~Candle Flames~


The warm water of the oversized wooden tub was, in Kel's eyes, enough to grant her every wish. The foaming suds purged the dirty squire of a week's worth of sweat while the rest of the fresh liquid rinsed the grime from her hair. She was home. Back in her chambers near her lord, Raoul. Back with her fellow squires, who she couldn't help but dearly miss. Back for midwinter in Tortall. Even serving at the annual ball held more appeal than returning south, and this opinion was not Kel's alone, but that of everyone who had been under Lord Raoul's last command.

The Own had just returned from a particularlly tiring mission. Mud slides just inside Tortall's border demanded every knight and squire's attention or the consequences would be undoubtedly darastic. Sancrans lunged at the oppertunity to weaken their neighbors and entire villages could be destroyed without resources left for reconstruction. So there they had ridden. Across leagues of marshy fields and endless plains of dust, so that when the winds of winter began to creep upon the party, even the most steadfast looked forward to a bed and a bath.

A knock sounded through the dressing room door. Kel stepped from the tub and snatched a clean towel off the washstand. "Who's there?" She called, rubbing the drips from her legs and arms.

"It's Lalasa, your ladyship." Came the soft voice from behind the door.

"Oh!" The squire draped a cotton robe over her shoulders and tied the sash. "I sorry, I'll be right there. Oh, it's so good to see you!"

After tidying the dressing room, Kel left in donning tan breeches and a warm tunic of royal blue. Crossing to the main room, she almost forgot herself at the sight of her friend.

"How is the shop coming? I haven't visited in ages." The young steamstress found herself being hauled by the entusiastic squire toward a chair.

"Everything has been going so well, my lady. The queen, herself, asked me to design her gown for the midwinter ball. Actually that is what I came to speak to you about."

Kel turned from her wardrobe and g at the other young women. "The queen?"

"No! Your midwinter gown. After what the king..." Her voice drifted at the baffled look on her old mistress's face. "I'm sorry. I believe one of us is missing something..." She suddenly became herself at four years younger and stared sheepishly at the floor.

"I believe I am missing something." Muttered Kel. "But squires are serving this year. What do you mean, "my gown"?"

Lalasa was quick to reply. "This year, the squires are serving first, and are then permitted to attend the ball while the pages serve for the second half of the evening. Formal attire is required, and so...well, I'd like to have the honors of making your dress. I've already gotten your measurements, and I even have some patterns cut out. I-"

"It's all right, Lalasa." This was certainly news. "It's fine, I simply...wasn't told of this. Raoul has a bit of explaining to do." She slammed her drawer closed with her heel as she turned to exit the room.

Lalasa shook her head and watched the girl take her angry leave. *Nobles.* She thought to herself. *Always making things complicated.*
**************************************************
Well, I hope you enjoy! I have some plans for future chapters including a thief and a bit of romance. Please review, and if you have any questions, comments, or things of the like, feel free to e-mail me at Starbright1325@yahoo.com. :)