Tilting
Keladry of Mindelan woke up one fine spring morning and smiled. It was dawn. The rest of the palace was still asleep. She carefully slid out of bed, trying not to disturb her various pets and prepared for the day. First, she did a pattern dance with her glaive. She then did several exercises designed to strengthen her arms and upper body. By the time the first bell of the day had rung, she was in her tub, scrubbing away the sweat from her morning workout. She sang as she dressed and went to breakfast still humming. Several of her friends were already there. She saw Merric of Hollyrose and Esmond of Nicoline. Seaver of Tasride appeared soon after she sat down. Faleron of King's Reach was away and Prince Roald was eating with his family. Kel was half through her meal when she realized what was wrong.
"Where's Neal?" She asked the same time as someone else. Apparently the thought had just come to Merric too. Esmond frowned.
"I was hoping you would know. When did you last see him?"
"Last night at dinner. He said he was going to visit Yuki." Kel replied. The boys began to grin.
"Maybe he never left her rooms." Said Merric with a glint in his eye. Kel kicked him under the table.
"Your mind is so dirty." She accused.
"You were just wishing Cleon was here so you could do the same." Retorted Seaver. Kel just blushed and didn't say anything. Her friends started singing a soppy love ballad. It was the same song they all had sung to Neal one night when he had one of his crushes on a beautiful court lady. Kel picked up her tray and left. She had a vague idea of going to the practice courts when she was hit from behind. Her and the boy who hit her tumbled down a short flight of steps. Kel had jumped up and was preparing to retaliate when she realized that the boy was laughing. Kel couldn't help it, she joined in. Owen of Jesslaw wasn't always graceful. He lay on the floor gasping for air. When he finally gained control, Kel offered him her hand. He took it and pulled himself up.
"Sorry Kel." He said, still gasping.
"What was so important that you had to knock me over to tell me?" She asked with a smile. Owen realized that he still held her hand in his. He dropped it quickly.
"Lord Wyldon sent me to ask if you wanted to tilt with him." Gods help me. Kel thought. I'm going to die a virgin and Cleon isn't here to help me with that. Oh well. Can't be helped.
"Turn down a chance to tilt with my lord." Kel joked. "I like getting pounded until I can't see straight." Owen laughed and they headed down to the stables. Owen readied Lord Wyldon's mount as Kel readied Peachblossom. He was a strawberry-roan gelding with a mean streak. When she was ready, Kel grabbed her practice mount and headed out. Owen was a step behind. Wyldon was already on the field.
"Hello Sir Keladry." He greeted her.
"Hello Lord Wyldon." She replied with a bow.
"Let's see if your tilting skills have improved since you became a knight." Kel gulped.
"I hope so, sir." Kel mounted Peachblossom as Owen held her lance. Once she was up, Owen handed the lance up. His hand brushed hers for a moment and he blushed. I wonder what's got into him. Kel thought. She cleared her mind as she rode to the other end of the field and Lord Wyldon mounted. Owen stepped into the middle and checked that they were ready. He gave the signal and ran out of the way. "Charge." Kel whispered to her horse. He had been taught verbal commands so Kel would never have to use the spur. She lowered her lance at Wyldon. She hit his shield square as he hit hers. She was a bit surprised. The impact didn't seem as bad as it usually was. She shook out her hands and readied herself for another round. After four rounds, Kel flew from the saddle. Owen helped her up and gave her a drink of water.
"That was jolly." He said. "I can only last one round before he has me out of the saddle." Wyldon rode over to where she was sitting.
"That was very good, Keladry. I am impressed. Only Lord Raoul lasts longer. He has trained you well." Kel nodded in reply. She could take compliments if they were addressed to her former knight-master. "Are you ready for another round?"
"Yessir." Kel mounted again. She rode once more, and didn't fly, when someone came to the fence. Owen went over to the messenger and seemed to be having an argument with him. He finally ran over to Kel.
"This guy has a message for you." He said, clearly angry. "He says it's urgent." Why would Owen be upset about a message for me?
"Can I help you?" She asked the man. He handed her a letter. "Thank you." Kel opened the letter as Owen flittered around. Peachblossom eyed him as if looking for a meal. Kel held his reins tighter in her hand. The message was brief.