Author Note: All right. The final chapter is here! I just want to thank Kristin for all her support and great ideas. Without your encouragement, I would have quit writing this story (which I actually did consider many a time) back at chapter 5, 6, and even 7. This story is for you. ^_^
Truth be Told - Chapter 8 "No matter what may come..."
Joren sat in his room, writing yet another letter of apology to Kel. It was becoming a useless act; she never returned them, and for all he knew she could be throwing every one away before reading the contents. It had been about ten days since she blew up at him, and he had written about twenty letters. Every time he saw her in the halls, the library, or in the mess hall, she never even looked at him.
Joren folded the letter and proceeded to her room. He knew she was out riding Peachblossom right now. All the better, he wanted to slip the letter in without her seeing. Once that was done, he headed back to his room. Joren was spending a lot of time in there lately, wallowing in his own self-pity. He knew damn well what he needed to do to get Kel back. It was just a matter of him gathering the courage to face Vinson with the truth. Gods, what would Vinson do once he heard the truth? And after all the lies and stories Joren made up, would Vinson even believe him for a second?
With all this in mind, Joren returned to his quiet room, alone with his thoughts.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Kel sent Peachblossom into a slow gallop. As the wind blew her hair, she found the only relief from her thoughts. She was fully drawn into a trance that helped relax her, and it took her away, temporarily, from her thoughts abut Joren. Unfortunately the sound of Neal cantering up beside her woke her from that blissful trance.
"Hello." Neal flashed a smile directed at his best friend. He had noticed that she was down in spirits lately, and he could only think of one reason.
"Hi, Neal." Kel forced a smile as she was brought back to reality.
"You missed breakfast today. We were worried about you."
Kel shifted in her saddle. "I-uh-wasn't hungry."
"Kel," Neal began with that I'm-older-than-you tone he got sometimes, "You've been saying that for the past week. What's wrong?"
"Oh, Neal, you know what. As much as I can't stand to see Joren right now..." She trailed off.
"You want to?"
Kel nodded.
"He keeps writing you those letters, why don't you answer one of them?" He nudged her arm, "Show some courtesy."
As Neal finished that sentence, the pair had just reached the stables. As Kel put everything back in place, she spoke again. "Neal, he needs to be honest. I don't want to live in hiding all the time."
"I understand. But have you even bothered reading those letters?" Neal raised an eyebrow.
"Yes, until they got repetitive. 'I'm sorry. Please forgive me. I love you.' It's the same thing all the time."
"Well, guys aren't much of writers. Not the ones I know anyway."
As they walked into the squire's wing, Neal faced Kel. "Look, Lady Alanna has us leaving in about two days. I can't leave you in this state."
"Don't worry about me, Neal, worry for yourself." Kel joked.
"Oh, Gods, that's right! I forgot what a pain that woman could be."
Kel opened her door to find another letter sitting on the threshold. Neal stared down at it for as long as Kel did. "Why can't he give it to you in person?"
Kel picked it up. "I don't know."
Neal grabbed her hand as she began to rip it. "Don't do that. Maybe for once he has something reasonable to say to you."
Kel sighed and opened the letter, glaring at Neal the whole time. Neal just smiled. "Dearest Kel...yada, yada...I'm sorry...Can we meet tomo-." Kel stopped reading aloud.
"Meet? He wants to see you?" Neal tried to read over he shoulder, but she wouldn't allow it.
"Yeah, tomorrow at noon."
"That gives me time." Neal almost ran out of her room.
Kel stopped reading immediately. "Wait! What do you mean 'gives me time'? Time for what?"
Neal pocked his head in the door. "Nothing, don't worry. Just go see him tomorrow, okay?" He was gone before Kel could protest.
"Okay..."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
What made me think she'd read the letter, let alone go tomorrow? Joren thought. He'd seen her riding with Neal, and they seemed perfectly happy. Had she already moved on? Joren sighed and placed his head in his hands. Suddenly there was a swift knock at the door.
"Hold on...I'm coming." Joren opened the door to a stone faced Neal. "What the hell do you want?"
