So I originally had this whole thing written where Dom comes back and everyone finds out and blah blah blah. Then I got stuck. And it took me like three days to realize why. It was a combination of they weren't ready (yes, fictional characters can be not ready), and it just wasn't going to work with the rest of my story. So I had to delete like three chapters, thus the lateness. Basically, I just did this all in a little bit. It's now 12:33 in the morning. Isn't it horrible that this is when I write my best stuff? Lol
Anyway, the real reason I started writing this late was because I found out tonight that another one of the horses from the farm I go to died. That makes it three in the last few months. That and a bunch of the people I know's relatives are dying. It's really upsetting. So this is how I dealt with it. Anyway, please tell me what you think and review and all those good things. I heart you guys!
(Oh, and it was SUPPOSED to be up before 12:00, so I could say that I did post on Monday, but it didn't quite work out that way. Sorry.)
Disclaimer: God hates me so much that he wanted me to tell you that I don't own anything.
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Over the next few weeks, Kel became stronger and stronger as she slowly brought herself back into shape. The muscles that had softened after her time in bed now became rock hard once again. Once given the okay by Neal, she had pushed herself even harder than usual.
After a particularly hard session late one afternoon, a messenger accompanied by a single guard arrived at the fort. The man handed her a thick envelope. After shooing the men towards the mess for some food, she opened it, to find a thin letter and what looked like a document, dripping with seals and ribbons. First opening the thinner of the two, her smile grew as she read the letter.
Dear Lady Knight Keladry of Mindelan,
Your presence, as well as those of Sir Nealan of Queenscove and Sir Merric of Hollyrose, is requested in Corus by no later than December the 15th. As well as Midwinter Festival, there is also the royal wedding of Prince Roald of Conté to Princess Shinkokami of the Yamani Islands after the new year.
In addition, the camp called New Hope has now been given township by His Majesty, King Jonathan IV of Tortall. Enclosed are the documents which make this change legal. Please sign them in the appropriate places and have at least ten villagers sign as well. Bring the papers to Corus by no later than December the 15th so that the new town may be added to the map being drawn this year. Thank you for your help.
Sincerely,
King Jonathan IV of Tortall
Queen Thayet of Tortall
For long moments, Kel simply stared at the letter, unable to comprehend exactly what it had said. Shaking with excitement, she tore through the documents seals to find the official papers certifying the camp as a town. With a loud whoop of joy, she ran off to the mess for dinner, as well as share this news with the villagers of New Hope.
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Although she had expected a big reaction from the newly made villagers, she had no anticipated the entire town wishing to sign the papers. Finally, she picked out ten, which included Fanche and Saefas, to sign them before signing them herself. A loud cheer went around the room as she finished and sealed them back up for the return to Corus.
Thinking of the journey ahead, she excused herself early to pack. Considering December the 15th was only two weeks away, she wanted to leave as soon as possible, which had lead her to the decision that they would leave at dawn the next morning.
After packing the last of her things, she sighed and thought about how the camp had progressed since Haven was built. With a happy smile on her face, she flopped onto her bed and fell asleep.
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Kel shifted in her saddle the following morning, anxious to get moving. On the other hand, Neal was slumped against his horse's mane, snoring softly. Only Neal, Kel thought, could possibly fall asleep in such an uncomfortable position. Giving him a harsh poke, she held up a gloved hand and ordered the men to move out.
For a week they traveled. First, the passed through the mountains and rockiness of the far north. As the went farther south however, both the weather and the terrain became more calm and even. By the time they were a day from Corus, the storms of ice had stopped and were replaced by light dustings of snow.
When they finally topped the final rise, the men let out a loud cheer and Kel aloud them to race their horses to the gates of the city, following at an easy trot. By the time she made her way into the stables, the other men were already rushing up to the castle, their packs slung of their shoulders. After grooming Hoshi and grabbing her own packs, she followed at a slower pace, chuckling over the insanity of her friends.
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So, you guys best review! And sorry to all those that wanted Dom to come back right away. But if he did, it would be so anti-climactic! It's like he's gone... no wait, I changed my mind. He's back guys! Lol Oh, and let me know what you think of the new day!
kaypgirl: Yeah… I realize that. I was kind of going through a writer's block moment and yet, for some really stupid reason, decided to write that anyway. Hopefully this was better.
Dark.Angel.of.Tortal-007: Sorry dude, but like three people said Mondays. I was thinking about doing two days a week, being Mondays and Thursdays, but this was when I was way ahead in chapters. Now I'm not… like at all. Lol
Macko: Haha! See? I did!
Inuyashalover8706: He will come back soon, but I'm not exactly sure I get what you're talking about. As she went through what?
Anonymous: You know, if you sign in, you get to feel all special because then everyone knows you're some amazing person that reviewed my oh so awesome fic. lol
Rukie: Yeah… you totally make me happy. Lol And I ended out doing Mondays, so yay you!
theknightofkonaha: Yay! I don't care why you review, but they make me feel so SPECIAL! Yes, I already know, I'm a very special person. Lol
becky red: Well, personally I was thinking of keeping him locked away in the cabinet under the heating vent at school, but I think you've convinced me to let him out. Hopefully he didn't get too crunched in there…
domslove: It makes me so happy that you reviewed! I'm actually reading one of your fics at the moment. Well not right now, but I put an alert on it. So you better update too! Or maybe… I dunno. I'll think of something. You just wait.
