Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters aside from Carina and I don't own anything else but the plot. It's all Tamora Pierce's.
~~~~~
Kel smiled, as she woke up before the sun. She'd won her bet with Neal. Of course, she'd known she would -- habit always woke her at this time (unless she'd had a major healing, in which case she slept for ages), though she sometimes wanted to fall asleep afterwards, and even occasionally did.
Getting out of bed, she looked at her rumpled clothes, and shook her head. Quickly pulling on the light blue shirt and darker blue tunic, she shivered. It was a little chilly in her room. Looking around for a fire, she saw that the fire place was empty. Well that explained the cold. She went into the adjoining bathroom, and changed her cloth pad. Then she washed her face and combed out her hair with her fingers -- there was no comb. Finally, she yanked on her breeches -- now she felt at least a little warmer -- and went back into the bedroom area. She sat on the bed and pulled on her boots, thinking. All her weapons that she normally practiced in the morning were at the palace. But she supposed that working on Shang fighting, Yamani hand-to-hand combat, and exercises wouldn't hurt her. She started with a few warm up stretches and exercises, trying to loosen her body -- it was a bad idea to practice combat in the cold if you weren't warmed up first. It was also dangerous. Then she did some on the arm-strength exercises that Eda Bell had taught her. After that she moved on to the Shang kicking and punching she'd learned, as well as some rolls. The Yamani combat was harder. She tried to remember, but she hadn't had much time to practice lately. She was attempting a kick that she remembered, and suddenly her mind flooded with enlightenment. She began practicing in earnest, finishing just as the sun began to show through the drapes. She went into the bathroom and cleaned her face again: she was sweating.
Not sure what to do next, she sat on the bed and meditated, but before she had really begun, a knock on the door interrupted her. "Can I come in?" Thom's voice called. She blushed a little, and said "Yes," Hoping that when they entered, they'd attribute her redness to her practice.
Thom turned the knob, and walked inside with Neal, Alanna, George, and Myles following. Kel got up off the bed. "Good morning."
"It's awfully dark in here," commented Thom.
"I like the dark," Kel said. She wasn't sure if he was saying that to find out more about her, to annoy her, or just as a meaningless comment. Either way, now he knew why.
"Are you sure you don't want any candles, Lass?" George asked, looking at her with concern. "Last night we were all too exhausted to think of it, but we could get you some now."
Kel shook her head. "I really do like the dark."
"It's no trouble," he persisted.
Neal moaned, "Baron George, I'd listen to her. She's crazy, I told you."
Kel gasped, feigning shock. "Goddess -- you spoke in more than one word sentences!"
Neal glared. "Shut. Up."
George clapped his hands together once. "Anyone else hungry? There's plenty of food." Neal brightened at the word food. George sneezed. "It's very dusty in here," he said to no one in particular.
As they were leaving, Neal turned to Kel and asked, "So did you do it?"
"Do what?" Myles asked, curiously.
"Get up before dawn, and yes," Kel said, answering both of them at the same time.
Neal made a face. "I was hoping I might actually win. I've only got one bag of sweets left, and now I have to give it to you." He sighed. "Oh well. What are friends for? I let you whack me around all day, take my candy . . . "
Kel shrugged. "You can keep the candy," she told him, not feeling like listening to him complain, even if he was just kidding. She had too much on her mind.
"Nah," he said. "You won it fair and square."
Kel shook her head. "Yeah, and I'm giving it back. Besides," her voice took on a joking tone, "you need it more than I do. How else are you going to wake up in the morning?"
Neal glared at her. "Shut. Up." He was back to using one-word-sentences again. Kel didn't know how someone could be so not-awake in the morning. The only thing that seemed to even remotely give him energy was food. But then, she reasoned, when has Neal ever passed up a meal?
They entered the dining hall, and Thom grabbed Kel -- Neal too, as an afterthought -- and drug them over to two seats, then sat down next to Kel. "We're in luck," he whispered. "My brother and sister aren't going to be eating with us."
Kel and Neal weren't sure whether to sit down right away or not, until the adults found seats. Kel, by some weird -- and mean -- twist of fate, was sitting across from Alanna the Lioness. Myles and George were on either side of her.
Neal had just opened his mouth to say, "Aren't siblings just obnoxious?", when the door swung open again, and two children bounced in. "G'morning!" said the girl, and the boy grinned.
Alanna smiled at her children; Thom glared at them. "So you decided to join us after all," she commented. They nodded. "The horses weren't too thrilled about going out this early," the girl said. "We tried, but they didn't want to. So," the boy shrugged. "Here we are."
Myles patted the table next to him. "Come sit down and say hello to your Grandfather."
They stared, then cried in unison, "Granda!" They ran over to him and enveloped him in two hugs at once, not even letting him stand up first.
