Squire Keladry; Mother?
Warning: Some stripping of clothing, some swearing, some flirty banter, and some insinuations. If that doesn't get you to read, nothing will! But hey, what can I say besides: What else is new? And a lot of Neal lovin' on my part, but not Kel's. Sorry I couldn't help myself...*sigh* Neal's amazing....
CHAPTER TWENTY
The Fat Lip that caused Neal's Idea to Backfire
Kel awoke oddly refreshed and relaxed. Then she scowled as she intently studied the unfamiliar canvas ceiling. Kel took deep soothing breaths as she leisurely remember where she was, and what had happened. Slowly the tense feeling of panic ebbed, faded, and finally vanished completely. *I blew it didn't I?* Kel demanded of herself. *Damn. I can't believe I did that. What was I thinking? That was absolute, unreasonable ranting. I'm such an idiot.* Kel reprimanded sternly. Steadily, and with years of experience, the walls she strived to build around herself were put back up; the stone was just as strong as ever. Carefully Kel rolled onto her side, taking special care to remain on the narrow cot. That was all she needed, to roll off and find her sore body in the dirt. That would be a great way to start a day.
As her eyes adjusted to the dim light, Kel's disposition lightened visibly. The very top of the wall began to weaken ever so slightly. Dom lay sprawled haphazardly on his own small cot. One of his legs lay hanging over the side of his cot and his mouth was half way open. The top of the brick that made up Kel's wall began to crumble. A genuine grin crept onto Kel's tender lips. It wasn't her rare, but normal, Yamani trained smile, but an honest beaming, smile that left the squire giddy at the sight of the Sargent.
"Damn you, Dom," she whispered silently. He stirred in his sleep, but no more. Soon he was dozing soundly once again. Kel smiled involuntarily.
*What the hell's wrong with me?* Kel scolded herself. The top half of the wall was now on the floor and Kel felt miserably exposed. *One look at a sweet, charming guy like Dom and my knees go weak, my blood boils, my heart beat goes up, and the wall comes down.* Kel felt really ashamed at herself as she began to repair the damage Dom had done. *I'll never make it in life if this continues.* Soon the wall was back in one piece.
Dom looked so sweet and innocent. Kel shook her head. *That's the last thought of that nature I'm having today.* Kel committed. She slowly sat up peered through the darkness. To her dismal, Kel saw it was very early in the morning. The sky had a dim purple dusky hue. She hardly ever woke `this` early, and if she did, she never felt this good about it. Kel sighed wondering what to do. She was to awake to fall back asleep. She bit her lip as she sat silently for a moment. Slowly and quietly Kel got to her feet. The squire pulled on her thick, worn, comfortable, leather boots and headed noiselessly, so as not to disturb Dom, out the tents opening. Kel wordlessly surveyed her breathtaking surroundings.
Shaking herself out of the daze her dazzling environment had created, Kel explored the quiet campground. After waking a few people and some convincing, Kel got directions (even if there were a few harsh words she thought didn't belong there) to a nearby lake where she could wash. By this time the sky's vivid color was changing slowly, almost unnoticeably. Kel briskly hiked her way to the distant water's edge as the heavens continued to lighten. In the obscure morning light, Kel stripped away her dirty, sweaty, clothing and plunged her tender exposed body into the frigid waters.
Kel gasped loudly as the icy water flowed over and chilled, every inch of her body. After a short pep talk to herself and a few stifled pants later, Kel had managed to wet her hair. Because of her shuddering ans splashing, Kel never heard the approaching of a small, lone figure.
"You know, you really should check the area before you go and get naked and jump into a small, cold, unknown lake." (a/n: I should end here huh? I would be short, but a really evil cliffy okay okay, stop the death glares, put down the stones and other sharpe deadly objects... I hadn't planed on stopping here anyway)
Kel turned swiftly, almost falling off her feet in the deep frosty water in the process. She breathed an inward sigh of relief when she saw who the speaker was.
"I thought you weren't allowed to see me?" Kel asked as she continued to wash up unconcerned by her visitor. After all she was rock, she had her walls, and nothing could knock her down. Not today.
"You're right, I'm not."
"Then..." Kel started a statement, but let it trail not knowing what to say to finish it.
