Ok here we go! This is a Kel/OC/OC story. Written by me, beta checked and co-plotted by SarahE7191. Sorry it's short but I will try to update as soon as I possibly can! Please read and review :)

Kel's thoughts

Kel collapsed on her bed, taking deep, contented breaths as she closed her eyes. She had finally managed to lug her packs up to her quarters in the palace, after having ridden in from New Hope only a couple of hours ago. She had been helping the townspeople put the finishing touches on their newly expanded home, and while Kel was sad to leave it for the last time, she was glad she would finally be able to see her friends. She couldn't remember the last time she had spoken to Roald, or Faleron, or Seaver. Neal's flamboyant attitude, Merric's stoic mind, and Dom's cheeky ways were far too much to stand for a whole year. She desperately needed to spend time with her more level-headed friends. Plus, she had gotten a letter from her parents – they were currently residing in their Corus home! Her mother had asked her to dinner at their town house that evening. She said that there was an important matter she had to discuss with Kel.

Kel knew she didn't have long to get ready, but she didn't care. Her bones were stiff and her muscles were tired. She just wanted to lie there all afternoon, and all night. Hell, she thought, I probably won't even be needed anywhere tomorrow, and I deserve a good, long rest. Nodding her head, she made a mental note to somehow get a page to deliver a message to her parents. She knew they wouldn't mind if she missed it tonight and just saw them tomorrow. And so, Kel began shouting,

"Somebody! Come here! Please?" She knew it was churlish and lazy and against everything she had worked towards, but she really couldn't move. A knock sounded on her door. She yelled that it was open and Neal poked his head in, green eyes sweeping the room, landing on Kel, who was staring at him with half-closed eyes. She groaned and pointed to her desk where there was a blank piece of paper. He looked at it, then back at her, a worried frown creasing his high forehead. Neal slipped into the room and padded over to his friend, placing a cool hand on her forehead. She groaned again as he shifted her arm slightly and he looked down disapprovingly.

"Let me guess. Did too much hauling back at New Hope, only had short breaks on the ride back, didn't bother to stretch in the saddle, carried every single piece of equipment up to your room, and didn't even get checked out by a healer first. I thought I had taught you better, dear."

Kel only glared and growled. He ignored her like the true nobleman he was and carried on with his healing. While Kel was slightly annoyed with Neal for lecturing her – what a hypocrite, she thought – she was grateful she had made a friend in him as she felt the stiffness recede and her mind became clear. He removed his hand and sat next to her as she hauled her upper body into some semblance of a sitting position. He waited patiently until she explained why she was yelling down the hall.

"So, are you going to go then?"

"I don't know. I am so tired."

"I think you should go. You haven't seen your parents in a long time, they must miss you."

"Since when did you become semi-intelligent?"

"Yuki probably whacked it into me with that fan of hers." Kel laughed at her friend's honesty, surprised that he would say something that might damage his 'reputation'. Then again, she supposed he had changed quite a bit from the extravagant young page she knew. He's allowed his moments, I guess. Kel thanked him and shooed him from the room. Sighing, she glanced forlornly at her bed once more and purposefully strode towards her wash room. Thanking the gods that the water the maid had put in was still warm, Kel scrubbed herself until every speck of grime had dissolved and she was pink. She knew she should wear a dress to her parent's house, but her knight's uniform kept calling to her. However, there was a dress her mother had sent a year ago and Kel felt bad that she hadn't worn it yet. She slipped the dark green gown over her head and patted it down as she looked in the mirror. Well, I don't look like a court-lady, but at least I don't look too bad. She quickly combed her short hair and slipped a few daggers here and there – you can never be too careful. Before she left, she made sure to grab a cloak. Even though it was only autumn, the weather was rather bitter.

Kel got lost three times on her way to her parents' house, which was rather embarrassing considering she could read maps no problem. Each damn street looks the same as the last one! Eventually, she spotted a door that she recognized and knew she wasn't far – which was just as well since she was freezing! She reached the grand but modest house in no time and hopped up the steps to knock with the bronze owl door-knocker. Sally – one of the scullery maids – opened the door and they exchanged warm greetings as Kel hung up her cloak and slipped off her boots. Sally ushered her through to the formal sitting room and they slipped through a door hidden by a bookcase. Behind the door was the family room – a bright and cheerful room with pictures, musical instruments, and her niece's and nephew's toys everywhere. Her mother's letter had said that Anders and Inness were staying for a while and so were their families. While Kel couldn't wait to see her brothers and their children, she wasn't ecstatic about their wives – not because they were unkind, but because Anders' eldest daughter had just decided to become a lady knight like her aunt. This meant that the wives were now on the warpath to keep Kel from 'influencing' their other children.

Kel looked around but didn't see anyone in the room yet and so settled herself into a stuffed armchair and pulled out a book that she hadn't seen in her last visit. As she read, she didn't notice her mother glide gracefully into the room until she heard a stifled sob. Kel's head shot up and she saw Ilane trying to compose her mask over her obvious sadness and something else Kel couldn't quite see. Was it guilt? Kel jumped up and strode towards her mother.

"Mama? What is it? Is it father? Is he OK? Is somebody hurt?" Kel kept asking questions, her worry growing as her mother didn't respond. Finally, Ilane shook her head.

"No Kel. Everybody's fine. I just need to talk to you about something very serious. I wanted to do it one-on-one with nobody else around. Please sit down." Ilane sat down rather shakily and Kel followed suit into the sofa on the other side of the low table. She warily watched her mother as she poured green tea and pressed it into Ilane's shaking hands. Taking one for herself, Kel nursed it, eyes on her mother as she sat on the edge of her seat, ready to spring up if need be.

It was a few long, tense moments before Ilane finally put down her cup and looked at her daughter.

"Kel, we are both practical women. We have never been the kind to beat around the bush. So I'm going to have to say this straight out." Kel watched warily and her mother took a deep breath.

"Kel, you have been betrothed to a Yamani lord since you were a child. We knew his family in the Isles and we promised your hand in marriage for when you came of age. We had no idea you would want to become a knight and we had hoped that the marriage would mean you would have a comfy life in later years should you become a court lady. Lord Seiji noh Sakai arrives in two weeks. The wedding will have to be within the next few months. I am so sorry, my darling girl."