Squire Keladry; Mother?
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
*`Neal's Secret Infatuation with Loincloths`*
Dedication: bubblegum*girl, this is for you *again* just kidding. Last time you helped me with ideas and this time... YOU, as near as I can figure...are my 100th reviewer! thanks so much.
The crowd soon departed getting a good start on the days travel. Minutes into the ride, Neal found his way to Kel. Who, if truth be told, was trying to avoid everyone. He moved in next to her, keeping a respectable distance from Peachblossom. "Here," he said leaning cautiously outward holding out a piece of bread.
Kel looked at the food with disgust. She didn't feel like eating. Then she remembered something. She woke up this morning and had held her stomach. She was somewhat proud of that, it was the first time in weeks she hadn't vomited in the morning. She was getting good at hiding it too, what a shame. She laughed in her head. NOT! She was glad that was over, hopefully. Kel took the bread knowing if she didn't Neal would `make` her and Peachblossom would `make` Neal remember his place.
Kel nodded her silent thanks as she reluctantly took the food. She wasn't really hungry, but she knew she need the strength and nourishment it would bring.
"You feeling alright?" Neal asked looking at Kel.
"Yeah."
"You're sure? You don't need a hug?" He offered knowing about the little tiff she and Dom had shared. He wasn't completely sure what it was about, but it wasn't good, and he got the feeling that it had his name in there somewhere.
Kel forced a laugh. She did need a hug, but she wasn't going to admit it. "Not unless you want to be castrated."
"Whoa!" Neal exclaimed. "Forget I asked. But you know that's a bit harsh. I'm rather attached to all my body parts."
"No." Kel smirked seeing his discomfort. "I wouldn't do it."
"Who would?" Neal demanded. "I'd like to know the person, who's going to know me so well." He finished causing Kel to laughed again. This time it wasn't forced.
"I meant Peachblossom. He's not that fond of you." She looked at Neal. "Gee Queenscove you take everything so literally."
"With castration, you kinda have to." He laughed with her now that he knew what she was speaking of.
Kel shook her head. Without much interest she tore off small bits of her bread and ate them. The friends rode quietly, each munching on bread, for a ways. When Neal spoke:
"So," he said nonchalantly. "Dom has hots for you."
"He do-" Kel cut her question off. "No he doesn't." Kel snapped. "Are you always this uncouth?"
"Pretty much." Neal shrugged as if it didn't matter. "I just tell it how it is. But hey, you can't fault me for stating the obvious."
"You're delusional, you know that right?" Kel retorted.
"Denial wont change things Kel. So does he know?"
"Queenscove!" Kel called. "You are a thorn in my side. You're the vein of my existence. Now stop finding lusty romances where they don't exist."
"Lusty!?" Neal questioned with a raised eyebrow. "I never said that. You want him! Oh Kel, this is great," Neal found his sarcastic emphasis. "We're going to be family!"
Kel gave Neal a look and he immediately fell silent. "Now that you're listening," she snarled in an undertone. "I do not. And keep your voice down. Most of the Company heard our little... discussion this morning, and will be talking. In a few months they'll have more to talk about with my growing belly. Now unless you want to die a slow and painful death..." She let him imagine the rest.
Neal nodded. He was serious for a moment. "No really, does he know?"
"No! I don't think so." Kel whispered loudly.
They kept their voices low. "What does that mean?" Neal demanded.
Kel pulled a face. "I don't know, from what he said this morning, I think he might have followed you down to the lake."
Neal's face fell. "I'm sorry Kel."
"Don't worry about it." She said in a hushed voice. "We don't know for sure that her knows." *Does that make any sense?* Kel wondered. "We can't change it if he did hear. And I trust Dom." She finished.
Neal nodded stiffly. The rode quietly along side one another for a moment when Neal spoke deciding to lighten the mood for the whole group. "Did you hear?" He asked trying to hide his satisfied grin.
"Hmm-?" Kel mumbled pulling away from her Dom oriented thoughts.
"Yeah," he nodded. "I'm a loincloth molester." He stated with pride puffing out his chest. All around them, men were trying to hide or stifle their laughter.
Kel herself laughed boldly. "Correction. You're an undergarment fondle-er. I know. I was there."
