Disclaimer: Nada
A/N: Blah – good readers review because good authors need reviews. No excuses.
~**~
Chapter 2: Feelings
~**~
Dusk quickly fell upon the palace walls, grasping its inhabitants. Kel sat looking out her window, smiling thoughtfully at the sparrows perched in a nearby tree. They chirped intelligently to each other as they scurried around looking for plant life. Kel counted the sparrows with a slight frown. 'Thirty? Last seasons there was twice that number. Goddess – harsh winter. Had I not been so preoccupied, I would have surely noticed.' She thought about this. 'Maybe its better that I didn't.'
A young sparrow spotted Kel, leaving his flock to perch on her sill. Tilting his head, he made a sparrow smile – something Kel had learned to recognize. She smiled at him and brushed his feathers softly. He cooed under her touch and puffed out his feathers. "Well aren't you lovely?" She told him, smiling softly. His beak was unusually small for a male sparrow, his face keen with intelligence. His feathers were gold and a rustic brow. His eyes were sea green. Kel looked at him oddly. "How strange. Humph – gold feathers? Green eyes? I'll name you Olive."
Olive chirped in agreement. Turning, he flew back to his flock. Kel smiled and got up with a groan. Lalasa was working late at her shop, for an ambassador's wife was due to arrive in the early morning, on which she expected to receive over a dozen court dresses. Kel wanted to leave her quarters, a common feeling for those who were nauseated by their Ordeal.
A sudden urge of excitement filled her veins. 'Gods – I've hardly done anything in – well – since being knighted. I should begin night practices again, or build my stamina. I could test my fears on Balor's Needle ---." She stopped. 'How can I be sure I could climb Balor's Needle? I haven't climbed anything that tall since I was a page! It could be a weakness of mine, and if anyone thinks to pull off a stunt like pretty boy -- Maybe I should go up there, to see the view if not to test myself! I'm sure its scenic enough. Then I can convince myself I no longer have a fear of heights.'
Kel agreed on this last idea, and pulled on an overcoat. It felt good to be out of her quarters, walking through the halls. It took only moments for her to pick her way through the outside pathways, and she soon found herself standing at the base of withering black granite.
She decided quickly that it would be best to take the inside stairs. She certainly didn't want the rusted ones of the outside to suddenly collapse – again.
She took her first step with confidence. She hardly noticed the time pass, and it was a surprise when she reached the top. Kel frowned as she neared the platform. The door was open. Kel shook her head. 'Thank Mithros Lalasa hadn't moved. Goddess Bless.'
Keladry stepped onto the platform silently. She grinned. Her fear was gone. She walked over to the waist-high railing and searched the horizon. It was beautiful, and Kel inwardly agreed. She even decided to like height for the sake of the view. The breeze tousled her hair, the skin on the back of her neck chilled. Oddly enough, the platform was considerably warmer than even her indoor quarters. 'Someone used magic to allow this place to stay comfortable. The king does use the tower frequently enough. I'd bet my savings on it.'
She could hardly remember not liking Balor's Needle. Sunset was on its way, and she would have to hurry and do things quickly to be in time for the big festival.
" Changed your mind about heights?" A familiar voice offered.
Startled, Kel whipped around, and grabbed her dagger from her belt pouch.
Dom grinned. "It would be a terrible shame to sully that blade Kel."
Kel looked at him, exasperated. Dom stood in the doorway, casually leaning against it. She placed her blade in its sheath. "You're lucky." She scolded.
" And I count my blessings on one hand."
She grinned.
"I'll take your reaction as a greeting." He said, walking over to her.
"Must I allow myself to go unprotected?" She asked innocently. She ignored the tightening of her stomach.
"Spare me a lecture. How's knighthood?"
Kel grimaced. "Once I experience it, I'll let you know."
Dom ignored her comment. "You are the equal of a squad in the King's Own – don't let anyone tell you different. You've experienced more combat than all of your year mates combined. Wyldon wont try your patience forever. If I know him right, he's debating if he should send you or not. He doesn't want to waste your skill on border protection. He's waiting for something big enough to fit you. You're a commander, Kel – and he knows it."
Kel fought a blush – and failed. She turned to look at him, his penetrating blue eyes staring back at her. "If you say so, I won't argue."
