Kel decided that if she was going to stay in shape, she had better go practice in the palace practice yards. She walked to the stable, Jump following close behind. She saddled Peachblossom for some jousting work and found her weighted lance. She walked Peachblossom out into the yards and got on his back. She took her position and told her horse to go. At full speed he went, taking her to the practice ring quickly. She hit that small and lightweight ring dead on.
"Very nice Lady Kel" A male voice with a strong Yamani accent said behind her.
She turned. A very familiar man stood behind her. He had ear length black hair, deep set dark brown eyes and a straight nose. His face revealed no emotion, no laughter or sadness was visible.
Kel gave him a questioning look.
"Who are you?" She asked.
"My, my, dear Griffin do you not recognize me?" He said with the teeniest hint of laughter in his voice.
"Vicenko? Is that really you?" Kel exclaimed after her childhood friend had used his nickname for her.
"Why of course it's me," he said.
"What are you doing here?" Kel wanted to know.
"What am I doing here, Griffin? I am on official business. I am here to see that plans for the royal marriage are completed with both sides of the arrangement happy."
"But why you"
"I am a scholar. I learned many things the years after you left."
(Meanwhile)
"Yuki are you sure that's what you want to name her?" Neal asked.
"Of course. It's a beautiful name. I think it will fit her perfectly," Yuki replied looking at her husband.
"And what of her godparents?"
"Well, I thought Kel would make a great godmother and as for the godfather I think you should let a certain blonde cousin of yours do that part."
"Him?" Neal exclaimed "Him and Kel?"
"Why not? Do you have something wrong with your very own cousin?"
"No, but….. Ohhh FINE!" Neal said as he stalked off.
(Back to Kel and Vicenko)
Kel looked at her old friend. He was not the little boy that used to pull her hair as they played. He was not the nine year old boy that would lose to her whenever they play-fought. He was a grown man. A grown man, doing grown things, his job was important for the welfare of both of their countries.
"So it is true," Vicenko said, breaking the silence.
"What is true?" Kel replied not sure of what he meant.
"You actually did it; you became the first ever official lady Knight in over 100 years. You are the first Lady Knight to wear the Distaff Border."
"Yes, it's true. Though, it never felt as if I was going to actually complete those years of grueling torture. I lived through it though, and after killing that disgusting thing called Blayce, it all became real."
As soon as she had finished, they reached her rooms.
"Goodbye, Lady Griffin." Vicenko said with a bow.
"Goodbye," Kel replied while stifling a giggle.
With that he was gone, yet his presence was not. He left very many thoughts on the top of Kel's mind.