Neal grinned again. "You were there? Who's 'undergarments' did I fondle? There are so many..." He sighed dramatically. "I tend to forget."
"Uh huum," Kel sounded. Her thoughts had drifted back to Dom in that brief pause.
"Ke-el?" Neal called in a dreamy sing song voice, seeing Kel's distraction.
"What?" She asked lethargically. She shook her head and trying to clear her jumbled, disordered thoughts.
"You're smit-ten." He called in the same annoying voice as before.
"Am not." She glared.
"Yea, whatever." Neal smiled slightly. "I'm almost sorry," he kept his voice low. "That I missed the lovebird's first fight. It would have been a memorable milestone." He sighed dreamily. Then he remembered that `he` had been part of the `discussion` and finished with. "Almost."
×~× ~ ×~×
The ride was pleasant for the most part. Kel was around happy, comfortable, teasing people that felt close, almost like family. These were people that Kel trusted with her life, and people that felt the same towards her. The only tension in the group that day was between her and Dom, who avoided one another fairly successfully during the ride. Pausing only for a brief lunch, the large crowd made good time during their travels.
By early afternoon, the part had reached the border. Kel felt her stomach churn and twist uncomfortably as they reached the guard post. Large, foreboding stone towers were topped majestically with Scanran flags. Large uniformed men, in their countries colors, stood at attention all across the small, but guarded compound. Kel knew that it wasn't fear, but nervous anticipation and uncertainty, that caused the squire's stomach to lurch and knot with tension. Slowly the group halted. The stop was brief as Raoul conversed lightly with a man at the head of the of the gate. He also acknowledged some of the guards before continuing.
Captain Ulliver rode against the groups forward journey searching for someone. From a distance he seemed to have spotted who he need and rode determinedly toward Kel. She sighed heavily knowing what was coming. In a strong, fatherly voice, the captain spoke. "As I'm sure you know," he smiled knowingly. "Lord Raoul wants you up front with him." Ths smile broadened as he continued. "He also said, if it helps, he wont make you ride to close to a Sargent. He didn't say which one," Ulliver pushed. "But I assume he meant a dark haired, blued eyed, brawny one. Just a guess though."
"Yeah." Kel muttered not as half as pleased as the Captain was. "I'm going." She shook her head as she headed off. There was no privacy or secrets from such a tight knit group. Which depending on the situation was both a teasing pain and a dreadful security.
Kel made her way to the side of the mob and pushed Peachblossom into a trot. Moving past the large troop of men Kel moved reluctantly toward the front of the line. She neared the head of the procession and silently rode past Dom without glancing his way. Several men moved back and made room for Kel as she fell into place behind Raoul just off to the right.
Sensing the shift in bodies and the new presence, without even looking back, Raoul spoke. "Kel." Her knight master observed. "Are you ready for this?"
She chuckled softly ignoring the strain she felt from Dom's direction further to the right. "It's not me that has to worry. I get to sit back and observe. Maybe learn something, but that's all from me. It's you that has to do the majority of the speaking."
"Rub it in." Raoul muttered.
A few men in the group laughed out loud hearing Raoul's response.
"I will." Kel assured, getting the rest of the front to join the laugher, all that is except Dom. He was staring straight ahead, not even a twitch of a smile on his lips.
"I wouldn't have it any other way." Raoul answered easily.
Then a more serious side of the old knight took hold as he gave a subtle hand signal. Automatically the company's four flags went into the air. One flag, the front most flag displayed, showed the vivid colors of the crown and marked the group as part of the realm of Tortall. The next flag was plain and understood, it identified their gathering as being the third company of the King's Own. These first two flags were up front and center, held proudly. The next two were not as high in the air. One on the far right side, held by Lerant of Eldorne, announced that Sir Raoul of Goldenlake and Malorie's Peak also known as "The Giant Killer", was ranking knight in the procession. The last flag, held by Neal, roared in the sky, marking "The Lioness's" presence among the assembly.
Slowly the crowd reached what appeared to be a much smaller version of Corus. The group reached the city limits. A tanned burly man in Scanran colors stepped forward from the city gate. In a deep, gravely voice, the introduced himself as an official. Going through the formalities Raoul took on the long job of properly introducing the gathering. He finished, but he forgot something because Alanna broke in.
