Disclaimer: This is getting old isn't it?

A/N: Revised and better. Ha. He. Cool. Bye.

The sun was still sleeping when Keladry opened her eyes. The moist air made it easy to breathe.  Keladry looked around at her surroundings. Jump and the sparrows sat neatly on the floor sleeping soundly. Jump rested his head on Keladry's pillow that in the course of the night had drifted to the floor.

  Kel was confused. If—If her pillow was on the floor. Than what was supporting her head? Her memory of the night before rushed back. She smiled slightly at the thought. Dom's arm was wrapped around her, keeping her next to his side. She got up and changed (If she changed that means she had clothes on before she changed, which rules out what you thought happened.)Into a brand new pair of breeches and a fairly new tunic. When she came back to her bedroom Dom was sitting up and smiling.

"About time you woke up." Said Kel teasingly.

Dom grinned mischievously, " Well its not like we got a whole lot of sleep last night."

Kel blushed, " Well its true. I mean with you snoring the whole night I didn't get a wink of sleep."

Kel received a pillow in the face. " I'm just kidding you oaf." Stated Kel as Dom gave her a false look of insult.

"So have you decided what time we will be leaving?" asked Dom curious. 

" Alanna said she would stop by later this morning with the final time."

As if clockwork, the door knocked as Kel ended her comment. "Kel, Its me Neal, open the door. Alanna told me to tell you to be ready tomorrow morning. I need to talk to you before you leave so open the door please!"

Kel panicked. It wouldn't look good for Neal to see his cousin in his night clothing in Kel's bedroom. It would give him ideas or confirm them. He would be right too. Kel look pleadingly at Dom who in return grinned. He got up from his resting place in the bed and walked over to Kel.

"It's not funny Dom! That is not a way for Neal to find out. Meathead would go bonkers. Now go over in the—the closet—now please!" she whispered frantically.

Dom smiled amused at how she was acting. " As you command mother." He said before giving her a kiss on the cheek and walking off quickly.

"Kel, c'mon! Let me in!" yelled Neal from outside her door.

Kel rolled her eyes. "I'm coming! I'm coming! Hold on meathead! I just had to get dressed dolt." She said grinning as she opened the door.

Neal sat there looking like he had been waiting hours. She allowed him to come in and sit down.

"Okay Neal, you're in now, what did you need me for." Said Kel as she sat feeding the birds.

"Have you seen Dom?" he asked.

"What? What—what do you mean Neal?" Kel asked.

"I mean have you seen him. I don't mean today because obviously you have been sleeping, but all the men say they saw him come here last night. Have you seen him since then?" explained Neal. He was about to start again but something must have popped into his head because all that came next was a squeak, a strange look at Kel, and a shake of the head.

"Meathead, I haven't seen him since dusk last night."

"Oh." Was all Neal said. His face showed no emotion but inside he was grinning like a clown inside out. His lie did the trick. None of the men saw Dom go to Kel's room. But he surely had. It was a fair time past dusk too. He was extremely happy for Kel. He knew they would be good together when he first saw them joking around together. Maybe he wasn't the Meathead anymore. It was doubtful, but there was a possibility.  "I guess I'll be going then." He said quietly before turning toward the door.

Kel was about to say good-bye but Neal turned around and said thoughtfully, " Kel, we've known each other for a long time now. A whole nine years we have been friends. Only for the past few years have I been able to tell your lying though. Maybe you should talk to my dear heart and ask her to teach you to perfect your mask, love.  Oh yeah, and if Dom ever comes out of your closet tell him he needs to talk to his cousin once in awhile and catch me up on things. Especially the fact that you two have something going on."

Kel's mouth was hanging wide open as Neal let his teeth flash fully. Smothered laughter could be heard from the closet.

"I hate you Neal. Submit to my swords before I have to hurt you." She said in a poisonous voice.

"Oh come now my dear friend! I'm not that big of a meathead! Surely I must know some things. Like the fact you had a crush on me for almost three years." He said clearly amused.

Kel paled. "Nealan, I swear to you that you will not live another hour." She said clearly shocked.

He smiled once more and said, "I'm leaving before you can find Griffon and chase me to my death." He said as he quickly exited.

A roar of coughing erupted from the closet. It quickly turned into laughs, which then turned into tears. Dom came out with red eyes and even redder cheeks.

"So, Meathead is outgrowing his name quicker than I expected. He guesses correctly." Dom stated as he sat down next to the dazed Kel.

Kel somehow quickly snapped out of her trance and snapped a glare at Dom. " Don't make me hurt you, I don't want to. But I will if provoked."