"It's just quite a coincidental bit of luck wouldn't you say?" The sole female knight in the realm of Tortall, seemed to finish Kel's statement perfectly. Alanna smiled waiting for the squire's reply.
Kel shrugged. She wasn't going to get emotional over this. "Yeah, I guess so."
Alanna gave a strong musical laugh. "I'll give you two good reasons why you should get out of that water right now." She offered.
"What's wrong with it?" Kel asked somewhat alarmed, but concealing it well.
"Nothing's wrong with 'it'." Alanna said simply.
"What then?" Asked Kel completely devote of any emotion. She splashed her face causally. She thought she would have been more excited at meeting her idol, her reason for attempting to win a man's game, but Kel was placid. She was Yamani strong and occupied with her cleansing and perturbed at being interrupted.
Alanna seemed to see this, but it didn't bother her. "Okay. One: my squire will be along soon, unless he gets lost and Two: if I've gone to these great lengths to meet with you," the lioness grinned again. "I at least want a hug."
Kel smiled politely, but she didn't want to get close to anyone anymore. "Neal's coming?" She asked wondering if hee question would annoy Alanna.
"Is that all you care about?" Alanna demanded lightly.
"No." Kel said plainly. Slowly Kel waded out of the chilly liquid and grumbled inwardly when she saw she had forgotten to bring fresh clothing. Alanna waited, her hands at her side, as the still dripping Kel stiffly pulled her old filthy clothing on. *Well that was a waste of time.* Kel muttered as she realized what a mess she had made of her bath.
Kel opened her arms widely and took a small step toward Alanna. "If you're brave enough- " Kel started.
The older woman closed in and wrapped her arms tightly around Kel. Softly Alanna whispered, "Gods all bless lady squire."
Kel pulled away and stared intently at the small red head, her jaw slack. Kel studied Alanna's face searching for any other clue. Abruptly the petite knight herself locked in a warm, hard embrace.
Cursing herself for it, Kel let her walls down briefly. She wasn't sure why, it just felt right at the time. Alanna's brows knitted together as she patted the quivering squire softly on the back. Kel's body heaved heavily with secrets and feelings kept too long. She shuddered as large tears tore her apart from the inside out.
Neal approached softly, silently, and unnoticed by both the knight and squire. He clearly saw Kel's back and Alanna's concerned face, but thought nothing more of it. From his position, he could see not tears and therefore had no cause for alarm. "Hey ladies! Can I get some lovin' too?" Neal drawled.
Hearing his voice, the women broke apart at once. Kel breathed deeply and with shaking fingers Kel clumsily wiped her eyes.
"Yes well," Alanna stammered uncertainly. "I must get back to camp, get ready to head out, all that fun stuff. But if you're nice," she turned to her squire. "Maybe you'll get some from Kel." Alanna smacked her squire sharply on the back as she passed, and then continued to trace her way though the mass of thick trees.
At the sight of Neal, Kel's protection went back up but... Knowing he was a friend, Kel felt somewhat comfortable and playful, she let her guard fall `slightly.`
"So what do you say Kel?" Neal grinned always his flirtatious self, as je walked toward her. If he noticed her red eyes and tear stained cheeks, he said nothing.
Kel shrugged her shoulder not meeting her best friends eyes. She was quite occupied with trying to decided how she wanted to act with him.
"No hugs to spare for a friend?" Neal persisted with a sly smile.
"Nah." Kel answered. "Last time I was that close to you, you had your tongue half way down my throat-"
"That's where you're mistaken." Neal defended. "My tongue wasn't down youy throat.
"It was in my mouth!"
"I'll give you that one..."
"That's not all you've given me." Kel laughed.
Neal faked a hurt look, "What do you take me for? A common man whore?"
"I hope not, you certainly wouldn't ge paid well as one."
"What? Why not?"
"You don't have what it takes." Kel said simply.
"And that would be..." Neal persisted.
"You don't put out." Kel laughed at Neal's stunned expression.
But he quickly reverted back to his old cockiness. "No lip action for a friend either huh? That's to bad." He forced a sigh. "You could use the practice."
"Ah!" Kel punched Neal on the arm, playfully, but also making sure he got the hint.
Neal let it go. "I think," Neal observed as Kel bit in.
"That's a shocker."
