Ok lovely people this is my first fan fiction so please be nice!

If I have made any errors then can you inform me?

Disclaimer: Any these characters belong to Tamora Pierce though I wish they were mine!

Chapter ONE

Miri had had about enough of riding in the hot afternoon where the sun was beating down on her fair skin. It wasn't that she had a zealous nature about her appearance but looking like a grilled tomato wasn't exactly an appealing image to find yourself waking up to. The grit and the harsh sand from the roads which the horses kicked up when riding made everyone feel like their skins was going to crack and blister at any moment. Miri sighed out loud as she getting irritated at anything that could be deemed annoying.

It had taken all of Miri's strength not to stop her spotted brown horse, Raindrop, and to scream at the clear, blue sky at the Gods at the injustice for the extra long, dry summer that Tortall was experiencing. The only thing that kept this insane action from surfacing was being teased mercilessly by her best friend and newly appointed Commander Evin Larse. It would be his sort of humour, embarrassing folk and using it as blackmail, mused Miri. Miri gritted her teeth hard, as she pictured those months of continual jokes and remarks that she could endure, before killing Evin with her bare hands.

"A noble for your thoughts" asked a soft, gentle voice on her right side.

Startled Miri jumped an inch from her saddle and exclaimed "What?" Admitted she was slightly embarrassed at being caught out and not having heard the figure besides her approaching.

A throaty chuckle came from the same source as Miri turned her head to meet Evin, the bane of her life when it came to teasing. His eyebrows were raised in query while his blue eyes sparkled with laughter from the enjoyment of seeing Miri's confused expression. Too tired to care and to think of a witty comeback, Miri stuck out her tongue in a childish manner which gained another laugh from the Commander.

"You know," said Evin slyly; "I could have you cleaning the Riders' stable for being rude to the Commander". He took delight in riling Miri up as she was an easy target when she was frustrated.

Miri halted her horse at the side of the slow moving column and Evin followed suit to continue his fun.

"Raindrop? Could you please bite our prestige, Commander for me?" Miri spoke in her most sugary tones to her light brown mare. "He is acting like a prig again!"

Evin reached over and tugged one of Miri's braids affectionately and enquired "Not your usually happy self when we are on our way home?" Miri swatted his hand away from repeating the action of hair pulling and shook her head sadly.

"Just tired I guess. I miss having a comfy bed." Miri shrugged then sighed "Wish it would rain, for once. It would be nice to feel cool and wet instead of a dried up raisin!"

"We wouldn't want that would we", teased Evin and started to move his horse down the hard, dusty road "especially if Buri is counting you as a bridesmaid for her wedding."

Miri moaned in agony behind Evin as she followed after him at a slower pace. Their Rider Group nicknamed the Rabbits had been ordered politely to attend Buri's marriage to Lord Raoul of Goldenlake and Malone's Peak. Although many of the Rabbits were honoured at the summons; Miri feared it. Before Buri had retired from Commander of the Queen's Riders she has asked Miri to be one of many of bridesmaids which was mandatory in a large wedding.

At the beginning Miri was happily shocked at the request, but now after realising she would have to dress up and stand in front of all those people…it was made her feel extremely uncomfortable and nervous. She wasn't someone of noble birth and though she liked the occasional balls that they held at the palace at festivals and celebration, she had her friends to scurry to, if a pompous git was heading towards her, wanting a dance.

By the time she was out of her gloom and doom thoughts, at the growing fear of the wedding, the Rider Group had reached the palace's stables which were the Riders' and she noted that already some of the others were dismounting and grabbing their gear, heading as quickly as their tired legs could carry them to the hall for food and drinks.

"Welcome home!" whispered Miri to herself, feeling less happy about returning to her temporary home than being stuck out on the field.

Slowly, with sore muscles Miri slid off Raindrop's back and led her to the stables to be cared for. With the mucky, saddle off, Miri brushed the horse's hair down to clean her and gave her a few apples as a thank you for the times that Raindrop had saved Miri's life out on the field. At last there was nothing left to detain her from walking to her sleeping quarters and crashing onto her bed. The thought of it made Miri feel suddenly alone.

Every one of the Rabbits was now inside and cheers could be heard from the mess hall. Noticing that brought a wave of sadness again. Great! I'm such a cheerful person! mused Miri. No wonder everyone left me.

Inside there would be friends and family waiting for the majority of the riders to congratulate them on returning safely. Unfortunately, as Miri lived on the coast outside the capital of Corus, it would be unlikely that with being part of Buri's wedding that she could manage to sneak a week off home, especially since it would be over a week riding to get there in the first place. "That is life and it is the one you signed up to missy," Miri thought grimly.

With her head down, Miri walked, or more exact wobbled away with stiff legs from the hall silently in the direction of her rooms, thinking of the soft bed and a good night sleep.

"Miri!" exclaimed a young woman's voice "You're home!"

"Told you she would try to escape!"

Miri turned around to glare at Evin, and then smile at Numiar and Daine, the wild mage, standing at the door of the mess hall with drinks in their hands. Daine handed hers to Evin and run to give Miri a large hug while Evin just smiled liked a cat that had caught his mouse.

"I'm not falling apart", Miri said, annoyed at the affection she was getting.

"Of course not" said Daine seriously trying ever so hard to keep the smile off her face "but who could survive months of listening to Evin talk about his new love at court".

"I see your point" smiled Miri wickedly "I think I might need a few drinks before I can get over that traumatic experience. Do you know he started to write poetry? Words can not describe it."

"Your commander heard that you know".

Miri looked over at Evin with an innocent expression "Heard what Commander Larse? I didn't say anything rude at all." But she whispered into Daine's ear, "But it is truly awful," which brought the girls into a fit of giggles and a pouting Evin.

It wasn't going to be that bad a homecoming.

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