A/N Thanks for the reviews, all. They make me happy and inspired, so keep em coming! OK, so the point I need to clear up is that this is not, apparently, a SLASH fic.. I always thought slash implied romantic pairing of any sort, but I changed the summary anyway. I hope it makes you happy. I COULD do Slash in the male/male or female/female sense, if y'all want me to...but anyway, just thought I'd clear that up.

Oh, and in case you were wondering, I do not own any of these characters.
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The next morning Kel awoke with a headache and a sore neck. Grumbling she dressed and picked up her glaive when there was a knock on her door. She shuffled over to open it.

Alanna! Where in the Dark God's realm have you been? Kel demanded, but she was glad to see her mentor and friend.

Oh, I thought I'd stay away until you were calm enough to kill me upon seeing me. Noting Kel's blank look she added, Because of the King's Own? I was the one with the idea.

No need to talk as if I was soft in the head, Lady. It's early.

Neal always said you were a morning person.

I'll bet he did, Kel muttered darkly, and then giggled. Remembering her manners she invited the older knight in. Alanna sat on the nearest chair and looked up at Kel.

So how are they? The preparations? Raoul said he was going to start on them last night and seeing as you two disappeared right after dinner, I guessed that you were being educated. Alanna was smiling but she was worried about Kel. The girl was young and tough. But she'd been through so much recently.

Words fail me about how educated I'm getting Kel drawled, mocking Neal. Alanna chuckled.

That was pretty good. Speaking of which, I haven't seen that holy terror recently. How is he?

Kel blushed. Er, he's fine.
Oh really said the older woman, raising one eyebrow. If the gossip is true, he's no longer engaged to Yuki. Apparently they fought?
Kel cursed herself as she blushed again.
Yes. They fought.

All right, all right. How much has Raoul told you? Kel growled.
Alanna feigned confusion. Raoul? Told me what?
Don't play innocent. Well, she continued, seeing Alanna wasn't going to back out of her little game until she had milked it for all it was worth,
I'll tell you then. Neal confessed his undying love for me after which we kissed passionately and carried on in the gardens until Raoul walked in on us. A pity, that was. I almost had his tunic off.
Kel quickly suppressed her laughter as Alanna went red. Cowed, she muttered
Kel burst out laughing.
The first part was true, but I added the last bit as punishment, you old gossip. She sighed. It would have been nice.
Alanna threw something at her.
***
Kel was in the practice courts when she saw Lord Raoul. She rode over to him and dismounted.
Kel, we need to go over some things before supper. I have an appointment afterwards. His face coloured. Suddenly, light dawned.
Buri's coming home tonight. You mean to tumble her instead of giving me lessons. I see how it is. Kel pretended to be hurt.
You're as bad as the soldiers. Dirty-minded scoundrel!
It's my pleasure.
Giggling, she took Peachblossom to the stable, groomed, fed and watered him before running up to Raoul's rooms. Raoul stood before a table piled high with charts, maps, scrolls and lists. Kel groaned.
Now, Kel. Here's your homework He gestured to the pile. Be a good girl and do it all and maybe you'll get a special treat!
My lord. You are a very bad man.
Raoul grinned cheekily.
I know. Now, this is a list of the mages in the Own...
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A/N Sorry it's short. Review, please! Special Neal-on-a-stick to those who do....Or Owen. Or Dom. Raoul is a personal favourite of mine.
*winks and scurries away giggling manically*