He laughed and hugged them back. "It's wonderful to see you two again."
Finally they calmed down enough to sit. "When did you get here?" the boy asked. "I didn't know you were coming." Him and his sister looked accusingly at their mother, who held up her hands. "Neither did I."
George rubbed his chin. "He came last night. It's a long story. Why don't we forget about it for now, hmm?"
They seemed so thrilled to see him again, that they didn't bother pressuring him for details.
Thom, still glaring, muttered. "That's my little brother and sister, Alianne and Alan." Kel nodded.
Just then, Alan looked around the table and realized that Myles wasn't the only new face. "Who're you?" he asked Kel. He looked closer at Neal. "Neal?! What're you doing here? What's going on? And who are you?" he repeated.
"Well maybe if you'd give someone a chance to answer," snapped his mother, "you'd find out."
Slyly, Alan crept over to his ma. He looked at her sweetly, and wiggled onto her lap. "Alan!" she protested. He kissed her on the cheek. "I love you . . . "
Alianne was shaking with silent laughter. Alanna glared at her son. "It's not going to work, Alan." He looked at her pleadingly and kissed her other cheek. "I love you . . . "
She sighed, the hardness in her eyes melting. "Alan . . . " She ruffled his hair. "All right, all right. Go sit down."
George laughed, loud and heartily. "Alan, come on -- leave your mother alone. You'll get your introductions soon enough." He beckoned him over, giving him a stern look when he hesitated. Finally he climbed out of her lap. Alanna shook her head, giving him an affectionate push. He returned to his seat, and looked at his father expectantly.
Under the table, Kel clenched her fists. This was incredibly embarrassing. Hopefully their reactions would be a bit more mild than the others'. She glanced at Sir Myles. His eyes were filled with encouragement. But I don't want encouragement, she thought. I want people to accept me -- to be able to accept me. The Lioness can't do that. How am I supposed to get on with her family? It's so strange. But you get on with Thom just fine, an annoying voice in the back of her mind reminded her. More than fine.
Glancing over at his wife once, the Baron said, "Well you know Neal. This is his friend Keladry." There was silence for a moment as everyone waited for them to puzzle it out.
Suddenly Alianne's eyes lit with realization. "Oh!" she said. Kel winced. Then Alianne looked at her mother, eyes wide. What she saw there confirmed her guess. "Oh!" she said again.
"I don't get it," muttered Alan. Alianne rolled her eyes. "Keladry," she whispered. "As in, Keladry of Mindelan."
Alan's mouth formed an 'o'. Thom rubbed his forehead. Oh yeah, he thought sarcastically. That's going to make Kel feel really good. Why can't they ever just be tactful? He glared at his siblings again, as servants began to serve the meal.
"Thanks," Kel said quietly when she was served. The man holding the plate smiled at her then moved on.
Unfortunately for Thom, his sister noticed the dirty looks he was sending her and Alan. She nudged Alan, whispered something to him, and evil looks spread over their faces. "So Thom," Alan said cunningly. "Does somebody have a crush, hmm?"
"Shut up," Thom said darkly, narrowing his eyes even more. Stupid sister, he thought, stupid sister. Disgustedly he realized Kel was even more embarrassed now.
"Is that a yes?" Alianne asked innocently.
"Sounded like a yes to me," Alan agreed.
Alanna's hand covered her mouth. Goddess, she thought. They are mean! Myles looked at Kel. Her eyes were locked on her plate, and every time one of the twins talked, she shifted uncomfortably. George raised his eyebrows, and didn't say anything. This was awfully interesting. Neal, suddenly quite awake, was grinning at the twins.
Thom was beginning to bear an uncanny resemblance to a tomato. Wanting to strangle his siblings, he turned to his mother, eyes begging. She didn't say anything, but he had a feeling that her hand was covering a smile.
"So . . . when you going to kiss her?" Alianne asked. Oh this is going to be good, she thought. As long as he doesn't kill me later . . . Eyeing the murderous expression on his face, she decided she ought to stay far away from him for a while.
Kel inhaled her drink and started coughing as George doubled over in laughter. Moments later, Alanna joined him, after seeing the look on Thom's face. Soon the entire table was roaring with laughter -- with the exception of Kel and Thom. Neal was half-heartedly slapping her on the back to stop her choking. She shoved him off as soon as she could breathe again, and he returned to throwing all his energy into laughing.
Kel and Thom were both bright red. Thom sputtered, "I -- I -- Alianne!" She only laughed harder, nearly falling off her chair. "Shut. Up," he ground out.
By the time everyone had calmed down, Kel was ready to die. Mithros and Goddess this is embarrassing. This is awful. Utterly, utterly awful. Some first impression, she thought ruefully.
"Well?" Alan persisted.
