Down the Other Path

Chapter Two

Disclaimer: None of these characters are mine.

Alanna groaned as she walked into Julia's Dresses, a seamstress's shop. I do not want to wear or have anything to do with those stupid puffed up things.

 "How may I help you, madam", asked the girl at the counter, breaking Alanna's train of thought.

"I need to be fitted for a few dresses", Alanna replied.

"Alright, come this way please", said the girl.

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            When Alanna left the shop later that day, she felt quite satisfied. She had managed to purchase dresses that were not too blown up. Clong. Oh no, that's the evening bell. I'm late for tonight's banquet.

            She managed to make it just in time, though she was wearing no face paint, her hair was still loose and she was not properly dressed. Alanna cringed as the footman led her into the dining hall. Everyone turned to see what this girl in a plain dress was doing in the dining hall. Great. First night here and I'm already embarrassing myself. She was about to be turned back until Thom came up and spoke to the footman. The footman nodded and led Alanna to her place among the unmarried ladies of the court.

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            Thom cringed as he watched the red-headed girl walk into the dining hall. It had to be Alanna. How could she be so thoughtless as to come to the first banquet of the season with no face paint, hair undone, and not wearing the proper clothing? Great. He walked up to the footman and whispered, "This is my sister, Alanna of Trebond." "Aye, Squire Thom", the footman replied. He watched as Alanna walked dreadfully towards the table reserved for the unmarried ladies of the court.

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            Alanna walked back to her room. The banquet had been horrid. The other ladies whispered amongst themselves. Alanna suspected it was about her. Priestess Elena hadn't said anything, but Alanna knew to be prepared for a scolding. She had embarrassed Thom by having him admit she was his sister. Great. And I thought coming to the palace was going to be better than the convent. She opened her door rather roughly and sat down on her bed.

            The door opened suddenly and Priestess Elena stormed in. "You have thoroughly embarrassed yourself and our convent, coming in like that. A proper noblewoman wears gowns befitting to her station, and does not leave her hair loose to fly and does not go about with her face bare! Furthermore, you are not allowed to go anywhere for the next five days without my leave or there shall be dire consequences. I hope you have learned a good lesson on the proper attire of a noblewoman. And where is the proof that you have purchased gowns befitting to your station?"

            Alanna handed her the receipt detailing her earlier purchases. The priestess scanned the list quickly. "Alright", she said. With that, she stormed out of the room.

            Alanna sighed depressingly. Now she would have nothing to do until the ball. Ugg. The ball. Well at least I won't be late for that. Knock, knock.

"Come in." The door opened to reveal Thom.

"I'm really sorry for embarrassing you like that Thom."

"No, it was nothing. How was your day in Corus?"

"It was pretty good, actually, compared to what I thought it would be."

"I heard that priestess talking to you, how'd it go?"

"Horrible. She gave me a scolding on how noblewomen are supposed to be dressed, and then she told me I couldn't go anywhere without her permission for the next five days, and that's until the ball. Ugg"

"I'm sorry about that. If you want to, you can come watch the pages and squires train."

"Thanks, but I doubt Priestess Elena will let me."

"I have to go now. I've got tons of homework to do."

"Bye."

Alanna sighed as Thom shut the door. She was probably stuck in the palace for the next five days, considering that the priestess would probably find out and punish her if she went to places without her permission like she did in the convent. She had the knack of popping up to check on you when you least wanted it, and the results would not be good if it happened again. Sorrowfully, she went to bed.

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            Alanna awoke to the sounds of birds singing. After taking a bath, she put on the simplest dress she could find that would meet the priestess's standards. She put her hair up in a bun with a silver hair clip. Then face paint. Ugg. I hate that horrid mask-like feel of face paint. It's stupid. Why won't they just let people see our faces as they truly are? Despite those thoughts, Alanna forced herself to put on the bare minimum of the required face paint- a sheer coat of lip paint and just a touch of rouge.

            After breakfast, Alanna went down to Priestess Elena's room. She had decided to ask if she could watch the pages and squires train despite the fact that she probably knew what the answer would be. Oh well, it won't hurt if I just ask. And maybe, just maybe, she'll let me watch. Alanna knocked on the door to the priestess's room.

            "Come in." The priestess looked up from her sewing as Alanna walked into her room.

            "Yes?" she asked.

            "May I watch the pages and squires train?" asked Alanna

            "No. Proper noblewomen do not watch boys fight"

            "May I visit the portrait gallery then?" asked  Alanna.

            "Very well. You must be back in time for the midday meal and may not go anywhere else without my permission," replied the priestess.

            As Alanna walked through the portrait gallery, she noticed a young nobleman with black hair walking in her direction. It must be the prince. She remembered how he had looked at her on her first day. I will not be some stupid court lady falls for him the moment he notices me. As they met, Alanna curtsied, no more than protocol required.

            Prince Jonathon smirked as Alanna walked away. I can have any girl I want. She'll soon fall for me, and hard. His latest conquest was going just the way he wanted it too.

            Who does that prig think he is? Looking at me like that. As if I was his prey. I will not be some stupid court lady hanging on to his every word. Alanna walked down the hall quite furiously. She would show that prig. How could Thom of ever made friends with him? He was the most arrogant, conceited person she had ever met.

A/N: Hope you liked it. If you don't like the way I portrayed Jon, sorry. It just needs to be this way for this story. I've got nothing against him. Who should Alanna be with? I'm going to decide mostly based on votes, though it won't be an A/G. Sorry A/G fans. Please, please, please review.