Disclaimer: I don't own anything but the plot!
Kel knocked on Dom's door. It was 5am- almost time to meet his parents at the Dancing Dove. They were going to travel north on the Great Road North until they came to Bearsford. They would rest there for the night, and then continue to New Hope in the morning. They would reach it by about mid- day if they left at about eight. Dom opened the door, his hair mussed. He only looked half awake.
"Morning Dom," Kel said, kissing him. "Are you all packed and ready to leave?" Dom yawned, then cocked his head in puzzlement.
"Go? Go where?" he asked, scratching his head.
"Dom! We're supposed to meet your parents in less than an hour!" Kel exclaimed.
"Shit! I forgot all about it!" He yelled. He rushed back inside his room, leaving the door open for Kel. She walked in, shaking her head.
"How nice of you to forget your parents," she commented sarcastically, sitting down on his bed and watching him stuff clothes into his suitcase. Dom stopped and looked at her. She was becoming more like Meathead every day. "Dom!" Kel said, snapping her fingers. "Hurry up! If we're to get there on time, we have to leave in half an hour!"
"Can you help me, then, sweet?" he asked, pausing in his packing to kiss her sweetly on the cheek. Kel rolled her eyes. "Please? I still have to bathe and brush my teeth," he said, looking her with pleading eyes. Kel groaned. She could never resist those eyes.
"Fine," she mumbled, and got off the bed. Dom kissed her once more, firmly and rushed to the bathroom. Kel rolled her eyes and began to pack. She was half way through when Dom scampered back, fully clothed, brushing his teeth, still dripping wet. "Uh, Dom?" she asked, looking at him strangely.
"Yesh?" he probed, hard to understand with the toothbrush in his mouth.
"You realize that your pants are on backwards, right?" He looked down, before cursing again. He rushed back into the bathroom, this time when he came back, it was without a toothbrush, and his clothes were on correctly. Kel was desperately trying to hold her laughter behind her Yamani mask. They only had about fifteen minutes left, and they had to go say good-bye to Yuki and Neal. When they had finished packing his stuff, Kel dragged Dom to her room, grabbing her own suitcase, then rushed to Yuki and Neal's room. This time she knocked before she entered.
"Yuki?" She called. They waited a moment before hearing soft padded steps coming to the door. A beautiful Yuki answered, wearing riding clothes.
"Hey Kel, Dom." Yuki said, nodding to each. "We were about to leave in about five minutes, but Neal didn't get up, so we have about fifteen minutes before he had to leave." She noticed that Kel glared at Dom while he stood there sheepishly.
"Well Yuki, this one over here," Kel said, jerking her head in Dom's direction, "did the exact same. One would think that they would be able to get up early, considering they have to get up every morning at dawn." Kel shook her head. "Now I'm sure. Their branch got cheated when they handed out brains." Dom looked at her in mock-hurt.
"Hey! That's not nice!" Dom exclaimed.
"Give her a punch for me, then run like the wind, Dom" Neal's voice said from behind Yuki. She grimaced.
"Neal, go finish your packing. We're late as it is." Yuki said over her shoulder. Kel looked at Dom.
"If you punch me, you're sleeping on the floor tonight." She said, noting with glee that he looked like a three year old caught stealing cookies before dinner. It looked to her that Dom had no intention to punch her. Yuki and Kel turned back to their conversation.
"Men." Yuki said in Yamani, rolling her eyes.
"Can't live with them, can't shoot them," groaned, smiling, also speaking in Yuki's native language.
"You know," Yuki, observed, scratching her head, "they say that men control the women, not the other way around."
"They must have been drunk, because we both know that's not true in our case." They giggled.
"Neal, how are you doing back there?" Yuki said, switching back to common.
"Oh just fine, precious," Neal drawled from inside the room. "In fact," he appeared besides her, holding both of their suitcases. "I'm ready."
"Well, we better get going." Kel said ruefully. "We have to meet Dom's parents at the Dancing Dove soon. We just wanted to say congratulations and to have fun on your honeymoon!" Kel said, hugging Yuki and Neal good-bye. As she hugged him she said, "Remember to eat your vegetables, and be on your best behavior!" She told him, grinning. Neal rolled his eyes.
