Author's Note from Erkith: I know this story is very focused on Kel's illness and people's reactions to it, so far. However, I promise the secret will be revealed soon (probably next chapter).

General Disclaimer: Probably all the characters of any importance in this fic are property of Tamora Pierce (a truly excellent author). The plot is mine. I keep very good track of what I've read and where, but in the unlikely event that you feel I've copied your work, please let me know, so I can either remove the offending material or offer explanations.

Recap:

Giving up a prayer for patience Raoul repeated what he'd been saying for the past couple minutes about Neal's report on Kel's health. One more minute of blank silence from Wyldon would have pulled at his temper, but he wouldn't have strangled the knight for another two at least; however, he wasn't sure how much longer he'd be able to restrain Dom. The sergeant was showing an uncharacteristically short temper.

Chapter Five –

It had only taken a day for word of Kel's mysterious illness to spread through Fort Mastiff. Too many people had seen Dom carry her in for there not to be gossip.

Thankfully, Kel hadn't had to deal with much of it yet as she had slept through most of the past three days.

At least it isn't Court, Kel thought. I'm not up for dodging thinly veiled insults concerning my virtue, or worse, the conservatives pointing out that a woman is obviously to delicate for the job. I'm not. I've proved it, but I'm so tired... Goddess, what is wrong with me?

Kel suspected that someone had put a charm on her room to keep out sunlight and noise to keep her asleep, but had yet to figure out who had done it. It was hard to stay awake for a complete meal. In truth, Kel thought it was worse to be bedridden than it was to be completely exhausted and collapsing into Dom's strong arms.

She'd been meaning to mention that to Dom when she saw him – that she hated being bedridden, not that she thought he had strong arms, which was true too – but the man seemed to know when to make himself scarce. Or maybe Raoul was keeping him busy. Either way, though – according to Nurse Layissa – the handsome sergeant often visited her; Kel had yet to exchange so much as a glance with her Dom.

Strong arms? Handsome? Her Dom? Where did that come from? Even her thoughts sounded tired to her. There was a total lack of enthusiasm.. Faintly, she heard quiet chirping of sparrows as she fell asleep again, annoyed with herself for giving in so easily to the fatigue.

"That's it." Kel declared when she awoke. "I'm going out, today."

She levered herself off the bed, opened the windows, and was half-dressed when Nurse Layissa walked in. "What do you think you are doing?" The old nurse's voice commanded in a tone that had probably made Raoul flinch on occasion.

"Going out." Kel said simply. Remembering the almost legendary tales of battles between the Nurse and Raoul, she added, "You may join me if you like."

Nurse Layissa huffed. "I most certainly will!"

Arm in arm, the two walked along the wall. Kel smiled. The fresh air was doing her a lot of good; she felt refreshed and energised. Why didn't I think of this before? She asked herself. Couldn't keep my eyes open long enough in all probability.

"You had enough time to think about Dom," a mind-voice reminded her slyly.

What do you mean by that?

"Oh, nothing." It answered suggestively.

Gods! My own inner voice is as deluded as the soldiers. I am NOT in love with Dom! Honestly, where do you get this impression that we're more than friends? We've never so much as held hands in a couple'ish fashion.

"Well, except for that time..." The inner voice chided.

WE WERE SPYING ON SCANRANS! Oh Goddess. I'm arguing with myself... "I think I need more sleep."

"That you do, Milady." Layissa confirmed.

"I said that out loud, didn't I?" The Lady Knight sighed, resigned. "I think I'm going crazy."

"I very much doubt that, Milady."

"Why? People say I must be at least a little crazy, for why else would a woman want to have boys beating her up with swords and fists all day? If I hadn't become a knight, what would my life be like now? I'd probably be married and popping babies out of my ears; living a peaceful and blissfully ignorant life..."

"And you'd be bored out of your mind." Dom interrupted, appearing abruptly, capturing her hand and bowing over it. "Milady Knight." He was mocking the Court's formality.

"I like kids, Dom." Kel returned reproachfully. She refused to be moved by a gesture that came so easily to this conoisseur of courtisans. I refuse! She informed the butterflies in her stomach.

"I'm quite aware of that, Mother."

Was it silly to be sentimental about that nickname? She mock glared at him and continued walking. "You just eat your vegetables and be quiet. I know you haven't been eating them while I'm not there to watch you."

Dom gave Kel a sheepish look, but his cobalt blue eyes laughed at her. "Spying on me, Mindelan?"

"Oh, I have my ways." Why do his eyes have to be so blue?

"I think my cousin's been tattling. Last time I checked, Yuki was making him eat his in your absence."

Kel chuckled. "Really? Probably wants him to keep up his strength." They exchanged a look and burst out laughing as Nurse Layissa made a choked sound.

"I think it's time we got back, Milady." The Nurse looked a bit scandalised. "Bid the nice Sergeant Good day."

Fluttering her eyelashes, Kel curtseyed. "I bid you Good day, Milord Domitian. I trust we shall meet again?"

"Indeed, Lady Keladry. Where shall we meet tomorrow?"

"The Courtyard, perhaps?" She smiled as he raised her hand to his lips, his thumb sliding over her knuckles. Her pulse sped up.

