A/N: This is my first ever fanfic and I would appreciate any comments that you can give. Basically, I decided to write about Aly's homecoming after ten years in the Copper Isles. Please attempt to enjoy!

Disclaimer: It can't even measure up to the great Tamora Pierce. So, obviously, it's not mine.

Homecoming

Chapter One: Getting There

Aly leaned on the rail of the boat, the sea wind playing gently with her red-blonde hair. Finally, after ten years, she was heading to the place she grew up, Tortall. Aly was glad to be going back but she was not without her worries.

At first, she had not even wanted to take the trip, but with the endless prodding of her husband and the Queen, she relented. Even knowing she would only be gone for a few weeks left Aly on edge. Aly's second, Benji, assured her that he could take care of things while she was gone. While Aly had complete faith in her half-raka assistant, it was in her nature to worry.

Nawat declined coming with her, saying the trip was for her alone. In a way that made her feel better because it would be he, not a palace nursemaid, who looked after their children. Even though Aly wanted her children to meet their grandparents, uncles, aunts, and the rest of their extended family, she and Nawat both agreed that sending the children now probably wasn't the best decision. They were too young yet to fully appreciate things. That's what she told herself, knowing full well that they weren't. They just weren't old enough to take care of themselves and Aly didn't want to depend on anyone for their care when she was gallivanting around. They had griped at first, wanting to see the land they had heard so much about but had given up at their godsmother's request.

Brought back to the present as somebody yelled -quite loudly- about spotting land, Aly sighed quietly. This voyage had given her some time to think and put things together. While she would be glad to get off the boat after long weeks at sea, she somewhat regretted it. Now, instead of thinking of the reactions her family would have, Aly would actually see them.

I had better change out of this so I don't look so conspicuous, Aly thought, looking down at her brightly colored sarong that was commonly worn in the Isles. Somehow she doubted that she would blend in as well dressed as a raka commoner. Glimpsing the not so far off Tortallan shore for the first time in ten years, Aly's breath was caught in her throat. It was just as she remembered it.

People who had heard the call of land rushed to the rail. Aly turned away and as the distant city of Port Caynn approached, she headed back to her quarters to change.

The space around Aly was cramped and crowded as people pushed hard, trying to get off the ship after long weeks at sea. Nobody onboard knew Aly's true identity, so she didn't get any special treatment. Aly didn't mind, enjoying the rush of being a regular passenger. She didn't miss the particular handling that nobles often got. She preferred this to any fluff and it was almost as if she was actually on a mission, not just dealing with paperwork.

"Watch yer step, miss," a porter called to her as she stepped lightly off the gangplank. Aly smiled, amused that she still put on an appearance of someone in her early twenties. Aly knew she wasn't that old and definitely didn't look it, but it still gave her some satisfaction that others didn't know it. She nodded her thanks to the young man and accepted her bags with a graceful smile.

On the docks, people bustled around calling greetings to family members and friends arriving from Rajmuat. There would be no reception for Aly. In fact, she had not told anyone she was coming. Aly hoped to surprise her parents, but would not be surprised herself if they knew of her arrival ahead of time. Especially seeing as her father was spymaster.

Thinking of George, Aly sighed thoughtfully. He had been pestering her with his spies for a while now. The last time she had seen him, she warned him to have them to have them gone from the Isles. Of course he couldn't comply and found ways to sneak them back in. Aly wasn't startled. She had expected it. Actually, she would have been disappointed if he didn't and she had no one to keep her on her toes. Despite the fact that he had agents in her country and she in his, tension was much looser between the two countries. Aly liked to imagine it was because of Dove and not herself. She was aware that she probably helped ease the matters, but Dove really was handling being queen well. Aly knew she couldn't do it. She would rather just get the information. It was so much easier than meeting with diplomats and having a thousand attendants flocking her. Aly finally understood why her mother had turned down the chance to marry her uncle Jon and be queen. If it was half as hard as what Dove did, Alanna would surely have murdered someone.

By discreetly asking around on the streets, Aly discovered her parents weren't at the Swoop. Originally she had planned to head straight there and now she found she had to go to Corus instead. Not that Aly minded, she would see more people at the palace anyway.

By the time Aly managed to get a horse and supplies that would take her to the capital, it was too late to leave. She was slightly agitated because her late start would mean that her da would have more time to learn that she was here. Aly found an inn to stay the night and holed herself up in, hoping to avoid detection. Even though she knew it was not entirely impossible, she believed that she hadn't let anyone notice her and that she would still surprise her father.

Aly set out the next morning at a leisurely pace. She would make it to Corus by the afternoon. By then she hoped to have a better plan then to just wander around the palace looking for people. With her luck, she would run into people she didn't like or who didn't like her. Or worse, she would run into the master of ceremonies. The one who absolutely hated her guts and would chide her if he saw her doing something he dubbed 'improper'. The thought of that made her grin ruefully. She had changed since then and he probably had too. Or so she hoped.

Aly met few others along the road, which she thought was a bit unusual. At this time of year there should be more traffic between the two large cities. After a moment of contemplating on what it could be, Aly shrugged. She would learn what was going on later and for now she just planned to enjoy the ride.

After many years living near and in the jungle, Aly found the wide open road unusual. It was odd not to ride down a road without the trees surrounding her and the monkeys and colorful birds that were native to the Isles call her name. This new sight was not unwelcome. Aly found she was much looser in the saddle with the need to listen hard for something to attack. Of course she could be looser because she wasn't expecting an attack in the first place. If there was one, she would have plenty of warning. There was also the lack of heat and humidity that pressed on her. Aly enjoyed the free feeling that she got on the road here. It had taken awhile to accustom herself to the heat in the Isles, but she had finally gotten the hang of it. Aly decided she much preferred the temperature here.

Finally, after several hours ride and a stop for lunch, Aly neared Corus. As her horse crested the last hill, Aly grinned. There was the city, looking as busy as ever. Off to the side was the Royal Palace. For all it's wonderful splendor, it still couldn't measure up to the one in Rajmuat. Nobody could deny it's beauty, but if they had ever seen the palace the first raka queens had built, they would say nothing could compare to it.

Aly flicked the reins, gently leading her horse in the direction of the palace. Ah, she thought, it's good to be home.