"But mother dearest, I don't like vegetables!" Kel punched him twice. "Ow! What was that for?!" he asked.
"The first one was for telling Dom to punch me, and the second was for disobeying your mother!" she said, grinning. Dom laughed before hugging Yuki and punching Neal good-bye.
"Hey! And what was that for?" Neal objected, rubbing his sore arm.
"That was for trying to get me in trouble with my fiancée!" Dom said, and then gripped forearms with Neal as a silent good-bye. "Next time we see you, you'll be a tanned Meathead!" Dom grinned. Neal looked mock hurt.
"Fine then. I know when I'm not wanted. Good-bye, fair Kel! Good- bye, satanic cousin!" he dramatically said, before walking down the hall.
"See you later, guys, and good luck!" Yuki said, hugging them in a rare show of affection, before following her dramatic husband down the hallway. Dom and Kel grinned at each other before walking down to the stables. Kel saddled Hoshi, knowing that Peachblossom would try and bite everyone. She had talked to Stefan the night before, telling him to take good care of her "baby". Before they left, Kel gave Peachblossom an apple, and gave him a good brushing, telling him to behave himself. He nuzzled her with his head, reassuring her. Kel didn't buy it. She knew that as soon as she left, he would bite the first person in sight.
"I'm serious, Peachblossom. If I hear your were being mean, I'll tell Daine on you. You know she won't stand for that." Peachblossom looked at her adorably, the picture of a well behaved horse. He then ruined the moment by blowing a wad of spit at his neighbor. Kel shook her head. She wasn't surprised by his dishonoring action. It was to be expected. Sighing once more, she mounted on to Hoshi. Hoshi looked at Peachblossom smugly as if to say, 'see what good behavior does to you?' Peachblossom's only response was to nip at her ass. Hoshi pranced, and Kel had to pat her on the neck to reassure her. Glaring at her misbehaved horse, Kel followed Dom out of the stables. Once they were out on the road, Kel breathed the fresh air, glad that she was out of the palace and on her way.
They stopped outside the Dancing Dove; surprised that Dom's family was waiting for them. They dismounted. As soon as Dom's feet touched the ground, everyone gathered, looking him up and down while asking why he was late. Kel just stood there, feeling out of place, as Dom's family greeted them.
Dom turned to her and took her hand, leading her to them. "Guys, I'd like you to meet my fiancée, Keladry, Protector of the Small." Kel crinkled her nose up at him in disgust. She hated that name. Elbowing him in the stomach gently, she grinned. "You can call me Kel. He knows I hate being called 'Protector of the Small'." The introductions began. It looked like everyone; even Dom's mom wore breeches and a shirt. Dom's mother had blue eyes with blonde hair. Her face was weathered from spending long hours in the sun. She and Dom had the same nose, however, her chin was stubborn, unlike his. When you looked in her eyes, although they were warm at the moment, she had a sense of toughness in them.
Dom's father had green eyes; Kel noted that it looked as though Neal came from his father's side. He had dark brown hair, though now it had gray streaks in it. He was a tall, broad shouldered man, with a proud nose slightly hooked at the end, and a dimpled chin. His eyes held pride as they looked at his family; he was the type who wouldn't take any nonsense from anyone.
Kel liked Dom's younger sister Allison on the spot. She was about fourteen, but looked to be about sixteen, with unnerving green eyes and golden hair. She had a few freckles scattered on her nose, like Kel. She seemed to be the most welcoming to her, with a dimpled smile and a nose that also held a dimple. She looked like she loved to do anything outside, and wouldn't back down from a bet. Her eyes twinkled mischievously, and she looked to be fearless, a person who wouldn't panic at dangerous situations. She wore her hair back into a horsetail, letting her bangs frame her face. She was the prettiest of the three sisters, and the oldest. She was a natural born rebel, fighting every step of the way, yet would know when to back down.