After shooting his friend a fierce fabricated glare, Neal pressed on. "I think you ruined your bath. Me, being a nice and chivalrous young man that I am, I'll run back to camp and ger you some fresh, clean clothing." He offered. "You wait here."
Kel said nothing as Neal dashed off into the trees. She found a chopped down slowly rotting log and planted herself on it, shivering as she studied the ground.
¤ * ^_^ * ¤
Neal raced into the still mostly settled, unmoving camp. Most of the inhabitants in any case are either asleep or in their tents. The emerald eyed squire knew exactly where he was headed and what he need to get.
He pushed his was into the average tan canvas tent and halted curtly. His loud entrance startled and woke the sleeping Domitan. Dom seemed to disregard his relation being there as he laid drowsily on his stiff cot. Neal cursed inside of his head. *So this is where my lovely Sargent cousin ended up spending his night. I knew this was Kel's room but...* Neal growled. Was he angry? Worried? Concerned? Panicked? Anxious? Jealous? Protective? He felt that was is. Kel was like a sister, and he would do anything for her. Anything.
Ignoring his cousin, Neal began riffling through Kel's bags that were at the end of the cot. The constant rustling of clothing brought Dom to reality. Slowly awakening, Dom sat up at the exact moment Neal pulled out a fresh loincloth for Kel.
Dom rubbed his eye grumpily. "What the hell do you think you're doing?" He demanded as Neal placed the clean undergarment on top of the neatly folded, doe brown breeches and plain cotton shirt Neal had already extracted from the bag.
Neal scowled, as if was a dumb question, looking at his kin. "Getting Kel's clothes."
Dom returned the look. "Why? Where's Kel? And where is she there without clothes on?" The Sargent questioned.
"She's clothed." Neal defended the nudity of his friend. "She just finished a bath, and me, being a virtuous, respectable guy,(more Neal boasting) volunteered to get her the clean garments she forgot to get herself. Wasn't that nice of me?" Neal insisted on as he located a pale pink breastband and added it to the pile. Neal pulled himself to his feet, picked up the pile of clothing on his left, and move swiftly toward the tent opening not looking back, at the visibly upset, Dom.
Dom was left to contemplate his own upset and muddled thoughts alone.
After years of training, no matter how much he disliked it, Neal was conditioned and fit. He felt no effect of his quick jaunt through the woods. So this made it easy for Neal to run back unhindered as well. (*sigh* what a hottie) (yes, I know I have problems)
Neal grinned to himself. *Let's make this situation worth while.* He decided. *It's time to kick 'the plan' into action.* He thought firmly as he wove in and out of the dense foliage. Soon he neared the lakeside.
Neal slowed down and walked into the clearing. Instantly he spotted Kel sitting off to his right on a tree stump. Cautiously he walked over as many leaves and twigs he could trying to make as little noise as possible. Twigs that threatened violently to give him away as he neared Kel's small sitting figure.
¤ * ^_^ * ¤
Kel sat placidly still studying the dark rich earth, when she heard a soft, faint rustling behind her. From experience, years of training, or a natural reaction, Kel didn't know, but at that moment, every muscle in Kel's body went taut with awareness and anticipation. Not wanting to give away that she knew someone was closing in, Kel sat still until she was certain her timing was perfect and things were right.
Without warning, Kel leapt agilely to her feet, turned sharply around, fists raised, and struck before either she or Neal knew what was happening, and could stop it.
"Ow!" Neal mumbled, his hand over his mouth; a hurt look upon his chiseled face. "Kel! Why'd you do that?"
Neal was unconcerned. In fact she thought that it was quite ironic that two days earlier she had struck Dom, Neal's cousin, in the same way. "Neal!" Kel mimicked. "Why'd you have to sneak up on me?" She demanded in the same tone.
"I wanted to surprise you with the soft tenderness of my lips." He muttered.
Kel sighed. "Let me see was kind of damage I've inflicted upon the soft tenderness of you lips." Kel requested patiently as she tugged lightly on Neal's muscled arm.
Neal lowered his hand to reveal a slightly swollen, bloody lip.
"Ooo..." Kel murmured. "I'm sorry." And she meant it, but Kel couldn't help but laugh softly at the picture before her. Kel bit her lip in an attempt to stop the chuckles. "Look on the bright side, no one has to know you were beat up- "
"I wasn't beat up!" Neal defended.
