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Disclaimer: Tamora Pierce owns all settings and characters (well, most of them.) I own the plot and Kalli.

Authors Note: Omg I am soooo sorry for not updating! I was about to delete this story but I didn't, and then I re-read the Song of the Lioness quartet, and I have inspiration! Please forgive me - if anybody is still checking this story. Well, if you are, read and review!

Fire of the Elements

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In no shorter then two days, Kalli found herself out of bed and wandering throughout the Dancing Dove, creating talk with the thieves and the murderers. Alanna watched Kalli at all times, taking in her ability to make friends with the thieves, and yet stay secretive the whole time. Alanna was reminded of the couple of years that she had disguised herself as a boy, and wondered what this girl had to hide.

The day after Kalli had arrived and been cured, Alanna gave the parchment to George in full trust to figure out what was inside. For two days George would speak to nobody, see nobody, or leave his rooms. Worried, Alanna found herself teaching the Rogue how to fall properly, one of her first lessons as a page. In time, the day that Kalli awoke, George left his room, eyes red, muttering at how the parchment could not be opened. Taking it from him, Alanna sent George to the bathes and then to his rooms for a rest, while Alanna hid the parchment in her own rooms.

It was about a week after Kalli awoke that George and Alanna cornered the girl and lead her to George's conferance room. Seated, the girl, who gazed at George and Alanna with knowing eyes questioned, "You are wondering who I am."

Alanna nodded, not surprised that Kalli had make the 'discovery.'

"If you would tell us, we could let you stay with us - I understand you have befriended some of the thieves. Do not lie - my Sight allows me to tell if you are." Concluded George to Alanna's nod.

Kalli nodded in understandment and in ease, which bothered Alanna deeply, replied," I am Kalli...just Kalli. My father was a drunk and I was a mistake. My mother attempted to care for me, but she was murdered five years back, when I was nine. Because I used to live in Leanr, I spent quite a few years wandering until I found Corus. Then I stayed in the shadows for about a year. Maybe more."

Alanna waited for Kalli too continue and when she did not, sighed. The girl had obviously been through alot, but there was still a question that had great need to be answered.

"Who is Zlak?"

Kalli's face whitened and she glared at Alanna for what seemed like an eternity before answering, "Zlak? Who's Zlak?"

"The man you mentioned while I was healing you. The one you were frightened of." Alanna did not know if Kalli was actually frightened of this man, but the reaction that her face gave away told her that she had estimated correctly.

"He really doesn't matter. Please do not make me talk abotu him!" Cried Kalli, tears stinging the corner of her brown eyes. For a time, she looked not fourteen but ten or eleven, and Alanna was reminded at what had occured when she had been forced to reveal her secret.

"Kalli, all we need to know is, is this Zlak danger to the Rogue?" George's voice was calm and understanding.

Kalli shook her head, tears beginning to stop their flowing. "He won't come here."

"Then you may leave." Replied Alanna quickly, watching the girl run out of the room.

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"Do you think that Jon and Gary will visit any time soon?" Questioned Alanna wearily as she swung her sword in an empty room, except for George who she was duelling.

"I believe not. At least not unless this war lets out. Why?" Questipmed George, blocking Alanna's shot although it had not come close to hitting him. It was obvious that she was distracted.

"I've been thinking what would have happened if I had not been...found out. Would I be fighting you?"

"Of course you would be. Although I doubt you'd be able to fight well - you are too loyal." Replied George, not letting Alanna know how strange he thought it was for her to ask this question.

"I don't know...I'm not making sense. I'm being stupid. You know what George?" Said Alanna, dropping her sword to the floor.

"What?"

"I want a drink. I need a drink." Alanna's voice was loud and rebellious.

"So you can be more stupider?" Asked George, knowing how Alanna hated drinking.

"I don't need to be drunk! I just want to let go of all responsibility and worries and other pig dung for ONE night!"

George could easily witness the stress in Alanna's violet eyes and replied, "Are you sure?"

"George - I have too much on my mind. It want to be a Rogue!"

George smiled heartily, glad to see Alanna as wild as she had once been as a page.

"Al'righty. Let's me go get drunk and you get...happy!"

Alanna smiled, deciding not to fix George's grammar, and headed down to the bar.

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Authors Note: I know it was a short chapter but I need to get a chapter out NOW! I'll try to update soon, but it IS summer and I have a life. Well, please read and review. And give my IDEAS!

Fire of the Elements