Disclaimer: No, my lawyers say that I don't own any of this.

A/N: Thanks to all of you who reviewed, I feel so special! I'll list you all in the next installment (Chapter 3).

Chapter 2

"His sister? I didn't know he had a sister?" Roger was eyeing Alanna with caution.

"Well, Your Grace, seeing how closed mouthed Thom is, I don't know how I know, for that matter."

Lady Delia laughed, "What the wit you are, Sir Raoul!"

"My dear, don't flirt with the poor boy. As you know, he doesn't flirt well."

Raoul's fists clenched under the table, furious over the duke's rude jibe.

"Now, Lady Alanna, do tell us, did you enjoy yourself in the City of the Gods?"

"Yes, Your Grace," Alanna replied meekly.

"Come, my dear, tell us what you learned," Duke Roger encouraged.

Alanna cringed, but she knew that Roger would know if she was lying.

"Well, after learning to fight with knives, I went to try for a Mastery in sorcery, then learned to fight with a sword, and to complete that, I learned how to be a court lady."

The whole table stared at her, mouths open.

Roger finally dared to speak, "And how did you accomplished that in…"

"Seven years," Lady Delia put in.

"Yes, seven years."

"Well, we had the summers off, so I learned fighting the first summer, from the soldiers, then went back to the convent, requested to try for Mastery, and received permission."

"How," Raoul squeaked.

"Well, I was doing so well, and I wanted something to do. That was completed in four years, then I had my last year at the convent."

Roger stood and walked away without a word, Lady Delia on his tail.

"That went well…"

"Well," Raoul's voice cracked, "How did you do all that and why does Thom not know?"

"Because he'd be enraged that I had done the sorcery training, and not him," she said, looking at her violet clad lap.

"Well, you should tell him, before his Ordeal."

"No, I think it would be best to wait till after. Then he is committed. He can't change his mind."

"You're right, that would be better."

"Of course I am. How about we have on dance before we both leave. I hate parties," Alanna complained.

"So do I. Mostly because of Duke Roger. You know, he has held a large interest in your brother, I don't know why."

"Goody for Thom. Just keep him away from me!"

"Don't worry, I'll protect you, gentle lady," he said mockingly, bowing to her, "May I have this dance?"

Alanna slapped him gently on the arm, "Don't make me witch you!"

"You wouldn't dare!"

"I would! Actually, Raoul, could we go for a walk? I hate this atmosphere."

"Sure."

000

Strolling through the gardens, a thought hit Raoul.

"Alanna, if you tell the court, that you are a Master, they won't believe you, you do know that?"

"Ah, but I have taken care of that. My teacher, Master Si cham, will come and cleverly annonce it, if Roger doesn't."

"Well thought out, Lady Alanna," a voice said.

Alanna whipped around, to see Thom hidden partly in a bush.

"I thank you for telling me, good night!"

"Thom!" Alanna grabbed his wrist while Raoul pushed him on a bench.

"Thom, I didn't tell you because I wanted you to complete your training. I want to be proud of you."

"That's nice, Alanna, but I am still very angry!"

"Fine, tomorrow, at dawn, I will meet you at one of the fencing courts. You can burn all that hot air off!"

"But you can't fight with a sword!"

"You'll just have to let me now, won't you," she said, before heading towards her rooms.

Today is so not what I wanted it to be, she thought.

Faithful sat at the palace entrance, waiting to be let inside.

"Did you fetch Thom?" Alanna asked him.

I did no such thing!

"Lie all you want, I still don't believe you."

Fine, yes, I did. This will be good for both of you.

"I doubt that," Alanna said, falling on her bed, asleep as soon as her head hit her pillow.

She's going to muss that pretty ball gown, now, Faithful said to himself, settling down by her ears before falling asleep himself.