KEL AND JOREN: MEET THE PARENTS
Author: Minerva (The Blind Assassin)
E-mail: Styx3852@aol.com
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: I don't own anything. Seriously. All the characters you recognize belong to Ms. Pierce and her publishers (lucky bastards).
Author's Note: Hello everyone. Glad that you all took the time to leave me such lovely reviews. This will get more angsty and romantic as I proceed, but for right now, it's still pretty boring and humor based. In other words, I'm torturing Joren and it is OH SO MUCH fun.
As shadowcat pointed out in a review, I have a problem with following through on my stories. Hopefully this one will be short and I'll finish it quickly, so I can focus on other things. Right now, what I've written of "Mission: Seduction" has turned into hardcore porn, and I probably won't be posting it until I can get Kel and Joren back into character. I haven't even begun a new chapter of Unlikely Hero (though it is my favorite story so far), and I've started a modern day fic that is a mystery and comedy, featuring Kel in first person and Joren as her hired bodyguard of sorts. SO yeah, I really don't know what to tell you all to expect.
Anyway, enough babble. Here's the next installment…
Part II: The Wrong Window
By the time Joren found his way to the dining hall, everyone had already arrived and was seated for dinner. He walked quietly into the room, grinning stiffly at the Mindelan family.
"Oh, hello, Joren." Kel's mother said kindly to him, rising from her seat to show him to one at the left of Kel. "Everyone, as you know, this is Joren of Stone Mountain."
And thus, the introductions began.
"That's Keladry's brother Anders and his wife Tilaine over there. They've got two children, Lachran and Julia. And here's Conal and his wife Elise with their Matthew. There's Inness, who you know, and here's my daughter Adalie and her husband Gregory. And lastly, Oranie and her husband Hernan. They have a daughter, Emily." All these people regarded him with formal smiles and he returned one of his own as he nodded to ackowledge each of them. "I know it's a lot to remember, but we're quite a big family now that Anders, Conal and Oranie all have children." Kel's mother seemed proud and welcoming, but her father simply glared in his direction and said nothing.
"It is a pleasure to meet you all." Joren said, noting that Kel had not so much glanced in his direction the entire time he was in the room. He fled to the seat next to her as the conversation resumed again and he was somewhat forgotten. Joren watched with curiosity as the family around him ate and talked together—it was loud and intimate, unlike anything he had experienced before. Laughter drowned out the sound of forks and knives meeting on dinner plates, and though the dinner was served course by course just as it was in all noble homes, it was nothing like the excrutiatingly silent meals he had endured at Stone Mountain every holiday season.
He was overwhelmed, to say the least, and felt just a tad out of place. He also occassionally caught the looks of the rest of the family, glancing at him with that sort of unsure look that told him they realized he was there but weren't sure what to say to him. And it wasn't as if Kel was making the situation any better. She hadn't even attempted to draw him into the conversation in the least (though she did place her hand on his knee underneath the table when the dessert was brought in, as if she had only just then remembered his presence), and her attention was completely focused on her family.
He supposed it was only natural, since she hadn't seen them in such a long time, but it was still a relief to him when the dessert plates were removed and Kel's father rose to leave the table. The rest of the family followed his example and exited the dining room all at once. Kel made the mistake of yawning, which had her mother in a fit about how Kel and Joren needed to head to bed early and get their rest.
Kel, who was enthusiastic but exhausted, finally agreed to head to her own rooms. "I'll walk Joren to his—I think he's a bit overwhelmed." She told her mother quietly, glancing over at the tall blonde who looked anxious in Kel's opinion and arrogantly uninterested in the minds of everyone else.
"Good idea." Ilane said quietly. "He's quite a reserved fellow, isn't he?"
"He keeps to himself." Kel replied, "Doesn't like to chatter away with strangers, at least."
"Understandably. A wise fellow, I think." She said, forcing a smile for her daughter who knew its false nature but appreciated its kind purpose regardless. "Well good night, dear girl." She squeezed Kel's hand and then released it. "Its good to have you home at last."
"It's good to be home." Kel responded before turning to get Joren and leave.
It wasn't until they were alone in the corridor towards the guest rooms that actually Joren spoke. "Well that was a pleasant evening." He couldn't help but say in a highly sarcastic voice. "Between getting stared down by your father and being excluded from the conversation, I can tell that your family and I will get along really well."
