Dom stared down at the letter. One of the many he'd recieved, the only one he wanted. Kel had sent it from New Hope. It was full of funny stories, and good tidings. She asked about him, as she always did, who his latest lady was (in a joking tone) and other things. He read about how she adopted Tobe, and how Peachblossom was still biting Neal. Dom sighed, and took out a quill. He had to finish writing these letters in reply when he got lost in thought. The words he wanted to hear, the words he would never hear from her, left a bitter taste in his mouth.
Dom finished his letter to his cousin Neal. It was, interesting listening to his point of view of New Hope. Kel, who'd laughed about the cooks shattering a glass of expensive healing salve, while Neal ranted on. Kel, who thought it was amusing when Peachblossom busted from his stall to stop Kel from leaving the fort in time of danger, while Neal complained about how the wood workers, never finished his stall properly so he could get out. Kel whose words of adopting Tobe were motherly while Neal said Kelw as too good to be there. That was one thing, that Dom agreed on. Kel was too good to be anywhere near some of those people, yet she sat there and listened to their complains, and how they wanted this or that, or who was wrong or right.
He let his pen slide through his hands. It clattered to the ground. It didn't matter anymore. He refused to hide his true feelings. Standing up, he decided he was going to New Hope, and he was telling Kel his true feelings. She might laugh, or hit him, or tell him she didn't feel the same way, but maybe just maybe his feelings would be returned.