A/N: Sorry I haven't updated in forever, but I had a little problem. I
wrote the third chapter only to realise I'd written the fifth chapter. So I
had to start again. But this chappie is long. For me anyway. It's longer
than I originally intended. I'm also supposed to be updating my other story
soon. I'm working on it! Thanks to reviewers are at the bottom.
Disclaimer: I - Don't - Own - Tortall - Or - It's - People!
The problem with camping, Kel mused silently to herself, a heavy wooden bucket held tightly in each hand, Is that you have to fetch your own water. Her encounter with Joren two days ago was still on her mind, but the more she immersed herself in her duties, the less she thought about it. That was why she was now headed towards the well, where the people residing in tents got their water from, at lunchtime, when normal men and woman were eating, as Kel should have been. Kel knew that just a moments rest would have her imagining Jorens soft lips on her own.
She had only thought of Cleon three times in the past days, and that was only when she was avoiding being alone with him. Instead her mind was occupied by other thoughts. It wasn't good for Kel to run away from her problems like this, but she needed to sort out her own her own feelings before confronting and hurting anyone.
Kel entered the small ring of trees - placed there by mages so travellers could find it easily - that shielded the well from view, and gratefully set the buckets down. The squire sighed and began to tie the first bucket to the rope on the well. She was about to lower it why she heard footsteps coming up behind her. Kel turned and hid a grimace as the blonde man she'd hoped never o see again came into her sight. Their yes bore into each other for a brief moment before Joren lowered his gaze Kel frowned. Was that a blush she could see? A faint pink had appeared on her fellow squires cheeks. It was hardly noticeable, but it was there. Then it was gone and the trademark scowl of Jorens came onto his face, making Kel wonder if she'd imagined it. He looked up and glared at her, but there was not such force of hatred behind it as before. Kel again had to resist the urge to roll her eyes at Jorens behaviour.
The growing squire turned and began to lower the bucket into the well as Joren stalked to the other side of it. A few moments later she felt eyes boring into her and looked up. Joren stared at her with an intensity that sent shivers down her spine. She squirmed slightly under his gaze and returned to her task of pulling the bucket out the well. Kel glanced up at him again and noticed his sudden frown and the distant look in his eyes. He appeared to be battling within himself.
Kel was unsure how long she gazed curiously at the blonde squire before she shook her head. Snap ^out^ of it Keladry! What's got into you? she scolded herself and put the full bucket on the floor, her arms aching from the prolonged time they had been forced to hold such a heavy object.
She took her time tying the rope to the second bucket. Kel was puzzled. Her emotions were running mad. She wanted to get o know Joren. She wanted o know his past, his problems and his future. She wanted desperately to know the feel of his skin beneath her palms, wanted to know the feel of his lips pressed against hers. She wanted to know all the contours of his body and she wanted him to know hers.
What are you thinking! her logical side screamed at her, This is the man who made your life a living hell!. But all the rest of her could think about was that kiss and the way she had fit snugly into Joren's arms as if she belonged.
Kel's mind was still occupied with these thoughts when she put her hand on the handle of the lowering system. She felt another hand placed on top of hers and looked up in surprise. Joren smiled slightly at her and Kel withdrew her hand. She eyed him suspiciously, doubting what seemed to be good intensions. His inner battle had apparently been won.
"Relax," he told her as he began to lower the bucket into the well, "I don't bite." Kel heard him mutter something under his breath that sounded distinctly like 'unless you want me to'. Kel glared at him. "What was that?" she demanded. Joren looked at her innocently. Just the idea of Joren being innocent nearly made Kel laugh. "I didn't say anything."
The pair worked together to fill Jorens buckets, making polite conversation as they worked. With two working at the job it was soon finished and four full buckets sat on the ground. Fore the first time in her life Kel gave Joren a real smile, one that did reach her eyes. "Thanks," she said.
"What for?" he asked.
"Just - Thanks," Kel responded, mentally kicking herself for sounding so pathetic. She bent down to pick up her buckets and promptly hit her head against Jorens, who had also leant over at that precise moment. He had a surprisingly hard head.