Neal pushed his way in his room, turned, and landed a perfect punch on Joren's left eye. "I told Kel a long time ago that if you ever hurt her, you'd never live another day."
Joren regained himself and put a hand up. "Wait. You just can't come in here and punch me. Start again."
"You hurt Kel, its my obligation to make you pay."
"So I can't live, now, it that it?"
Neal paced, "That was the decision. But then I saw how alone Kel is without you, and how different she is. I don't like it when she's in low spirits. She loves you, I don't know why, but she does. Now if I killed you...that wouldn't do, because she'd hate me and be in low spirits forever. So, I propose a deal."
Joren touched his eye. A black eye would no doubt be the result. "Go on."
"You will tell Vinson. Today. Right now. I have arranged a nice way to get you two together." Neal grabbed Joren's arm. "You have no choice. I know you love her, or you wouldn't write those letters every other hour. Now, I also have it in good belief that you know exactly what you need to do to get her back... all you need is the push."
They made their way through the halls of the squire's wing. As much as Joren wanted to know the plan, Neal wouldn't speak. Then the pair came to an abrupt halt in front of... Vinson's room.
"What is this?" Joren asked as Owen joined them.
"Vinson's in there right now."
"I have the key, Neal." Owen chimed.
"Good, boy. Joren, here's your push." Neal opened the door, shoved Joren in, and locked the door again.
"And don't come out until everything is said and done!"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Joren stumbled into Vinson's room, totally caught off guard.
"And don't come out until everything is said and done!" Damn that Neal. But then, maybe he was right. Joren did know what he needed to do, he just didn't have the courage. Well, he thought as Vinson faced him, here's his chance. Kel loved him, it was time he showed her he loved her back.
"Uh, Joren?" Vinson had a look of concern on his face. He walked toward Joren.
"Wait, Vinson. I have something to tell you." Joren promptly began to tell the whole story, from the beginning. He was saying it so fast, but Vinson slowly got the idea.
"So all this time... you've been lying to me?"
"Yeah."
"Wow, I didn't expect this. Not from you, you're my best friend."
"You seem to be taking this a bit better than I had imagined." Joren almost smiled, and would have, if Vinson hadn't picked up a vase.
"Am I? My one best friend in the world betrays everything he believes in... for a female. Am I supposed to take that easily?!" Vinson sent the vase flying, and luckily Joren ducked at the right time. The vase smashed into the door.
"Vinson, clam down. Look, I love her. I don't care what you think, I'm going to keep loving her for as long as I live."
"Oh, how sweet! You traitor! I can't stand to breathe the same air as you... you progressive!" He threw another potted plant at Joren, and this one just missed Joren's head.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Owen and Neal had been listening to the whole thing. The wanted to make sure Joren told the truth. As they listened, they could tell Joren really loved Kel. Owen was smiling when a crash startled them both.
"That would mean Vinson found out the truth." Neal pointed out.
"Yep." Owen agreed.
They continued to listen until the second, louder crash came. "I think we better move in, you?"
"Yeah, unless we want Joren in pieces when Kel sees him."
Neal and Owen opened the door only to allow another vase to fly out. Owen dodged it.
"Joren, are these your new friends? Well, I can take care of you all!"
Owen's eyes widened. "He's gone mad!" Neal nodded in agreement. Neal grabbed a large book on Vinson's desk and weighted it quickly. With a nod from both Owen and Joren, Neal slammed the book down on Vinson's head, knocking him unconscious.
"That took care of him for a while." Neal said, outwardly pleased with himself.
"Damn, I thought he was going to kill me." Joren sighed.
"He would have." Owen corrected.
"I was hoping you could tell Kel tomorrow, but we don't have much time until he wakes up." Neal looked at Joren. "Come along then, you have yet another big task."
"Great."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Kel sat in her room gazing at the pile of letters on her desk. There were sixteen in all. Six read, ten not even opened. She sighed. I should just move on, she thought, he's never going to give up his reputation. And yet, she couldn't move on. And thus was the battle inside her heart, a battle no one side would win.
There was a knock at her door, and when Kel didn't answer, someone else did. "Kel? Can I come in?" The voice was oh-so familiar. Joren, who else could it be?