Jessica had the dark brown hair of her father, along with brown eyes. She was energetic, and was extremely blunt. She looked to be the kind of person who wouldn't beat around the bush; she would just say it. Her brown eyes always seemed to analyze, and she was the kind of person who didn't care what anyone thought of her. She looked to be about the same age as Allison, except maybe a year younger. She wasn't the kind of person who would jump into things, someone who would think about it, and then pick the intelligent thing to do. She had her shoulder-length hair in a braid She was also strikingly beautiful. She looked to be the kind who would sometimes listen to her parents, yet she could never hold a grudge.
The third and youngest of his sisters was Rose. With golden brown hair like her sister, and blue eyes, she looked as though she didn't have a care in the world, as long as she could have fun. She was the fun type, one who would always see the good part of the situation, and was always optimistic. She wore her long hair down. Rose looked to be the one who would always do as she was bid, and who would always follow directions, except maybe she would joke while she did it. She was adorable, and looked to be about eleven.
Dom's brother Shane had bright blue eyes like his mother, yet his hair was almost black. He was the oldest, including Dom, about twenty- five, and was the brother who would stick up for his younger siblings. His eyes evaluated Kel, then liking what he saw, smiled. He wouldn't back down from a fight, not if it had anything to do with his family. He was heavily muscled, and Kel noted that he was a knight. He held a naked sword in his hand, which he sheathed as soon as they had rode up. He was the type who would be blunt, and wouldn't lie to you.
James was fourteen, with brown hair and green eyes. His green eyes held laughter as they looked at Dom. He also held a sword, and Kel remembered Dom telling her that he would try out for the King's Own in four years, when he was old enough. He was the type who would laugh at anything, yet would know when to be sober. His face was covered with freckles, yet when he smiled, he looked extremely handsome. He smiled warmly at Kel before turning to his brother Marcus to fight.
Marcus looked to be about six, the age of where he would fight over anything. He would pick a fight and stick to it, until the other person gave up, even if he knew he lost. He would never back down from anything, and when he had first laid eyes on Kel, he seemed to be categorizing her. He wouldn't make friends easily, but when he did, he made them for life.
After the introductions were over, everyone started to mount their own horse. Even young Marcus and Rose shared a dark brown gelding. As they made their way to New Hope, Kel smiled. Dom's family was nice. They rode mostly in silence, until they were about to rest for lunch. A dark brown mare rode up on Kel's right side. Kel turned and smiled. It was Allison.
"Hi, Kel," she said, smiling. "So what do you think of our huge family?"
"They seem nice," Kel responded, tucking one of her bangs that had come out behind her ear.
"Oh, they are," Allison said matter-of-factly. She pretended to think. "That is, as long as you don't make mother and father mad. They may look nice now, but once you get on their nerves, you'd better run." She warned, smiling.
Kel laughed. "I don't plan on getting them mad," She said. Allison looked at her.
"Oh really? I do; it's great fun. You should see it, their faces get all red, and they yell like no other. Just the other day, in fact," she said, suppressing giggles, "I fell in the mud accidentally with my new dress on, and you should have seen mother. She cursed the air blue. It was beautiful."
"Allison," Dom warned from the other side of Kel, "You know you didn't do that 'accidentally' as you called it. I can see it in your face. We all know you don't like dresses," he said, trying to scold her but really he was trying not to laugh. Allison stuck out her tongue at her older brother before riding up to join Shane. Dom shook his head. "She hates dresses. Whenever mother tries to get one on her, she finds a way to ruin it. I thought mother had given up. Apparently not."
"Um, Kel?" a voice said behind her. Kel turned in the saddle to see Jessica riding her golden mare. "Where did you and Dom meet?" she asked.
"Jess is a bit of a romantic," Dom murmured in Kel's ear. "Just wait and see how many questions she'll ask about us." Kel giggled.