Kel slid down in her seat. Goddess, she thought.
Thom smacked his head into the table. Kel hid her face in her hands.
Alianne leaned across the table and whispered to Kel, "Go on -- kiss him! He likes you . . . " Neal snorted with laughter, as Kel turned her face to the ceiling, begging the Gods for forgiveness. "What have I ever done to you?" she muttered.
Alan grinned. "I say go for it, Thom." Thom pushed his chair back, lunging at Alan.
"Hey!" Alanna stood up, catching her son by the back of his shirt. He tried to pull away, straining against her hold. "Let go!" he cried. Alan snickered and ducked behind his father.
George grabbed his youngest son and pulled him to the front of him. "All right," he said sternly. "This has gone far enough."
"Oh, come on. It's adorable," Alianne said. George started to smile, tried to stay serious, and ended up looking sickly. Clearing his throat, he said, "Sit down and eat. We'll talk about how you treat guests and your brother later." Alanna agreed. She led Thom back to his seat, and pushed him into it, murmuring, "Next time try to kill him in private, not at the breakfast table."
Neal and Kel stared at her. "You have an awesome mother," Neal told him.
Thom rolled his eyes. "Oh, yeah. You haven't seen her mad."
Slowly they resumed a normal breakfast. Or as normal as possible considering that two of the people at the table weren't allowed to speak to each other, one of them wanted to kill two of the others, and one of them was badly hung-over.
Neal decided that he'd have to be the peace-maker. So he said, "So . . . what's going on with you people?" Kel looked at him like he was an idiot.
George leaned back in his chair. "Um . . . nothing." His eyes twinkled. "There's these two squires who suddenly wandered into my home. We're not sure how it happened, but here they are."
Neal rolled his eyes. "Well obviously."
George raised his eyebrows. Myles smiled. "Don't take it the wrong way, George. Neal talks that way to everyone. I hear he back-talked a teacher on the first day of class."
Thom turned to him. "You did?"
Neal nodded. "Yeah -- he was an old fuss bucket anyhow."
"Why'd you tell him off?" Alanna asked, hoping to get off the subject of Keladry. It wasn't a very comfortable topic for her -- or Thom.
Neal grinned. "Oh, the usual. He called Kel a boy."
Damn, Kel thought. Here we go again.
Damn, Alanna thought. Back onto the same topic.
Thom looked at Kel appraisingly. "How could he mistake her for a boy?"
Kel, knowing perfectly well where his eyes had strayed -- to her chest -- shifted in her seat.
Neal's grin widened. "Well let's just say she wasn't as well, er . . . developed."
Kel's cheeks began to burn and she crossed her arms over her chest self-consciously, glaring at Neal. When he smiled sweetly at her, she stomped on his foot -- hard. "Ouch -- Kel don't do that!" he cried, rubbing his foot to bring feeling back into it. Kel ignored him and took a sip of her water.
The rest of the meal passed without any major incidents, and Kel and Thom, at least, were relieved to get out of there. Once they'd entered the hall, the twins decided they wanted to try to go riding again, and left -- after winking at Thom and Kel, which started them blushing again. Alanna mentioned she had to speak to Maude, and George said he had to discuss something with her and Myles, so they walked off, talking all the way.
Neal suddenly decided he wanted to go back to his room, and he walked away -- though Kel pleadingly looked at him. Biting her lip, she surveyed the floor. Now what? She couldn't make up some excuse to get away -- it would be rude.
Thom nervously watched Neal go. Oh great, he thought. I don't want to be alone with her! Well, I do, but not yet! Not now! Taking deep breaths to calm himself, he squeaked, "Sorry about that, in there. They don't know when to leave well enough alone."
Kel nodded. "I understand -- I've got tons of nieces and nephews." They started walking, though neither knew where.
Kel had just begun to wonder if maybe the reason Thom had been so angry was because he didn't like her -- which hurt a lot more than she'd like to admit -- when Thom's hand brushed against hers. Reflexively she curled her fingers around his. He smiled -- just for her -- and asked, "Do you want to go somewhere?"
What he didn't say -- what Kel knew was making them both sweaty and jumpy -- was that if they went somewhere, it would be alone. Just the two of them. Kel considered the possibilities. "Let's go to the outer walls," she suggested, afraid that if she didn't suggest somewhere, he'd suggest his room or some equally nerve-wracking place.
"I thought you hated heights." Thom was looking at her curiously. I think I know her, and then here she comes with something new, he thought ruefully. I wonder if she's always like this.
"I do," she said. "But . . . I don't have to look over the edge. We can sit down." He nodded. "And talk," Kel added hastily, afraid he'd get the wrong idea. Or was it the right one? that incessantly mocking voice whispered.