"And," she stated loudly. "Sir Lady Knight Alanna Cooper of Trebond, Olua, and Pirate's Swoop." Raoul couldn't help but think that becuase, she stated 'all' her titles, that Alanna was trying to show him up. Neal cleared his throat beside his knight master and with a quick glare behind her, directed at her rude squire, Alanna added less loudly. "And her Squire Nealan of Queenscove."
The tanned man nodded uncertainly waiting to see if they were finished. When no one spoke, he welcomed them, and led them into the heart of the small city. He finished by saying that it would be best for them if at the present time they got settled before the 'discussions' started.
A/N: Yeah that's it you got it! The next chapter is friggen awsome, at least I think it is... I'm trying to work on Taming the Lioness, really I am, but it's... I think it's dead...don't worry... It might be salvageable... but I make no promises. It's just everytime I look at it, I feel doomed...
Here are my Thank yous:
*Aimee Damita: Yes you are getting carried away, because I've already got a basic plan... I hope, and the next chappie is when kel confronts Dom, it was so fun to write... any way thanks for the energetic review.
*Angel4eva: I'm trying to keep on keeping on, but I had bad writers block, then driver's liscense stress (yey I'm a liscensed driver, the stress is over) Addicted to this story? That's so awesome thankies! Hope you like the update!
*Angel of Wind: hey! I did e-mail you! so yeah, yeah... umm whatever. i don't know what to say to you here that I don't say in e-mails Thanks, write me back, and keep reviewing!
*bubblegum*girl: You're Awesome! not only did you give me an excellent idea you were my 100th reviewer, as i said above, thanks ever so much keep up the good work
*DragonDaine: Neal doesn't like her, he likes me! lol! and that's the way it's going to be 4eva but dom is another story...he's seriously crushin'
*dragon defender: stop reviewing??? *gasp* That DOES hurt don't do that! DON'T do that, dun dun dun, makes me think something bad's coming... Revenge can definately be arranged... and on the darkings, whose to say what i was thinking about ``cough*Neal*cough``
*egurlrox: Thanx, I appreciate it a lot... interesting name i like it, I updated, just not soon sorry
*FlamingKnight101: sorry I couldn't post sooner, but with school starting Tues. my posting's going to be messed anyway. I hope you like it thanks for the kind review!
*jazy716: Yea YEY! I love this girl here! why? She said I could have quote Neal all to myself unquote Hope you like the new chappie, thanks for the feed back
*jazzelda1213: Thank you ever SO much! I like it when people add me to their favorites! here's the next chapter, hope you like
*Lara Roberts: Thanks, I will. here's an update
*Liams Kitten: pain in the... donkey...? that's funny! I like hehe Okay i'll keep writing, and I'm glad you broadened your horizons for me and liked the story.
*Nazzy Nazzy Nazgirl: Thanks... your name is SO fun to say Nazzy Nazzy Nazgirl! oh that's fun...
*Purple Eyes1: Don't die... if you died, I'd have one less reviewer jk, and I's have to kill myself so you see, it's just a bloody mess... only kidding. You added me to your fav authors, that's so sweet! thankies
*queenofdiamonds: Nope. Nope. No Nuh-uh, sorry not gonna happen... Jazy716 said "I" could have Neal...(and I do plan on having my with him...) Thanks for the review though
*TPfreak: oohh! are we over reacting a little...? Nah, sorry I hate reading cliffy, but I love writing them. I write...you review...? DEAL! can't wait to hear from you! THANKs for that excellent review
*ufoapresident: that was really sweet, how can you go wrong with words like "love" and "great writng" thanks I hope to heat more from you...
* WildKnight: I'm glad you like, not too much happens in this chapter, it was more for my amusment, and hopefully yours... tell me what you think... okay?
*Willow-379, aka WillowLea: Now I feel like an idot. I save my reviews the computer, and from all my complaining about this piece of crap that poses as a computer, is just putting odd letters in where it feels like it. I've seen it on many reviews, just 'rnrn' don't know why, sorry I bothered you. Sorry I made you wait (impatiently) for so long, hope it was woth it. REVIEW! I love hearing from you... eventhough I feel like an idiot now for asking you a 'dumb' quesion...
