"Kel," shouted Neal

Love? What's that?

Dedicated to xxtunstallchickxx- a wonderful reviewer

Disclaimer: I don't think I'd be writing on here if I were Tammy.

"Kel," shouted Neal. "Are you going to dream all day? She's waiting for me." lovers, Kel thought, rolling her eyes. At least there's one headache she didn't have. She was about to tell her friend he could wait, when she remembered that she'd get to see Dom at Steadfast. It would be nice to sit and chat for a while without kidnapping, flight and war to distract them. She nudged Hoshi to a trot. As the group rode away, Kel turned in her saddle to look at New Hope one more time. Many of New Hope's children were waving from the wall. She waved in return one last time, and then turned to face the road ahead.

.

They were only a few hours from Steadfast, singing in attempt to stay cheerful in the miserable weather. It was cold and the rain was drizzling down.

Tobe's new mount, an ex-warhorse who had taken a liking to him in Scanra, was trotting along, as wet and down trodden as all the others. Mindelan, as he'd insisted on calling her, was a huge creature and a little wild, but Tobe rode her like one would an old, child's pony. Mindelan jumped forwards when one of the sparrows, she was still unaccustomed to the adventurous birds, neared her hoping for refuge inside Tobe's coat where it was likely to be dry. Hoshi, disliking the Scanran horse, side-stepped mid trot to move away. Kel was relaxed, not expecting an attack in the weather. She fell from Hoshi, her head slamming to the ground first, while the rest of her body weight came down on top.

Kel slowly became aware of the voices surrounding her. At first she just heard buzzing, but as the voices became clearer, she could pick out their owners. Neal was there, as was Tobe and Alanna. Alanna? How did she get here? Then she heard Raouls voice and Buri's. Kel realized that she must have missed something. She couldn't remember anything after Mindelan jumping. Then she heard a voice that sent shivers down her spine. It sounded closer then all the others and was strangely familiar. The voice had said just three words, 'Is she alright?' It was chocked with worry. Alright? Kel thought, someone must be hurt. She sat up abruptly, gasping in agony as waves of pain shot through her head and neck. The people in the room silenced immediately, surprised.

"Lay back down." Neal suggested firmly. Kel felt a pair of warm hands help her do so. She looked at the person standing closest to her who had their hands on her back. Domitian of Masbelle. She smiled at him, grateful for his help. She realized that he was the one who had inquired about her health, she had since worked out that something had happened to her. It was only when her head touched the pillow did Kel relies that she was in the infirmary at Steadfast.

"What happened?" she asked, dumbfounded as to how she got there.

"You mean you don't know?" Tobe asked, casting a worried look at Neal.

"Don't worry." Neal assured him "it was to be expected. Why don't you go and check on Hoshi?" Tobe jumped up "I almost forgot! Kel don't damage yourself anymore while I'm gone." He was out the door in an instant, only to return seconds later to bow to the other adults present and disappear once more.

"What's wrong with Hoshi?" Kel asked alarmed, struggling to sit up again.

Again Dom helped her, this time to sit up. "Slowly," he murmured into her ear. When she was settled, her back leaning against the wall, Neal answered, "Hoshi's fine Daine fixed her up."

"Oh," Kel relaxed again. "I still don't know what happened to me." she reminded him.

"Right, I forgot." Neal said. Alanna just shook her head, so Neal told Kel about her fall and how they tied her to Peachblossem who, thanks to Tobe, allowed Neal and the others to do so. "it took us a day longer than expected with Hoshi injured and all, so Wyldon sent Dom's squad to find out what happened to us. They rode with us all the way back to the fort, sending a runner ahead to inform Wyldon of the delay. We arrived here two days ago."

"Two days! I've been out for two days! What about the wedding?"

"Kel, we've held the wedding off, and you've been out for three and a half days, you forgot to count the days on the road."

"Three and a half days!" Kel was almost hysterical now, "I hope you didn't hold the wedding off for me." Dom, still beside Kel, firmly put a hand on her shoulder to remind her to calm down. It's not just you that we were waiting for," Raoul continued, "Buri wants Thayet here as well and she's not due in until tomorrow morning, so don't stress." He looked towards Kel to catch her reaction and was surprised to see her Yamani mask back in place. "Ok." She affirmed, too exhausted to argue any more.

Raoul suddenly kissed Buri on the cheek, nodded to Kel, and giving Dom a strange look, left the room.

Neal looked astounded, Raoul was usually a very easy going man and all of a sudden he had gone really uptight. Neal looked to Buri for an explanation.

"Don't worry about him. He's just nervous about the wedding." Buri brushed the questioning look off breezily, but the expression Kel saw flicker briefly across Buri's face made Kel wonder if she thought differently. "I'll just go check on him." Buri said confirming Kel suspicions. As Buri walked out the door, Kel slowly began to sit up again, using her elbows to support her. As she did so, she felt Dom's hand at her back, helping her. When she had settled, her back against the wall, Kel reliesed that Alanna was still there and she was watching Kel and Dom closely. Kel felt her cheeks go hot for some reason and she struggled to keep her Yamani mask in place. Alanna smiled knowingly, "Neal, why don't we go get something to eat. You look like you need a break. The other healers will take care of things."

Neal looked up from the bench where he was working. He surveyed the scene before him.

Dom was standing somewhat protectively over a blushing Kel, while Alanna stood watching the pair, a grin on her face. Neal, for the first time ever, was speechless.

"lets get you something to eat." Alanna told a stunned Neal. Grabbing him by the elbow, she lead him out of the room, closing the door behind her.

Kel found herself alone with Dom.

Yay!! First chapter done. I've already started writing the next chapter so it will be up soon, but I'm also starting another story so I'll have to alternate between the two. Please review. Just press that little button. C'mon. You know you want to.

Bye for now,

Lady Kel

(don't forget to review)