"His grandfather died." Alanna of Pirates Swoop told Keladry of Mindelan when the latter asked where Nealan of Queenscove was. "They were very close and he took it very hard. He told me he just wanted to be alone." Alanna sighed. "But, seeing as it's you, youngster, he headed for the gardens."
Kel curtsied. "Thank you for telling me, my lady. I should make sure he's alright." Kel turned and started out of the room, stopping only when Alanna called out to her.
"Kel, make sure he's alright. When you find him? Make sure he knows that we're still here?" the younger knight curtsied again nodding.
"Of course, my lady." With that, she moved into the pelting rain to find Neal.
It took her about ten minute to locate her soggy friend, and by the time she spotted his slouched form, she was just as soggy, if not more. Her finest dress, out for the crown prince's birthday, was drenched and mud splattered; nothing new for Kel.
"Neal? Are you alright?" Kel asked softly. "If you want me to leave, I will. Alanna's only just told me, but I insisted…" he had looked around at her, bringing his eyes from the cloudy sky.
"I never really thought about what I'd do if he died." Neal's voice was hoarse and he coughed before continuing. "He's always been so untouchable, you know? Like no one could ever hurt him or bring him down." His voice had a wistful quality to it and Kel shifted, not used to that tone in her normally sarcastic friend's voice. He looked around at her and tried to smile. "Come sit with me?" he asked, softly, moving over on the marble bench.
Kel accepted his offer and sat down beside him. She hesitated before sliding an arm around the boy's waist. He slid his arm around her in turn, not looking at her. "I didn't really want to be alone." He told her softly, leaning on her, his cheek pressed against hers.
Kel smiled sadly up at the sky. The rain was finally slowing to a slow drizzle. "Neal, you know this is the only time, other than at the end of my first year, I've ever seen you cry?"
That got a chuckle from him. He stood, pulling her to her feet. "May I escort my lady inside, and heal her from that cold she's getting?" at her questioning look, Neal shrugged. "I had a teacher once, who told me that dwelling on the past would make me crazy. I already am crazy, so dwelling will only make me madder. Right?" he offered her his arm. "Come on, Lady Knight. You and I shall go have a lovely dance, congratulate Roald and find Raoul something to do other than cower in fear." With that, the soaked duo made their way into the grand hall, all thoughts of Neal's tears forgotten. For now.