Tell me how you like it, and any ideas you may have. I'd be glad to hear them!!

Last time…

She made it in time, and was going to get a table their first round of drinks when someone walked in she didn't want to see for a while. What if he recognizes me? It was Neal.

Kel rushed to drop off the drinks she had and practically ran back to the kitchen. She could act sick…what else was there? She needed some more supplies, and it would be hard to get the money anywhere else.

"Hey! You! Get out there! I'm not paying you and letting you keep your tips just to sit there! Go!" The owner of the tavern was starting to get mad, so she took a deep breath and visualized herself as a cool, clear, calm lake. She went back out, making sure to go to the other end of the room from Neal and his father.

"Hello. Is there anything you want? I can get you some drinks." She told the men sitting at the big table she walked up to. Too late she saw her mistake. Sitting at this table were a group of the Kings Own. She kept her head down and prayed they wouldn't notice or recognize her.

"Yes! One for each of us, girl!"

"Right away." She mumbled, still not daring to look up.

"Hey, look at me when I'm talking to you," One of them commanded. Kel immediately did, and instantly regretted it. She recognized them as the ones who had watched her that day on Peachblossom.

"You look familiar. Do I know you?" A different man asked, Kel shrugged then glanced at him. He looked similar to Neal!

"Aren't you Keladry of Mindelan? The girl who got kicked out of page training then ran away?" He asked.

"Straight forward, aren't you?" she mumbled. "No, I am not. My name is Donna of Haresfield. Not many people have even heard of it, it's so small" Kel hoped he would just give up and let her leave. No chance, apparently.

"I have been all over this country in my year as a trainee, and never once have I encountered even that name. You are Kel, aren't you? My cousin has written to me so much I feel as though I know you. My cousin is your friend Neal, by the way." The young man figured it out quickly, and he couldn't believe it. He'd seen her a few times around the palace and never had he seen that name on the lists in the great library. He knew who she was, also, by her face. It was clear of all emotions.

"Please don't say anything!" She begged, letting her mask fall. She couldn't let him tell anyone. She whispered this, as the man did before. She could tell no one had heard them.

"Why not? Why are you doing this?" He asked her, curious.

"If I'm going to earn my shield I must work hard and find someone who can teach me. I'm not going to get that at home, and my parents wouldn't let me leave. What other choice do I have?" Kel Shrugged. She really didn't see any other way. But why was she telling him this?

"I won't, and I think I have a way for you to get your wish. I am only doing this because I agree with you and want to help. I can tell there's nothing I can do to change your mind. By the way, my name's Dom."

"Uh, hi. What is this idea, because if you don't have one I'm ready to run." It was true. She had everything packed up and could leave at a moments notice.

"You can be my helper. Well, our squad's. I'm sure our commander won't mind. We could all teach you what you need to know. I don't know much yet, actually. I'm not technically in the own. But I will be!"

"Uhm, I'm not sure if I can trust you. Would you tell Neal?"

"Of course not. Come on! We could dye your hair. Probably dark and we need to get you a horse."

"Actually, I've already bought dye and I have Peachblossom."

"Good. Is there anything else you need?"

"Some more money would be good, that's why I'm working here."

"Okay. Is this enough?" He handed her more than she could have made in the next few days.

"Yes, thank you. Now I can quit, and I won't have to face Neal." She told him, turning for the kitchen.

Please review. And I know it would be weird for Kel to be so trusting...