Home Again
It wasn't that Kel hated to wear dresses, in fact, she didn't mind at all. It was just that she hadn't worn one in a long time, and though she knew it sounded stupid, she wasn't sure she remembered how to, well…be a lady.
Tobe said he would be fine on his own while she went for her "quick fitting". Kel didn't know how long this quick fitting was going to take, so she told Tobe to go and begin packing their things for the returning ride to New Hope. The group was planning on setting out just after lunch. This would mean they would be riding into the night, but Raoul was anxious to get going, and he had made it clear they were not going to stay an extra day.
When she reached Buri's room she was greeted with a small bone-crushing hug and asked if she wanted a refreshment, which she declined. Buri talked about the plans for the wedding as Kel slipped off her clothes and pulled on the gown she was to wear. When she walked out from behind the changing screen she noticed that there were, oddly, no mirrors so she wasn't able to see what the gown looked like on her. She did get to see it hanging up and it was really quite pretty actually. It was a simple dress of midnight blue silk with a white sash that tied into a bow in the back. When she first put it on, it fit almost perfectly, so the fitting really was quick. It was an off the shoulder gown and the sleeves came just around her shoulders. After she slipped it on she stepped up onto the stool that was waiting for her and the seamstress began pinning it up right away. Kel glanced down at herself for the first time and noticed that the bust of the dress came down rather lower than she had expected, and the bodice seemed rather tight. She dismissed these thoughts, reminding herself that it had been a long while since she had last worn a gown, or even a simple dress for that matter. When the fitting was finished she went to her rooms to help Tobe finish packing their things.
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After a quick, lunch the whole group set out immediately for New Hope. Tobe rode up front with Raoul and Buri. It seemed that Raoul had taken a great liking to the young boy, and vice versa. Next in line came the wagons, which Yuki was riding on, then Neal, Dom, and Kel bringing up the rear. They rode at a steady pace all afternoon. The sun was warm overhead, but the autumn breeze kept things cool. Just shortly after dusk the group stopped by a small, clear, stream to have supper and water the horses. They drew straws to see who would be the unlucky person in charge of finding the firewood. Neal lost, so naturally Kel ended up searching the underbrush for small dry twigs as kindling.
They ate their meal and were off as quickly as they could, that not being very fast considering Dom and Neal had dish duty. Neither of the two cousins seemed to have been taught how to quickly wash dishes, while not soaking one's partner in the process. Dom was splattered from head to toe. Kel had to force herself no to stare at the way his limp, wet shirt seemed to cling to his broad shoulders and solid chest. Neal was soaked through. He had to change before they could set out again.
They were almost to New Hope when Dom pulled back and began riding next to Kel. They made some small talk about the upcoming events and just chatted some. Kel was actually pleasantly surprised at how easy talking with Dom really was. He was a great listener, and he always seemed to have a witty retort ready to make her laugh. She was also proud of herself for only blushing twice through their entire conversation.
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The group finally reached New Hope's gates, and waited as they were opened. Kel felt oddly relieved to be home. She made her way to her office, after sending Tobe off with the horses, and seeing that the wagons had begun to be unloaded. She unlocked, and pulled open the door to her office, before it hit her all at once. She had done it again. She had referred to New Hope as her home. What would happen when the war was over and Kel would have to leave? "I'm not sure I want to ever leave." She said out loud to no one. 'But I don't even have to think about it now anyway,' she reasoned with herself.' We may be gaining in the war, but it is far from being over. Until the time comes, I'm not even going to think about life after New Hope.' Kel quickly grabbed her key ring and returned to hand out rooms to everyone who just arrived.
When all the wedding guests, and/or, party members had been issued rooms they all retired to them and Kel returned to her office. She was already mentally going through reports and schedules before the she was even half of the way to the main building. Her mind was so busy with planning and organizing that she didn't even notice the young sergeant, whose sapphire blue eyes followed her all the way across the yard. She didn't even notice when the same man ran into a certain green eyed, knight, cousin of his.
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"What are you staring at?" Neal asked Dom, following his gaze. Seeing the target of his cousin's concentration his eyes grew. Dom could feel his face growing hot, as Neal's face pulled into a smile. No, it wasn't a smile, it was a smirk. "Aw! Has wittle Domitan got a crush on Kel?" Dom just punched him and went to bed muttering something that sounded a lot like, "Damn Meathead."