"I met him when I was Lord Raoul's squire, two years ago. He was the first person from the King's Own to accept me for who I was. Not what I was." Kel said, naming how they had treated her different from the rest when they first saw her. Kel saw Jess ponder this, and smiled. She turned back around to see a small clearing. "Is it ok if we stop here, Dom?" Kel asked. He nodded, smiling. They dismounted. Kel hurriedly unpacked her lunch of salted pork, rolls, and an apple. Sitting between Dom and Allison, she started to eat quickly. She was in a rush to reach Bearsford. As she ate, Jessica, ever curious, pummeled her with questions. Kel did her best to answer between mouthfuls.
"How old are you?" she asked.
"20." Kel replied.
"Where did Dom propose?"
"At a ball."
"Ohhhh! How romantic! Did you say yes right away or did you say that you would think about it? Or, did you say no and Dom talked you into it?"
"I said yes right away."
"How long was he courting you?"
"3 months."
"Wow, that's short. Mama and Pop got married after courting for 7 years."
"Yes, well I knew Dom for about 6 years before we started."
"When are you gonna get pregnant?"
"Jessie, I think Mom's calling you," Dom said, looking at her pointedly. Jess groaned. Quickly she got up to go see her mother.
"Thanks," Kel whispered. "I could take the other questions, but that was just too personal." Dom smiled.
"Well I think that you should give your 'hero' a kiss." Kel smiled. Dom leaned down and kissed her sweetly. Wrapping his arm around her so that she leaned into him, they continued to eat. As soon as they had finished, the whole family got back on the road. Rose's small voice carried through the silence, singing a song about life in the fields. Kel smiled and joined in. Soon the whole family was singing happily.
I bet she and Tobe would sing together wonderfully, Kel thought. She smiled. She just might have a couple tricks up here sleeve for Rose and Tobe.
"How old are you, Rose?" she asked the younger girl.
"Almost eleven," the girl said, looking proud. "I'll be eleven on July 30," she smiled. Kel grinned back. That would be in about three weeks.
"When I was eleven, I was a page going for my shield," Kel said. Rose looked amazed. "Really? Wow, that's so cool. Mama and Pop are going to let me join the Queen's Riders when I turn 16. I can't wait," she added, a gleam in her brilliant blue eyes.
"That's cool. My old servant, Tobe, he's about twelve nowadays, he's going to try out for the King's Own when he turns eighteen," she said, "He'll be in the wedding as a groomsman. Right now I'm teaching him how to shoot archery and swords. Would you like to practice with us?" The young woman's nod didn't skip a beat. Kel's grin grew wider. This was going to be fun.
"Can I come too?" This question came from Allison, who happened to be listening on their conversation. "Mom and Dad won't let me join the Rider's because I have to marry off to some rich man to help our fief. However, I would like to know how to defend myself when he's away." Kel nodded.
"What about me?" this came from the curious Jess. "I'm going to join the King's Own in four years. Did you hear that the King now is letting women join?"
"Of course you can come. What about you James? You want to join?" Marcus' smile was big.
"I could really come?" Kel nodded. The boy whooped. Kel smiled again. It was just then that the town of Bearsford came into view. Kel grinned, happy to get a nice warm bath.
A/N: Wow, that was the longest chapter I've ever written, and I just rewrote it! Yay! Seven whole pages long! That's longer than any of my reports for school. Ok, time to thank my reviewers:
Rachel132: I was wondering why you didn't review! Stupid computers...lol! Well, I'm glad you got it working again! You're the only one who says I write clever! Yay! Lots of love!
Dodah: I hope this one is just as lovely!
Miamouse: thanks. You make me feel loved, laughing at my romantic parts! lol. Glad to know you'll keep reading! Luv ya too!
Elementalmoon: I really have no idea. I'll go check it out!
Emikae: Pbbt! I doubt that! I'm sure you do awesome love scenes! And of course you'll make a wonderful children's writer!
Dreamerdoll: Glad to know that you liked it!
SinaiConners: Yeah, this is my first fic. Can you believe that I've actually tried to write a book? I got as far as page 77 before I couldn't think of anything else. So I burned it. I used to want to be a writer, but now I want to be a lawyer. Funny, huh? Glad you think I'm a good writer! Lots of love!
