Me: Now all we have to do to get in to her apartment is…(notices people staring at her) Oh, hola again! Didn't see you there…(shoves floor plans of Lindsey Lohan's apartment under the bed)

Disclaimer: I like shiny!

Me: (stares at him) Yeah, that's great for you.

Disclaimer: So what are we going to do to the Muffin Man?

Me: Well, the "Muffin Man" is no doubt going to go out and try to pass herself off as some sort of big movie star, which, of course, she isn't. We can use this time to go and sneak into the apartment…

Disclaimer: Oh, are we throwing him a surprise party? I love surprises!

Me: (looks at him uneasily) Uh, on second thought, maybe you should just stay here. I'll probably be better on my own.

Disclaimer: But who's going to bring the cake?

Me: We're not throwing her a surprise party.

Disclaimer: Ahh, why not?

Me: Because she isn't worth my time.

Disclaimer: But you're going to her apartment…

Me: Um, I'm not exactly going to give her a cake…

Disclaimer: But what're you doing then?

Me: Uh…(glances around nervously) I think someone has cookies…OVER THERE! (points in random direction)

Disclaimer: COOKIES! (runs off in pursuit of the non-existent cookies)

Me: Thank God. Oh, um, none of the characters, except Gayle, Percy, and some others are mine. Tamora Pierce created them and got them published in books and stuff, so they're hers. I think I took a couple of her lines, too. Don't remember. Now go read the story.

Meetings by Eveiveneg

Gayle's eyes fluttered open. She was in a small room, covered in thick sheets. She looked around and saw a window, two chairs next to a table, and a dresser. She sat up slowly. She was still wearing her clothes, though her sweater was gone. Her clothes were still a little damp, but not too cold.

A giant dog was on the end of the bed. It was happily panting, it's ears flopping with every move of its head. It was for the most part black, but there were a few splotches of white and tan colored fur on its head and chest. "Hey sweets." She held out a hand. The dog proceeded to cover her hand in saliva, its tail wagging crazily. She laughed. It was a sweet dog.

She got up out of the bed, careful not to disturb the dog. But instead of just laying there, it jumped off the bed and came over next to her, obviously excited to have her up and out of bed. She couldn't help smiling. She walked over to the window, and gasped in awe at the view. A vast lake disappeared into the distance, many different tints of blue and green swirling around each other in the water. The beginning of a white and sandy shore lay about thirty yards from the window. The sky was an amazing cerulean, blending nicely with the lake at the horizon.She absently rubbed the dog's neck. It was amazing, just awe-inspiring.

"Ah." A gravelly voice said behind her. "You're awake." Gayle spun around in surprise. A tall man stood there, smiling kindly at her. His white hair fell down just to the bottom of his ears in chaotic curls. He watched her with his eyebrows arched high over his blue eyes. They were the exact same color as the ocean, just as dark and deep and mysterious. "I'm glad to see you've gotten up on your feet." He continued, his amusement at her confusion evident.

"Um, excuse me, sir?" she was extremely bewildered. "Oh, did I forget to introduce myself?" He came over to her, his hand extended. "I'm Percy Miller, fisherman here at Lake Leviathan." She grabbed his hand and shook it firmly. "I'm pleased to meet you, Mr. Miller." He shook his head. "No, no. Just Percy. I've never been one for formalties." He looked at her expectantly. "What's your name then, miss?"

She smiled. "Gayle Falconer, at your service." She paused. "Percy." He grinned in delight. She looked back at the lake. "It's called Leviathan?" she asked curiously. "Yes," he said with raised eyebrows. "I would expect you'd know that, seeing as you were floating around unconscious in the middle of it." She turned back to him abruptly. "What? I was out in there?" Then she realized what must have happened. "Oh," she said quietly. "Thank you for saving me, Percy."

"Not a problem Gayle." He said easily. "I'm glad to help. Though," he added thoughtfully. "I would like to know how you got out there in the first place." She looked back out at the water, her eyes cloudy. "You wouldn't believe me if I told you." She stated. "Try me."

She turned to him. He was completely serious. She sighed, and told him. How she had been running away from a cat that had threatened her. How she'd seen the tower. How she'd fallen in the water. How she'd sunk into the puddle of black goo at the bottom of the lake. How she'd ended up lost in the middle of Lake Leviathan. When she finished, she watched him. He seemed to be lost in thought. "I can understand if you think I've lost my mind." She told him quietly.

He looked at her. "No, lass." He said with a sigh. "I believe you. Why would you make it up? No, you're telling the truth." She smiled in gratitude. At least someone believed her. "Well," she said uncomfortably. "Where exactly is Lake Leviathan?" He smiled. "In Tortall, to the north." She blinked. Tortall? Where in the world was that?

