I do not own any of Tamora Pierce's characters nor do I make any monetary profit from writing this story. I write this simply out of personal interest and fun. Thank you and please enjoy.
Chapter 9
I'm sorry
Kel told her friends how she was going to find her brothers but not how she was going to avenge her family or how she was going with Joren. Neal and Yuki didn't like it but they knew they couldn't stop her.
Neal embraced her "Be careful, we don't want to name our first girl child 'Keladry' just to honor you memory."
Kel laughed and turned to Yuki "I'll be careful and I don't expect you to name your child after me."
Yuki hugged her tightly "Don't worry... you'll be our first child's godmother no matter what."
Kel smile widened "Thanks Yuki."
Joren stepped up holding Amy, handing her to Kel he said, "Lump... the brats are asking for you."
Kel smiled reassuringly "I'll be alright."
Neal grinned a little evilly "I never thought I'd see the day Joren became a babysitter. Personally I thought hell would freeze over before Joren even held a kid without trying to choke it."
Kel hit him on the shoulder lightly though Neal flinched anyways "Stop it."
Joren scowled though that was quickly gone when Amy reached for him "Dada! Da! Da!"
Joren smirked and shook his head as he took Amy "What?" he asked Neal who was staring and pointing at him.
"Did Amy just call you 'Dad'?"
Joren smirked "So? You got a problem with the tyke thinking I'm her dad?"
Neal rubbed his temples "Kel... you're allowing this?"
Kel nodded "Well, it's fine for her to think of someone as her father, so long as we eventually find her real dad and fix it."
Neal blinked "But... what if you don't find her dad? Or any of their fathers? Are you two going to take care of all of them?"
Kel shook her head "No. You guys will help us."
Neal took her arm and led her a little ways away "How about you not including Joren? Hm? What if you, me, Yuki and the rest of our pals take care of them?"
Kel shook her head "It would have been a lot more simpler of it were like that Neal but... Joren is too involved. Amy loves him and believe it or not... he loves Amy like a daughter."
Neal looked over at Joren, either he was imagining it or not but Joren looked like he was...amused. In a good way too. Not like the cruel amusement he got from hazing little first years either but a sort of kind amusement that a parent got from seeing their three year old give their mother a fistful of their favorite flowers plucked right out of their garden... roots and all.
Amy, the adorable child, had a hold of Joren's gold amber cloak pin and was trying to pull it off, confused as to why it wouldn't budge.
Joren grinned, "Can you say gold?"
Amy giggled "gol'!"
Joren laughed and looked around him "How about... knight."
Amy squealed in delight making Yuki's ears ring "Nigh'! Nigh!"
Joren smiled and looked at Neal. Grinning evilly he pointed at Kel's best friend "Can you say 'idiot'?"
Amy looked at Neal "Idiot!"
Kel dragged Neal over to Joren "Amy is perfectly safe with Joren" she insisted.
Upon arrival Amy laughed and pointed at Neal saying "Idiot!"
Kel looked at Joren who smiled at her sheepishly "Kids say the darnest things eh?"
Kel frowned "I'd appreciate it if you didn't teach Amy swear words. I'm still trying to keep her from saying that word Garvey said to Michelle in the hallway."
Joren raised an eyebrow "Which one?"
Kel shook her head "You know..." she paused, her eyes flicked to Amy who was bouncing inJoren's arms"the...'F' word."
Joren looked surprised and disturbingly proud as he turned to Amy "You can say that?"
Amy giggled "Fwcking!"
Neal snatched Amy away from Joren "You were saying?"
Kel rubbed her temples "I know... I know."
Joren laughed, "I like this little girl."
Kel sighed and took Amy from Neal "Don't worry. So long as he doesn't teach her anymore swear words she'll never know these ones. It's still reversible."
Joren protested, "I don't only teach her swear words! Here watch!"
Joren pointed at his brooch "What's this Amy?"
Amy laughed "Idiot!"
Kel laughed, "Perhaps some good did come of it. Though Inness will kill me for it. Teaching his one year old how to curse."
Joren shrugged "Your problem, not mine. Come on Amy!" Amy reached for him squealing "Dada!"
Joren let Kel tell the rest of her friends about their departure but Kel made Joren tell them they were leaving for a little bit because Kel didn't trust herself not to break down and tell them about trying to find their parents and make promises that may be broken.
The seven kids crowded Joren and he suddenly felt like was a piper about to tell a story. "Okay guys... and girls, of course," he gave a bow and they giggled as they dropped wobbly curtsies, "Me and your Aunt Kel are going away for a bit okay? Knight stuff."
Ana, the second eldest stood up protesting "But why? We don't want you to go!"
