A Whole New World

Celia went through the night in a state of shock. In two days, if the King of Tyra and the Temple Mother allowed it, she would be on her way to Tortall. A home she couldn't remember. A family. The stream of young men blurred into one, smiling and bowing. She danced until she saw Elio signaling frantically. She politely excused herself and made her way to where her friend stood.

"You never told me they wanted you to go home!" She accused.

"I didn't know." Celia said calmly, "How did you know?"

"Everyone knows." Elio rolled her eyes, "You know how gossip travels in this place. Even the statues talk." Celia laughed.

"I don't know if I'm even going." She protested, "Your parents have to agree and the Temple Mother too."

"Do you want to go?"

"It's my home."

"But do you want to go?"

"I think I do? I can't even remember ever having lived in Tortall."

"I think you should go." Elio said, "See how you like it. If it isn't where you want to be, there's always a place here for you." Celia nodded and the two separated.

Two days later, Celia stood in her new riding habit, preparing to leave the only home she could remember.

"I'm going to miss you!" Elio said.

"And I'll miss you." Celia replied. The two girls embraced and then Celia turned and mounted the horse the Ambassador had brought her. He gave the signal and they were on their way. Celia never looked back.

The month long journey to Corus passed swiftly for Celia. She was an excellent rider and their caravan passed unmolested through the mountain peaks. As she rode, Celia knew that she had been here before. Her feeling of excitement increased as they drew nearer and nearer to Corus. When they finally reached the city, the building tension within her broke like a wave on the beach. Smells, colors, noises blinded her. Vendors sold meat pies, bread and fresh fruit along the streets. Merchants hawked their wares, each competing for the attention of the flood of people traveling in every direction.

"Keep an eye on your purses lads," The leader of her Guard said. "Some men have no honor."

This comment seemed to be directed at a man, only a few years older than Celia herself. He shrugged good naturedly, hazel eyes twinkling. "You do your job and I'll do mine." He said, melting into the crowd.

Before she knew it, Celia was dismounting in the front courtyard of the Palace. A small group of nobles waited in the sun to greet her.

"Welcome to Tortall, Lady Celia," a tall black haired young man stepped forward. She looked into his sapphire eyes, entranced by the power in him.

"That's Prince Jonathan," one of the men behind her muttered. She quickly realized her error and curtsied deeply, cheeks flaming.

"My apologies, your Highness, I did not recognize you." She stammered.

"You are forgiven." He paused. "Have we met before?"

"No, your Highness."

"Why not?"

"My family sent me away to be educated in Tyra and I have been there for most of my life."

"And what brings you home?" Jonathan was curious.

"My parents left instructions that I be brought home before I turned 18."

"I am sure that they will be happy to see you, after all the years you've been gone." A chestnut haired young man entered the courtyard and bowed to Celia.

"My cousin, Sir Gareth the Younger of Naxen." Jonathan introduced him. "He will be your guide while you are with us." And with that, she was dismissed into the company of Sir Gareth.

As they walked to her rooms, he kept her entertained with witty commentary on the many features of the beautiful Palace.

"Here are your rooms," He said, stopping before a wooden door. "Most of the others in this wing are just visitors, but Sir Raoul of Goldenlake is two doors down, if you need anything."

She nodded and thanked him. Once he was gone, she turned to examine her rooms. There was a bedroom with a large bed and a lovely closet and a bathroom with a privy and a large bathtub. A door in the bedroom opened onto a lovely little garden. Servants had already been in and unpacked her suitcases, so she decided to take a quick nap before the ball that night.

A/N:

Hopefully, you'll see the parallels between Alanna; the First Adventure and this chapter. Yes, that is intentional. Yes, I do intend to continue writing this. I have an entire chapter written, but it's kind of far in the future and it may take some time to get there. I really hate balls, because I suck at writing about people's appearance without making a list. Haha. That may take a while… But it goes, albeit slowly.

-Klehmenteen.