Kel sat on her bed, staring at the box sitting in front of her. She could not bring herself to open it just yet. Alanna had been her hero, she had hated her for not caring, and now she was like a mother, or aunt to her. She didn't want to let her down and she was afraid of what she might have sent. She ran her fingers down the box, slowly opening the sides. Inside were two simple boxes, two letters, and another package, wrapped loosely. She picked up the two letters and placed the one addressed to Dom on her bedside table. She opened her letter, not bothering to get up to get the letter opener on her desk.

Dear Lady Knight Kel,

I trust you are well, and resting appropriately. I hope to come for the birth, though if you would rather Neal's assistance then I will wait till I find a more fitting time. In this package I left two boxes, which have presents for both of the babies when they are born. I hope they are doing fine. I heard you have a ball to attend soon. There is a surprise in the parcel for just that event. Please do not be afraid to write, and if you need me urgently Neal can build a fire to contact me. Keep yourself open to the ways of love, I didn't once and may have lost one of the best chances. However everything will work itself out in the end. Once the babies are born you may take refugee at Pirates Swoop but I do not recommend traveling before then. Eat well, and as always stay safe.

Take care,

Lioness

Kel read the letter over twice, searching for hidden messages. She folded the letter before placing it in her bedside table drawer. Staring at the two boxes and the parcel she wondered at which to open first. As she sat wringing her hands a knock came to her door. She got up and throwing on pants as she went she opened the door to Dom, who was standing in just his trousers, hung low, as he bounced from one foot to the other. She backed into the room and with a hand gesture she invited him in.

"My dearest lady, are you feeling better after your nap?" She tilted her head to the side slightly as she watched his eyes flash and twinkle.

"I should be asking you if you are better. You seemed… frazzled earlier." He laughed as he wrapped his hands around her waist.

"You know you are the smartest women I have ever met, smarter than me that's for sure. But I'll be glad to teach you a thing or two." She giggled as he tickled her sides to emphasize his point.

"Alanna left a letter for you too. And there are three packages; I'm not sure which to open first though." She glanced up at him through her lower lashes, suddenly shy about her un-ability to choose such mundane things. He couldn't help but think how adorable she looked, later he would think of how court ladies had a thing or two to learn about flirting, or non-flirting, from this lady knight. He went and sat on the bed, his back resting against the headboard, and opened his arms to her. She blushed as she curled up against his side, and picked the two packages that were sitting closest to her, handing one to him.

"One." A shared look of understanding.

"Two." A anticipating filled moment.

"Three." A quick unwrapping of packages.

She gasped at the beautiful pendant, and slowly pulled it out of the box, along with the simple chain. Her eyes welled up as she took in the deep blue color, the intricate designs standing out in deep black. She looked to Dom to see him holding an equally beautiful pendant, this one in a light purple. She couldn't guess the stones, and she didn't dear to guess the worth. Slowly she folded the chain back in and placed the box on top of the letter by her bedside table. Dom did the same, and he looked towards the window, away from her for a moment. She tucked her head into his chest, and then hit him softly.

"I'm supposed to be the one getting emotional." He laughed and reached down to get the parcel, holding it out to her. She took it and looked at him for a few minutes before unwrapping it gently. She pulled out the chain, dangling it by the strong chain. A simple blue tourmaline gem hung from the chain and she gasped at the beauty of the uncut stone. Dom held out his hand silently and she gave the necklace to him, holding up her hair which was still growing rapidly. He connected the chain slowly, purposefully running his hands against her exposed neck. She gripped her hands, not accustomed to the new feelings; Cleon had never made her feel like this. "It will match with the dress." He nods and after she gets up to look at in the mirror she lifts up her hair for him to take it back off.

"Will this beautiful lady accompany me to dinner?" He bows and extended his arm to her. She throws him a shirt then walked out of the room, laughing as he tried to catch up to her.

Authors Note:

Sorry Sorry Sorry for the long break. Family problems, computer problems, school, ugh in general. Ok I would like to apologize some more but I want to get this updated a.s.a.p. Ok

Now to my only reviewer with a question that I can hopefully address quickly:

addy 100 : I said Kel was Raoul's only daughter, and Raoul is Kel's real dad, her father being there for her when able, but often not able. In other words he is almost as much of a father as her real father is… if that makes sense.

I hope you all enjoyed this chapter and I look forward to getting back in the habit of updating. I will try to address everyone elses reviews next time. I'm hoping you all don't hate me to much for not updating sooner.

Please review! Tell me if its ok after such a long break… Sometimes my writing un-approves, dis-approves?... gets worse after awhile of not writing.