Joren smiled at the ten year old girl "Sorry Ana... all of you but we have to go. We'll be back all right. I don't know when but we will be and then we can have a big party for our arrival."
The kids brightened at the sound of a party "Really? With music and dancing and big ice sculptures!"
Jemerick said excited, he'd never been at party in the castle before but he also added that it'd be hard to have a party if the adults weren't there to hold it.
Joren nodded "Me and your aunt will be fine."
Michelle and Michael drew closer to him "Promise."
Joren jaw clenched and he was silent for a long time "Yes. I promise," he finally said.
Amy was curled in his arms and sleeping, sucking her thumb. The room was silent and Joren knew if he didn't do something there'd be crying and he didn't think he could tolerate that. Then he got an idea. Why not be the Piper for a little while.
Joren grinned and said, "Do you want to hear about my adventures as a knight?"
The kids were all smiles again "Yeah!"
Aiden and Knoland got up and pretended to fight "Did you fight a centaur like Aunty Kel?" they asked.
Joren shook his head "No, but I did fight a giant." And so the stories of Joren began.
Kel walked in just as he was telling them about how he tamed a winged stallion. All of them looked up at her save for Amy who was still sleeping.
"What's going on here?" Aiden beamed up at her "Uncle Joren was telling us stories of his victories as a knight! He fought a Giant and a Spindren all by himself and won! He also found a door to Faerie though he won't tell us where and he fought a gorgon too! Then he fought a seven headed snake and... and... the winged stallion part! He tamed it and now Mithros is taking care of it for him!"
Kel fought not to laugh, "He said all that? Wow... ahem... he's brilliant!"
Joren grinned, "Cool huh?"
Kel shook her head "Very. You are a god. We're not worthy!" she mocked.
Joren grinned, "I know that."
Kel looked down at Amy, "Come on, and let's go tuck her in."
Joren turned to the kids "Go to sleep and I'll tell you more tomorrow. If your aunt Kel comes back here and you're all still up, she'll tell me and I won't tell you about my triumph over a Minotaur."
The kids all ran you their assigned sleeping places, and buried themselves in their sleeping blankets.
Chuckling Kel led the way to his room,"Telling tall tales noware weJoren?"
Joren gasped and feigned hurt "You think I made those stories up?"
Kel looked at him critically "Mithros is taking care of your winged stallion? Yeah, I'll believe that."
Joren frowned "He is, my winged stallion is named Pegasus. He's white and silver."
Kel shook her head, "You're insane."
Tucking a sleeping Amy into the sheets and turned to Joren "We're leaving in four days, get your act together okay. I don't need a delusional knight as a traveling companion."
Joren nodded "No you don't" he agreed. Wrapping his arms around her he nuzzled her neck "Good thing you have a gorgeous, blond, intelligent knight instead eh?"
Kel smiled when she felt him nibbled her ear "Cut it out Stone Mountain."
Joren smiled and kissed her jaw "Why? You like it right?"
Kel held him closer "But Amy..."
Joren pressed a finger to her lips "Amy... is sleeping soundly, it takes Hells demons to wake that girl, sometimes not even."
Kel smiled and kissed him on the mouth, he tasted like chocolate. Kel's eyes closed as she enjoyed the taste of her lovers tongue.
Three hours and two orgasms later Kel left Joren's room so tired she was falling asleep as she went to her room. All of her nieces and nephews were sleeping as Kel changed into her nightgown. Slipping into her bed she fell into a dreamless sleep.
The four days passed quickly and soon it was time for her and Joren to depart. The children, ignited with glorious stories from their new hero, was impatient for them to leave so Joren would have more stories to tell when he came back.
"The sooner you leave the sooner you come back" stated Ana wisely.
Kel embraced all of her nieces and nephews tightly, her friends were all there to see them off.
"Good luck Kel" Owen said eyeing Joren suspiciously, as all her friends were.
Joren rolled his eyes andturned to Neal who was in charge of Amy "If anything happens to Amy, I will kill you."
Neal scowled "I'm not cruel, like some," he exaggerated looking him in the eye so he knew just who he was talking about "I'm going to do everything in my power to protect her... for Kel and Inness."
Joren gave a low growl "I don't care who it's for. So long as she's safe."
Joren tookthe little girl in his arms, she was turning two in a week... he'd miss it...Joren pulled a box from his bag, giving it to Yuki he looked her in the eye, unnerving the Yamani woman to an extreme amount.
"Give this to her on her birthday, I gave all Amy's cousins a little bit of money so they could get her something too as well as themselves. Here's some money for her cake as well."
Yuki looked at the box, it was made of rosewood and edged with gold. "What is it?"
Joren looked at the little girl "A small fortune."