"Why should I let you in?" Kel yelled back at the voice.
"Kel, hear the guy out, would you?" She knew that voice, too. Neal. "He's been through a lot today."
Kel got up and opened the door, turning her back on her guests quite rudely. "What did you need?"
Joren ran around her and forced her to look at him. "Kel, please, listen to me."
Kel noticed his black eye, and she didn't think before putting her fingers gently on his bruise. "What happened?" She asked in a voice that was just barely a whisper.
"It's a long story." Joren said, taking her hand in his and moving her to the chair. She sat down, and he knelt down next to her. "Neal kind of... punched me."
"Neal!" Kel protested as Neal shrugged.
"No, it's all right. He brought me back to my senses. He made me realize what I knew long ago. You are the most important thing to me, Kel. I love you so much that I was in agony these past ten days because I hurt you." Joren raised a hand to Kel's cheek. "I will never do that again, as long as I live."
Kel tried to speak, but instead she reached out for Joren and embraced him, all her feelings fully shown. "Joren," She began as they parted, "Does Vinson know?"
Joren and Neal let out a little chuckle. "That's the other part of the story." Joren proceeded to tell that part, with Neal and Owen adding in their point of view.
"Wow. That is some day you've had." Kel said as the story ended.
"To say the least." Joren finished. "But it was all worth it. I needed you back, Kel. More than you can imagine." Joren took Kel's hands and stood, then he kissed her.
Neal and Owen had been watching, holding their breath lest they ruin the mood in the room. Owen wanted to stay, but Neal forced the boy out, closing the door behind them.
Kel and Joren stood in a tight embrace for what seemed like a long time. Kel rested her head on his shoulder and sighed contentedly. Joren lifted her chin and kissed her once again. When they finally parted, Kel wrapped her arms around Joren's neck. "So," she began nervously, "What's going to happen when Vinson wakes up?"
Joren looked in her eyes and shrugged lightly. "I don't know, exactly."
"He'll go to Wyldon. I know it." Kel looked down.
Joren raised her chin again, but not to kiss her. "Look, he may, or may not. But know this: I love you dearly, and always will. We can face this together, no matter what may come."
Truth be Told - Chapter 8 "No matter what may come..."
Joren sat in his room, writing yet another letter of apology to Kel. It was becoming a useless act; she never returned them, and for all he knew she could be throwing every one away before reading the contents. It had been about ten days since she blew up at him, and he had written about twenty letters. Every time he saw her in the halls, the library, or in the mess hall, she never even looked at him.
Joren folded the letter and proceeded to her room. He knew she was out riding Peachblossom right now. All the better, he wanted to slip the letter in without her seeing. Once that was done, he headed back to his room. Joren was spending a lot of time in there lately, wallowing in his own self-pity. He knew damn well what he needed to do to get Kel back. It was just a matter of him gathering the courage to face Vinson with the truth. Gods, what would Vinson do once he heard the truth? And after all the lies and stories Joren made up, would Vinson even believe him for a second?
With all this in mind, Joren returned to his quiet room, alone with his thoughts.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Kel sent Peachblossom into a slow gallop. As the wind blew her hair, she found the only relief from her thoughts. She was fully drawn into a trance that helped relax her, and it took her away, temporarily, from her thoughts abut Joren. Unfortunately the sound of Neal cantering up beside her woke her from that blissful trance.
"Hello." Neal flashed a smile directed at his best friend. He had noticed that she was down in spirits lately, and he could only think of one reason.
"Hi, Neal." Kel forced a smile as she was brought back to reality.
"You missed breakfast today. We were worried about you."
Kel shifted in her saddle. "I-uh-wasn't hungry."
"Kel," Neal began with that I'm-older-than-you tone he got sometimes, "You've been saying that for the past week. What's wrong?"
"Oh, Neal, you know what. As much as I can't stand to see Joren right now..." She trailed off.
"You want to?"
Kel nodded.
"He keeps writing you those letters, why don't you answer one of them?" He nudged her arm, "Show some courtesy."
