Emmy: Because you reviewed so fast and I haven't updated in weeks I will post the next chapter for you! There are two of you! Yay! This is for both of you!

Chapter 12: The Ball

Kel was going to wear a special dress Lalasa had made for her to the ball. Although all the people and animals had returned all of Kel's items had not returned. Her weapons, her blue dress, her lucky cat collection were gone. Kel didn't care though.

"But why not? Those were valuable and sentimental items you lost," Lalasa questioned as she helped Kel into her new green dress.

"Well," Kel said. "Those were just things, I can always get a new sword or a new dress but I couldn't have gotten new friends. I couldn't just get a Lalasa or a new Neal. You guys are more valuable then any of the stuff I lost." Lalasa blushed.

"You're all ready Kel. I'll see you later. The King has allowed me to go to the banquet, even though I am only a servant," Lalasa said happily. "I actually get to wear one of my fancy dresses for a change." Kel smiled.

"I'm sure you'll look gorgeous," she replied.

"Think of it," Lalasa said as she left. "There will be many people there. Rulers and nobles from many different countries are coming to see you! This will be a night to remember."

Kel thought about all those people coming. Many people to greet. She had intended to spend her time talking with her friends. So much attention was a bit annoying, although she was flattered.

Razziel's P.O.V

"This is it," Lalasa said, presenting the new dress. Razziel gasped. It was beautiful. The dress was a pretty blue, not like Kel's old dress, it was deeper. There was also sash that went along the shoulders, so you could stay warm and show off to the boys at the same time.

"Thank you," Razziel said, feeling the smooth silk.

"We are all to act like princesses tonight," Lalasa said giddily.

Although Razziel had worn many dresses before she liked this one far better. Most of her old ones had layers of itchy underclothes or puffed out at the bottom. All Razziel had to wear under it was a slip her underwear, and a breastband. The cool silk took the shape of her body, falling just above her feet. She looked around in the closest mirror. Even with no makeup and uneven hair Razziel had to admit, she looked pretty good. She wanted to twirl around or leap into the air and celebrate but she didn't want to damage the dress.

"Beautiful. You were born to where dresses," Lalasa complimented. The girl had always seemed quit timid but in the dress shop she seemed to be at ease.

"Thank you," Razziel said, blushing. "You'll look beautiful in your dress as well." Lalasa blushed too. Then both girls giggled. Lalasa's dress was made of beautiful, red velvet with golden stitching and embroidery.

"Lalasa!" a voice called. Both girls turned to see a young woman about Lalasa's age come in.

"Mary, hello!" Lalasa called back. "Oh Lalasa I heard about the banquet! It's magnificent that you get to be there!" she cried excitedly.

"Thank you. I can't wait," Lalasa replied.

"Is that the dress you're wearing?" Mary asked.

"Yes, one I made for myself a while ago. I've never worn it," Lalasa replied, holding it up to show.

"Oh it's gorgeous! You really are the best dressmaker in Tortall!" Mary said, she was just as giddy as Lalasa.

"You know what? I think some red lip paint and some blush would go good with that dress," Mary suggested.

"Mary, you need that for your shop. I know how long it takes to make lip paint. I can't just take it from you," Lalasa said, shaking her head.

"Your not taking it I'm giving it to you," Mary replied.

"Well, I-," Lalasa began.

"Come on, let's do it now," Mary persisted, grabbing Lalasa's arm.

"Wait! First you must meet my friend," Lalasa said quickly.

"Friend? Oh, I'm sorry! I didn't see you," Maria said, turning to Razz.

"It's a pleasure. I'm Razz."

"I'm Maria but you may call me Mary. You come too, I bet you'd look good with lip paint or blush as well."

"Oh I couldn't-," Razziel began.

"Yes you can. Both of you come on. I won't take no for an answer. Every girl should have her night to shine like a star," Mary replied.

For a second Razz felt guilty. Lalasa and Mary had probably never gone to a banquet in their lives. Razziel had been too many. She had been to many banquets, worn many dresses, and had dress up in lip paint and blush before. Before she could say another word Mary had her by the arm.