OK, you know the drill. REVIEW NOW.
Kel knocked on Dom's door. It was 5am- almost time to meet his parents at the Dancing Dove. They were going to travel north on the Great Road North until they came to Bearsford. They would rest there for the night, and then continue to New Hope in the morning. They would reach it by about mid- day if they left at about eight. Dom opened the door, his hair mussed. He only looked half awake.
"Morning Dom," Kel said, kissing him. "Are you all packed and ready to leave?" Dom yawned, then cocked his head in puzzlement.
"Go? Go where?" he asked, scratching his head.
"Dom! We're supposed to meet your parents in less than an hour!" Kel exclaimed.
"Shit! I forgot all about it!" He yelled. He rushed back inside his room, leaving the door open for Kel. She walked in, shaking her head.
"How nice of you to forget your parents," she commented sarcastically, sitting down on his bed and watching him stuff clothes into his suitcase. Dom stopped and looked at her. She was becoming more like Meathead every day. "Dom!" Kel said, snapping her fingers. "Hurry up! If we're to get there on time, we have to leave in half an hour!"
"Can you help me, then, sweet?" he asked, pausing in his packing to kiss her sweetly on the cheek. Kel rolled her eyes. "Please? I still have to bathe and brush my teeth," he said, looking her with pleading eyes. Kel groaned. She could never resist those eyes.
"Fine," she mumbled, and got off the bed. Dom kissed her once more, firmly and rushed to the bathroom. Kel rolled her eyes and began to pack. She was half way through when Dom scampered back, fully clothed, brushing his teeth, still dripping wet. "Uh, Dom?" she asked, looking at him strangely.
"Yesh?" he probed, hard to understand with the toothbrush in his mouth.
"You realize that your pants are on backwards, right?" He looked down, before cursing again. He rushed back into the bathroom, this time when he came back, it was without a toothbrush, and his clothes were on correctly. Kel was desperately trying to hold her laughter behind her Yamani mask. They only had about fifteen minutes left, and they had to go say good-bye to Yuki and Neal. When they had finished packing his stuff, Kel dragged Dom to her room, grabbing her own suitcase, then rushed to Yuki and Neal's room. This time she knocked before she entered.
"Yuki?" She called. They waited a moment before hearing soft padded steps coming to the door. A beautiful Yuki answered, wearing riding clothes.
"Hey Kel, Dom." Yuki said, nodding to each. "We were about to leave in about five minutes, but Neal didn't get up, so we have about fifteen minutes before he had to leave." She noticed that Kel glared at Dom while he stood there sheepishly.
"Well Yuki, this one over here," Kel said, jerking her head in Dom's direction, "did the exact same. One would think that they would be able to get up early, considering they have to get up every morning at dawn." Kel shook her head. "Now I'm sure. Their branch got cheated when they handed out brains." Dom looked at her in mock-hurt.
"Hey! That's not nice!" Dom exclaimed.
"Give her a punch for me, then run like the wind, Dom" Neal's voice said from behind Yuki. She grimaced.
"Neal, go finish your packing. We're late as it is." Yuki said over her shoulder. Kel looked at Dom.
"If you punch me, you're sleeping on the floor tonight." She said, noting with glee that he looked like a three year old caught stealing cookies before dinner. It looked to her that Dom had no intention to punch her. Yuki and Kel turned back to their conversation.
"Men." Yuki said in Yamani, rolling her eyes.
"Can't live with them, can't shoot them," groaned, smiling, also speaking in Yuki's native language.
"You know," Yuki, observed, scratching her head, "they say that men control the women, not the other way around."
"They must have been drunk, because we both know that's not true in our case." They giggled.
"Neal, how are you doing back there?" Yuki said, switching back to common.
"Oh just fine, precious," Neal drawled from inside the room. "In fact," he appeared besides her, holding both of their suitcases. "I'm ready."
"Well, we better get going." Kel said ruefully. "We have to meet Dom's parents at the Dancing Dove soon. We just wanted to say congratulations and to have fun on your honeymoon!" Kel said, hugging Yuki and Neal good-bye. As she hugged him she said, "Remember to eat your vegetables, and be on your best behavior!" She told him, grinning. Neal rolled his eyes.
