Yay!! Chapter 6!! I must say Thank you to all who have reviewed!! None of my other stories have gotten So many reviews for so few chapters!! THANK YOU!! And Kel won't cry this chapter, maybe next but I dunno. ALSO! yes, my pen-name IS from Ella Enchanted . It's my favorite Greek myth (Atlanta) and my ALL-TIME favorite book (and a decent movie). So, um, yeah.
Here's Chapter 6!!
ENJOY!!!! ( and review!! )

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Kel woke up well after dawn. She sat up and picked up her practice glaive. She started to do a pattern dance, and because her body was so used to it, she had plenty of time to think.

What happened last night? I cried in front of Dom.... -her face fell- Oh Gods, now he probably thinks I'm all emotional and all that....but he's known me for 6 years now! He'll know better...right? He did want to comfort me last night and he was concerned about me...but Neal or Merric would have too if I had cried in front of them! They'd be terrified...Why did I have to cry! Especially in front of Dom! And why did he suddenly become upset? Was it what I said?...No! Why would he be jealous? It's just me! I'm just the Lady Knight - The Yamani Lump - why would handsome, charming Dom be jealous of Neal - even if I did kiss him?...He wouldn't be.

Her dance finally complete, she propped her glaive against the wall. She reached for the door knob but decided to knock - in case Dom was sleep, or worse...naked. Who says that would be bad? part of her mind asked.

The door opened, but instead of Dom, it was Tobe. Mornin', Lady. Kel nodded but her eyes were searching behind him. He already went to breakfast. I came to see if you were alive since the sun's already risen and breakfast's almost over.

Thanks, Tobe. I was coming - I went to bed late last night...what with the party, paperwork... her voice trailed off.

he said unconvinced as he watched her head off to the mess hall.

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Kel sat down next to Neal and across from Yuki. Late night last night, Keladry? Neal asked innocently (well, as innocently as Neal could be).

She scowled but didn't answer. Yuki saw that Kel's mind was elsewhere and she and Neal continued with their previous conversation. Kel ate her porridge, still analyzing the night before. Suddenly, Anaki, one of the clerks, rushed into the mess hall.

Lady Kel!

What is it, Anaki?

Three wagons full of refugees from the village of Hillsdale have just arrived.

she asked in disbelief. Wyldon never said anything about more refugees...we have no more room! She thought, And Scanra hasn't been attacking random villages for over 2 months now! She rubbed her temples. It was too early in the morning for a crisis already. Tell them I'm coming. And then tell everyone that we're having a mandatory meeting.

Yes, milady. She scurried off.

Neal stood up. Want me to come?



The two best friends walked in silence down to the gate. One of the new women ran out to meet the two knights. Oh, good sirs! She knelt down before them and tried to kiss their feet. They pulled away in disgust. Kel decided to ignore the fact that she had confused her for a male.

State your name and your business. Neal said impatiently.

The woman stood back up. I am Salis, and this is my family, and we're from the village of Hillsdale.

Kel seemed skeptical. What brings you and your large family to New Hope?

Salis hung her head. Our homes were burnt to the ground by the other villagers. They wanted us out. We heard about this refugee camp, and we decided to come here - we need a home.

Why didn't you go to the nearest fiefdom, then? They're the ones you are supposed to go to. Besides, we have no room for you here.

Salis knelt before Kel again. Please, good sir, can't you spare us?

she stated simply, because I'm not a She tapped her foot. You and your family will go back to your nearest fiefdom, and your Baron will deal with you.

Salis gawked. You're-you're a woman?

Dom strode up. You heard the Lady Knight, the Commander of New Hope. Leave now and go to your Baron. Salis stood there, appalled.

She spat on the ground. If we knew that this camp was run by a female, let alone a female knight, we would have never come!

Kel's face became stone. She glared at the woman. Well sorry to have wasted your time. Now if you excuse us, we have more important things to attend to. Kel waved for a few of the convict guards to escort the wagons out of New Hope.

Dom stopped Neal before he sent a wave of magic to Salis. Leave the ignorant alone, Meathead. They both turned to reassure Kel, but she had already walked over to the mandatory meeting.

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As you all know, another Midwinter is approaching. Sir Nealan, Sir Merric, and I will be in Corus this year, and we'd feel a lot better knowing that you all had extra supplies rather than too few. So our preparations start today. She heard some groans from the crowd. But don't worry, we have plenty of time, so we won't kill you with backbreaking work. She laughed. I want anyone who can work well with a hammer and nails to sign up with Doral; anyone who wants to collect firewood to sign up with Anaki; and anyone who has extra cloth that they want to wash and help plug up holes to sign up with Noran. And yes, the regular work schedules will go on. Go ahead! We start in 2 hours time! She sighed as the crowd disperse. Kel stepped off the pedestal and headed off to Headquarters to write a report about the Hillsdale refugees to both Wyldon and Raoul.

Hey Kel! Neal waved her over to where Dom and Merric were talking. Wonderful speech, but you should have been more poetic...

She slapped him up the side of his head.

Kel, about what that damned refugee said... Dom started, worry in his eyes.

Dom, please! That was nothing. I've been criticized, scrutinized and picked on by so many people, I barely even notice it anymore! She went to clap him on the shoulder, but after last night, thought better of it. Come on lads, we need to start working!

Right after we write to The Stump and Lord Raoul about our Hillsdale friends! Neal shoved Kel towards Headquarters.

Merric looked over at Dom who was staring after Kel. You okay?

Dom shook his head. Yeah, yeah, I'm, uh, fine.

Merric nodded. Because if, well, you know, were interested in Kel... he coughed, uncomfortably. Honestly, I think she needs someone.

Dom looked up. What makes you say that?

Well, she is a female, she's 20, and she hasn't had someone since Cleon...if you can even count that....I think she might be lonely, even if she never lets on to it.

Dom nodded. Yea, she must be.

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OK, sorry I HAVE to end it here!! I know! I know!! no fluff yet!! I meant to this chapter, but I wanted to put regular stuff here!! I'd write more right now, but it's 12:40 at night!!! I promise an update tomorrow!!! (but then school starts Tuesday.....AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! HELP ME!!!)