Chapter 10: Developments
Kel walked into one of the many changing rooms, towelling her hair, and trying to ignore the musty smell of dirty towels drying.
She was already dressed in a plain blue dress with no frills or tucks. She sat on a nearby bench, and continued to towel and brush her hair.
Another woman sat down next to her, this one dressed in grey, her dark hair tied back in a submissive plait, her face clear of any make up, and her dark blue eyes cast downwards. Kel still had no trouble recognising her.
"Hey." Kel smiled at Keita. Kieta looked up and smiled back.
"Hey yourself. How's it going?"
Kel glanced around before getting up, and extending her hand to Keita.
"Let's walk." She said.
They strolled though the winding streets of the market place, squelching mud underfoot, and listening to the loud cries of the birds which inhabited the area, mixed with the noisy bustle of life. Their breath steamed into the air, and rolled away from them in white wisps. The frost had laid a stiff coating on everything overnight, and Kel, with her hair still damp from her bath, began to shiver.
Keita pulled a small folded shawl out of a large cloak pocket, and draped it over Kel's shoulders, listening intently as Kel told her everything.
She nodded when Kel had finished telling her about Joren's idea to get close to Narcissa.
"From what I've heard, Narcissa isn't exactly one of the brightest around here. They say that she plays games, but can't see when someone's trying to play with her."
"She could be keeping her reputation like that on purpose, so that her enemies will underestimate her." Kel pointed out grimly. "She seemed to me like someone who'd do that."
"True." Keita conceded, inclining her head, "But can you come up with anything better? If she really would be willing to be seen as an idiot, just to protect herself, then surely she would have her guard up more than most people. I can't really think of any other way to get information from her that would work."
When Kel didn't say anything, Keita smiled. "I thought not." She paused. " Kel...what made you decide to become a lady knight?"
Kel looked at her, surprised.
"It was, lots of things really. After spending so long in Yaman, seeing how women were respected, and how they were treated as equals there, I just couldn't go home and become a proper Tortallan Noble."
"I thought that in Yaman women have to stay at home, and look after the family." Keita injected.
"That's true, but that's not because they aren't seen as equals." Kel sighed. " In Yaman, women are taught how to fight, so that they can preserve their honour and virtue. If the Islands ever needed more warriors, they know that they can call on the women without children, and they know that the women will respond. The reason women stay at home and look after the family usually, is because women are seen as having different roles in life, from men. It's similar to the Bazhir philosophy." Kel sighed again. "I'm not that good at explaining, you have to live there to understand."
"Why else did you decide to become a knight?" Keita prodded gently. Kel paused before answering.
"My...my sister-in-laws, and...others, often told me I had no chance of marrying." Kel laughed weakly as Keita protested, " I know what I look like, and I know that I'm a far cry from beauty. If I didn't marry, I'd become a burden on my family, and with so many of us, it's hard enough already. There's also the fact that...I simply enjoyed learning how to use weapons, and that I didn't want to end up as a bitter noble lady, dying slowly at eighty." There was a pause as Kel contemplated herself in this position and shivered, pushing it out of her mind.
"But, the main reason I chose to become a knight was...to be useful I suppose. I want to help people."
Kel kept her gaze fixed forward, whilst Keita studied her. Her cheeks were flushed, and she avoided meeting Keita's eyes. She had before felt so comfortable about talking to someone. All of her close friends were boys, and there were things which you just couldn't say to them.
"Well, for what it's worth, I'm glad you did." Keita said finally, now also turning to look ahead.
Kel blushed; she knew that Keita wasn't the most sentimental of people. That she had responded like that meant a lot to Kel.
They walked on comfortable silence for a while, concentrating on pushing their way past the various horses and carts moving around. They paused by several stalls, to examine various items. Kel caught sight of a small booth huddled in a dark corner, right between a big jewellery stall, and a farmer's pen which contained a few dozen pigs, all squealing, and snorting as they were examined by prospective buyers.
She nudged Keita over to it. Some of those blades had looked good, and there was a small one which would make a good present for her second eldest nephew, who had just started his page training.
