Maid of Honor

Kel was glad she been able to finish a bath and a meal before she heard the bell. She had written to the house manager regarding when she would be arriving so the house was staffed and stocked when she arrived. Her mother was planning to come and meet her In the city for a visit. Illane should arrive in the next day or so. Kel was just stretching some of the kinks out of her back when she heard the bell and the maid led Yuki into the comfortable room at the front of the house. Yuki excitedly told Kel that Neal had come to see her and that they decided to plan their wedding as soon as possible, hopefully to be held in late September, which was about eight weeks away. Yuki and Kel sat in a room that was part parlor, part library on a large soft leather sofa. They had their feet curled up under them and were munching fresh baked cookies in honor of the occasion.

"So, how is this going to work," Kel asked, ever the practical one. She finally had the chance to voice questions she had harbored since her friends' engagement. "Where are you going to live? Will you follow him on assignment? Will you stay with Shinko? Will you go to Queenscove to learn how to run the estate?"

The smile left Yuki's face for the first time. "We aren't really sure. We don't really have all the information we need yet, like where he will be assigned and what Shinkokami wants and what his mother wants. We are just going to wait and make those decisions as we are able." The smile crept back. "The thing we know is that we want to be together and build a life together. The rest of the details will fill in!" She giggled letting down her guard with her closest friend.

"How about you Kel? What is next for you?"

"I guess I'm in the same situation, I'm still figuring out the options. I'm going to talk to Raoul and see what he knows, since I don't have a clear vision of what to do next". She paused and thought about the time when she was hunting Blayce the Gallan. She had clarity of purpose then, but little peace of mind until she had found Blayce. The Chamber of the Ordeal had given her that assignment. This was the first time she'd be making her own decision about her career direction. She reflected that there was something nice about just being told. Deciding was hard. What if she made the wrong choice? She momentarily considered going back to the Chamber for direction, but then shuddered. Who knew what it would come up with next? It was quiet for a moment, each girl busy with their own thoughts.

Yuki nudged Kel with her foot. "Who are you thinking of now that brings such a smile to your face?" Yuki said teasingly. Kel blushed and shook her head. She wasn't ready to admit to daydreaming about Dom.

Kel smiled as she stepped back into the house and closed the door after walking Yuki halfway to the palace. It made her happy to see her friend so excited and so in love. Neal & Yuki had their issues to work through, like any couple, but Kel was sure they would figure it out. It made her wonder about herself. There were so many things she wanted to do before she would be ready for a family, but she felt like there was room in her life for someone special, someone to share the events of the day with, someone to look forward to seeing, someone to rest against at the end of the day. Could she have that and not be married? If she had that kind of relationship, would she want to be married? She thought back to her last relationship with Cleon of Kennan. They saw each other intermittently while she was a squire for Lord Raoul and he was squire for her brother at Mindelan. It was hard to gauge her capacity for a relationship based on that experience because at that point in her life, what she wanted to do with her career left little time for anyone else. But things felt a little different now. She wondered when she would see Dom. At least with the wedding activities, they would have reasons to spend time together. She fell asleep to that thought.

The next morning Kel went to go see her old knight master, Raoul of Goldenlake. Raoul had taken Kel as his squire when she finished her formal training. As the first girl to complete the training of a knight, Kel was a controversial figure. Some didn't believe women should be knights. As a respected knight, Raoul's support had been an important part of Kel's acceptance. His skill as a knight commander and teacher had helped develop her skills in logistics, supply, battle strategy and group management. She was glad she did not report to him any longer so she could treat him with affection as well as respect. He was the father of her military skills after all. She found Raoul in his office with his second in command, colonel Flyndan. It appeared they had been reviewing troop rosters at one point, but they were discussing another knight when Kel came into the room. At the sound of her voice, several sparrows swept in off the ledge to gather around her. They were a branch of the flock that had been with her as a page. Some of the were born while she was in service to Raoul and had stayed with him, although they were much more independent than the flock that stayed with Kel, which she sheltered and fed. "Kel! I heard a rumor you were coming to town!" Raoul said as he stepped out from behind the desk and wrapped her in a bear hug. "It's great to see you!"

Flyndan stepped forward and clasped her forearm in the embrace of comrades in arms. Kel had overcome his skepticism over her ability to fight in the early months of the Scanran war and they had developed a solid appreciation of each other's skills. Each would be glad to serve with the other again.

Flyndan spoke, "Come sit and join us. We were just discussing security plans for Jonathan's multinational security force discussion. Jonathan wants to take this chance after the war to get our neighboring countries to commit to a multinational force that could respond to natural disasters or other incidents."

