A/N: And now we meet the mystery page. Oh, by the way, if anyone has been trying to email me in the past few weeks my service has been down, and I can't seem to get it back up. Sorry if you thought I left you hanging!

Chapter Two

Gifts

She adjusted her uniform hesitantly.

Her small green eyes darted the lengths of the hall, watching the boys as they filtered down them. She guessed that was the direction she should be going, but before she could take a step, someone grabbed her around the shoulders, "There you are."

She whipped a knife from her sleeve and held it to her captor's throat.

"Woah, calm down," he whispered. "It's just me, Aiden."

She sighed as she looked right and re-hid the dagger. She met the eyes of her sponsor. He was fifteen, a year older than she and was about to undergo the tests to become a squire. He had accepted the job of sponsor telling her. 'Lady Keladry saved my village from border attacks. She fought harder than any man did.'

So far she seemed to like him, though it had only been a week or so, "You could have gotten yourself killed," she informed him curtly, and he grinned.

"Could've, but didn't," he watched the halls with mild amusement.

"What's going on?" she asked, turning from his light brown eyes. He was possibly one of the most handsome boys she'd ever met, and she'd met quite a few. Not to mention he was kind and gentle-tempered and believed in female knights.

"Well, more than the usual amount of Pages are needed tonight. A big group of warriors were called back from the border after being there a year. They're here for a little rest, though, I don't think that's all," he eyed her suspiciously. "We're to serve them."

She resisted the urge to return her knife to his throat and threaten to cut answers from him. I've lived among thieves too long, she thought to herself.

"Lady Keladry is among them," he added softly and turned to grin at her when her jaw dropped.

"Lady Keladry of Mindelan? Here?" she squeaked. She had met the Lady Knight once before, but that was four years ago, when she had been a noble and Keladry only a squire to Sir Raoul. So much had changed. How could she face her heroine like this? Even though her uniform was colorful and new, she could still feel the rags she once wore, before the Rogue took her in. She was sure everyone else could see too, see what she really was.

Only Aiden's concerned eyes pulled her from her thoughts.

"We should go," she said quickly, and he nodded.

She avoided his eyes the whole way, knowing what he wanted to ask. She couldn't deal with rehashing old memories; she had to look forward.

*

The hall erupted in sound when she entered. All around her were glittering colors and dazzling jewels. Ladies flirted and laughed, gently tapping brightly clad men with hands or fans. All sorts of nobles in fanciful dresses milled around, almost like they were walking on air.

She sighed and closed her eyes, saying a prayer to the Goddess, before Aiden whispered behind her.

"You'll do fine, now, go," and as if his words were hands, nudging her forward, she stepped into the crowd and began serving drinks.

*

Kel searched the crowd. Every time she saw the uniform she thought it was she, only-it never was.

"She's here, we'll see her at dinner for sure," Dom assured her. "For now, loosen up and relax. That is what we're here for you know."

"How can I relax in this?" Kel tried not to look disgustedly at the flowing light green dress they had her in. Her hair was curled in ringlets now that it was a little longer than shoulder-length. She had grown more womanly though she refused to admit it.

"Well I think you look beautiful," Dom retorted, which earned him a slight scowl, watered down by Yamani training. "May I have a dance?"

Kel sighed but couldn't resist taking the offered hand, and, to her horror, enjoying it.

*

The first course was shoved roughly into her hands, but she didn't notice it. She wasn't sure if she was disappointed or thankful that she had yet to see the Lady Knight.

"Aiden, you'll be serving table two on Their Highness' left. Show her what to do," the Master of Ceremonies instructed harshly.

Aiden grinned at her, "Two, which means it's someone important. Possibly Sir Raoul of Goldenlake, the commander of the King's Own, or maybe even Alanna the Lioness, no, she sits on his right. Or maybe it's-"

"Master Numair," she had wanted to meet the one man who could possibly explain her talent almost as much as she had wanted to formally meet Lady Keladry.

"No, he's away right now, that's why we haven't been having lessons," Aiden informed her.

"Well than who-?"

"Stop chatting and get out there!" the Master of Ceremonies bellowed, and both she and Aiden grimaced.

