Disclaimer: I still don't own anything at all because (big surprise) everything still belongs to TP.

A/N: I haven't written for quite a while and I apologize to everyone. But my computer would not cooperate with me. It deleted all of my files for goodness's sake! IMy dad had to reload every program and I had to rewrite everything (to the best of my ability) so I apologize. Sorry. On another note it's my birthday today! I'm soooo excited! It would be a really nice birthday present if people reviewed! Pretty please? Anyway, I realize that I'm probably not going to finish this by summer end so I'll be continuing it onto high school. Plus, would people like a seperate story on Niko and Eveline or should I keep them in my drabbles alone? About this drabble: Takes place right after the Kel and Alanna's duel scene in TC.


Prompt: Practise Makes Perfect

"A fine and stalwart effort, Protector of the Small," Domitan of Masbolle remarked as he passed Keladry of Mindelan his water bottle. Kel accepted it with a word of thanks and a jab of her elbow at his ribs.

"Thank you so much, Dom. I'm not three - I know when I'm being patronized. I've a way to go yet before I can best the Lioness," Kel commented as she sipped water.

Dom laughed. "Kel, if you were good at everything, then I would be frightened. Just imagine the disaster that would occur if you decided to leave Tortall and return to the Yamani Isles! Just think of it!"

Kel giggled. "You're being silly, Domitan of Masbolle." Her heart beat faster; she would never leave for the Yamani Isles, not while this extraordinary sergeant remained in Tortall. Kel tried to convince herself that it was a fleeting fancy, or the summer-love she had shared with Cleon. But her heart kept insisting that she truly was in love with Dom. No, she told herself sternly. He goes for fragile Court beauties who can flirt and have dowries, not me.

"Why thank you very much," Dom replied dryly. "Kel? Do I need to tell Lord Raoul that his favorite knight is in need of Duke Baird? Or should I inform your father first?"

Kel blinked. "It's nothing," she lied. "I'm just thinking about my duel with Lady Alanna, that's all."

Dom chuckled. "Thinking about how you lost?" He ducked Kel's playful swat. "Really, Kel, I think that you hate losing way too much. Just think how bad it would be for your character if you got what you wanted all the time!"

The lady knight had to grin at this. "Then how would you suggest I improve my fencing skills, O Great Sage of Wisdom?" Kel asked sarcastically.

"By practising, of course," replied Dom promptly. Either he had been spending too much time with Meathead, or ignorance of sarcasm ran in the Queenscove and Masbolle lines. It would be the former, Kel decided. Whole families couldn't all be insane, she thought, conveniently forgetting her own.

"Really."

"Yes," Dom insisted. A sly twinkle appeared in his bright blue eyes. "There's something else that you would do well to improve upon too, Lady Knight."

"Oh?" Kel asked nonchalantly. What was Dom going on about? She had a weird feeling about this...

Dom leaned in and kissed Kel on the mouth. "You need to improve your kissing skills," he murmured in her ear. "But I will help you with that."