The door opened and Qasim, one of Raoul's officers, came in with a tray of meat and cheese. Kel greeted Qasim and they all sat down at Raoul's table.

"I heard it was a multinational peacekeeping force discussion." Kel commented eyeing the platter. Raoul always did eat well.

Flyndan replied, "Doesn't peace require security?" His comment was more food for thought than actual question. The conversation trailed off as they all filled plates from the platter.

"So what are your plans while you're here Kel?" Raoul asked. As the group relaxed around the table.

"Things are fairly well established at New Hope and it's time to decide what to take on next in the township. That made it a good time to take some time away to see how things run without me. I'm here to give report to Lord Wyldon and work on the next round of plans for New Hope. I also plan to see my family."

She paused, selecting a few items from the tray. "I've heard the realm is also doing some overall planning and regrouping. It seemed like a good time to see what people are thinking and look into possibilities for my next assignment. I thought I might might be able to hear about the possibilities being discussed if I was in town." she said nonchalantly as she stacked cheese and sausage for a bite, then looked up and grinned at the men at the table.

The King's Own had an extremely efficient, if unofficial, intelligence gathering machine. Kel had learned that when she rode with them. Since that time she had also learned not all groups operated the same way. Some commanders withheld information and those in the lower ranks did not always share information up the chain of command. She felt it was the high degree of trust in Raoul's command that had stable boys sharing information up and Raoul sharing information down, to the benefit of all. The men all laughed, proud of their reputation of being well connected to the grapevine. Kel had a mental list of tidbits to add to the information collection, but she decided to start with a fun one.

"I think I know something you haven't heard yet, Kel ventured with a surreptitious sideways glance. She had forgotten how much she enjoyed the easy banter among peers. As the commander at New Hope, she was careful to maintain a professional demeanor most of the time. It was nice not to be in charge for the moment.

"Well," Qasim said, "if you're referring to Neal's renewed proposal to Yuki last night and the plan to hold the wedding soon, we heard all about it from Neal and Dom last night when they'd came home from celebrating."

Kel had to stifle a laugh since her mouth was full of food. She should have know the news would have traveled that fast. Her laughter covered her reaction at hearing Dom's name. Dom was Neal's cousin and good friend, so it wasn't surprising that he and Meathead, as Dom called Neal, had gone out to celebrate. Dom was also a member of the King's Own and Kel had ridden and fought with him during her years as a squire. As Neal's friend, Dom had heard about her before she had joined the the Own and was a staunch supporter of "the girl", as those who objected to her service called her in the early days. She had fought, hunted bandits, slogged through mud and slipped in snow with Dom. She had seen him wounded, led him behind enemy lines to search out a madman, and received her first flag of command from him. All of those things flashed across her mind at the mention of his name, in addition to the thought of how nice it would be to see his blue eyes in his handsome smiling face. "That takes care of your next assignment doesn't it?" Raoul said seriously, " As "bridesmaid in chief" don't you have to plan a Progress worth of events?"

Kel stopped chewing, and looked up, stunned, it was clear from the look on her face that she had not thought about that part of the job. Again, the table burst out laughing. When she attended a wedding she just saw the maid of honor standing with the bride. She actually didn't know much about that part of the job. When other girls her age were learning and talking about things like that, she had been learning to joust. It sounded like time to visit her mother or her sisters on the topic. Thank goodness her mother was coming to Corus for a visit.

At that moment a trumpet call sounded for hand to hand combat drills and the group rose from the table. They filed out to the training yard talking and laughing. Raoul slowed a bit behind the others and said to Kel, "I can tell you there are discussions going on regarding the redeployment of knights. Your name has come up for some of the posts. I don't feel like things are far enough along to say more than that. Have you thought about where your interests are?"

It was a question Kel had put to herself often in the past few months but hadn't found an answer yet. Her command at New Hope had been full. There was so much work to organize, plan and do that those thoughts seemed to crowd out all others. She hoped her time away would help her decide what she wanted to accomplish in her career. She wouldn't have total freedom to choose but her service was widely respected and the military management knew it was good policy to match the needs of the realm with the interests of the Knights when possible. When she didn't answer Raoul ventured, "In the meantime I have a list of applications for the Own, would you be interested in doing the initial round of interviews? I need to go to Goldenlake and you know how Flyndan loves interviewing. It would probably buy you years of extra good will from him if you would." He trailed off and cast her his most hopefully pleading look. She laughed at her giant friend. He knew she enjoyed the process of interviewing applicants.

"Sure, I'd be happy to help." Kel replied. I'll think of it as saving some of the applicants from Flyndan she thought.