He grinned. "So you had a crush on my cousin, huh? Gods, I wonder how he found out! Not by his own skill but by probably hearing someone say something."

" Mithros Dom I was like thirteen! That was so long ago it's hard to remember what happened. Hopefully he didn't know that when I did crush him or else I would have been crushed to pieces!"

Dom was extremely amused. "So you were really stuck on him huh?" He said feeling a tinge of friendly jealously. It would have been nice to know she had crushed on him before the last few years. Maybe even back to when she was fifteen or sixteen. Not that it mattered. It would just confirm that she wasn't lying when she said that she was all over him back then.

"Why'd you stop love?"

"Oh. I fell for someone else over a period of time I wasn't near him."

Curious Dom asked, "Who?"

"I'd never."

"You will too, for me."

"Not even for you."

"Please."

"Don't make me admit it Dom."

"What? It can't be that bad."

"Oh god it definitely isn't bad, not in the least. He's very handsome and nice and a good commander." Said Kel, amused with Dom for not guessing. She would tell him of course just to make him feel like an idiot.

"He must have been great then to capture your love."

"Oh believe me he is." Kel said almost to tears.

Dom straightened. 'Is?' He thought. Does that mean she still has feelings for this man? He felt himself sinking into a hole.

"Who is it then?" he said almost at a gulp.

"Is that an order?" she said pleasingly. She knew they were both basically equal in command. She might just be a little higher.

"Yes, Now stop playing around and tell me."

"Anxious now aren't we?" she said.

"Yep, now spit it out before I have to tackle you."

"Kel laughed, "So there's an advantage to not telling you?! Maybe I shouldn't tell you after all."

Dom grinned then sighed.

"Dom, guess what? You know that person I used to like. I'm still in love with him. That's because its you."

Dom looked shocked. Then grinned. She did all that playing on purpose. "Well maybe I should tackle you anyhow. You don't know how happy it makes me to know that." He said as she giggled. He picked her up and dropped her on the bed.

~**~

Down at breakfast, Dom and Kel sat together talking about what they should bring along on the trip. Even though it was out in the open down in the King's Own eating-house, it wasn't in the palace. Luckily, Jon still had know idea about them actually leaving. He figured they would at some point. But not gods cursed the day after. He figured Alanna would go to Pirates Swoop and gather herself there. He figured Daine would go with Alanna. He figured Kelad—He didn't figure what Keladry would do! The Knight was stubborn and unpredictable! He never figured they would all go together, riders and all, with other MEN, and fight! They were prepared for this and were even organized! Their party was almost a total of 150 soldiers!

In fact, the only people who weren't at the meeting were Dom and Neal and they were both coming along too!

As Kel and Dom finished eating they decide to go for a small walk around the Place before they left. They talked about stuff that had been on their minds lately. They hadn't even notice Neal come up for a few moments.

"Oh hullo Sir Meathead. Nice to see you." Dom said politely.

"Hello you two, I was just walking around and saw you two and figured since you two have been talking for a while if could, steal my cousin for a minute, for, um, a chat?" he said thoughtfully.

Kel blushed slightly and answered, " I can't see why you need him. You can already read emotions, I suppose now you can read thoughts?" she said amused.

It was Neal's turn to blush and Dom's turn to smile. Dom looked at Kel for an answer and she nodded, agreeing that they should go talk. Dom grinned.

He then slugged his arm around his cousin's shoulder and carried him off. "Now what did you need me for? It was quite stuffy where I was and I couldn't understand every blessed word." Said Dom as he led him farther away. She could see Neal smiling from ear to ear as Dom talked away.

~**~

Alanna heard a knock upon her door. Curious she got up from her desk and opened the door to find Kel standing there. "Oh hello Kel! I wasn't expecting you, but please come in. I was going to come looking for you in a moment anyways. You just saved me some trouble." She said as she sat Kel down. "Now is there something you needed me for?" Alanna asked.

"Oh nothing really. I was just curious. Where are we headed and how exactly are we going to move ourselves out of here without the king noticing us?" Kel replied.

Alanna smiled. "Why of course you know that Thayet is helping us now don't you?"

Kel looked completely shock. Alanna continued, "She heard about what happened and agreed to help us. She can keep cool with Jonathan when he's in a temper. I can't. She'll be able to help us and not lose her nerve when Jon finds out." Kel tried to hide a smile but it came anyways.

"We'll be headed to Irontown first. Some residents are friends with my husband and have agreed to come with us. That should make our party almost two hundred since they are supplying fifty fighters. Not quite soldiers if you can catch my drift.

