A/N: Guess what everyone?! today is a SNOW DAY!!! my first snow day EVER!!! and I decided to spend it inside writing for all my lovelies out there...i honestly can't believe it has been 2 YEARS since I updated this...thats a crazy long time...i never meant for it to be that long seriously...if I have out fans out there still I LOVE YOU! just thought id let you know that...anywho here is the next chapter of The Yamani Shang...enjoy:D

Disclaimer: ...i don't own diddly squat... but that cancels each other out which would mean I DO own it!!! yay for me!! haha im only joking!! the amazingly stupendous TP owns this...tho maybe im secretly her daughter and I was just adopted? hey you never know it could happen...lol

p.s. this chapter contains a bit...ok a LOT of innuendo...but its all harmless fun I promise!! lol

The rest of the night went by in a blur. Lelani and Shinko were too busy wallowing in their misery to pay attention to any of their surroundings. Lelani was devastated because even after all these years her own sister hadn't recognized her. And Shinko was crushed because she had missed her baby sister so much, but of course she hadn't recognized her! They were both so young when Lelani had left, and she seemed so different than Shinko remembered. The crown princess was so heartbroken that little Lani would do this to her! Shinko felt tears well up in her eyes, but her Yamani mask kept them at bay long enough for her to excuse herself quickly. She made her apologies, saying she wasn't feeling fell and wished to retire to her rooms.

Lelani watched her go, then decided she had to talk with her. She made the same excuse to their majesties, and ran after her sister.

It took only a moment for the young Shang to catch up with her sister. She found her in a small courtyard, tucked between the ballroom and the Royal Gardens. The enclosing walls stood low, covered with ivy which fanned out onto the stone walkways as well. In the very center of the open-aired cobblestone courtyard, stood a fountain with a statue of the Mother Goddess. Shinko lay on the lip of the fountain, swirling a finger in the cool water.

Lelani walked over and sat down by her sister. Neither one spoke; the only sounds were the chirping crickets and the trickling fountain.

"Why wouldn't you say something?" Shinkokami whispered

Lelani shrugged slightly. "I just-"

"Now I'm sure everyone wonders why I wouldn't introduce them to you." Interrupted Shinko. "They'll wonder why I wouldn't make it publicly known that my sister was coming." She muttered half hysterically. "And worst of all, I wont have an answer."

Shinko stared hard at her baby sister, but Lelani avoided her gaze.

"How was I supposed to recognize you? You left when I was only nine." She added. "And you're so different now; you don't look or act or sound anything like the Lani I remember. How was I supposed to know?"

"I remembered you." Lelani replied quietly. "I recognized you." She stared at her hands for a moment longer then looked deep into her sister's eyes. A single tear rolled down her tanned cheek.

Shinko reached up and brushed away the salty tear with a dainty thumb. And as she did, her Yamani mask faltered, letting slip a few tears of her own. She took the younger princess in her arms and hugged her fiercely. "I've missed you so much Lelani..." Shinko whispered softly. She pulled away and examined her sister's face, carefully noting the deep tan, roughened -yet smooth- skin, and the faintly troubled look in her once carefree eyes.

"You've grown up Lani..."

The Shang nodded her head, silently crying. "Yes...Oh Shinko I've missed you too!" Lelani hugged her sister once again, never wanting to let go.

They sat embracing one another long enough for the ball to have ended, and were soon met with the sounds of chatting nobles returning to their rooms.

"...and did you see the look on her highnesses' face?"

"Of course! As though she didn't know her own sister!"

"How strange...and the girl coming so unannounced..."

"...and of Shang too! A princess consorting with those savages...preposterous!"

"Yes, completely unheard of!"

The gossip faded into nothing as the conservatives passed by the silent courtyard.

Shinko and Lelani had both stiffened at the sound of voices, and were only just beginning to relax when they heard a concerned voice exclaim, "There you are!"

Roald had left the ball soon after his bride and sister-in-law, only to find that Shinko had not returned to their suite. In a slight panic he had begun searching all possible places she might be, when he remembered the courtyard by the ballroom. She had often gone there when she'd first come to Tortall, because it reminded her of home. Rushing to it, he had been only too happy to find her there.

He quickly took in the scene before him, noticing Lelani for the first time. "Oh...Um..." The Crown Prince flushed at having intruded on such a personal moment.

The Yamani girls' eyes crinkled in amusement.

"Roald, darling, I don't believe you've been properly introduced to my little sister."

The Prince, taking the hint, moved forward and replied, "No, I don't believe I have."
"Love, this is Lelani, Lani my husband."