She stepped out into the room nervously. Some of the other pages were gripping their trays with white knuckles, but hers was on her left hand, which was casually placed, to her side. Two years waiting tables in the Dancing Dove had taught her grace.

She nearly lost the tray though when she saw just whom she and Aiden were tending to. Sir Nealan of Queenscove was obvious because of the woman on his left, the Yamani Princess' attendant, Yukimi. So that meant that on Sir Nealan's right had to be…

Aiden took the tray from her before she dropped it, and set it in front of Sir Nealan with a bow. He tugged her arm and led her away to get two more trays, muttering to himself.

"That's-that's-" she stuttered when they were once again in the safety of the kitchen.

"Lady Keladry of Mindelan and Domitan of Masbolle," he grinned.

The new name sparked interest in her eyes. Sir Domitan was very handsome.

"He's a leading captain in the King's Own," Aiden informed her.

*

Kel's eyes narrowed as the boy led her away.

"You see?" Dom asked quietly beside her, "They haven't thrown her from the palace yet."

"And they better not ever," Kel thought, she looks so familiar.

She didn't have much time to ponder before the page was back, her green eyes full of wonder, the green eyes of a dreamer.

"M-my Lady Keladry," she did a quick bow as she set the tray in front of Kel.

Kel's hazel eyes smiled though she couldn't wipe away the feeling that she knew this girl.

"My Lord Domitan," Aiden repeated her motions with much more ease.

Dom laughed, "I'm no Lord."

"You are in my book," Aiden winked at Dom, and she wished she had as much confidence.

"We'll talk later," Kel told her. "They'll need you in the kitchens," she grimaced. "There are some things I do not miss about my page years."

She smiled and bowed, back to the kitchens.

*

It was when she came back with the desert dishes that trouble started for her.

A nearby page tripped her so that the tray spilled down Kel's light green dress, "Women should not be knights," he hissed, and Kel felt Dom reach for a hilt that wasn't there.

"Should we not?" Kel challenged, and the speaker stepped forward. All eyes were on them now. Kel was vaguely aware of the Baron of Pirate's Swoop forcing the Lioness into her seat.

"No, women are meant for home life, not being warriors," Kel stayed calm through his comments. This time, she saw it was Raoul, keeping Buri in her seat. "They will never have a place in Tortall. Women warriors," he spat on the ground, and from the corner of her eye, Kel saw Jonathan's hand dart to Thayet's arm and exert a force.

"I have a feeling many here would challenge you," Kel smiled without anger.

"You're not kidding," Alanna spat.

"Myself included," Kel continued. "But I don't think it's fair for a full-fledged knight to fight a page. Someone with years more experience and training. Still, the lesson must be taught. The question is-how to teach it?"

"I'll fight him Lady Keladry," Aiden clenched his fists, but she shook her head.

"That would prove nothing. My dear," Kel waited for a name.

"Yvenne," she supplied.

"Yvenne," the name sounded familiar on her tongue, from years ago. "What weapon are you best with?"

Her eyes flickered to George who gave the slightest of nods, "Knives, my Lady."

"Knives?" Kel frowned. Knives are more common than hands in the Court of the Rogue, I should have guessed, she thought, but nodded. "A battle with dagger? Do you accept?" Again Kel needed a name, but the boy would not give it.

"Show proper respect to a Knight of the Crown, give her your name," Neal ordered curtly.

He stayed frozen still.

"Give, her, your, name," Dom whispered angrily.

Silence.

Purple and green magic engulfed him as both Alanna and Neal used their Gift at the same moment.

"Bray! Bray of Stone Mountain," he screamed in anguish. Kel's eyes filled with shock as Neal and Alanna let go of the spell, "Witch!" he shouted at Alanna.

"Lady Alanna barely touched you. I believe your pain came from Sir Nealan," a voice said from the back of the room, and Kel's eyes turned like everyone elses'. There stood Numair Salmalin, Master of magic and his lover, Veralidaine Sarrasri, the Wild Mage.

All over the room people jumped up to bow or curtsey, "Master Numair," resounded over the room, "Lady Daine."

Bray stayed still, scowling

It was that moment Kel remembered who Yvenne was, just as Numair pointed at her, "You, girl," she bowed quickly, but he didn't seem to notice. "Who are you?"