"Let's go!" she cried, pulling them out the door.

Kel's P.O.V

"Hello Lady Keldary. On behalf of the people of Curos, I thank you for saving us from the evil sorceress Saria." It had been like that all night. Many people kept coming up to Kel and thanking her for her for saving them or complimenting her on her bravery.

Kel walked through the crowd of people and guards. There were many guards there in case anyone attempted to kill the king and queen. With so many people from around the world anything could happen. Listening to the sound of the piano playing over the noisy conversation. She wished she could find Dom and dance with him. She would sink into his warm arms and dance all night.

"Oh Kel dear," her sister Adalia said. "You look so nice in your dress. I'm amazed at how good you look, I mean after fighting that evil lady and all."

"Yes your quiet lucky," her other sister Oranie added.

"Um, thank you," Kel replied. As her sisters departed to spot young men Conal approached Kel.

"Hello Conal," she said, hoping her and her brother could get along tonight.

"Kel," he began. "I know we've never been to close but I want you to know I am proud of you." Kel blushed.

"Oh please, I've heard that a thousand times tonight," Kel replied. Conal smiled.

"I also must admit, I'm a bit jealous."

"Jealous!" Kel gasped.

"Yes, you got to have quit an adventure," Conal continued.

"Well, Conal, it was a hard journey and I'm sure if it was you who was trying to save the world you wouldn't be so eager," Kel said, a bit annoyed.

"Ah well, I'll see you later," he said, also leaving. Her remaining bothers made polite conversation for a while before moving on as well.

"Were those your brothers?" a voice asked from behind Kel. Kel turned to see Tobe and she almost started laughing. Tobe was dressed up in a cream formal silk tunic with a red embroidered vest overtop and breeches to match. It seemed to fit him perfectly. He looked quit handsome in the get up but a little funny as well.

"Don't laugh," Tobe threatened. Kel held back her giggles.

"Tobe, you look very handsome. Why would I laugh?" Kel replied. Tobe blushed a bit.

"Lalasa made it, and I know I look funny," Tobe replied. Kel tried to look series.

"You aren't the only one who doesn't like dressing up," she replied, even though she appreciated the dress Lalasa had made for her.

"Everyone is just talking and standing around," Tobe complained.

"Why don't you go talk to someone?" Kel suggested.

"Nobody wants to talk to a little kid," Tobe replied. Kel sighed.

"This is precisely why I don't like big parties," Kel replied.

"Wait, I think I see Razz," Tobe said, perking up.

"Where?" Kel asked, looking around.

"Wow," Tobe replied his face full of wonder.

"What? Where is she?" Kel asked, searching the faces.

"There," Tobe said, pointing through the crowd of people. Suddenly Kel's eyes locked in place. She too stared in wonder.

"That can't be Razz," Kel replied.

"Yes it is," Tobe argued.

The girl Kel was looking at wore a pretty blue, silk dress that was made to fit the body, just like Kel's. There was also a matching sash draped around her shoulders. The girl's face was powder pale and she wore rose red lip paint. Her short hair was done up into a pretty but simple bun with some strands hanging down by her ears. She was quit a sight.

"Razz?" Kel called out. The girl followed the sound of Kel's voice and they locked eyes. The girl smiled.

"Kel, there you are!" Razz replied, gliding over to them. "Tobe!" she exclaimed giddily. "You look marvelous. Kel your dress is lovely on you." The two didn't say anything for a moment.

"Razz?" Kel asked again. This couldn't be Razz. This girl was too different.

"Who else would it be?" the girl replied, giggling.

"You look…different-I mean good different," Tobe stuttered.

"We mean," Kel quickly continued. "You look beautiful Razz!" Razz must have been blushing but her powder covered it up.

"Lalasa has some nice friends," she replied. Then she turned. "Lalasa Kel is over here!" Razz called behind her.

