Unexpected Love

"We come to love not by

finding a perfect person, but

by learning to see an

imperfect person perfectly"

--Anonymous

Disclaimer: I own none of the original characters in this story. They all belong to Tamora Pierce.

Chapter 8

The Practice Courts

Joren returned with the report Kel had asked for, but she wasn't near the work site. Looking around, he spotted her talking to a middle-aged woman. They were standing near the housing buildings. Walking over to her, her heard the tail end of her conversation.

"—My lady, you know unreasonable that man is. He's as stubborn as the mules he cares for!"

Kel smiled ruefully as she shook her head. "You know the rules, Fanche. As long as he keeps them out of your garden, I can't make him move them.

"But the smell!" She protested. "It's terrible. I can't even do my cooking and cleaning, without having it waft over into my kitchen."

"I'm sorry. Surely you two can come to some agreement. You are the headwoman of this place. Last year you led your fellow refugees to safety. This problem is hardly something you can't handle."

Sighing, Fanche shook her head, as she replied in a wry voice. "I knew you wouldn't be able to help, but I'd thought I'd give it a try anyway."

Just then, Kel caught sight of Joren. Nodding, she motioned him to her side. "Joren, I'd like you to meet Fanche. A better leader, you'll never find."

Joren gave the woman an easy smile as he bowed politely. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mistress Fanche. Kel's compliments are always warranted. You must be a fine leader indeed."

Although pleased by Joren's graciousness, Fanche gave him a stern look. "Where did you find this one Lady Kel? He has the look of a player if you ask me."

Kel laughed lightly before shaking her head. "You know how it is. I can't seem to rid myself of them."

Clucking her tongue, Fanche waved off her excuse. "I've work to do, but it was nice meeting you, Sir Joren. Good-Bye, Lady Kel."

Kel and Joren watched her walk off. Remembering the reason he had come looking for her, Joren pulled out a rolled parchment tied with a red cord. "Here's that report you were asking for. I hope its clear enough for Lord Wyldon."

Kel nodded her thanks. "I'm sure it's fine." Taking the parchment from him, she asked him about his carpentry work. "Why'd you volunteer to help with the building project? I would think you'd want to avoid Tomlin after the scene in mess hall yesterday."

Joren watched a group of children playing with sticks as substitutes for swords. One particular young girl was declaring herself Lady Kel. He smiled at the display. Turning to meet Kel's eyes, he answered her.

"The only way I'll earn the respect of the refugees here, is if I help out and show them that I can do work without complaining as well as anyone. Woodwork has always been a favorite of mine. I thought I'd try my hand at that first. I just happened to get the added bonus of befriending Tomlin."

As Kel began to walk back to her office, Joren fell into step beside her. She thrust her hands into her pockets. "Well, you did make an interesting impression on him."

When Kel neared headquarters, she caught sight of Neal coming from the infirmary. Calling out to him she changed direction. "Neal!"

As he turned around and caught sight of Kel, the knight cringed. "Kel, was there something you needed?" He eyed her warily.

Kel smiled sweetly, noting his cautious expression. "I was just going to remind you of our appointment at the practice courts. I think half past two should do well enough."

Neal gave a defeated sigh and ran a hand through his already disheveled dark hair. "I had hoped you'd forgotten."

Kel gave him an admonishing look. "You know better than that, Sir Meathead. Give Merric my message too. I'll expect both of you there. You wouldn't want me to hunt you down. It would be an embarrassment to us both."

Neal rolled his eyes. "Now when have I ever done that!"

Kel merely lifted a brow. "I distinctly remember a month ago—" Neal grimaced. "Alright, alright! We'll be there!"

Kel smiled serenely. "I knew you'd see it my way."

Throughout the exchange Joren had remained quiet. As Neal trudged away, he called after him, "I'm sure Mindelan will make it as painless as possible, Queenscove." Turning around to glare at Joren, Neal stuck out his tongue. Joren turned to Kel. "He is quite childish, isn't he?" Kel nodded in agreement.

8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8

Kel finished putting both her and Joren's report into a leather pouch for the courier. Adding a supply list to the bag, she closed the flap and tightened the clasp that held it closed. Taking it with her she headed for the stables. Tobe saw her coming and met her in the yard. "The weekly reports for Lord Wyldon?" Tobe indicated the leather pouch in her hand.

Handing it to him, she inquired. "Could you have these sent off with Halden? He hasn't left for Fort Mastiff yet has he?"

Tobe shook his head. "I told him to hold off, since you were goin' to get that report from Sir Joren."

Kel set a hand on his shoulder. "Thanks Tobe, I don't know what I'd do without you."

Smiling shyly, he ducked his head. "My Lady! You aren't going to act all girly now, are you?"

Kel laughed. "Now would I do that to you?"

Tobe grinned and stared up at her skeptically. "Yes." Shaking her head, Kel studied his tousled appearance. She had long ago given up her campaign on keeping his clothes clean. Waving her good bye, Kel left for the practice courts. She was expected to teach Neal and Merric a lesson. Tobe watched her go and calculated that he had about ten minutes until the fun started. Meanwhile, he'd spread the word.

8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8

Kel was having fun. Already, Neal was tiring, his thrusts becoming more sluggish. Kel whipped Griffin up into a butterfly strike, then swiftly changed directions. Her long-time friend struggled to keep up. Trying valiantly to counter each move, Neal's breath began to wheeze. Within minutes, Kel's sword tip was at Neal's throat and a huge cheer went up from the surrounding spectators. Looking up in surprise, Kel realized that much of New Hope was gathered there. She recognized many of them. She saw Tobe wave from his spot on the side. Standing just behind him was Joren. He was leaning his forearms against the fence enclosing the practice arena. Seeing her gaze, he gave a small nod. Kel noted with interest that several New Hope residents were talking companionably with him.

Bowing to each other, Kel and Neal ended the match. Neal looked exhausted. Complaining of his worn muscles, he limped off the court. Merric, who was waiting his turn on her left, grimaced at Neal's haggard state. Obviously, he was dreading his own match with Kel. Giving a resigned sigh, he walked up to her. Standing across from each other, they bowed before circling. Merric was quicker than Neal. Where the healer had a longer reach, Merric made up for in agility. Watching for any telling signs of a strike, Kel kept her eyes trained on the muscles of his chest. She could often tell where her opponent would hit a split second before he moved. Not waiting to see if he would strike first, Kel moved in. Blocking and striking, Kel and Merric danced over the ground, neither landing a hit. For several minutes this went on, with no one gaining the advantage. Finally, Kel spotted an opening and began to drive Merric back. Soon, it was he could do to block her sword from landing. As soon as the match had begun, it was over. The tip of Griffin had found Merric's throat. Another round of cheers went up and Kel bowed her thanks. Wiping away the sweat on her forehead, she gave a contented sigh. Hopefully her lesson would keep her comrades out of trouble for at least a month. Walking over to where both men had collapsed. She bent down. "Maybe next time, you'll both learn to hold your tongue."