OK, I'm coming with the title. It's going to be 'Flame of Ice', 'Silver Warrior: Innocence Forgotten', or 'Grace of the Stars'. When you review please vote for one. I really need some help. I haven't decided whether to make this one long or short, I told myself to surprise me. Umm.my thanks to my first reviewer Kel, you lit a fire under me and now here comes the sequel. To respond to firelily: Sorre.I really am trying to work on that, its just really really hard and this is my first story beyond the school 'write about your best summer ever'. Bear with me please! P.S. I'm not really planning what's going on in the story right now, except for that there is going to be romance and a big conspiracy.
Disclaimer:
Now, who here thinks me and my stupid self came up with Raoul, Daine, Numair, Jon, Alanna, Kel, Neal, or Joren? ::waits:: Anyone? Good. Only Vekkan of Sariel, and Fera, and Gendeth the Deadslayer belong to me. Those other nut jobs belong to Mrs. Tamora Pierce, the all-encompassing author.
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"Psst!" The sound came from the tapestry near Sir Raoul's head. "Raoul! In here!" Raoul pulled back the tapestry to reveal a hidden a hidden passageway, and a short, stocky knight with red hair and shining purple eyes. "Alanna! You're back! Have you forgiven Jon?" "Not at all, if anything, I'm angrier. I came here to ask Jon for permission to have Kel become my squire and said no! Now I need to ask for a favor from you. He glanced at her warily, "That depends on what you ask for. I can't make Jon reverse his decision you know I wouldn't do-"
"I know, Raoul, I wouldn't ask that of you even if you had it in your power to convince Jon to go back on anything he says. No one knows better than I how stubborn Jon can be about things like this." Raoul looked at her out of the corner of his eye, "Jon's not the only one who can be stubborn and pig headed," he remarked. "I seem to recall a certain fiasco with a certain knight and her wedding dress…" Alanna blushed crimson and hung her head. "Anyway," he continued, "now that you have me all fired up with curiosity what is this favor you wish of me?"
"You see, since I can't have Keladry as my squire I was hoping…" she began.
"You were hoping that I would choose her as my squire." Raoul interrupted, "I'd figured as much. Well, I'll tell you what you missed while you were sulking at Pirate's Swoop. That girl was instrumental in saving a village from spiderens, led her squad in a battle against a group of bandits and saved all of their lives as well as her own with her quick thinking, is the best tilter, archer and swordsman in her year, and went to the top of Balor's Needle, despite a crippling fear of heights mind you, to save her dog and her maid who had been kidnapped by an as-yet-unknown enemy who was trying to prevent her from becoming a squire. With all of that going for her every one of the knights who were your friends, and many who weren't, consider her to be the best new squire in her year. I even heard Jon saying that he would like to have her as his squire, but that she probably held a grudge against him for putting her on probation. Now, with that in mind I think you should reconsider calling it a favor and just say that I should pick her."
Alanna laughed aloud. "Raoul, I'm sorry. I had no idea that she had been doing so much. You're right, I should advise you to pick Keladry of Mindelan as your squire. Not as a favor, but because she would be a great help to you. And thank you." Alanna walked off to watch the new squires practice their swordsmanship, leaving Raoul standing in the deserted hallway grinning to himself.
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The object of their discussion, a tall girl with soft brown hair kept at earlobe-length--the same as any other page in palace, laughing hazel eyes and a delicate nose, was being watched secretly. A recent growth spurt had shot her up two more inches; an even 6 feet, so it was not hard to spot her in a crowd. Kel hadn't eaten or slept well the week since she had saved Lalasa and Jump on Balor's Needle. Her friends thought she was simply worried about the choosing that was to happen tonight, but that was only part of it. I wish I could tell Neal what's really going on. But if I did it would ruin our friendship, and I don't want that. But if I don't tell him soon he'll take my avoiding him to mean I'm angry with him, and that could ruin our friendship as well. Suddenly she felt the hairs on the back of her neck prickle. Someone was watching her. She turned around quickly and was unpleasantly surprised to find Joren standing between her and her friends.
"Hello, I wanted to congratulate you on becoming a squire. You have come farther than anyone expected." She looked at him without expression and thanked him politely. As he walked away she thought about how strange he had been acting lately. She had a feeling that he had orchestrated the kidnapping, but she had no proof at all, and she knew that Lord Wyldon wouldn't even think twice about what she said without solid evidence. If he has truly changed then I'm a housecat. And I haven't noticed any new fur or a tail recently. As she watched his retreating figure she shrugged and slowly made her way to where her friends were waiting for her.