Kel went on as if she hadn't been interrupted. "By a girl, because you can heal yourself. No one has to know...but me."
"Oh! You're right!" Neal said sarcastically. "That is the bright side!" Neal touched his bottom lip lightly as green magic flowed slowly from his fingers. Gradually the swelling went down. "How about that kiss now?"
"Uh- " Kel faltered. "Your lip. It's still bleeding."
"Fine be that way." Neal feigned offence. He handed over Kel's fresh clothing and advanced on the water without saying anything.
"Where are you going?" Kel asked puzzled.
Neal stripped his light cotton shirt away to expose a tan muscled chest, and kicked off his boots. "Bath." He answered as if that explained the mysteries of the world. "You're not the only one who likes to be clean."
"Oh, that's good to know." Kel smiled one eyebrow raised as she decided to toy with her friend a little. "We have more in common than that, don't we?"
"I suppose." Neal shrugged. "What do you suggest?"
"Pure animal attraction." Kel smirked.
"So you admit it!" He hollered as he continued to wade into the chilly waters.
"Don't flatter yourself, Queenscove."
Neal dove head first into the deep murky water. He came up and splashed his bare chest. "I don't have to. You flatter me enough for the both of us."
"Queenscove!"
"Hmm-?" He muttered innocntly.
"Get out here and fight like a man, chicken boy!" (A/n: that's a little saying of mine, I wouldn't recommend using it, it causes trouble...)
"You already gave me a fat lip. What more do you want?" Neal droned. If he was going to flirt and tease about kissing her, Kel was going to flirt back she decided.
"I want you! I want your body." Kel teased. Neal was obviously surprised at hoe much Kel had come out of her protective Yamani shell. Neal walked briskly out of the nippy water and advanced on Kel.
"You want me... you got me," he stated in a husky, barely audible whisper.
"Wha?" Kel breathed alarmed.
"Nothing." Neal maintained. "You should have changed when I wasn't looking."
"What?" Asked Kel confused.
Neal pointed to her soiled clothing. "Now I'll just have to watch."
"No." Kel began but was abruptly cut off as Neal enveloped Kel in his thick toned arms, and pulled her into his muscular, still bare, slightly damp, chest.
~A/N: Hey what's going on here, who said the table could turn huh? Last time I complained about Squire Keladry; Mother?'s reviews being scant, now it's this one what's the deal? I could use some lovin' litterally...
Hey if you really get bored go to www.fictionpress.com, look me up... Lady Daffodil of Queenscove and read my saturation paper....
Now for my short thank you's because there's only FOUR of them...
*Angel4eva: Hey Thanks. Fluff? I thought I was the only one with that obsession! jk You LOVE my story? Aww *cheesy grin* stop it. NO not really. don't stop. hehe... that reminds me of somthing:
Two words guys hate: don't......and......stop.... unless you put them together....hehe
go ON GO ON! okay I'll stop. Thanks for the review...you're going to do it again...now right???. PLEASE and THANK YOU
*Angel of Wind: YOU? in Dom's bedroll? oohh! kinky! *slaps self repeatedly * stop that stop it STOP IT! okay I'm in contol now. Cliffy ARE fun. Maybe we can work out a deal to beat Lerant up later...later but soon as in not this second, but soon! eh? Babbling is fine, and long reviews are even better...Thank you! E-mail me if you want... remember you can do whatever you want...within reason....
*White-wolf: Hey you're cool. Thanks for that! And there's no need to fear...I have an idea! Yes DON'T act too shocked...i have an idea for kel, and her lying to dom... but that's down the road a bit. Quite enjoyable eh? You sound all proper. It's endearing in a way... no I most certainly am no making fun of you. It's me! I seriouly have to lay off the sugar, writing, work, I HATE work!, guys! HEY!! let's not get carried away here! Chill...
*jazy716: Thanks. I have a twisted mind, so I find it easy to mess things up. I update, or try to ever wednesday. I work monday, tuesday, friday, and saturday, so it's really the only time i get. THANKIES again...
