Disclaimer:
It's not mine. End of story.
A/N: This chapter's a bit shorter than the last, but I'm kinda running low on inspiration at the moment. Anyway, for those of you who would prefer that the story had gone, and will go a bit differently, I'm writing an alternate version, called Spun Silk, which is currently in the outline stages.
Firetop and Garten Lullaby - I probably should have phrased it differently, yes, but I enjoy getting reviews, and I did not mean it the way that it seemed to come across. None of my chapters are pre-written anymore, so what I mean is that I'd like to see that many reviews sometime before I actually get a chance to update. I would, however, appreciate that you, or anyone, for that matter, who has a problem with something I say in my author's notes, or anywhere else would take it up with me privately instead of saying something where everyone can see it, and making me feel uncomfortable and embarrassed.
Darkjewelledassassin - I figured he was a bit ooc, but that was kinda hard to avoid at the time, so I apologize for that, and I hope you enjoy the next chapter!
GoonlaLagoon - I felt like it was a bit rushed, too, to be honest, but I couldn't come up with a way to fix that...
By the next morning, Kel felt much better, both emotionally, and physically. She opened her eyes, thinking that it had all been a dream, her room was so much like the one she'd had during her single year as a page.
But she quickly remembered where she was and what had happened. She sighed, and pulled herself out of bed. Sleepily, she dragged herself to the pitcher and basin on the dresser.
She poured some of the cool water onto the basin, and used it to splash her face. After drying her face, she looked in the mirror. She really had changed. She flicked a few strands of reddish hair out of her face, winding a finger through them as she thought about what had happened the night before.
She felt rather ashamed that she'd lost control like she had. She rarely lost control, and usually it was her temper, which she could check if it got out of control.
She felt that she had made a fool of herself in front of the king, and Lord Wyldon. She should have gone to Shang instead. Then she would be a stronger person, and a better warrior.
Stop that, Keladry, she chided herself. What's done is done. It can never be undone. Face it, and deal with it. Face it, Kel. This is your life. You were always told that you could be who you wanted to be. Are you really the person you want to be? You're bitter toward King Jonathan and Lord Wyldon for doing what they had to do. You acted like a baby in front of them last night. You can do better. Show them you're stronger than that. Show the world that Keladry of Mindelan is not dead, just hidden beneath all the hurt you held onto for all those years.
When Kel looked at her reflection again, she saw the determination that she hadn't seen since she was a page. That seemed so long ago now.
She took a deep breath, and dressed for the day, choosing a kimono the color of the upper petals of a bird of paradise, an over-robe of a beautiful deep cerulean and finally an obi of very pale yellow.
Once dressed, she unbraided her long hair, unbound it fell past her waist. She hadn't cut it since she'd left Tortall the last time. Picking up the brush she had laid next to the basin, she brushed out the few tangles that had managed to work their way into her chestnut colored hair.
She had actually been surprised when she'd noticed that her hair had shifted from the mousy brown it had been to the reddish color it was now. Nevertheless, the color seemed to suit her.
Finally done brushing, she began to rebraid her hair. About halfway down she stopped braiding, and twisted the braid, binding and pinning it into place just above the nape of her neck. Flowing from the braided portion, the unbound part of her hair rested at shoulder length.
With one last look in the mirror, she left her room, to see if she still remembered how to navigate the palace.
Not halfway down the hall, she spotted Neal coming her way, reading a book, and eating an apple.
Typical Neal, she thought. She tried to avoid his attention, hoping that he wouldn't look up from his book. But he did. He met her eyes. There was obviously some recognition, but he did not know who she was.
"Hello, I don't believe we've met, I'm Sir Nealan of Queenscove." She might have frowned but her self-control got the better of that reaction. Either Neal had changed alot, or his knight-master had managed to whip some strict manners into him.
"Keladry noh Narimou, formerly of Tortall," she replied, her hazel gaze searching his face for any sign of recognition.
Neal gulped, "Tortall?" It all seemed to hit him in an instant, "Were, were you from Mindelan, previously, perhaps?" He asked nervously.
Kel nodded. "Yes, Neal, Mindelan. It's me, Kel." She smiled slightly, and almost giggled when she saw the look of disbelief on his face.
His green eyes were wide, his eyebrows had almost risen to his hairline, and his jaw had dropped. He stared at her for a moment, amazed at how she'd changed since she'd left the Palace ten years before.
"Kel," Neal was still almost speechless with shock. It was rather funny to her. "My, you've changed, Kel. I-I didn't recognize you," he stammered.
Kel gave him a genuine smile, something that she hadn't done in a long time. "It's alright, Neal. I didn't think you would, I have changed alot since I left. It's been nearly ten years since then, as it were."
Neal nodded, trying to think of a response. "How have you been since I last saw you, Kel?" He asked.
"I don't really know, exactly….alright I suppose. It's been a hard road, the one I chose when I left." She looked away; she did regret that choice she'd made.
She could have stayed, and joined the Queen's Riders, instead. Maybe she could have figured out something else.
Stop it, Kel! You're doing it again! Feeling sorry for yourself is not going to help.
"And you, Neal?" Neal nearly laughed when he thought of all that had happened to him. He'd had the Lioness as his knight-mistress, and he'd literally had Lord Wyldon tie his tongue in a knot after one too many wisecracks, among other things.
"It has been…interesting….you always told me that I'd get my tongue tied in a knot by someone someday, and I did. Lord Wyldon got mad enough and tied my tongue in a knot. It was an unpleasant experience, to say the least. But not as bad as all of the vegetables that you made me eat."
Kel smiled at him when he mentioned the vegetables. It was so easy for him to break her Yamani mask.
That was probably one of the reasons that he had been her best friend. He'd always made her feel welcome.
Unconsciously, Neal changed the subject when his stomach growled. Even after the apple, apparently, he was still hungry.
"Kel, would you like to join me for some food?" he asked, an amused grin spreading across his face.
Kel snorted, then nodded. "I don't see why not. Lead the way, Neal."
A/N: Review please! I'd love to hear what you think of the story!