Dom grinned. "Good. It would do you good to let me win sometimes."
She stuck out her tongue. "Don't push it."
He held up his hands. "Gods forgive me if I did."
Kel leaned against the railing, watching the sun's glory fade as it crept closer to the horizon. She was glad to have company. She had, admittedly, missed the Own. She missed Raoul. She missed Qasim. She missed Dom – more than she had realized. She was comfortable around him.
Their conversation ranged onto numerous subjects, some more odd than others. Kel, deep in conversation, watched the sun sink below the horizon.
"And yet Aunt Anita and mother only laughed. Poor Neal. Dressed in an old-fashion court dress and pearls. I drew pictures of him – I think its quite flattering – it shows his better qualities."
Kel grinned. "If only you'd be so kind to show me. I'd rather like to his face when I give it to him at midwinter."
Leaning against the railing, Kel didn't realize her belt pouch was open. It was only when her dagger fell from its holding that she reacted. Dom saw this happen before Kel and grabbed her dagger out of midair, hands tight around the blade. The rusted railing groaned.
Immediately Kel grabbed the back of his tunic and forcefully pulled him back, her ankle twisting in pain. The left portion of the railing gave way with a creak, loosing its support as it hung limply. Before it had a chance to plummet, Kel pushed it on the platform. With an exasperated groan, Kel turned around to see Dom standing against the wall with a faint smile on his face. He held up her dagger as blood swelled around his hand.
Kel glared at him. "You are absolutely, positively, the biggest meathead in all Tortall. Why in Mithros name --." Kel stopped. Dom was smiling in amusement.
"You think this is funny?" She asked bluntly, holding in a smile
"On the contrary. I find you amusing." He grinned. "Must you always be debating? I caught it. I'm not worried."
Her ankle throbbed terribly. "But your hand -." She protested.
He looked down. "My hand is fine."
Kel sighed. She wasn't going to win this one. " Well it was nice of you – crazy - but nice. Give me your hand."
Dom grinned boyishly. Kel sighed. "I'm going to bandage it, you dolt."
He walked over. "Ah – well then – here it is." He put his hand in hers. Kel's heart skipped a beat, but she didn't let it show.
' I'll envy the one lucky enough to claim him.' She thought wistfully. Taking out a handkerchief, she soaked up the crimson blood around his hand. Using another one, she bandaged the cut as effectively as she could.
"There." She said with satisfaction.
Dom looked down. He didn't immediately remove his hand. "You could have had it, Kel – cut or no." He said, his voice lowered.
Kel felt herself blush. Dropping his hand, she turned away. She still needed to finish getting ready. "The others are probably looking for us. The tournament will be starting soon, and I still need to gather my things."
Dom nodded. "Then we should go back to civilized living."
Kel inwardly sighed. He was back to being Dom. She couldn't help but smile in amusement. Turning to leave, she found herself limping. Dom noticed. 'Damn that.' She thought.
"Hurt your ankle rescuing me, did you?" Dom asked, lips curving.
Kel sighed with a smile. "No. Now lets get down." Dom came over to support her. His eyes held concern, if not wry amusement. Kel shivered at his touch.
" Don't be silly, I can do it!" Kel protested when he asked if she could make it. "I'm perfectly fine." She said. She took a step. Her leg almost gave out immediately.
"You certainly are." He commented dryly. " First you pull me to safety and then you bandage my wounds. Don't deprive me of being gallant. I'm helping you down." He said as he put one arm around her, supporting some of her weight as she hopped from step to step.
Kel's face flushed crimson. Dom seemed not to notice, or was at least kind enough not to mention it.
Before long, both reached the bottom. The surrounding area was deserted as Dom helped Kel to a nearby bench.
"Thanks. We call it even?" Kel said, looking at the still standing Dom.
He grinned. "Considering everything, you still have one favor left to call."
Kel sighed. "I can't win."
"Not today." Dom thought for a moment. "Can you make it back to your room in one piece?"
Standing up, Kel walked for a few moments. She felt a tinge of pain as she did so, but she was capable. "I'll be fine."
Dom nodded. "Meet up with you at the festivities?"
Kel rolled her eyes. "Yes. Mithros help me if Neal starts reciting poetry, I'll feign sickness."
Dom laughed. "I have a better idea."