She bought the knife after some meek bartering, and looked around whilst Keita was examining the bows. She glanced over to the pigpen, and froze as she recognised one of the men laughing there. A young man, with elegantly styled black hair, and green eyes. Her memory slowly drudged up a name.
"Stevan of Cranmoor" She whispered, gazing at him. In her minds eye she saw again Narcissa gazing flirtatiously at him as she introduced him to Joren and Kel, and she felt again her uncertainty about him. He seemed so familiar...
Suddenly, he looked up and their eyes met, his smile deepened into a knowing smirk, as he cocked his head and regarded her.
Kel took an involuntary step back. The young man took a step towards her, and the other men began to look up. Kel grabbed Keita's arm, dragging her backwards.
"What the..." Keita looked up questioningly.
"No time." Kel murmured. "I think that man recognises me. He can't see me looking like this, or he'll suspect something, for sure." Keita allowed herself to be pulled up, and trotted behind Kel.
"I was about to get that quiver for half its price, with a pocket blade thrown in." she complained.
Kel threw a glance over her shoulder. Steven of Cranmoor, along with several other men, was following them at a pace that matched theirs. She recognised one of them as Nadir Zenith. The other mage on whom they had been instructed to spy. The men began to speed up, knocking people out of their way and ignoring the yelps and crashes which followed them, triumphant smiles gracing their faces.
"So, he thinks it's that easy." Kel murmured. She and Keita glanced at each other.
"Let's show him why we became warriors." Keita suggested, grinning. Together, the two women took of at a run. Behind them they could hear the crashes, and thundering footfalls, which marked that their pursuers were also gaining speed.
They both hitched their skirts up, and ignored the chorus of indignant gasps and hearty chuckles. They dodged and ducked various people, animals, and objects, but still the footsteps behind them didn't slow.
They ducked under an egg cart, trailing loose feathers, and Keita pulled Kel into a smaller side street. She led Kel through a maze of tunnels, stairways chipped into the sides of buildings, and narrow alleys where lines of drying washing steamed overhead, as housewives called to each other from their balconies.
Finally, they came out at the edge of a steep staircase, near the palace, both panting hard.
"I think we lost them when that women tipped her chamber pot over the balcony at us" Keita gasped, bending over and clasping her knees. "You'd better get back to the palace, I'll see you at the same time next week?"
Kel nodded, her breathing evening out, and trotted off in the direction of the palace, stopping only to wave back at Keita.
*****
Joren dripped the sealing wax onto the letter, and waited for a second before pressing his elaborate sealing ring into the wax, and setting the letter aside. He stood up and stretched. That was his report for the month done. He had no one in particular to write to now, so he had the whole morning to himself. Some sword practise would do him no harm. He had spotted the courts where noble men from each clan would duel each other, whilst ladies looked on and fluttered their fans and eyes at them.
He exited the rooms, locking the door carefully behind them, and whispering the words that would strengthen the locking charms he had placed on the quarters.
Once in the practise courts, he went to one of the side rooms which led off the main courts, where practise weapons were kept. It wouldn't be good for anyone to see his Raven Armoury sword. Questions would be asked about where he had bought it, and Joren was in no mood to answer questions fired at him about his make-believe family.
He strode over to an empty court, and began to practise drills, knowing that someone would come to challenge him sooner or later.
He was right. After a few minutes of practising, ignoring the sighs and flutters which came from some of the ladies standing on the side, a young man with black hair and green eyes walked up to him.
Joren's memory dragged up a name. Stevan of Cranmoor. One of the men Narcissa had introduced the other night.
"It seems you don't have a partner to practise with my friend." Stevan remarked, observing Joren.
"That is correct my Lord Cranmoor." Joren replied in a monotone. Stevan waved his hand dismissively.
"Please." He said, "Just Stevan. I would be honoured if you'd allow me to duel you. For a small wager, of course."
Joren froze. He knew from experience that when someone wanted to duel you for a wager, it was never small.
"And what would that wager be My Lo - Stevan?"
Stevan drew his sword and held it up, allowing it to glint in the cold sunlight.
"A kiss...from your wife. Just on the cheek of course." Stevan smirked as Joren took a step back.
This is madness. Joren thought, about to refuse.
