YAY!! Over 50 reviews!! I'm such a happy person!! and that time around no one really had any complaints...yay!! You have no idea how happy those reviews make me! (so please keep them coming!!) ) anyway, I hope you guys enjoy this chapter....I don't know how much longer this story is gonna be, but at LEAST one more - I mean, we need the wedding!! Do you guys want any N/Y?? I think I might put a little in...but only a little. I'm glad no one complained about any OOC last chappie!! YAY!!!
ENJOY and review Chapter 9!!!!!!!!!

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The preparations for Midwinter continued for the next month exactly on schedule. The camp's walls and buildings were repaired along with the livestock fences. Enough wood was gathered to last a lifetime, and the entire harvest was brought in.

Not all of the refugees noticed the change in Kel, but the ones who were close to her did. She hardly ever hid behind her Yamani mask, even when dealing with the refugee's petty problems; she was almost smiling or in a good mood. Even when her bridesmaid's dress arrived for her final fitting, she didn't complain to Yuki or even Tobe. It was a light sage green kimono-influenced dress that Dom said, Matches the green in your beautiful eyes. How could she complain about anything with such a charming, handsome man courting her?

There was a change in Dom as well - he was always smiling. He didn't call Neal Meathead' as often (unless he did a very Meathead-type thing), and he was always by Kel's side.

The night before the knights, Yuki, Tobe, Dom and his squad were to leave for the wedding, Kel made her final speech for the year to her people.

As you all know, we, she gestured to the people on either side of the pedestal, are leaving for the wedding of Sir Nealan and Lady Yukimi, tomorrow. Everyone clapped for the knight and his lady. We are all completely confident that you will have a lovely, safe Midwinter. Mistress Fanche and Commander Niksea will be in charge, but please, be easy on them. A chuckled ran through the crowd. And Mistress Selai will be your new permanent healer...be easy on her too. We will return in a few months, once the roads have cleared, but I see you barely even need us now. She smiled. Have a wonderful Midwinter and we'll see each other in a few months. Goodnight. Most of the refugees left to go to their respective houses, but a few walked up the pedestal to bid Kel, Neal and Merric goodbye.

Once all the refugees said goodbye, Kel said to her companions, We leave an hour after dawn. See you all in the morning! She and Dom left hand-in-hand to their rooms, as did Neal and Yuki.

Goodnight, my love. Dom dipped Kel and kissed her.

She smiled. Goodnight, my sergeant. He tried to furrow his eyebrows in mock anger, but only made Kel laugh at his attempt. She kissed his nose teasingly and opened her door.

He reached out for her hands. Should we tell Raoul and Buri tomorrow on the road of our-our courtship?

Kel breathed, are we-we really courting?

He grinned. I would say so. He pulled her closer to his body, looking into her mesmerizing hazel-green eyes. His grin faded, Unless you don't want-

She answered him with a long kiss.

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Neal and Yuki laid down on their large bed, and cuddle next to each other. Their hands intertwined, they listened to the faint howl of a wolf pack. Yuki laid her head against his chest. Only a few more weeks, she said sleepily.

he murmured into her hair.

You're not getting cold feet, are you? She laughed.

He yawned. Of course not! He craned his neck and kissed her forehead. Now, shush, we need sleep. It's going to be a long day. Especially since the two lovebirds, Lord Raoul, Buri and - oh no. He groaned.



Owen. He's going to flip about Kel and Dom, and we'll never hear the end of it.

And Lord Wyldon's coming too you know.

Neal groaned again. Great, just what I needed. The Stump at my wedding.

She laughed and then quickly stifled it with a yawn. Go to sleep, Nealan. She chuckled as he rolled his eyes. It annoyed him when she called him that, and she loved to do it.

Within a few minutes, they fell asleep to each other's heartbeats.

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The horses were saddled and ready to go at the hour after dawn, thanks to Tobe and the other refugee children. Kel mounted Peachblossom while Tobe mounted Hoshi. The others mounted their horses, (only Neal and Merric had two), and set off down the road to Corus. No one really spoke for the first hour - they were still waking up. Even Jump and one of the camp cats that wouldn't leave Yuki slept.

The group stopped where the road to Corus and the road from Steadfast met. There they had breakfast and waited for Raoul, Buri, Owen, Wyldon, and one squad of Third Company to meet them. The rest of Third Company was going to stay up north for Midwinter to make sure Scanra didn't attack.

The other arrived just as they were finishing breakfast. They mount up again and rode on.

Neal and Yuki were talking to Buri and Raoul about the wedding, as Owen was chatting away merrily to Merric. Kel and Dom rode up front, talking and flirting discreetly; no one would have noticed anything different about the two. Finally, at their next stop, Dom nudged Kel, and the two went to tell Raoul of their news.

Dom, Kel. He nodded his head in greeting and offered them cheese and rolls. They accepted and nibbled on their food. She looked at Dom pleadingly. He nodded. How could he refuse that look?

Um, my Lord?

Yes, Dom?

Um, well, Kel and I, are, well courting. He looked at his hands, highly embarrassed, but Kel reached out and squeezed it reassuringly.

Raoul's black eyes widened. his voice squeaked slightly. You're courting?

Kel nodded. Yes, Raoul.

He laughed. And clapped them both on the backs. That's terrific! Haha! That's wonderful! Finally! The most eligible bachelor and the Lady Knight are taken! He laughed again. Buri! Wyldon! Owen! Come here!! I've got great news!!

The three walked over from brushing their mounts. What is it Raoul? Wyldon asked, annoyed.

Dom, Kel? Why don't you tell them?

Kel swallowed a lump in her throat. Why was she so nervous? Well, Dom and I, are, well, um-

Dom finished for her.

Owen jumped up and down and lifted Kel into a huge bear hug, and then did the same to Dom. That's jolly! Oh, Kel! You've finally nabbed one! Isn't that great Sir?

Wyldon nodded, his eyes showing his slight amusement. he added gruffly. Kel couldn't help but smile; she knew her former-knight trainer was secretly pleased with her choice.

Buri shook Dom's hand eagerly, and hugged Kel. This is wonderful!

Neal strutted over. As much as I love these little hug-fests, can we please get moving? We have a deadline! He moved his hands dramatically as he drawled on, And what would it look like if both the groom and the bride didn't show up to their own wedding? Kel shoved the last roll into his mouth, and mounted her horse.

Let's go!

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Ok, I know this was pretty short, but I need my sleep!! And I hadn't planned on updating this weekend, so you're lucky!!! I hope you enjoyed it...this was a lighter chapter, and maybe even a bit funny(?) I hope! PLEASE REVIEW!!!! I wanted to try and incorporate bits from songs, but I haven't been able to yet. Maybe during the wedding...I don't know. Next chapter I think Kel and Dom might have to share the same bed at an inn. We'll see!!

-Atlanta!

REVIEW!