"Anything." Kel reassured him. "If you can get me out of there, we'll call it even."
"Good." Dom said. "Will you be so gracious as to accompany me on a midnight ride?"
Kel's stomach dropped as she nodded slowly. "Fine, that works. I hope Neal's not too disappointed."
Dom grinned. "He'll get over it. See you tonight." Bowing graciously, he left, walking down a central path that led to the King's Own quarters.
Kel watched until he was out of sight. Turning, she too went back to her rooms, with more on her mind than the festivities.
~**~
Kel gathered her tent and her hygiene utensils once back at her rooms. Once arriving, she realized just how many people were participating. It was, on the whole, a much larger crowd than she had imagined. She estimated that nearly three hundred tents were set up, hers adding to that amount. Heralds greeted her and found a suitable place for her to make camp, where they took the liberty of setting up her tent. To her pleasure, she realized that Raoul, Alanna, and Dom were her neighboring competitors.
Almost immediately after her arrival, the festival began with competitions, which included sword duels, lance tournaments, hand-to-hand combat, and battle exchange – all of which were exceedingly harder at night.
After the initial festival, Kel, Neal, Dom, Cleon, Merric, and Faleron ate dinner at an inn called The Traveling Ladies. Kel sighed. She would miss this once her friends were called out. She deliberately left herself out, knowing she would most likely be stationed at Corus.
Faleron had business to attend to after they had eaten, and Cleon was quickly called away by a messenger. Kel was depressed to see him go, for they hadn't had time together since that morning. Still, the remaining party lit a fire and talked about numerous things. In the end, their conversation became lame, for Neal, as predicted, began speaking poetry. Kel had deliberately tried not to think of Dom as the night progressed, but as midnight came closer, she knew she was failing.
Dom nodded towards Kel, excusing himself by saying he had practice runs in the morning and that milord had set a curfew. Neal seemed to accept it with a grunt and continued on. Kel herself was able to slip away easily, saying she was tired and didn't want to miss her morning exercises – it would make her lazy. Neal just waved her off, and to her amusement, Merric was glaring at her in disbelief. She shrugged him off and fled before he could question.
Kel hurriedly went back to her tent and grabbed Hoshi's riding tack and saddle. She had quickly determined that she did not want Peachblossom within a mile radius of Dom.
When she got back to the stables, she found Dom waiting for her. ' He's definitely the most handsome man I have ever seen.' Kel thought. His black hair and blue eyes were clearly visible even with the darkness. Tall and muscular, he stood near his mount, Shadow, who was already saddled. Kel saw him grinning.
"What?" Kel found herself asking.
He shrugged. "Nothing."
Kel raised an eyebrow. He laughed, running his hand through his hair. "No. You look good."
She didn't even try to fight the oncoming blush. She looked down. She looked like Kel – nothing particularly eye-catching. She grunted. "Humor me." She said, walking over to Hoshi's stall and running a hand down her alerted mount's nose. Hoshi exhaled in response.
"Still can't take a compliment?" Dom asked, already mounted.
Kel smiled. "Nope."
Dom sighed. "Alas, I tried."
Kel nodded ruefully. Releasing Hoshi, she pulled the stall door open and tactfully saddled her. " You'll learn."
"I hope so – you're stubborn as hell."
Kel mounted Hoshi. She smiled. "I try."
~**~
Dom had insisted that their destination remain a secret, refusing even to give hints. Kel had probed him, which was of no use. She soon realized that he too could play stubborn. With that as their only conversation, the half-hour ride carried itself out in silence. Once away from the stables, they entered the Northern Forest. They continued, until abruptly, Dom motioned to stop.
They stood in the middle of nowhere.
Kel gave him an amused smile. Before she could say anything, Dom dismounted. Waiting for Kel, he stood patiently. She shrugged, and with a sigh, dismounted Hoshi. It couldn't have been much past midnight.
Walking over to Kel, Dom grabbed her hand and pulled her off of the main path, leading her unto an overgrown trail. The underbrush hid the trail remarkably well, for Kel hadn't caught it at first. She willing followed him, though she couldn't help but question. "The cold isn't getting to you, is it?" She asked, her voice filling with mock concern.
