Changing Stone

by: luxxi

Disclaimer: Kel, Joren, and all the other characters belong to Tamora Pierce sadly…

Summary: Kel and Joren have always hated each other with a passion. So what happens when Kel is warned that if she does not change Joren for the better, he will die? KJ

Chapter Two: Ball

Lalasa was fitting Kel into a dress with great difficulty. First Kel had adamantly refused to go in a dress of any kind. Then, she had refused to be fitted. With much persuading and pleading, Kel finally gave in and let Lalasa work on her appearance.

Finally, with an hour to spare, Lalasa stepped back and surveyed her former mistress. She gasped with delight at her creation. "My lady, you look wondrous, absolutely beautiful!"

Kel had on a sparkling red dress with red high-heeled shoes. The dress clung to all her curves formerly covered by the unflattering wool of her tunic. Her hair was held up with a intricate clip and her ruby earrings accented the color of her eyes.

"This corset is killing me! I don't know how the ladies wear these every single day!" she managed to wheeze out.

"Just get used to it. Take shallower breaths and don't make any sudden movements," Lalasa advised.

"It's not I have someone to look nice for, but thank you anyway."

"You'll blow them away," Lalasa said confidently.

Kel took a few steps and nearly plunged head first to the ground, "Besides, I can hardly walk in these shoes. How did I ever let you talk me into this?" Kel moaned.

Lalasa wasn't paying her any attention as she dragged a full-size mirror from the corner. "Kel, before you complain anymore, just take a look at yourself."

Grumbling, Kel dragged herself before the mirror. She met her own eyes in the reflection and couldn't control the gasp that involuntary came out. She turned to glance at Lalasa, who was smirking. She really did look nice, not like a tomboy, but like a lady new from the convent. She blinked back tears for she had just seen what she could have been if she had not followed her dreams.

She turned from the mirror, "Thank you, Lalasa."

Embracing her tightly, Lalasa answered, "It was nothing compared to what you have done for me. Now go, the ball is going to start soon. Just be confident. Do not ever let anyone belittle you."

Kel nodded and swallowed the lump that had formed in her throat. "I…"

"Keep the dress and all the other things," Lalasa assured her, "Only you would do it justice. Consider it an early birthday present. Now, you really must go."

With one last smile toward her friend, Kel stepped out the door.

She walked, slouching toward the ballroom doors, but then she remembered Lalasa's words. Taking a deep breath, she straightened and strode bravely toward the huge doors.

"How shall I announce you, my lady?" The herald asked, bowing respectfully as he did so.

"Squire Keladry of Mindelan, if you please," she replied in her most lady-like voice.

The herald was preparing to bow again, when he stopped in mid-bow, "Squire?"

She merely smiled softly, "Yes please."

He finished his bow and walked stiffly to the door, obviously in shock. He opened the doors and called out her name.

Kel nodded to him as she swept into the nearly filled ballroom.

Joren was clothed in a blue tunic fringed in black. When he had walked in, all the girls gaped and drooled at him. Thus, he was feeling especially self-satisfied tonight.

"Joren?" his companion, Vinson, inquired as he walked over to stand beside him.

"What is it?"

"We were wondering…" another squire, Garvey, also walked over.

"What?!" Joren asked, exasperated, as he was following the most beautiful girls with his eyes.

Garvey and Vinson glanced at each other, but each was hesitating.

Joren lost his cool, "What the hell is it with you two?"

"Canweborrowsomemoney?" Vinson sputtered out.

Joren creased his brow and narrowed his eyes, "What?" he repeated, his voice dangerously low.

"We need a bit of money," Garvey added.

"How much?"

The two glanced at each other again.

"Three hundred."

Joren had picked up a drink from a page walking by. Now he nearly choked while he was sipping, "What for?"

"Well, you see…we gambled a little too much…"

"Can't you ask your parents? Where do you think I get my money?"

"My parents threatened to disown me if I gambled anymore," Garvey admitted.

Vinson nodded, "We just need to borrow some money. We'll pay you back as soon as we can."

Joren waved a hand, "I'll give it to you guys tomorrow on the condition that you pay every penny back, alright?"

They nodded furiously.

"Now, go away and let me try to enjoy this ball," he smiled slightly as they scrambled away, having gotten what they wanted. To him, three hundred was nothing, just a small morsel out of his whole fortune.

Out of the corner of his eye, he caught the herald coming in and announcing another guest. His eyes widened as he saw the beauty that had stepped through the doors. The lady was clad in a red silky dress with a low cut and a beautiful body stature. Obviously, most of the men were having the same thoughts as most of them headed toward the new lady.

The lady turned as someone called her name and hugged the man enthusiastically. The man…Nealan of Queenscove? He was a flirt, Joren knew, but how did he know this beauty?

Then she turned and embraced a few others he recognized as Cleon, Owen, and Faleron.

Joren's jaw dropped as his mind processed what he was seeing. The only girl that could be that close to all of those named above was…

Kel turned from her gawking friends, grinning widely. It seemed the time with Lalasa had really paid off. She had felt awkward when she first entered, but now she was enjoying her night as a lady.

Suddenly, she shivered as she felt a burning stare on her back. Turning, she locked eyes with Joren. "Why is he staring at me?" she thought to herself.

Joren glared at her and she reciprocated in kind. Rolling her eyes, Kel turned back to her friends and decided to ignore the blond and enjoy the ball with her friends. Soon, not only was she talking with her friends, but with other guys that had come over to get to know her better.

Then, she tilted her head and out of the corner of her eye. She saw Joren striding over. Damn, she thought, there goes a peaceful night.

As if on cue, all the guys saw Joren coming and quickly made excuses to back away. They knew how violent it could get between these two. All her friends stayed, though they were very quiet.

Kel stood with her hands on her hips and asked, "What do you want?"

"Oh, nothing really. I just wanted to comment on how ugly you look in that dress."

"Is that all? Because if it is, then you can turn around and leave." Not knowing why, Kel felt a pang of hurt in her heart as he said 'ugly'.

"That's fine with me. And you know what? I can't wait until my Ordeal. Then I can go and perform deeds and you will be completely forgotten." Joren retorted.

"Y-your o-ordeal…" Kel suddenly faltered and turned pale. She had completely forgotten about the dream and the warning. The pictures kept flashing through her mind's eye. For a moment, she looked as if she was going to faint, but she gathered up her skirts and started for the door.

It's going to be impossible, Kel thought bitterly as a tear leaked inadvertently from her eyes. The images and the stress of the whole affair were taking its toll on her. I suppose this is my ultimate test. And suppose I fail? Am I not worthy to be a knight then? She meant to hide her tears, but Joren caught of glimpse of the shining wetness on her face before she fled into the night.

"Tears? But Mindelan never cries…" he thought.

Even her friends were shocked; they'd never seen Kel like that before.

After he recovered from his shock, Neal turned on Joren. "What did you do to her?" he almost yelled.

"I don't know. You go ask her." Joren shrugged, turned, and stalked away.

Kel's friends stared at his retreating figure and as one, they sighed. It was always so complicated when Kel was involved.

A/N: Did you like? Kel is showing emotion! Yay! And Joren's confused…how cute! Thanks for reviewing and keep R&Ring!