Kel understood. Thiefs. This time she couldn't help but grin. Obviously, as rumor had it and Alanna had confirmed, her husband had been the King of to Rogue.

"Now Kel, I want to talk to you about Jonathan. I can tell you don't like him and you have every right not to. I was so furious about not being able to see you that I almost resigned as champion! He does like you very much, he told me so. He said he thinks you'll follow in my footsteps, my damned heroic footsteps. Why couldn't I have left well enough alone?" said the Lioness.

Kel was shocked The King, like her? No. Impossible. Couldn't happen. Never. Kel was amused at how the Lioness was playing. She actually looked serious about leaving 'well enough' alone! Heroes must rethink the path they chose often, or at least the Lioness did. She had spent enough time with Raoul to recognize that the job could get out of control.

~**~

Kel and Alanna's conversation went on for about an hour. Keladry learned tons about how the King got along and felt. She respected him completely but her respect heightened for him. She had always known he was a great King, but she had found out that he was a great man too. Sometimes they can't be both but in this case they could! She learned Alanna's point of view from things that had happened in her past, and about her husband, George. She learned things about Gareth of Naxen, and even about Raoul, some very interesting things that she could tease him about later. Their topic ranged to the point that Alanna told her about how she and Jon used to be lovers. Even about Liam, a former friend and lover, who was killed years ago. Kel wished she had known this man. He seemed very respectable. Kel had told about Cleon, which obviously Alanna already knew about. She had even slipped in that her and Dom had something going on. Alanna didn't seem surprised, not in the least. She actually seemed quite pleased.

"Lady Al-" started Kel but Alanna cut her off.

"Please, Alanna is all that's necessary. I would do away with all titles if I could get away with it, but Jon has his fits about me being a 'proper noble.' Seems silly to me because I'm by far the proper noble let alone lady." She said grinning. "Watch, when you get to no him better, he'll want your advice, trust me. He'll tell you the same thing. You'll have learned to yell at him too." Alanna stated as she grinned brightly.

Kel laughed. 'Fat chance of that happening.' She thought, deciding to ask Alanna a question. "Alanna, you'll be in charge of the party correct. Buri, second correct?"

Alanna looked extremely surprised, "Meathead didn't tell you?" she said wide eyed. (I know! Don't you love it? Alanna calling Neal a Meathead? Oh I love life!)

Keladry was taken back. What was she talking about? "Tell me what?" she said nervously.

"Keladry, I'm no commander. I have no skill in that whatsoever. I ride alone usually. Buri has experience with riders. She doesn't grasp how refugees, thieves, and common people think. You do. Buri is second, yes. But I'm not first. In fact, I asked Buri to have no position but she insisted me being fourth at least. So I agreed." She was giving Kel the look she feared.

"Oh no." whispered Kel.

"Oh yes dear." Said Alanna, whose amusement played all over her face.

"Absolutely not."

"You knew it would happen one day."

"Actually, no, I figured I wouldn't control anyone but me."

"Well now your dreams come true."

"Alanna, they were supposed to stay dreams! I never thought—" said Kel. She stopped mid sentence to go into another daze state.

" What is up with everyone? I can't win an argument with Lalasa, Neal, Dom, or you. I'm turning into a pathetic knight. Auhh, shoot me now please." She said as she sat there like a frozen paled snow creature. (My ooh so creative 'snow man' term!)

"Well, looks like you got a job missy." Said the Lioness as she pulled Kel out of her chair. She pushed her out the door and patted her on her back. "C'mon, lets get some grub."

~**~

Raoul came and found Alanna, Buri, and Kel discussing plans for their trip. She excused herself and went to join Raoul.

"Hullo Si—Raoul. How are you doing?" Kel asked warmly.

"Good to see you Kel. Listen, if you have a minute. Maybe we can talk?" he asked.

Kel agreed and they walked over through the place where they took their first walk. Way back when she was a page. She had always liked Raoul. She loved him very much-he was like a father to her.

"Congratulations Kel." Raoul said suddenly.

Startled, Kel answered, "On what sir?"

"Commander of course. For landing the spot in charge of the Traitor's Hill Bandits." He said musingly.

She laughed and then sighed, "Auhh. Don't remind me."

He grinned. Just like my squire. Just like her. He thought.

"When do you plan on leaving?"

"Tomorrow at false dawn." She replied as they walked over and sat on a bench overlooking the gardens.

"Where are you heading first?"

"Irontown, to pick up some friends of Baron Cooper." She said.

Raoul groaned in delight. 'Just what they need. Street fighters.'