He laughed. "Maybe. It's just a little --." He stopped unexpectedly. Turning towards Kel, he grinned. "—Further."
Looking ahead, Kel saw the trees thinning. Dom pushed through them and motioned Kel ahead. Suspiciously, Kel walked ahead and gaped.
Whatever she had been expecting, it wasn't what stood before her. Perfectly oval, Kel peered out over an unfrozen lake, guarded by encircling stones that stood but a yards length from the water's edge. All were perfectly rectangular, with the smallest of the stones standing equal with Kel, and many passing ten feet in height. If not wondrous enough, the moon's reflection danced across the still water.
Kel blinked. Looking down, she tested her footing. Unlike the main path, the ground absorbed her weight. 'It's not frozen.' She thought. 'The ground isn't frozen.'
Dom still stood behind her. Turning, she looked at him for an explanation. Obviously, one was needed. Grinning, he gestured toward the lake. "It's a hot spring. The natural heat comes from below the surface."
She turned back towards the spring. "Amazing. And the stones?"
He shrugged. "They were here long before I ever took sanctuary here." He walked up next to her.
She turned to him. "Who else knows?"
He coughed into his hand. "I've known about it for years, but you're the first person I've ever brought here."
Kel smiled. "I consider that a compliment."
Dom grinned wolfishly.
"What?" Kel demanded.
"I just figured you out."
Kel rolled her eyes. "And?"
He shrugged. "If someone wants to give you a compliment without you throwing it back in their face, they have to go about it discreetly."
"Mithros save us." Kel mumbled. She was, of course, pleased with his theory, but she wasn't about to allow him to enjoy it – much.
Dom laughed. "Oh come now – I won't tell anyone." He grabbed her hand. "Come on – I'm tired of standing."
~**~
Kel had long before lost track of time, for Dom made for more than interesting conversation. During that time, they found it necessary to light a fire, even with the presence of the hot spring. With both, Kel found herself to be comfortable enough, and yawned.
Dom raised an eyebrow. She waved him off. "No. I'm fine." Kel thought for a moment. "Dom – what did you mean earlier when you called this place your sanctuary?"
He looked out over the water. "I don't come here often. I usually only make time to come here when I have something on my mind, after an ended courtship."
Kel grunted, then blushed. She didn't want to seem rude.
He looked over at her with a smile. "What?" He asked, nudging her.
She was quiet for a moment before answering. "I find it fairly unlikely the most eligible bachelor at court should be subject to women breaking his heart."
He laughed. "No broken hearts, but I've had a few woman who have discarded me."
Another grunt from Kel. "I don't believe it."
He grinned. "Believe it. Most eligible bachelor, eh?"
She pushed him with her elbow. " I'm not blind, Domitan of Masbolle, nor am I deaf."
He shrugged. "Those who left me asked for something I couldn't give."
Kel was intrigued. "Which is?"
He sighed. "Commitment."
"Oh." That wasn't quite the answer she had expected.
He laughed. "Mithros Kel, not that kind of commitment! I'm more than faithful, but they want the commitment."
Kel caught his drift and grinned. "Oh good. I was afraid you were flawed. They wanted marriage?"
He nodded. "Besides the fact that I can't, I didn't want to. There was certainly a liking between them and I, but I wasn't in love. Must you all be so difficult?"
Kel quickly correct him. "Since when are we supposed to make it easy for you? If so, how can we tell an honest man when we see one? You've only have had experiences with court women." She grinned. "I can name more than a handful of Rider's who swoon over you. Isn't there a woman in our field that you have an interest in?"
He grinned boyishly. "I have one in mind."
"Good. Take a chance. You're not worth discarding." Realizing what she was ranting about, she blushed, horrified. 'Smooth Kel. Why not just tell him you have feelings toward him?' It took Kel a moment to comprehend her own thoughts. She did have feelings for him, even with her love for Cleon. Cleon was the boy who loved her. Dom – he was her crush, her friend, and her comrade -- her weakness. Mere infatuation doesn't last for years – and he was much more than that.
Dom was quiet for a moment. When he did talk again, his voice was lowered. "I'm glad that you said that."
He turned towards Kel. Kel smiled faintly, still recovering from her frankness. Without a word, Dom grabbed her hand in a tight grasp. Kel let him – she was beginning to understand. She trembled.
