A/N: Thanks for all the reviews!! Perhaps all of my pleading paid off….hm, intriguing! Anyway, I seemed to have stirred some controversy when I proposed that Aly would get together with Dom…but we'll see. She might think he's too old for her. She might find something interesting hidden in Owen, or Merric. Only time will tell!! Mwahaha!!

PLEASE REVIEW!!! They are GREATLY appreciated!!!

DISCLAIMER: Do I really need this anymore? After this, no more disclaimers!! I still ain't Tamora!!

Enjoy, mis amigos!

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Aly followed Kel to the King's Own barracks, and before she had a chance to respond was picked up in an enormous bear hug.

"Uncle Raoul!!" she screamed through the large, muscular arms of her adoptive uncle.

"Aly!!" He gently put her down and smiled, ruffling her hair. "It's been too long!"

She smiled, "Aye, it has!" She smiled and hugged him around his middle (the highest point she could reach on the large man).

"Raoul! Let me see her!"

"Aunt Buri!!!" Aly ran and fiercely hugged her adoptive aunt.

Buri laughed. "Careful," she rubbed her belly. Aly laughed and patted it. "Only 6 more months…." She looked at Raoul, who's eyes were shining with anticipation and pride of finally being able to be a father.

Kel coughed. "I was just bringing her to meet some of the men." She gave Raoul a meaningful look and he understood.

"Ah, yes, our little Player should meet some of the Own's…" he laughed. Suddenly giving Kel a fleetingly look. Kel ignored him however, keeping her face straight and calm.

Aly noticed this and tried to use her Sight, but she knew it wouldn't show her Kel's actual emotions. She hugged Raoul and Buri goodbye, saying that she'd see them at dinner, and followed Kel to the actual barracks.

In the hallway, Kel introduced Aly to many of the men from the King's Own, however none were imprinted in her mind, and Kel didn't seem to ecstatic to introduce her new friend to any of them either. Aly paid little attention to these men – none of them really suited her fancy.

However, when Kel stopped at a door and knocked on it, the man that appeared made Aly catch her breath (fortunately only slightly since the other two didn't notice). Before her stood a tall and muscular man, who gracefully filled out his cream and brown everyday tunic and breeches. His dark hair hung above his brows, and his sapphire blue eyes stared at her with the slightest twinkled. He eloquently bowed when Kel said, "Dom, I'd like to introduce you to Alianne of Pirate's Swoop." He gracefully and quickly took her hand and lightly touched it with his soft, pink lips.

Aly's cheeks burned.

She, however, collected her emotions and once her hand was released, she deeply curtsied, and when Kel said, highly amused, "And this, Aly, is Sergeant Domitan of Masbolle, who also happens to be Neal's cousin." She playfully took his large, callused hand and brushed the top of it with her own lips.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Sergeant Domitan." She said and curtsied again. She looked up and saw his eyes twinkle with amusement.

"It is my pleasure to meet the only daughter of Sir Alanna and Baron George." He smiled at her and looked at Kel. "Don't tell me she wants to be a Player."

Kel laughed. And Aly spoke up. "Perhaps you should inform my parents. The other hundred people who have told them are mere commoners." She waved her hand in a mocking disgust and sighed.

"Everyone thinks so, but her parents still won't let her." Kel interpreted.

Aly smiled, "Apparently it's not a noble enough job."

Dom smiled ruefully, "Just as my parents thought." He waved his hand to show her his room. "That's why I'm stuck here under Lord Raoul's command." He smiled again, and took a fleeting glance at Kel.

Aly's eyes danced. She knew a budding crush or romance, and this was definitely one. She'd have to talk to Neal about this one….he must have inside information…

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"WHAT?"

Aly shoved her hand in front of his mouth. "Shush!" she hissed, and looked around the hall nervously. "Do you want the whole palace to come running?" She removed her palm. "Don't tell me you never noticed anything…"

Neal scratched his head. "Well, sure, I mean, most girls would fancy Dom." Aly nodded. "As I can see you have…ouch!" he yelped when she stepped hard on his foot.

"If you must know, yes, I have. He's very attractive. At least now we know which side of the family got the good looks."

Neal grumbled something about having a fiancé, but continued. "I'm sure Kel, at one time or another, had a crush on him, but Dom is more the court-lady type. Not really the Lady Knight-type."

Aly rolled her eyes. "Yes, of course, since there have been sooo many Nealan."

He grimaced at her. "Look, Aly-dearest, I doubt Dom has a budding romantic notion for our dear Keladry. And you stay away from him too, unless it's only to talk about Players, because he's much too old for you!"

"Oh, why thank you, my wise Father!" She bowed and left him. "That meathead…."

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Short! I know!! But I felt like updating fast! So? See, no Dom/Aly!! Definitely some Dom/Kel though. I'm still debating over Owen, Merric or OC. But OC will be hard to do…because I'll probably start describing a man that's part Neal, part Dom, part George…etc. etc., so we'll see!!

REVIEW!!!!!!!