~**~

"Flyn is getting married." Said Raoul quietly.

"What?! But—you can't get married in the Own!"

"Well you can now, since I did, I thought they should be able too. All of my men are proposing to there ladies right now." He said as they both laughed. "Flyn is leaving second in command though. I'm going to need a new one."

"Oh." Said Kel, curious at why he was bringing this up.

"I think I have an replacement, but I'm not sure. I would like you to help me." He said as if it concerned her.

"I'll try." Said Kel.

"I think it should be Dom." He said forwardly. "How does that sound?"

Kel was completely thrilled. Raoul could see it all over her face. Yes, he had chosen correctly.

"I think he'd be perfect for the job!" she said in a deciding voice.

"Good, I just hope he doesn't run off and get married right away." He said. He looked over at Kel and noticed that she was a deep red crimson. Could it be that they had something going on? He was determined to find out.

"Oh I doubt he will Sir. I seriously doubt he will." She said as if she was ever so certain.

"Well it wouldn't be a bad thing of he married. I just hope he would stay put in the Own."

Kel blushed even farther. Raoul was pleased. There had to be something going on.

"Well sir, if I was a wife in a situation like that, I'd beat him if he didn't stay in." she said making Raoul laugh.

"Um Kel, how have you been doing lately. I mean its none of my business and all but are you okay with Cleon being, you know? He asked hesitantly.

Kel grinned. "I'm not surprised. I think he actually thought it was a secret. I was actually hoping you would ask. You've always been like a second father to me. It makes me feel good to know you care." She said dead serious.

Raoul, who was not a sentimental man, was almost to tears. She thought of him as a father! He hoped nothing came between their love for each other. She was just like a daughter to him. She should know so too.

"My dear Kel," he started as he gave Kel a hug, "you've always been like a daughter to me. Surprisingly to me, even before you were my squire.  I'm glad you feel you can confide in me."

Becoming embarrassed he blushed while she laughed. "Glad to hear it." She said. " Now, if your asking if I'm okay that Cleon is off, happily married to a women I have tons of respect for, then yes, I am."

"That's wonderful Kel! Im glad to know you're okay. Is their someone else now?"

Kel blushed. " I think so."

"Oh?" said Raoul as he put up one eyebrow. "This person couldn't be one of my Sergeant now could it be? Perhaps second in command?" he said in an innocent tone.

Kel's blush reddened and then she relaxed. The blood rush back, away from her face and she sighed. "Does everyone read minds around here? I swear you're the third person today who has said that!" she said with good humor.

"Well?" Raoul continued. He didn't snoop around, but he was a curious man. "Is it true then?"

"Maybe." Said a faint whisper that belonged to Kel.

Raoul smiled and laughed loudly, "Youngin', you sure are a stubborn women!" he said overjoyed that his new commander was involved with his ex-squire. A match made in heaven. It sounded weird to him though. She was grown up. A woman. Not a young fourteen-year-old child that he had took in almost five years ago. He smiled. How time flies.  He thought bewildered.

"Well I guess I am, but that doesn't matter. I'll miss you while I'm gone friend. I don't know how long I will be gone but most likely it will be at least a year." She said in tears.

"Now Kel, Don't worry. I'll see you soon. If you don't come back earlier than I expect you to be or if I don't hear good news about your company. I'm coming after you. I have a bunch of dear friends going you know. Dom, Alanna, my wife, Buri, and even my daughter is leaving. You give an old man hope. Make me feel twenty again. I feel like I go on all the adventures with you."

Kel dried her tears and laughed, "What do you mean old? And what do you mean 'going on adventures?'" Sir, I don't see you slowing down one bit. Your just as active, even more active then you were back then. You still have a bunch of years ahead of you!"

He smiled. She was right. "And so do you." He kissed her on her forehead and they hugged and said their goodbyes. She went off to her rooms to find Dom waiting for her.

" I wanted to say goodnight before you went to bed. I hope you don't mind, love. I figured I wouldn't see you too much tomorrow so I had to give you a kiss."

He rushed over to her and gave her a gentle kiss. "Goodnight love. Sweet dreams." He said as he walked back towards the door.

Kel hesitated, "Dom?" she asked.

"Hmm?" He said turning around to face her.

"Why don't you stay here tonight? Its cold out you know."

Dom smiled and nodded. They put on their night clothing and hopped into her bed. Kel rested her head on his arm. "Goodnight love of my life." He stated. Kel was about to ask him a question but noticed that he was sleeping. She half smiled and half sighed.

"Goodnight my commander. I love you."

~**~

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