Kel rolled out of bed earlier than usual, heading to the mess to collect packets of food for the men traveling with her that morning. The war with Scanra finally over, the knights and men of the Own stationed at New Hope had been called back to the palace. Kel saddled Peachblossom and made sure that the provisions for the journey were secured.
"I'd thought you'd left," Tobe said quietly from behind her.
"I wouldn't leave without saying goodbye." Kel hugged her one time servant and friend. "Are you sure you don't want to come with us?"
"No, milady. My place is here, now." Tobe had found a family, and as much as he didn't want to leave Kel, he had elected to stay at New Hope. Kel mounted Peachblossom and rode out, glad to be heading home. Looking at the seargeant riding next to her, she found herself lost in thought. It was unfair for Dom to be so good looking. I think my feelings for him have come back.
"A copper for you thoughts?" Dom asked.
"I was just thinking..."
"Well, obvisouly. About what, may I enquire?"
"The war," Kel lied, "I'm glad it's over."
"As are we all." Still sleepy, they lapsed into a comfortable silence until they stopped to rest. Leaving their horses to drink from a nearby brook, they at a simple Lunch of cold meats and bread. When Kel finished, she went to wash her hands. She felt a nudge from behind, throwing her off balance and forcing her to step into the fridgid water. Her breeches and boots were soaked.
"You'll pay for that!" she threatened Dom, chasing him past the men of the Own. The called out encouragement, laughing as Kel tackled Dom, marching him to the brook. Kel forced him into the water.
"Mithros, that's cold!" he exclaimed, fighting to get out of the cold water. Realizing that Kel was probably stronger than him, he tugged on the arm keeping him wet. Kel was thrown off balance again, this time toppling over on top of Dom. Laughing, they picked themselves up and returned to the others.
"Kel, Dom! You are going to catch the sniffles!" Neal exclaimed, making them unpack dry clothes and go change. When they returned, he gave them both evil smelling broth and made them drink.
"It's for your own good," he explained, but Kel knew he was just getting back at her for making him eat his vegatables.
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The ride back to the palace took longer than expected, but when they topped the hill overlooking Cours. After being in the field for years, comming home was a mixture of emotions. Kel was excited to see the people she had been placed elsewhere, but was also sad because she wouldn't have an excuse to see Dom everyday. The sergeant Kel was thinking about flung an arm around Kel's shoulders, not an easy feat while on horseback, and sighed dramatically. Her heart fluttered at his touch.
"Beautiful, isn't it? Home...or, at least, home for now." Kel laughed at his antics and slid from under his grasp.
"Let's go," Kel whooped and galloped down the hill, heading for the main gate. Reaching the wall, she halted as the sentry called out:
"Who goes there?"
"Keladry of Mindelan, Nealan of Queenscove, and men of the King's Own." The man disappeared for a moment, and the gate swung open, allowing them to pass through. They rode to the palace in a tired silence, now that they were home, Kel realized how exhausted she was. She could only assume that the others felt the same way. Stabling Peachblossom and Hoshi, Kel made her way slowly to her rooms, laden down with all her belongings.
"Let me help," Dom appeared at her shoulder, taking a pack from Kel. "My room is so much closer to the stables than yours is, I was able to make it there and back before you'd even gotten this far." Dom flashed a smile and Kel felt her insides melt. Was he flirting with her? No...Dom prefered the tiny court beauties. Kel made it to her room, fighting rapidly closing eyelids. She managed to thank Dom before she completely collapsed, sleeping deeply for the first time in years.
AN: Please review...I PROMISE this won't be the traditional K/D fluff I PROMISE!!! now, please, please, please, review!
alannalovingwriter