I'm done...but you're NOT go REVIEW quick before it's too late! Okay it's never too late but... ah! forget I said anything -k-
~ :oþ Lady Daffodil ^_^
Warning: Some stripping of clothing, some swearing, some flirty banter, and some insinuations. If that doesn't get you to read, nothing will! But hey, what can I say besides: What else is new? And a lot of Neal lovin' on my part, but not Kel's. Sorry I couldn't help myself...*sigh* Neal's amazing....
CHAPTER TWENTY
The Fat Lip that caused Neal's Idea to Backfire
Kel awoke oddly refreshed and relaxed. Then she scowled as she intently studied the unfamiliar canvas ceiling. Kel took deep soothing breaths as she leisurely remember where she was, and what had happened. Slowly the tense feeling of panic ebbed, faded, and finally vanished completely. *I blew it didn't I?* Kel demanded of herself. *Damn. I can't believe I did that. What was I thinking? That was absolute, unreasonable ranting. I'm such an idiot.* Kel reprimanded sternly. Steadily, and with years of experience, the walls she strived to build around herself were put back up; the stone was just as strong as ever. Carefully Kel rolled onto her side, taking special care to remain on the narrow cot. That was all she needed, to roll off and find her sore body in the dirt. That would be a great way to start a day.
As her eyes adjusted to the dim light, Kel's disposition lightened visibly. The very top of the wall began to weaken ever so slightly. Dom lay sprawled haphazardly on his own small cot. One of his legs lay hanging over the side of his cot and his mouth was half way open. The top of the brick that made up Kel's wall began to crumble. A genuine grin crept onto Kel's tender lips. It wasn't her rare, but normal, Yamani trained smile, but an honest beaming, smile that left the squire giddy at the sight of the Sargent.
"Damn you, Dom," she whispered silently. He stirred in his sleep, but no more. Soon he was dozing soundly once again. Kel smiled involuntarily.
*What the hell's wrong with me?* Kel scolded herself. The top half of the wall was now on the floor and Kel felt miserably exposed. *One look at a sweet, charming guy like Dom and my knees go weak, my blood boils, my heart beat goes up, and the wall comes down.* Kel felt really ashamed at herself as she began to repair the damage Dom had done. *I'll never make it in life if this continues.* Soon the wall was back in one piece.
Dom looked so sweet and innocent. Kel shook her head. *That's the last thought of that nature I'm having today.* Kel committed. She slowly sat up peered through the darkness. To her dismal, Kel saw it was very early in the morning. The sky had a dim purple dusky hue. She hardly ever woke `this` early, and if she did, she never felt this good about it. Kel sighed wondering what to do. She was to awake to fall back asleep. She bit her lip as she sat silently for a moment. Slowly and quietly Kel got to her feet. The squire pulled on her thick, worn, comfortable, leather boots and headed noiselessly, so as not to disturb Dom, out the tents opening. Kel wordlessly surveyed her breathtaking surroundings.
Shaking herself out of the daze her dazzling environment had created, Kel explored the quiet campground. After waking a few people and some convincing, Kel got directions (even if there were a few harsh words she thought didn't belong there) to a nearby lake where she could wash. By this time the sky's vivid color was changing slowly, almost unnoticeably. Kel briskly hiked her way to the distant water's edge as the heavens continued to lighten. In the obscure morning light, Kel stripped away her dirty, sweaty, clothing and plunged her tender exposed body into the frigid waters.
Kel gasped loudly as the icy water flowed over and chilled, every inch of her body. After a short pep talk to herself and a few stifled pants later, Kel had managed to wet her hair. Because of her shuddering ans splashing, Kel never heard the approaching of a small, lone figure.
"You know, you really should check the area before you go and get naked and jump into a small, cold, unknown lake." (a/n: I should end here huh? I would be short, but a really evil cliffy okay okay, stop the death glares, put down the stones and other sharpe deadly objects... I hadn't planed on stopping here anyway)
Kel turned swiftly, almost falling off her feet in the deep frosty water in the process. She breathed an inward sigh of relief when she saw who the speaker was.
"I thought you weren't allowed to see me?" Kel asked as she continued to wash up unconcerned by her visitor. After all she was rock, she had her walls, and nothing could knock her down. Not today.
"You're right, I'm not."
"Then..." Kel started a statement, but let it trail not knowing what to say to finish it.
