A/N: Thanks for all of the reviews!! Still a dwindling number compared to my K/D but probably because it was a K/D and everyone on the face of the planet reads them. And no, Joren is not alive, because I hate him, and because I didn't change anything within the Kel books. Just TC. That's the only thing I've changed. There was definitely some reflecting of myself in the last chapter, if anyone noticed...probably not, but I thought I'd point that out.

Enjoy!

DISCLAIMER: I'm still not Tamora. I wished, but alas, it did not come true.

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Aly laid back on her bed. It was late and she was tired from the ride to Corus, but she couldn't sleep.

Why did everyone have to compare her to her parents? All of the conservatives expected her to be a lady knight, just like her mother. Everyone always said how, She had her father's eyes, Her mother's nose. Well what about her own humor? Her own hair? (Ok, she'd admit, it was a mixture of her mother and father's, but still!). Her own dreams? Sure, she wished to be a spy just like her father, except she could work in the field. Unlike her father her Sight was much more powerful. Even more powerful than her mother's Gift.

But no one knew that. Only her parents and her brothers. She would have told people if she could, but why would she let slip such an important, valuable secret that she could use against the kingdom's enemies?

She needed to make a name for herself. But how?

And why had Shinko mentioned Roald's knight friends? She might have been known amongst her peers that she did flirt with many men but never kept one for too long. She even admitted to her father that none of them were very interesting. Nice to look at him, perhaps, but not pleasant to converse with. She didn't want to be known for being a stereotypical Court Lady, where she'd flirt with all the men to just sleep with him.

She made a face. She hoped no one thought she slept with any of those men...she was 17!! (A/N: I need to make a year older tis all!) She was repulsed by such a thought.

She reached to her bedside table and lit a candle. She slipped on her cloak and slippers and opened her bedroom door to the hallway. She needed to go for a walk to ease her troubled mind. (A/N: courtesy of 3 Doors Down...love them!)

She was so caught up in her troubles that she didn't notice where she was going. She turned a corner and bumped into someone. Oh, sorry, she mumbled and almost fell backwards from the impact of the large, man? He reached out and steadied her when she looked up, Oh, um, I'm very sorry.No, it's quite alright. But, may I ask, are you doing up walking around at midnight?

Aly smiled, annoyed that she could not see the man's face. She decided he was not nearly as tall as Uncle Raoul, but not as short as she was. I couldn't sleep. She smiled wryly, And, may I ask, why are you walking around at midnight? Leaving a woman's chambers, perhaps? She loved playing with men like this.

The man scoffed. No, my friends and I have just arrived from Scanra.Oh. Well, I'll let you go to your rooms, she meant to move away, embarrassed that it might be one of Roald's knight friends. But before she could walk away the man lightly took her arm.

I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name...That's because I didn't give it. She paused. Aly. And I didn't get a chance to get yours. Or see your face.

The man chuckled, The name's Merric of Hollyrose. He moved into the dim light of the torches on the wall.

She smiled. He looked to be about 20, with red hair, darker than Thom's, and a few freckles on his tanned skin, probably from being outside in Scanra. Thank you, Sir Merric. Now if you'll excuse me, I must be getting back to my rooms. She curtsied politely and walked away, towards her rooms.

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Aly woke up well past the first breakfast bell. She hurriedly put on a comfortable tunic and breeches and went to the main mess hall where all of the nobles and other guests ate breakfast and lunch. She got her food and sat down at a table by herself since most of the nobles had already eaten. When she was almost finished with her meal, her mother walked in and sat down across from her.

Hello, Aly.Hello, mother. How are you enjoying your vacation?

Her mother smiled, noticing the teasing twinkle in her mother's eye. she said warningly, obviously mockingly. I wanted to ask you a question. Aly looked up, giving her mother her full attention. You know Lady Knight Keladry of Mindelan, correct?I've heard of her, like the rest of the kingdom, I've just never met her.She's Sir Nealan's best friend.

Aly laughed. How could I forget the one Neal always talked about?

Alanna laughed, remembering how Neal would go on and on about Kel when he would stay at Pirate's Swoop during his years as her squire. Well anyway, she, Neal's betrothed, Yuki, and Shinko are teaching Thayet, Buri and I about this pig sticker-weapon the Yamani's call the glaive. We practice in the mornings, and you are more than welcome join us.

Aly made a disgusted face. She thought for a moment. I'll have to see if I'll be awake or not...

Alanna chuckled. Well think about it, it's a good weapon to know...Yes mother.It could help you someday, you know.Yes, mother, the next time I get attacked by a pig I'll keep that in mind.Yes, mother? she asked sweetly.

Alanna sighed, What were you planning on doing today?

Aly thought. Probably go visit Alan, and then practice arrows and see if there were any matches down at the practice courts.

Alanna nodded. Well, I just wanted to check in with you this morning. I keep forgetting that you're 17. I'm going to go find your grandfather. If you see Neal, have him introduce you to all of his little friends.Yes, mother, Aly said exasperatedly. Alanna got up and left the mess hall, much to Aly's relief.

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At 11 o'clock, Aly went and knocked on her twin brother's door. Alan? Are you in there? No on answered. She knocked again, but gave up when no one answered. She gathered her bow and arrows that she brought with her, along with a few daggers and went down to the practice courts.

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A/N: I'm kind of just leaving it there. I'll start next chapter with perhaps Aly meeting someone new. Or someone old. Not much of a cliffie, but I'm tired of writing. So, who will she dance with at the upcoming ball? Merric? Owen? Dom? One of Alan's page friends? Who knows!

REVIEW!!!!! please!!! it's VERY much appreciated!! Give me feedback - ideas! Who do you want to see her with? (Besides Cleon or Joren. One's dead but they both suck.)