are released from the Convent's care; most choose, however, to put themselves on the marriage market, and they ascend that stage; you'll learn more about that in your seventh year, though, no need to dally on it now. Ah, yes, here is your room; room number twenty-three. Before you go in, it's been a pleasure to meet you – I'll be your sewing teacher."
Alanna, realizing she would have further contact with Sister Emera, scrutinized her briefly – she had a plump, eager face, and wispy, light blonde hair, from what she could tell. She gave a mute nod to Sister Emera, who opened the door. Two girls were sitting there, talking casually and easily. Two sharp claps got their attention, which were followed by the Sister introducing Alanna: "You two," she said with fondness, "pay attention. This is the fourth addition to your room – Alanna of Trebond. I expect you to treat her well. Now; who would like to be her mentor?" A brief pause of a few moments, and a taller, brown-haired girl, who wasn't outstanding-looking, but not plain, raised a hand. "I'll do it, Sister Emera, since Lamia isn't here right now," she said simply. Sister Emera gave a smile and a nod, before taking her leave, and leaving Alanna alone with the two girls.
The younger girl, who had long, raggedy dark brown hair that reached the small of her back, and a pale, oval face, set with blue eyes, was the first to speak, grinning genuinely. "So you're our fourth? Well, I know there's only two of us here," she hastened to explain, "but the third, Lamia of Viscont, is out at the moment. She'll be back at lights-out; we only have prayer after this, and then it's to bed." A pause, before the girl continued. "You're lucky; when I got here I came at the start of the day – my fief isn't very far away – and I had to sit through all the classes, not knowing what anyone was talking about. Oh! I've only been here a week, though – a first year like you, that's why I couldn't be your mentor – and I'm Jessaemitte, or Jess for short. Jess-AYE-mitt," she pronounced clearly, "of Deris. We're near Corus, on the landside side. Jess, remember?"
Alanna was a bit startled by this long-winded greeting, but recognizing a genuine offer of friendship, she silently accepted it with a smile. After all, better to be in this godsawful place with friends, rather than alone.
"Don't mind Jess – she's big on talking. I'm Mettrinne, of no particular fief. Just a merchant's daughter. My father's hoping to get some noble blood in our veins through Court," she said wryly. "Mettrinne or Mett – either's fine. I'm second year, which's why I'm allowed to be your mentor and Jess' not. Lamia's a bit rough around the edges, slightly rude, but she's fairly easy to get used to. Now tell us about your past, Alanna of Trebond."
Alanna paused. "Well…I'm from Trebond; as you know, and I've a twin brother by the name of Thom. He should be at Corus now. He's terrible at swordplay," she said with a wicked grin, fondly imagining how out-of-his-element Thom would be, before remembering what it was exactly that Thom was learning. "Then again," she said, "I'm just as bad at this," Alanna ended with a vague hand gesture.
Mett flapped a hand dismissively. "No matter; you've five whole years to learn to be better, and the trips are really worth it. The general routine is hard, but we learn as much about history, reading and writing, and even manners as the boys at the Palace do. You get equestrian lessons in third year; sport-hunting, too. And Jess' right, prayers is easy, and you should have nothing to worry about tonight, at least. In fact, we've got about ten minutes until it starts…" Mettrinne trailed off, piling a few books into her bag. "Oh; well, you have prayers. I have reading and writing. Sister Punlen is strict, so I don't want to chance being late." The brown-haired girl slipped off her bunk, hoisted the bag on her shoulders, and headed out the door.
Alone with Jess, Alanna dared to ask a last question: "How are…the Gift classes?" A shiver of nervousness mingled with light fear ran through her body. She feared her Gift, no mistaking that. Fighting's more noble, anyway. The Gift is…cheating. A small voice whispered at the back of her head, Fighting is closed to you now. Might the Gift be that other way to make a difference that Coram was talking about? Alanna ruthlessly brushed it aside, and waited for Jess to reply.
