Disclaimer: all settings,some of the people, etc. belong to Tamora Pierce. Much thanks to her for allowing her fans to use her ideas to create their own stories.

461 H.E

Keisha Faet stood outside the Dancing Dove. Inside, was where all the members of the Court of the Rogue were. Her younger sister, Idry, stood behind her. "Come on Idry," Keisha whispered. "Let's go in."

Idry trembled behind her older sister, "But Ma said no, Keisha,"

Keisha laughed at her fearful little sister. "It doesn't matter what, Ma said. I'm going in and you're coming with me or I'll leave you out here alone." Keisha placed her hand on her hip and stared at Idry, her eyes turning a harsh, deep blue. Idry trembled in fear; being alone in the Lower City wasn't Idry's favorite pastime. Keisha walked swiftly towards the entrance, Idry stumbling after her.

Keisha stepped into the Court, staring around her in awe. There were a myriad of people bustling around the place. There was an aura of excitement about the Court, Keisha couldn't help but feel that was where she belonged. Keisha grabbed Idry's hand and pulled her skirts up a bit to descend the stairs that lead to the main area. The boisterous atmosphere enthralled Keisha. Her observant eyes wandered about the room picking up on small details such as the difference in the floor pattern or on the numerous ladies serving ale to already drunk men. Other members of the court were gambling and betting. There was never a still moment…

"What's your name pretty girlie?" A handsome, but drunk man asked Keisha. She grinded her heel into his toe making him yelp and was about to walk away when a lady interfered.

"That's the right way to deal with a drunken man," she smiled at Keisha. Her dark hair was down and her brown eyes sparkled. The lady was one of the few ladies Keisha had ever seen wearing breeches and a tunic. Not to mention she was carrying a dagger. "Go get yourself more to drink Alvin," she said to the man and shoved him towards the bar. Alvin staggered away and the lady turned her attention towards Keisha.

"What is your name and what are you doing here. You look a bit young to be in the court, not to mention you've got someone even younger than you following you around. How old are you?" Keisha opened her mouth to speak, but the lady shook her head. "Never mind," she said. "Don't tell be here. We'll get a table."

Keisha followed the lady to the far side of the room where it was a bit less crowded. They walked quickly and Idry had trouble keeping up. They took a seat at a four person table and the lady called over a waitress for something to drink.

"Surely your Ma doesn't mind if you have a drink. Not if she let you come here," the lady smiled again. "I'm Lalita," she introduced herself. "And you are…"

"Keisha," her tone displayed Keisha's confidence. "And this is Idry."

Lalita raised her eyebrows. "How old are the two of you? You can't be more than seventeen."

"I'm sixteen and Idry's fourteen." Keisha hadn't looked up at Lalita from the time they'd first seen her. She wanted to get to know the woman before letting Lalita see her eyes. But Idry always seemed to find the courage to speak at the wrong time

"Look up Keisha; I'm sure Lalita'd like to see your face." Idry smirked and Keisha sent her deathly glares, eyes burning black. Slowly, Keisha lifted her face and looked Lalita in the eyes.

"Great Mother," Lalita whispered, shocked, upon seeing Keisha's eyes. "How'd you come upon eyes like that?"

Keisha showed shyness for the first time since entering the court. "I don't really know," she whispered. "No one else in my family has ever showed signs of magic. Then there comes me with my chaotic eyes."

"Chaotic, Chaos indeed," Lalita muttered to herself. "Have you the gift girl?" she asked

Keisha looked hesitant to trust this lady with her secret, but she could always bind her from telling anyone. Unless she had the Gift… Keisha worked a quick bit of magic and checked for any signs of magic. None whatsoever. "I do," Keisha said, regaining her confidence. "Now," she said leaning on the table. "Tell me more about the Court of the Rogue."

Lalita smiled. There was something funny about that girl, but she could ignore it for a bit. "Well, the Rogue himself is here right now," she said pointing to a blond haired man on the other side of the room. "Mylor Harth has to be the worst Rogue in the history of this court. He didn't even have to kill the Rogue before him to gain the title of 'Your Majesty'…

Author's Notes: If you noticed, this story takes place at around the same time as the Aliane books. If you're wondering about Mylor Harth, George was not the Rogue before him. Any questions will be explained in time. Ta Ta.