"I can see that you're confused." He stated. "How ever did you guess?" she said dryly. He ignored it. "To tell you the truth, lassie, I don't think it's anywhere near where you're from." She shook her head. "I wouldn't have thought so, considering the fact I've never heard of Tortall, and for the most part I know where every city, country, continent, and place is in relation to my home."

He stared at her. "A bit sarcastic, aren't we?" he asked, amused. "No," she said without laughing. "I'm being entirely serious when I say this." Percy was suppressing laughter. "I can see that you're a handful already, and I've only known you about ten minutes."

"Yes," she sighed. "My parents said I have a gift for making people want to hurt me for commenting on the weather." He raised his eyebrows. "Said?" She looked away. "My parents died three weeks ago." He put a hand on her shoulder. "I'm sorry for your loss. May they forever rest in peace." She nodded, though inside, she silently disagreed. Her parents, and she herself would never rest until she discovered who'd killed them. She knew some one had trapped her parents in that fire. She knew it, despite what everyone else had said. And she'd get revenge on whoever did it.

-

Kaelin of Eaton's Spire wiped the sweat off of his forehead. He was really hot. Not just warm. Burning. He didn't know how long he'd be able to take it. All he knew was that he was desperate for shade. Put it out of your mind Kaelin, he told himself sternly. At least you're not wearing armor. It's just a couple layers of clothes.

He looked over at Alan. His friend was lucky. He'd gotten Raoul of Golden Lake and Malorie's Peak as his Knight-Master. Not that he didn't like Sir Neal, of course. He was great, just a bit touched in the head. Though he didn't like it when you told him that, he did anyway. Lady Kel said it was true and he greatly respected her.

He glanced over at her. She was talking to Sergeant Dom. She laughed at something he'd said. Seeing the look on the sergeant's face, he grinned. It was obvious that Dom liked her as more than just a friend. He knew that Kel felt the same way about him, but hadn't realized that Dom was in love with her. It was kind of funny. Kaelin had decided to wait and see how long it would take for them to realize. About four years so far, maybe more, since they'd known each other a lot longer than that.

Dom looked back at him. Kaelin raised his eyebrows and looked at Kel. The sergeant glared at him. Ignoring this, he trotted up next to them. "Lovely day, isn't it? I'm glad I came on this little trip." He said conversationally. "It's not as if you had a choice, since Neal was coming." Kel pointed out. He sniffed and held his head high. "I prefer to think that milord and I are on equal terms, instead of that of a squire and Knight." Kel tried to suppress a laugh, but failed.

"You, Kaelin," she said when she'd stopped chuckling. "Are very like Neal." He sighed mournfully. "He influences me terribly. It's such a shame. I am forever ruined for the rest of Tortall." Dom laughed. "It seems to me that you were ruined before you became his squire."

Kaelin gasped in mock indignation. "How dare you sergeant! I shun thee!" He turned back to Kel. "My darling Lady Kel," he said, ignoring the glare he received for using her title. "How on earth can you possibly be friends with such a hideous excuse for a member of the Third Company? Are you so hopelessly infatuated with him that you can't see him for what he truly is?"

He could see Dom flushing a bright red. "Sergeant," he said in a worried way. "Do you have a sunburn? Your face is the color of a beet. You should really see to that once we reach our destination." He stopped, then added thoughtfully. "Though it does go so well with the color of your eyes." He dodged the swipe the officer took at him. "Hmph!" he declared. "I am unappreciated." His head held high, he went over to Alan, who had watched the entire spectacle with a badly hidden smile.

"He's just so exasperating, you can't help but love him." Kel commented. Dom smiled ruefully. "Too true. Just like the Meathead." He grinned at Kel. "You know," Kel said thoughtfully. "At times he can be just like you, too." Dom put a hand on his chest. "Surely I'm not that stubborn and annoying?" She shrugged. "Sometimes." She told him with a wicked grin. "But I'm talking about his charm, and how he enjoys flirting with just about every lady he sees." Dom raised his eyebrows. "Oh, charming, am I?" She just smiled. "At times."

Alan looked at them and chuckled. "You torture those two far too much." Kaelin shrugged. "It's fun. What else am I supposed to do?" Alan rolled his eyes. "I don't know, maybe talk to your knight-master?" He stared at his friend. "You jest with me. Your knight-master, unlike mine, is easy going and enjoys joking around. Mine doesn't let me sleep until I can successfully perform a sick check. Free time,until now, has simply been a figment of my imagination."