Kel brought herself upright, slightly dazed, to be greeted by what looked like a concerned Joren, but Kel couldn't be sure. She had never seen him concerned about anything. "Looks like it's going to bruise," he told her and smiled wryly. "Mother always said I had a hard head."
"She wasn't kidding," Kel grumbled, rubbing the offended area. Fingers beneath her chin lifted her head and made her look at him. The look in his eyes made Kel glad the trees hid them from view.
Jorens lips brushed hers so softly Kel went weak at the knees. Her heart was pounding in her chest, beating twice as fast as normal. His arms encircled her waist as Kels hands went around his neck. She melted in his embrace. If it wasn't for his arms holding her tightly, Kel knew she would have fallen to the floor a while ago. Joren seemed to sense her weakness and sat her on the stone wall that circled the well. His hands travelled to her hips and he pulled away slightly. Kel trembled as Joren planted feather light kisses down her neck. Her hands moved to his well toned torso, feeling the muscles beneath his shirt. Kel gasped as Joren began to caress her throat and a moan of pleasure escaped her lips before she could stop it. She felt Joren smile against her. His hands slid over her breasts and Kel had to bite her lip to keep from yelling in delight. A muffled groan came out dispite all her efforts. Joren grinned at her, pressed his lips to hers once more and left, carrying his buckets.
Kel sat on the edge of the well, shaking, her cheeks flushed, fingers pressed to her partially swollen lips. It took quite some time for Kel to compose herself and leave the well, the feel of Joren freshly imprinted on her mind.
***************
Kel left the buckets in her Knight masters tent, contemplating her situation. She desperately needed to talk to someone. She couldn't talk to Neal. He'd be no help and get all 'I can't believe you did that'. He'd give himself a heart attack. Cleon was definitely out of the question. She considered talking to Raoul, but the thought of how embarrassing that would be put her off. Yuki she thought suddenly. The girl, although knowing of Joren's past, did not know him personally and would accept Kel's right to choose. She ^definitely^ had no love interest in her, Kel could trust her to keep quiet and not judge her. Yes Kel thought, Yukimi.
***************
Kel knelt on the floor of her Yamani friend's tent, sipping green tea. She had just finished explaining her predicament to Yuki and was waiting for a reaction. Kel tried not to squirm. She felt as if she was on trial.
After a few minutes of quiet contemplation the older girl asked, "How do you feel about Cleon?" Keladry sighed.
"I like him as no more than a friend. I just don't know how to tell ^him^ that." She blushed slightly. "I've been avoiding him." Yuki dipped her head in the smallest of nods.
"And Joren?" she queried. Kel shifted uncomfortably and her eyebrows knitted together for a moment.
"I thought I hated him," she whispered almost inaudiably, "I really did." Her voice became frustrated. "Now I don't know ^what^ I feel. Kel paused. Speaking softly again she finished, "I just know it isn't hatred." Yukimi nodded again, taking in the confusion of her friend.
"Ai sakidasu dounika hen anaba," she said, "Even hatred cannot stop it" Kel looked at her.
"It's not ^that^," the squire argued before meeting the Yamani's eyes, "Is it?" Yuki didn't reply. Keladry blinked and shook her head, as if she was trying to shake away even the thought of it. Looking at Yukimi again she asked sadly, "Cleon?" Yuki's gaze seemed to bore a hole in Kel's eyes.
"You'll have to confront him soon Kel. Just follow your heart."
***************
Kel walked back to her own tent, Yukimi's words reverberating in her head. The Yamani was right. Something was happening between Kel and Joren and they were helpless to stop it. She had to follow her heart, even if it meant hurting others in the process. Even if it means loving the man you hate Kel mused before scrapping the idea of anything even resembling love between herself and Joren. The squire quietly entered her tent.
"Kel?"
The voice sent shockwaves of horror richoting through her body. She looked up, greatly resembling a startled deer. She knew she'd have to talk to him soon, but ^this^ soon? The gods must hate me she thought, before the Yamani mask that crumbled so easily when she was with Joren slid comfortably into place.
