As Neal pulled his shirt over his head, he realized that it was the day for Kel's blind date. It was the day that he had been anxiously planning for awhile with Raoul, and he couldn't believe that it was actually here. Neal was beginning to do a little dance when his knight-master walked in.

Neal turned red, and attempted to look as if he was scratching his back. Alanna snickered, but quickly replaced her smile with a scowl. "I have two meetings with Jon today, which means that you have the day off," Alanna said. Leaving the room, she grumbled, "Why do I have to go both? Raoul doesn't have to, and neither does George."

Neal smiled. Alanna's anger was amusing, but only when it wasn't directed at him. He figured that Alanna was especially frustrated because she had attended a meeting last week that had lasted seven hours, and the king had promised her that it would never happen again. But much to Neal's delight, Alanna had gone to today's meeting out of duty, leaving him to do whatever he pleased throughout the day.


The king stood and looked around the long table full of his consultants. "Well it looks as if we're done here for now," he said, "But for those of you who are to attend the afternoon meeting, please meet back here in one hour. Lunch is being provided in the buffet hall."

Raoul sighed, relieved at Jon's statement. He liked meetings little more than he did parties, and couldn't wait to escape. Raoul caught George's eye, who was motioning him over.

Raoul crossed the room and shook George's hand. George whispered into his ear, "Are you ready?"

Raoul smiled, and nodded, "I can't wait," he said, "When I see her face, it's going to be great." Raoul looked at George, who was making frantic motions with his hands. "George, what─"

"See whose face?" Alanna interrupted, "George, stop that. You look even more ridiculous than you normally do." Oh, so that's what George was signaling, Raoul thought. "Well?" Alanna asked, cocking her head to the side.

"No one," Raoul said quickly, and attempted to turn away. But Alanna caught his shoulder and swung him back around to face her.

"Hmm, I don't believe I know anyone by the name of No One. Why don't you give me a real answer," Alanna demanded, gripping Raoul's shoulder tighter. Raoul winced. He wasn't a good liar, and he could hardly tell Alanna the truth. Jon, taking in the situation, came to rescue Raoul.

"Hello Raoul, George," the king nodded to each of them before moving onto Alanna. "My dear Champion, why don't we go to lunch? You wouldn't want to be late for the second meeting, as you were late this morning."

Alanna scowled. "Of course. I would never aspire to undermine your kingliness by being late," she said sarcastically.

Jon, who was used to Alanna's behavior by now, had a glimmer of a smile on his face. He slipped his arm through Alanna's, but she tugged away. "I know you're mad at me Alanna, and you have reason to be."

"Yes, I do," Alanna affirmed.

"But people value your opinion, Alanna. When you're not here, people ask me when you're going to return. Come sit with me at lunch. I never get to talk with you anymore. You're so busy with the children and everything."

Alanna now felt as if she was cornered. She knew that Jon was right, and looked around the room for help. Unfortunately, she found it empty. Apparently Raoul and George had escaped once Jon had come over. I'll get them later, she thought. "Fine," she said, "And you did talk with me for hours."

Jon laughed, putting his arm around her shoulders, "Arguing with you over laws is not exactly what I meant." Alanna and Jon walked off to lunch, bantering just as they always had.


George and Jon were seated in the middle of the dining hall. Raoul spotted Alanna coming in with Jon. "I'll have to thank him later."

George guffawed and said, "You really should."

"You know that she'd come after you next, George."

"I've been married t'her long enough t'know that. But back t'what we were talkin' 'bout. Tonight's the night."

"It is," Raoul agreed, "But I almost feel bad about tricking Kel into this. What if it goes badly?"

"S'okay, Raoul. It'll be fine. I should be goin'. I told Alanna that I'd go take care'f the children after the meeting."

Raoul nodded and said, "I'll see you later. Don't be late."

George grinned slyly. "Don't worry 'bout me bein' late. Lateness is death in the world of shadows."


Kel was appraising her pile of dresses, deciding what to wear. It was unlike Kel to spend time on such of a feminine activity, but being trapped in her room, she had little to do. She decided on a deep purple gown with royal blue hems.

Raoul knocked on the connecting door, and Kel went to open it. "We have to leave in a half hour," he told her.

Kel fixed her hair and found her blue bag. Many court ladies carried little bags that held tubes of powders for their face. Kel had received several handbags from her court friends, but she used her bag for an entirely different purpose. Kel went over to her pile of weapons and chose a knife to slip into her bag. She picked up her Yamani shusken, a bladed fan, and added it to her bag as well. It never hurts to have a backup weapon, she thought.

Kel went into Raoul's room, where he was putting the finishing touches on his outfit. Raoul was wearing one of his better tunics. Raoul turned around and asked Kel, "Ready to go?"

She smiled, not knowing what she was getting into and said, "Yes, let's go."

Thanks to Karma Kat 281, stooooorm :), codie-shortie, spazzysassyangel, and emerald princess for reviewing. And thanks to all for reading. Question for all: Do you guys enjoy the bits that don't really pertain to the plot (ie Jon and Alanna scene)?

Please review!