This might seem like some odd story at first, but there is a plot. We will uncover it eventually. I hope. I don't really own the characters- they're being borrowed and changed around. Don't worry, I shall try to return them in their original condition. And remember- this takes place in modern day Earth! Not Tortall. Got it? Good.

Dangerous Times

"You will go to the mage school after your next birthday, when you're of age. That is Final!" The twin's father stormed and fumed as he lectured. " It is your duty and an honor to go and take mage training. So few of us around nowadays and you two are the most powerful I've ever seen. And you don't want to do this?! PAH! You, Elena want to become a soldier? What use is that I ask you. You'll never be a real soldier; remember how protective the armed services are of women?"

"But father . . . " Elena gets cut off as her father continues on her twin brother, Thomas.

"And you, Tom, wanting to become a politician. Double PAH! Those no-good thieves. I won't allow THAT! Now, go get your contacts in. You two know you can't let people see your true eye color. Not many people in this country have true violet eyes. Now scat." He sighed, "There goes our only hope," as he watched twin heads, one with long red hair, and the other with short, spiked hair, leave the room simultaneously.

"God, he is so unfair! Women can be soldiers. I just wish I could prove it to him! Arrghh! He is so infuriating to me! I wish we could switch places, like in that book by Tamora Pierce, but we can't since we're going to the same place." All this was said as Elena paced the length of her blue walled room, up one side, down the other.

"Well sister dearest, since we can't do anything about this, I suggest we go back to our high school studies. I still have my history essay to write. Why don't you sit down before you hurt yourself? I know you don't want to be like that guy, that Harry Potter. We don't have a choice though. I suggest that you and father compromise."

"Huh? What do you mean? I can't compromise to him. That would make me look weak!"

"Relax, no it won't. Compromise self defense classes for every mage class you have to go through. He'd probably agree to that if you mention how easily women are overpowered and raped in today's world. He wouldn't want his only daughter raped now, would he?"

What you mean is he would be pissed if I lost my virginity to anyone but our "prince"."

"That too, dearest sister. And if princie got any funny ideas you could pound the stuffing outta him."

Elena went to talk to her father about Tom's compromise idea. She found him in his office window, staring out at the snow-covered trees.

"Daddy?"

"Yes, Elena? What would you like to complain about now?"

"Daddyyy . . . I have an idea, a -a compromise to put to you. Will you hear me out?" She continued on at his nod. "Since I don't want to be taking these mage classes, can I take self defense and gun shooting classes? I promise, if you allow it, I will excel both in my classes and my mage lessons. I will try my hardest and I will learn all that I'm taught."

"I agree to this compromise. Do note that I will be checking in with all your teachers though. Any slacking and your classes will be canceled. Go find yourself a good teacher now. Lessons start once the snow melts, about two weeks from now."

Elena gave her father a hug and ran from the room, smack dab into the housekeeper, Rachel.

"Slow down there youngling. Where are you headed to in such a hurry?" Rachel asked as she put a protective hand to her hardly changed waistline.

"I'm going to go online and find a self defense teacher who can also teach me shooting. Dad said I could!"

"Well now, why go to such trouble? My husband, Conrad, teaches both. He has excellent recommendations also. Let me give him a call for you. I bet you can start immediately in your lessons." Rachel smiled at the sixteen year old girl as she went to the phone.

Now that I hopefully have someone hooked on this story I shall explain the characters. Elena is Alanna, Thomas is Thom, Conrad is Coram, and Rachel is Rispah. Conrad and Rachel are married (to save time and to create introductions) and Rachel is pregnant. Ok. Now review or don't, I don't care. I'd love cc though! That and if I know that there is interest in my story then I won't lose interest in it myself!

Love,

Bob the (female) dog!