"Cleon," she said inwardly wincing at the formality of her voice. The redhead frowned and stood, leaving the patch of warmth his body had created on Kel's bedroll. He'd been there for about an hour.
"You didn't come to lunch," he stated. Kel shut her eyes and clenched her teeth, trying in vain to crush the cowardliness she felt. Gradually, she opened her eyes and stared at the ground.
"I've had a lot on my mind, is all," she muttered.
"Like?" He probed gently. This isn't fair Kel thought I need to tell him how I feel. Kel forced her eyes upwards to link with her friend's gaze. If she was going to do this, she owed it to him to be respectful.
"Cleon, I," Kel began, but she never got to finish, for it was at that precise moment that Neal chose to charge into her tent. A wave of guilty relief washed over her.
"And just where have you been?" her best friend demanded loftily. A faint pink touched her cheeks.
"No where?" Kel asked hopefully. She had always been terrible at lying to her friends, due to a bad case of idealism. Neal glared at her down his nose, waiting for a more appropriate answer. It was then that the third presence in the tent caught his attention. He grinned.
"Ah," he said and wiggled his eyebrows, "Maybe I should leave you two alone." Neal moved to leave the tent.
"No!" Kel said rather hurriedly, earning quizzical stares from both men. Being left with Cleon meant confronting him, and she couldn't cope with that just yet. Kel hurried to explain, " I mean, it's perfectly alright. I was just about to go out myself." Her friends still looked suspicious. "You know," she continued, "To the mess tent. It is nearly dinner and I haven't eaten since breakfast. Would you to care to join me?" Kel looked at them both, hoping they'd bought her rushed explanation. Cleon readily agreed.
As they were leaving Neal raised an eyebrow at her. Kel gave him a look that clearly said, 'Not now'. Neal frowned. There was something she wasn't telling him, and he swore he'd find out what.
***************
Kel gave a contented sigh as she sat down amongst her friends, trays of food in front of them. Merric made some comment to Neal and his eyes misted over. "Ah," he said and Kel rolled her eyes. She had known him to long not to know what that meant. "The lady Yukimi. She is more beautiful than the sunrise," Kel allowed her attention to wander for the first time in days, letting Neal have his fun. For now.
She glanced at Cleon, who sat beside her, laughing at the melodramatic squires antics. A frown tugged at her eyebrows. I'm pathetic. she told herself There's no other explanation. I'm a cowardly, pathetic, excuse of a girl, who can't even tell someone how she feels. I'm a stupid, idiotic, The sound of Yamani words hit her ears, cutting off her train of thought. Kel grabbed her roll and whacked Neal around the head with it.
He looked at her indignantly. Kel grinned. "I thought I told you. No poetry to Yuki's eyebrows."
"But I looked up Yamani poetry!" he cried. Owen hit him with a roll. "What was that for?!" He cried again. Owen shrugged.
"Looked Jolly."
"I don't care," Kel told him laughing, "Eat your vegetables." The rest of the meal went by reasonably quietly and Kel forgot about Joren. The friends arranged to meet later at Kel's tent for a walk.
Kel was halfway towards the exit when she felt someone brush against her and her heart began to race. She looked up into Joren's blue eyes and almost melted. Identical blushes appeared on their faces, before Joren muttered an apology at walked away as fast as he could. The exchange had only lasted a few seconds, but to Kel it felt like hours. She turned back to her friends and hoped no one had noticed. She thought she had got away with it when she saw the funny look Neal was giving her. Kel brushed it off and caught up with the rest off the squires.
***************
The second year Squire sighed. She was sitting beside a small brook that ran through Fief Sinthya, her feet dipped in the cool water. She had come here after returning from the walk with her friends, when, once again, she had carefully avoided Cleon. The stars were shining brightly, in the Goddesses constellation, with the Cat at her feet. The night air was warm and plesant to sit in. A person came and sat next to her. Kel turned to her left slightly to see who it was, although she already knew.
Joren gazed at the moon for a while. Kel turned her attention back to the water. They sat in a comfortable silence, that would have been unimaginable between them a few months ago. They left each other to their own private musings.
