TimeandAgain4a

Time and Again

Chapter 4 (Revised)

Rated PG

By LynaQT

E-mail: Lyna_Q.T@miakaandtamahome.com

Disclaimer: These amazing characters belong to Tamora Pierce. I haven't a dime, so don't sue. The plot is mine, however.

Chapter 4: The Men in her Life

"What is wrong with you?" Alexis had been watching her counterpart Alanna yawn all morning. Alexis couldn't help, but tease, "Don't tell me that in my old age, I laze around doing nothing."

"It wasn't nothing," Alanna retorted. She was tired, but it was a GOOD tired. Her husband had been eager in showing his appreciation of her early return last night. Now she was reaping the effort and the concern over whether to tell her younger-counterpart that--well--she WAS married. She decided that it was a discussion for another time and they continued on their way to a meeting with Jon and Wyldon about Alexis. "Besides, must we always be busy."

"I just don't like wasting time. I feel like a weapon that must be used or I'll just rust and dull." Alexis was dressed in a loaned pale yellow satin dress. Earlier that morning, Alexis had a fitting with the court seamstress and took a walk about the garden. Thus far, she had yet to trip on her skirt or make an embarrassing fashion faux pas in front of anyone. In fact, she had been complimented for her ladylike deportment twice today. Behaving like a lady is easier than I thought. Of course I have that magical implant, but hey…if it works. "You have GOT to teach me how to do that psychic implant spell."

"You know, I said the exact same thing about the sword rusting to Jon once." They had finally arrived at their destination; Alanna turned to get a good look at Alexis. "You definitely do NOT look like Squire Alan in a dress. How does it feel like being a lady?"

"It's fun so far. This morning, I had a little difficulty dealing with the train of the first gown I tried on, so I changed. So will you teach me the spell?"

Alanna tried to hide her smile. "What spell?"

Alexis was feeling suspicious of her future self. Alexis knew that expression. By the Goddess, if she couldn't read herself who could? "The psychic implant."

"Oh, that. I made that all up. There is no such thing as a psychic implant." Alanna reached for the doorknob. "Shouldn't we go in?"

"WHAT?!? You're joking, right?"

"No, I'm not." Alanna ceased teasing, released the doorknob, and turned to her younger self. "Trust in yourself. Eleni taught you well. The only reason you can't act like a lady sometimes is because you over THINK it. It will come naturally if you let it. It took me YEARS to figure that out." It was strange for Alanna to be seeing her younger self so insecure. "Do you want to go in now?"

"I knew it was too good to be true. NO psychic implant, now what am I going to do? I'll trip or walk like a boy or forget to sweep out my skirts or…WAIT A MINUTE. Do you mean ALL this time there wasn't a magic spell to help me act like a lady?!?"

"Yep." It was amusing to see the different facial expressions on Alexis.

"So, the compliments…They were really for me?"

"Yep. So are you ready to meet the King and Lord Wyldon?"

"As ready as I'll ever be." Alexis clasped the Goddess's gift around her neck tightly. Alanna noticed the movement and brought her hand to the token.

"We should hide this. As far as I know, there is only one in existence in this time and only I am supposed to have it." Alanna undid the clasp for the token and pregnancy ward and gave them to Alexis. "I'll have these hidden inside a broach for you to wear as soon as possible."

"Alright, so are YOU ready to go in now?"

It took an arduous amount of time and promises that Alexis had no intention of becoming the third lady knight of Tortall, but Wyldon agreed, since Alexis's case was unique, to let her have a knight's training for 'protection.' Alexis would take class with the pages and squires as well as training, but would have to go through an additional training and etiquette course with the trainees to be a Queen's Rider. It would also be mandatory for her to participate in any and all ladylike endeavors. How Wyldon would monitor THAT rule, Alexis had no idea.

Whatever Alexis's purpose for training with the pages and squires, Wyldon would not give her any special treatment. She could not be in a room with a male and have the door closed. She was to learn enough, so that she could protect herself if the need arose. Once she was competent enough, she would then get herself the hell out of his way.