Alan raised a golden eyebrow. "Not enjoying your lessons in healing, I'm guessing?" Kaelin sighed in exasperation. "I do like learning how to heal. It's going to help somebody in need someday. But as you seem to have forgotten," He pointed to his head. "Good Sir Neal is touched in the head."

"I heard that." They turned. Neal was watching them both with a slightly amused expression. "Forgive me, dear Knight-Master. I meant nothing by it." The knight snorted. Kaelin gave him a pained expression. "You wound me." He heard a choking noise, and knew it was Alan, trying not to laugh.

"Come here, ungrateful squire." Neal gestured towards him. "You will suffer for your insults." Sighing resignedly, Kaelin turned his horse and did as he was bid.

"Neal, Kel, Dom, Numair, Flyn." Raoul called. They came over, Alan, Kaelin, and Kel's servant Tobe following. "We have a small errand to make. Qasim will be in charge until we come back." He gestured, and started off.

"Where do we have to go?" Alan asked his friend. "How should I know?" He answered. "I can't read minds."

After about a half hour of riding, they came to a small house, next to the large Lake Leviathan. It was a picturesque scene, with leaves blowing gently about in the light breeze, and flowers in full bloom. The still water made it seem all the more peaceful.

On the porch of the house a boy lounged against one of the poles holding up the small roof above him. He wore dark gray breeches and riding boots up to the knee.A chestnut brown leather jerkinwas fastened overa light green shirt. A hat was pulled firmly over his head, covering his hair.

When they stopped and dismounted, Flyn immediately went into action. "You, boy!" He opened one eye. "Boy?" He asked casually. His voice was low and clear, like the Queen Thayet's, Kaelin mused. "Yes, boy." Flyn said. "We are from the Third Company of the King's Own." The boy clapped. "Congratulations. I'll be sure to send a card." Flyn glared at him. "Is Percy Miller here?"

He raised a crimson eyebrow. "Percy Miller?" Flyn was losing patience. "Yes, Percy Miller. Do you repeat everything anyone says?" He smirked. "Not hardly." The boy said. "If I did, no one would know what I had to say."

"Well, you could have fooled me." Flyn was really mad. "Is he here or not?" The boy eyed him. "Perhaps, perhaps not." Kaelin couldn't help but smile. This boy had barely even talked to Flyn and had already aggravated him. "Answer my question!" the man burst out angrily.

"Tut, tut, tut." The young man waggled a finger. "You won't get any answers that way." He turned his gaze from Flyn to the rest of the group. "May I inquire why you lovely lads wish to see Mr. Miller?" As his gaze met Kaelin's, he could see that he had interesting gray-green colored eyes.

"We have personal business with Mr. Miller." Raoul interjected. "Could you tell us if he's here, and if not, when he will be back?" The boy smiled. "How can I denyan answer to you when asked in such a well-mannered way?" His gaze flickered back to Flyn and he grinned at him. Turning back to Raoul, he told him, "Percy's in town. I'm sorry to say I don't know when he'll be returning. You'll have to run into town to catch him. Or, if you so wish, you can wait for him here."

As the rest of the group started to discuss their choices, Kaelin inspected the boy. He was wearing an amused expression, obviously entertained by Flyn's antics. He was crossing his arms over his chest, at ease. His long legs were stretched out in front of him, one crossed over the other.

Suddenly the boy noticed his gaze and raised his eyebrows. Kaelin grinned and nodded towards Flyn, who was currently discussing with the rest about what to do. He saw a corner of the boy's mouth twitch. He stared at him for a moment, then turned to the view of the lake. Kaelin did the same. It was really amazing. All sorts of blues were in the water and sky. Clouds dusted the sky. He could see why Percy Miller would live here. It was truly beautiful.

"All right." Raoul's voice startled him from his thoughts. "We'll stay and wait for him here." The boy stood up. He was pretty tall, nearly six feet. "Would you like to come inside?" he asked. Everyone swarmed up towards the door, eager to get out of the hot sun. Kaelin fell behind, wanting to talk to the young man. As Numair went in, he cast a strange look in the boy's direction, furrowing his brow in thought.

"One moment, please." He told them all. He turned outside and gave an ear-piercing whistle. Everyone clapped their hands over their ears. In the distance, a large shape appeared. "Is that a bear?" Kaelin asked, curious. "It's certainly large enough to be one." The boy smiled ruefully. "No, it's not. But I'm pretty sure that she has some bear blood in her. She's too large for it to be otherwise."

