A/N: I'm baaack! Anyway, here the next chapter. Thanks for the feedback, but I could sure use some more....(hint, hint)

DISCLAIMER: I just checked, but I'm still not Tamora.

Enjoy!

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Aly set down her bow and arrows, and very carelessly threw two of her daggers in the direction of the bulls eye. She ran after them to pull them from the center, and ran back. She decided she was going to practice bow and arrow, and then try some fancy dagger-arrow play. After loosening the bow and practicing for a good 20 minutes, she put the bow over her arm, put the arrows in her cloak pocket, and picked up the daggers. Very calmly, and easily she threw the daggers, and as soon as her hands left the hilts, she pulled out an arrow, slung it, aimed and shot. The arrow landed directly between the two daggers, all of which were in the bulls eye. She smiled and went to collect them when she heard clapping from behind her.

Very nice. Pretty fancy for but a mere Player. Aly spun around, knowing who's mouth that dry noise was coming from.

Sir Neal! She ran over the fence, and threw herself against him grabbing him in a hug. When they let go he held her shoulders so he could get a good look at her.

He smiled, It's been what, 2 years? And look how much you've grown.

Aly wryly grinned. Aye, it has been two years, but it seems as though you're the same person. But then her smile faltered when she noticed his eyes. They weren't the same bright green ones that he had when he was her mother's squire. Her Sight let her see all of the war and sickness he'd seen, just like her mother. She tried to smile again. She couldn't let him know that she could notice his despair.....

He folded his arms against his chest. Have your parents let you become a Player, yet?

She smiled, No. And neither a spy.

Neal cracked a smile. Well that's a shame. You've got some pretty fanciful dagger throwing.I don't just throw them. She grinned wickedly and pulled a crooked dagger from her sleeve. I could kill with them to, she put up to his neck as he gulped and took a step back, if I ever got the chance. She laughed and quickly and skillfully put the dagger back in it's place.

Neal clapped again, apparently impressed. Have you bested your father yet?

She shuffled her feet. Only once, and it was an unfair match.

Neal patted her arm as the lunch bell rung, Don't worry, he is the best in the kingdom, possibly the realm. She tried to smile. Join me for lunch? She looked back at the bulls eye. I'll introduce you to my friends....Surely, Neal. She grabbed her quiver, bow, and daggers and walked to the soldier's and the King's Own's mess hall with her old friend.

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Aly got a tray and food and followed Neal to table that already had a few people. She sat down across from Neal but next to an open space. That space was soon taken by a female. Neal smiled and motioned to the women, Aly, I'd like you to meet Lady Knight Keladry, or as the songs like to call her, Protector of the Small'. Aly watched as a roll flew through the hair and hit Neal squarely on the forehead.

Shut up, Meathead. Keladry smiled and put out her hand. It's a pleasure to meet you, Aly - Of Pirate's Swoop. She inwardly sighed at the quick change of Keladry's otherwise calm and collected face. It's a pleasure to meet you too, Lady Knight Keladry.

Kel smiled, Please, call me Kel. All my friends do. Aly smiled too and watched as Kel snapped at Neal. Must you inform everyone of my new' nickname?

Neal smiled and drawled.

Kel growled.

Aly looked at the other men at the table and coughed. Unable to get Neal's attention, she kicked him under the table.

It was me, Neal. Aly smiled, batting her eyelashes sweetly. Neal mumbled something under his breath when he jumped again.

Kel gave Neal a death glare and motioned her head to their other friends. Oh! Merric, Owen, Seaver, I'd like you to meet my friend, Aly of Pirate's Swoop.

The three men's eyes widened, but none so much as Merric's. He blushed. Yes, I met you last night in the hall.

Aly smiled, Of course, and shook his hand.

May I introduce Owen of Jesslaw, and Seaver of Tasride. She shook both of their hands. Owen is going for his knighthood in a few weeks. Aly smiled, and rested her chin on her fist. She saw his scared face and wanting to encourage him said, I hear it's not too awful.

Owen nodded, white as a ghost and tried to continue eating.

Neal sighed, Usually he's jollier' than this. Kel stifled a laugh and quickly told Neal to eat his vegetables. She waved to a Yamani woman who walked in. When Aly looked up, she leaped out of her chair and threw herself at the woman.

Yuki! How are you? Yuki's face crinkled and squeezed the young woman back.

Oh, Aly! I didn't know you were coming back so soon!

Aly made a face. I didn't either. Do you honestly think I wanted to come back?

Yuki softly laughed. Aly sat back down so that Neal could see his betrothed again - even though they had seen each other an hour before.

Seaver shouted, Please! Spare us and take this outside!

Aly and her new friends finished their lunches and left the mess hall. Owen apologized, saying that he had to attend to Lord Wyldon, and Seaver said he had to go find his Court Lady, as he called her. Merric went to the stables, leaving Aly and Kel.

Have you met some of the men of the King's Own yet?

Aly shook her head. Only Raoul.

Kel smiled. Come on, you can meet some before the ball. She laughed, I just hope that you like balls more than I.

Aly smiled and bowed her head. Aye, I love balls. She took the ends of her cloak and began to playfully dance around Kel. Kel laughed as they continued to walk.

Has anyone ever told you, you should be a player?Trust me, Kel. You're not the first.

Kel smiled, a plan brewing in her head. Than you're going to love one of my friends....

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AH!! CLIFFIE!!! mwahahaha!! Obviously, you knew who this friend is (don't you...) But will those two get together? Not even I do! Because if they do, who will Kel be with? Give me some ideas - I'm open to them, even if I don't use them!

REVIEW!!!!!