She was still unsure of Joren. It was a case of following her heart or her head. Her head screamed at her for even letting him sit there. It told her not to let him near her. It said he'd never change. But her heart longed for him. It begged her to let him touch her, to hold her. It needed him.
Kel picked at the grass and sighed. It was difficult to choose. She knew if she followed her heart, she was letting her defences down, putting herself in a position where he could hurt her more than ever before. If he chose to. Kel also knew that if she followed her head, she would regret never giving Joren a chance. She would wonder about it for the rest of her life. And life was all about taking risks.
She looked at the stars again, pulling her feet out the water. A deep voice spoke. "It's beautiful isn't it." Kel nodded mutely. She turned to face him. Joren kissed her softly, and briefly, pulling her close. A lovers kiss.
Kel sighed and rested her head against his shoulder. Joren smiled. He pointed at a bright star that illuminated the velvet blackness that was the night sky. "That's the pole star," he said. Kel smiled. Who would've thought Joren knew anything of astronomy Kel thought. She sat there, her head on his shoulder and his arm around her own shoulders, contented just to listen to him talk.
That night Kel's heart overruled her head.
A/N: Translation for Yuki's saying: Love blooms in strange places. Or it's supposed to say that¸ but you can never tell with internet dictionary's. Thank you for your patience. I may not be updating for a while as my SATS are coming up, and my teachers are pressuring us beyond belief. But it is the Holidays in two weeks, so I'll waste all my revision time. Please review and let me know what you think! Next chappie is Joren's point of view of the events in this one. I didn't mean for them to fall in love so fast. It just happened!
Reviewers
Christine: I'm glad you liked it. (
Lady Sandrilene: Thanks for reviewing again! Hope you liked your more.
Sweetalicious: Thanks!
Lady Me: Don't worry. This is K/J. But if it did change, I can assure you it would DEFINITELY be Dom. He comes in later. I can't leave him out can I?
Em: Thanx! I don't think you're gonna need that refund. ( This fic would never turn K/C.
Kitty: Thanks! I'm happy you want more.
Keita: Thanks! I'll use that bit of advice. I knew I'd caught K/J fever from somewhere! (
Madi: I know, but it's fun writing it. And reading it. It's a large obsession I have at the moment. (
Sorry if I've misspelt anyone's name or missed their review. Thanks!
Disclaimer: I - Don't - Own - Tortall - Or - It's - People!
The problem with camping, Kel mused silently to herself, a heavy wooden bucket held tightly in each hand, Is that you have to fetch your own water. Her encounter with Joren two days ago was still on her mind, but the more she immersed herself in her duties, the less she thought about it. That was why she was now headed towards the well, where the people residing in tents got their water from, at lunchtime, when normal men and woman were eating, as Kel should have been. Kel knew that just a moments rest would have her imagining Jorens soft lips on her own.
She had only thought of Cleon three times in the past days, and that was only when she was avoiding being alone with him. Instead her mind was occupied by other thoughts. It wasn't good for Kel to run away from her problems like this, but she needed to sort out her own her own feelings before confronting and hurting anyone.
Kel entered the small ring of trees - placed there by mages so travellers could find it easily - that shielded the well from view, and gratefully set the buckets down. The squire sighed and began to tie the first bucket to the rope on the well. She was about to lower it why she heard footsteps coming up behind her. Kel turned and hid a grimace as the blonde man she'd hoped never o see again came into her sight. Their yes bore into each other for a brief moment before Joren lowered his gaze Kel frowned. Was that a blush she could see? A faint pink had appeared on her fellow squires cheeks. It was hardly noticeable, but it was there. Then it was gone and the trademark scowl of Jorens came onto his face, making Kel wonder if she'd imagined it. He looked up and glared at her, but there was not such force of hatred behind it as before. Kel again had to resist the urge to roll her eyes at Jorens behaviour.
The growing squire turned and began to lower the bucket into the well as Joren stalked to the other side of it. A few moments later she felt eyes boring into her and looked up. Joren stared at her with an intensity that sent shivers down her spine. She squirmed slightly under his gaze and returned to her task of pulling the bucket out the well. Kel glanced up at him again and noticed his sudden frown and the distant look in his eyes. He appeared to be battling within himself.