The shape was fast moving, and soon he could see that it was a dog. A very large dog, but a dog nonetheless. "Goddess above." He murmured. "What?" Alan poked his head out. "Wow. Are you sure that's a dog? It looks more like a small ox." The boy had jumped off the porch and was checking all the horses, making sure their ropes were secure.

At the looks on Kaelin and Alan's faces, he said, "To make sure they don't break free. Elle can do that to animals, horses and rodents alike." At that exact moment, the giant bear-dog collided full force into the young man. "Woah, careful Elle! You almost knocked me down." He kneeled down and rubbed the dog's ears. Then he started whispering to her, something that sounded like instructions.

"Realms of the Gods." A hoarse voice whispered. He looked up. Numair was standing behind them, staring at the dog. "Is that a dog?" Alan nodded numbly. "So we're told." The boy looked up. At the sight ofthe three,staring at the dog, he grinned wryly. "Rather large, isn't she?" They all just kept staring. "Elle, go introduce yourself." He urged her. At this, the dog came galloping towards them. Kaelin hurriedly backed into the room, eager to get away from the eminent crash. Alan managed to get out of the way, but Numair was not so lucky.

Elle crashed into him, knocking him over. She proceeded covering him in big, messy dog kisses. Everyone in the room burst out laughing. "Oh, Mithros," Raoul wiped a tear from his eye. "This is too funny." He managed to say before collapsing into laughter again.

Kaelin looked outside. The young man was looking at something in the distance. Then he grinned. "Percy! Good to see you're back alive!" He couldn't hear the reply, but it caused the man to grin even wider. "You've got some admirers to see you! Come grace them with your presence. I'm surethey'll just die of awe and wonder."

"I think our great Mr. Miller has arrived." Kaelin announced. Everyone tried to stop laughing, and succeeded, barely. An old man was riding down the road, conversing loudly with the young man. When he dismounted, the man greeted him and walked alongside him, an arm flung across his shoulders.

"They're positively darling." He told Percy. "Especially that one with the curly red-brown hair." The old man raised his eyebrows. "What did you do?" He grinned in response, saying only, "Why, greeted him cheerfully and wished him good health." Kaelin snorted. They looked towards him. "I see that the young man objects with you." Percy commented dryly. His friend shrugged. "Everyone sees things in a different light." The old man shook his white curls. "Had I known this was how you behaved, I might not have pulled you out." The man laughed. "Perhaps."

"Ah," Percy stepped into the house. Raoul smiled and stood up, gripping his hand in a friendly hello. "It's good to see you again Percy." He smiled. "Likewise, Raoul, likewise."

"Friends, it's good to see you all again." He smiled at everyone around him. "You've met my guest." He indicated the young man leaning casually against the door. "Indeed." Flyn muttered. Kaelin grinned. He knew he was going to like Percy's friend.

"Sir Raoul of Golden Lake and Malorie's Peak, may I introduce my young friend, Miss Gayle Falconer." She grinned cheerfully. "Nice to finally meet the famed Knight Commander." Raoulraised his eyebrows. "Miss?" he questioned. "Oh, yes." She said breezily.

A girl? Kaelin looked at her again. Yes, it was a girl. Now that he looked, he could see her curves more clearly. "What did you do to make them think you were a boy, Gayle?" he heard Percy whisper to her. "Nothing at all." She said easily. "I think my dressing in breeches threw them off. You know how it is." He smiled at her ruefully. "I suppose so."

"Gayle, let me introduce you to the rest of my dear friends." He gestured to each person. "Numair Salmalin, mage to his majesty King Jonathon. Captain Flyndan Whiteford. Sergeant Domitan of Masobelle. Sir Nealan of Queenscove. Lady Knight Keladry of Mindelan." They each nodded to her in turn, inspecting her curiously.

Percy turned to the last three. "Alan of Pirate's Swoop, squire to Sir Raoul." Kaelin saw her raise her eyebrows and look at him in interest. She'd obviously heard the stories about his mother, the Lioness, and his twin sister, Alianne, who was currently serving as the Copper Isles Spymaster.

"Kaelin of Eaton's Spire, squire to Sir Nealan." He grinned at her mischievously. A corner of her mouth twitched. "And Tobe Boon, Lady Keladry's servant." He bowed respectfully.

"Well," he stated, satisfied. "Now that introductions are over, I believe that we have some talking to do." Flyn interrupted. "Not with them in the room." He looked pointedly at the three boys and girl. Percy sighed. "Gayle, would you kindly take these young men and leave the room? Outside or in, your choice." She looked out the window. "Outside, I think." He nodded. "All right then." She waltzed over to the door and opened it, beckoning. Alan and Tobe filed out. As Kaelin passed, he saw Percy and Gayle exchange a glance. Herface was carefullydevoid of expressionand his was questioning. He raised his eyebrows and went out. Gayle stepped out and closed the door.

