IceMaiden7: So glad you like the idea. I'll write as fast as I can without the story turning into crap. And I'm honored that you used the word "please" for me!

Anastazia Silverwind: There will be more, and I have not yet decided on a ship. All I know for sure is that it won't be Kel/Raoul, Kel/Joren, Kel/Roald, or Kel/Cleon.

mygerbil: So pleased to hear you say it.

Nazzy Nazzy Nazgirl: There definitely will be more, and by any chance would you happen to be a Lord of the Rings fan? I am too, as you will see if you read my bio.

Rosielady: Thank you!

SperryDee: Anything, for someone who asks so politely!

Protector of the Small: Thank you. I plan to.

starLOver11: Thank you!

white phoenix erialis: Well, half of the good grammar may be because half of the chapter is straight from The First Test. However, I am endowed with the Grammar Gift, and I hope nothing will change.

jakalaki: Well, now you have this to consider! And yes, I am very much looking forward to the Yamani Isles; though I think only three chapters will take place there.

Starikka: I have not yet decided on a ship, but I have considered Kel/Neal. If not that, it will most probably be Kel/Dom, or Kel/Some Random Yamani.

Dancer Gal: Thanks. Sorry about the lack of updates, but I've been busy.

ccccccccccc( ): Sorry it's taken so long. I'll get better.

an anonymous geek: Like I said, I'm still considering. I have a little ways to think about that, since Kel won't be returning to Tortall for three more chapters and won't even see her friends for four.

Snowangel8: I will.

sw33t t3mptations: Thanks, I'm planning on it.

Smidjett: I haven't decided yet. You may be disappointed, or you may be very happy. Or I may not make it a Neal or Dom fic. PrincessAlyssa16: I'm glad it is different. That may be what I end up doing.

All right! On with the story!

"Keladry," someone called. "We're half an hour away."

Kel finished changing, neatly putting her breeches and tunic where her kimono had been before. Straightening, she pulled at the edges, hoping to get some of the wrinkles out that the six day journey had given it. She buttoned her suitcase, and stepped outside of the miniscule room she had been given. She went on deck, and looked out over the sea. Kel could make several small mountainous islands that drew increasingly closer.

Kel sighed, allowing one emotion to escape from her. Any tears in her Yamani mask would have to be mended if she wished to be shown any respect in the Yamani Islands. She knew that she would be given a welcome, as she was part of the emperor's inner circle, on account of being the daughter of Ilane of Mindelan.

As the ship drew near enough to discern the port, Kel let a small smile escape her lips. She had missed the islands, though it would have been nice were she returning for a different reason. She would miss her Tortallan friends.

A sparrow chirped behind her. Kel's smiled widened. At least I haven't lost all of my friends, she thought wryly. She had not been able to convince Crown, Freckle, and their band of sparrows to stay behind. She felt another pang, as she remembered Peachblossom. She had grown to love him, and she hoped that his next rider would be good to him.

Kel then began to think about all of the friends she had left behind in the Islands. She remembered Lady Yukimi noh Daiomoru, who had been her best friend. She remembered Shinkokami, better known as Shinko, or Cricket. She thought about Salmina, the daughter of a Tyran ambassador who was better than any Yamani at fan toss.

Kel shook herself out of her reverie. They were pulling in to port. Kel exited the ship, and was shocked to find herself facing one of her best friends from when she lived in the Islands. "Yuki?" she said, her eyes crinkling slightly in the Yamani equivalent of a smile.

"I am glad to see you remember me," the girl teased, her eyes crinkling also. "I have been sent to escort you to the palace." Yuki started walking toward a carriage parked at the side of the road.

Kel quickened her pace to keep up. "Your father was of the ambassadors sent to Tortall, was he not?" Kel asked.

Yuki nodded. "The peace treaty fell to pieces when Princess Chisakami died." She paused briefly, allowing a footman to help her into the carriage. Kel did the same. "He went to Tortall to arrange a new marriage."

"And what of you, Kel," she questioned. "Have you forgotten all you know of naginata?"

"I like to think not," Kel said. "However, the training master was determined to drum out any Yamani techniques I picked up in my years here. All my practice was done in my rooms."

"Foolish man. The Yamanis were outraged when were heard you were not allowed to stay," Yuki told her.

Kel glanced at Yuki, not letting her surprise show. "How do the Yamanis know?" she asked. "I was only told little more than a week ago."

The corners of Yuki's eyes crinkled. "Everyone knows."

Kel looked at Yuki, resigning herself to the fact that she would get nothing more out of her. She opened her mouth to say something, when Yuki interrupted.

"We're here." They exited the carriage. "I am to show you to your room, so that you may prepare for your welcoming feast."

"A feast?" Kel asked. She knew she was to be given a welcome, but a banquet in her honor was not expected.

"A daughter of the house of Mindelan is always welcomed among the Yamani, Keladry."

Kel whirled around to see who spoke to her. She bowed with the respect due to Prince Eitaro noh Nakuji. "Your Highness," she murmured. "You grace my family with this honor."

The prince merely nodded and continued on.

Yuki began to walk again. "So Kel," she said. "Will you be joining me with the armsmistress Nariko?"

"Will she ever retire?" Kel muttered. "She has to be at least seventy."

Yuki opened her fan in front of her face, hiding a smile. "I think you will have to ask her. But I believe she is seventy-eight." Yuki opened a door, and went inside. "You will be staying here. I hope you find it satisfactory."

Kel looked around. The room was spacious. A silk rug covered the floor. The bed was large, though very low to the ground, as a typical Yamani bed was. A wide table with no chairs sat on the ground. "This is fine. When am I to be ready for this feast?"

"Three hours. I'll send for a maid."

Kel looked at her old friend. "Thanks, Yuki. It's good to see you again." Yuki bowed and exited.

Kel flopped onto her bed. Her belongings had already been brought in. She would have to get more kimonos, but other then that, she was well prepared for her long stay at the Yamani Islands.