"My name is Yvenne Master," she kept her head bowed in hopes no one could read the fear in her eyes.

"Of where?" Numair persisted, and her head flew up.

She looked around her and saw all eyes were on the two. She raised her chin stubbornly and looked him in the eyes, which was hard, "Of the House of the Rogue, Master," she answered, clear enough for everyone to hear.

Many gasped, a few women shrieked. The King shook his head and lowered it, and it was all George could do to keep from smiling proudly.

"You're of the Rogue?" Numair nodded as if it was an everyday thing, as if nothing extraordinary had happened. Kel admired and envied that. "A foolish belief girl, you wouldn't be allowed in the palace. It's okay that you're ashamed of your fief, we'll not speak it front of all these eyes. I can sense a lie," he added when she seemed to want to argue, and King Jonathan tried not to smile at Numair gratefully. Kel nodded at him as well, he knew this had to be hushed up-for now. There were no crimes in Yvenne's wake that could connect her to the Rogue, more than the protection she gained from them, and Kel planned to keep it that way. "We will speak later I guess," Numair added softly to Yvenne.

"If you wish it, Master," she bowed, and Numair smiled at her before he allowed Daine to lead him from the room.

Slowly, very slowly, everything went back to normal, or at least half normal.

Yvenne turned back to Kel, "I'm very sorry Lady…" she began, but Kel shook her head.

"I'm afraid it's entirely my fault. We will try to be distant awhile, or he'll give you more trouble on my account, I promise you that. For now though, it is good to see you again. Especially good to see you here."

Yvenne grinned, "You remember me?" she squealed excitedly.

Kel nodded, "Though I must admit, I thought you were least serious of the three."

Yvenne looked down, the smile vanished from her eyes, "Things change My Lady."

"Where are Fianola and her sister? Why haven't they come?" Kel questioned.

Yvenne's grip on the empty tray tightened until her knuckles were white. Even then, Kel could see her hands were still trembling with rage.

A temper to match the Lioness', Kel thought, that may have to be toned down.

"They're dead My Lady. Bandits came and raided our homes. Very few escaped alive. After that, I had to become a knight, for them, to stop that happening to anyone else," her voice was filled with anger.

Aiden's eyes widened, he had never heard any of this before. He was still shocked to find she belonged to the Rogue; he didn't doubt that her words were truth, though he may have been one of the only ones who could tell when she was lying. She was a very good liar.

Neal watched her suspiciously, and Dom shook his head sadly. Yuki and Kel's emotions were unknown to all but those who knew them. Sadness and admiration shown in their eyes, buried, but Dom and Neal could see it.

Maybe we won't fail yet, Kel commented to herself, but that anger will have to be leashed and used for good first.

"Yuki, Neal, Dom, Yvenne, excuse me, I have to go change," Kel said politely as she stood.

She caught Raoul's eyes, and he grinned; it was an excuse he was infamous for.

"I'll escort you to your rooms then," Dom offered an arm as he stood as well, but she shook her head.

"Wouldn't want you to miss an opportunity to dance with all the girls here," she winked and walked out.

Dom's eyes met Yvenne's, and he felt a chill, like someone using a strong Gift, but different. It seems this girl has more secrets than even the King or Kel knows, he thought to himself as she vanished back into the kitchen.

*

Once Kel was out of her dress and into a comfortable pair of breeches, she sat down to think. Yvenne was a noble she had met when she was a squire. Fianola and her sister, two friends of Yvenne's, two girls who also wanted to be knights. They were the ones with potential. Kel remembered thinking that Yvenne was too much of a dreamer- that she jumped from one idea to the next. But that changed when she was exposed to the cruelty of the world. Bandits killed her best friends and then her own parents tossed her out. That couldn't have been too long after she and Kel met. Now, she was of the House of the Rogue.

"What have I gotten myself into?" Kel mumbled, putting her head in her hands.

She was sure of one thing, this boy Bray was going to be a problem. Kel hadn't known Joren had a brother, but now that he had surfaced, the road would be long and bitter. Especially since he seemed to share his brother's views.