Thom didn't reply, and Kel didn't say anything else. They walked in companionable silence, until they reached their destination. Then they padded onto the grayish stones and sat, leaning against the rail -- of a sort.
Kel noticed that Thom still clutched her hand, and, after mulling over it for a moment, decided she wanted it that way. It was nice. And . . . different. But a good different -- like girls being able to become knights. Only this gave her a different kind of excitement.
"Have you ever been to court?" Kel finally mustered the courage to ask, all the while thinking, I wouldn't mind it in the least if he came to the palace. Not in the least.
"Not for a while," he told her. "Ma wasn't too happy about -- " he stopped, not knowing that she was aware the king had ordered the Lioness away from her.
"The king ordering her not to talk to me?" Kel finished for him. At his astonished look, she leaned her head back. "Neal told me. She told his father -- Duke Baird." Her eyes met his, and she swallowed. There was one question she had to ask him. She had to know. "Does . . . " she faltered, then took a deep breath and continued. "Does she care? About me?" She stood up as soon as she'd said it, yanking her hand out of Thom's as if he'd burnt her. Placing her fingertips on the wall, she looked out over the land, taking care not to look down. Silently -- and nervously -- she waited for his response.
Jumping up a beat after her, he grabbed her arm and spun her around, grabbing hold of her elbows once she was facing him. "Not care?" he whispered. "Of course she cares -- she cares a lot." Relief filled her eyes, and it frightened Thom. "It really hurts, doesn't it?" he murmured, just now seeing what Jonathan had done to her when he'd forced his mother to leave her alone. Kel may have been perfectly capable of taking care of herself, but that didn't stop the heartache.
Kel's breath caught in her throat. Thom was awfully close. Her hands clutched all over Thom's forearms, until she took a deep breath, calming herself. Thom seemed frozen in place; unable to move. Finally Kel whispered, "Sometimes more than others."
He nodded slightly, not really sure what he was agreeing to, and hoping it wasn't anything too awful. Kel closed her eyes momentarily, fighting an internal battle with herself. Her mind and her reason said to step back, pull out of Thom's grasp, but her heart . . . her heart was screaming at her to go forward. Her eyes opened again. For once, she was going to tell reason to shut up and do what her heart said. Taking a step closer, until their bodies were pressed up against each other, she slid her arms around to his back. His arms wrapped around her, holding tightly. Then suddenly Kel leaned forward and she was kissing Thom and he was kissing her back.
Mithros and Goddess, Kel thought. No one ever told me kissing was such a big deal! she thought gleefully. I wouldn't have been so nervous if they had. Or was it Thom's embrace; the warmth of his mouth that was calming her nerves? Did it really matter?
Thom was swept up in a wave of wonder. Gods, he thought, I may not have anything to compare it to, but she's a great kisser! Then, amusedly, I guess she's not upset about breakfast anymore. He decided, then, that strange thoughts run through one's head when experiencing a first kiss and he didn't want to focus on anything but Kel, so he tuned them out.
They came up for air, and Thom's mouth slid back over hers, kissing her slowly, sweetly. Kel responded by speeding the tempo, until she had to breathe again. This time they stared deep into each other's eyes, wondering what an earth had possessed them and if it would please stay where it was.
Kel smoothed his hair back shakily. Being on a stone floor may not be such a good idea, she thought giddily, lest we fall down.
Thom pressed his forehead to Kel's, turning her around so that the doorway was in his field of vision: in case someone decided to come up here, he wanted to be ready. Kel's hands were still on his face. She twirled a few strands around a finger, then let it unravel so she could push it back again.
Words -- he needed words. What to say -- if Kel liked him, she wouldn't care if he sounded like a total nincompoop, would she? He sure hoped not because everything coming to mind would make him seem like a dunce, and he had to say something. She beat him to it again though. "I -- I enjoyed that. A lot," she whispered. Her eyes flickered to his hair, rather than look him in the eye, because she was well aware that she sounded like an idiot.
"Me too," Thom agreed softly. They were about to kiss again when Thom sprang back like a grasshopper on steroids. Alianne was standing in the doorway -- some job I did watching it, he thought grimly.
A/N: *dances around happily* Yays! Fiiiiiinaly. You would not believe how long it took for me to write that! Okay, I have to do a whole thank you here for all the people who listened to me complain. I had Kel and Thom literally 6 inches away from each other and I couldn't write the kiss (yes, I know, very bad place to get writer's block). They were in the position for 2 1/2 days (it can't have been comfortable *g*) and so to everyone who listened to me gripe...
THANK YOU!!!
Jenny, Tas, Freke, Jae, Mads, Reena, Stephi, Jess...did I forget anyone? If I did...sorry! Besides, it was also kinda a general thank you, soo...just thanks. Uhm..yeah.
P.S. Extra thanks to Jae for the breakfast scene idea. *grinz*
Please review....I'll love you forever!