As Neal finished that sentence, the pair had just reached the stables. As Kel put everything back in place, she spoke again. "Neal, he needs to be honest. I don't want to live in hiding all the time."
"I understand. But have you even bothered reading those letters?" Neal raised an eyebrow.
"Yes, until they got repetitive. 'I'm sorry. Please forgive me. I love you.' It's the same thing all the time."
"Well, guys aren't much of writers. Not the ones I know anyway."
As they walked into the squire's wing, Neal faced Kel. "Look, Lady Alanna has us leaving in about two days. I can't leave you in this state."
"Don't worry about me, Neal, worry for yourself." Kel joked.
"Oh, Gods, that's right! I forgot what a pain that woman could be."
Kel opened her door to find another letter sitting on the threshold. Neal stared down at it for as long as Kel did. "Why can't he give it to you in person?"
Kel picked it up. "I don't know."
Neal grabbed her hand as she began to rip it. "Don't do that. Maybe for once he has something reasonable to say to you."
Kel sighed and opened the letter, glaring at Neal the whole time. Neal just smiled. "Dearest Kel...yada, yada...I'm sorry...Can we meet tomo-." Kel stopped reading aloud.
"Meet? He wants to see you?" Neal tried to read over he shoulder, but she wouldn't allow it.
"Yeah, tomorrow at noon."
"That gives me time." Neal almost ran out of her room.
Kel stopped reading immediately. "Wait! What do you mean 'gives me time'? Time for what?"
Neal pocked his head in the door. "Nothing, don't worry. Just go see him tomorrow, okay?" He was gone before Kel could protest.
"Okay..."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
What made me think she'd read the letter, let alone go tomorrow? Joren thought. He'd seen her riding with Neal, and they seemed perfectly happy. Had she already moved on? Joren sighed and placed his head in his hands. Suddenly there was a swift knock at the door.
"Hold on...I'm coming." Joren opened the door to a stone faced Neal. "What the hell do you want?"
Neal pushed his way in his room, turned, and landed a perfect punch on Joren's left eye. "I told Kel a long time ago that if you ever hurt her, you'd never live another day."
Joren regained himself and put a hand up. "Wait. You just can't come in here and punch me. Start again."
"You hurt Kel, its my obligation to make you pay."
"So I can't live, now, it that it?"
Neal paced, "That was the decision. But then I saw how alone Kel is without you, and how different she is. I don't like it when she's in low spirits. She loves you, I don't know why, but she does. Now if I killed you...that wouldn't do, because she'd hate me and be in low spirits forever. So, I propose a deal."
Joren touched his eye. A black eye would no doubt be the result. "Go on."
"You will tell Vinson. Today. Right now. I have arranged a nice way to get you two together." Neal grabbed Joren's arm. "You have no choice. I know you love her, or you wouldn't write those letters every other hour. Now, I also have it in good belief that you know exactly what you need to do to get her back... all you need is the push."
They made their way through the halls of the squire's wing. As much as Joren wanted to know the plan, Neal wouldn't speak. Then the pair came to an abrupt halt in front of... Vinson's room.
"What is this?" Joren asked as Owen joined them.
"Vinson's in there right now."
"I have the key, Neal." Owen chimed.
"Good, boy. Joren, here's your push." Neal opened the door, shoved Joren in, and locked the door again.
"And don't come out until everything is said and done!"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Joren stumbled into Vinson's room, totally caught off guard.
"And don't come out until everything is said and done!" Damn that Neal. But then, maybe he was right. Joren did know what he needed to do, he just didn't have the courage. Well, he thought as Vinson faced him, here's his chance. Kel loved him, it was time he showed her he loved her back.
"Uh, Joren?" Vinson had a look of concern on his face. He walked toward Joren.
"Wait, Vinson. I have something to tell you." Joren promptly began to tell the whole story, from the beginning. He was saying it so fast, but Vinson slowly got the idea.
"So all this time... you've been lying to me?"
"Yeah."
"Wow, I didn't expect this. Not from you, you're my best friend."
"You seem to be taking this a bit better than I had imagined." Joren almost smiled, and would have, if Vinson hadn't picked up a vase.
