A/N: Hello friends! I'm not dead! (I knew you were worried...) Sorry that I haven't updated in like forever. Or two weeks. Whatever. Same thing. This chapter might seem completely random, and that's because it kinda is...just like all the other ones. Darn. D hehe!! I think I'm gonna end this soon, but I'm not sure how or when...so um, yeah. Bear with me people!!

ENJOY the randomness of Chapter 17!!!

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Kel sighed. She was walking back to her room from Shinko's chambers when she noticed three young servants whisper, point and giggle. Usually, rumors didn't bother her, but why would young servant girls listen to what the old conservatives said?

That's when it hit her. They probably couldn't believe she was being courted by one of the best-looking men in the palace, let alone a charming, sweet and loving...so then what did he see in her? She wasn't particularly beautiful like court-ladies. She wasn't graceful. She wasn't very femine...her mind was so preoccupied that she didn't realize she was now currently in her room. She stood for a minute when Dom walked in and pulled her into a hug. When she didn't return it, he leaned in and stared into her eyes.

Kel...Earth to Kel...

She shook her head, finally realizing where she was. Oh, sorry, my mind was elsewhere.

When she didn't mock-scowl or slap him, he got worried. Kel, what's wrong?

Dom, why do you love me?

He chuckled nervously. Kel, quit joking. When her face revealed no humor, he sank into the bed. Well, I thought you'd be able to figure it out...

I can't - I'm not like the other court-ladies...

Exactly Kel. You don't sit in the corner and whimper. You're not petty. You're determined, honest, strong, intelligent. You're not boring - you know things. You can hold a conversation. You're beautiful, Kel. That's why I love you. You're different. You're better than those court-laides.

Her face brightened up and she kissed him feverishly.

Kel and Dom were kissing on his bed when someone knocked on the door. Dom groaned, aggravated at being interrupted. Who is it?

Stefan. I've come to talk to Kel.

Kel's brows furrowed. Stefan barely left the stables. Why would he walk all the way to the palace just to talk? She opened the door to find an anxious older man fidgeting with his hands.



Kel, I think you should come down to the stables. Daine is already there but, well, Peachblossom isn't doing very well...

Unknowingly, her Yamani mask slipped on. Dom gripped her shoulder after Stefan left and she hadn't moved.

Come on.

The walk to the stables was quiet and somber. Kel couldn't even think. If anything should happen to Peachblossom....

Kel finally took in her surroundings. Stable. Daine. Stefan. Peachblossom on the ground. Kel, I'm sorry. There's not much I can do. She's very old, and well, she knows she doesn't have much time left. She wanted to see you. Tobe and Neal, too. She wants to bite him one more time...

Kel tried to smile. She blinked back tears and allowed the newly arrived Tobe to say his final goodbye. Then Neal came, and upon hearing the circumstance, reluctantly allowed Peachblossom to chomp on his hand one more time. He squeaked. Daine couldn't help but laugh at Peachblossom's reaction to the squeak. Finally, Kel walked in. She kneeled down and slowly stroked her gelding's neck. Peachblossom, you've been my friend for the last 10 years. You were my first horse at the palace. I'd never forget our times together. She chuckled through tears. And I'll never spur a horse now. You were the best war horse a knight could ask for, and on horse will ever be as good as you, or keep Neal in line. No one can ever take your place. I'll miss you so much. She nuzzled her head and walked out of the stall silently crying. Is there any way you can make it quicker and painless? I don't want her to suffer. Daine nodded and went in.

More tears slid down her face as Dom protectively and affectionately wrapped his arms around her and Neal brotherly patted her arm. He's going to a better place, Kel. None of us will ever forget him.

Daine walked out of the stall, breathing heavily. He wanted me to thank you, Kel. Without you, he would have died long ago. You saved him.

Kel feebly smiled through her tears and gave the Wildmage a hug. I know it's hard, Kel. When Cloud passed on, I thought I'd never get over it. But we have to move on. Remember the good times and never forget him, but you'll have to move on. Daine left the stables, her eyes tearing, barn cats and dogs at her feet.

Dom put his arm around Kel's shoulders as he helped her out of the stables and back to her rooms. Neal walked a few feet behind them while Tobe stayed behind with Stefan.

We'll have to get her a new horse...

Tobe snapped his fingers. We not be able to buy her a new one, but I know people who can! He bid Stefan goodbye and ran off to the palace.

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Dom left Kel alone in her rooms so she could mourn by herself. He knew she'd seek him out if she needed him. He softly closed her door and stood face to face with his cousin. We should do something...

Yeah. But I dunno about you, but after the wedding, I'm a little bit drained on extra spending money. Even if it is for my best friend.

Dom nodded. The two were deep in thought when Tobe almost knocked into Dom.

Sorry, Sir Dom.



Sorry, Dom. He took a deep breath. Stefan and I think we should all buy Lady a new war-horse.

Neal nodded and sighed. We thought so too, but we can't afford to buy her one.

Well, Master Neal, we're not Lady's only friends...

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Kel emerged from her room in time for dinner. She felt a little better about Peachblossom; she knew she was with other loyal, famous, wonderful horses. Drum, Happy, Cloud, Moonlight and Darkness would now all be with Peachblossom. She smiled slightly at that comforting thought and continued to make her way to the mess hall.

She sat down next to Dom and across from Owen and Lady Mel. Dom put his arm around her waist and whispered in her ear, Feeling better?

She smiled and lightly kissed his lips before returning to her food. She listened in on the trio's conversation and slugged Neal's arm when he was about to comment about Owen and Mel.

Yuki laughed. You got him before I got a chance! She sat down next to Owen, so as Neal couldn't choke him, and Neal sat down next to Kel.

Mel, I must say, your choice in men-

Is all your fault since you're my brother. And besides, Meathead, you introduced us! Mel smiled smugly as Neal cursed under his breath. And besides, she grabbed Owen's hand, we plan on marrying this summer.

Neal spat out his cider. Wh-wh-WHAT? But, but, Owen just got his shield! (A/N: If I said earlier in this story that he was a squire still....my bad! He's had his shield for a year let's say. Makes for a better story...)

Mel gave her brother a death glare before he could continue. And you got yours 2 years ago. Owen's had his for a year, and besides, Father's already agreed.

Neal failed to utter another word. Yuki kicked his shin under the table while Kel and Mel shot deadly glares at him, Dom smirked and Owen smiled . He gave up,

However, Yuki did put in her two cents. But you guys just met not even 4 days ago...

Owen said, but it feels like we've known each other forever. He looked lovingly into Mel's eyes, and she kissed him.

Neal scoffed at such a foolish idea, and Dom coughed in order to end the embarrassing kiss. They reluctantly broke apart, apparently unembarrassed. Yuki smiled and again kicked Neal's shin. Shut up, Neal. You know it can be true.

Neal rolled his eyes, but gave up. His sister and Owen would marry whether he liked it or not, and besides, he didn't need his wife to be angry with him before they went to sleep that night.....

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Wow, that was totally scrappy and cliche-esque. I apologize immensely!! If you must flame, then flame!! It was horrific I know, but Peachblossom needed to die. She was soo old...as was Cloud and all the others, except maybe Drum. And Happy died in LK, so yeah. Please, don't hurt me!! And sorry I didn't update for like ever....
At least this chapter was longer....right??? RIGHT??

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