Hearts aloft
Kel rode into Ford Steadfast, marveling at the magnificence it radiated. Like Mastiff, Steadfast was well guarded and littered with grim-faced soldiers. She knew she would be glad to be part of a team like this.
A foot soldier ran up to greet the new arrivals. "My Lord Raoul invites you all to dismount. Your mounts will be seen to. He says he will be with you shortly." He bowed and left them.
"Lord Wyldon wasn't bluffing when he said anyone who could carry a sword was being sent here," Neal muttered. Kel jumped, not having heard him come up behind her. Now that she looked, however, she saw that the fort was swarming with people.
As they surveyed their new home, Lord Raoul came up to the crowd assembled in the courtyard, wearing only comfortable breeches and a tan shirt. Everyone bowed to the huge knight, and Kel grinned at her former knight-master. Raoul smiled back, before starting to address everyone else.
"For those of you who have been here under my command before, you already know what to do," his voice, clear and loud as always, broadcasted itself across the field. "If you haven't, stay behind to be addressed." Most of the people left to get settled, leaving behind the New Hope people and some fresh soldiers from the south, what little could be spared.
"Welcome to Steadfast," Lord Raoul said to them in his usual easy-going manner, hiding most of the battle-wariness that Kel knew was there. "I would tell you to enjoy your time here, but we all know that that'd be a lie. Timetables and other schedules will be on your desks once you get settled, the bell goes at six every morning, and one last thing—never assume you're safe." He nodded briskly to them and left.
Kel looked at Neal, smiling faintly. "My lord's changed." She remarked, "I think being so cheerful is going to be bad for his health."
Neal peered curiously at his friend, unable to tell if she was being serious. "Let's get settled." He said instead.
The new arrivals found their respective quarters and settled in. After unpacking and setting out her lucky Yamani cats- she brought those with her, wherever she went- Kel changed into a fresh shirt and a less worn pair of breeches. It was almost midday, but she still had time for a quick jog around, both to get acquainted and for fitness.
Kel tightened her boots, wrinkling her nose a little as strands of brown tickled her face. Her hair was getting a little too long for her liking. She found a hair tie and used it to keep her cropped locks in order at the back of her neck.
Properly dressed, Kel left her rooms at a quick walk, pacing until she felt comfortable to start jogging. As her body fell into the accustomed routine of breathe in, breathe out, she allowed her mind to wander and ponder over different things. In fact, she was so lost in her thoughts that she didn't see the blue-eyed, grinning obstacle until she bumped right into it.
"Oof!" the Lady Knight gasped upon impact, and muttered an apology. About to jog around the object blocking her path, she found a strong and familiar hand grip her arm and pull her to face him.
Domitan of Masbolle grinned t her, his blue eyes shining with mirth and his amusement barely hidden. He mock-bowed. "Good day to you too, Protector of the Small."
Kel could feel a blush rising in her cheeks. What sort of an idiot was she, anyway? To cover up her embarrassment, she ordered sharply, "Don't call me that, you know I hate it."
"All right," he fell into step beside her. "what are you thinking about, to be so distracted?"
"Oh, things," when he turned to look at her, she shrugged. "You know, things. How have you been?"
Dom looked Kel over as he answered her question. Gods, she's beautiful, and the only person who doesn't realize it is herself. Okay, he admitted to himself, she's not as beautiful as the queen, for example, or princess Shinko. But she had the grace of a heroine, and the air of a fighter. And in that moment, Sergeant Domitan saw his long-time friend as a real woman.
He shook his head slightly, to clear it. What was that about?
"Sorry?" He realized she'd just asked him a question.
"I asked, do you want to start heading back so we won't be late for midday?" She smiled at him, "and you thought I was distracted?"
Goddess, he could look good anywhere, Kel thought to herself as Dom's face was lit up in a boyish grin. His blue eyes were sapphires against his perfect complexion and dark hair. She felt her insides tingle again, the kind of tingle that used to happen for Neal, and for Cleon. She realized that she was falling in love with Dom again, but couldn't help it. He was so easy to love –charming, funny, smart.
The two of them made their way to the mess hall for their midday meal. Settling down at a table, they didn't realize that they were alone until Kel had finished her meal in a comfortable silence. Feeling slightly awkward at the realization, she excused herself to Dom and left the hall.
Dom stared at the disappearing figure of the brunette he had come to care so much for, and wondered if she liked him in return. Girls were so hard to figure out. Perhaps he would ask Neal, sometime.
His thoughts wandered to the countless crushes of Neal's, and his bad interpretations of hints.
No, way.
)O(