Roald took Lelani's hand and brushed her fingertips lightly with his lips. "It's a pleasure to meet you, my lady, I guess we're family now..."

Lelani concealed a giggle behind her mask, and inclined her head respectfully before replying, "Yes, I suppose we are. It's nice to meet you."

Shinko smiled happily at the exchange, glad that they could get along. She took her sister's hand with her right and her lover's hand with her left, drawing them both out of the courtyard and towards the Royal Suite where they could sit comfortably. As the trio left the silence of the enclosed garden, Lelani could help but picture the terrified and immensely pained look that had graced the Prince's eyes in her dream...

It was much later when Lelani finally left her sister's rooms and returned to her own across the Palace. But the young Shang couldn't sleep; she desperately needed to clear her head. So she changed into practice clothes, and ventured out once again to find the practice courts.

Dressed as she was in light breeches and a cotton shirt, it was a bit chilly when she finally made it outside. But the cold didn't bother the girl; she had endured much colder.

She walked calmly over to the practice dummies, her leather slippered feet padding softly along. Lelani stopped in front of the closest dummy and sighed happily. She missed practicing all day long like she had been so used to back at Shang.

She placed herself squarely in front of her opponent and bowed as if it were real. Closing her eyes, she took a calming breath, inhaling deeply through her delicate nose and blowing slowly out through her soft lips. In keeping her eyes closed, Lelani was increasing more aware of her extremities. She loved that feeling; it was as if she were to breathe her arms and legs might move as well- she was completely one with her body.

Then, skillfully, her left leg extended outward and was swung masterfully in a perfect arc, striking the dummy mid-torso. Next came a beautifully executed right punch, landing tactfully on her opponents shoulder, causing the dummy to turn as if to counter-attack.

Lelani smoothly blocked by swinging her left arm up and kicking out with her right leg; all the while never so much as peeking through her lashes. She felt so much more connected with herself this way, concentrating on the fluidity of her movements, simply sensing her arms and legs and the presence of the sparring dummy.

She continued her sightless assault, never once faltering or stepping out of place. As she continued on, her attacks and defenses became much more elaborate, but yet she still perfectly maintained complete control. Time began to lose all meaning as Lelani struck and defended herself against her foe. Hours blended to minutes, and minutes to hours; she would never be able to say how long she'd been at it, she had no idea. But that didn't matter; the only thing that mattered was her and her opponent.

Lelani was still not ceasing in her barrage of hand-to-hand combat as she struck out with yet another powerful kick. But just as her slippered foot was about to connect with the padded practice dummy, it didn't. Instead, it collided with something that was most certainly not a dummy at all. Immediately her other foot lashed out, her eyes snapping open. She expected her foot to make contact with something quite viciously, but instead her kick was pushed away, immediately followed by a punch aimed at her stomach; which she easily deflected.

A Shang. She thought interestedly. This should be fun...

They circled each other slowly, calculating the others skill. Lelani was obviously at a disadvantage here, as he'd been watching her for a while. She took in his appearance as well: shaggy blonde hair, blue-green eyes that had a mischievous gleam to them, tall, sturdy, simple attire, overall not too bad. Suddenly he flew at her, attacking with fists and feet in a complicated pattern that fortunately the girl could deflect in her sleep. She grinned behind her mask. She quickly countered his blow with some basic maneuvers, trying to get a better understanding of his abilities. But she was gradually using more advanced moves without realizing it. When she did, however, she knew he was pushing her. So this new Shang wanted to see what she could do? Well she was about to show him. After blocking him, she backed off a bit then lunged at him, combining several advanced attacks into a pattern she had made up herself and to which she knew no counter.

The man was taken aback at first, but quickly recovered, grinning broadly. He threw up a block and while she was occupied with that he snaked his foot around behind her and yanked forward. Lelani fell backward but at the last instant spun and rolled, then flipped back to her feet, flinging a punch as she came up. It clipped his chin, making him to step back in surprise. That allowed her to drive her foot into his gut, knocking him over; but as he fell, he knocked Lelani's feet out from under her causing her to topple over on top of him.

Despite her mask, Lelani laughed out loud. The man joined in only half a second later.

"That was amazing! I haven't fought anyone like that since I left Shang!" she exclaimed, breathing hard. "You are something else I have to say. What's you best position?"

"Horizontal and sweaty."

Lelani blushed profusely while the stranger laughed heartily.

"I uh...um..."

"Are you always this articulate?"

The girl blushed even redder, though she tried hard not to.