"Kel! There you are, what did Joren want with you? Did he threaten you?" Neal's eyes were worried. "No Neal," she said quickly, "he congratulated me on getting this far in training. As far as I could tell he wasn't being nasty, either." "Well that's good, but I still don't believe our old friend has truly his erroneous ways after only a few months," Neal's remark, an eerie echo to Kel's thoughts.
"Neal," Kel said gently, "use your small store of common sense. He hasn't done anything yet. Don't pick any fights with him, he's a squire and Lord Wyldon would side with him if he brought a complaint against you. His master will only be here for another week. Just stay out of his way until he leaves." Neal heaved a dramatic sigh and flashed a bright smile at her. "Of course, dearest Keladry. I will not go looking for a fight with our dearest friend Joren. Don't worry your pretty head over it my dear."
Kel sighed and rolled her eyes as her friends giggled over Neal's dramatic delivery. Just then Lord Wyldon signaled for silence.
"These squires will report to me: Keladry of Mindelan, Nealan of Queenscove, Merric of Hollyrose, Seaver of Tasride, Esmond of Nicoline, and Vekkan of Sariel (yes, I made him up). The rest of you may leave.
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Alanna was nervous even though she really had no reason to be. This would be her first time as a knight master and she hoped she wouldn't mess it up. As the squires entered she kept her eyes on the squire she had chosen.
The squires sat down looking anxious. Lord Wyldon stood up and announced "Esmond of Nicoline" a freckled boy stood up. "You have been chosen by Ulric of Stone Mountain, Squire Joren's older brother." Kel and Neal looked at each other, confused. "I didn't know he had a brother," Neal whispered. "I just hope he's nicer than his sibling," she replied. A tall knight stood up. He had the same white-blond hair as his brother, but his face was much more tanned. His eyes weren't as cold and his mouth had no hint of a sneer.
Kel found herself liking him and thinking he was much more handsome than his younger brother…"Kel!" Neal's voice jerked her from her thoughts. Everyone was looking at her, including the Lioness. She got to her feet quickly. Lord Wyldon was looking at her dispassionately, "Sir Raoul of the King's Own wishes you to become his squire." Alanna was watching Kel as this was announced and she could see several emotions warring on the girl's face, pride, disappointment, and finally resignation; Alanna only wished she knew what was going through the girl's mind.
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Kel sat down again and smiled shakily at Neal. Next it was Seaver's turn, who was chosen by Sir Gary, then Vekkan, who was picked by Sir Douglass. Kel was happy for Seaver because Sir Gary had always been his hero and for Vekkan, who wasn't one of their group but they knew pretty well. Finally, it was Neal's turn. Kel watched him out of the corner of her eyes as he swallowed hard; the only knight without a squire was the Lioness. Kel felt tears prick her eyes; it wasn't fair! But why Neal and not me?! At least I can ask Neal about her...I guess. She sighed softly.
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That night Kel stayed awake to talk with Lalasa. As she stroked Jump she told her of the events that evening in Lord Wyldon's office. Lalasa had an insight on why Alanna didn't want Kel as her squire. "My friend Fera works as a housemaid in the king's rooms and she heard the king arguing with Lady Alanna about allowing you to become her squire. The king said he wouldn't go back on his official statement that she was to have nothing to do with you; so no one could claim she 'helped' you or anything." "Oh," said Kel softly, "I think I'm going to go to sleep now. Tomorrow's my first day with Sir Raoul and I need to be at least moderately awake." Lalasa looked at her mistress, worried, but nodded, saying nothing.
Kel knew she wouldn't be able to sleep, despite what she had told Lalasa. She lay awake and thought of a plan. She had to talk to Neal privately about Joren and the Lioness, but there wasn't enough time before classes or at meals. She decided to sneak into his room one night and hope she didn't get caught. She sighed and tried to imagine a placid Yamani stream, but she couldn't think of anything. I've been away from the Yamani Isles too long. It was too much. The emotional pressure that had been building up inside of her all week was let out in a torrent of hot tears. She buried her face in her pillow and finally exhaustion made her fall into a deep, dreamless sleep.