Kel rolled her eyes. "Well for one, you were probably imagining that from my father. And as for not speaking all of dinner, well, it hardly seems like that's anyone's fault but your own."
"You know I can't have friendly conversations." Joren protested.
"Which is why you shouldn't complain about being left out of them."
"I'm not complaining."
"Well it sure sounded like you were."
"The way I see it, I'd rather not be part of conversations about some stupid little girl finally saying her first words or how adorable little Matthew is when he's puking up his breakfast." Joren replied under his breath. "Really, Kel, I'm not complaining."
"You're such an ass, Joren." Kel said.
"I try." He said just as they had reached his door. "But only because you like it so much." He teased in a low voice.
"Oh, yes, Joren, you're right. I just love it when you insult my family." Kel replied sarcastically.
"Ah, that biting sarcasm has finally arrived. I swear, Mindelan, you become more and more like me everyday." He said, putting on an air of self-importance cockiness.
"Are you mocking me?" Kel asked indignantly. Joren laughed and crossed his arms over his chest, looking at her.
"Well, that all depends on whether or not you're planning on following me into this room here..." he said suggestively as he unlocked the door.
"Come on, Joren, my brothers are right next door." She began, "Not to mention my parents—"
"Then yes, I am mocking you." He said, cutting her excuses short by kissing her swiftly. "Good night, Keladry."
"Sleep well." She said, sighing and shaking her head as he closed the door behind him.
It had been nearly two years since he had come into her then empty life in such a new and demanding way. It was almost ludicrous to think that she, Keladry of Mindelan, and he, the man who had represented everything she had fought against most of her life, had been together—and relatively happy with each other—for such a long time.
But then again, miracles have been known to happen.
* * *
The next day was full of all the typical midwinter activities. Joren reluctantly put on his smile and helped Kel and her mother bring a Midwinter tree into the Manor for decoration. And while Kel was busy stringing puffed corn on thread with her nieces and nephews, Joren was sucked into political conversation by Kel's brothers.
Joren was forced to put his loyalties to the Conservatives away for the afternoon as Kel's father, Anders, and Inness continually argued for their Progressive points of view. He liked to think of his concession to Piers of Mindelan's view point as a favor for Keladry, but in truth, he was afraid that he would be beaten to a pulp and thrown off the Mindelan property if he expressed his true opinions on King Jonathan and the Progressive Movement.
Joren silently thanked Mithros when Ilane announced that dinner was to be served. "Now I see where you get all your Progressive bull shit." He whispered to Kel as they went towards the dining hall.
Kel rolled her eyes. "It's not bull shit, Joren." She said firmly. "I hope you didn't start bashing King Jonathan in front of my father. I don't want him to know what a conforming bigot you are."
"Oh, gods no." He said. "If they knew how much I disliked Jonathan, I wouldn't still be standing here. I gave up my staunch conservatism in favor of your unrealistic, quixotic ways for the afternoon, don't you worry."
Kel smiled at him, relived. "Thank you."
"Don't think I did any of this for free, though. You owe me."
"Behave yourself through dinner, and I'll make sure you get paid in full." Kel whispered to him. "My parents will be asleep by eleven o'clock, so come to my window after that. It's three rooms over from yours, and I'll leave a candle burning."
Joren grinned to himself. Well, if that isn't promising, I don't know what is.
* * *
Joren leaned out of his window at eleven o'clock sharp. The earth was only a few feet below the windows, and was soft enough to absorb the sound of his feet. It was so cold that his breaths turned into thick white clouds as soon as they left his mouth, but he was so impatient to see Kel that it didn't bother him.
It had been at least two weeks since he had last invaded her bed back at the palace, so his impatience was only to be expected. And he had to admit that the sneaking around and meeting while her parents were just around the corner was also oddly enticing.
He leaned up against the wall and inched towards the third window from his. He didn't see any candles on, but noticed that something was burning brightly in the window next to it. Joren was sure that she had said 3 windows, but it was possible that she had forgotten or miscalculated. Plus, she said she would leave a candle burning, and the third window was as dark as the sky above him.
He moved to the fourth window, but the windows were fogged up completely by the heat from within. Taking a deep breath, he opened the window and slid inside.
Ilane of Mindelan shrieked so loudly that he was sure the window behind him would shatter. When he realized that it had not, and that Keladry's father was staring at him as if he wanted to murder him, Joren turned white.
