Hey everyone! I'm ba-ack! Anyway, I just wanted to warn you before you started reading that any thing in parentheses () are comments by me. Okay, now you can continue to the story!

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"NO! I REFUSE!" Occupants of the castle heard Keladry of Mindelan, the Protector of the Small, scream not too long after midday.

Most would assume that she was being tortured, but alas, that was not it. Well, not unless you were Lady Knight Keladry of Mindelan. To her, this was the worst form of torture.

"Kel, I don't see why. It's really a beautiful gown." Yuki smiled to Lalasa, who was currently sitting comfortably in a chair, watching all of this in amusement.

Her friend nodded patiently and explained slowly, as if the person she was speaking to was some sort of idiot, "Of course it is. It is quite a lovely dress. However, it is a dress that a court lady would wear. It is by no means appropriate for a lady knight."

The plump Yamani lady just rolled her eyes. "Very well. Lucky for you, Lalasa brought an extra gown, just in case we couldn't force you into this one." (No, I am not one of the people that think Yuki could force her friend to wear something she doesn't want to wear, nor am I one of the people that has Kel dressed in a skimpy outfit. That's just screwed up)

They pulled out a dark, forest green dress. Luckily for Kel, it was nothing like the other one. This one was suitable for the occasion and appropriate for her to wear. It had long sleeves that would cover up all of her old scars, and a decent top that would cover all of her chest area.

"It's beautiful." She said honestly. "Now, you two go away so I can get ready!" She ordered good-naturedly. Her friends just rolled their eyes and left, taking the spare dress with them. (No, I am also not going to leave them to dress her up for Dom. If she cant be herself, what's the point really?)

After slipping into the dress and somehow zipping up the back, she brushed through her hair with her fingers, trying to make it lie straight, and failing miserably. Finally, she grabbed the hair tie that Yuki had left for her and pulled her hair into a short horsetail.

(Yes, I am going to give her a LITTLE bit of longer hair. Can you imagine her going to a ball dressed up in a nice gown with her hair like it normally is? She'd look strange)

The ponytail, Kel soon decided, would look odd. Quickly she braided it, hoping that it turned out okay. After finishing getting ready, she sat down at her desk and pulled out some paperwork she had to do.

When a knock sounded on the door, she looked up, startled. It couldn't be time to leave yet! But when she answered it, there was Dom, standing there looking....wonderful. She gulped and tried to fight the blush creeping up her face.

Dom noticed it, but chose not to comment. He smiled to himself.

"Good evening, my beautiful lady knight." He swept her an elaborate bow before straightening. "Shall we leave?"

She looked confused. "What time is it?"

He grinned. "Almost seven o'clock, my dear. Now, shall we leave?"

She stepped out of her room and locked the door, checked to make sure her shukusen was in place, and turned back to him. Dom bowed once more and offered her arm. She gracefully accepted it and the two walked down the hall.

XxXxXxXxXxXxX

"I can't believe we had to take a bloody carriage." Kel grumbled. She would have preferred to take one of her horses, but no. Her aunt said that it would much better if she was to arrive by carriage, and her mother agreed. Aunt Francis had even let her borrow a carriage, just so she wouldn't have any excuse to ride.

"Language my dear, language." Dom chided, humor plain in his voice. Even though she couldn't see them in the darkness, the lady knight was sure his beautiful azure eyes were dancing with laughter.

She didn't have time to answer that, for the carriage had just pulled up at the house. She let out a stream of Yamani curses, thinking of all the nagging relatives that were inside that very house, just waiting to nag her about something, she was sure.

A footman promptly opened the door. As she stepped out of the carriage, she mumbled under her breath, "Let the torture begin."

Dom, who stood beside her, grinned widely. Maybe for her it would be torture, but he was sure that he would enjoy tonight.

Hannah: Thanks.

Lilliana Rose: your not going without me! i opt we steal neal and joren too...

Wake Robin: funny thing is, i cant either! I'll try!

Immortals Gurl: thanks!

mebp: thanks. no clue!

Erkith: i know...thanks!

Lightning Streak: thanks very much!

Fanta: i will try to get you more...i swear...just dont freak on me again!

Lady Knight Wolfy: the ball will come soon! i swear! i wont...and thanks...hmm...wouldnt it be interesting if neal crashed it? lol

The Weaving Wheel: i know...isnt it great?

warrior of tortall: of course not!

lena-jade: thanks. and i dont plan on it...i have something in store for it that will be quite surprising!

Atlanta enchanted: thanks!

rootless californian: thankyou...your so nice...always flatter me with compliments...

Rock Faerie:ty! and i will!

Fate: i will!