Kel was unsure how long she gazed curiously at the blonde squire before she shook her head. Snap ^out^ of it Keladry! What's got into you? she scolded herself and put the full bucket on the floor, her arms aching from the prolonged time they had been forced to hold such a heavy object.
She took her time tying the rope to the second bucket. Kel was puzzled. Her emotions were running mad. She wanted to get o know Joren. She wanted o know his past, his problems and his future. She wanted desperately to know the feel of his skin beneath her palms, wanted to know the feel of his lips pressed against hers. She wanted to know all the contours of his body and she wanted him to know hers.
What are you thinking! her logical side screamed at her, This is the man who made your life a living hell!. But all the rest of her could think about was that kiss and the way she had fit snugly into Joren's arms as if she belonged.
Kel's mind was still occupied with these thoughts when she put her hand on the handle of the lowering system. She felt another hand placed on top of hers and looked up in surprise. Joren smiled slightly at her and Kel withdrew her hand. She eyed him suspiciously, doubting what seemed to be good intensions. His inner battle had apparently been won.
"Relax," he told her as he began to lower the bucket into the well, "I don't bite." Kel heard him mutter something under his breath that sounded distinctly like 'unless you want me to'. Kel glared at him. "What was that?" she demanded. Joren looked at her innocently. Just the idea of Joren being innocent nearly made Kel laugh. "I didn't say anything."
The pair worked together to fill Jorens buckets, making polite conversation as they worked. With two working at the job it was soon finished and four full buckets sat on the ground. Fore the first time in her life Kel gave Joren a real smile, one that did reach her eyes. "Thanks," she said.
"What for?" he asked.
"Just - Thanks," Kel responded, mentally kicking herself for sounding so pathetic. She bent down to pick up her buckets and promptly hit her head against Jorens, who had also leant over at that precise moment. He had a surprisingly hard head.
Kel brought herself upright, slightly dazed, to be greeted by what looked like a concerned Joren, but Kel couldn't be sure. She had never seen him concerned about anything. "Looks like it's going to bruise," he told her and smiled wryly. "Mother always said I had a hard head."
"She wasn't kidding," Kel grumbled, rubbing the offended area. Fingers beneath her chin lifted her head and made her look at him. The look in his eyes made Kel glad the trees hid them from view.
Jorens lips brushed hers so softly Kel went weak at the knees. Her heart was pounding in her chest, beating twice as fast as normal. His arms encircled her waist as Kels hands went around his neck. She melted in his embrace. If it wasn't for his arms holding her tightly, Kel knew she would have fallen to the floor a while ago. Joren seemed to sense her weakness and sat her on the stone wall that circled the well. His hands travelled to her hips and he pulled away slightly. Kel trembled as Joren planted feather light kisses down her neck. Her hands moved to his well toned torso, feeling the muscles beneath his shirt. Kel gasped as Joren began to caress her throat and a moan of pleasure escaped her lips before she could stop it. She felt Joren smile against her. His hands slid over her breasts and Kel had to bite her lip to keep from yelling in delight. A muffled groan came out dispite all her efforts. Joren grinned at her, pressed his lips to hers once more and left, carrying his buckets.
Kel sat on the edge of the well, shaking, her cheeks flushed, fingers pressed to her partially swollen lips. It took quite some time for Kel to compose herself and leave the well, the feel of Joren freshly imprinted on her mind.
***************
Kel left the buckets in her Knight masters tent, contemplating her situation. She desperately needed to talk to someone. She couldn't talk to Neal. He'd be no help and get all 'I can't believe you did that'. He'd give himself a heart attack. Cleon was definitely out of the question. She considered talking to Raoul, but the thought of how embarrassing that would be put her off. Yuki she thought suddenly. The girl, although knowing of Joren's past, did not know him personally and would accept Kel's right to choose. She ^definitely^ had no love interest in her, Kel could trust her to keep quiet and not judge her. Yes Kel thought, Yukimi.
***************
Kel knelt on the floor of her Yamani friend's tent, sipping green tea. She had just finished explaining her predicament to Yuki and was waiting for a reaction. Kel tried not to squirm. She felt as if she was on trial.