"My Lord of Lansborough, surely you're not so uncertain of yourself that you think you have a chance of losing this duel."
Joren turned. Narcissa was striding across the practise courts towards them. Everyone had stopped to stare. She stopped when she was right in front of him, and said softly, so that only he could hear,
"Win or loose, I shall be cold tonight. I would be grateful if someone would stop by to relieve my loneliness."
Joren smiled softly, feeling frozen inside. "Then perhaps I shall come by tonight." He whispered, before turning to declare to the people scattered around the practise courts, watching them, "I accept you offer of a duel gladly, and the wager." People started murmuring and muttering to each other, as they gathered around to watch.
He had not wanted to accept, but the mission came first, as he kept reminding himself reluctantly. They had been here for two weeks already, and with four other men to take care of, they could not afford to spend too long on Narcissa. This was the first direct invitation she had given him since the day when he had argued with Kel. If he lost, he could always quietly have this man put up in bed for a week, with a broken leg or something, so that he would be to weak to claim his triumph, as was done by custom, in front of the entire court.
Joren tried not to think of Kel kissing this man in front of everyone. Stevan was certainly handsome, and she certainly didn't have any particular liking for Joren himself.
He waited patiently whilst Stevan stretched, having already done his warming up.
They both held their sword up in front of them, ready. Then, as if by some invisible signal, their swords drove forwards together, and clashed.
There were alternative cheers and boos from the thick crowd around them that was growing, as they began to form sides. Coins were exchanged as bets were swiftly made. The pale sunlight flashed off their swords, as Joren patiently defended himself from Stevan's attacks.
He's good, Joren thought, eyeing Stevan's sword as it twirled with his own.
It went on, but Stevan didn't tire. He just kept attacking, his face smug in the knowledge that one of his attacks would land. In Scanra, duels were fought till first blood, and neither of them was wearing any armour or protection. All they had were their breeches and shirts.
It went on, and both remained steady, and the crowd kept jeering at them. People began to throw things near them, but not at them, trying to distract them.
The suddenly, a stone flew from the side, and hit Joren square on the side of his head, drawing blood. The crowd went silent, and Joren felt dizziness for a moment, before another jab of pain shot through his arm, where Stevan managed to pierce him.
The crowd looked at each other, trying to decide who had won, whether the match should be disallowed because of the stone.
Joren turned to look in the direction the sharp stone had come from, only to find no one there, and the door to the main corridor of the palace wide open. He swore in his head, raising his hand to the wound, and examining the blood that came away on his fingers. He looked up again, as the crowd hushed each other, parting to make way for someone.
King Maggur strode onto the court, with Narcissa walking a little way behind him. It was clear that he had been watching. He halted in the centre, glanced at the two men, and grunted, before clearing his throat.
"It is true, we have never before had a circumstance like this." He announced, "But as we can't know for sure who threw the stone, I think that it is only fair to award the match to Lord Stevan of Cranmoor." Jeers rose up from the crowd, before Maggur silenced them with a wave of his hand. Joren gazed angrily through the blood that was beginning to drip over his face.
Maggur walked over to Joren, and placed an arm on his shoulder. "A true warrior would surely be able to bear the pain." He muttered, before stepping back, and walking over to Stevan.
The pain in Joren's wound was growing worse. His brain grew cloudy, and his mind began to fog over.
We could know for sure if we questioned the crowd. Joren thought angrily. Someone must have seen who threw it.
After giving the customary bow to both the King, and Steven, who bowed back, he left with the rest of the crowd, ignoring the men who went to congratulate Stevan.
Narcissa winked at him as he left, showing that her invitation was still open.
"Joren!" Stevan yelled after him, taking a few steps forwards, out of the throng of people surrounding him. Joren turned slowly, ignoring the wounds in both his arm and head which were bleeding freely.
"I'll collect my prize at the feast tomorrow." A roar of laughter came up from the men standing around him. Joren almost let his hand stray to his now sheathed sword. Instead, he turned angrily, and stumbled through the corridors to his rooms, which he unlocked clumsily, before falling on the bed in a stupor.
When he woke up, Kel was bending over him, examining his head wound carefully. He tried to sit up, but she pushed him back down.