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
*`Neal's Secret Infatuation with Loincloths`*
Dedication: bubblegum*girl, this is for you *again* just kidding. Last time you helped me with ideas and this time... YOU, as near as I can figure...are my 100th reviewer! thanks so much.
The crowd soon departed getting a good start on the days travel. Minutes into the ride, Neal found his way to Kel. Who, if truth be told, was trying to avoid everyone. He moved in next to her, keeping a respectable distance from Peachblossom. "Here," he said leaning cautiously outward holding out a piece of bread.
Kel looked at the food with disgust. She didn't feel like eating. Then she remembered something. She woke up this morning and had held her stomach. She was somewhat proud of that, it was the first time in weeks she hadn't vomited in the morning. She was getting good at hiding it too, what a shame. She laughed in her head. NOT! She was glad that was over, hopefully. Kel took the bread knowing if she didn't Neal would `make` her and Peachblossom would `make` Neal remember his place.
Kel nodded her silent thanks as she reluctantly took the food. She wasn't really hungry, but she knew she need the strength and nourishment it would bring.
"You feeling alright?" Neal asked looking at Kel.
"Yeah."
"You're sure? You don't need a hug?" He offered knowing about the little tiff she and Dom had shared. He wasn't completely sure what it was about, but it wasn't good, and he got the feeling that it had his name in there somewhere.
Kel forced a laugh. She did need a hug, but she wasn't going to admit it. "Not unless you want to be castrated."
"Whoa!" Neal exclaimed. "Forget I asked. But you know that's a bit harsh. I'm rather attached to all my body parts."
"No." Kel smirked seeing his discomfort. "I wouldn't do it."
"Who would?" Neal demanded. "I'd like to know the person, who's going to know me so well." He finished causing Kel to laughed again. This time it wasn't forced.
"I meant Peachblossom. He's not that fond of you." She looked at Neal. "Gee Queenscove you take everything so literally."
"With castration, you kinda have to." He laughed with her now that he knew what she was speaking of.
Kel shook her head. Without much interest she tore off small bits of her bread and ate them. The friends rode quietly, each munching on bread, for a ways. When Neal spoke:
"So," he said nonchalantly. "Dom has hots for you."
"He do-" Kel cut her question off. "No he doesn't." Kel snapped. "Are you always this uncouth?"
"Pretty much." Neal shrugged as if it didn't matter. "I just tell it how it is. But hey, you can't fault me for stating the obvious."
"You're delusional, you know that right?" Kel retorted.
"Denial wont change things Kel. So does he know?"
"Queenscove!" Kel called. "You are a thorn in my side. You're the vein of my existence. Now stop finding lusty romances where they don't exist."
"Lusty!?" Neal questioned with a raised eyebrow. "I never said that. You want him! Oh Kel, this is great," Neal found his sarcastic emphasis. "We're going to be family!"
Kel gave Neal a look and he immediately fell silent. "Now that you're listening," she snarled in an undertone. "I do not. And keep your voice down. Most of the Company heard our little... discussion this morning, and will be talking. In a few months they'll have more to talk about with my growing belly. Now unless you want to die a slow and painful death..." She let him imagine the rest.
Neal nodded. He was serious for a moment. "No really, does he know?"
"No! I don't think so." Kel whispered loudly.
They kept their voices low. "What does that mean?" Neal demanded.
Kel pulled a face. "I don't know, from what he said this morning, I think he might have followed you down to the lake."
Neal's face fell. "I'm sorry Kel."
"Don't worry about it." She said in a hushed voice. "We don't know for sure that her knows." *Does that make any sense?* Kel wondered. "We can't change it if he did hear. And I trust Dom." She finished.
Neal nodded stiffly. The rode quietly along side one another for a moment when Neal spoke deciding to lighten the mood for the whole group. "Did you hear?" He asked trying to hide his satisfied grin.
"Hmm-?" Kel mumbled pulling away from her Dom oriented thoughts.
"Yeah," he nodded. "I'm a loincloth molester." He stated with pride puffing out his chest. All around them, men were trying to hide or stifle their laughter.
Kel herself laughed boldly. "Correction. You're an undergarment fondle-er. I know. I was there."