When it was time to leave it was almost as if Amy knew that Joren was going away from a really long time because she clung to him like an octopus. In fact,she gripped Joren's neck so tightly it took both Neal and Kel to get her off. Kel removing Amy's arms and Neal pulling her off him but she went into such a fit, they were forced to give her back to Joren.
When he held her Amy quieted, he turned to Kel "A good song usually makes her go to sleep."
Kel looked around her, why not? Clearing her throat she sang
"Deep in my soul
Love so strong
It takes control
Now we both know
The secrets bared The feeling shows
Driven far apart
I make a wish
On a shooting star
There will come a day
Somewhere far away
In you arms, I'll stay
My only love
Even though you're gone
Love will still live on
The feeling is so strong
My only love
My only love
There will come a day
Somewhere far away
In you arms, I'll stay
My only love
You've reached the deepest part...
Of the secret in my heart!
I've known it from the start...
My only love
My only love!"
Amy was (finally)dozing peacefully the second time Joren handed her to Neal. And to all of their surprise Joren smoothed her hair out of her face before bending down and kissing her on the forehead, Amy sighed curled into Neal's body. Joren suddenly felt cold, his arms felt odd without the accustomed added weight of Amy's body.
Kel put a hand on his shoulder, Joren snapped out of his reverie and glared half-heartedly at Neal "Remember what I said."
Kel shook her head and got on Hoshi, "Come on Joren, let's go. We have to get to Leningrad by next week, it'll be a hard ride."
Joren looked at her and scowled "Don't tell me what to do."
Kel raised an eyebrow but didn't say anything about it. When he got on the saddle of Wild Wing he gave her a glance but nothing more before he rode on ahead. Kel waved once more to her friends and family before going after Joren, Peachblossom in tow.
They traveled in silence for the remainder of the week but after that when they set up camp on the seventh night Kel couldn't take Joren's silence anymore.
"Okay! What the hell is wrong with you? You've got the attitude of a wet mop!"
Joren scowled at her "Leave me alone. I'm not in a good mood."
Kel mimicked his scowl "Obviously. Well? I'm not going to leave you alone."
Joren growled lowly sending shivers up Kel's spine.
He stared into her fully golden eyes and shook his head "I just realized something that's all."
Kel scooted over an inch closer to him "What?"
Joren growled at her "That you're an annoying little snoop! Leave me alone."
Kel rolled her eyes skyward "Oh please. You've always known that."
Joren cracked a small grin before it faded completely "Leningrad is where the original Phoenix was born and died. It's where all the Phoenix's since then have died."
Kel was silent "Always?"
Joren nodded, and poked at the ground with a stick "It's always been like that, even though they lead violent lives they always end up in Leningrad where they die."
Kel gulped "Well don't they try to avoid it?"
Joren looked at her annoyed "Don't you know anything?"
Kel frowned "Don't be mean you lout."
Joren shook in head and sighed in exasperation "You really led a sheltered life, well... of course they try to avoid it, no one wants to die but... it's... weird actually. They all don't seem to want to die but in all of the stories... they went freely to Leningrad in the end. No one knows why, singing their Song of Transition."
Kel frowned and scooted a little bit closer "Song of Transition?"
Joren shook his head again but her told her none-the-less.
Kel nodded and looked into the sky, and then at her hand, "Do you think I'm going to die in Leningrad?"
Joren shrugged "I really couldn't care, I'm only sworn to care for you until you die. You just so happen to be speeding up the process. That's fine with me, I don't have to protect you anymore."
Kel was actually surprised, 'you really are an idiot Keladry of Mindelan! This is Joren we're talking about.'
Kel nodded "So why are you so upset?"
Joren looked at her "You and I... are lovers right?"
Kel nodded "I suppose."
Joren scratched his head "Well... the last letter I got from Art was from Leningrad. He's in love with you Kel. He'll get hurt if he finds out."
Kel was silent, 'of course! The only reason he ever gets upset is if it's about himself or his brother. You really are a fool.' Kel twisted her tunic in her hands "So we won't tell him, and we can stop being together. We can you know... stop I mean."
Joren nodded "Right, from now on... you and I are not lovers but simply riding companions."
Kel nodded noting how the air around them had lightened if only slightly.
It was getting dark and cold, looking at the stack of wood that had yet to be lit. Sighing Kel focused deep within her... her skin began to prickle and she felt the phoenix stir, the fire in her veins increased and soon she felt hot, focusing all the heat at the pile of wood. Smoke began to rise from fire pit, then... the wood exploded in fire that caused Joren and Kel to duck for cover. When everything settled down they righted themselves and looked at the place where the fire pit used to be, in its place was charred soil.
Joren shook his head "Next time. Use flint and steel you Pyromaniac."