Alexis couldn't wait to skewer him with Lightning…that is if she HAD Lightning. As it was she would have taken the next available weapon, whether it was spoon or fork! But she had to admit she was impressed with Wyldon's sense of honor and battle skills. He was no Duke Gareth of Naxen, but then again it would be hard to live up to THAT man.

"If everything is settled, I would like to speak with Alanna alone." Jon had been meaning to have this talk for a while. Wyldon left as quickly as he had come.

"Sure," both Alanna and Alexis replied at the same time.

Alexis looked pained and brought her hand to her head, "Your majesty, if you would please excuse my presence. This has been a most trying morning. Already, I feel the pangs of another headache."

"Another? Maybe you should seek Duke Baird of Queenscove, the chief of Tortall's healers. That headache could be due to Thom's spell." Jon trusted his instincts and they told him that this young girl had no evil intentions for Tortall.

"I'm quite sure that the headache has nothing to do with Thom. So by your leave." Alexis stood up, and gracefully left the room.

"I wonder what that was about?" Jon wondered aloud.

"Identity crisis." Alanna muttered under her breath. Alanna gathered herself and tried to do what she set out to. "Anyway, before you say anything I want to tell you I'm sorry. I was angry that Keladry had to go through her probationary year, and I couldn't help her, but you were right. Keladry didn't need me to help her. It was just easier to be mad at you then at myself for being wrong. And even then, I wasn't mad at you, Jon, I was mad at KING Jon. Even for me, it is hard to separate the 'king' and the 'man' you are. That part of you that must make global decisions without personal interest. I don't know what else to say, but I'm sorry I wasted a year of friendship."

"You don't have to apologize for anything. I understand where you are coming from. I'm just glad you came back." Jon felt as if a weight had been lifted off his shoulders. "I'm sorry too. I never meant for Keladry to go through that tryout year, but with the immortals, I need the best to train the youth of Tortall. Wyldon wanted it, so I gave it. So are we friends again?"

"The best of friends."

Meanwhile…

"Ladylike endeavors?!?! I'll give that STUMP LADYLIKE ENDEAVORS!" After leaving the conference, Alexis decided to expel her temper at some innocent flowers. Her temper was such that she did not hear the footsteps behind her.

"Ye're definitely Alanna's kin." George had been looking for a way to introduce himself to Alexis all day. "That youthful temper is a strikin' resemblance."

Surprised Alexis took in the George before her just as she did with Jon earlier. They had both aged handsomely, and still had the spark of adventure in their eyes. This time Alexis decided she was NOT going to blow her cover. "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Since there is no one here who can introduce me, I guess I shall have to do so myself. I am Alexis of Trebond. And you are?" Thank you Eleni, YOU ARE THE GODDESS of Ladylike Propriety.

"George. So how do ye like Tortall?"

Alexis looked into her old friend's eyes, which were still the same brilliant hazel. "I think that Tortall is a wonderful place with people who prize chivalry and duty. I am honored to be in the company of such individuals."

"Ye know, ye remind me of my daughter. It is probably the face shape, but ye do." George studied her face carefully and it looked awfully familiar. He knew that it was something quite obvious, but he couldn't make the connection.

Alexis paled at that comment. "I'm sorry, but I've had a dreadful headache that comes now and again. I believe I will take King Jonathan's advice and seek Duke Baird's help. Goodbye." Alexis couldn't get away fast enough. For some reason Alexis could not identify, she felt her insides twist and her eyes water. George is MARRIED!

A/N. Changed the beginning. I did that scene to begin with as a dare, and now I feel that it is unneeded. Plus the R rating diminished what little fan base I had! LOL. As if I HAD a fan base...But if you guys really liked the other beginning I'll repost if you ask.

Please READ and REVIEW!!! Tell me what you think! Should I continue? Plot Copyright 2001, July.

~LynaQT