The man laughed again. "Relax! I'm just teasing you! I'm Karl, Shang Leopard. And who might you be?" he said conversationally.

"Lelani, Shang Eagle. It's nice to meet you." she replied, still blushing immensely.

"Well it is lovely to meet you my lady. I have heard many wonderful things of you, all of which I have just found to be true, and more so." Karl said dashingly, waggling his eyebrows suggestively.

It was then that Lelani realized she was still on top of this very handsome man. Horizontal and sweaty... she thought. She immediately blushed again and tried to push herself up, just as he attempted to sit up, which resulted in both of them staying in much the same position they were already in.

The Leopard laughed yet again, and Lelani decided she rather liked his laugh.

It makes his cute dimples show... her mind whispered to her.

Just then Karl picked her up, while standing up himself, and set her gracefully on her feet.

"Well milady," he said smiling. "This has been an absolute lovely time." He kissed her fingertips and added, "I do hope someday you'll allow me to show you my best position..." Grinning broadly, he started to walk back towards the Palace, leaving a stunned and blushing Eagle in his wake.

"Wait!" Lelani called after him.

"Yes my dove?" he flirted.

"Would you like to...I mean if you're not busy..." she trailed off nervously.

"Go riding tomorrow? It would be my pleasure." He flashed her another dashing smile and disappeared into the shadows.

Lelani stood staring at the spot he had occupied for a few moments longer, before realizing how late it must be. She ran back up the hill toward her rooms, and when she got there she changed into her nightgown and promptly fell into bed.

That night, she dreamt only of perfect turquoise eyes and honey gold hair...

The next morning, Lelani awoke to a knock at her door. She swung her legs off the edge of her warm, cozy bed and stood up, stretching as she walked across the room. She opened the door to find the maid , Melissa, with a washbasin full of steaming water, which was of course well welcomed by the Shang.

Melissa took the water into the privy, while Lelani gathered some clean clothes. While the girl was bathing, the maid tidied up the room, chatting all the while.

"...and well I'm sure you could guess what happened after that..."

Lelani laughed from her bath.

"Oh! did you know there's a Shang man visiting the Palace?"

Lelani stopped her scrubbing. "No, I hadn't heard that." she lied. "Who is he?"

"I believe he's the Shang Leopard...Do you know him?" Melissa asked.

"No, never heard of him...Do you know why he's come?"

"Well there is a rumor that he's come to bed the Queen, but that's just nonsense!" she laughed gaily. "Others say though that he's just passing through. Me though, I think he's here to find a lady friend..." the maid added suggestively.

Lelani, who at that moment had been about to submerge her head, choked on her bath water and began spluttering. Melissa, of course, ran to the privy door and asked if she was alright.

"Yes, yes, I'm fine, stop worrying. So, what else do you know about this 'Leopard'?" she asked, feigning nonchalance.

Melissa, understanding now, replied, "Not much mistress, but I heard he is very handsome..."

"Oh yes, very much so..." Lelani mumbled to herself.

"What was that miss?"

"Nothing, Melissa...May I have a towel please?"

After Lelani was clean and dressed, she realized that she hadn't asked Karl what time they were going riding. She mentally kicked herself and decided she may as well try to find him. She wandered around the Palace, having absolutely no luck, when she heard a familiar voice addressing a page.

"Have you any idea where the Shang Eagle is staying?"

The page replied, "No sir, I'm dreadfully sorry sir. I don't even think I know who that is..."

The man sighed. "Very well, off with you then."

Lelani heard the sound of a few coins being exchanged, and decided to find out who was looking for her. She turned the corner and found herself face to face with the very person she herself had been seeking.

Karl smiled brightly. "Hello my dove, fancy seeing you here."

"I was just out for a stroll...to find you in fact."

"Really? Did you miss me that much? Well don't fret darling, I am here."

Lelani laughed. "My my, you are quite the player aren't you? Actually, I just wanted to know when we were going for our ride."

"Ah so sweet, but such a liar...You know you missed my astounding wit and charming conversation."

"Of course that must be it..." she said as she rolled her eyes.

"Well if you rather do something other than talk..." he waggled his eyebrows suggestively.

This of course made Lelani's cheeks turn a very bright shade of red. "Oh yes, a player through and through you are..." she managed to say, though she was still rather flushed.

"I try, my dove, I try." he replied with a flourish. "Well my dear, since we are both here, at the present, shall we ride now?" He grabbed her hand and attempted to pull her away.

"Now? But I haven't even eaten breakfast yet..." she pointed out.

