AN:Apologies for the long suspension. Anyway...

Alanna's fingers traced along the spines of the books as she stood on her tiptoes and read the titles.

"Did you find anything yet?"

"Not yet," Alanna answered. She went back to the beginning of the row and started to look for the book again.

" Do you remeber what it's called Lucy?"

"Something like 'Masters of disguise' or something," Lucindaanounced over the book shelf she was standing behind.

"Hmm, oh, I think I found it. Here it is,'Disguises for the Masters'".Alanna took the book out carefully, then quickly rearrange the other books on the shelf so it can adjust to the new empty space inbetween without toppling over.

Lucy walked over from behind the shelf that she was looking at and sat down next to Alanna. She looked on as Alanna carefully flipped the pages, taking care as to not miss any information worth any value. It just so happens that they got to the page on changing facial appearances when both of them heard people behind them.

"Lucy! Is that you?"

Lucy turned around and gasp in full shock as she saw Raoul standing behind her, as well as more age related boys. She grinned and bound across the distance between them to give Raoul a enormous hug.

"Guys, this is my cousin, Lucinda of Malorie's Peak."

It came to a shock when they saw how Lucinda curtsied with grace, considering her appearance. Recovering from the shock, they each placed their lips to Lucy's back of her hand, that being counted as a kiss.They introduced themselves. Consequently, PrinceJonathan also introduced himself.Lucy curtsied once again when Prince Jonathan introduced himself.

Alanna watched this all in amusement, and was very glad to see the shock on their faces when Lucy curtsied. As Alanna got up to give her share of respect and introduce herself, she noticed that the Prince, along with the other boys (excluding Raoul) lifted their chins higher and stood stiffer. Each of them eyed her with a level of coldness. It was a duplication of the look that they had given to another purpled-eyed redhead.

"Do not bother introducing yourself, Lady, it is obvious that you are a Trebond," the dark-haired one -the one who told Lucy to greet him by the name of Alex- said.

Alanna only blinked at him, and went on introducing herself anyway. Alex bristled at being ignored, but held his tongue. The Prince eyes followed the top of Alanna's head when she curtsied -as protocol required- causing his eyes to travel up and down in his sockets. Alanna took the care to note that his expression was solely composed hatred. She did not know that blue eyes can ever seem so icy. Her insides twisted in confusion, as she started pondering as to why such hatred would be directed to her.

As the company left to an awkward silence, Alanna filled it up with a thought that was thought out loud to no one in particular.

"I'm guessing they do not like me much."

"Did you do anything to anger them, Alanna?"

"Of course! Why would I?" Alanna snapped, exasperated in the midst of her pondering.

"Just asking," Lucy mumbled, taken aback from the lash out.

They were walking down the hall when they intervined a second red-head.

"Thom!" Alanna cried out joyfully.

The squire's head snapped up quickly, revealing an expression of complete bewilderness and shock. When Alanna did not see the grin that she had expected, she felt an immense hurt that added to the confusion. The sum equalled to bad mood for the rest of the day.

"Thom," she repeated in a more contained and formal manner. She forced a grin.

"It's nice to see you."

Thom seem to come out of his trance and managed a smile, which lifted her heart some-what.

"Alanna, sister dear, come to my room in the squire's wing please, tonight. I'm in a hurry, so I'll meet you later."

Not knowing what to think, she nodded her asent.

As she was walking away, during the last minute, Thom called after her," It's nice to see you too!"

And it resulted in Thom receiving a reproachful look from one of the elders passing by.

Again, thanks for all the reviews, and I'm really glad you liked it. I know that this is not very long, but hopefully long enough so far.