Disclaimer: Tamora Pierce owns settings and anybody you recognize from The Protector of the Small. I own everything else. I take no credit for Tamora Pierce's brilliant work.

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And Now to my Reviewers...

klutzyspaz: lol thanks. Keep reading.

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Ball Conversations

Sierra curtsied politely to Lady Leia and fled away as quick as possible without seeming rude. Over two hours ago dinner and entrances had been given, and now was a period for socializing. Unfortunately for Sierra, Kel had disappeared over an hour ago and Sam had not been allowed to come. Of course, Kel had asked, but she was told that the only way that Sam would be able to enter the ball was for him to act the waiter, and Sierra would not see to that.

Other then the fact that she was lonely, the ball was a success. All the ladies admired her beautiful gown, and the young men seemed to approve. Except for Sir...sir... what's-his-name, everybody had seemed to accept Sierra for who she was. The food itself had proved a delight, even better then Sierra's first meal with Kel, Aelia, and Kevin. The ball represented the dreams that every girl dreamt of since childhood.

"Hello Sierra."

Quickly, Sierra whirled around, about to curtsy when she saw the speaker. Aelia, and a group of three to four girls, stood before her.

"Hello Aelia and..."

"Sandra, Jessy, Janie, and Eva."

"Hello ladies." Replied Sierra, deciding that she did not want to repeat the names that had just been spoken to her.

"What a great ball Sierra, the food and music is magnificent! Did you plan it all yourself?" Questioned one of the girls, Eva, kindly enough.

"Yes. Well, Kel...Lady Keladry assisted me of course, and the servants really did most of the work..."

"The servants! Did I mention that Sierra has a...liking towards servants?" Sneered Aelia, looking beautifully ugly in a flowing purple gown.

Sierra blushed a deep red, ignoring the snickers that came from Sandra and Jessy. "Well..."

"But that probably has to do with the environment that she was raised in." Spoke Janie clearly, her voice almost as rude as Aelia's.

"We..."

"What is it like to find out that your mother isn't a peasant? And that you are a bastard."

Sierra could feel a small sting in the corner of her eyes, and her face grew redder yet. "I don't really feel comfortable talking about..."

"But we are your friends Sierra!" Aelia's voice rang in Sierra's ears.

"Ummm."

"Lady Sierra!"

Once again Sierra twirled around to see a tall lady with dark hair, dark eyes, and a clear Yamani expression standing before her. Using the excuse to release herself from Aelia, Sierra curtsied to the woman.

"I am Yuki, friend of Kel's. You look just like your mother!"

Sierra smiled, pleased for a compliment as great as that and replied, "Thank-you."

"You know, I have a daughter who is four years younger then yourself...maybe you could meet sometime?"

"I would be delighted!"

After sharing some more pleasantaries,and stories of her mother when she was younger, Sierra left Yuki, making sure to stay out of Aelia's vision. It was nice to know some more about this woman who was her mother. But what about her father...if she had one...

"Sierra!" The voice was loud and maleish, proving that it was not a noble. Turning, Sierra saw Kevin, alone to her surprise, moving through the crowd towards her.

"Hello Kevin." Replied Sierra slowly, not excited to be around someone near her age.

"I noticed earlier that you were speaking to Aelia and her crowd. I suspect the conversation did not go to well?"

"Not really. Does Aelia not like me?" Questioned Sierra, suddenly curious to the girls' seemed hatred towards her.

"Who knows. Aelia doesn't like anyone, especially people that are more popular then herself. Her crowd is the same."

"Oh. Well then she has nothing to worry about." Sierra replied truthfully.

"Actually, I think she does."

"Dom! I just heard that you had arrived!" Kel ran to meet her husband, dress robes swinging by her side.

"Kel!" Dom kissed her thoroughly , then asked, "Why are you in formal wear? Is there a ball?

"In a sort, yes." Replied Kel, suddenly hesitant.

"Oh. For who? Or what? Well anyways, are you allowed to be dismissed? I haven't seen you in almost three months..." Dom released his wife, feeling the sudden tension that lingered in the air.

"Kel...what's wrong?" Dom's voice was truly concerned, making Kel smile. Pulling his hand, she lead him down the corridor to a petite sitting room, used usually for page's to 'let loose' but as all the pages' were helping put with Sierra's party in the backround, the room was perfect for what was about to occur.

"OK Dom, just hear me out, and don't kill me...or her...or him...or..." Kel ceased as she realized what utter nonsense she was speaking.

"Kel...tell me now." Replied Dom, voice serious.

"Umm...how do I say this?"

Dom watched his wife intensely, wondering what could possible make her so nervous.

"I have a...daughter. She is sixteen and her name is Sierra." The few words took minutes to leave Kel's mouth.

"Kel, seriously! What's wrong?"

Kel did not answer, but looked into Dom's eyes. After a moment of tension, Dom whispered, "Why...or how? How? What?"

"It was when we were courting and at the Scanran border. When I found out I was given a pregnancy-hiding charm and fled to my mother's...saying that a family member was ill."

"Mithros Kel! What...why did you not tell me?"

"Because...oh Mithros Dom, do not hate me, but...Sierra is not your child."

"WHAT!" Hollered Dom, not just out of anger but out of total and utter surprise.

"So...you are saying that we...I mean you have a sixteen year old daughter that I was never told about and..."

"She didn't know either!" Cried Kel.

Dom stared at Kel and then smiled softly. "I am sorry Kel. It's just so much, and just getting home and all."

"I'm sorry too Dom. I should not have hidden her and I am living my mistake. The ball...it is for Sierra. She's been home for a little over a month. Before, she lived in Wilmné with friends of mine."

Dom sighed and hugged his wife. When he let her go, one last question escaped his mouth.

"Who is the father?"

Kel sighed, realizing she had not said the name in years. After all, it had been a great mistake, one that she thoroughly regretted.

"Cleon of Kennan."