"What happened? Why were there enough drugs in that wound to put you to sleep for hours?" She demanded, pulling out a fresh poultice, and holding it against the wound. Joren tried to stop his head from spinning at her smell.
"When I asked the maid who brought the bandages and things, she just laughed and told me that I was a very lucky lady. What's going on?"
Joren heaved himself up, pushing her gently aside. He cursed mentally. Drugs, Stevan had cheated, and he was sure that everyone there had known it, from the jeers he had heard. But no one would stand up for him, a foreigner.
"I had a duel with Stevan of Cranmoor." He said, grimly. Kel's eyebrows came together, as her brow creased.
"That must have been after he finished chasing me." She whispered. Joren looked questioningly at her, but she just shook her head, and said "Later."
"What's the time?" He asked. The curtains were drawn across the window.
"You missed supper." She told him, watching him get up and run into the changing room. "What are you doing?" She stood up as he ran out, dressed in a courtiers clothes.
"I have something to take care of. I'll be back tomorrow morning." He slammed the door shut behind him, and Kel dropped back onto the bed. She gazed around at the cheerful room with it's crackling fire, and decorative, warm rugs, and sighed. She knew exactly where Joren was going. To meet Narcissa.
*****
Woohoo!! Another chapter done. Phew. Will Stevan Kiss Kel? Will Joren sleep with Narcissa? Well, you'll just have to keep reading.
I just have to tell you all that STEVAN IS NOT WHO YOU THINK HE IS. That's right, I know what you think.
Lady Lorene: You flatter me *blushes*, but you're right. Narcissa isn't that stupid. I hope you enjoyed the chapter.
An anonymous geek: I've had so many mixed reactions on the bit with Kel and Yuki, so I'm glad that someone liked it. Thank you for reviewing.
Angel Street: Thank you for your wonderfully honest review. I don't like empty compliments, and it's nice to be told where I'm going wrong. Lots of people have told me that the whole Kel/Yuki scene was ooc, and all I can do is give you an honest reply. When I was thinking about what Kel would have been like before she learnt to control her emotions, I always imagined her like that. I think that Kel was very different before she actually perfected her 'mask', and I imagined her as a pretty normal, mischievous, seven year old. And I just enjoyed writing her in that way. Thank you again for reviewing!
WB means Wind Blown times 2: Sammydoodoodoodoodoo!! Hello my friend! You're too nice to me, I feel so loved!! Don't worry, I'm sure that some day you'll be the first reviewer! Damn you getting off school whilst I was slaving! When did you break up? EMAIL ME!!
Princess Sanidaylene: Thank you, I hope that my humble story will continue not to disappoint. Well...if the King finds out...you may find out later in the story. And no, he doesn't really like Narcissa, but this is Joren, he would put duty before a lot of things, and he sees this mission as his duty.
PsychoLioness13: Thank you! Another pretty compliment!
Sabrina11: Keita's secret will come out eventually, but I think that many people have guessed it already!
VampiricEternity: Yay! I think I may dedicate the next chapter to you! Thank you for the praise. I actually chose the name Narcissa because Narcissism is 'to have an excessive or erotic intrest in oneself.' (from the dictionary, not me) And I thought that if anyone is excessively or erotically interested in herself, it's Narcissa.
Anasha: I can't tell you Keita's secret! I'm sorry. You'll have to wait until I decide to reveal it, but thank you for your review! Actually, I'm just making half of this story up as I go along, although I do have a basic main plot.
Xiera: short but sweet!
Lfk214: hah! I decided to do an extra long reviewer answer this week, just to annoy you! (love you really). I'm glad that you think the plot is good, because I really am making most of it up impulsively. Oh well.
La dame noir: heh, you make me laugh. Yup, I guess you can't have a Joren/Kel fic with out a bit of OOC. Thank you for reviewing.
CrystalLili: Thank you for the advice and the review!
Mystic Moon Empress: heh, is this soon enough?
Crowdove: Thank you also, for the lovely praise which makes me feel warm and tingly.
DaughterofDeath: Nice name. Again, short but sweet!
JESS WESS: JESSIE MY DARLING!! You reviewed!!! And who're you calling a nincompoop!?