*

Yvenne fell into her bed happily. She had met not only Keladry of Mindelan but Master Numair as well, and both were interested in her! She was on the verge of sleep when someone knocked on her door. She groaned, not wanting to get up, and sent an emerald stream of magic to open it for her, "Aiden I really…" she stopped, because the presence in the door seemed more dominant.

"You already know how to do that?"

She jumped onto her sore feet and bowed quickly, "I'm sorry Master Numair, I had no idea-"

"Be silent," his steady words stopped her. "You are an interesting one, as the King's Champion suggested. I know it's late, but I want you to come with me."

"Yes Master," she took one wistful glance at her warm bed before she shut her door and walked out.

He led her to a quaint cottage on the outskirts of the palace. She looked around her curiously, wondering just where he had brought her. He opened the door, and Yvenne saw the pretty girl from earlier, the Wild Mage, known as Daine.

"So you've brought her," Daine smiled as Yvenne bowed.

"Yes, I have," Numair looked at Daine hesitantly. "And I'm half sure I know what it is."

"Numair, you're never half sure of anything," she scolded, and he glared. "Well, Read me."

Yvenne was startled when she realized the order was meant for her, "Read you?" she asked hesitantly.

Daine frowned, and Numair shook his head.

"She doesn't know it yet darling," he told her, and Daine scolded at the tone he took. "I'm sorry, I'm just frustrated. I've never met one so young, then to see she has the Gift as well…and with Jonathan carrying on about her being of the Rogue and losing his crown over it, and the conservatives saying she's magicked by Alanna…"

Yvenne wanted to ask what he was talking about but thought it rude to interrupt. Daine seemed to notice though and smiled sympathetically.

"Maybe you should explain," Daine suggested, and Numair suddenly seemed to realize Yvenne was in the room.

"I believe you have a gift unlike any other, more than the Gift you know of, something added to that," he began, and she was seized with anticipation. Here was the moment of answers she'd been waiting for. "I believe you are stronger than anyone with the Sight. I have reason to suspect, that when your power is fully developed, you'll be able to Read people. You'll be able to see their past, present and-future."

Yvenne gasped, that hadn't been what she was suspecting.

"Haven't you ever done it?" Numair asked skeptically.

"D-done w-what, Master?" Yvenne stumbled.

"Seen odd things about people, some things that make sense and others that don't. Ever had a dream, days, even weeks before it happens in real life?" his eyes seemed to bore a hole through her, so she had to look away from them.

"I…dream…sometimes…and the other thing, about knowing things about people, my parents dismissed that as the Sight and forbid me to use it, as if I knew how," she laughed bitterly, and Daine nodded.

"People do strange things concerning magic, but no, this isn't the Sight."

"Go back and go to bed, you look as if you're going to fall asleep standing up. Oh, and Yvenne," she looked back at Numair as he added, "speak of this to no one."

*

Once she was back in her bed though, Yvenne couldn't sleep. She did have a magical gift, something special, something no one else had, and she was going to be a knight of the realm. She had no idea that there was something even bigger planned for her.

*

"Are you sure?" Kel kept the utmost calm as Numair described to her her charge's gift.

He glared and answered dryly, "Are you questioning my knowledge of magic?"

"No, nothing like that," even Kel knew not to anger a Mage, especially not this one.

"Well if you are, I am entirely sure. I knew only one other man that possessed the talent, and he was a shaman and a thief. When the gift wouldn't work for him he'd make things up, things people would pay money for. His throat was slit when he told a man his wife would die when the man's wife had been dead for fifteen years," Numair told the story without a bit of interest.

"He will keep going," Daine told her softly, and Kel rushed to prevent this.

"Well, what am I to do? I don't have the Gift, and even if I did I-"

"You?" Numair was startled by her questions that forced him to forget his ranting. "Oh, you can't do anything."

"Well then why was I summoned?" Kel smiled. Ripples in the water, leaves rustling on the ground, she told herself and was soothed.

"You should know, watch over her, report to me anything odd so she doesn't harm herself or others," he responded, and Kel nodded, trying not to think.

Finally, he got to the point.

"This I will do Numair, Daine," she bowed and walked out. More secrets, she thought to herself and ran a hand through her hair, more problems.

*

"Ready to talk now?" Aiden asked sharply when he opened his door and saw it was her.