"Then we can bring food with us." he suggested

The Eagle giggled, "That sounds like a wonderful idea, but I think I need to get a cloak first. It might be cold."

"Of course my dove, I shall procure nourishment for us, whilst you get yourself ready."

Lelani shook her head at his antics. "Sounds good, I will meet you in the stables." She waved goodbye as she headed back off to her rooms.

A half a bell later found Karl and Lelani in the stables saddling their mounts. Lelani was finished first, giving her time to examine the other Shang better. He was maybe about six foot two inches, his blonde hair reflected the morning light making it appear all different shades, and his eyes. Oh he had gorgeous eyes, like deep swirling pools of turquoise that you could easily get lost in. Not to mention, his rippling muscles which were showing through his tunic...Lelani's eyes roved over his body, and she didn't notice that he was watching her do so, until he laughed.

She instantly blushed and looked back at his face.

"Now really my dove, if you'd rather stare at me, we may as well do something a bit more fun..."

Lelani turned to fiddle with Destiny's saddle, trying to hide her blush.Well, she thought to herself he does have a very cute butt...

Karl laughed again, then turned her around. "I'm only teasing Lelani..." he told her, his bright eyes twinkling with mirth.

She smiled back up at him, her blush nearly gone. "Call my Lani?"

"Whatever you wish my dove!"

She pushed him playfully before leading her mare out of the stables. Karl followed, grinning happily.

The two rode along for a while, just enjoying the scenery at first. Then Lelani asked Karl how long it had been since he was at Shang. He seemed puzzled for a moment, but replied, "You know, I can't remember...I guess that means it's been too long." He flashed a smile. "When did you leave my dove?"

She smiled sadly. "About three months ago."

"You miss it, don't you?"

"Yes. I miss all the friends I made, and the training...some days, I wish I was back there again." She stared off into space and then grinned up at his concerned face. "Wanna race?" she asked excitedly.

She started off before he could answer and so, laughing, he charged after her.

They raced through the woods, Lelani in the lead, until they came to a clearing with a small pond and the sunlight trickling through the trees. Her mare ran over to the edge of the pond, where Lelani declared herself the winner. She jumped off her horse and Karl followed suit.

"Ah but you cheated, my dove! It doesn't count!"

"I didn't cheat; you're just a sore loser!"

He chuckled. "Oh alright, you win this time. But next time, I'm going to win!"

Lelani examined her nails, looking bored. "I doubt that..." She said innocently.

"Oh is that so? Well I guess I'll just have to prove it then..."

And before she knew what was going on, Karl had tackled her lightly into the cushy grass.

"And there you have it – I win!" He sat across her stomach and raised his hands in the air.

Lelani giggled and replied, "I wouldn't be so sure of that..." And with that she rolled him over and ended up on top of him still laughing. "You see? I'mthe winner!"

"No, my dove, I'm still the winner..." Karl grabbed her around the waist and pulled her down as he sat up, and he kissed her softly on the lips. Lelani, too shocked to do anything, let him kiss her. And when he pulled away, she just looked at him for a moment.

Karl immediately sat up and said, "I'm sorry Lelani, I'm being too forward. It's wrong of me to take advantage of you." He turned away from her and began to stand up.

"Karl..." she said quietly, grabbing his hand.

He sighed and turned back. As he moved to face her again, she reached up and pulled his head down to meet her lips. The Shang Leopard wrapped his arms around the girl's small form and kissed her back.

This time when they parted, Lelani whispered, "There, now I took advantage of you too..." She smiled up at him from her place in his lap, as he grinned down at her.

"Does this mean you'll let me show you my best position?" he asked slyly.

Instead of blushing, Lelani grinned, "It's a definite possibility Mr. Leopard..."

He laughed at her and then, scooping her up, he stood and gently placed her back on the grass. He went over to his saddle bags and pulled out a basket. She gave him a rather odd look for getting up, and he simply said, "Well you said you were hungry..." She laughed as he sat back down next to her.

They sat for a while eating and laughing before they decided to head back to the Palace. As they neared the edge of the Royal Forest, Karl stopped. Lelani kept moving for a moment before she realized he wasn't beside her anymore.

"Something wrong?" She asked coming back to him. When she was right next to him he leaned over and kissed her again, cupping her face tenderly.

"What was that for?"

"I just wanted to kiss you again because I might not be able to for a while..."

She laughed. "And why is that silly?"

"Because we've only just met and people might not think it proper. I don't want to ruin your reputation Lani."

She responded by pulling him into another long kiss. "That's what I think about my reputation. And as for people talking, I'm used to it by now!"