"Great!" Raoul beamed and thumped her on her back. "I'll get you the applications when we get back!"

At that moment the fire bells in the city sounded. A glance toward the city showed a column of smoke as the bells also called out the location. The men from the Own redirected themselves as Raoul called out orders. Usually their job was to help outside Corus where there weren't as many services, but they always helped where they were.

Raoul's battle voice rang out loud and clear, "I want two squads, on the march, it's close enough we can make it in good time and we won't really need the horses there. Dom, keep the rest of the group here and conduct drills, we don't want to get soft with home duty. Squads 1 and 2, Let's go see how we can help."

He turned to Kel, "So, did you get soft sitting at that desk in the mountains or would you like to come along?" Kel suppressed the urge to look around for Dom, knowing he must be in the crowd of men.

"I'm ready to go sir!" she replied grinning and she took a place with Raoul at the front of the squads and trotted off a pace that was brisk, but slow enough to allow them to navigate the streets and not be winded when they arrived.

The fire was in a family store. A man and two boys were carrying what they could out of the store while a woman and three girls were guarding the piles. Kel was surprised. Usually when there was a fire it was in a place that had an increased risk like a restaurant or craft shop where a fire escaped its confines.

As they arrived, Raoul shouted out orders. Some men secured space around the scene to prevent injury or looting. Others went to help remove goods from the store. They could hear the bells on the fire wagon that carried water not far away.

Raoul went toward where the fire was located in the back of the store on the outside. As they walked up Kel saw him pick up what looked like a small square sign that was propped on the building and angrily threw it upside down. The fire was on the back corner of the building. The fire wagon arrived and began showering the flames with water. Between the regular fire brigade and the King's Own the fire was subdued quickly.

The members of the King's Own worked to help clean up the store and move the stock to a storage facility until the building could be repaired. The open parts of the wall were roughly boarded up. The owner was debating with the fire marshal about staying in the house. The fire marshal agreed it was sound enough for him and the older son to stay there. The mother and younger children would stay with family until it could be repaired.

They had been fortunate. The Corus fire team had responded quickly and with the help of the Own, were able to get in position to put the fire out quickly. Mostly the fire had only consumed the wooden planks on the outside of the house leaving the joists and support pillars intact.

Raoul had collected several items, put them in a burlap bag and was discussing them with the fire investigator. Fires were serious business in a town made heavily of wood. King Jonathan's logical mind had started a system where Each one was investigated to determine the cause and make sure it didn't happen again. The investigator and Raoul peered into the bag and the inspector walked back to look at the damage again. Raoul walked over to Kel.

"You've gotten even better at directing non military personnel without making them mad." He observed.

Kel made a wry face, "I actually think that's my job description. 'Able to get things done without inciting a riot, even when people don't exactly agree with what you have planned!' "

"Thank you for your help here." he added seriously, then paused. "This is starting to worry me. This is the third incident where we've found this symbol. He opened the bag to show her a square of wood with a distinctive symbol on it. It was a circle with a line running diagonally through it. On one side of the line was a torch on fire on the other side was a sun sitting on the horizon drawn in simple lines. We're not really sure what it stands for. No one has claimed responsibility, but all of the incidents have been, well, involving people who have come here from outside Tortall. Even without a name of a person or group, the incidents have people worried. One of these was found where merchants of Yamani descent died in a fire that was set with blaze balm in one of those public roadside shelters. It makes you wonder if it has something to do with a group advocating Tortall for Tortallans, but we really don't have enough information yet. I hope this doesn't escalate. There is plenty of room and opportunity for everyone here."

Kel realized then that the family who owned the store was of Yamani descent. That hadn't seemed important until Raoul shared his information. There were many people from many backgrounds inTortall. Many had been there for generations. How could someone decide they didn't belong here? Who was Tortallan?

Kel took herself back to town and stopped by the bathhouse she used to frequent as a squire. She enjoyed a long soak and caught up on local news with the other women. Kel loved the way all ages, races and classes were equal in the bath. As much she had enjoyed New Hope, it wasn't quite big enough to support a full bathhouse and the soak was a treat. Maybe if I'm reassigned at New Hope, I will put a bathhouse on our list! Kel thought drowsily as she imagined possible sites. After, she changed into the tunic and soft pants she had picked up at the town house and headed back. When she picked up the clothes earlier, the housekeeper told her her mother was expected that evening and dinner was planned at 6:00. When she came in from the bath house she was pleased to see her mother working at her desk through the window.

As she came into the room, her mother rose "Oh!" Tears sprang to Ilane's eyes, "Goodness I've missed you and worried about you! I don't know why I'm crying, I've known you were relatively safe at New Hope. I think these must be tears I saved from when you were in combat!"

