The Real Chapter 12

A/N hey hey! Told ya I would get this thing up here! I didn't expect half so many reviews for that little paragraph! Thanx people! I luv ya all! Here is the chapter!!!!!!!!!

Disclaimer: I own the story, some of the Court Ladies, and the plot. Tammy Pierce owns the characters and Tortall so don't sue me! I am insane!! Mwahahahahahaaa! * waves stick in air crazily *

Alanna walked back to her room and sighed. It seemed like everyone was acting so strange around her, but why? First Gary, then Jon and George, now Alex! Was it raging male hormones month or something? She opened her door and flopped down on her bed. Faithful hopped up on the bed and nuzzled her chin with his head. " Faithful, sometimes it seems like you're the only boy I know who acts normal anymore." Faithful just looked at her then curled up and went to sleep. Alanna, bored, replaced her women's garments with her normal shirt and breeches and stood up. She walked out of the room and locked the door.

Alanna yawned as she walked down the hallway. When she reached the practice courts, she decided to sit down and watch the others fighting for a while. She was absorbed in Raoul and Gary's heated swordfight, when some one placed a hand on her shoulder and startled her. She jumped up and with a yell, kicked the person in the knees knocking them to the floor. She bent down to see who it was, and turned scarlet when she saw the face of the Prince looking up at her. " Oh. Hehe. It was you Jon. You startled me."

" I can tell. Here, give me a hand. " She offered him her hand and he took hold of it and pulled himself up.

" What did you come here for, other than to startle me half to death?" As Alanna asked that question, Jon's face became suddenly grim.

" Tusaine wants to have a war with us."

(Should I stop here? No, that would be cruel. hehe. Well here is the next bit..)

" WHAT?!?!?! Don't they call your father the Peaceful or the Peacemaker or something like that???" She practically screamed. Jon clamped a hand over her mouth.

" Shhh! We're trying to keep it quiet. Father doesn't want the Pages to know, since they won't be fighting. I had to tell you because you're my Squire, and the Prince is expected to fight and defend the Crown." Alanna nodded solemnly.

" I'd best get some things packed and ready then. We may have to leave suddenly. " She said grimly. Jon nodded his consent, and she left the practice grounds. Alanna was excited, but nervous as well. She had to go with Jon, because he would need her to protect him. She was also nervous as well. What if she had to take an arrow for him and die? Trebond would fail, but the Prince would live. Alanna sighed and entered the door to her room.

' what's going on?' Faithful yowled. " I just talked to Jon. He said we may have to go to war with Tusaine, as their King is so anxious to fight with us." Faithful nodded his head, and began coughing up a hairball. Alanna turned away disgusted. " I really wish that you wouldn't do that on my bed!" she exclaimed. When Faithful was finished, he sniffed. ' I'm beginning to feel unappreciated' he stated. She snorted and turned away.

After Alanna finished packing her bags, she went down to the Dining Hall to get some dinner. She was starved! She picked up a food tray, and plopped down into a seat next to Raoul. " Hi! I haven't seen you for awhile!" She said.

Raoul smiled. " I've been busy you know. All these women swarming over me and whatnot." Alanna rolled her eyes.

" I'm sure." She retorted. She and Raoul started a conversation, unaware of the eyes watching them.

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Gary had heard that a new batch of ladies was coming from Court that evening. Curious, he decided to wait outside for them, tour some around the palace and such. He waited outside, and watched the first carriage arrive. The door opened, and he walked up to it and offered the first lady his hand. " Hello. I am Sir Gareth of Naxen. Who might you be, my lovely lady?" he asked charmingly. The lady had soft brown eyes, as innocent as a doe's. Her hair was a lovely shade of brown as well.

" Felicity of North Ridge. " She answered shyly. Gary winked at her and helped her out of the carriage. He continued to ask every lady their name, and after Kathryn of Sunset Peak, a small fief in Galla, he thought there were no more. But then a voice spoke out to him from the carriage.

" Oh please, do wait! My bag has spilled over, I must put my things back!" A musical voice said. Gary smoothed his moustache. The voice was so beautiful. A lady came out of the carriage, smoothing her skirts and hair down. Her skin was snow white, and she had ruby red lips. Beautiful hazel green eyes and black hair accented an oval face. Her face was even more beautiful than her voice. Gary was smitten immediately, all thoughts of Alanna driven from his mind.



Dun dun dun! How did you like it? Was it good? Bad? But don't fret my pretties! It may end up in Alanna/Gary yet.. or not! Hehehe. I am evil! Review please! Thanx! Peace love and Goddess Bless!

~~lil miss moony AKA Lady Kel of Queenscove