He grinned at her. "Well then, my dove, we best be getting you back to the Palace."

She laughed at him and together they rode back to the stables.

A/N: Well? What do you think? I just HAD to have some fluff for Lani!!! and it just seemed too perfect!! What do you guys think of Karl? Think he'll be good or bad? Well I guess you'll just hafta wait and see!!! By the way did everyone get his "best position"? lol well if you didnt ask someone else cuz im not explainin that one...i cant remember where i heard that...lol...I hope you all liked this...sorry its not very long...I tried!!!!

Anyway, heres your review replies...and so you guys don't hafta go back and read what you wrote, I put the review too...muah! love you all!!

Review Replies:

wildace keladry2005: I'm glad you loved the last one! You are one of my absolute best reviewers!! seriously...or you were anyway...sorry about not updating I hope you still like this!!

Wow i'm really surprised. Cool! Love it.

x17SkmBdrchiczxx: You are amazing!! I have no idea how you guessed it! lol anyway thanks for reviewing, sorry about not updating in FOREVER. Hope you liked this!

I knew it... I just knew it... good chapter... keep it up please... update asap

nativewildmage: lol I'm glad you liked it!! lol thanks I try...now if only I could be a genius when it comes to updating...lol

Yeah, I liked it, that was a surprise though. I feel bad for Shinko!! Having her be Shinko's sister was genius! Brilliant!

CoPpErFyRmAgE: Oh I'm so sorry! lol but in this chap. she's not frightened...is that better? lol I like mel too its amazing...hope you liked it...sorry about not updating!

thanx i think my fic is funny to . i loved this chapter! y did u have to name the stupid frightened maid after me? sadly, melissa is my real name but its so so boring. i like mel.
Mel

delibertlee: Oh no, nothing like that! She was just sad because Lani didn't tell Shinko it was her...lol anyway glad you liked it, hope you liked this one too!!

I absolutely loved that chapter! Now you've got me curious as to why Shinko is so sad, bad past?

Yabberli: lol well I'm glad you remembered it at least! sorry about the hiatus...hope you liked this!!

i like very much. i completely forgot about this story until i got an email telling me it had been updated... it was very good.

luckylola: lol I have no idea...it just seemed like a good idea cuz we never really heard much about Shinko...i'm glad you liked it though! hope you enjoyed this one too!

hey! great story. just read all three chapters at once. i've read all of tamora pierces books, all of them, but i only vaguely remembering a mention that shinko's got more siblings... was it that she's a second princess or something like that? well wonderful work anyways. please keep posting.

Kokari: oops I guess I failed at that one huh? lol hope you liked it!

I was wondering about that now HURRY AND UPDATE!

boredperson: Thanks! I'm glad you liked it! sorry about the lack of updating...but heres one just for you!! lol

it is really good can you please update

KusajishiYachiru: Oh no im definitely not finished!! it may take a while but I'll try not to leave for so long between updates...anyway hope you liked this one!!

Plz write more!...that is if ur not finished...i think that it could be longer...

BwFuA: heh heh you caught me...not very likely indeed lol but I finally did update so here you go! hope you liked it!!

I love it. I'd say update soon... but that's not very likely.

SwiftShadow: Yes! then I was doing my job! lol I wanted everyone to be confused lol im glad you like it!! hope you still like it lol

Great story/plot line! Until you had Kel in the plotline a little earlier, I thought she was the Shang Eagle. Please post the next installment soon!

book-manga-freak: aww im glad you loved it!! I hope you liked this one too!!!

i loved it!! awesome story! update soon!

Shang Warrior Phoenix: I'm glad you liked them!! heres some more for you lol hope you like it!!

oh i really really like those alst two chapters! ican't wait till you write more!

jade trickster: lol glad you liked it!! especially the suspense lol most people hate the suspense! I didn't like it when they were fighting either lol so they made up just for you!! hope you liked this chap.!!!

that was great!! lotsa good suspense there which was nice, but it was driving me crazy for a while until i figured out who she was...please, can shinko n lelani apologize, etc? it makes me sad that they're fighting...

and your other one:

Update soon plz plz plz plz...im dying to see how this works out...

wild MAGIC user: lol im glad you liked it!! heres your update lol hope you enjoy this one!!

well...i LOVED it! hope you update soon, or else...something

The knights who until recently said Ni: omg your name is amazing!! lol yea sorry about that I was tryin to be all inconspicuous but you caught me! hope you like this one!

Thanks so much everyone!!! Love you all!! MUAH!!!