Distant Memories – Memories

Disclaimer: As much as I wish I did, I don't own these characters, countries or anything. I just added in a few extra character's to make things exciting.

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Jorge frowned as Alanna stood there gaping at him. "Is something wrong?"

Alanna shook her head and blushed. It seemed no matter where she was, she found reminders of home, even though she had never been so far from home in her life.

First there were the children using sticks as swords, and then when she met the Duchess's son, she couldn't believe how much he looked like both Jon and George. But it was his name that absolutely amazed her. Jorge, it was a combination of both Jon and George, two people who she would love to see right now.

The more she thought about it all, the more homesick she became. Which only made her irritable, though she was determined not to show it and act like a proper young lady should. She was going to prove, not only to Gwyn, but also to herself that she could do it.

"Come to the sitting room," Gwyn said and ushered them into the next room. Alanna waited for Gwyn and Jorge to sit before she did. Only because she was unsure if she should wait to sit or just choose a spot. I guess I still have a lot to learn, Alanna sighed.

Nervously, Alanna looked around the room. It was very decretive; many patterns were used to border the ceiling. She continued to look around the room, so she wouldn't have to make eye contact with Jorge.

Jorge was the first person Alanna had met as Lady Lana and she was nervous. She could actually feel the butterfly's flying around in her stomach and it wasn't very comforting.

"Lady Lana," Jorge murmured, "the name is familiar."

Familiar? That surprised her, she definitely hadn't expected on Jorge finding her fake name familiar. Alanna had thought the name had just been made up, there couldn't possibly be a real Lady Lana, could there? She didn't know how to respond. "It is?" she asked uncertainly.

He nodded, "Yes, it is." Alanna frowned. "Didn't I meet you when our embassy visited Tortall a few years back?" Now it was Gwyn's turn to frown.

Alanna politely shook her head. "You couldn't have."

"I was sure of it," Jorge said. He looked puzzled, as if he was trying to put pieces of a puzzle together.

Alanna tried to think of a reason why he wouldn't. At this rate he'd discover her secret! Alanna already had a feeling that Jorge suspected something. "I would have still been at the convent."

Gwyn let out a small sigh of relief, she knew her son was a smart one and was thankful that Alanna was quick-witted.

"Oh," Jorge said, now he really seemed to be confused. "I see."

"Maybe it was someone with the same name?" Alanna suggested. She wanted to make it sure that Jorge didn't suspect anything funny.

"Maybe," Jorge agreed. He didn't mention that she also looked familiar, though he couldn't quite remember where from. That's why he had been almost certain he had met her a few years back with the embassy.

Gwyn's eyes widened in shock as she realized something the other two didn't. Alanna was the squire that she had heard so much about when the Embassy had returned. She was the one who had defeated Dain of Melor, one of Tusaine's best young Knights.

Jorge had met Alanna then, although she had been Alan. That's why she looked familiar to him! But Gwyn remained silent. "How was court, my child?" Gwyn asked. She felt that a change in subject was needed.

"It's been different," Jorge admitted. Everyone is still trying to get back into our normal routines and settle in again after the war. Fencing doesn't seem the same, now that I've seen how it can be used."

That was something Alanna could agree with. She hated seeing all those defenseless warriors wounded and hurt.

"It wouldn't," Gwyn agreed. "Do you have any court gossip to share?"

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"We haven't had any luck at finding her," Jon sighed. He was talking to the King of Thieves, George Cooper, at the Dancing Dove, up in George's room, so no unwanted ears could hear.

"My spies tell me that the lass was last seen in the house of Hilam a few weeks back," George said.

"Then she disappeared," Jon whispered.

"Aye." George had the best spies in all of Tortall and if his spies couldn't find her than it was near impossible.

Jon began to think aloud. "Why could she be? Duke Hilam couldn't have done anything to her, she's a noble. Jon began to pace up and down the room. "he isn't the most chivalrous one, but he could hardly…"

"Hardly what?" George asked, face pale.

"Kill a noble," Jon whispered. He looked as if he had seen a ghost "What are his reasons for keeping her? And why in the name of Mithros are we invited to Tusaine?" Jon continued to pace up and down the room, though he barely realized that he was.

George sat, deep in thought. "Only the gods know." George was remembering a conversation he had with Alanna before she went off to war. "How many soldiers would you be takin'?"

"Enough to defend us, but not seem rude," Jon said. He looked into a corner of the room, it was blank just like the expression he wore was. "Do you suspect something?"

"Aye, only a fool wouldn'" George nodded. As he stood up, he opened up a map and studied it. "See here." George pointed to the spot where Duke Hilams' castle was located. "Were somethin' to happen, you'd 'ave a hard time escapin'."

It was true; the castle was surrounded by mountains. "What do you think they'll try?"

"Only Mithros knows," George replied, grimly. "I'm just sayin' be careful."

"We can never be too careful," Jon agreed. "At least Rodger will be there."

George knew all about Alanna's thoughts on Rodger, but he wasn't about to share them with Jon. That was for Alanna to do, if she hadn't already. "Aye, he should," he said expressionless.

Jon raised an eyebrow, but didn't ask what he meant by it.

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Author's note: Yay, my longest chapter yet! Make sure you REVIEW!

But I need your help: Should the chapter be short, but have quick updates, or longer even though it may take a bit longer? Please help me, you can tell me in a review.

Happy Reading

Madame-S-Butterfly

xoxo