Kel crossed the room to hug her unusually emotional mother and felt a few tears squeeze through her lashes. "It's certainly good to see you!" Ilane continued, "Come sit and tell me about New Hope until Yuki gets here." They sat and caught up on things their letters hadn't covered. Her mother told her about her brother's children and her sister's marriage which she had missed while she was on the Scanran border. She told her mother about the people at new hope, Fanche, Saefas and the young seer Arnai. She was just describing Neal's new hospital when Yuki joined them.

"Congratulations Yuki dear!" Kel's gracious mother exclaimed as she pulled Yuki into the room. Yuki beamed.

They sat down for dinner in the cozy wood paneled dining room. Dinner was simple and served family style so they could each select their own portions. They kept a small, efficient staff at the townhouse and meals were usually informal.

"So tell me Yuki, how did you know you wanted to be with Neal? "On the Progress I saw how fun and funny he is. He sees much detail about the world. And though he often shows a hard face to the world, truly he is very kind. I saw him invite ordinary people he noticed needed help to the medical tents and I often saw him helping with healings during the progress." She paused and smiled shyly at her friends. "He is kind and makes me laugh. I am happy to think of a long life with him!"

Illane smiled back, "Hearing you say that, I have all the confidence you will have a long and happy life together! Each marriage had its own unique character and foundation, but kindness, understanding of each other's nature, respect and a sense of humor are characteristics of most of the happy ones I know. Piers and I had an arranged marriage. We began with respect for each other and came to appreciate and love each other."

"What do you know about Tortallan marriage customs?" Illane continued.

"Just a little, Yuki replied. "I know what we did for Shinkokami and Roald, but I know that the royal process is different. I would very much appreciate your help."

"Well," Ilane began setting back from the table with a Yamani style cup of tea. "While things are less formal the they were when I was married, there are still a few events that I think Neal's mother will expect. The first is an engagement party. This is thrown by your maid of honor and Neal's best man," Ilane nodded at Kel who listened raptly. The purpose of the engagement party is mostly for you and your friends to meet and get to know each other. This makes the rest of the parties more fun for for your friends. More than one romance had begun at an engagement party! The next events are family parties. Generally the groom's family holds theirs first and then the bride's. The purpose of these parties is to introduce you to the groom's parents friends and connections. In this case, since Queenscove is a sizable estate and Neal will be the inheriting son, there will be many of the families with surrounding land and business interests who will want to get to know the heir and his wife to be."

As Illane spoke, Yuki Listened intently. Kel thought she saw her eyes widen slightly at the mention of Neal as heir.

"I was hoping that Piers and I could be your family here for the wedding. We have always looked on you as one of the family. Could we have your family party? I was thinking we could have a Yamani inspired party at Mindelan. That would let us introduce some things Yamani to our Tortallan friends. About half of the staff at Mindelan came back with us from the islands. What do you think Yuki?"

"I would be most pleased and honored! Yuki responded earnestly then bowed a deep bow to Illane.

Dom Da Dom Dom

Kel arrived early at the King's Own stables to take her riding horse, Hoshi, out for a ride. As she was setting the saddle on her back she heard hooves and steps followed by a voice she knew well. "I thought I might find you here." She turned to see Dom smiling at her. "I thought we might be able to work on the wedding plans and ride, what do you think?" "That sounds great." She spoke toward Hoshi's neck while she mastered the goofy look that had taken over her face. Dom had always had a strong effect in her, but when she had ridden with the King's Own she had practiced being around him without reacting. She obviously needed to get back in practice! But this time they were in a different position. They weren't reporting to each other or serving together. Maybe something was possible. But would he be interested? She peered at him through a curtain of her hair as she tightened Hoshi's girth. He was talking to the horse. She had once told Cleon that Dom flirted with everyone and it was somewhat true, he applied his good natured charm to everyone. In this case to Hoshi, and she responded like most and stretched her neck out for a rub. If Dom flirted with everyone, How would she tell if he was interested in her? They set out for the royal forest. The conversation was easy. Part catching up on common friends, part reminiscing and party planning, discussing and talking out their roles in the upcoming festivities. "My mother found me and gave me my marching orders." Dom said a little sheepishly, "I really didn't know the standard procedure. It sounds like we are mostly in charge of the engagement party. We just have to show up for the two family parties and we have to provide and cook dinner for our firsts before the wedding." Dom summarized.

"My mother did the same thing. I'm glad she did - I really didn't know much about it. I haven't paid attention to the marriage thing like my sisters have."