Kel kicked him in the leg lightly "Shut up pretty boy."
Joren scowled at her, dropping another pile of wood into the charred spot he looked her up and down, she really wasn't like any court lady he knew. For one she was still built like a knight and two she could out joust just about anybody with the exception of Lord Raoul and himself.
Studying her again he noticed how her iris' were swirling like liquid marble, the pupil was nearly invisible. Stepping up to her he waved his hand in front of her face. He was about to say her name again when the wood suddenly burst into a cheery flame. Jumping back Joren saw Kel's eyesreturn tonormal, blinking Kel smiled at the fire she made "See. I can do it."
Shaking his head he sat next to her, "You know... that'll come in handy."
Kel picked up her pack and drew out some traveling bread and cheese "Hungry?"
Joren looked at the humblefood and thought of when he saw her cry, when he'dbeen the one doingthe offering. It seemed like ages ago andyet, Joren knew that if he'd been told that he would be here, today, like this. He'deither kill them for speaking such atrocity or commit them to an asylum.
"How do you think the kids are doing?" He asked suddenly taking his mid off the past.
Kel sighed and shrugged "I don't know."
Holding the cheese in her hand she plunged in into the fire "Neal and Yuki are expecting a child of their own soon so I'm sure they've switched on their paternal instincts. Amy will be fine Joren."
Taking the cheese bread he shook his head "I don't trust them with my little girl."
Kel chuckled "Then I guess we'd better do this fast and get it over with."
Joren scowled and studied her again, he had sworn himself twice to this girl and yet he wanted to choke her himself "Are you still planning on going after those people who killed your family?"
Kel nodded "You know I am."
Joren growled "And you know I'm against it!"
Kel stood up frustrated "Why! Why are you so against me going?"
He scowled and grabbed her arm, pulling her down she fell half on his lap, half on the ground facing him. Joren pulse quickened... this wasn't part of the plan.
Kel gulped "Why are you so against me going after the scum that raped and murdered my family?"
Joren drew away from her "Because I promised my brother I'd keep you out of harm."
Capturing a lock of orange hair he kissed it "And I always keep my promises."
Kel drew away sharply "We can't... we're not lovers anymore."
Joren let her go "I know Lump."
Kel straightened her tunic and went to her tent "Good night Joren."
He grunted in response as he went to his own tent, opposite the fire pit from her.
Kel didn't know how long she had to wait but only when the embers were cold and no fire was left in them did she gather her things. She left her tent because it would take too long and it'd make too much noise. Her bag on her back and Hoshi and Peachblossom's reins in each hand she left Joren.
Blowing a kiss to his tent she whispered an apology "I'm sorry... but I must avenge my family... you would understand if it were Arthur."
The horses seemed to know they needed stealth at the moment because they didn't make any noise then Kel did, perhaps even less.
It took Kel most of the night to reach Leningrad, by the time she saw the city in the distance, the sun was rising and the city was just beginning to wake up. She smiled to herself and dug her heels into Hoshi's sides, easing the horse into a easy trot.
The city was up and bustling by the time she passed the city gates. Leningrad was a major port city for the South Continent but she was still surprised at the size of it. Large stone buildings with dome roofs and paved streets. Market vendors left and right.
A flower dropped in front of her and Kel picked it up, looking at the nearest man she handed it to him "I think you dropped this."
The man smiled at her "Thanks..."
Kel nodded and looked around, how would she ever find an inn here.
Turning to the man again she saw he was still looking at her "Excuse me sir. Do happen to know where I would find an inn of some sort?"
The man nodded and pointed to her left "Down that road is the Blue Boat Inn. It's not the best but at least you won't wake up to find your throat slit or your things gone... most of the time. There's a stall for your horses too."
Kel smiled at him "Thank you sir. May Mithros give you guidance and strength as you walk through this valley of life," the man bowed slightly "And may the Goddess keep you by her side as you travel through death."
Kel smiled once more at the man before she made her way through the crowd.
Peachblossom though didn't like such crowded spaces and so he bit and stomped on feet as they went along. Kel did her best to prevent it but it was no use most of the time.
Finally, a few minutes and twenty grumbling people later, Kel arrived at the Blue Boat Inn. Kel let the boy take Hoshi to the stalls but she settled Peachblossom in herself, the stalls were a little too small for her liking but she had him placed on the last stallbetween a wall and Hoshi whom he half tolerated. With that done she went into the inn too look for something to eat, she was pretty hungry.
Okay now you must know that that song wasn't mine. It's Sailor Moon' 'My Only Love.' Why I picked it for the context was simply because it's a soothing song. Btw. You have to ask. How does Joren know singing puts Amy to sleep? Does he sing to her? Aw. Doesn't that make a cute picture!