"Huh?" she inquired as he began to pace the room. Nothing got Aiden upset, why did he seem so angry? "Aiden, what's wrong?"

"What's wrong?" he threw his hands up, "You don't know?"

"Know what?" she asked calmly, not wanting to upset this delicate balance.

"You're a thief!" he shouted, and she winced and shut the door, despite what the rules were. He glanced at the shut door but made no move to open it. "My family will have my title stripped, I'll lose my inheritance for just being associated with you! Sure, they might be able to stomach a girl page being around me, they all think you're doomed to fail anyway, but-a thief? They can't handle that," his pacing hadn't slowed.

Yvenne's voice was low and dangerous, "Do you believe I'm destined to fail as well?"

He looked her over: she was a good two heads shorter than he with luxurious blond hair that fell halfway down her back, tied in a ponytail. Her fragile body was muscular but still small. Yet, her green eyes were full of stubborn determination, "I don't know what I think," he sighed and fell onto the bed.

"I never asked to be picked up by the Rogue," she gritted her teeth and glared at him. "I never asked for you to be my sponsor, I could have been fine on my own. I've always been fine on my own. I just liked to know that at least someone believed I could do it. I'm sorry that my parents dropped me on the streets of Corus and stripped my titles. I wouldn't wish that on anyone, not even you," she tried to keep her voice low and quiet. This effect was almost worse than had she been shouting. "But the Rogue is the only family that has ever respected me and treated me as an equal. I won't denounce them. They saved my life, fed me and gave me a good room and clothes. I won't turn away from them now. It's too bad you're ashamed of them, I'll find my way on my own," she whirled around and walked out, slamming the door behind her.

Kel watched her, fascinated.

"Men!" she screamed, aggravated, and was about to storm off, only Kel gripped her shoulder, causing her to spin around. "What do you-" she was cut off, realizing the firm grip wasn't Aiden's. She didn't know whether she was glad or disappointed.

"You need to calm yourself if you want to make it here. You're going to be hearing a lot more trash, especially announcing yourself of the Rogue. Many of your teachers are conservatives, and it's all the King can do to keep you in the palace. My Lord Provost is a good man, but a stickler for the laws. That's not even half of the worst you'll hear from the other pages," her reprimand was void of all emotion, and Yvenne wondered how she did it. "I was a noble and I heard worse, much worse. As it is, you're going to have to train, hard."

Yvenne bowed her head, "Whatever you wish My Lady."

"Whatever I wish, eh?" she thought she caught a spark of mischief in Kel's emotionless gaze, and that made her edgy. "Well, how about we start with warming up with me just before dawn?"

Yvenne fought back a groan. Keeping on top of her work kept her up until at least midnight as it was, and her lessons started an hour after dawn, "Of course My Lady."

"Good, I'll see you on the practice courts in the morning then," Kel held back a laugh. She knew what the hours meant, but if she could do it so could Yvenne.

"Um… My Lady, what weapon shall I bring?" she asked hesitantly.

"What do you have?" Kel asked curiously.

"Hold on," she ran back to her room and brought Kel out her sword and dagger. The sword was marked Raven Armory and the dagger the same. They were both lightweight and very fine. They could best even Kel's sword and dagger.

"Where did you-" Kel stopped. "Never mind I do not want to know."

"No My Lady," she shook her head vehemently. "We don't steal weapons. They were a gift, from a man who once believed in me."

Kel took Yvenne's chin in her hands, "You have had a rough past, and the next eight years will most likely only get rougher. I want you to remember something though, never give up."

"Yes My Lady," Kel let go of her, and Yvenne felt a bit lighter. Kel thought she could do it, that was all the support she needed.

"Now, as for weapons, we'll be using something a bit…different in the morning," Kel grinned and winked. "I'll supply you with one, just be ready."

"Of course, My Lady," Yvenne bowed, but Kel shook her head.

"This will never do, I'm Kel, you're Yvenne, that's how it is," Kel told her, and Yvenne grinned and nodded, then bounded off to help with dinner.

A/N: Does anyone know how to get things centered on fanfiction? It used to do it all by itself, but lately it won't. It's not a big deal, it just looks neater when it's centered. Read and review!