"It's just quite a coincidental bit of luck wouldn't you say?" The sole female knight in the realm of Tortall, seemed to finish Kel's statement perfectly. Alanna smiled waiting for the squire's reply.
Kel shrugged. She wasn't going to get emotional over this. "Yeah, I guess so."
Alanna gave a strong musical laugh. "I'll give you two good reasons why you should get out of that water right now." She offered.
"What's wrong with it?" Kel asked somewhat alarmed, but concealing it well.
"Nothing's wrong with 'it'." Alanna said simply.
"What then?" Asked Kel completely devote of any emotion. She splashed her face causally. She thought she would have been more excited at meeting her idol, her reason for attempting to win a man's game, but Kel was placid. She was Yamani strong and occupied with her cleansing and perturbed at being interrupted.
Alanna seemed to see this, but it didn't bother her. "Okay. One: my squire will be along soon, unless he gets lost and Two: if I've gone to these great lengths to meet with you," the lioness grinned again. "I at least want a hug."
Kel smiled politely, but she didn't want to get close to anyone anymore. "Neal's coming?" She asked wondering if hee question would annoy Alanna.
"Is that all you care about?" Alanna demanded lightly.
"No." Kel said plainly. Slowly Kel waded out of the chilly liquid and grumbled inwardly when she saw she had forgotten to bring fresh clothing. Alanna waited, her hands at her side, as the still dripping Kel stiffly pulled her old filthy clothing on. *Well that was a waste of time.* Kel muttered as she realized what a mess she had made of her bath.
Kel opened her arms widely and took a small step toward Alanna. "If you're brave enough- " Kel started.
The older woman closed in and wrapped her arms tightly around Kel. Softly Alanna whispered, "Gods all bless lady squire."
Kel pulled away and stared intently at the small red head, her jaw slack. Kel studied Alanna's face searching for any other clue. Abruptly the petite knight herself locked in a warm, hard embrace.
Cursing herself for it, Kel let her walls down briefly. She wasn't sure why, it just felt right at the time. Alanna's brows knitted together as she patted the quivering squire softly on the back. Kel's body heaved heavily with secrets and feelings kept too long. She shuddered as large tears tore her apart from the inside out.
Neal approached softly, silently, and unnoticed by both the knight and squire. He clearly saw Kel's back and Alanna's concerned face, but thought nothing more of it. From his position, he could see not tears and therefore had no cause for alarm. "Hey ladies! Can I get some lovin' too?" Neal drawled.
Hearing his voice, the women broke apart at once. Kel breathed deeply and with shaking fingers Kel clumsily wiped her eyes.
"Yes well," Alanna stammered uncertainly. "I must get back to camp, get ready to head out, all that fun stuff. But if you're nice," she turned to her squire. "Maybe you'll get some from Kel." Alanna smacked her squire sharply on the back as she passed, and then continued to trace her way though the mass of thick trees.
At the sight of Neal, Kel's protection went back up but... Knowing he was a friend, Kel felt somewhat comfortable and playful, she let her guard fall `slightly.`
"So what do you say Kel?" Neal grinned always his flirtatious self, as je walked toward her. If he noticed her red eyes and tear stained cheeks, he said nothing.
Kel shrugged her shoulder not meeting her best friends eyes. She was quite occupied with trying to decided how she wanted to act with him.
"No hugs to spare for a friend?" Neal persisted with a sly smile.
"Nah." Kel answered. "Last time I was that close to you, you had your tongue half way down my throat-"
"That's where you're mistaken." Neal defended. "My tongue wasn't down youy throat.
"It was in my mouth!"
"I'll give you that one..."
"That's not all you've given me." Kel laughed.
Neal faked a hurt look, "What do you take me for? A common man whore?"
"I hope not, you certainly wouldn't ge paid well as one."
"What? Why not?"
"You don't have what it takes." Kel said simply.
"And that would be..." Neal persisted.
"You don't put out." Kel laughed at Neal's stunned expression.
But he quickly reverted back to his old cockiness. "No lip action for a friend either huh? That's to bad." He forced a sigh. "You could use the practice."
"Ah!" Kel punched Neal on the arm, playfully, but also making sure he got the hint.
Neal let it go. "I think," Neal observed as Kel bit in.
"That's a shocker."