Piers grabbed him by the collar before Joren could even find his voice. "I hope you have a good explanation as to why you are poking your insolent little head through my window at this time of night." He said.
"I—I am so sorry—" Joren began. Kel's father released his collar and turned to look at his daughter, who stood right behind him in a thick green robe.
Kel was bright red and gave Joren a look that could have made water boil. "Hello, Keladry. I thought this was your room, you see, and wanted to uh—" Joren racked his brains for an excuse. "Well, I had forgotten to say good night to you before going to bed." He finished lamely.
Kel forced a smile. "Well that was sweet of you." She said, obviously unnerved by the whole situation. "Now, I guess we should all be going back to our own beds now and get some sleep."
"That would seem like a good idea." Her father growled. Joren simply gulped in the face of such a deathly glare—he knew it well from a similar glare that Kel often gave him. "Let me walk you two back to your rooms."
Joren's heart sank. It didn't look as if he would even be able to touch Kel until they were back in Corus, away from the watchful eyes of her very protective father.
* * *
Kel's father had walked Joren to his room and Kel back to hers before he went back to his own rooms. Kel was mortified by the fact that Joren had accidentally went to her parents room instead of her own, and felt awful that she couldn't thank Joren for humoring her family. She sighed and opened her door.
On her bed sat Lady Clio of Golspring, demi-goddess and friend.
"Well, hello there, Kel." Clio said, smoothing the front of her white robes with the palms of her hands. "Sorry to drop in so late, but Golspring insisted that I come tonight. I've been putting it off for over a week now—"
Kel suddenly had a sinking feeling in her stomach. She hadn't seen the demi-goddess since they had defeated the malicious god Dravid together almost a year ago. "Is there something wrong? Did something happen with Maeve?"
"No no, nothing like that. " Clio said, laughing airily. "I bear no bad news, thankfully. I just came to bless the child before the month was through. It's best when done early, you know."
"The child?" Kel asked, drawing her eyebrows together in confusion. "What child?"
Clio's eyes widened and she brought an elegant hand to her mouth. "Oh my, you don't know, do you?"
"Don't know what?" Kel asked. "Are you pregnant or something?"
Clio laughed. "I'm not pregnant, silly girl." She shook her head. "You are."
Kel stared at the demi-goddess in horror for a moment before the room started spinning and she dropped into a dead faint.
* * *
When Kel came to, she was lying in her own bed. Clio stood above her, squinting down at her with concern. "Are you awake?"
Kel sat up groggily. "Unfortunately. Please tell me I was dreaming, and you didn't just say that I am pregnant." Kel asked hopefully.
Clio pursed her lips and shook her head. "Sorry." Clio told her. "I'm afraid that's exactly what I said."
Kel closed her eyes and tried to breathe. Pregnant? How could it have happened? She had been wearing her pregnancy charm faithfully! How was she going to raise a child? She wasn't ready to have a baby, and Joren…
"Joren's going to be so angry when he finds out." Kel said miserably. "He'll probably move to Tyra or something!"
Clio clicked her tongue. "That boy had better not budge from your side, or I'll see to it that he can't budge at all! From his coffin, that is." She said angrily. "And I thought you two were going to get married soon."
"Married?" Kel snorted, as if it were some sort of poison. "He's not exactly the committing type, Clio. At least, not yet."
"Well, he's been with you for the last year, hasn't he?" She said, frowning. "Doesn't that count as a commitment?"
"Not hardly." Kel groaned. "I can't be pregnant, Clio! We're not married, and we're not exactly ready to be parents. And I've been wearing this damn pregnancy charm every single time!" Kel pinched her eyes shut and rubbed the bridge of her nose. "I'm not having this baby."
"You're not thinking of trying to get rid of it, are you?" Clio asked with a frown. Kel didn't open her eyes.
"I don't know what I'm thinking." Kel muttered, resting her elbows on her knees and covering her face with her hands.
Clio patted her head gently. "I'll wait to bless the babe, then." She said solemnly. "Go, talk to your Ice boy and sort out your thoughts. I'll return in a few days." She kissed Kel gently on the head and disappeared into thin air.
Kel sighed deeply. She would have preferred to never have to tell Joren what Clio had said, but knew that the longer she put it off, the worse things would be. She wasn't sure how Joren would react, but feared that he would want nothing more to do with her.
He wouldn't leave me, would he? She asked herself. The sooner I tell him, the sooner I'll know the answer to that question.
She just wasn't sure if she wanted to know.
