Departure and Arrival

A/N: I know I haven't gotten alot of reviews yet, but I wanted to post this next chapter.And also I need to vote on something that Guardian of the Small brought to my attention. Now, I know this is mainly Sierra/OC (only I know) but should I have some Kel romance in it too? If so I could make one of the following:

1) Kel and Dom are married happily and Sierra is thier child.

2) Kel and Dom are married but Sierra isn't Dom's child. (If this is the case, what Sarrah overheard Kel murmering in the first chapter was that she was worried how Dom would act to Kel having a child that was not his.)

3) Kel and Dom are not married, although Sierra is thier child but Dom doesn't know.

Well, please R&R and tell me which of them sounds better - I need the information for chapter three or four so PLEASE review as soon as possible! Thanks.

Disclaimer: I own Sierra, Gem, and all people from Wilmné. Tamora Pierce owns everything else.

Fire of the Elements

Sierra swung a brown cow-skinned bag over her right shoulder and braced herself on to her golden mare Dnosk, that Leon and Sarrah had bought for Sierra as a birthday and going-away present. On a small wooden cart attached to Dnosk's rear was a wooden trunk full of Sierra's clothes, and another containing Sierra's personal possessions.

Turning to make sure that both trunks were attached, she saw Leon wrapping cords extra hard around the edges. Feeling nervous, Sierra turned, thinking of the hourney in front of her. Gem, a friend of Sarrah and Leonm had offered to escort Sierra to Corus, as he was heading that way anyhow to pick of some supplies for his store. Already the brown-haired man was seated on his black mare Dark Star, combing the horse's delicate mane. He was to escort Sierra to the palace gates, where someone would be there to meet her and guide her to her mother.

It was diffucult for Leon and Sarrah to see Sierra, shy emotion-holding Sierra, excited for the journey. All of Wilmné was gossiping uncontrollably - should not Sierra be frightened to be leaving her home, or angry at Sarrah and Leon for keeping such new secret for sixteen years? But truth was, Sierra desperately needed to leave Wilmné and to find her true self. Maybe Corus was the direction fate was leading her.

"So write to us as soon as you reach Corus and are settled." Said Sarrah, her face watery.

Shaking away her thoughts, Sierra hugged Sarrah and Leon. After many good-byes were exchanged, Gem guided Sierra down the road, away from Wilmné, both silent for different reasons.

"We 're her' now, Lady Sier'a." Came Gem's accented voice as he guided Dark Star and and Dnosk through a crowded market to the palace gates above. People swirmed in all directions, looking at partically expensive items in the market, usually fruit or wood. Taking in the excitement, almost like Wilmné, but different somehow, Gem and Sierra exited the market place and headed down the road leading to the palace.

"Som'wha' diff'rent then Wilmné, righ?" Explained Gem to Sierra. She nodded her head in return, wondering what lay at the palace gates that loomed before Gem and Sierra.

In a few moments, they reached the gates, where four guards paced at the gates, joking casually with one another. As they saw the two journeyers approach, the largest guard came forward.

"Do you have a notice from the King, his knights, or nobles?" Questioned the guard, voice stiff in a buisness-like manner.

"Yes - Lady Knigh' Kel'dry has requested Lady Sier'a to meet her. I am an esco't."

"Well then, after you exchange your good-byes, I shall escort Lady Sierra to Lady Knight Keladry."

Sierra turned to Gem and hugged him, thanking him for everything. She handed him a few letters for Sarrah and Leon, and then a coin for his troubles. Thrn, she turned back to the guard, attaching an unreadable expression to her pale face.

The guard, who told Sierra right away that his name was Rod, lead Sierra through what seemed like a maze of corridors and passages. Pictures, signed treaties, and doorways lined the corridor walls. Sierra could feel her heart pumping loudly and unnatually fast. The next door that she stepped through could change her from Sierra of Wilmné to Lady Sierra of...Mindelan? Who would she be? And who...

"Lady Keladry will be in the room shortly. You may wait inside." Rod showed Sierra into a large room, and then left.

Sierra stood, marvelled by the room's interior. Wall coloured in a deep yellow-gold, oak flooring lined the floor. The oak furniture was lined with a red material. Golden lights were hung and placed around the room, one even hanging from the cathedral ceiling.

Not quite sure if she was to stand or sit, Sierra moved to the end of the doorway. Investigating her appearance, Sierra hoped that the lavender-coloured dress was well enough for the occasion, but eventually allowe her mind to follow the more serious matters. Any minute now...

"Sierra?" The sound of her name caused Sierra to turn quickly, finding Kel standing in the doorway. She herself wore a light green dress, her golden brown hair tumbling down her back. She looked ten years younger then her own thirty-five. Her lips were coloured a light rose, and she wore no other face paint.

Sierra looked Kel, the woman who was her mother, over in shock. The resemblance was uncanny. What had she been missing her whole life?

In shock, Sierra fainted to the ground.

A/N: Cliff hanger! Review and answer my question above and I'll update!

Fire of the Elements