A/N: Please R&R!!!!
Disclaimer: I do not, have not, and will not ever own any of the characters, places, ideas, etc. that belong to the ever-amazing Tamora Pierce! However, anything you don't recognize from the books belongs to me!
Chapter 5
Vanessa was, once again, alone in her parlor. Though surprised and honored by the visit of Prince Jordan and Baroness Mildred, she was also slightly unsettled. The Prince had made it clear, through both his voice and his manners that he has been sent to extend the sympathies of the crown, but she had had the distinct impression that he was also inspecting something. Whether it was herself, her manor or her people, Vanessa knew not. She also did not know whether he had been satisfied with what he found, if find it he did.
The conversation during tea had been the usual courtly dance of small talk; Vanessa had inquired after their families, and also had an interesting conversation with Prince Jordan about horses. After tea the prince had left to ride through the countryside, and Baroness Mildred departed to rest before supper, leaving Vanessa to her long set aside needlework.
She was studying the half-finished design of daisy crowns on the hem of the dark green skirt on her lap when someone knocked at the door. Without waiting for her permission, Prince Jordan strode into the room, blonde curls bouncing, looking excited.
"Lady Vanessa, I'm sorry to disturb you, but you won't believe what's just happened! Have you ever been to the ruins of Barony Olau?"
"Of course," Vanessa said, trying to regain her ladylike composure. "I spent several afternoons there as a child, vanquishing invisible enemies and protecting Olau from invasions of Scanrans."
"Well, I've just been there, and...... there really isn't any way to describe it! I guess she'll have to explain to you."
"Who will explain what to me?" Vanessa asked, confused. Jordan stepped out from in front of the door to reveal a short woman with hair the same fiery red as Vanessa's and violet eyes. The two women looked at each other and gasped.
"Lady Alanna!?" Vanessa exclaimed.
"You look just like her!" Alanna exclaimed at the same time.
"Just like who?" Jordan and Vanessa asked in unison. Alanna looked flustered.
"I'll explain in a moment. May I sit down?" She asked Vanessa.
"Of course! I apologize, I was startled and forgot my manners." Vanessa said, blushing. "I'm a little bit disconcerted. One question, though- aren't you dead?"