The first day of mid-winter dawned bright, and Kel leapt out of bed and began preparing for her day of servitude to the prospective knights visiting the palace rather than her usual morning exercises. She was careful not to wake Lalasa, she didn't want to show up with a black eye or some other visible bodily injury. It was rumored that the lioness was to be here today, although she had never come before. Carefully putting on her dress tunic and hose, she stood facing the full length mirror on her wardrobe.

*Wow. I actually look like a palace Squire.* Someone knocked at her door. Expecting to find notes again she rushed to see who it was that had planted them. No one to her knowledge was ever up this early. She instead, found Neal of all people, his hand poised to knock again.

" Neal?!? What're you doing up this early?"

" Getting you so we can be the first squires there. The knights might like it that we're early."

" Well, okay, let me tell Lalasa that I'm going." But Lalasa was already up.

" You go ahead Kel." Kel flashed her a smile, and Neal pulled her out the door.

" Calm down! We're already an hour early!"

Neal slowed, but still walked quickly. He had let go of Kel, so she matched his pace instead of being dragged along.

" Geez! What's on your mind Neal? You're walking really fast, like you're nervous about something other than the knights being here."

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When Neal heard kel's question, he got even more flustered than he already was.

"well…..er…. Yeah, there is something else."

" Tell me about it."

*OH man. How am I gonna do this?!? * "Well, I like you Kel." He just let the words out. Hoping she wouldn't run away, refusing to speak to him ever again.

" I know that you LIKE me Neal, I'm, your best friend, of course you like me. Now what's bugging you?"

" IT'S YOU!" Neal said, getting exasperated. " I. LIKE. YOU. Are you happy now? I told you what's bugging me."

They kept walking, but they didn't speak until right outside of the hall. Kel stopped him before he opened the door.

" You mean it don't you? You really do like me." Before Neal could say anything, Kel leaned up, and kissed him. Right then and there. Neal was so surprised, he couldn't even stutter.

" Good Luck Neal." Kel said, and walked into the hall. Leaving Neal standing there dumbstruck.