Kel walked into one of the many changing rooms, towelling her hair, and trying to ignore the musty smell of dirty towels drying.
She was already dressed in a plain blue dress with no frills or tucks. She sat on a nearby bench, and continued to towel and brush her hair.
Another woman sat down next to her, this one dressed in grey, her dark hair tied back in a submissive plait, her face clear of any make up, and her dark blue eyes cast downwards. Kel still had no trouble recognising her.
"Hey." Kel smiled at Keita. Kieta looked up and smiled back.
"Hey yourself. How's it going?"
Kel glanced around before getting up, and extending her hand to Keita.
"Let's walk." She said.
They strolled though the winding streets of the market place, squelching mud underfoot, and listening to the loud cries of the birds which inhabited the area, mixed with the noisy bustle of life. Their breath steamed into the air, and rolled away from them in white wisps. The frost had laid a stiff coating on everything overnight, and Kel, with her hair still damp from her bath, began to shiver.
Keita pulled a small folded shawl out of a large cloak pocket, and draped it over Kel's shoulders, listening intently as Kel told her everything.
She nodded when Kel had finished telling her about Joren's idea to get close to Narcissa.
"From what I've heard, Narcissa isn't exactly one of the brightest around here. They say that she plays games, but can't see when someone's trying to play with her."
"She could be keeping her reputation like that on purpose, so that her enemies will underestimate her." Kel pointed out grimly. "She seemed to me like someone who'd do that."
"True." Keita conceded, inclining her head, "But can you come up with anything better? If she really would be willing to be seen as an idiot, just to protect herself, then surely she would have her guard up more than most people. I can't really think of any other way to get information from her that would work."
When Kel didn't say anything, Keita smiled. "I thought not." She paused. " Kel...what made you decide to become a lady knight?"
Kel looked at her, surprised.
"It was, lots of things really. After spending so long in Yaman, seeing how women were respected, and how they were treated as equals there, I just couldn't go home and become a proper Tortallan Noble."
"I thought that in Yaman women have to stay at home, and look after the family." Keita injected.
"That's true, but that's not because they aren't seen as equals." Kel sighed. " In Yaman, women are taught how to fight, so that they can preserve their honour and virtue. If the Islands ever needed more warriors, they know that they can call on the women without children, and they know that the women will respond. The reason women stay at home and look after the family usually, is because women are seen as having different roles in life, from men. It's similar to the Bazhir philosophy." Kel sighed again. "I'm not that good at explaining, you have to live there to understand."
"Why else did you decide to become a knight?" Keita prodded gently. Kel paused before answering.
"My...my sister-in-laws, and...others, often told me I had no chance of marrying." Kel laughed weakly as Keita protested, " I know what I look like, and I know that I'm a far cry from beauty. If I didn't marry, I'd become a burden on my family, and with so many of us, it's hard enough already. There's also the fact that...I simply enjoyed learning how to use weapons, and that I didn't want to end up as a bitter noble lady, dying slowly at eighty." There was a pause as Kel contemplated herself in this position and shivered, pushing it out of her mind.
"But, the main reason I chose to become a knight was...to be useful I suppose. I want to help people."
Kel kept her gaze fixed forward, whilst Keita studied her. Her cheeks were flushed, and she avoided meeting Keita's eyes. She had before felt so comfortable about talking to someone. All of her close friends were boys, and there were things which you just couldn't say to them.
"Well, for what it's worth, I'm glad you did." Keita said finally, now also turning to look ahead.
Kel blushed; she knew that Keita wasn't the most sentimental of people. That she had responded like that meant a lot to Kel.
They walked on comfortable silence for a while, concentrating on pushing their way past the various horses and carts moving around. They paused by several stalls, to examine various items. Kel caught sight of a small booth huddled in a dark corner, right between a big jewellery stall, and a farmer's pen which contained a few dozen pigs, all squealing, and snorting as they were examined by prospective buyers.
She nudged Keita over to it. Some of those blades had looked good, and there was a small one which would make a good present for her second eldest nephew, who had just started his page training.