Neither noticed the speculative glance Layissa gave them over the familiarity of the gesture. She wondered if the Lady knew the implications of her words. A Courtyard was the meeting place of lovers. From the slight widening of his eyes and faint smile, the Nurse knew the Sergeant did.

"Very well, Milady."

She doesn't understand the implications of that meeting point, Dom thought, amused. Of course, why would she? She spent most of her life training to be a knight, not a Court Lady.

Still, he was going to enjoy teasing her about it. Gods, but he loved the light banter of their teasing, and doubly so when he got such a great opportunity as this! Undoubitably, she'd punish him with vegetables, but if the Lady was well enough to DO that; it was certainly okay with him.

The three of them – Dom, Kel and Layissa – had turned Kel's walks into a daily ritual over the past week. Every day, they would meet for strolls around different parts of the fort during Dom's break from sentry duty, and with each day these strolls grew longer. Kel was recovering.

And with either the devoted Nurse or the devious Dom bullying her into naps and food, it was little wonder why. Except for a small incident with a glass of wine, nothing had occurred to set back her healing. (AN: Wine glass = important hint ;) )

"Lets go down to the stables, today." Kel suggested, bending down to pet Jump who was dancing around her feet. Apparently, the tough, little dog and her sparrows had shown up at Mastiff not long after she had. It seemed they could find her anywhere.

As they walked into the low-lit stable, Kel was greeted with loud whinnying. Kel! Kel! You're back! They seemed to scream with joy to her.

Peachblossom thrust his head over the stall window with a loud greeting, happily lipping the carrot off the palm of her outstretched hand. His eyes closed as her fingertips rested on his forelock. The spot where a horn would have been mounted were he a unicorn and not just a stubborn pony. His pleasure at her touch was evident.

As Dom approached him, the testy warhorse eyed the Sergeant. He'd travelled with this man before, but he was cousin to Peachblossom's favourite squeaky-toy. It was a tough decision – a decision settled by the look his mistress gave him. He settled on rolling his eyes comically as the man stroked his neck.

Hoshi – more sedate in manner – simply nudged Kel's hand gently before accepting the offering. She did, however, whinny her approval of Dom... and his willingness to scratch her ears. Kel was pretty sure the first was related to the second.

"How can both these creatures belong to the same person?" Dom asked laughing. Hoshi was lowering her head to give him better access to her soft, velvety ears.

Kel grinned evilly. "You and Neal belong to the same family as Duke Baird," she pointed out. "I fail to see the similarities between you. Race horses versus the noble unicorn." He made a face.

Kel turned to leave, softly calling to Jump who was inspecting a stall several doors down. Battle-scarred ears drooping a bit as he tilted his head for a moment, the dog let out a small woof of apology and trotted after his Mistress.

Daine slowly released the breath caught in her throat. Too shocked, for a moment, to say a word.

"I cannot have just seen that." Gripping Cloud's stall, hard, scarcely believing what she'd just glimpsed, Daine tried to think about this rationally. It isn't possible... There is no way... She MUST have been mistaken!

Oh, where is Numair when I need him? He has got to see this. Daine sank limply, into her horse.

"Find the Stork Man." Cloud ordered. And Kitten ran out, wondering what had upset her mistress.

(A/N: Such a long time again, but I've been editting :D! For those who don't know, I have another Kel fic "The Soldier". Please read it! For those who have...look out for a sequel some time soon! I've had this chapter mostly written for the past couple weeks but it hasn't been complete. Next chapter: Numair /Daine dialogue... spying on Kel... and SECRET REVEALED! ( I think...)

crazylittlekiwifruit: lol go miss Carmen! but as I said before... you may like where I'm goin with this smiles evilly at concerned K/D fans

SunMoon, EarthSky: Very glad you enjoyed it!

Soccerchick: Thank you for th wonderful ego boost!

Goddess of the Moon: Sorry about the delay! I hit comp problems and the mother of plexi-glass walls

Rose8: Always a pleasure to review your fic! It makes me happy to know you like mine! :D

Alyios: Thank YOU!

Rubber Duck: lol I challenge you to update your fic b4 I update this one again! Wyldon was anylising not spacingcough cough but he's not unaffected by Kel's dilemma either...

Vedalynne: lol here's another cliffy for ya! ;)

Kore Yan: Updating!

Lady Angelique of Mystique: Thank YOU!

Mango Sam: Updating! sorry about the delay!

Wake-Robin: lol no such luck with the updating thing! I'm looking forward to that epilogue of yours... by the way, very flattered to be your best reviewer :D

Alianne Cooper: Sorry about the wait... Thanks for the insightful reviews. I look forward to more of them.

Mystic Moon Empress: lol I do the opposite!

Keladry of Masbolle: lol I claim Arwen's ears! SO COOL! Maybe I'll steal Aragorn and Sparrow too!

Rootless Californian: lol I wish I owned a time-turner like Hermiones

Oceanspike: This chap skips like crazy!

Review... Please? Flames are as welcome as anything else...

PS. If you need a BETA (proofreader/editer/soundingboard/etc.) I'd be happy to fill that position. :D leave me a review or email me!