Disclaimer: Sadly am I not Tamora Pierce
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Chapter 3:
Two weeks later The Deliverance docked at Port Caynn, a few days ride from Corus. The port city was quieter then Aly remembered, less colourful. Although mourning was officially over, Tortall seemed quiet, subdued. Aly was reminded of the great losses her homeland had suffered over the past year and she felt lonely, she wanted to be in Corus with her family, as soon as possible. They were met by a diplomat, one who Aly recognized from her days at court… one who she had, for a very short time, been involved with. If he recognized her, he gave no sign of it. Things have changed she thought.
Back in Corus King Jonathan had called a small dinner of his closest friends and family. This included all of Aly's family: Alanna, George, Thom, Alan. The nobles gathered and waited for the King to speak.
"The Copper Island delegation has arrived at Port Caynn. They're riding up as we speak and should be here tomorrow." He began, "I fear we have all become so over excited with seeing Alianne again, we have forgotten that we have Royalty visiting, as well as Peace Talks to set up. Now, although the Copper Isles and Tortall are on good terms, there are no contracts and our link – Aly – is very unofficial… secret even. We must therefore endeavor to remain on good terms and come to a peace accord." No one was worried at this prospect. From what they had all heard of Queen Dovasary she was a good, fair and honest monarch, and they had complete faith in Aly's ability to maintain good relations. However, they knew that this was not the reason Jon had called the meeting. He took a breath and continued,
"It is also our first main event after the tragic death of Thayet, Roald and Princess Shinko." The group assembled all shifted, there was a change in the air, some looked down at there hands, some looked up to prevent tears. Young Princess Vania, at 16 sniffed. It had been over a year since the deaths of the Queen, Heir and Princess in a freak horse accident and although official mourning was over their loss was still keenly felt by all who knew them. Her remaining children Empress Kalasin (who had visited for their funeral but who had since returned to Carthak) Liam, Lianne, Jasson and Vania mourned her, Tortall lamented the loss of one of its greatest Monarchs and the world grieved at the loss of one of the most beautiful woman in the land. Alanna had been distraught; Thayet was one of her greatest friends and Roald, her godson. Jon had publically held up well, he never cried in front of his subjects, but Alanna knew inside he was still reeling at the loss of his Queen and oldest son. After a moment Jon continued;
"It will be hard to dance and be merry with our guests however we must continue on. It has been a year of grieving for Tortall but mourning is over, we must take this opportunity to celebrate their Lives and welcome our guests accordingly. Thayet would have been the first one to say that Aly deserved a joyous welcome." The group nodded, and dried a few final tears.
"It is also, I think, the perfect opportunity to announce the engagement between Lianne and Thom." Jon smiled at his daughter and godson. Despite the events of last year, it had not been wholly bad. Princess Lianne had sought consolation at her mother and brothers deaths in the arms of Alanna's eldest son and her oldest friend, Thom, and had, both parents saw with approval, found love instead. Now that mourning was over big celebrations and balls could be held and the wedding was planned for next month, so that Aly could be there. Jon sat back down at the table and all formalities were dropped. Normal, easy talk resumed. The new heir, Prince Liam spoke first to Alanna,
"I can't believe I haven't seen her in 8 years. It seems like yesterday we were running around the palace grounds or riding through the Royal forest. Now she has a husband, a baby, a new job, a new title oh….and a new country!" The persons seated at the table smiled or chuckled.
"You missed the boat there Liam didn't you!" Alanna teased, it was well known that the new Heir had been deeply in love with the adolescent Aly.
"All in the past!" the Prince retorted, turning red despite himself. "How olds her baby anyway?"
"She's no baby lad! She's 6. That's about all I know though. Never met, never even seen a picture." Said Alanna, sounding highly resentful. Alan and Thom laughed, Alan had seen and image of his niece, Aly (who had always been especially close to her twin) had sent a picture, swearing him to secrecy. George too chuckled silently to himself, he had sent one of his spies to find out about his grandchild and had found the results extremely interesting. Alanna was in for a shock, that's for sure. After they had exhausted all manner of topics - politics, the new raka Queen, Thom and Lianne's wedding, the latest news from Kalasin, updates on Daine, Numair, Sara and Rikash, (who were currently travelling through the Yamani Islands and expected back later in the month) they all retired to bed eagerly anticipating the morn.