After shooting his friend a fierce fabricated glare, Neal pressed on. "I think you ruined your bath. Me, being a nice and chivalrous young man that I am, I'll run back to camp and ger you some fresh, clean clothing." He offered. "You wait here."
Kel said nothing as Neal dashed off into the trees. She found a chopped down slowly rotting log and planted herself on it, shivering as she studied the ground.
¤ * ^_^ * ¤
Neal raced into the still mostly settled, unmoving camp. Most of the inhabitants in any case are either asleep or in their tents. The emerald eyed squire knew exactly where he was headed and what he need to get.
He pushed his was into the average tan canvas tent and halted curtly. His loud entrance startled and woke the sleeping Domitan. Dom seemed to disregard his relation being there as he laid drowsily on his stiff cot. Neal cursed inside of his head. *So this is where my lovely Sargent cousin ended up spending his night. I knew this was Kel's room but...* Neal growled. Was he angry? Worried? Concerned? Panicked? Anxious? Jealous? Protective? He felt that was is. Kel was like a sister, and he would do anything for her. Anything.
Ignoring his cousin, Neal began riffling through Kel's bags that were at the end of the cot. The constant rustling of clothing brought Dom to reality. Slowly awakening, Dom sat up at the exact moment Neal pulled out a fresh loincloth for Kel.
Dom rubbed his eye grumpily. "What the hell do you think you're doing?" He demanded as Neal placed the clean undergarment on top of the neatly folded, doe brown breeches and plain cotton shirt Neal had already extracted from the bag.
Neal scowled, as if was a dumb question, looking at his kin. "Getting Kel's clothes."
Dom returned the look. "Why? Where's Kel? And where is she there without clothes on?" The Sargent questioned.
"She's clothed." Neal defended the nudity of his friend. "She just finished a bath, and me, being a virtuous, respectable guy,(more Neal boasting) volunteered to get her the clean garments she forgot to get herself. Wasn't that nice of me?" Neal insisted on as he located a pale pink breastband and added it to the pile. Neal pulled himself to his feet, picked up the pile of clothing on his left, and move swiftly toward the tent opening not looking back, at the visibly upset, Dom.
Dom was left to contemplate his own upset and muddled thoughts alone.
After years of training, no matter how much he disliked it, Neal was conditioned and fit. He felt no effect of his quick jaunt through the woods. So this made it easy for Neal to run back unhindered as well. (*sigh* what a hottie) (yes, I know I have problems)
Neal grinned to himself. *Let's make this situation worth while.* He decided. *It's time to kick 'the plan' into action.* He thought firmly as he wove in and out of the dense foliage. Soon he neared the lakeside.
Neal slowed down and walked into the clearing. Instantly he spotted Kel sitting off to his right on a tree stump. Cautiously he walked over as many leaves and twigs he could trying to make as little noise as possible. Twigs that threatened violently to give him away as he neared Kel's small sitting figure.
¤ * ^_^ * ¤
Kel sat placidly still studying the dark rich earth, when she heard a soft, faint rustling behind her. From experience, years of training, or a natural reaction, Kel didn't know, but at that moment, every muscle in Kel's body went taut with awareness and anticipation. Not wanting to give away that she knew someone was closing in, Kel sat still until she was certain her timing was perfect and things were right.
Without warning, Kel leapt agilely to her feet, turned sharply around, fists raised, and struck before either she or Neal knew what was happening, and could stop it.
"Ow!" Neal mumbled, his hand over his mouth; a hurt look upon his chiseled face. "Kel! Why'd you do that?"
Neal was unconcerned. In fact she thought that it was quite ironic that two days earlier she had struck Dom, Neal's cousin, in the same way. "Neal!" Kel mimicked. "Why'd you have to sneak up on me?" She demanded in the same tone.
"I wanted to surprise you with the soft tenderness of my lips." He muttered.
Kel sighed. "Let me see was kind of damage I've inflicted upon the soft tenderness of you lips." Kel requested patiently as she tugged lightly on Neal's muscled arm.
Neal lowered his hand to reveal a slightly swollen, bloody lip.
"Ooo..." Kel murmured. "I'm sorry." And she meant it, but Kel couldn't help but laugh softly at the picture before her. Kel bit her lip in an attempt to stop the chuckles. "Look on the bright side, no one has to know you were beat up- "
"I wasn't beat up!" Neal defended.
