Kel stood in Hoshi's stall, giving everything one last going over. She was so engrossed in her work, she didn't notice she had a visitor until he cleared his throat.

"Hi Dom!" she exclaimed.

"Hi. Kel, I know the next few weeks are going to be hard. So...umm...I got you something." Dom pulled a silver chain from his pocket. Dangling on it was a tiny copper griffin.

"Dom! You didn't have-"

"I know I didn't have to," he interrupted. "I didn't it because I love you." Dom undid the clasp on the chain and placed it around Kel's neck. Cradling Kel's head, he kissed her deeply, savoring the sweet taste of her mouth. They broke apart, resting their foreheads against one another. "I had it made especially for you," Dom explained, "I didn't have it before, the jeweler sent it with the messengers that came in yesterday." Kel grinned and kissed him back. Unfortunately, Neal chose that moment to appear in the doorway of the stables.

"Well, isn't this nice." He drawled. Both Kel and Dom sent him looks that could kill. He pretended not to notice. "Raoul sent me to tell you two lovebirds that he wants to talk to you." Kel and Dom glanced at each other and headed to Raoul's study, leaving Neal to prepare for the ride to New Hope.

"Ahh...Kel, Dom, sit down," Raoul said as they appeared in his doorway. "I think you both should know that there have been reports of bandits around New Hope. They are attacking towns closer and closer to New Hope every day. If they stay with the same pattern, they will arrive there in a fortnight. I suggest you use your time to train, or in some cases refresh, the people there." Raoul stood up, pacing behind his desk. "I also wanted to talk to both of you about something." Kel and Dom looked at each other, they had a feeling they knew what Raoul was going to say. "I know you two are courting, and I also know what Wyldon said to you, Kel. Personally, I think the man's an idiot. Both of you keep your heads in battle. Wyldon's just trying to look out for you, strange as it is. I give you permission to continue courting while you are in New Hope, just try to keep it secret. If it is know, other people may start rumors. I know you've both dealt with rumors, but you want them to respect you in the field. If people start talking, they may not listen to you in battle." Kel sat, entertaining a thought.

"You set us up!" She accused. Raoul grinned.

"Well, it worked, didn't it? I was just returning the favor." Kel was confused for a moment, but then remembered how she had suggested that Raoul take Buri to a family party. That seemed ages ago.

"Well, I thank you for it, sir." Dom chimed in. Kel had to agree.

"Now, out you go. Neal will be waiting impatiently. He can't wait to get to his beloved." Raoul chuckled knowingly. Dom stood to take his leave, but Kel embraced her former knight-master.

"Thanks," she whispered before following Dom out the door. Raoul just smiled. They would make great parents.

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Neal sat stop his horse, dancing with impatience.

"Come on!" he shouted to Kel and Dom, "You two are so slow!" Dom started walking slower, just to annoy his cousin. Kel had to laugh, they were acting like children. As soon as Kel and Dom had mounted, Neal galloped off, anxious to see Yuki. They soon followed with Dom's squad.

The closer they got to New Hope, the more worried Kel got. How would the civilians react to her being in command again? Dom and his men could tell something was bothering her, so they tried to make her laugh. Finally, Kel ordered them to stop, their joker were so bad. Even so, they had helped to pass the time during the ride, and to keep Kel's mid from worrying. Kel had to grin as she rode through New Hope's gate, Neal had arrived a few moments earlier and was passionately kissing Yuki. As soon as Kel's feet touched the ground, a small lump hit her back, pushing her forward. Catching her balance, she turned to return Tobe's hug.

"Lady Kel, you're back!" Kel laughed, happy to see him. She looked up from his hug to see Keon, Loesia, Meech and Gydo waiting for hugs of their own.

"Have you all been practicing your fighting?" She asked.

"Of course, mother." Tobe hid a grin as Kel told him not to call her that infernal name.

"Let me show you and your men to your rooms." Fanche spoke up, she had been watching the reunion between Kel and the children with interest, "I'm afraid the men of the own will have to stay in the barracks, but we have rooms for you, Kel, and Sergeant Dom and Sir Neal." Tobe took Peachblossom's reins and led him to the stables as the two knights and sergeant shouldered their bags and followed Fanche.

Kel only picked at her dinner, she would be giving a speech in the courtyard following the meal, and she found she wasn't hungry.

"Kel, you need to eat your vegetables." Neal drawled, only too happy to get her back for all the times she made him eat the vile green things.

"Shut up, Neal," Dom replied, "Can't you tell she's worried about her speech? But you do need to eat your vegetables, Kel. Then you can grow up to be big an strong like me." The grateful look Kel had been giving him turned into a scowl.

"I'm bigger and stronger than you, sergeant." She reminded. "You may be taller, but I could beat you in a fight any day." Neal laughed and turned back to Yuki. The fiancées had become inseparable. Kel finally gave up on her food, and went outside to prepare. Soon after, a crowd had appeared. Kel stood on a box so they would be able to see her clearly.

"Many of you already know that I have been appointed military commander of New Haven for an unspecified amount of time. Personally, I do no see the point in this, you are all able to take care of yourselves." A cheer arose at the high praise, "Still, I have been give a job, and I intend to do it. I will continue weapons training beginning tomorrow. I've learned a few things since I've been here last. You must remember, I am no longer commander of all, just the military side of things. Fanche is still in charge. I look forward to working with you all." Kel nodded and stepped down, embarrassed at the cheers that arose.

"I don't know how you do it," Neal commented softly.

"Do what?"

"Every time you give a speech, it's amazing, the people you talk to are on your side." He shook his head in amazement. Fanche found them and led Kel off to meetings. Seeing the Lady Knights was half asleep following the long talks, Fanche walked her back to her room.

"I see you found someone." She said.

"Hmm?" Kel said sleepily, not following what had been said.

"You are courting, are you not?" They way Fanche said it, it was more of a statement than a question.

"What?" Kel's eyes were wide awake, was it really that obvious?

"You and the sergeant. You are courting, aren't you?" Fanche didn't miss Kel's blush. "Well, I'm glad for you. All work and no play makes Kel a boring person." Kel smiled.

"Is it easy to tell?"

"Easy? No," Fanche dismissed Kel's worries, "I just happened to notice the way you two looked at each other. Friends just don't look like that." She smiled as they reached Kel's room, "Goodnight, Protector of the Small." She laughed at Kel's face.

"Goodnight." Kel collapsed in her bed without undressing, she was just so tired.