Here we go -
Chapter 4!!!

I think that might have been the best poem I've ever written...besides the one I said today when my brother needed to write a poem with bear' and there'. Ahem.

See? A bear -
Over there!

It's a masterpiece, I know. I should probably patent it...but I'll let you read the fourth chapter now instead (aren't I so generous?) Anyway...
Enjoy! (and review!!!!)

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Merric walked over to where Kel, Yuki, Neal and Dom were talking about the possibility that the war was almost over. Hey guys, thanks again for such a great surprise party. He laughed. Even if my birthday was just the excuse.

They all chuckled. We're just sorry that we couldn't get you any presents. But just think, in a few weeks, you'll be back in Corus, and you'll be able to see Lady Cessa.

Merric blushed and punched Neal's arm.

The refugees had made a giant fire pit where there was a roaring fire. Around midnight, most of the refugees had gone to bed, along with Neal, Yuki and Merric; tomorrow was the first day of the preparations before Midwinter. Kel and Dom were the only ones left at the now diminishing fire. They talked about the war, the upcoming wedding of their best friends and about New Hope.

Something had been bugging Kel for a long time, so she finally asked. So, do you miss your lady back in Corus?

What lady? he asked innocently, looking into the fire. He was very aware of how close she was sitting to him, even if she wasn't. She was only inches away....

she was baffled. Someone as charming and handsome as Dom didn't have a lady? Don't - aren't you courting someone?

he answered simply and quietly. I haven't courted anyone in the last few years.

She fell silent. They sat in silence for a few minutes. It wasn't an awkward silence. It was a friendly silence. Kel was still trying to comprehend the fact that Dom wasn't courting, and Dom was still trying to sort out his feelings.



She looked up. She thought she saw something flicker across his blue eyes, but it was only the reflection of the fire.

Do you have anyone to miss?

She looked down at her hands, afraid she was going to blush, and suddenly aware as to how close they were sitting. No, I don't.

He nodded. Then I guess that makes two of us. He tried to chuckle softly. Instead he looked up at the clear sky. Hm. Sky sure is clear tonight.



Lots of stars.

She could feel the awkward silence now. It was like smoke, smothering them. The fire was dancing down at their feet.

Fire's almost out.

Yeah. It's pretty late.

He coughed, trying to arouse any courage he had. Uh, Kel?

She avoided his eyes - afraid of what she might do if she looked at them...she might lose her tongue and not be able to speak.

Can I ask why you don't have a man back home?

She thought. You could ask, but I don't have an answer.

He looked at her. Kel, look at me.

She reluctantly complied. Her Yamani mask intact.

Kel, I can tell when you're wearing that damn mask of yours... his lips curved slightly upward.

She smiled slightly too. I think you, Neal and Yuki are the only ones.

Kel, you know you can talk to me about anything. Right?

She tried to avoid his gaze, but it was mesmerizing. She would be glad to just stare into his eyes all day, every day....but when would I be able to do that? She mentally slapped herself.

Kel, I think you know why...Do you want to talk about it?



He looked at her. Her eyes glazed slightly, a sign that she was upset.

I know it's because I'm a knight and I don't look like the other court ladies. She couldn't keep her emotions in anymore, but she wouldn't let them out. She needed to cry; and be alone.

She got up aburptly. I should go to sleep. Goodnight, Dom. Before he could say anything, she got up and ran back to her room.

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I'm stopping it here!! haha! I know I'm evil - sorry, I can't help it!! I thought this would be a good place....and sorry that it's short, but hey! two updates in one day!!! Hey, that's awesome!!!!!

REVIEW!!!!!

- Atlanta Enchanted