Directly after Tamora Pierce's Story when Neal catches the shukusen.

"Your Majesty," Yuki and Haname bowed deeply to Thayet. Shinko also bowed, but her's was less deep.

"I wanted to know if you could have one of those fans made for me," Thayet said after her own Yamani-bow. "They sound practical from the way Squire Keladry described them."

"I'll see what can be done, Your Majesty," Shinko replied, bowing again.

"Thank you very much," Thayet smiled as she turned to leave. "And Princess Shinkokami," she added from the tent flap, "you must call me Thayet after the wedding. I will be your Mother-in-law."

"I will of course," Shinko answered, smiling too. "And you must call me Shinko."

"Then it's agreed," Thayet said. She bowed once more to the Yamanis and waited for their answering bows before she exited the tent.

Yuki made her excuses to Shinko and Hana almost an hour later. She moved through the camp with suppressed urgency. Finally she spotted Neal sitting by a fountain, thankfully alone.

"You're back," she commented. Based on how high he jumped, Neal wasn't used to people sneaking up on him.

"We rode in an hour ago," Neal answered, looking up at her. There was silence for a few seconds.

"I'm sorry," they said in unison.

"Why are you sorry?" Neal asked.

"I lost my temper," Yuki replied, surprised. "I was just afraid you had gotten hurt."

"Well I'm sorry that I made you lose your temper. That happens a lot to me," Neal countered, flashing a lop-sided grin. "And I wasn't thinking. Actually, that happens a lot too."

Yuki laughed.

"And I don't accept your apology," Neal continued, offering her a seat beside him.

"And why not?" Yuki demanded, sitting down.

"Because it was my fault anyway," Neal yawned as he stretched out his legs.

"I still apologized," Yuki retorted. "And it's rude not to accept an apology."

"Well I'm rude."

"I can see that."

"That's rude!" Neal cried, straightening.

"It's not rude in Yaman."

"Sure it isn't."

"Ask Kel."

"I will."

Glancing at the sun, Yuki sighed. "I have to go. The Princess will be wondering where I've gotten to."

"Don't." Neal caught her arm as she tried to stand.

"Excuse me?" Yuki asked, staring at Neal.

"I said don't. Stay with me," Neal repeated slowly. From the look on his face, he was as surprised by his words as Yuki herself was.

"I can't," Yuki whispered. "The Princess…"

"She can't live for one day without you?"

"She needs me," Yuki answered.

"So do I."

"You don't mean that." When Neal didn't answer, Yuki stood up.

"Goodbye Neal," she said, starting to turn away.

"Wait!" Yuki froze, unsure of what to do. She closed her eyes and waited.

"Please," Neal begged, pulling her back onto the fountain's ledge. Yuki sighed.

"Her Highness is going to kill me." Neal grinned.

"How will she get away with that?" he asked, releasing her arm. Yuki shrugged, looking out at the fields of tents.

"Oh I suspect it will be during morning glaive practice," she answered casually.

"Maybe she'll only hurt you," Neal commented. Yuki shoved him gently.

"Thanks for your concern!"

"You're welcome." Yuki tilted her head up to the sun, enjoying the warmth on her face. What have I gotten myself into? she wondered.

And to Anaroriel, I know that i didn't do discriptions, but I don't like them. I guess I was hoping you remembered the characters enough so I didn't have to write them...

Tortall Princess, I like Dom/Kel too, so I won't diss them. I couldn't resist adding Dom to this story!

And nativewildmage, thanks for reviewing!