Kel waited outside Wyldon's door, waiting for the person in there to come out so she could go in. A few minutes after she arrived, Neal walked out, grinning as though he had just heard the best news of his life. Kel raised a questioning brow.
"Later," he whispered, Wyldon wants to see you now." Kel nodded and took a deep breath before stepping into Wyldon's office. While it was easier to face her former training master, she still did not enjoy it.
"Ahh...Keladry. Please sit down." He gestured toward a chair in from of his desk. "I assume you're wondering why I called you here, so I'll get right to the point. I am going to send you to New Hope in two days, earlier than the rest of the Own. I know you have been anxious to see them. Neal and one squad from the Own will go with you. They will be under your command." Kel didn't want to question a knight more experienced, and far older, than her, but she wasn't sure she would be the best commander of her comrades. Wyldon must have guessed that Kel would object, so he continued, not leaving her time to argue. "I know you probably think you can't lead, but in the past you have proven yourself time and time again. You will be able to choose which squad accompanies you. I'll leave you until tomorrow to decide."
"Sir?" Kel interrupted.
"Yes, Keladry?"
"I know which squad I would like to come with me."
"Yes?"
"Sergeant Domitan's squad, sir."
"I thought so. That is the other thing I wish to discuss with you." Suddenly the man behind the desk was no longer the Wyldon Kel knew. "Since you father is not here, I feel I must intervene on his behalf." Wyldon cleared his throat, looking uncomfortable. "I understand you hare having a relationship with Sergeant Domitan. I trust that while in the field you will keep it strictly professional. I also want you to know that you will always have the support of the crown and those close to you." Wyldon stood up, signaling that the conversation was over. "I will send for you tomorrow to discuss what you will need from the stores." Kel gave a bow and slid out the door, thankful that the discussion was over. Wyldon as a father figure made her very uncomfortable.
"Why the weird look?" Neal asked as Kel walked down the hall outside Wyldon's office. "Didn't like what The Stump told you?"
"Don't call him that. And never mind what he told me, you came out of there grinning from ear to ear. What did he tell you?" Neal's face broke out in a smile again.
"Yuki's coming to New Hope! And I'm leaving in two days!"
"Neal, that's great!" Kel said, but her best friend could sense something was wrong.
"Kel, really, what did Wyldon tell you?"
"Neal, I'm leaving for New Hope with you. Dom's squad is coming, also. The bad thing is that I'm in command."
"Kel, that's not a bad thing. You're the best commander I know, outside of Raoul and the King. That can't be all that's bothering you, though. You've been in command before."
"You're right." Kel ran and hand through her hair. "Wyldon knows about Dom and me. I think he warned me about the consequences if our relationship were to escalate."
"Hmmm...well, that's interesting. Do you want me to talk to Dom?"
"No, you'll just mess it up. I'll go find him now."
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"Sir? You asked to see me?" Dom said, stepping into Raoul's office.
"Yes, Dom. Sit down." Raoul gestured toward a chair. "Kel and Neal leave in two days for New Hope. Your squad will accompany them. Kel is in command. This will be a test for Kel. I'm only telling you this because I know you'll keep your mouth shut. We want to see how she commands. I know I've seen her, but others haven't." Dom stared at Raoul as a thought formed in his mind.
"You're planning to retire!" he accused.
"Shh...I don't want anyone to know. I only told you so you would understand the gravity of the situation. You cannot tell Kel. Speaking of Kel...Dom, you are one of my best sergeants, I'd even say friends, but if you EVER hurt Kel, you're a dead man."
"I know. I would never hurt Kel. I love her." Raoul cold see it in Dom's eyes.
"Good, I would hate to loose one of my best men. I suggest you go tell your men that you ride in two days. You have an unusual amount of time to prepare, I would use all of it if I were you." Dom stood and took his leave. On his way to the barracks, he bumped into Kel.
"Dom? We need to talk."
"I know I'm riding to New Hope with you."
"About something else." A worried look flashed briefly across Kel's face.
"I need to talk to my squad. Can we meet in one candlemark?"
"How about in my room. We'll have privacy there."
"'Til then, Lady Knight," he gave Kel a peck on the cheek. Kel went to her room to get her practice glaive. Heading to an open area of the fort, she began a pattern dance to help her clear her mind. Two dances and a bath later, Kel headed to her room to meet Dom. Standing at her window, she yelped in surprise as Dom slid his arms around her and gently kissed her neck.
"I didn't hear you come in." Kel said, turning around in Dom's arms. She rested her head against Dom's chest and breathed in his sent. "Mmmm...this is so comfortable. I'm going to miss it."
"What?" Dom asked, surprised. Kel looked at his deep blue eyes.
"I have some bad news. Wyldon basically told me today that while we are at New Hope we need to keep things between us strictly professional." Kel laughed sadly as one lone tear made its way down her face. Dom gently wiped it off, and led her to the bed, the only place they could sit down in Kel's tiny room.
"Gods, Kel. This is going to be hard."
"I know. I don't want to give you up."
"You don't have to give me up. It won't be for very long." Dom said, not really believing it himself. "Maybe it would be better if my squad didn't go with you."
"No!" Kel said strongly, "Even if it has to be professional, I will not—cannot—go without you. I would go crazy. Well, crazier." Kel attempted a smile.
"Well, I guess this will be a test for our relationship."
"A very hard test."
"I'm sure we'll pass." Dom kissed the top of Kel's head. "Kel, I want you to know something. I love you."
"I love you, too." They sat in a sad silence, Dom's arms wrapped around Kel, her head resting on his chest. After a few moments, Dom whispered, "Kel?" There was no answer. Craning his neck to look at her face, he saw she was asleep. She looked so peaceful, different from a few moments before, when worry creased her brow. Dom sighed, he should go to sleep soon, he had a full day tomorrow. He pulled Kel's boots off and picked her up gently, sliding her under her blankets.
"Goodnight, Protector of the Small." He gently kissed each eyelid and slid out of Kel's room, gently closing the door. Dom ran a hand through his hair. The next few weeks would be very trying.