She bought the knife after some meek bartering, and looked around whilst Keita was examining the bows. She glanced over to the pigpen, and froze as she recognised one of the men laughing there. A young man, with elegantly styled black hair, and green eyes. Her memory slowly drudged up a name.
"Stevan of Cranmoor" She whispered, gazing at him. In her minds eye she saw again Narcissa gazing flirtatiously at him as she introduced him to Joren and Kel, and she felt again her uncertainty about him. He seemed so familiar...
Suddenly, he looked up and their eyes met, his smile deepened into a knowing smirk, as he cocked his head and regarded her.
Kel took an involuntary step back. The young man took a step towards her, and the other men began to look up. Kel grabbed Keita's arm, dragging her backwards.
"What the..." Keita looked up questioningly.
"No time." Kel murmured. "I think that man recognises me. He can't see me looking like this, or he'll suspect something, for sure." Keita allowed herself to be pulled up, and trotted behind Kel.
"I was about to get that quiver for half its price, with a pocket blade thrown in." she complained.
Kel threw a glance over her shoulder. Steven of Cranmoor, along with several other men, was following them at a pace that matched theirs. She recognised one of them as Nadir Zenith. The other mage on whom they had been instructed to spy. The men began to speed up, knocking people out of their way and ignoring the yelps and crashes which followed them, triumphant smiles gracing their faces.
"So, he thinks it's that easy." Kel murmured. She and Keita glanced at each other.
"Let's show him why we became warriors." Keita suggested, grinning. Together, the two women took of at a run. Behind them they could hear the crashes, and thundering footfalls, which marked that their pursuers were also gaining speed.
They both hitched their skirts up, and ignored the chorus of indignant gasps and hearty chuckles. They dodged and ducked various people, animals, and objects, but still the footsteps behind them didn't slow.
They ducked under an egg cart, trailing loose feathers, and Keita pulled Kel into a smaller side street. She led Kel through a maze of tunnels, stairways chipped into the sides of buildings, and narrow alleys where lines of drying washing steamed overhead, as housewives called to each other from their balconies.
Finally, they came out at the edge of a steep staircase, near the palace, both panting hard.
"I think we lost them when that women tipped her chamber pot over the balcony at us" Keita gasped, bending over and clasping her knees. "You'd better get back to the palace, I'll see you at the same time next week?"
Kel nodded, her breathing evening out, and trotted off in the direction of the palace, stopping only to wave back at Keita.
*****
Joren dripped the sealing wax onto the letter, and waited for a second before pressing his elaborate sealing ring into the wax, and setting the letter aside. He stood up and stretched. That was his report for the month done. He had no one in particular to write to now, so he had the whole morning to himself. Some sword practise would do him no harm. He had spotted the courts where noble men from each clan would duel each other, whilst ladies looked on and fluttered their fans and eyes at them.
He exited the rooms, locking the door carefully behind them, and whispering the words that would strengthen the locking charms he had placed on the quarters.
Once in the practise courts, he went to one of the side rooms which led off the main courts, where practise weapons were kept. It wouldn't be good for anyone to see his Raven Armoury sword. Questions would be asked about where he had bought it, and Joren was in no mood to answer questions fired at him about his make-believe family.
He strode over to an empty court, and began to practise drills, knowing that someone would come to challenge him sooner or later.
He was right. After a few minutes of practising, ignoring the sighs and flutters which came from some of the ladies standing on the side, a young man with black hair and green eyes walked up to him.
Joren's memory dragged up a name. Stevan of Cranmoor. One of the men Narcissa had introduced the other night.
"It seems you don't have a partner to practise with my friend." Stevan remarked, observing Joren.
"That is correct my Lord Cranmoor." Joren replied in a monotone. Stevan waved his hand dismissively.
"Please." He said, "Just Stevan. I would be honoured if you'd allow me to duel you. For a small wager, of course."
Joren froze. He knew from experience that when someone wanted to duel you for a wager, it was never small.
"And what would that wager be My Lo - Stevan?"
Stevan drew his sword and held it up, allowing it to glint in the cold sunlight.
"A kiss...from your wife. Just on the cheek of course." Stevan smirked as Joren took a step back.
This is madness. Joren thought, about to refuse.