~Dani
~~~~~
Kel smiled, as she woke up before the sun. She'd won her bet with Neal. Of course, she'd known she would -- habit always woke her at this time (unless she'd had a major healing, in which case she slept for ages), though she sometimes wanted to fall asleep afterwards, and even occasionally did.
Getting out of bed, she looked at her rumpled clothes, and shook her head. Quickly pulling on the light blue shirt and darker blue tunic, she shivered. It was a little chilly in her room. Looking around for a fire, she saw that the fire place was empty. Well that explained the cold. She went into the adjoining bathroom, and changed her cloth pad. Then she washed her face and combed out her hair with her fingers -- there was no comb. Finally, she yanked on her breeches -- now she felt at least a little warmer -- and went back into the bedroom area. She sat on the bed and pulled on her boots, thinking. All her weapons that she normally practiced in the morning were at the palace. But she supposed that working on Shang fighting, Yamani hand-to-hand combat, and exercises wouldn't hurt her. She started with a few warm up stretches and exercises, trying to loosen her body -- it was a bad idea to practice combat in the cold if you weren't warmed up first. It was also dangerous. Then she did some on the arm-strength exercises that Eda Bell had taught her. After that she moved on to the Shang kicking and punching she'd learned, as well as some rolls. The Yamani combat was harder. She tried to remember, but she hadn't had much time to practice lately. She was attempting a kick that she remembered, and suddenly her mind flooded with enlightenment. She began practicing in earnest, finishing just as the sun began to show through the drapes. She went into the bathroom and cleaned her face again: she was sweating.
Not sure what to do next, she sat on the bed and meditated, but before she had really begun, a knock on the door interrupted her. "Can I come in?" Thom's voice called. She blushed a little, and said "Yes," Hoping that when they entered, they'd attribute her redness to her practice.
Thom turned the knob, and walked inside with Neal, Alanna, George, and Myles following. Kel got up off the bed. "Good morning."
"It's awfully dark in here," commented Thom.
"I like the dark," Kel said. She wasn't sure if he was saying that to find out more about her, to annoy her, or just as a meaningless comment. Either way, now he knew why.
"Are you sure you don't want any candles, Lass?" George asked, looking at her with concern. "Last night we were all too exhausted to think of it, but we could get you some now."
Kel shook her head. "I really do like the dark."
"It's no trouble," he persisted.
Neal moaned, "Baron George, I'd listen to her. She's crazy, I told you."
Kel gasped, feigning shock. "Goddess -- you spoke in more than one word sentences!"
Neal glared. "Shut. Up."
George clapped his hands together once. "Anyone else hungry? There's plenty of food." Neal brightened at the word food. George sneezed. "It's very dusty in here," he said to no one in particular.
As they were leaving, Neal turned to Kel and asked, "So did you do it?"
"Do what?" Myles asked, curiously.
"Get up before dawn, and yes," Kel said, answering both of them at the same time.
Neal made a face. "I was hoping I might actually win. I've only got one bag of sweets left, and now I have to give it to you." He sighed. "Oh well. What are friends for? I let you whack me around all day, take my candy . . . "
Kel shrugged. "You can keep the candy," she told him, not feeling like listening to him complain, even if he was just kidding. She had too much on her mind.
"Nah," he said. "You won it fair and square."
Kel shook her head. "Yeah, and I'm giving it back. Besides," her voice took on a joking tone, "you need it more than I do. How else are you going to wake up in the morning?"
Neal glared at her. "Shut. Up." He was back to using one-word-sentences again. Kel didn't know how someone could be so not-awake in the morning. The only thing that seemed to even remotely give him energy was food. But then, she reasoned, when has Neal ever passed up a meal?
They entered the dining hall, and Thom grabbed Kel -- Neal too, as an afterthought -- and drug them over to two seats, then sat down next to Kel. "We're in luck," he whispered. "My brother and sister aren't going to be eating with us."
Kel and Neal weren't sure whether to sit down right away or not, until the adults found seats. Kel, by some weird -- and mean -- twist of fate, was sitting across from Alanna the Lioness. Myles and George were on either side of her.
Neal had just opened his mouth to say, "Aren't siblings just obnoxious?", when the door swung open again, and two children bounced in. "G'morning!" said the girl, and the boy grinned.
Alanna smiled at her children; Thom glared at them. "So you decided to join us after all," she commented. They nodded. "The horses weren't too thrilled about going out this early," the girl said. "We tried, but they didn't want to. So," the boy shrugged. "Here we are."
Myles patted the table next to him. "Come sit down and say hello to your Grandfather."
They stared, then cried in unison, "Granda!" They ran over to him and enveloped him in two hugs at once, not even letting him stand up first.
He laughed and hugged them back. "It's wonderful to see you two again."