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"So, what do you think? The blue or the white?" Daine groaned. The palace seamstress had been commissioned to make her wedding dress and she had been showing Daine samples for hours. They had decided on a fabric but the woman would NOT allow it to be in green. "Numair! Come here," Daine called, "you're such an all-fired powerful sorcerer, YOU pick the colour."
"Well, I've always been partial to black," Daine groaned and fell backwards onto her bed. "But," he continued with a glare at Daine, who giggled, "I think you should choose the blue, it would bring out your eyes. And as for you," he rounded on the seamstress, "please get to work on it as soon as possible. The sooner you get that dress done the sooner I can have a nice, long vacation." He hustled the woman and her samples out the door and flopped down next to Daine. She propped herself up on one elbow and gazed down at him, smiling. "Why are you so happy?" he asked, but couldn't help grinning, too.
"Onua came by today, while you were teaching your class," she told him, "she couldn't resist telling me that she knew all along you would ask me to marry you, she's just surprised it only took you four years!" She smiled impishly, "Of course Tahoi came along too, and I believe I have a few new bruises from him trying to give me a bath," she lay down again in the circle of his arm.
"I, too, have some news. It seems Alanna has a squire and its not Keladry. Apparently Jon forbade our red-haired friend from choosing her, so I believe we are in for yet another four years of frosty absence from her," he told Daine who giggled.
He kissed her nose, her eyelids, and finally her lips. "I love you." "I love you, too, even if you do have odd ideas about the proper colour of a wedding dress," she teased. He laughed and said, "I believe we were going to dine with the Royal Family tonight?" She gasped and hit herself on the forehead, "Oh, that's right, and my gown still has that wine stain in it. I hope that taught you that when you are having a heated debate about whether the scrolls of Gendeth the Deadslayer proved the dead can be slain twice, you would do well not to punctuate your sentences with violent hand motions," she told him in a mock-lecture. He grinned and hugged her closer, "I'm sure Kitten can take care of it, and besides, I won that debate." She just laughed.
Daine got up and went into her private rooms while Numair began to get dressed. Suddenly Daine came running into his room, her face tight. He glanced at her, "What is it?" he asked, with his shirt half over his head. "Kit's gone."
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Alright, first off, I would like to say that I got a LOT of reviews saying I need to work on my paragraph forming (and that I need a title, I'm addressing that, too), and I would like to say that I did try to make it easier to read this time. I would also like to thank everyone who reviewed, and don't forget to vote on the title (I like to make you guyses think). Its: 'Flame of Ice', 'Silver Warrior: Innocence Forgotten', or 'Grace of the Stars'. Ja mata ne!
-Lady Silvermoon
Disclaimer:
Now, who here thinks me and my stupid self came up with Raoul, Daine, Numair, Jon, Alanna, Kel, Neal, or Joren? ::waits:: Anyone? Good. Only Vekkan of Sariel, and Fera, and Gendeth the Deadslayer belong to me. Those other nut jobs belong to Mrs. Tamora Pierce, the all-encompassing author.
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"Psst!" The sound came from the tapestry near Sir Raoul's head. "Raoul! In here!" Raoul pulled back the tapestry to reveal a hidden a hidden passageway, and a short, stocky knight with red hair and shining purple eyes. "Alanna! You're back! Have you forgiven Jon?" "Not at all, if anything, I'm angrier. I came here to ask Jon for permission to have Kel become my squire and said no! Now I need to ask for a favor from you. He glanced at her warily, "That depends on what you ask for. I can't make Jon reverse his decision you know I wouldn't do-"
"I know, Raoul, I wouldn't ask that of you even if you had it in your power to convince Jon to go back on anything he says. No one knows better than I how stubborn Jon can be about things like this." Raoul looked at her out of the corner of his eye, "Jon's not the only one who can be stubborn and pig headed," he remarked. "I seem to recall a certain fiasco with a certain knight and her wedding dress…" Alanna blushed crimson and hung her head. "Anyway," he continued, "now that you have me all fired up with curiosity what is this favor you wish of me?"
"You see, since I can't have Keladry as my squire I was hoping…" she began.
"You were hoping that I would choose her as my squire." Raoul interrupted, "I'd figured as much. Well, I'll tell you what you missed while you were sulking at Pirate's Swoop. That girl was instrumental in saving a village from spiderens, led her squad in a battle against a group of bandits and saved all of their lives as well as her own with her quick thinking, is the best tilter, archer and swordsman in her year, and went to the top of Balor's Needle, despite a crippling fear of heights mind you, to save her dog and her maid who had been kidnapped by an as-yet-unknown enemy who was trying to prevent her from becoming a squire. With all of that going for her every one of the knights who were your friends, and many who weren't, consider her to be the best new squire in her year. I even heard Jon saying that he would like to have her as his squire, but that she probably held a grudge against him for putting her on probation. Now, with that in mind I think you should reconsider calling it a favor and just say that I should pick her."