"My Lord of Lansborough, surely you're not so uncertain of yourself that you think you have a chance of losing this duel."
Joren turned. Narcissa was striding across the practise courts towards them. Everyone had stopped to stare. She stopped when she was right in front of him, and said softly, so that only he could hear,
"Win or loose, I shall be cold tonight. I would be grateful if someone would stop by to relieve my loneliness."
Joren smiled softly, feeling frozen inside. "Then perhaps I shall come by tonight." He whispered, before turning to declare to the people scattered around the practise courts, watching them, "I accept you offer of a duel gladly, and the wager." People started murmuring and muttering to each other, as they gathered around to watch.
He had not wanted to accept, but the mission came first, as he kept reminding himself reluctantly. They had been here for two weeks already, and with four other men to take care of, they could not afford to spend too long on Narcissa. This was the first direct invitation she had given him since the day when he had argued with Kel. If he lost, he could always quietly have this man put up in bed for a week, with a broken leg or something, so that he would be to weak to claim his triumph, as was done by custom, in front of the entire court.
Joren tried not to think of Kel kissing this man in front of everyone. Stevan was certainly handsome, and she certainly didn't have any particular liking for Joren himself.
He waited patiently whilst Stevan stretched, having already done his warming up.
They both held their sword up in front of them, ready. Then, as if by some invisible signal, their swords drove forwards together, and clashed.
There were alternative cheers and boos from the thick crowd around them that was growing, as they began to form sides. Coins were exchanged as bets were swiftly made. The pale sunlight flashed off their swords, as Joren patiently defended himself from Stevan's attacks.
He's good, Joren thought, eyeing Stevan's sword as it twirled with his own.
It went on, but Stevan didn't tire. He just kept attacking, his face smug in the knowledge that one of his attacks would land. In Scanra, duels were fought till first blood, and neither of them was wearing any armour or protection. All they had were their breeches and shirts.
It went on, and both remained steady, and the crowd kept jeering at them. People began to throw things near them, but not at them, trying to distract them.
The suddenly, a stone flew from the side, and hit Joren square on the side of his head, drawing blood. The crowd went silent, and Joren felt dizziness for a moment, before another jab of pain shot through his arm, where Stevan managed to pierce him.
The crowd looked at each other, trying to decide who had won, whether the match should be disallowed because of the stone.
Joren turned to look in the direction the sharp stone had come from, only to find no one there, and the door to the main corridor of the palace wide open. He swore in his head, raising his hand to the wound, and examining the blood that came away on his fingers. He looked up again, as the crowd hushed each other, parting to make way for someone.
King Maggur strode onto the court, with Narcissa walking a little way behind him. It was clear that he had been watching. He halted in the centre, glanced at the two men, and grunted, before clearing his throat.
"It is true, we have never before had a circumstance like this." He announced, "But as we can't know for sure who threw the stone, I think that it is only fair to award the match to Lord Stevan of Cranmoor." Jeers rose up from the crowd, before Maggur silenced them with a wave of his hand. Joren gazed angrily through the blood that was beginning to drip over his face.
Maggur walked over to Joren, and placed an arm on his shoulder. "A true warrior would surely be able to bear the pain." He muttered, before stepping back, and walking over to Stevan.
The pain in Joren's wound was growing worse. His brain grew cloudy, and his mind began to fog over.
We could know for sure if we questioned the crowd. Joren thought angrily. Someone must have seen who threw it.
After giving the customary bow to both the King, and Steven, who bowed back, he left with the rest of the crowd, ignoring the men who went to congratulate Stevan.
Narcissa winked at him as he left, showing that her invitation was still open.
"Joren!" Stevan yelled after him, taking a few steps forwards, out of the throng of people surrounding him. Joren turned slowly, ignoring the wounds in both his arm and head which were bleeding freely.
"I'll collect my prize at the feast tomorrow." A roar of laughter came up from the men standing around him. Joren almost let his hand stray to his now sheathed sword. Instead, he turned angrily, and stumbled through the corridors to his rooms, which he unlocked clumsily, before falling on the bed in a stupor.
When he woke up, Kel was bending over him, examining his head wound carefully. He tried to sit up, but she pushed him back down.