Finally they calmed down enough to sit. "When did you get here?" the boy asked. "I didn't know you were coming." Him and his sister looked accusingly at their mother, who held up her hands. "Neither did I."
George rubbed his chin. "He came last night. It's a long story. Why don't we forget about it for now, hmm?"
They seemed so thrilled to see him again, that they didn't bother pressuring him for details.
Thom, still glaring, muttered. "That's my little brother and sister, Alianne and Alan." Kel nodded.
Just then, Alan looked around the table and realized that Myles wasn't the only new face. "Who're you?" he asked Kel. He looked closer at Neal. "Neal?! What're you doing here? What's going on? And who are you?" he repeated.
"Well maybe if you'd give someone a chance to answer," snapped his mother, "you'd find out."
Slyly, Alan crept over to his ma. He looked at her sweetly, and wiggled onto her lap. "Alan!" she protested. He kissed her on the cheek. "I love you . . . "
Alianne was shaking with silent laughter. Alanna glared at her son. "It's not going to work, Alan." He looked at her pleadingly and kissed her other cheek. "I love you . . . "
She sighed, the hardness in her eyes melting. "Alan . . . " She ruffled his hair. "All right, all right. Go sit down."
George laughed, loud and heartily. "Alan, come on -- leave your mother alone. You'll get your introductions soon enough." He beckoned him over, giving him a stern look when he hesitated. Finally he climbed out of her lap. Alanna shook her head, giving him an affectionate push. He returned to his seat, and looked at his father expectantly.
Under the table, Kel clenched her fists. This was incredibly embarrassing. Hopefully their reactions would be a bit more mild than the others'. She glanced at Sir Myles. His eyes were filled with encouragement. But I don't want encouragement, she thought. I want people to accept me -- to be able to accept me. The Lioness can't do that. How am I supposed to get on with her family? It's so strange. But you get on with Thom just fine, an annoying voice in the back of her mind reminded her. More than fine.
Glancing over at his wife once, the Baron said, "Well you know Neal. This is his friend Keladry." There was silence for a moment as everyone waited for them to puzzle it out.
Suddenly Alianne's eyes lit with realization. "Oh!" she said. Kel winced. Then Alianne looked at her mother, eyes wide. What she saw there confirmed her guess. "Oh!" she said again.
"I don't get it," muttered Alan. Alianne rolled her eyes. "Keladry," she whispered. "As in, Keladry of Mindelan."
Alan's mouth formed an 'o'. Thom rubbed his forehead. Oh yeah, he thought sarcastically. That's going to make Kel feel really good. Why can't they ever just be tactful? He glared at his siblings again, as servants began to serve the meal.
"Thanks," Kel said quietly when she was served. The man holding the plate smiled at her then moved on.
Unfortunately for Thom, his sister noticed the dirty looks he was sending her and Alan. She nudged Alan, whispered something to him, and evil looks spread over their faces. "So Thom," Alan said cunningly. "Does somebody have a crush, hmm?"
"Shut up," Thom said darkly, narrowing his eyes even more. Stupid sister, he thought, stupid sister. Disgustedly he realized Kel was even more embarrassed now.
"Is that a yes?" Alianne asked innocently.
"Sounded like a yes to me," Alan agreed.
Alanna's hand covered her mouth. Goddess, she thought. They are mean! Myles looked at Kel. Her eyes were locked on her plate, and every time one of the twins talked, she shifted uncomfortably. George raised his eyebrows, and didn't say anything. This was awfully interesting. Neal, suddenly quite awake, was grinning at the twins.
Thom was beginning to bear an uncanny resemblance to a tomato. Wanting to strangle his siblings, he turned to his mother, eyes begging. She didn't say anything, but he had a feeling that her hand was covering a smile.
"So . . . when you going to kiss her?" Alianne asked. Oh this is going to be good, she thought. As long as he doesn't kill me later . . . Eyeing the murderous expression on his face, she decided she ought to stay far away from him for a while.
Kel inhaled her drink and started coughing as George doubled over in laughter. Moments later, Alanna joined him, after seeing the look on Thom's face. Soon the entire table was roaring with laughter -- with the exception of Kel and Thom. Neal was half-heartedly slapping her on the back to stop her choking. She shoved him off as soon as she could breathe again, and he returned to throwing all his energy into laughing.
Kel and Thom were both bright red. Thom sputtered, "I -- I -- Alianne!" She only laughed harder, nearly falling off her chair. "Shut. Up," he ground out.
By the time everyone had calmed down, Kel was ready to die. Mithros and Goddess this is embarrassing. This is awful. Utterly, utterly awful. Some first impression, she thought ruefully.
"Well?" Alan persisted.
Kel slid down in her seat. Goddess, she thought.
