Disclaimer: I own NONE of the characters (well, maybe a few, sort of, but you'll know which ones), the beginning three chapters are taken in the format and based pretty much exactly on the original book. Don't sue me! I'm trying to make it so that the beginning sounds the same, and branch off from there.

About: This fanfic is going to be somewhat 'opposite' of the original book. Some adventures (actually, MOST adventures) she encounters will be pretty much the same. I definitely won't leave out the major events. So yeah. There's the lil rant of mine! ; Enjoy the first chapter.

ONE

Twins

"That is my decision. We need not discuss it," said the man at the desk. He was already looking at a book. His two children left the room, closing the door behind them.

"He doesn't want us around," the boy muttered. "He doesn't care what we want."

"We know that," was the girl's answer. "He doesn't care about anything, except his books and scrolls."

The boy hit the wall. "I don't want to be a knight! I want to be a great sorcerer! I want to slay demons and walk with the gods—"

"D'you think I want to be a lady?" his sister asked. "'Walk slowly, Alanna,'" she said primly. "'Sit still, Alanna. Shoulders back, Alanna.' As if that's all I can do with myself!" She paced the floor. "There has to be another way."

The boy watched the girl. Thom and Alanna of Trebond were twins, both with red hair and purple eyes. The only difference between them— as far as most people could tell— was the length of their hair. In face and body shape, dressed alike, they would have looked alike.

"Face it," Thom told Alanna. "Tomorrow you leave for the convent, and I go to the palace. That's it."

"Why do you get all the fun?" she complained. "I'll have to learn sewing and dancing. You'll be studying tilting, fencing—"

"D'you think I like that stuff?" he yelled. "I hate falling down and whacking at things! You're the one who likes it, not me!"

"I wish I were you, Thom." Alanna sighed solemnly.

"Now I don't exactly wish the same way as you, but I'm understanding what you mean." Thom shrugged his shoulders lightly.

"Good luck with being a knight." Alanna said sombrely.

"You too." Thom said, gazing at the ground.

"Well, maybe you could still study sorcery if you wanted." Alanna suggested.

"Maybe," Thom grumbled, "doubt it."

Alanna watched her brother Thom, and their servant-at-arms, as well as the man who raised them for all the years, Coram, leave for the palace. She stared after them, wishing she was the one on their pony, Chubby. She was the one who was able to use a bow and arrow better than Thom, she was the one who was better than Thom in using a dagger. I have everything it takes to become a knight! Alanna screamed silently. Maude, the village healer, put a hand on her shoulder, turning her around.

"What are you staring at, young lady?" She demanded.

"Nothing." Alanna sighed.

Maude understood, she put her hands gently on each side of Alanna's shoulders.

"Sorry girl, you can't always have what you want." She gave Alanna a sympathetic smile, and dragged her down the road to the City of Gods, where the convent was located.

"I know." Alanna replied quietly. She took a deep breath and let Maude lead her. This was going to be an adventure, but not a very exciting one as she had hoped for her entire life.

During their journey to the convent, Maude advised Alanna on all the rules she needed to follow if she wanted to be a good lady.

"You must always be courteous, speak when you are asked to, keep your mouth shut when required—"

"Yes, Maude." Alanna interrupted impatiently.

"Do not forget, there are ladies in the convent who are cruel. Do not anger the Head Daughter, Veronique, outcomes of that are not good." Maude continued, ignoring Alanna completely.

Defeated, Alanna walked on beside Maude, letting the woman ramble on about her soon-to-be life.

After many days of riding, the village healer and Alanna finally arrived at the convent. A maid hurried over and took Alanna's baggage.

Alanna studied the entrance carefully.

"Maude—"She hesitated at the enormous entrance door of the convent.

"You'll be fine, lass," Maude said, giving Alanna a tiny shove forward.

Alanna continued to look the convent from top to bottom.

Maude sighed.

"Alright, lass. I will come visit you once every six months, now will you go in?" She asked, hopefully.

Alanna nodded. Sucking in a deep breath, she stepped forward, and walked towards the convent.

"Alanna, wait." Maude suddenly said.

She whirled around, facing Maude. "What is it?" She inquired.

"Remember to make good use of your Gift no matter where you go, otherwise you will anger the gods, and tragic events will come about." Maude advised.

She smiled, "thank you, Maude. I'll remember that." Alanna whispered.

"I hope so." Maude nodded.

Alanna turned back towards the entrance of the convent, without more hesitation, she pushed open the double doors that kept her from her designated life.

A/N: Okay, I know I certainly did NOT put much thought into this chapter and added to the fact that most of it is copied from the book anyway, but I want to keep Tamora Pierce's plot going in the same way. I promise after the third chapter, it WILL start branching off.