Neal grinned again. "You were there? Who's 'undergarments' did I fondle? There are so many..." He sighed dramatically. "I tend to forget."
"Uh huum," Kel sounded. Her thoughts had drifted back to Dom in that brief pause.
"Ke-el?" Neal called in a dreamy sing song voice, seeing Kel's distraction.
"What?" She asked lethargically. She shook her head and trying to clear her jumbled, disordered thoughts.
"You're smit-ten." He called in the same annoying voice as before.
"Am not." She glared.
"Yea, whatever." Neal smiled slightly. "I'm almost sorry," he kept his voice low. "That I missed the lovebird's first fight. It would have been a memorable milestone." He sighed dreamily. Then he remembered that `he` had been part of the `discussion` and finished with. "Almost."
×~× ~ ×~×
The ride was pleasant for the most part. Kel was around happy, comfortable, teasing people that felt close, almost like family. These were people that Kel trusted with her life, and people that felt the same towards her. The only tension in the group that day was between her and Dom, who avoided one another fairly successfully during the ride. Pausing only for a brief lunch, the large crowd made good time during their travels.
By early afternoon, the part had reached the border. Kel felt her stomach churn and twist uncomfortably as they reached the guard post. Large, foreboding stone towers were topped majestically with Scanran flags. Large uniformed men, in their countries colors, stood at attention all across the small, but guarded compound. Kel knew that it wasn't fear, but nervous anticipation and uncertainty, that caused the squire's stomach to lurch and knot with tension. Slowly the group halted. The stop was brief as Raoul conversed lightly with a man at the head of the of the gate. He also acknowledged some of the guards before continuing.
Captain Ulliver rode against the groups forward journey searching for someone. From a distance he seemed to have spotted who he need and rode determinedly toward Kel. She sighed heavily knowing what was coming. In a strong, fatherly voice, the captain spoke. "As I'm sure you know," he smiled knowingly. "Lord Raoul wants you up front with him." Ths smile broadened as he continued. "He also said, if it helps, he wont make you ride to close to a Sargent. He didn't say which one," Ulliver pushed. "But I assume he meant a dark haired, blued eyed, brawny one. Just a guess though."
"Yeah." Kel muttered not as half as pleased as the Captain was. "I'm going." She shook her head as she headed off. There was no privacy or secrets from such a tight knit group. Which depending on the situation was both a teasing pain and a dreadful security.
Kel made her way to the side of the mob and pushed Peachblossom into a trot. Moving past the large troop of men Kel moved reluctantly toward the front of the line. She neared the head of the procession and silently rode past Dom without glancing his way. Several men moved back and made room for Kel as she fell into place behind Raoul just off to the right.
Sensing the shift in bodies and the new presence, without even looking back, Raoul spoke. "Kel." Her knight master observed. "Are you ready for this?"
She chuckled softly ignoring the strain she felt from Dom's direction further to the right. "It's not me that has to worry. I get to sit back and observe. Maybe learn something, but that's all from me. It's you that has to do the majority of the speaking."
"Rub it in." Raoul muttered.
A few men in the group laughed out loud hearing Raoul's response.
"I will." Kel assured, getting the rest of the front to join the laugher, all that is except Dom. He was staring straight ahead, not even a twitch of a smile on his lips.
"I wouldn't have it any other way." Raoul answered easily.
Then a more serious side of the old knight took hold as he gave a subtle hand signal. Automatically the company's four flags went into the air. One flag, the front most flag displayed, showed the vivid colors of the crown and marked the group as part of the realm of Tortall. The next flag was plain and understood, it identified their gathering as being the third company of the King's Own. These first two flags were up front and center, held proudly. The next two were not as high in the air. One on the far right side, held by Lerant of Eldorne, announced that Sir Raoul of Goldenlake and Malorie's Peak also known as "The Giant Killer", was ranking knight in the procession. The last flag, held by Neal, roared in the sky, marking "The Lioness's" presence among the assembly.
Slowly the crowd reached what appeared to be a much smaller version of Corus. The group reached the city limits. A tanned burly man in Scanran colors stepped forward from the city gate. In a deep, gravely voice, the introduced himself as an official. Going through the formalities Raoul took on the long job of properly introducing the gathering. He finished, but he forgot something because Alanna broke in.