Thom smacked his head into the table. Kel hid her face in her hands.
Alianne leaned across the table and whispered to Kel, "Go on -- kiss him! He likes you . . . " Neal snorted with laughter, as Kel turned her face to the ceiling, begging the Gods for forgiveness. "What have I ever done to you?" she muttered.
Alan grinned. "I say go for it, Thom." Thom pushed his chair back, lunging at Alan.
"Hey!" Alanna stood up, catching her son by the back of his shirt. He tried to pull away, straining against her hold. "Let go!" he cried. Alan snickered and ducked behind his father.
George grabbed his youngest son and pulled him to the front of him. "All right," he said sternly. "This has gone far enough."
"Oh, come on. It's adorable," Alianne said. George started to smile, tried to stay serious, and ended up looking sickly. Clearing his throat, he said, "Sit down and eat. We'll talk about how you treat guests and your brother later." Alanna agreed. She led Thom back to his seat, and pushed him into it, murmuring, "Next time try to kill him in private, not at the breakfast table."
Neal and Kel stared at her. "You have an awesome mother," Neal told him.
Thom rolled his eyes. "Oh, yeah. You haven't seen her mad."
Slowly they resumed a normal breakfast. Or as normal as possible considering that two of the people at the table weren't allowed to speak to each other, one of them wanted to kill two of the others, and one of them was badly hung-over.
Neal decided that he'd have to be the peace-maker. So he said, "So . . . what's going on with you people?" Kel looked at him like he was an idiot.
George leaned back in his chair. "Um . . . nothing." His eyes twinkled. "There's these two squires who suddenly wandered into my home. We're not sure how it happened, but here they are."
Neal rolled his eyes. "Well obviously."
George raised his eyebrows. Myles smiled. "Don't take it the wrong way, George. Neal talks that way to everyone. I hear he back-talked a teacher on the first day of class."
Thom turned to him. "You did?"
Neal nodded. "Yeah -- he was an old fuss bucket anyhow."
"Why'd you tell him off?" Alanna asked, hoping to get off the subject of Keladry. It wasn't a very comfortable topic for her -- or Thom.
Neal grinned. "Oh, the usual. He called Kel a boy."
Damn, Kel thought. Here we go again.
Damn, Alanna thought. Back onto the same topic.
Thom looked at Kel appraisingly. "How could he mistake her for a boy?"
Kel, knowing perfectly well where his eyes had strayed -- to her chest -- shifted in her seat.
Neal's grin widened. "Well let's just say she wasn't as well, er . . . developed."
Kel's cheeks began to burn and she crossed her arms over her chest self-consciously, glaring at Neal. When he smiled sweetly at her, she stomped on his foot -- hard. "Ouch -- Kel don't do that!" he cried, rubbing his foot to bring feeling back into it. Kel ignored him and took a sip of her water.
The rest of the meal passed without any major incidents, and Kel and Thom, at least, were relieved to get out of there. Once they'd entered the hall, the twins decided they wanted to try to go riding again, and left -- after winking at Thom and Kel, which started them blushing again. Alanna mentioned she had to speak to Maude, and George said he had to discuss something with her and Myles, so they walked off, talking all the way.
Neal suddenly decided he wanted to go back to his room, and he walked away -- though Kel pleadingly looked at him. Biting her lip, she surveyed the floor. Now what? She couldn't make up some excuse to get away -- it would be rude.
Thom nervously watched Neal go. Oh great, he thought. I don't want to be alone with her! Well, I do, but not yet! Not now! Taking deep breaths to calm himself, he squeaked, "Sorry about that, in there. They don't know when to leave well enough alone."
Kel nodded. "I understand -- I've got tons of nieces and nephews." They started walking, though neither knew where.
Kel had just begun to wonder if maybe the reason Thom had been so angry was because he didn't like her -- which hurt a lot more than she'd like to admit -- when Thom's hand brushed against hers. Reflexively she curled her fingers around his. He smiled -- just for her -- and asked, "Do you want to go somewhere?"
What he didn't say -- what Kel knew was making them both sweaty and jumpy -- was that if they went somewhere, it would be alone. Just the two of them. Kel considered the possibilities. "Let's go to the outer walls," she suggested, afraid that if she didn't suggest somewhere, he'd suggest his room or some equally nerve-wracking place.
"I thought you hated heights." Thom was looking at her curiously. I think I know her, and then here she comes with something new, he thought ruefully. I wonder if she's always like this.
"I do," she said. "But . . . I don't have to look over the edge. We can sit down." He nodded. "And talk," Kel added hastily, afraid he'd get the wrong idea. Or was it the right one? that incessantly mocking voice whispered.
Thom didn't reply, and Kel didn't say anything else. They walked in companionable silence, until they reached their destination. Then they padded onto the grayish stones and sat, leaning against the rail -- of a sort.