She sighed. "Well," he said companionably. She looked at him. "A girl, are we?" He grinned. "You don't seem to perturbed by the fact Captain Flyndan, as well as everybody else, thought you were a boy."

She shrugged. It wasn't a big deal, after all. She just was amused by how easily they'd been fooled. She smiled to herself. If she could trick knights and soldiers, she could probably trick others too. Though there was always the possibility they might just be incredibly stupid. She considered this a moment, then shook her head slightly. She'd seen the intelligence in their eyes.

Thinking this, she jumped off the porch. "What're you doing?" The blonde, blue-eyed one asked. Tobe. That was his name. He was a bit younger than her, maybe sixteen. "Converting oxygen into carbon dioxide." She replied. He looked annoyed. "You know what I mean." She cocked her head. "Do I? Maybe." She bent down and got on her knees. "If you want to come, hurry along." She crawled underneath the porch.

"What-" A head appeared. "What in the name of the Goddess are you doing down there?" It was the other blonde boy, the Lioness's son. His green-hazel eyes were confused. "What do you think?" she asked cheerfully. "I don't know. Playing with worms?" She beckoned. "Follow me if you want to know." Seeing his apprehensive expression, she added casually, "Unless you don't feel you're allowed. Though I wouldn't let that stop me." He still looked a little unsure.

"I'm not sure we should go down there…" That was the dark haired boy, Kaelin. The one with the nice smile. "Too scary for your taste? I'm sorry to hear that…" she said mockingly. She saw feet come down on the ground and a few seconds later Kaelin's face appeared. "I'm coming." He was scowling at her. She smiled sweetly at him. "So glad you've decided to join the party. Anyone else?" Alan crawled under with them.

"Tobe?" She called. "Any interest?" He snorted. "No thanks. I'm staying out here with the horses." She heard him mutter, "They're more sane than you."

She shrugged. "All right. Whatever floats your boat." She turned her attention to the wood foundation of the house. She crawled along until she spotted a darker plank of wood. She felt for an indentation, found it, then pulled. It slid to the side. She could see Kaelin raising his eyebrows. She shrugged again.

"In we go." She gestured for them to go in. Alan went first, looking curious. Kaelin came next, searching her face for a moment with his analyzing dark brown eyes before entering. Last, Gayle went in feet first. She dropped down a couple feet and landed in a pile of soft rags. She couldn't help but grin when she saw the glares from Alan and Kaelin, lying flat on their backs.

"Oops." She was grinning broadly. "Did I forget to tell you that there was a drop? Silly me." She distinctly heard Kaelin mutter just what he thought about cocky young ladies. She raised her eyebrows. He looked about a year older than her. Who was he to call her young?

She stood up quickly and reached to pull the wood plank back into place. She couldn't get it. She frowned and stood up on her toes. Still couldn't reach it. "Here," a voice said. "Let me." A large hand stretched up and slid it firmly shut. "Thanks Kaelin." She smiled her gratitude. For a second she stood there, looking at his handsome face, then shook her head and stepped off the large pile of rags. She felt her foot sink into the soft dirt.

"Come on." She called to the other two. "We have to hurry or we'll miss something." She felt along the walls and found an empty space. Stepping into it gently, she found there were stairs there. Up she went, wanting to go faster, but knowing she had to wait for the other two.

"What exactly are we doing?" huffed Alan. "You'll see." She said slyly. Her hand ran across something wooden. She stopped, causing the two young men to nearly collide with her.

"What is it?" Kaelin demanded. She looked back at him. "A door, Eaton." She said amusedly. Seeing their faces, she laughed. "I'll go in first this time." She turned the handle and stepped in.

She beckoned them inside. They entered and she closed the door. She put a finger in front of her lips then pointed down. They sat and voices became clear beneath them.

"That's…fascinating Percy. Can we start talking, please? We can't leave Third Company by themselves for too long. They often start to play around…" Flyndan was saying. The two boys looked at each other in awe, then at Gayle. She was smiling crookedly.

Now that there was a pause in the voices, she knocked quietly on the floor. "What was that?" Kel asked. "Hm? Nothing. Now," They heard footsteps and the groaning of someone sitting down in a chair. "What is it you want to know?"

-

Sorry. I ended with another cliffhanger. This one was pretty long, too. Sorry for that. Hope you enjoyed! And don't forget to review!

-Eveiveneg