Kel looked yet again into the crowd. This time she found her friend right away. Lalasa strode over to them, attracting glances from near by men. She wore a crimson, velvet, off the shoulder dress with golden birds embroidered along the skirt. Her face was also done up with a darker red lip paint and her curled hair rested behind her shoulders. She looked a little nervous but a little happy at all the attention she was getting.

"Lalasa, your dresses really are the best in all of Tortall," Kel said, beaming.

"Oh thank you-," Lalasa replied, biting her lip in embarrassment. "-But it really isn't that good."

"Those boys seem to think different," Razz said, pointing across the room to the some young men, most of the visitors had brought their oldest eligible children to try and do some matchmaking. Lalasa looked at the floor.

"They're looking at me?" she asked, a mixture of excitement and fear in her voice.

"Yes, why don't you go talk to one of them?" Kel suggested, taking her friend by the hand.

"Kel I couldn't!" Lalasa whispered fiercely. The girl was too shy for her own good.

"Yes you can," Kel replied.

"No I can't-," Lalasa began but was interrupted.

"Excuse me," someone said, tapping on Lalasa's shoulder. Lalasa turned around to face a young man different from the two across the room. He had brown hair and eyes to match. He looked about Lalasa's age. "Miss?" he asked shyly.

"Uh-um," Lalasa struggled.

"Hello," Kel said quickly.

"My name is Keldary and this is my friends Lalasa." Lalasa nodded.

"Hello, I um, well, I noticed you were over here and…" The boy seemed to be as shy as Lalasa. They were a perfect match. "I though maybe you might honor me with a conversation?" he asked uncertain.

"Oh," Lalasa said in surprise. "I-I," Lalasa couldn't seem to talk. Kel was about to help her but Lalasa continued. "I would be honored too Sir." The young man seemed relieved.

"I am Gregor of Kent," he replied, bowing. Lalasa curtsied.

"Oh, well, I-I am not a noble," she said shyly.

"I don't care," Gregor said quickly. Lalasa looked up in surprise and Gregor blushed.

"Well, you two have fun," Kel said. "I'm going to look for someone." Kel motioned for Razz and Tobe to leave as well then left the two to search for someone like Neal or Dom she could talk to. She had to travel through the enormous crowd and talk to five more strangers who wanted to thank her before she found someone she hadn't expected to see standing next to the east wall. Her old friend Cleon of Kennan was talking to a small woman.

As Kel approached he looked up in surprise.

"Kel!" he exclaimed, moving to give her a hug. "It's so good to see you," he added. Kel smile, hugging him back.

"It's good to see you as well," she replied. Cleon pulled back and gestured to the woman beside him.

"This is my wife Ermelian," he said. "Ermelian, this is my good friend Keldary of Mindelan." Kel and Ermelian both curtsied. Ermelian had light blonde hair and laughter in her eyes.

"I am pleased to meet you Keldary. On behalf of my people…" Kel was thanked for saving the empire once more. They all talked for a few moments before Kel departed once more.

Cleon had been her sweetheart as a squire. Kel had though they were in love but soon after meeting Dom and spending more time away she had realized she hadn't really loved Cleon. It turned out ok because that was around the time he agreed to marry Ermelian so that his family wouldn't starve. Ermelian was not rich but she had money that Cleon's family needed, but it was his grandmother who had arranged the marriage in the first place. Kel hoped Cleon was happy, she would never want to have an arranged marriage. She hated the thought of becoming everlasting partners with a total stranger.

Now Kel went hunting for a new companion. It didn't take long before she spotted Neal and Yuki. She was about to greet them when she noticed something new about her friend. Yuki looked…larger. In fact she looked plane big. Kel wondered what Yuki and Neal might be hiding.

As Kel made her way to the dinning table she accidentally bumped into someone. A young man who looked about to be Kel's age turned around. He was a bit chubby with a round face. He had brown hair pulled back into a ponytail that went down to his neck. His had a pig like nose and ears that stuck out a bit too far. "Oh excuse me," Kel apologized, trying not to star at the young man's appearance.