"What happened? Why were there enough drugs in that wound to put you to sleep for hours?" She demanded, pulling out a fresh poultice, and holding it against the wound. Joren tried to stop his head from spinning at her smell.
"When I asked the maid who brought the bandages and things, she just laughed and told me that I was a very lucky lady. What's going on?"
Joren heaved himself up, pushing her gently aside. He cursed mentally. Drugs, Stevan had cheated, and he was sure that everyone there had known it, from the jeers he had heard. But no one would stand up for him, a foreigner.
"I had a duel with Stevan of Cranmoor." He said, grimly. Kel's eyebrows came together, as her brow creased.
"That must have been after he finished chasing me." She whispered. Joren looked questioningly at her, but she just shook her head, and said "Later."
"What's the time?" He asked. The curtains were drawn across the window.
"You missed supper." She told him, watching him get up and run into the changing room. "What are you doing?" She stood up as he ran out, dressed in a courtiers clothes.
"I have something to take care of. I'll be back tomorrow morning." He slammed the door shut behind him, and Kel dropped back onto the bed. She gazed around at the cheerful room with it's crackling fire, and decorative, warm rugs, and sighed. She knew exactly where Joren was going. To meet Narcissa.
*****
Woohoo!! Another chapter done. Phew. Will Stevan Kiss Kel? Will Joren sleep with Narcissa? Well, you'll just have to keep reading.
I just have to tell you all that STEVAN IS NOT WHO YOU THINK HE IS. That's right, I know what you think.
Lady Lorene: You flatter me *blushes*, but you're right. Narcissa isn't that stupid. I hope you enjoyed the chapter.
An anonymous geek: I've had so many mixed reactions on the bit with Kel and Yuki, so I'm glad that someone liked it. Thank you for reviewing.
Angel Street: Thank you for your wonderfully honest review. I don't like empty compliments, and it's nice to be told where I'm going wrong. Lots of people have told me that the whole Kel/Yuki scene was ooc, and all I can do is give you an honest reply. When I was thinking about what Kel would have been like before she learnt to control her emotions, I always imagined her like that. I think that Kel was very different before she actually perfected her 'mask', and I imagined her as a pretty normal, mischievous, seven year old. And I just enjoyed writing her in that way. Thank you again for reviewing!
WB means Wind Blown times 2: Sammydoodoodoodoodoo!! Hello my friend! You're too nice to me, I feel so loved!! Don't worry, I'm sure that some day you'll be the first reviewer! Damn you getting off school whilst I was slaving! When did you break up? EMAIL ME!!
Princess Sanidaylene: Thank you, I hope that my humble story will continue not to disappoint. Well...if the King finds out...you may find out later in the story. And no, he doesn't really like Narcissa, but this is Joren, he would put duty before a lot of things, and he sees this mission as his duty.
PsychoLioness13: Thank you! Another pretty compliment!
Sabrina11: Keita's secret will come out eventually, but I think that many people have guessed it already!
VampiricEternity: Yay! I think I may dedicate the next chapter to you! Thank you for the praise. I actually chose the name Narcissa because Narcissism is 'to have an excessive or erotic intrest in oneself.' (from the dictionary, not me) And I thought that if anyone is excessively or erotically interested in herself, it's Narcissa.
Anasha: I can't tell you Keita's secret! I'm sorry. You'll have to wait until I decide to reveal it, but thank you for your review! Actually, I'm just making half of this story up as I go along, although I do have a basic main plot.
Xiera: short but sweet!
Lfk214: hah! I decided to do an extra long reviewer answer this week, just to annoy you! (love you really). I'm glad that you think the plot is good, because I really am making most of it up impulsively. Oh well.
La dame noir: heh, you make me laugh. Yup, I guess you can't have a Joren/Kel fic with out a bit of OOC. Thank you for reviewing.
CrystalLili: Thank you for the advice and the review!
Mystic Moon Empress: heh, is this soon enough?
Crowdove: Thank you also, for the lovely praise which makes me feel warm and tingly.
DaughterofDeath: Nice name. Again, short but sweet!
JESS WESS: JESSIE MY DARLING!! You reviewed!!! And who're you calling a nincompoop!?