Alanna laughed aloud. "Raoul, I'm sorry. I had no idea that she had been doing so much. You're right, I should advise you to pick Keladry of Mindelan as your squire. Not as a favor, but because she would be a great help to you. And thank you." Alanna walked off to watch the new squires practice their swordsmanship, leaving Raoul standing in the deserted hallway grinning to himself.
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The object of their discussion, a tall girl with soft brown hair kept at earlobe-length--the same as any other page in palace, laughing hazel eyes and a delicate nose, was being watched secretly. A recent growth spurt had shot her up two more inches; an even 6 feet, so it was not hard to spot her in a crowd. Kel hadn't eaten or slept well the week since she had saved Lalasa and Jump on Balor's Needle. Her friends thought she was simply worried about the choosing that was to happen tonight, but that was only part of it. I wish I could tell Neal what's really going on. But if I did it would ruin our friendship, and I don't want that. But if I don't tell him soon he'll take my avoiding him to mean I'm angry with him, and that could ruin our friendship as well. Suddenly she felt the hairs on the back of her neck prickle. Someone was watching her. She turned around quickly and was unpleasantly surprised to find Joren standing between her and her friends.
"Hello, I wanted to congratulate you on becoming a squire. You have come farther than anyone expected." She looked at him without expression and thanked him politely. As he walked away she thought about how strange he had been acting lately. She had a feeling that he had orchestrated the kidnapping, but she had no proof at all, and she knew that Lord Wyldon wouldn't even think twice about what she said without solid evidence. If he has truly changed then I'm a housecat. And I haven't noticed any new fur or a tail recently. As she watched his retreating figure she shrugged and slowly made her way to where her friends were waiting for her.
"Kel! There you are, what did Joren want with you? Did he threaten you?" Neal's eyes were worried. "No Neal," she said quickly, "he congratulated me on getting this far in training. As far as I could tell he wasn't being nasty, either." "Well that's good, but I still don't believe our old friend has truly his erroneous ways after only a few months," Neal's remark, an eerie echo to Kel's thoughts.
"Neal," Kel said gently, "use your small store of common sense. He hasn't done anything yet. Don't pick any fights with him, he's a squire and Lord Wyldon would side with him if he brought a complaint against you. His master will only be here for another week. Just stay out of his way until he leaves." Neal heaved a dramatic sigh and flashed a bright smile at her. "Of course, dearest Keladry. I will not go looking for a fight with our dearest friend Joren. Don't worry your pretty head over it my dear."
Kel sighed and rolled her eyes as her friends giggled over Neal's dramatic delivery. Just then Lord Wyldon signaled for silence.
"These squires will report to me: Keladry of Mindelan, Nealan of Queenscove, Merric of Hollyrose, Seaver of Tasride, Esmond of Nicoline, and Vekkan of Sariel (yes, I made him up). The rest of you may leave.
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Alanna was nervous even though she really had no reason to be. This would be her first time as a knight master and she hoped she wouldn't mess it up. As the squires entered she kept her eyes on the squire she had chosen.
The squires sat down looking anxious. Lord Wyldon stood up and announced "Esmond of Nicoline" a freckled boy stood up. "You have been chosen by Ulric of Stone Mountain, Squire Joren's older brother." Kel and Neal looked at each other, confused. "I didn't know he had a brother," Neal whispered. "I just hope he's nicer than his sibling," she replied. A tall knight stood up. He had the same white-blond hair as his brother, but his face was much more tanned. His eyes weren't as cold and his mouth had no hint of a sneer.
Kel found herself liking him and thinking he was much more handsome than his younger brother…"Kel!" Neal's voice jerked her from her thoughts. Everyone was looking at her, including the Lioness. She got to her feet quickly. Lord Wyldon was looking at her dispassionately, "Sir Raoul of the King's Own wishes you to become his squire." Alanna was watching Kel as this was announced and she could see several emotions warring on the girl's face, pride, disappointment, and finally resignation; Alanna only wished she knew what was going through the girl's mind.
