Authors Note: I do not own Tamora Pierces books, nor do I own any of these characters (except Arieda). A difference in this story is that Alanna and Jon are the same age. No need to sue me. And please do forgive my grammar; English is not my first language. ----
CHAPTER ONE
"Oh I wish I could make this carriage fly, honestly," I cried.
"Did they not teach you patience at that magic school of yours, Lady Arieda?" Peter asked. Peter was my driver. As for me, I was a 15 year old sorceress due to start my studies in King Roland's palace this fall with a privet teacher; I was also his goddaughter. 7 years it had been since I had seen anyone in the palace. Unlike most sorcerers had gone to Whitehorn to study my gift. My parents had expired when I was 1. But I had met them through the stories my godmother (the queen) had told me.
"I'm afraid not. It was an Academy for Sorcery not patience," I said idly.
"Aye, but in King Roald's court you will be obliged to be patient," Peter said calmly.
"I fight my battles when required Peter, won't you be kind enough to let me preserve my energy? My stamina is horridly low. Anyways, I'm thinking about Jon's ordeal. Will Alan and Gareth will have it in the same month as Jon?" I questioned. Alan was actually Alanna, and she was also a cousin on my mother's side.
"Aye, at least that's what I heard. Here we are," Peter said. And before I knew it, home was right before my eyes. The carriage stopped, and I climbed down. A group of people stood before. I knew each one of them and shyly, I bowed.
"Welcome home Ari," said a tall boy on my right. It was Raoul, my god brother's friend, my own friend whom I had known since I was little.
"Thank you, Raoul," I said receiving a hug. I went down in a row being greeted and hugged by several people. Nearly everyone said that I had grown up. They couldn't expect me to be that same 8 year old I was 7 years ago. Alanna greeted me eagerly. I sensed that something was wrong. I would have to find out later. When I came to Jon, I nearly collapsed on my knees; the ground seemed interesting for a while.
"You're back all well, I presume," Jon asked formally.
"Is that not apparent?" I said still staring at the ground. An ant was carrying a leaf. Stupid formality, what type of question was that?
"Look up Ari," he said seriously, but I could tell that he wanted to laugh. I obeyed. "You've changed quite a deal. I'll have to agree with everyone on that," he claimed seriously. Then softly he asked, "Why did you leave?"
I got up, stared straight up at him and whispered, "I'm sorry." Before I knew it, I was in his arms.
"Don't be, it wasn't your fault. I guess you'll want to see Mum and Dad, but go see Duke Gareth first. Ari, it's good to have you back," instructed Jon.
"Your Highness, I solemnly swear that I am up to nothing good." I yelled running. I could hear laughs behind me. I came to Duke Gareth's office. Duke Gareth was like my uncle. I knocked on the door and was instructed to open it.
Happily I called, "Duke Gareth, I see you haven't thrown that old chair away yet."
"Why would I?" a voice asked. The chair turned around; my eyes grew wide.
END OF CHAPTER ONE
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