* * *
There was a light knock on Joren's door about an hour after he had been escorted to his rooms by the Lord of the house. He hadn't been able to sleep, so the torch by the door was still burning brightly. He opened the door, half expecting the entire entourage of Mindelan men on the other side, waiting to murder him.
"Kel, I can explain about the window thing—" Joren began when he realized that it was her.
She held up a hand and stopped him. "Don't bother, Joren." Kel said with a sigh. Joren noticed that she looked pale and upset, and frowned. "My parents would have found out that we were sleeping together eventually anyway."
"I know, but it wouldn't have been so blatant like that." He said. Normally, he wouldn't have admitted fault or apologized, but she looked so upset that he didn't think his cocky attitude would be welcome.
"Oh, trust me, it would have." Kel said, grimacing. "Look, Joren, I don't know how else to tell you think, but--" She took a deep breath. "Clio was sitting on my bed when I got into my rooms." He raised a curious eyebrow, but Kel didn't see it, because she was staring at his feet. "She said she had come to bless the baby. My baby. Our baby."
"Oh gods." Joren murmured, obviously shocked. "Are you saying that—that you're pregnant?"
"That's what Clio told me." Kel said, fighting off tears.
"Great Mother Goddess." He breathed. "But you always wore the pregnancy charm!" Joren said, gritting his teeth. "It's not possible." He grabbed her shoulders and made her look at him. "Are you sure you're having a baby?"
"Do you think I'd lie to you about something like this?" Kel spat in a harsh whisper, tears brimming over the lower rims of her eyes. She wiped them away with a quick sweep of her arm across her face. "Why the hell would I make this up?"
"I don't know!" Joren spat back. "I've just never heard of pregnancy charms not doing their job! I can't be a father." He looked at her, lips pressed in a tight line. She looked desperate but angry, teary eyes avoiding contact with is. She definitely would not want to get rid of the baby, and he certainly didn't want her to have to. But they weren't married, and her reputation would be ruined when the news came out. Not only that, but they had never once spoken of marriage or any other type of serious commitment. A baby was a commitment, for sure, and it was not one that he wanted.
"I guess I had better get back to my rooms, in case my father decides to check on either of us." Kel said finally. She was trying not to show how upset she was. She was trying to be strong about it. "I just wanted to let you know that you're going to be a father and—"
"Can we talk about this tomorrow?" Joren asked her. Kel took a deep breath and looked up at him, disturbed by how his face and voice were completely void of emotion. She hated it when he closed her off like that.
"All right." Kel sighed. She left without saying good night.
Joren watched the door close behind her with a feeling of uneasiness. He sighed deeply and sat down on his bed, frowning.He knew he shouldn't have let her go without a kiss, let alone a simple 'good night'. The gods knew he wasn't angry with her, but was just shocked by the entire situation. Oh, she'd manage without a good night, but he knew that treating her so coldly would upset her deeply.
She would get over it, of course. She always did, even if she was hurt by it. He always managed to make her feel loved in the long run, even after he did hurt her.
And then there was the news that he was going to be a father. Joren shook his head in utter disbelief. He could hardly account for his own well being, and having such an intimate involvment with Keladry was more than enough for him to handle as it was. He was just getting accustomed to having to put the happiness of another human being above his own, and he wasn't even good at that.
If it were any other girl but Kel, he would have probably moved as far away from the child as he possibly could. But this was Kel—the only girl who he had ever truly loved. He couldn't leave her like she was some sort of casual fling. Truthfully, he couldn't picture his life without Kel any more, and the thought made him nervous.
It made him wonder, too, what he was thinking of doing with Kel up until this point. It wasn't as if they were just casually having sex. It was more serious then that. He knew that he wanted to be with her for the rest of his life, of course, but marriage? It frightened him to be attached to anyone so formally, but a child would change everything…
Maybe marriage wouldn't be such a bad idea. After all, he loved her, and wanted to be with her, didn't he? So what was the big deal? So he would swear his undying fidelity to her in front of the entire court? So what? He could do that, couldn't he?
Joren sighed deeply and slid into his bed. Things were so much easier when I was an asshole.
* * *
Author's note- Remember to review and tell me what you think. I've been chewing my knuckles with worry over this story because I am so afraid that Joren is getting to soft and that I'm making a mistake with this whole pregnancy thing. Gah. Special thanks to my lovely beta, Farah/ThePenMage, for putting up with me.