Kel noticed that Thom still clutched her hand, and, after mulling over it for a moment, decided she wanted it that way. It was nice. And . . . different. But a good different -- like girls being able to become knights. Only this gave her a different kind of excitement.
"Have you ever been to court?" Kel finally mustered the courage to ask, all the while thinking, I wouldn't mind it in the least if he came to the palace. Not in the least.
"Not for a while," he told her. "Ma wasn't too happy about -- " he stopped, not knowing that she was aware the king had ordered the Lioness away from her.
"The king ordering her not to talk to me?" Kel finished for him. At his astonished look, she leaned her head back. "Neal told me. She told his father -- Duke Baird." Her eyes met his, and she swallowed. There was one question she had to ask him. She had to know. "Does . . . " she faltered, then took a deep breath and continued. "Does she care? About me?" She stood up as soon as she'd said it, yanking her hand out of Thom's as if he'd burnt her. Placing her fingertips on the wall, she looked out over the land, taking care not to look down. Silently -- and nervously -- she waited for his response.
Jumping up a beat after her, he grabbed her arm and spun her around, grabbing hold of her elbows once she was facing him. "Not care?" he whispered. "Of course she cares -- she cares a lot." Relief filled her eyes, and it frightened Thom. "It really hurts, doesn't it?" he murmured, just now seeing what Jonathan had done to her when he'd forced his mother to leave her alone. Kel may have been perfectly capable of taking care of herself, but that didn't stop the heartache.
Kel's breath caught in her throat. Thom was awfully close. Her hands clutched all over Thom's forearms, until she took a deep breath, calming herself. Thom seemed frozen in place; unable to move. Finally Kel whispered, "Sometimes more than others."
He nodded slightly, not really sure what he was agreeing to, and hoping it wasn't anything too awful. Kel closed her eyes momentarily, fighting an internal battle with herself. Her mind and her reason said to step back, pull out of Thom's grasp, but her heart . . . her heart was screaming at her to go forward. Her eyes opened again. For once, she was going to tell reason to shut up and do what her heart said. Taking a step closer, until their bodies were pressed up against each other, she slid her arms around to his back. His arms wrapped around her, holding tightly. Then suddenly Kel leaned forward and she was kissing Thom and he was kissing her back.
Mithros and Goddess, Kel thought. No one ever told me kissing was such a big deal! she thought gleefully. I wouldn't have been so nervous if they had. Or was it Thom's embrace; the warmth of his mouth that was calming her nerves? Did it really matter?
Thom was swept up in a wave of wonder. Gods, he thought, I may not have anything to compare it to, but she's a great kisser! Then, amusedly, I guess she's not upset about breakfast anymore. He decided, then, that strange thoughts run through one's head when experiencing a first kiss and he didn't want to focus on anything but Kel, so he tuned them out.
They came up for air, and Thom's mouth slid back over hers, kissing her slowly, sweetly. Kel responded by speeding the tempo, until she had to breathe again. This time they stared deep into each other's eyes, wondering what an earth had possessed them and if it would please stay where it was.
Kel smoothed his hair back shakily. Being on a stone floor may not be such a good idea, she thought giddily, lest we fall down.
Thom pressed his forehead to Kel's, turning her around so that the doorway was in his field of vision: in case someone decided to come up here, he wanted to be ready. Kel's hands were still on his face. She twirled a few strands around a finger, then let it unravel so she could push it back again.
Words -- he needed words. What to say -- if Kel liked him, she wouldn't care if he sounded like a total nincompoop, would she? He sure hoped not because everything coming to mind would make him seem like a dunce, and he had to say something. She beat him to it again though. "I -- I enjoyed that. A lot," she whispered. Her eyes flickered to his hair, rather than look him in the eye, because she was well aware that she sounded like an idiot.
"Me too," Thom agreed softly. They were about to kiss again when Thom sprang back like a grasshopper on steroids. Alianne was standing in the doorway -- some job I did watching it, he thought grimly.
A/N: *dances around happily* Yays! Fiiiiiinaly. You would not believe how long it took for me to write that! Okay, I have to do a whole thank you here for all the people who listened to me complain. I had Kel and Thom literally 6 inches away from each other and I couldn't write the kiss (yes, I know, very bad place to get writer's block). They were in the position for 2 1/2 days (it can't have been comfortable *g*) and so to everyone who listened to me gripe...
THANK YOU!!!
Jenny, Tas, Freke, Jae, Mads, Reena, Stephi, Jess...did I forget anyone? If I did...sorry! Besides, it was also kinda a general thank you, soo...just thanks. Uhm..yeah.
P.S. Extra thanks to Jae for the breakfast scene idea. *grinz*
Please review....I'll love you forever!
~Dani