AN: Before I say anything, I want you to know that I made a HUGE mistake last time. Daine wasn't nine when that scene happened. She was fifteen. Sorry. Now, we're going to zoom in on Alanna for a chapter or two before setting everything into motion. My computer crashed this weekend and I just got a new one too.
Disclaimer: Not mine.
All throughout her ride to the castle, Alanna's mind swam with images of the odd auburn haired girl. How her eyes had seemed to pierce straight into her soul, seeking out the truth, ignoring her flat chest and boyishly cut hair. Coram shook her shoulder once, saying gruffly, "Well, lass, this is it. C'mon, let's introduce 'Alan' to the pages."
She grinned, eagerly kicking her horse lightly, goading it into going faster. Coram chuckled, face lighting with mirth at the eager girl.
Minutes later, she stood before Duke Gareth of Naxen. "Who are you?" Duke Gareth said, his voice deep and rolling.
"Alan of Trebond, sir." She replied confidently. She had spent a whole entire year conspiring with Thom to perfect their act. Every little speck of information was ready.
"Well, welcome to Corus." The Duke said. "You are dismissed." He gestured with one hand openly. Alanna bowed, liking this man despite the fact that she had just met him. Coram showed her to the mess hall where many young men were eating oddly quiet, all looking as nervous as her about being new. She got in line, grabbing a wooden tray, passing it to the maids. A maid began to load it with some potatoes, glancing up and smiling slyly. Alanna almost gasped. It was the girl from the street, but she was dressed in a maid's outfit. Her sky blue eyes glittered with mirth as she passed the tray to the person beside her, whispering softly, "Good luck 'Alan' of Trebond. Remember, the Dancing Dove is always there if you need some help."
Alanna took her tray back, still a little stunned. Everything here in Corus was so strange. She began to walk robotically towards a table, when a flash of color caught her eye. A boy waved her over. He seemed to be tall for his age, and muscular too, but his bearishness was set off by his genuine smile. Chestnut curls tumbled messily across his forehead, and warm brown eyes gazed at her. They seemed to be second year pages, but from what she could see, people of all years mingled around here. What did she have to lose? She trotted uncertainly over to them. "C'mon, you better sit down, the food's getting cold." He said cheerfully, all but pulling her into the chair.
"I'm so hungry, this place doesn't serve enough!" The big boy complained, rubbing his stomach, even though he had already finished everything on his tray.
"When are you not hungry Raoul?" Another boy at the table chimed in good naturedly. He had coal black hair and sapphire blue eyes. The other boys joined in the banter, making Alanna feel at home. She began to join in, and soon found herself acting as if she had known them for years. When it was time to go put their trays up, she looked up briefly for the mysterious girl, but again found that she had vanished, another maid taking her spot. Smiling to herself, she allowed herself to be led a round the castle, finally coming to a top at the page's quarters, and said goodbye to her new found friends. As she cast a harmless spell—the only ones she was comfortable with—to lock her door, ensuring absolute safety. Dressing into a small shift, she went to bed, eager for tomorrow.
In the Dancing Dove
George's magical Sight looked at the magical cloud of orange rushing forward to the city. Daine said beside him, voice somber, "The animals can sense it, though they are not afraid. This magic is only for humans."
George nodded, and they resumed their vigil, waiting for the sorcery to arrive.