The young man was holding a plate of food and had to swallow a pastry before saying

"Oh, not a problem. I am Donion of Pearlmouth." With that he gave a small bow. Kel imagined his stomach kept him from going any lower.

"I am Keldary of Mindelan," Kel repeated, she knew what was coming next.

"Ah, Keldary of Mindelan. You are the one who saved the world form that evil sorceress?" Kel nodded.

"On behalf of the people of Pearlmouth I wish to thank you for your service to our people," Donion replied as if he had been reading it out of a book. He didn't seem sincere at all.

"Thank you," Kel said, giving an extremely small smile to show her thanks. Donion gave the same smile back before turning around back towards the hors d'oeuvre table. He was definitely someone Kel would never want to meet again.

Razz's P.O.V

"This ball is boring," Tobe whined, taking a bite of the hors d'oeuvre he had snatched. He and Razziel were both sitting in chairs by the wall, whose only purpose was to be there for guests who were tired of dancing or making polite conversations with complete strangers.

"We'll make a gentleman out of you one day," Razziel said, smiling. Tobe had become a little brother to Razziel and she wasn't afraid of teasing him.

"Not if I have anything to say about it," Tobe retorted.

Razziel sighed. Even though there were tons of people from all around the world and she looked like a princess she was also bored. Lalasa was still talking to the nervous boy who had approached her and they seemed to be getting along. Maybe she could find a boy to flirt with, if only for tonight. Razziel gasped at what she had just thought.

"Since when have I liked flirting with boys?" she thought frightfully. Boys were always the last thing on her mind. Still, she wanted to enjoy herself tonight and the only way to do that was to actually have a conversation with someone, boy or not.

With her new found goal Razziel looked around the room for someone to talk to besides Tobe. There were many old men and their wives speaking to other old men and their wives. Razziel spotted Neal and Yuki talking to a muscular man, Owen was eating a pastry, Seaver was flirting with an older girl, and-wait. Razziel looked back a Seaver. The girl he was flirting with seemed familiar.

Razziel watched as Seaver attempted to make the girl smile. Razziel couldn't put her finger on it but she knew that girl from somewhere. Razziel had to get closer. She had to figure out what they were saying.

"Where are you going? "Tobe asked. Razziel stopped in her tracks. What would she say? "I-um…" She could lie and say she was going to get a snack or she could tell him the truth. Lying to Tobe would be tricky so she decided to tell him the truth. "You see Seaver over there?" Razziel pointed across the room.

"Yeah," Tobe said.

"Well the girl he's talking to looks familiar but I can't remember where I've seen her so I'm going to go get a closer look," Razziel said simply.

"In other words, you're spying," Tobe said.

"Yes, I suppose you could put it that way," Razziel said waving her had, as if it weren't of any importance to her what Tobe thought.

"You really look like you've been a noble your whole life when you act like that," Tobe said laughing. Razziel turned red through her powder.

"You don't say."

The two casually made their way through the talkative crowd until they were five feet or so away from Seaver and the girl. Although the two were close Razziel couldn't fully hear what they were saying.

"Come on," Razziel said, grabbing Tobe's arm. The two walked right by Seaver and the girl as if they were heading to the hors d'oeuvre table but instead they doubled back a bit and hid behind a potted plant right by their targets.

Razziel could see that the girl had long brown hair held up into a fancy knot and she was wearing a yellow dress with a thin layer of fancy lace on top. Her figure was perfectly slender and her eyes were brown.

"Oh but you see I am already married," the girl said, although she giggled like it was some type of joke.

"Oh of course, I must meet him sometime," Seaver replied, although Razziel could tell he was also joking. "Until then, perhaps you might honor me with a dance?" Seaver asked hopefully. The girl held her fan over her mouth to hide her giggle.

"Well…maybe I could dance with you for a little while," the girl replied. Seaver offered her his hand and she lightly set her white-gloved hand on his. Then the two floated away to the dance floor.