"But mother dearest, I don't like vegetables!" Kel punched him twice. "Ow! What was that for?!" he asked.
"The first one was for telling Dom to punch me, and the second was for disobeying your mother!" she said, grinning. Dom laughed before hugging Yuki and punching Neal good-bye.
"Hey! And what was that for?" Neal objected, rubbing his sore arm.
"That was for trying to get me in trouble with my fiancée!" Dom said, and then gripped forearms with Neal as a silent good-bye. "Next time we see you, you'll be a tanned Meathead!" Dom grinned. Neal looked mock hurt.
"Fine then. I know when I'm not wanted. Good-bye, fair Kel! Good- bye, satanic cousin!" he dramatically said, before walking down the hall.
"See you later, guys, and good luck!" Yuki said, hugging them in a rare show of affection, before following her dramatic husband down the hallway. Dom and Kel grinned at each other before walking down to the stables. Kel saddled Hoshi, knowing that Peachblossom would try and bite everyone. She had talked to Stefan the night before, telling him to take good care of her "baby". Before they left, Kel gave Peachblossom an apple, and gave him a good brushing, telling him to behave himself. He nuzzled her with his head, reassuring her. Kel didn't buy it. She knew that as soon as she left, he would bite the first person in sight.
"I'm serious, Peachblossom. If I hear your were being mean, I'll tell Daine on you. You know she won't stand for that." Peachblossom looked at her adorably, the picture of a well behaved horse. He then ruined the moment by blowing a wad of spit at his neighbor. Kel shook her head. She wasn't surprised by his dishonoring action. It was to be expected. Sighing once more, she mounted on to Hoshi. Hoshi looked at Peachblossom smugly as if to say, 'see what good behavior does to you?' Peachblossom's only response was to nip at her ass. Hoshi pranced, and Kel had to pat her on the neck to reassure her. Glaring at her misbehaved horse, Kel followed Dom out of the stables. Once they were out on the road, Kel breathed the fresh air, glad that she was out of the palace and on her way.
They stopped outside the Dancing Dove; surprised that Dom's family was waiting for them. They dismounted. As soon as Dom's feet touched the ground, everyone gathered, looking him up and down while asking why he was late. Kel just stood there, feeling out of place, as Dom's family greeted them.
Dom turned to her and took her hand, leading her to them. "Guys, I'd like you to meet my fiancée, Keladry, Protector of the Small." Kel crinkled her nose up at him in disgust. She hated that name. Elbowing him in the stomach gently, she grinned. "You can call me Kel. He knows I hate being called 'Protector of the Small'." The introductions began. It looked like everyone; even Dom's mom wore breeches and a shirt. Dom's mother had blue eyes with blonde hair. Her face was weathered from spending long hours in the sun. She and Dom had the same nose, however, her chin was stubborn, unlike his. When you looked in her eyes, although they were warm at the moment, she had a sense of toughness in them.
Dom's father had green eyes; Kel noted that it looked as though Neal came from his father's side. He had dark brown hair, though now it had gray streaks in it. He was a tall, broad shouldered man, with a proud nose slightly hooked at the end, and a dimpled chin. His eyes held pride as they looked at his family; he was the type who wouldn't take any nonsense from anyone.
Kel liked Dom's younger sister Allison on the spot. She was about fourteen, but looked to be about sixteen, with unnerving green eyes and golden hair. She had a few freckles scattered on her nose, like Kel. She seemed to be the most welcoming to her, with a dimpled smile and a nose that also held a dimple. She looked like she loved to do anything outside, and wouldn't back down from a bet. Her eyes twinkled mischievously, and she looked to be fearless, a person who wouldn't panic at dangerous situations. She wore her hair back into a horsetail, letting her bangs frame her face. She was the prettiest of the three sisters, and the oldest. She was a natural born rebel, fighting every step of the way, yet would know when to back down.
