Disclaimer: I am not a wealthy woman revered by thousands. Therefore none of this belongs to me.

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Alanna gripped her reins tighter as she galloped across the countryside. Her purple eyes were sparking with anger and her mouth was in one very straight line. She was alone, having stormed out of a meeting moments before. She knew that it was rude and against protocol, but when had that ever stopped her? She had been about to strangle him, and strangling your king was usually frowned upon in Tortall. Therefore she had held her temper to simply screaming at him and stalking out.

Still, she couldn't believe it. How could he? She had been furious when Jonathon had taken Wyldon's side and had decreed that Keladry was to be a probationary page. Ugh, she hated that word. All three of them had known that it was unfair, and each had their separate feelings on the proclamation. She was not happy. Not happy at all. And when Jonathon had told her that Keladry of Mindelan had refused his offer… He deserved much more than a frog in his bed. A scorpion might be good enough. She figured that he would notice a bloodthirsty wolf between his sheets…

Well, at least she has a backbone, the sensible part of Alanna's mind was thinking. She won't let these idiotic backwards conservatives walk all over her. She has her pride. I just wish I could help her. I can't allow anyone to quench such a vital, strong spirit. She has to have talent and drive, to have even decided to try to become a page. That Wyldon! He was letting all of it go to waste. Such spirit would be just what the country needs!

Alanna rode a few more miles, cursing and mumbling under her breath and ignoring the strange looks that she received. Her manservant Hakuin caught up to her, and after shooting him a deadly glare, she allowed him to ride alongside. Eventually she started the long process of calming down, and during her slow relaxation, a thought occurred to her. Her eyes quickly turned from glaring anger to a direct determined gaze. After a few words to Hakuin, she gently pulled on her reins, wheeled her horse around and headed the opposite direction, galloping to the north.

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Kel was staring gloomily into the river cuddling one of her kittens. No tears leaked down her face, and even her depression would have been hard to spot if any Tortallan was to stumble across her. However, any Yamani would have easily seen her sorrow.

Kel couldn't believe it. They had said that girls were welcome to attempt to become knights. She had been full of high hopes when she sent off that letter to Lord Wyldon. She hadn't expected the reply. The shock was still heavy upon her. Probationary page? I said I wanted to become a knight, to be just like the boys. But I guess old habits die hard. They're still just as old-fashioned as they used to be. And they didn't even give me a chance! I could have shown them how great women can be. I would have done it. NO matter what they say.

But much as Kel wished she could change their minds, she knew she had no chance. When she returned from the Yamani Islands, she had embraced Tortallan culture with open arms. Here, finally, was a place where she could achieve her dream and become a knight. She had trained hard for this opportunity. And now what? Was it all wasted? Had she worked so hard and come this far for nothing?

Kel mentally reviewed her options. She didn't want to become a lady. She knew that life would bore her, and she couldn't abide by that. She hated dresses and gossip and needed daily exercise.

Her parents had suggested that she return to the Yamani Islands and become a warrior there. She had quickly dismissed the idea. If she decided on pursuing that idea, others would believe that she was running. She would not flee from this so-called shame. She wanted to prove them wrong. She would not run. She would be strong and prove them all wrong.

She also had the option to become a rider. She thought this sounded ok. She would still be able to fight and protect the helpless. And she would have fewer interactions with the king, sexist pig that he was. Still, that would mean waiting many years. What would she do to pass the time? She would not stay captive in her house like a prisoner for 6 long years. And there was nowhere better to go.

It was too late to go to Shang. Shang fighters were trained from birth, or at least childhood. She was about 6 years older than the desired student. Maybe they would take her anyway? Not as a fighter necessarily, but as an assistant. Then she could at least learn something.

Kel rubbed her forehead. She didn't know what to do. Her dream was ruined. She brushed her hair out of her face and was startled to find wetness under her eyes. She shook her head at her silliness and brushed the tears away. Climbing to her feet she started back towards her house.

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Kel was halfway home when she felt herself grabbed and spun around. A dark skinned man stared at her coldly.

"So you're the bitch who wants to become a knight?" he sneered. It wasn't really a question. After staring at her for a few more seconds, he smirked. "We'll put an end to that right now. After I'm done with you, you won't ever want to fight again." He threw himself at her.

Kel was surprised at his sudden animosity. She didn't even know the man! Her Yamani training kicked it, and as the man's fist came at her head, she quickly ducked, and, grabbing his hand, she pulled him over her back. The man landed heavily behind her. She hoped this would be the last of it, but he thrust himself back up, and came at her again. This time she wouldn't let him off easy. As his one hand brushed her eye, her knee went deep into his gut. Pushing the groaning man down, she slid out her belt knife and lightly rested it on the man's throat.

"I hope you've learned your lesson about never wanting to fight again. Or at least not judging a person on their appearances. You're lucky. I'm not going to do anything to damage your appearance. This time." Kel pushed the blade closer into his neck to prove her point, and then got up. She was startled to hear clapping. Suddenly her parents, along with a short woman walked into the little clearing.

Confused, Kel looked from her parents to this strange redhead. She quickly noted the quality clothes, the set mouth, and the purple eyes. She gasped, was this who she thought it was?

The woman grinned. "Keladry. It is a pleasure to meet you. I am Alanna of Pirates Swoop and Olau. That was quite a show you put on right then. You are very talented."

Kel tried to move her mouth. Lady Alanna? My hero? What is she doing here? "I-I-I, thanks my lady. I didn't realize that you were here."

It was her mother that replied. "Alanna wanted to see you fight. You certainly gave poor Hakuin, her servant quite a beating."

Kel moved to apologize, but Alanna waved it off. "He is fine. Keladry, what matters now is the reason that I am here. I was wondering if you were interested in becoming my standard bearer. I could teach you how to fight."

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A/N: Well? How was it? I'm sorry it was short. I guess you could say that this is an experiment. I have a few ideas for a story piling around right now, and I kinda liked this one. But maybe I'm the only one. So, I figured that if I got enough of a pleasant response I would continue. Do you incredible readers want to see more of it? There will be action, adventure, and eventually lots of brushes and fluff with my dear old Meathead. Please please please review! Especially if you like it. Cuz if no one tells me it's good, it will not go on. So please review.

Love till next time!