Shape Shifter

Disclaimer- since i totally forgot this maybe you thought i was atually Tamora Pierce- then again its obvious that you didn't as i would have got a lot more reviews!! Anyways, thats all from me, i'll shut up now and let you read.

Chapter 1- Young Mage

Sarralyn Salmalin sat moodily in her room, staring out the window, a frown on her pretty face. The noonday sun coming through the panes shone on her soft yet stubborn features and smoky-brown curls, inherited from her mother. Her eyes, deep as the ocean but darker then night, were hers alone, while her height was her esteemed father's legacy.

Veralidaine Salmalin, more often called the Wildmage for her ability to talk to animals and shift into them, entered the room. Noticing her daughter's frown, she went over to her. "Sarra?"

Sarra stood, facing her mother. "Ma, watch." She frowned more deeply, as though concentrating hard.

Daine studied the girl for a moment, then asked gently, "What is it I'm supposed to be watching, dear one?"

"This-" Sarra opened her eyes, looking into the mirror suspended over her dressing table. "Oh no, it's not working anymore!" Crestfallen, she wandered back over to her bed and sank onto it, staring dejectedly at her feet.

"Sarra, was that magic you were trying to do? Again?" Daine shook her head. "You know we asked you not to do any magic until it was cleared with your father or me, Sarralyn. Why is that so difficult for you?"

"It wasn't magic so much, I just thought I saw something and wanted to see it again, that's all. I'm sorry…" She hung her head, still studying her boots on the floor.

Her mother looked at her eldest child, pride in her eyes. At 15, Sarra was already the strongest mage at the palace, after her father; her younger brother, Rikash, already able to shapeshift into any animal he wished.

"Where's Da?" Sarra asked abruptly.

"At the palace, sweetling, with the King and Queen." Daine walked over to the clothing rack in the corner. "Getting ready for tonight." She held up a white tunic-style dress with embroidery around the collar and cuffs. "What do you think of this for the Ball?"

Sarra sighed. "Do I have to go to the ball, Ma, can't I just stay home?"

Daine frowned at her daughter, then gave a sigh of her own. "Yes, dear, if I have to go, so do you. And you must wear a dress."

"No! I hate dresses! You won't be wearing one!" She glared at her mother, who shrugged.

"Too bad, dear. The Court is very used to seeing me in breeches. You, however, are a young lady of almost 16, and young ladies must look presentable at the King's birthday celebration. I'm sorry, but that's the way it has to be." While she was talking, Daine had laid out a complete outfit for her daughter to wear. "Now go to your lessons. I'll expect you here in an hour and a half to do your hair." And she walked from the room, leaving her thoroughly disgruntled daughter to stick her tongue out at the closed door.

Sarra stomped over to the rosewood desk in the corner and grabbed her books. She didn't want to go to the ball, even if it was for the king! Surly he would understand- he avoided ceremony and all the pomp a king should have whenever he could. On the other hand, she thought, brightening, Marishk would be there! True, his grandmother was a tad bit scary-alright very scary- but the Lioness was good friends with her mother, and she didn't plan on causing trouble…

Little did she know.

Ok i'll add something here to just for fun. Did you like the first chapter? you had best be reviewing, then, or there won't be any more!! I'll hold y story for review-ransom! Hahahaha