Jessica had the dark brown hair of her father, along with brown eyes. She was energetic, and was extremely blunt. She looked to be the kind of person who wouldn't beat around the bush; she would just say it. Her brown eyes always seemed to analyze, and she was the kind of person who didn't care what anyone thought of her. She looked to be about the same age as Allison, except maybe a year younger. She wasn't the kind of person who would jump into things, someone who would think about it, and then pick the intelligent thing to do. She had her shoulder-length hair in a braid She was also strikingly beautiful. She looked to be the kind who would sometimes listen to her parents, yet she could never hold a grudge.
The third and youngest of his sisters was Rose. With golden brown hair like her sister, and blue eyes, she looked as though she didn't have a care in the world, as long as she could have fun. She was the fun type, one who would always see the good part of the situation, and was always optimistic. She wore her long hair down. Rose looked to be the one who would always do as she was bid, and who would always follow directions, except maybe she would joke while she did it. She was adorable, and looked to be about eleven.
Dom's brother Shane had bright blue eyes like his mother, yet his hair was almost black. He was the oldest, including Dom, about twenty- five, and was the brother who would stick up for his younger siblings. His eyes evaluated Kel, then liking what he saw, smiled. He wouldn't back down from a fight, not if it had anything to do with his family. He was heavily muscled, and Kel noted that he was a knight. He held a naked sword in his hand, which he sheathed as soon as they had rode up. He was the type who would be blunt, and wouldn't lie to you.
James was fourteen, with brown hair and green eyes. His green eyes held laughter as they looked at Dom. He also held a sword, and Kel remembered Dom telling her that he would try out for the King's Own in four years, when he was old enough. He was the type who would laugh at anything, yet would know when to be sober. His face was covered with freckles, yet when he smiled, he looked extremely handsome. He smiled warmly at Kel before turning to his brother Marcus to fight.
Marcus looked to be about six, the age of where he would fight over anything. He would pick a fight and stick to it, until the other person gave up, even if he knew he lost. He would never back down from anything, and when he had first laid eyes on Kel, he seemed to be categorizing her. He wouldn't make friends easily, but when he did, he made them for life.
After the introductions were over, everyone started to mount their own horse. Even young Marcus and Rose shared a dark brown gelding. As they made their way to New Hope, Kel smiled. Dom's family was nice. They rode mostly in silence, until they were about to rest for lunch. A dark brown mare rode up on Kel's right side. Kel turned and smiled. It was Allison.
"Hi, Kel," she said, smiling. "So what do you think of our huge family?"
"They seem nice," Kel responded, tucking one of her bangs that had come out behind her ear.
"Oh, they are," Allison said matter-of-factly. She pretended to think. "That is, as long as you don't make mother and father mad. They may look nice now, but once you get on their nerves, you'd better run." She warned, smiling.
Kel laughed. "I don't plan on getting them mad," She said. Allison looked at her.
"Oh really? I do; it's great fun. You should see it, their faces get all red, and they yell like no other. Just the other day, in fact," she said, suppressing giggles, "I fell in the mud accidentally with my new dress on, and you should have seen mother. She cursed the air blue. It was beautiful."
"Allison," Dom warned from the other side of Kel, "You know you didn't do that 'accidentally' as you called it. I can see it in your face. We all know you don't like dresses," he said, trying to scold her but really he was trying not to laugh. Allison stuck out her tongue at her older brother before riding up to join Shane. Dom shook his head. "She hates dresses. Whenever mother tries to get one on her, she finds a way to ruin it. I thought mother had given up. Apparently not."
"Um, Kel?" a voice said behind her. Kel turned in the saddle to see Jessica riding her golden mare. "Where did you and Dom meet?" she asked.
"Jess is a bit of a romantic," Dom murmured in Kel's ear. "Just wait and see how many questions she'll ask about us." Kel giggled.
