He almost wished he hadn't seen the moment of despair on Kel's face when he had started to get it. It would make this call hard. He prayed it was short as he kissed her and moved to start pulling on clothes. After a moment he heard her move to do the same. She wouldn't sleep here without him despite him telling her to stay put. Wordlessly she helped him gather up his packs and helped him carry them down to the wagons. One of his men came over to hand him a turnover before retreating. He hated this moment, the moment he'd have to say goodbye and know there was always a chance he wouldn't return.
Slowly he gathered her in his arms, feeling her strong body against his. He loved that he could hold her tight and not worry about hurting her. She stayed in his grip and he knew it would be impossible to let her go unless she pushed him away.
"Sergeant Domitan," a calm voice had him looking up from the woman pulled against him. He, like any of the men in the Own, knew that Sir Raoul was a sneaky giant of a man who could approach unheard. "Perhaps we could have a word before riding out? Kel, will wait, won't you?" It sounded reasonable which usually set off warning bells in Dom's mind. But Kel was already nodding into his shoulder and pushing him away. He had no choice but to follow his commander.
"I've noticed a lack of enthusiasm from you," Raoul commented as they walked away. "I used to hear the men whispering about how you were always the last to be woken and the first down here and ready to go. Now I hear whispers that someone had to be sent in to make sure you even heard the knocks."
"Sir," Dom started, feeling a blush of shame rise on his cheeks.
"I've been with the Own a long time. I know how to read my men. I'm surprised I don't have a resignation with your name on it on my desk." Even in the scant light, Dom could see Raoul's raised eyebrow. "But then I also know you write the most thorough reports on your men, deal with your Meathead of a cousin, and court my former squire. I considered that you just haven't had time since we've been so busy."
"Sir, I," he felt like a child who hadn't done his schoolwork for his tutor.
"She comes down here with you each time you're called out. You two spend longer and longer saying goodbye. Don't think I don't know what's coming." Raoul smiled and produced a folded piece of parchment. "All it needs is your signature." Dom took the paper and could barely make out the words penned in Raoul's own hand. It was a letter of resignation.
"But, the call… and…" Dom saw Raoul shake his head.
"You're a good commander. Still worried about duty when your heart isn't in it. It's a shame I only have three companies or you would have been Captain long ago. But even then Captains can't marry and I'd like to see you make her happy. I'll be riding with your men. I'd like to see which of your corporals can fill the shoes you are leaving behind. Don't forget to sign that and put it on my desk before we return." Raoul grabbed his shoulder and squeezed before letting go. "You don't have to move out of your rooms right away but I'd like the place to be open for either Wolset or Riley when we return!" He called as he walked away.
There was no way to thank Raoul for ending this crisis. It was over. He had done his last call and he was no longer in the Own. Looking around at everyone rushing to get things in order, he felt sad that he was not going to be a part of this anymore. But then his eyes lit on Kel still standing by the wagon holding his things and he couldn't help but smile. Perhaps they wouldn't get any more sleep tonight anyway. He had a lot of things to discuss with her, starting with a betrothal.