After a few minutes of quiet contemplation the older girl asked, "How do you feel about Cleon?" Keladry sighed.
"I like him as no more than a friend. I just don't know how to tell ^him^ that." She blushed slightly. "I've been avoiding him." Yuki dipped her head in the smallest of nods.
"And Joren?" she queried. Kel shifted uncomfortably and her eyebrows knitted together for a moment.
"I thought I hated him," she whispered almost inaudiably, "I really did." Her voice became frustrated. "Now I don't know ^what^ I feel. Kel paused. Speaking softly again she finished, "I just know it isn't hatred." Yukimi nodded again, taking in the confusion of her friend.
"Ai sakidasu dounika hen anaba," she said, "Even hatred cannot stop it" Kel looked at her.
"It's not ^that^," the squire argued before meeting the Yamani's eyes, "Is it?" Yuki didn't reply. Keladry blinked and shook her head, as if she was trying to shake away even the thought of it. Looking at Yukimi again she asked sadly, "Cleon?" Yuki's gaze seemed to bore a hole in Kel's eyes.
"You'll have to confront him soon Kel. Just follow your heart."
***************
Kel walked back to her own tent, Yukimi's words reverberating in her head. The Yamani was right. Something was happening between Kel and Joren and they were helpless to stop it. She had to follow her heart, even if it meant hurting others in the process. Even if it means loving the man you hate Kel mused before scrapping the idea of anything even resembling love between herself and Joren. The squire quietly entered her tent.
"Kel?"
The voice sent shockwaves of horror richoting through her body. She looked up, greatly resembling a startled deer. She knew she'd have to talk to him soon, but ^this^ soon? The gods must hate me she thought, before the Yamani mask that crumbled so easily when she was with Joren slid comfortably into place.
"Cleon," she said inwardly wincing at the formality of her voice. The redhead frowned and stood, leaving the patch of warmth his body had created on Kel's bedroll. He'd been there for about an hour.
"You didn't come to lunch," he stated. Kel shut her eyes and clenched her teeth, trying in vain to crush the cowardliness she felt. Gradually, she opened her eyes and stared at the ground.
"I've had a lot on my mind, is all," she muttered.
"Like?" He probed gently. This isn't fair Kel thought I need to tell him how I feel. Kel forced her eyes upwards to link with her friend's gaze. If she was going to do this, she owed it to him to be respectful.
"Cleon, I," Kel began, but she never got to finish, for it was at that precise moment that Neal chose to charge into her tent. A wave of guilty relief washed over her.
"And just where have you been?" her best friend demanded loftily. A faint pink touched her cheeks.
"No where?" Kel asked hopefully. She had always been terrible at lying to her friends, due to a bad case of idealism. Neal glared at her down his nose, waiting for a more appropriate answer. It was then that the third presence in the tent caught his attention. He grinned.
"Ah," he said and wiggled his eyebrows, "Maybe I should leave you two alone." Neal moved to leave the tent.
"No!" Kel said rather hurriedly, earning quizzical stares from both men. Being left with Cleon meant confronting him, and she couldn't cope with that just yet. Kel hurried to explain, " I mean, it's perfectly alright. I was just about to go out myself." Her friends still looked suspicious. "You know," she continued, "To the mess tent. It is nearly dinner and I haven't eaten since breakfast. Would you to care to join me?" Kel looked at them both, hoping they'd bought her rushed explanation. Cleon readily agreed.
As they were leaving Neal raised an eyebrow at her. Kel gave him a look that clearly said, 'Not now'. Neal frowned. There was something she wasn't telling him, and he swore he'd find out what.
***************
Kel gave a contented sigh as she sat down amongst her friends, trays of food in front of them. Merric made some comment to Neal and his eyes misted over. "Ah," he said and Kel rolled her eyes. She had known him to long not to know what that meant. "The lady Yukimi. She is more beautiful than the sunrise," Kel allowed her attention to wander for the first time in days, letting Neal have his fun. For now.