"I met him when I was Lord Raoul's squire, two years ago. He was the first person from the King's Own to accept me for who I was. Not what I was." Kel said, naming how they had treated her different from the rest when they first saw her. Kel saw Jess ponder this, and smiled. She turned back around to see a small clearing. "Is it ok if we stop here, Dom?" Kel asked. He nodded, smiling. They dismounted. Kel hurriedly unpacked her lunch of salted pork, rolls, and an apple. Sitting between Dom and Allison, she started to eat quickly. She was in a rush to reach Bearsford. As she ate, Jessica, ever curious, pummeled her with questions. Kel did her best to answer between mouthfuls.
"How old are you?" she asked.
"20." Kel replied.
"Where did Dom propose?"
"At a ball."
"Ohhhh! How romantic! Did you say yes right away or did you say that you would think about it? Or, did you say no and Dom talked you into it?"
"I said yes right away."
"How long was he courting you?"
"3 months."
"Wow, that's short. Mama and Pop got married after courting for 7 years."
"Yes, well I knew Dom for about 6 years before we started."
"When are you gonna get pregnant?"
"Jessie, I think Mom's calling you," Dom said, looking at her pointedly. Jess groaned. Quickly she got up to go see her mother.
"Thanks," Kel whispered. "I could take the other questions, but that was just too personal." Dom smiled.
"Well I think that you should give your 'hero' a kiss." Kel smiled. Dom leaned down and kissed her sweetly. Wrapping his arm around her so that she leaned into him, they continued to eat. As soon as they had finished, the whole family got back on the road. Rose's small voice carried through the silence, singing a song about life in the fields. Kel smiled and joined in. Soon the whole family was singing happily.
I bet she and Tobe would sing together wonderfully, Kel thought. She smiled. She just might have a couple tricks up here sleeve for Rose and Tobe.
"How old are you, Rose?" she asked the younger girl.
"Almost eleven," the girl said, looking proud. "I'll be eleven on July 30," she smiled. Kel grinned back. That would be in about three weeks.
"When I was eleven, I was a page going for my shield," Kel said. Rose looked amazed. "Really? Wow, that's so cool. Mama and Pop are going to let me join the Queen's Riders when I turn 16. I can't wait," she added, a gleam in her brilliant blue eyes.
"That's cool. My old servant, Tobe, he's about twelve nowadays, he's going to try out for the King's Own when he turns eighteen," she said, "He'll be in the wedding as a groomsman. Right now I'm teaching him how to shoot archery and swords. Would you like to practice with us?" The young woman's nod didn't skip a beat. Kel's grin grew wider. This was going to be fun.
"Can I come too?" This question came from Allison, who happened to be listening on their conversation. "Mom and Dad won't let me join the Rider's because I have to marry off to some rich man to help our fief. However, I would like to know how to defend myself when he's away." Kel nodded.
"What about me?" this came from the curious Jess. "I'm going to join the King's Own in four years. Did you hear that the King now is letting women join?"
"Of course you can come. What about you James? You want to join?" Marcus' smile was big.
"I could really come?" Kel nodded. The boy whooped. Kel smiled again. It was just then that the town of Bearsford came into view. Kel grinned, happy to get a nice warm bath.
A/N: Wow, that was the longest chapter I've ever written, and I just rewrote it! Yay! Seven whole pages long! That's longer than any of my reports for school. Ok, time to thank my reviewers:
Rachel132: I was wondering why you didn't review! Stupid computers...lol! Well, I'm glad you got it working again! You're the only one who says I write clever! Yay! Lots of love!
Dodah: I hope this one is just as lovely!
Miamouse: thanks. You make me feel loved, laughing at my romantic parts! lol. Glad to know you'll keep reading! Luv ya too!
Elementalmoon: I really have no idea. I'll go check it out!
Emikae: Pbbt! I doubt that! I'm sure you do awesome love scenes! And of course you'll make a wonderful children's writer!
Dreamerdoll: Glad to know that you liked it!
SinaiConners: Yeah, this is my first fic. Can you believe that I've actually tried to write a book? I got as far as page 77 before I couldn't think of anything else. So I burned it. I used to want to be a writer, but now I want to be a lawyer. Funny, huh? Glad you think I'm a good writer! Lots of love!
OK, you know the drill. REVIEW NOW.