Kel went on as if she hadn't been interrupted. "By a girl, because you can heal yourself. No one has to know...but me."
"Oh! You're right!" Neal said sarcastically. "That is the bright side!" Neal touched his bottom lip lightly as green magic flowed slowly from his fingers. Gradually the swelling went down. "How about that kiss now?"
"Uh- " Kel faltered. "Your lip. It's still bleeding."
"Fine be that way." Neal feigned offence. He handed over Kel's fresh clothing and advanced on the water without saying anything.
"Where are you going?" Kel asked puzzled.
Neal stripped his light cotton shirt away to expose a tan muscled chest, and kicked off his boots. "Bath." He answered as if that explained the mysteries of the world. "You're not the only one who likes to be clean."
"Oh, that's good to know." Kel smiled one eyebrow raised as she decided to toy with her friend a little. "We have more in common than that, don't we?"
"I suppose." Neal shrugged. "What do you suggest?"
"Pure animal attraction." Kel smirked.
"So you admit it!" He hollered as he continued to wade into the chilly waters.
"Don't flatter yourself, Queenscove."
Neal dove head first into the deep murky water. He came up and splashed his bare chest. "I don't have to. You flatter me enough for the both of us."
"Queenscove!"
"Hmm-?" He muttered innocntly.
"Get out here and fight like a man, chicken boy!" (A/n: that's a little saying of mine, I wouldn't recommend using it, it causes trouble...)
"You already gave me a fat lip. What more do you want?" Neal droned. If he was going to flirt and tease about kissing her, Kel was going to flirt back she decided.
"I want you! I want your body." Kel teased. Neal was obviously surprised at hoe much Kel had come out of her protective Yamani shell. Neal walked briskly out of the nippy water and advanced on Kel.
"You want me... you got me," he stated in a husky, barely audible whisper.
"Wha?" Kel breathed alarmed.
"Nothing." Neal maintained. "You should have changed when I wasn't looking."
"What?" Asked Kel confused.
Neal pointed to her soiled clothing. "Now I'll just have to watch."
"No." Kel began but was abruptly cut off as Neal enveloped Kel in his thick toned arms, and pulled her into his muscular, still bare, slightly damp, chest.
~A/N: Hey what's going on here, who said the table could turn huh? Last time I complained about Squire Keladry; Mother?'s reviews being scant, now it's this one what's the deal? I could use some lovin' litterally...
Hey if you really get bored go to www.fictionpress.com, look me up... Lady Daffodil of Queenscove and read my saturation paper....
Now for my short thank you's because there's only FOUR of them...
*Angel4eva: Hey Thanks. Fluff? I thought I was the only one with that obsession! jk You LOVE my story? Aww *cheesy grin* stop it. NO not really. don't stop. hehe... that reminds me of somthing:
Two words guys hate: don't......and......stop.... unless you put them together....hehe
go ON GO ON! okay I'll stop. Thanks for the review...you're going to do it again...now right???. PLEASE and THANK YOU
*Angel of Wind: YOU? in Dom's bedroll? oohh! kinky! *slaps self repeatedly * stop that stop it STOP IT! okay I'm in contol now. Cliffy ARE fun. Maybe we can work out a deal to beat Lerant up later...later but soon as in not this second, but soon! eh? Babbling is fine, and long reviews are even better...Thank you! E-mail me if you want... remember you can do whatever you want...within reason....
*White-wolf: Hey you're cool. Thanks for that! And there's no need to fear...I have an idea! Yes DON'T act too shocked...i have an idea for kel, and her lying to dom... but that's down the road a bit. Quite enjoyable eh? You sound all proper. It's endearing in a way... no I most certainly am no making fun of you. It's me! I seriouly have to lay off the sugar, writing, work, I HATE work!, guys! HEY!! let's not get carried away here! Chill...
*jazy716: Thanks. I have a twisted mind, so I find it easy to mess things up. I update, or try to ever wednesday. I work monday, tuesday, friday, and saturday, so it's really the only time i get. THANKIES again...
I'm done...but you're NOT go REVIEW quick before it's too late! Okay it's never too late but... ah! forget I said anything -k-
~ :oþ Lady Daffodil ^_^