This story takes place after Kel has received her shield. This news reaches the corners of Tortall. There is one girl, in particular, at Pirate's Swoop that takes this news to heart. Her name is Dmoé (pronounced de-moe-ay), and she is under the care of Alanna the Lioness. What will become of her?

***Disclaimer: All the characters you don't recognize, as TP's are mine! I don't own her wonderful creations.

Chapter One: Decisions

Dmoé rushed down the halls. Alanna had just returned to Pirate's Swoop, after a week long stay in Corus for midwinter. She leaped down the stairs, three steps at a time, and dashed around the corner out into the courtyard.

As she came closer, she saw the petite redhead, who she had missed dearly.

"Lass!" said George, who then twirled Alanna around and bent her over into a deep kiss.

She took Darkmoon's reins from a stable hand, as he stood there watching the baron and his wife. Alanna whipped around and threw her arms around Dmoé. "How's my favorite stable hand been," she grinned.

"Oh, just fine," Dmoé replied. Alanna's hands were rested on her small shoulders, in a motherly-friends sort of way.

"Glad to hear it. What do you say you come see me when you've finished all or your chores," Alanna smiled.

"Yes ma'am!" It was Dmoé's favorite thing, to sit and talk with her favorite hero. She was a small child of ten, with shoulder length light brown hair and hazel eyes. She was tall for her age, but still, she was small. Alanna winked at her, and strode off with her husband.

Dmoé took Darkmoon into the stable and groomed him as fast as she could, but with all the care she could give. She did not want the Lioness' horse to be unkempt. When she was done with all the gear, she raced up into the halls to see her friend. She's probably in the study,' Dmoé thought. And sure enough, there she was, sitting by the window reading a letter. Alanna turned quickly and put the letter aside.

"Dmoé, come in and sit down," Alanna said with a cheery note in her voice. But more seriously she added, "We need to talk."

Dmoé was a bit confused. She loved talking with her, but whenever Alanna said those four words, it meant talking about the future. She looked into her mistress' eyes. She felt warm, safe, and at home with Alanna. She had always taken care of her.

Dmoé's mother was a servant under Lady Alanna. She and the Lioness had been good friends. When Dmoé's mother had died during childbirth, Alanna had been away. Dmoé didn't know it, but Alanna felt it was her fault for not being there for her friend. So, she had raised Dmoé as a daughter, but never with any privilege of a noble. When she was of age, she was to work at Pirate's Swoop, in return for room, food, clothes, and medicine.

"What about?" asked Dmoé.

Alanna let out a sigh. "In a minute. I have some news. It's official. Keladry is a knight. I was there when they awarded her her shield."

"Oh," Dmoé gasped. She had been there when the Lady knight was going crazy for being forbidden to see Keladry. From what she heard, she loved Keladry for all the same reasons she loved Alanna. "I wish I could have been there. I'd give anything to be able to-" but she cut herself of. Did I almost tell her I want to be a knight more than anything?' she thought.

"Be able to what..." Alanna prodded. Dmoé just looked at her. "Dmoé, you can tell me. We're friends aren't we?"

That was true. Alright, tell her.' Dmoé took in a deep breath, and let it out before she began. "Promise not to laugh, but I... I... I wish I could become a knight. It's my dream. I know it's impossible but-"

"Why would I laugh at you? Look at whom you're talking to! I think it's wonderful. And with Keladry getting her shield and proving women can be knights... What's wrong?"

Dmoé looked into those bright violet eyes. Alanna had taught her everything she knew- how to use a bow, saddle a horse, ride, use a staff, and how to control her Gift. She had looked into those eyes many times for reassurance, and now she saw it there more than ever.

Dmoé looked down at her lap. "You know as well as I do that commoners can't be knights."

Alanna lifted her chin so they were face to face. "If you learn nothing from me, learn this. No silly law can ever stand in the way of your dreams." They both smiled.

"But I must ask you something?"

"What?" Dmoé answered.

"Do you want it. I mean, it's a lot of hard work. I'm not saying you can't do it, I'm just asking if your up to it. It's not all glory. Why do you want to be a knight?"

"To help people who cannot help themselves. To serve my "country anyway that I can. To be able to do that would be the greatest gift that I could give."

Alanna smiled at Dmoé. She really does want to become a knight,' thought Alanna. Good. We need more Lady knights!'

"I'm glad to hear that you want this as much as you do. But do you think you could handle the training?" the redhead inquired.

"Well, I've been enduring you for as long as I have. I think I can handle anything, now."

Alanna laughed. Good answer!' she thought to herself. "There's only one more thing. How are we to make you into a noble?"

Dmoé grinned widely and ran to hug her friend. "You're going to help me? I can become a knight?"

"Of course I am. You will become a knight."

"But how? It's not like I am related to you, or anything." Dmoé questioned.

"Related... Hold on."