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Kel sat down again and smiled shakily at Neal. Next it was Seaver's turn, who was chosen by Sir Gary, then Vekkan, who was picked by Sir Douglass. Kel was happy for Seaver because Sir Gary had always been his hero and for Vekkan, who wasn't one of their group but they knew pretty well. Finally, it was Neal's turn. Kel watched him out of the corner of her eyes as he swallowed hard; the only knight without a squire was the Lioness. Kel felt tears prick her eyes; it wasn't fair! But why Neal and not me?! At least I can ask Neal about her...I guess. She sighed softly.
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That night Kel stayed awake to talk with Lalasa. As she stroked Jump she told her of the events that evening in Lord Wyldon's office. Lalasa had an insight on why Alanna didn't want Kel as her squire. "My friend Fera works as a housemaid in the king's rooms and she heard the king arguing with Lady Alanna about allowing you to become her squire. The king said he wouldn't go back on his official statement that she was to have nothing to do with you; so no one could claim she 'helped' you or anything." "Oh," said Kel softly, "I think I'm going to go to sleep now. Tomorrow's my first day with Sir Raoul and I need to be at least moderately awake." Lalasa looked at her mistress, worried, but nodded, saying nothing.
Kel knew she wouldn't be able to sleep, despite what she had told Lalasa. She lay awake and thought of a plan. She had to talk to Neal privately about Joren and the Lioness, but there wasn't enough time before classes or at meals. She decided to sneak into his room one night and hope she didn't get caught. She sighed and tried to imagine a placid Yamani stream, but she couldn't think of anything. I've been away from the Yamani Isles too long. It was too much. The emotional pressure that had been building up inside of her all week was let out in a torrent of hot tears. She buried her face in her pillow and finally exhaustion made her fall into a deep, dreamless sleep.
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"So, what do you think? The blue or the white?" Daine groaned. The palace seamstress had been commissioned to make her wedding dress and she had been showing Daine samples for hours. They had decided on a fabric but the woman would NOT allow it to be in green. "Numair! Come here," Daine called, "you're such an all-fired powerful sorcerer, YOU pick the colour."
"Well, I've always been partial to black," Daine groaned and fell backwards onto her bed. "But," he continued with a glare at Daine, who giggled, "I think you should choose the blue, it would bring out your eyes. And as for you," he rounded on the seamstress, "please get to work on it as soon as possible. The sooner you get that dress done the sooner I can have a nice, long vacation." He hustled the woman and her samples out the door and flopped down next to Daine. She propped herself up on one elbow and gazed down at him, smiling. "Why are you so happy?" he asked, but couldn't help grinning, too.
"Onua came by today, while you were teaching your class," she told him, "she couldn't resist telling me that she knew all along you would ask me to marry you, she's just surprised it only took you four years!" She smiled impishly, "Of course Tahoi came along too, and I believe I have a few new bruises from him trying to give me a bath," she lay down again in the circle of his arm.
"I, too, have some news. It seems Alanna has a squire and its not Keladry. Apparently Jon forbade our red-haired friend from choosing her, so I believe we are in for yet another four years of frosty absence from her," he told Daine who giggled.
He kissed her nose, her eyelids, and finally her lips. "I love you." "I love you, too, even if you do have odd ideas about the proper colour of a wedding dress," she teased. He laughed and said, "I believe we were going to dine with the Royal Family tonight?" She gasped and hit herself on the forehead, "Oh, that's right, and my gown still has that wine stain in it. I hope that taught you that when you are having a heated debate about whether the scrolls of Gendeth the Deadslayer proved the dead can be slain twice, you would do well not to punctuate your sentences with violent hand motions," she told him in a mock-lecture. He grinned and hugged her closer, "I'm sure Kitten can take care of it, and besides, I won that debate." She just laughed.
Daine got up and went into her private rooms while Numair began to get dressed. Suddenly Daine came running into his room, her face tight. He glanced at her, "What is it?" he asked, with his shirt half over his head. "Kit's gone."
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Alright, first off, I would like to say that I got a LOT of reviews saying I need to work on my paragraph forming (and that I need a title, I'm addressing that, too), and I would like to say that I did try to make it easier to read this time. I would also like to thank everyone who reviewed, and don't forget to vote on the title (I like to make you guyses think). Its: 'Flame of Ice', 'Silver Warrior: Innocence Forgotten', or 'Grace of the Stars'. Ja mata ne!
-Lady Silvermoon