"Well who was she?" Tobe asked. Razziel didn't answer. Pictures, memories where flashing in her mind. Images of her, younger, with that girl. They were both giggling; Razziel could never forget that giggle…

"Razz, what's wrong?" Tobe asked. Razziel still didn't answer. How had she forgotten? All those memories seemed to be from so long ago but it wasn't more then a few years ago. How could Razziel have forgotten her own sister?

"Razz!" Tobe cried. Razziel snapped out of her thoughts.

"W-what?" she asked, turning to Tobe. The boy had a look of concern of his face.

"Are you ok? You're awfully pale, even with that powder on." Razziel took a deep breath.

"I'm fine," she said, trying not to worry her companion. Tobe still looked at her with concern.

"Who was that girl?" Tobe asked. Razziel didn't answer for a moment.

Then she said, "I was wrong. I don't know her. She reminded me of a person from where I used to work, that's all." Tobe didn't seem convinced but he didn't ask anymore questions.

Razziel had to be alone. This was bad. If her sister was there who else was. Had the whole family come? Was her father there? Then the possibility of Donion being there sent a chill down Razziel's spine.

"Tobe, I'm going to go-out…to the balcony. I need some fresh air," she said, quickly disappearing into the crowd before Tobe could question her.

Razziel was glad nobody else was already out on the balcony. It overlooked a garden down in a small courtyard. Razziel did see people down there, a few lovers, and those who just wished to admire the flowers or get air. Razziel sat down on the small bench and tried to take deep breaths. She curled into a ball, her shawl slipping off her shoulders. Even if Donion or her father were there she wouldn't get caught. She would just have to keep hidden. There were many people and the chances of meeting her family were slim. Although these reassuring thoughts seemed reasonable Razziel couldn't shake her fear. She didn't want to live with Donion! She didn't want to go back to her old life. She had friends here, many good friends. If he found her she would never see her friends again.

Razziel looked up at the sky. It was a clear starry night, except for small cloud far out in the distance. The sky looked like a giant blanket of darkness with glittering jewels of light. The moon was thin and crescent like, almost as if it was just as scared as Razziel.

"I can just stay out here for the rest of the night," Razziel whispered to herself. Then Razziel began to cry, sending tear marks through the white powder. The happiest night of her life had taken a turn for the worst. She wanted to just fly away, all the way up into the sky where she could curl into a small ball and hide in the blanket of sky. She would never have to care about anything again. She would stay in the company of the moon…

Laughter interrupted Razziel's thoughts. She looked over the ledge. Seaver and her sister-Thalia- were dancing in the moonlight. All the other people had left. Thalia always loved to laugh and have fun. She was Razziel's favorite sibling. Thalia was only a few years older then she. They had played so many games together, climbed so many trees and gotten into much trouble. Thalia had always been kind as well, wanting to bring in baby birds with broken wings. Razziel had once healed a baby bird herself but when her father had found out he had forbade her from ever using her power again.

All the children had been well mannered. They sat up straight, said 'please' and 'thank you', and had been very nice. Trevor had been her father's favorite though. Trevor had become a great knight. Nancy was the perfect daughter. She played music, sang, and was beautiful. Nancy was the perfect housewife. Edwin had become a knight as well, but Razziel had always known Edwin hated fighting, he had always seemed to like reading. Then it was Thalia's turn. Father had sent her away with her rich husband. Razziel remembered him vaguely as a grumpy man with a small beard. Razziel had been so lonely when all her siblings were gone. The servants had played with her though. They had been her best friends.

Thalia laughed again. "Thank you for dancing with me," she said, snuggling up next to Seaver as if she were his wife.

"No, thank you," Seaver replied. They looked happy together. Thalia was probably miserable living with her husband. Razziel wished she could go down to see her sister. She wanted to help her sister escape from the evil life she'd been assigned. Razziel knew she couldn't. Instead she got up and decided to go back inside. She couldn't run away or hide. She would go enjoy herself. Spending the entire night out on the balcony was quite a silly thing to do.