"Because, Kel --." He spoke in a whisper. " I can't go about this discreetly – not anymore." He looked into her eyes, and Kel starred into his own. In that one moment of understanding, Dom bent down and pressed his mouth to hers, kissing her firmly and gently. Kel was hesitant, but didn't pull back. 'Shocked would be an understatement.'
Dom eventually pulled back and smiled. Kel could only look down and blush. She wouldn't let this go any further, even though her heart yearned for it.
She found the strength to look into his penetrating blue eyes. "Dom – I'm with Cleon."
He sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "I figured as much."
A lump formed in the base of her throat. "Please--."
He shook his head. "You don't need to explain. I understand. I should escort you back to camp." Standing up, he strode back toward the trees.
'No you don't.' She thought. Kel reacted quickly. She understood – now he would too. She followed after him. She reached him before he made the trees. In one swift movement, she grabbed his hand and turned him around, forcefully pressing her mouth to his – without holding back.
Dom quickly recovered from his surprise and pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her waist. Heat rose between their bodies as they kissed with passion and sheer wanting. When they did separate, they were breathless.
"You're with Cleon." Dom reminded her, his voice hoarse.
"And you needed to understand." Kel said, meeting his eyes. "You needed to understand you weren't the only one being discreet."
~**~
They did, eventually, sit down again. It was early morning, sunrise still a few hours away, and they had no intention of leaving until they had talked about their situation. Dom held her hand, but did no more than that, respecting her as Cleon's. Kel was comfortable with this, and sat near to him as they talked.
"When I brought you out here, I had no intention of admitting anything." Dom told her.
Kel grinned. "I didn't plan on throwing myself at you, either."
He squeezed her hand. "I'm glad you did."
"Some am I."
He was quiet for a moment. "So – how are you and Cleon?"
She almost laughed. "How are we? He's been gone for a year and he's holding back from me." She grimaced. She hadn't meant for it to come out that way. She cleared her throat. "Perfectly fine."
"Ah."
Kel sighed. "He's betrothed, Dom."
His eyebrows went up at that. "I'm assuming not to you?"
"Of course not. It was arranged, long before I meant anything." Kel said. Somewhat to her surprise, she wasn't resentful.
"Do you want to marry him?"
Kel didn't have to think about it. "We've never talked about it. No, I don't think I would want to."
"Kel – look at me."
She obeyed. 'I could get lost in his eyes.'
"If ever anything happens between the two of you --."
She thought about that unreadable look in Cleon's eyes. It was coming. She felt it. She didn't allow Dom to finish.
"Yes."
He smiled. "I can't say I'm not happy. I'd be lying."
She leaned over and kissed his forehead. "I won't even try."
Seizing the opportunity, Dom pulled her in his grasp and carefully placed his lips on hers. Kel knew what he was doing. He wanted to remember her, if nothing ever came of them. She wanted to remember him too, and thus allowed him to have her.
He released her with a smiled. "I trust this won't put a damper on our friendship?"
Kel pushed him lightly. "Never."
He sighed in content, and stood up slowly. Turning towards her, he offered his hand. She took it – Dom easily helping her up. " Come now, it's past your bedtime, we should get you back to your warm bed, or your redhead's if you wish."
She choked in laughter. Punching him in the shoulder, he flinched. " I sleep in my own bedroll thank you, always in my own bedroll." She said, embarrassed.
He grinned. "I won't argue."
With that, the fire was easily put out, for only embers remained. Taking one quick look at the spring, Kel followed Dom back through the woods, to where there horses waited. Seeing Kel, Hoshi snorted, leaving Kel with a smile.
The ride home was a pleasant one, if quiet. Once back at camp, Dom smiled at Kel, bidding goodbye after stabling his mount. He left Keladry shaking her head on the way back to her tent. It had been an interesting night.
Kel tucked herself into her bedroll with a sigh. Her head heavily hit the pillow. Closing her eyes, she couldn't help but muse. 'Needless to say, I'm sleeping in.'
~**~
Shout Out to Natasha Sweeney! My BFFL – can't wait until Cancun fo sho Cap'n BB! GAH! It's 69K hell ya! Ahem - Don't mind that unless you're Tasha. We all have our inside jokes. Cheers!
~Karr
"The Last Name"