Chapter 2: Corus

The palace in Corus was usually the centre of activity, and that day was no exception. As the two approached the palace Adalia gasped. [They passed through a wall lined with soldiers dressed in the royal gold and red. Behind the wall, level after level of buildings and towers rose, up to the palace itself. The area had its own gardens, wells, stables, barracks and menagerie. Outside the wall on the other side lay the Royal forest. (note[this is the description I took from Alanna: The First Adventure) Alanna led the way to the courtyard beside the stables. Adalia climbed down from her mare as efficient ostlers swarmed them to take control of their mounts. They gave Alanna a wide berth as she gestured to Adalia and strode purposefully towards a specific building.

As Alanna saw Adalia's face, she slowed to walk next to her. Observing that the palace seemed like a labyrinth of rooms and corridors preoccupied Adalia, so she did not notice that she was being observed.

"You were living in the palace in the Copper Isles, and yet you look distinctly like I did on my first visit here." Alanna commented, not without a small touch of amusement.

Adalia looked up the short distance into her grandmother's eyes and replied, "It's just so different. And everyone looks different. The land is different, and the climate… it's just so unlike home."

Alanna briskly hugged her reassuring her: "You will get to know it in no time." As Adalia looked at her unbelieving, she gave a short bark of laughter and pulled her closer. "You will. Believe me."

-------------------------------------------------

Alanna abruptly stopped and knocked on a door. "Gary, open up."

"…Come in." A man's voice called from the other side. As Alanna stepped into the room, the man behind the desk covered in papers jumped up and greeted her enthusiastically.

"Hey Sir Alanna! Long time no see!" He quickly leaned forward and hugged her. Abruptly spotting Adalia enter in her wake, he stepped back to take in the girl.

Adalia stood there patiently waiting for him to finish his inspection of her. She caught the now familiar lingering of his eyes on her purple ones, the observation of her lightly coloured skin that made it look like she was tanned all year round and her stubborn chin. She rolled her eyes and he seemed to notice he was staring a little too much.

He cleared his throat and said "Adalia of Pirate's Swoop?"

"Obviously." She had grown more than a little impatient of people stating the obvious. She was to be addressed as hailing from the Swoop throughout her training, as obviously no one would train foreigners to be a knight of their order. The catch was that she had to live in Tortall, one that she was happy to accept.

This brought a chuckle from the tall man, and his eyes flicked to Alanna – "She seems to have inherited your temper. Gods help us." Adalia waved her hand in a gesture of flattered acceptance, acting the court lady.

"Ok. Adalia, I am Duke Gareth of Naxen, and will be the overseer of your years as a page, and as a squire if you are not sponsored by a knight, your squire years as well." (note: This is Gary the younger, not his father, (who passed on) and he does not actually train the pages, he is just in charge of dishing out punishments, as well as deciding what (if any) free time they receive.)

His tone became more professional as he visibly gathered himself. "You're here, Adalia of Pirate's Swoop, to learn to be a knight and a noble of Tortall. It's not easy. Especially for you, having the disadvantage of being a girl. You must learn to defend the weak, to obey your overlord, to champion the cause of right…" His speech continued as he went on to explain that she would be taking lessons from various different instructors. He also explained that she would attend the more studious classes in the morning, and then the physical side after lunch.

As his speech continued, Adalia was thrilled. She stood up straight, a steely look creeping into her bright purple eyes. This was why she wanted to become a knight. She wanted action, and then chance to do something that would be helpful. This was what she wanted to do with her life.

---------------

Soon: Chapter 3- Start of Training

Disclaimer – yet again, I am not TP!!!!