"Oh. Well, neither Mett nor I have the Gift – we have a free period. Lamia, though, has some Gift. You could ask her before lights-out. And don't worry, I'll let you share my prayers book," Jess added with a broad grin. Squinting at Alanna's face, the Derisian girl's blue eyes widened. "Purple eyes? Don't see that much. Anyway, don't worry about books – by tomorrow morning, the Sisters will have sent over all your books and a carry-bag for them, too." For emphasis, Jess displayed her own, and pushed a book in. "C'mon. Let's go – Mett was right, don't want to be late! Sister Yvennimina's teaching; she won't give you extra chores for being late. Still…we should definitely be there on time."
Trepidation filling her bowels, Alanna trailed after Jess through the many hallways, the other girl pointing out where their various classes would be. Prayers class was easy, as Alanna soon found out – they had five minutes of read prayer, ten minutes of silent prayer, and the rest of the hour was spent with learning about Carthaki gods and goddesses; then the Sister in charge of it assigned a report due in a week's time. Alanna was assigned the Hag, one of the Emperor's favorite deities, and one of the more prominent local favorites. Jess was blessed with a naval god she had never heard of – named Pensur, apparently. The two came out tired – Alanna from her ride, and Jess, it would seem, from the lesson.
"Honestly. Usually prayers is so much easier. Ah, well; at least you got off fairly well. They have a large section on the Hag in here –" accordingly, Jessaemitte held up a book (evidently the course book), titled Gods and Goddesses, " – but I can't remember seeing anything about Pensur when I glanced over the table of contents…"
Alanna, unsure why Jess' voice was fading, turned to see a larger girl (though not an unattractive one – she had jet black hair, although it was matched by a more tanned complexion that one normally saw on noble girls, and mocha eyes) striding down the hall. Nimbly, she picked up Jess' Gods and Goddesses book with her free hand, and stuffed it in her own bag. "I lost mine this morning – thanks for replacing it!" she said with false cheer. Alanna's temper flared, but as she made to go after the girl, she felt a restraining hand.
"Don't, Alanna. That's Imurah; she's of the Copper Isles. Low nobility; her parents sent her here to give her experience abroad. She's a third year. Always…bosses…us around, but don't pick a fight with her. The last girl who tried was a third year, as well, and ended up with a broken nose." Jess sighed, reluctantly announcing what she'd have to do: "I'll just ask Mother Superior for another."
Alanna sensed there was something more, and gripped Jess' shoulder. "You'll get punished for it, won't you?" she asked shrewdly, violet eyes narrowing. She gritted her teeth, as the emotions in the other girl's eyes confirmed her guess. Imurah of the Copper Isles, she thought, outwardly appearing to acquiesce to fate, and following Jess back to their room. I will remember that name.
Before entering, Jess begged Alanna not to mention losing her book, and she reluctantly agreed. If she were in Jess' place, she forced herself to realize, she would ask the same of Jess. As the door creaked open, Alanna saw Mett already on her bed, legs curled and light green eyes scanning a page. There was another figure in the room – a blonde-haired, hazel-eyed girl who looked to be around Mett's age sitting on the bottom bunk; underneath Mett. The girl grunted briefly, but Alanna rallied enough for a brief introduction. "Alanna of Trebond. Lamia of Viscont?" The girl (presumably Lamia) grunted once more, but she received silent nods from Mett and Jess confirming this fact. Jess pointed out the top bunk of the other bed as Alanna's; evidently hers was underneath.
With Mett and Lamia busy, and Jess standing firm on the fact that she had no work remaining for today, Alanna talked quietly with the Derisian noble until Sister Emera, whom Alanna had found out was in charge of their dorm room, came in to turn off lights. As Alanna's surroundings plunged into darkness, and the adrenaline of the day wore off, she slipped into more melancholy thoughts. Thom's probably learning the layout of the palace – he'll get fighting and riding lessons tomorrow, no doubt. While I get my first sewing lessons. Her stomach plummeted at the thought, but she resolved herself to Coram's earlier words; this wasn't the end of her aspirations. I can make this the start, if I want. A grunt from Jess below reminded her of something else: I have friends, here. Unbidden, Imurah of the Copper Isles flashed through her mind. And enemies; although enemy's too strong a word for her, Alanna dismissed it, turning over on her side. Someone to watch out for – now that's more appropriate.