Part III

I woke up the day of the ball to find gifts on my doorstep from Nicole, Emily, Taylor, Erin, and my family. I got up and got dressed and as I was opening my first gift a knock sounded on my door. I opened it to find Taylor in a simple dress with her ball dress draped across her arm, behind her Nicole carried what appeared to be a cosmetic case. "Time to get ready!" said Taylor. At that point I realized that the ball was going to be a breeze compared to what the preparation was going to be like.

We spent all day getting ready. I must admit however that Taylor and Nicole looked stunning and thanks to their hard work I didn't look too bad myself. We left to go to the ball as the sun was sinking behind the mountains. When we arrived, early because Taylor said since I was new they probably wanted to introduce me, a herald asked us our names. He then enlightened me to the fact that I was indeed going to be officially introduced at court. By this time I had already had enough of the court and wanted to be officially excused from court. Unfortunately, just as I was about to express my feelings to a certain herald he left to go announce Taylor and Nicole so I had to content myself by muttering under my breath about stupid heralds who find joy in making other people's lives miserable. In the middle of my mumbling I was interrupted by the selfsame herald I was cursing announcing my friends.

I peeked through the curtains to see them descend the lesser staircase. As I was watching the princess came up behind me and said "Now Isabella don't be nervous! You look….. nice by the way."

"Why thank you, your highness! You look beautiful!" I replied my voice falsely cheerful. Unfortunately, this did not make up for the fact that the princess was indeed beautiful. She had on a sapphire blue dress with white trim and her black hair was curled into tight ringlets.

"Time to go!" The princess said a good half-hour later.

"Your highness!" whispered a young man next to her "Which order?"

"I'll have Lord Ryan go first with me and you can go with Isabella." said the princess.

Oh great! Just what I need, an escort! First she pauses strategically to tell me basically I don't look as good as she does and then she gives me a fop for an escort. Ok, maybe that was a bit unfair after all I hadn't met the guy before. As I was thinking these pleasant thoughts my favorite herald came in and said " Your highness, I will now begin introduction."

"Yes, go ahead." murmured the princess.

"Now may I present Princess Alexa Lynae of Conte, heir to the throne, Lord Ryan of Goldenlake, Mage Isabella of Mindelan, and Sir Tyson of Masbolle." announced the herald.

I blanched, my supposed escort was Keladry of Mindelan's great-great-great grandson. We descended the stairs and I only almost tripped once, but thanks to Sir Tyson I only stumbled a bit. When we finally got down, I quickly let go of Sir Tyson's arm and tried to find a place to hide. Almost immediately Taylor rushed over and pulled me over to a table where she Nicole, Erin, Emily and Allison sat. Jarret was the first over to our table and said a polite hello to everyone then led Allison away to dance. Matthew of Olau, as Taylor told me later, came over and politely asked Emily to dance, Emily blushing, accepted. Grant of Anak's Eyrie proceeded to ask Erin after courteously introducing himself. Micheal of Jesslaw asked Nicole and finally Taylor was asked by David of Cavall. I sat tight left all alone, on one hand grateful because I was never an excellent dancer and on the other feeling like a fool for going when I knew this was going to happen.

Just as I was thinking this Sir Tyson started walking in the direction of the table. Oh no! I thought, panicking. Then I spied the cider on my left, Oh! He's just getting a drink! I thought feeling more like a fool then ever before. I was almost correct. He got two cups of cider and headed in my direction.

"You're new." he stated when he reached my table.

"Yes, I am." I replied unsure of what he was doing.

"Let me introduce you to some of my friends." he said.

"Ok." I muttered uneasy.

We walked over to a table full of young people laughing and for all appearances having a good time. "Mage Isabella this is Lady Rachel of Eldorne, Sir Lauren of Tameran, Sir Michael of Aili, and Sir Sarah of Tasride. Friends, this is Mage Isabella of Mindelan." announced Tyson.

"A pleasure to meet you and call me Bella." came my instant response.

"Nice to meet you too." they replied in unison, which was a little odd.

I sit down between Tyson and Sarah. Sarah was sarcastic and nice. Rachel was quiet, but she talked to Lauren a lot. Lauren was very funny and as sarcastic as Sarah. Michael was also subdued, but when he did speak it was always interesting. Sarah made sure I was always a part of the conversation and soon after I was beginning to feel very at ease with this group of friends and I was also beginning to enjoy my evening.

A/N Any suggestions are taken extremely seriously! Hey I'll put a purple flying monkey if you want me to! Really, I will!

SailorNeo: I have indeed read The Circle of Magic books, but I have a hard time writing fics for them because for some odd reason it's more difficult for me to write something about them or in Emelan (OMG I don't even know how to spell the country's name! EEK!) However to help your crusade I will attempt to write something, probably a songfic.

TPfan333: I hate to say this, but as you see I already have a Queenscove, but seeing as the story is not yet completed maybe you can be Taylor's sister? What do you think?

Insane Kitten: Where are you? I swear you are in the story just in later chapters! Honest! I have a sketch of a plot that is being altered every day! Please review or email me or something!!

I LOVE MY REVIEWERS!!! smooch

Disclaimer: I don't own any T.P. characters except for maybe Dom! What do you mean I don't own Dom? Well see if I care!

R&R! Ciao! Zella