Disclamer: Don't own Tortall, Copper Isls, Alanna, George, Aly, Nawat or anyone else that you, the beloved and honored reader, recognise.

A/N: Hey guys! I'm aware that this is hideously short and I humbly beg gor your forgivness. Enjoy!

Casinara Crow dragged herself over the window sill to deposit herself in an ungraceful heap on the floor of her room. She smirked at herself and began to haul her exhausted body into some semblance of an upright position. She reached her hand into one of the many pockets situated all along her outfit and pulled out a small package of what looked to be a wad of about thirty handkerchiefs. She slowly unwrapped it, her expression slowly changing to one of joy. Eventually, after unwinding five layers of extremely fine linen, a flash of gold could be seen. Casinara was holding a tiny golden box. "Such a beautiful piece of art"

"You know, out of all my offspring, you are the only one I know of to have the sticky fingers."

Casinara gave a tiny scream, which she immediately tried to swallow, and turned to face one of the many people she'd rather not have seen at that particular moment.

A/N: So how was my first attempt at a cliffhanger? Yes, yes I know that this is acctually really bad for a first real chapter, seeing as you only know one real thing about Casi. If you didn't get one thing that I'm talking about, than you're really dense. I'll write more later I promise!