A/n: Don't know if I'll be able to update for a few weeks, as I'm going on holiday. Please, don't stop reviewing, wonderful people! To whoever asked, they'll be using swords.

Sandry and Cythera were hurrying through the corridors, trying to keep up with a fuming Alanna. They were panting from the exertion of running for several minutes, but Alanna's fury seemed to be lending her strength. At least, Sandry considered, they were nearly at her chambers. Not much more of this to go.

Alanna flung open the door and slammed it behind her, nearly breaking Cythera's nose. Rolling her eyes at Sandry, Cythera cautiously opened it again.

"Is she often like this?" Sandry enquired in a whisper. Cythera shook her head.

"Only when she's really mad." She said, in the voice of an experienced sage. "Or when she knows she's done something stupid."

The two girls moved in timidly to approach Alanna, who was sitting on the bed with her head in her hands.

"Well," Said Sandry cheerfully, coming to sit beside her and tossing her fan up in the air, "That was silly."

Alanna raised her head and glare at her. A moment later, the fan came don on her head, making her yelp.

"I suppose that's a judgement from the Gods." She said glumly, rubbing her head with a groan. Cythera giggled, then subsided when she saw the look on her friend's face.

"Cyth, what am I going to do?" wailed Alanna, throwing herself backwards. Sandry grinned.

"You could beat him."

Alanna raised her head to give her a Look. Sandry covered her hand with her mouth, the corners of her eyes crinkling.

"I know." She said, raising her hands in submission. "But I ought to get points for mentioning it."

"You might beat him." Said Cythera pragmatically. "You're quite good."

Alanna sighed. "And he's had years of training. Face it, I don't have a hope in Hades."

"We could get Tris to fry him." Suggested Sandry. "I'm sure she'd be happy to oblige."

Alanna folded her arms across her chest. "No." She said firmly. "If I have to die, I'll die honourably."

Cythera snorted. "As if he'd kill you."

Alanna groaned. "Cythera! That was a dramatic moment!"

"Tough luck. Dramatic moments are my prerogative." Cythera said firmly.

"If you two are quite finished?" Sandry wanted to know. "If Alanna's going to die, she'd better get some sleep. "

The two of them walked out of the room, chatting. Alanna glared at their backs.

"I'll haunt you!" She yelled to their retreating backs. The reply was swift and laughing.

"That'll make a change!"