I dedicate this chapter to my friend who got prizes in the singing eisteddfod for all the categories she went in. I also dedicate it to the compatriot who helped me to edit this chapter
Chapter 1-Why should I tell you?
Faeni ran blindly through the lower cities of Corus. If they catch her now, they would take her to the Provost's guards as well as snatching back the bread that she had taken so much trouble to steal. She must find somewhere to hide, but where? She could go to her auntie's house, but that would just lead those people to her cousin George. Deciding that the best way to lose them is to keep on running, Faeni continued to sprint along the dirty streets.
"Who are you? Why are you running?"
Faeni rubbed a soiled hand over her eyes and blinked at the handsome stranger that had knocked her down and stood now before her. Standing up, she curtsied, without replying.
"I ask you once again. What business do you have, running down the streets like that? Answer, or I'll have the Provost on you!"
Only then did Faeni notice two more strangers standing on either side of the black-haired figure. One was short and skinny, with bright copper hair. Faeni noticed that the figure is a she, only pretending to be a male. She wondered why anyone would do that. The other person is tall and broad shouldered, with brown hair that fell lankily into his equal brown eyes. Deciding that she could trust these strange people, Faeni motioned for them to follow her. Perhaps they could help her to get rid of those stupid guards.
The three strangers looked suspiciously at Faeni. Once again, she made a beckoning sign. The three slowly followed her. Whenever they stopped, she pulled at them. Walking in front, she strained an ear to hear some of the conversation they were having.
"Jon, are you sure we can trust her? And why isn't she talking to us?"
I'll tell you why I'm not talking to you! I never talk to anyone.
"Alan, be patient. Maybe she's just shy or something. And Gary, will you please stop glaring at her? Its not like she's done us any harm!"
Faeni instantly felt some gratitude towards this raven haired youth. The only thing that kept her from communicating openly with him is the fact that he called the copper haired girl 'Alan'. Why is he also pretending that she is a he? Are they playing some sort of a game?
"So Jon, already attracted to her? You don't even know her name!"
Faeni hated this girl name Alanna more by every minute. Not only is she pretending to be a boy, but teasing Jon, who is the only person out of the three to be nice to her.
She stopped in front of the inn where her cousin George spends most of his time. Standing still to show that they have arrived at the destined place, she waited for the three to stop talking.
"Jon, look, she's lead us right to The Dancing Dove. Does she know George?"
Faeni's jaw dropped and her eyes widened in surprise. Does these strangers know George? How come he's never mentioned it before, that he has such rich friends? She could see, as clear as the nose on her face, that the black-haired one is royalty, no matter how much trouble he took to hide it. He carried in on him like a cloak that cannot be taken off. She could not understand why these strange people tried to hide who they really are.
Making the beckoning motion again, she stepped inside the inn. The place was bustling with activity. Several of the women were eyeing the men shyly, though they way they kept of glancing at the males showed through the pretend bashfulness. George was sitting at the head of the table guffawing loudly at Lightfinger's jokes. Alanna, Jon and the muddy haired Gary made their way to George and began to question him. Faeni did not like the way they made accusing glances at her. Walking over to where George was chatting with the three strangers, she started questioning him.
"Peace, cousin. These people mean no harm."
Faeni replied by using quick hand gestures. That is what the raven haired one said to the other two about me. They didn't believe him, why should I believe you?
George chuckled. "My, you're suspicious today. What happened? Did Jon try to flirt with you?"
Faeni noticed Jon's confusion at hearing only one side of the conversation slowly turn in to a deep blush. Laughing to herself, she told George, stop teasing me, or I'll tell Auntie that you were the one who stole the cake she baked for you last birthday.
George translated what she just said to his friends. The copper haired Alanna spoke up.
"What's the problem with her? Why isn't she speaking to us?"
Faeni nudged her cousin. Tell that girl to mind her own business.
George looked hesitant. Faeni kicked him and demanded to know why he isn't translating what she just said. George glanced at Gary and asked him if 'he will excuse them for a bit.'
The muddy haired young man walked away to talk to the pretty server. Faeni grinned before redirecting her question again.
George sighed. "Alan. My cousin just said 'Tell that girl to mind her own business.'
Jon and Alanna's eyes widened in shock. "How does she know I'm not a boy? Does she have the Sight? Even then, my gift shields me from other Gifted ones. How can this be?"
George opened his mouth, only to wince in pain as Faeni stepped on his foot. Don't you dare tell them anything. Let me get to know them more before I answer any questions. First of all, why is the copper haired one disguising her gender?
George seemed to be at loss on what to say. On one hand, there's this silent yet not so silent girl. On the other hand, a short Alanna stood, with her hands on her hips.
Faeni sighed inaudibly. Tapping George on the shoulder, she motioned, fine, fine, if it always have to be me. Tell Jon that my name is Faeni.
George smirked. "Why only Jon, lass? Already taken a favour to h…Ouch, that hurts." Rubbing his sore foot. He said, "Jon, my cousin says she wants to tell only you that her name is Faeni. Sorry Alanna, but…" He stopped short when Faeni punched him in the shoulder.
You idiot. You just told that girl my name.
Her cousin scowled. "She has a name you know? Alanna. Use it.
Fine, Alanna then. Tell Jon that I want to be his friend.
"Jon, Faeni says that she wants to be your friend."
Jonathan blushed again. Striding over to her, he took her hand in his and touched it to his lips. "Lady Faeni. A pleasure to meet you. I am delighted to be your friend."
Faeni smiled. She liked this shy youth. Always with a commanding air, yet so shy among girls. Except for that Alanna. Maybe its just because he can't take into mind that she's not actually a he. To show that she does not mind him kissing her hand, which she usually does mind, she hugged him and stepped back.
Disclaimer: Okay, maybe that was a bit strange. I just came up with the idea of a strange main character after reading The Raging Quiet. The characters all belong to Ms Tamora Pierce. Faeni is based on someone I know really well. Never you mind who.