She glanced at Cleon, who sat beside her, laughing at the melodramatic squires antics. A frown tugged at her eyebrows. I'm pathetic. she told herself There's no other explanation. I'm a cowardly, pathetic, excuse of a girl, who can't even tell someone how she feels. I'm a stupid, idiotic, The sound of Yamani words hit her ears, cutting off her train of thought. Kel grabbed her roll and whacked Neal around the head with it.
He looked at her indignantly. Kel grinned. "I thought I told you. No poetry to Yuki's eyebrows."
"But I looked up Yamani poetry!" he cried. Owen hit him with a roll. "What was that for?!" He cried again. Owen shrugged.
"Looked Jolly."
"I don't care," Kel told him laughing, "Eat your vegetables." The rest of the meal went by reasonably quietly and Kel forgot about Joren. The friends arranged to meet later at Kel's tent for a walk.
Kel was halfway towards the exit when she felt someone brush against her and her heart began to race. She looked up into Joren's blue eyes and almost melted. Identical blushes appeared on their faces, before Joren muttered an apology at walked away as fast as he could. The exchange had only lasted a few seconds, but to Kel it felt like hours. She turned back to her friends and hoped no one had noticed. She thought she had got away with it when she saw the funny look Neal was giving her. Kel brushed it off and caught up with the rest off the squires.
***************
The second year Squire sighed. She was sitting beside a small brook that ran through Fief Sinthya, her feet dipped in the cool water. She had come here after returning from the walk with her friends, when, once again, she had carefully avoided Cleon. The stars were shining brightly, in the Goddesses constellation, with the Cat at her feet. The night air was warm and plesant to sit in. A person came and sat next to her. Kel turned to her left slightly to see who it was, although she already knew.
Joren gazed at the moon for a while. Kel turned her attention back to the water. They sat in a comfortable silence, that would have been unimaginable between them a few months ago. They left each other to their own private musings.
She was still unsure of Joren. It was a case of following her heart or her head. Her head screamed at her for even letting him sit there. It told her not to let him near her. It said he'd never change. But her heart longed for him. It begged her to let him touch her, to hold her. It needed him.
Kel picked at the grass and sighed. It was difficult to choose. She knew if she followed her heart, she was letting her defences down, putting herself in a position where he could hurt her more than ever before. If he chose to. Kel also knew that if she followed her head, she would regret never giving Joren a chance. She would wonder about it for the rest of her life. And life was all about taking risks.
She looked at the stars again, pulling her feet out the water. A deep voice spoke. "It's beautiful isn't it." Kel nodded mutely. She turned to face him. Joren kissed her softly, and briefly, pulling her close. A lovers kiss.
Kel sighed and rested her head against his shoulder. Joren smiled. He pointed at a bright star that illuminated the velvet blackness that was the night sky. "That's the pole star," he said. Kel smiled. Who would've thought Joren knew anything of astronomy Kel thought. She sat there, her head on his shoulder and his arm around her own shoulders, contented just to listen to him talk.
That night Kel's heart overruled her head.
A/N: Translation for Yuki's saying: Love blooms in strange places. Or it's supposed to say that¸ but you can never tell with internet dictionary's. Thank you for your patience. I may not be updating for a while as my SATS are coming up, and my teachers are pressuring us beyond belief. But it is the Holidays in two weeks, so I'll waste all my revision time. Please review and let me know what you think! Next chappie is Joren's point of view of the events in this one. I didn't mean for them to fall in love so fast. It just happened!
Reviewers
Christine: I'm glad you liked it. (
Lady Sandrilene: Thanks for reviewing again! Hope you liked your more.
Sweetalicious: Thanks!
Lady Me: Don't worry. This is K/J. But if it did change, I can assure you it would DEFINITELY be Dom. He comes in later. I can't leave him out can I?
Em: Thanx! I don't think you're gonna need that refund. ( This fic would never turn K/C.
Kitty: Thanks! I'm happy you want more.
Keita: Thanks! I'll use that bit of advice. I knew I'd caught K/J fever from somewhere! (
Madi: I know, but it's fun writing it. And reading it. It's a large obsession I have at the moment. (
Sorry if I've misspelt anyone's name or missed their review. Thanks!