"Me either" Dom agreed. "As a second son, there hasn't been much pressure on me. I've been able to do what I've wanted." He went silent and they walked a while in the midst of the forest at the very end of summer, leaves still thick and lush but showing a slight change in color. "Seeing Neal in love has been an eye opening experience." He shook his head. "Meathead is absolutely certain nothing would make him happier than being with Yuki everyday and building a life together. He thinks about her all the time. I have to admit I'm envious of his sense of clarity and purpose. You've been around them more, are they a good match?" A good match. Kel thought and wondered out loud, "What makes a good match?" Dom raised an eyebrow at her. Kel continued. "My brother is married to a woman who has given him children and made a home for him to come to. They don't work together or share interests other than the kids and home, but they are happy. Raoul and Buri understand each each other because they share the same work. They aren't raising kids or running a household but they share their days with each other and bounce ideas off each other; Lord Wyldon and his wife are very independent, see each other every few months but are working to the same end and are happy. Daine and Numair are together as much as they can be and share their magic and raising their children. Alana and the Baron...well, somehow it works. So, I don't think I know, exactly. what do you think makes a good match?" "Well," Dom replied slowly, drawing out the word. "I think I can beat you to the top of that hill!" And with that quick change of subject he took off flashing a grin at her. {Had she ever noticed him using his charm to evade a question before? }

He beat her easily to the top of the hill. But mostly because Kel didn't feel like pushing Hoshi after their long trip. They walked in silence down the hill to a small lake that had been created long ago by partially damming a stream. There was a small outlet at the top of the earthen dam and the water bounced happily down the rocks placed on the other side of the embankment. Trees had grown up around the lake and been trimmed up so you could walk around the lake in their shade. "I've heard there are fish in the lake," Kel mused. "Yes, there are" Dom replied. Lake trout if you can catch them. I've escaped here more than once. The Own is great but sometimes you need a little space." "I've never really been a good fisherman, I'm more of a hunter. I've shot some of the native quail Yuki likes here." Kel added, allowing silence to settle for a moment. She wondered why Dom had so clearly evaded her question. He might have read her thoughts.

"Your question caught me off guard, he said, speaking to his horse's neck. "I think it's because my mother has a very specific idea of what makes a good match, and it doesn't feel like it fits me. She feels we should all marry for the benefit of the family. It worked out pretty well for my oldest brother. He married a girl from a neighboring family that we had grown up with. Similar backgrounds, friends since childhood, both first children and eager to please. I keep hoping one of the girls she finds for me will click, but they're getting younger or I'm getting older. They've all seen so little of the world. I don't think I want someone I have to take care of, I think I want someone to share it all with. But like you pointed out, there are as many kinds of matches as there are people and I really don't know what I want. So, I guess I have done everything I can to avoid any consideration of marriage or a good match. Having a career in the Own gives me the sense of family I want and I really like the work we do. The work we do... matters. That's important to me."

Kel watched him as he talked, taking in his bright eyes and handsome face. He was the sort whose hair even tousled attractively. Kel just hoped hers was staying put in it's band. They walked along, both with their own thoughts. Kel mused to herself, He's good at the work they do. He's great for the job, all intelligence, good humor and capable. She hadn't thought about his family pressures. Were all men in this situation? Or most girls for that matter? She and Yuki seemed to be among the few with choices. Kel broke the silence.

"I guess I said that out loud because I'm trying to figure out what I think, what I want. Being in the middle of the wedding process with Neal and Yuki has made me think about it a lot. I keep looking at different couples and analyzing why they are together and why they are or are not happy. " Dom laughed, much of the tension in his face leaving with it. "That sounds just like you Kel. Did you come that way or is it that Lord Wyldon and Lord Raoul trained you so well? Here you are, the commander assessing the situation so you can plan your next move!

Kel laughed with him knowing he was right and glad he knew her that well.

"You are right! I am always planning and the next sortie we have to plan is the engagement party, so tell me " What do you think, "best man?" ! How soon should we have this party? Where can we have it? How many people are we talking about?"

The walked back to the stables hashing out details and sharing reconnaissance on venues and food options.

Laying the Kindling

He had his original plan in general and for the delegations. That was still progressing well. No one seemed suspicious. The upcoming wedding news was a welcome surprise, it fit in perfectly with his mission. He would have many chances to remind people how dangerous those who are different are. He had heard talk about the engagement party. He needed to make sure everyone knew the wedding wasn't welcome. The mixing lessened them. He had work to do. He needed to prepare. He knew where in town he could find people with the same opinion of those who were different. Soon he would start sending messages. Many eyes were on the the couple. It was a high profile marriage because of the Bairds' status. That would make them a good example.