"And," she stated loudly. "Sir Lady Knight Alanna Cooper of Trebond, Olua, and Pirate's Swoop." Raoul couldn't help but think that becuase, she stated 'all' her titles, that Alanna was trying to show him up. Neal cleared his throat beside his knight master and with a quick glare behind her, directed at her rude squire, Alanna added less loudly. "And her Squire Nealan of Queenscove."
The tanned man nodded uncertainly waiting to see if they were finished. When no one spoke, he welcomed them, and led them into the heart of the small city. He finished by saying that it would be best for them if at the present time they got settled before the 'discussions' started.
A/N: Yeah that's it you got it! The next chapter is friggen awsome, at least I think it is... I'm trying to work on Taming the Lioness, really I am, but it's... I think it's dead...don't worry... It might be salvageable... but I make no promises. It's just everytime I look at it, I feel doomed...
Here are my Thank yous:
*Aimee Damita: Yes you are getting carried away, because I've already got a basic plan... I hope, and the next chappie is when kel confronts Dom, it was so fun to write... any way thanks for the energetic review.
*Angel4eva: I'm trying to keep on keeping on, but I had bad writers block, then driver's liscense stress (yey I'm a liscensed driver, the stress is over) Addicted to this story? That's so awesome thankies! Hope you like the update!
*Angel of Wind: hey! I did e-mail you! so yeah, yeah... umm whatever. i don't know what to say to you here that I don't say in e-mails Thanks, write me back, and keep reviewing!
*bubblegum*girl: You're Awesome! not only did you give me an excellent idea you were my 100th reviewer, as i said above, thanks ever so much keep up the good work
*DragonDaine: Neal doesn't like her, he likes me! lol! and that's the way it's going to be 4eva but dom is another story...he's seriously crushin'
*dragon defender: stop reviewing??? *gasp* That DOES hurt don't do that! DON'T do that, dun dun dun, makes me think something bad's coming... Revenge can definately be arranged... and on the darkings, whose to say what i was thinking about ``cough*Neal*cough``
*egurlrox: Thanx, I appreciate it a lot... interesting name i like it, I updated, just not soon sorry
*FlamingKnight101: sorry I couldn't post sooner, but with school starting Tues. my posting's going to be messed anyway. I hope you like it thanks for the kind review!
*jazy716: Yea YEY! I love this girl here! why? She said I could have quote Neal all to myself unquote Hope you like the new chappie, thanks for the feed back
*jazzelda1213: Thank you ever SO much! I like it when people add me to their favorites! here's the next chapter, hope you like
*Lara Roberts: Thanks, I will. here's an update
*Liams Kitten: pain in the... donkey...? that's funny! I like hehe Okay i'll keep writing, and I'm glad you broadened your horizons for me and liked the story.
*Nazzy Nazzy Nazgirl: Thanks... your name is SO fun to say Nazzy Nazzy Nazgirl! oh that's fun...
*Purple Eyes1: Don't die... if you died, I'd have one less reviewer jk, and I's have to kill myself so you see, it's just a bloody mess... only kidding. You added me to your fav authors, that's so sweet! thankies
*queenofdiamonds: Nope. Nope. No Nuh-uh, sorry not gonna happen... Jazy716 said "I" could have Neal...(and I do plan on having my with him...) Thanks for the review though
*TPfreak: oohh! are we over reacting a little...? Nah, sorry I hate reading cliffy, but I love writing them. I write...you review...? DEAL! can't wait to hear from you! THANKs for that excellent review
*ufoapresident: that was really sweet, how can you go wrong with words like "love" and "great writng" thanks I hope to heat more from you...
* WildKnight: I'm glad you like, not too much happens in this chapter, it was more for my amusment, and hopefully yours... tell me what you think... okay?
*Willow-379, aka WillowLea: Now I feel like an idot. I save my reviews the computer, and from all my complaining about this piece of crap that poses as a computer, is just putting odd letters in where it feels like it. I've seen it on many reviews, just 'rnrn' don't know why, sorry I bothered you. Sorry I made you wait (impatiently) for so long, hope it was woth it. REVIEW! I love hearing from you... eventhough I feel like an idiot now for asking you a 'dumb' quesion...