"Am I? My one best friend in the world betrays everything he believes in... for a female. Am I supposed to take that easily?!" Vinson sent the vase flying, and luckily Joren ducked at the right time. The vase smashed into the door.
"Vinson, clam down. Look, I love her. I don't care what you think, I'm going to keep loving her for as long as I live."
"Oh, how sweet! You traitor! I can't stand to breathe the same air as you... you progressive!" He threw another potted plant at Joren, and this one just missed Joren's head.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Owen and Neal had been listening to the whole thing. The wanted to make sure Joren told the truth. As they listened, they could tell Joren really loved Kel. Owen was smiling when a crash startled them both.
"That would mean Vinson found out the truth." Neal pointed out.
"Yep." Owen agreed.
They continued to listen until the second, louder crash came. "I think we better move in, you?"
"Yeah, unless we want Joren in pieces when Kel sees him."
Neal and Owen opened the door only to allow another vase to fly out. Owen dodged it.
"Joren, are these your new friends? Well, I can take care of you all!"
Owen's eyes widened. "He's gone mad!" Neal nodded in agreement. Neal grabbed a large book on Vinson's desk and weighted it quickly. With a nod from both Owen and Joren, Neal slammed the book down on Vinson's head, knocking him unconscious.
"That took care of him for a while." Neal said, outwardly pleased with himself.
"Damn, I thought he was going to kill me." Joren sighed.
"He would have." Owen corrected.
"I was hoping you could tell Kel tomorrow, but we don't have much time until he wakes up." Neal looked at Joren. "Come along then, you have yet another big task."
"Great."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Kel sat in her room gazing at the pile of letters on her desk. There were sixteen in all. Six read, ten not even opened. She sighed. I should just move on, she thought, he's never going to give up his reputation. And yet, she couldn't move on. And thus was the battle inside her heart, a battle no one side would win.
There was a knock at her door, and when Kel didn't answer, someone else did. "Kel? Can I come in?" The voice was oh-so familiar. Joren, who else could it be?
"Why should I let you in?" Kel yelled back at the voice.
"Kel, hear the guy out, would you?" She knew that voice, too. Neal. "He's been through a lot today."
Kel got up and opened the door, turning her back on her guests quite rudely. "What did you need?"
Joren ran around her and forced her to look at him. "Kel, please, listen to me."
Kel noticed his black eye, and she didn't think before putting her fingers gently on his bruise. "What happened?" She asked in a voice that was just barely a whisper.
"It's a long story." Joren said, taking her hand in his and moving her to the chair. She sat down, and he knelt down next to her. "Neal kind of... punched me."
"Neal!" Kel protested as Neal shrugged.
"No, it's all right. He brought me back to my senses. He made me realize what I knew long ago. You are the most important thing to me, Kel. I love you so much that I was in agony these past ten days because I hurt you." Joren raised a hand to Kel's cheek. "I will never do that again, as long as I live."
Kel tried to speak, but instead she reached out for Joren and embraced him, all her feelings fully shown. "Joren," She began as they parted, "Does Vinson know?"
Joren and Neal let out a little chuckle. "That's the other part of the story." Joren proceeded to tell that part, with Neal and Owen adding in their point of view.
"Wow. That is some day you've had." Kel said as the story ended.
"To say the least." Joren finished. "But it was all worth it. I needed you back, Kel. More than you can imagine." Joren took Kel's hands and stood, then he kissed her.
Neal and Owen had been watching, holding their breath lest they ruin the mood in the room. Owen wanted to stay, but Neal forced the boy out, closing the door behind them.
Kel and Joren stood in a tight embrace for what seemed like a long time. Kel rested her head on his shoulder and sighed contentedly. Joren lifted her chin and kissed her once again. When they finally parted, Kel wrapped her arms around Joren's neck. "So," she began nervously, "What's going to happen when Vinson wakes up?"
Joren looked in her eyes and shrugged lightly. "I don't know, exactly."
"He'll go to Wyldon. I know it." Kel looked down.
Joren raised her chin again, but not to kiss her. "Look, he may, or may not. But know this: I love you dearly, and always will. We can face this together, no matter what may come."