Kel's P.O.V

"I love you Dom," Kel whispered.

"I love you too Kel," Dom whispered back. Dom held Kel close as they danced to the slow music. They had been dancing for quite a while and Kel knew that she still had to greet many people but she loved Dom! Dom loved her! Life was good. Did she really have to stop dancing?

"Kel?" Dom said, as if he knew what Kel was thinking. "You know you have too go talk to those people. There's a man over there whose been watching you for ten minutes." Kel sighed and pulled away from Dom's warm embrace.

"Come with me?" she asked.

"Sure," Dom replied, smiling.

Suddenly people, all trying to talk to her surrounded Kel. Many only wanted to thank her but she heard someone talking about a tribute to her and someone else asked if she'd come back with them and join their country's army. Kel had to talk to them one by one, bowing and thanking them each. When that was finally over Kel and Dom tried to find the king and queen. The royal pair was mingling with a group of diplomats from Tusain. Kel and Dom waited patiently to finish. The king glanced at Kel a few times before bidding fair well to his company.

"Your majesty you have to do something about these people," Dom began. Kel and I were caught in an ambush back there." The king nodded but said with sympathy

"I'm sorry, I can't stop these people from seeing you Kel." Kel sighed. "But," the king said quickly. "There is something I can do." Kel looked up and saw a smile on his face. The king was not too old and although Kel saw a boyish smile and mischief in his eyes she also saw wisdom beyond his years.

"And what might that be?" Dom asked.

Razz's P.O.V

A giant dong sounded throughout the ballroom. Razziel looked around to see where it was coming from and noticed most of the visitors facing one direction. She followed their eyes until she noticed the king standing on the elevated platform where the royal thrones rested.

"Attention please," his booming voice rang over all others. Everyone in the room was silent. Even the music had stopped. "I am pleased to announce Lady Knight Keldary of Mindelan."

Kel walked up to the king's side and the room applauded as if they had just watched a fabulous play. Keldary bowed to the king and he nodded his head in return. Then Kel faced the crowd.

"I am flattered that you all have traveled such a long way to see me. I thank you for your kind words and your thanks. Although I cannot meet all of you personally I wish to thank you for your gratitude now. For soon this ball will come to and end and I doubt I will have met you all by then. So I thank you now and tell you there is no need to thank me. I am a knight and it is my duty and honor to save anyone in need of help. I need to thanks."

The crowd applauded once again. Kel stepped down and the crowd began to talk and dance once more.

"Where did you go?" Razziel heard an angry voice ask. She looked to see Tobe at her side.

"Oh Tobe, hello," she said, giving him an apologetic smile. Tobe looked at her crossly.

"Why'd you just run off like that? I know something is wrong." Razziel sighed. She couldn't think of what to say.

"I-I just needed some fresh air."

"There's something else," Tobe said firmly. Razziel clenched her fists.

"No, Tobe. There is nothing else. I just needed some fresh air," she said firmly, looking him in the eye. He returned her stare.

Finally he sighed and said "Fine."

The two sat in silence for a while. Razziel began her quest for a boy again but saw none close to her age. Also, to her relief, she didn't spot any of her family members.

Kel's P.O.V (Again…)

"I really like your new dress Kel," Dom said and they danced around the room. Kel was getting tired; she didn't know how long they had been dancing. "You want to take a break?" Dom asked.

"No. If I do anyone who hasn't met me will try to," Kel replied. Dom chuckled.

"Maybe instead we could just leave?" he suggested.

"I know Owen, Merric, Neal, and Yuki have already left. Lord Raoul left a long time ago. I think we can leave." Kel smiled.

"But I am the guest of honor," she said sadly. "I don't think the king would let me go." Dom smiled and straightened up.

"Well, if he will not let you go I will have to rescue you," he said proudly. Kel laughed.

"What do you mean?" she asked.

Dom leaned in to whisper "We'll sneak out."

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Emmy: There you go! Thanks for being my loyal reviewer!