Chapter 2:
"That is the wickedest, prettiest, most beautiful plot ever conceived!" Raoul stated excitedly from his position on the end of Alanna's bed. Alanna smiled at her tall friend, anchoring her knees to her chest and leaning against the wall. "Of course, who could expect less from you Lady Knight? The sheer audacity of it could only be conjured by you."
"It is wicked." Alanna commented, almost laughing to herself. The show Kel and Dom put up for the entire hall to witness had become the perfect way for Alanna to pass her time. This midwinter, she had something to do.
"Have you seen Sir Knight Domitan of Masbolle? I would like to know what transpired in the Great Hall this evening." King Jonathan interrupted standing in the doorway.
"No I haven't Jon," Alanna answered, "but if you would join us we can gladly recite what happened."
Jon stepped into the room and seated himself in a maroon armchair. "Do tell."
"Well…" Raoul began, but was cut off by a knock on the open door. "Hello Daine, what would you like?"
Daine stepped into the room and bowed slightly to the king who rolled his eyes. "I was looking for Alanna, but I'm interrupting," she made to leave but turned back, "Just curious, but, what happened at your table tonight?"
Alanna made a gesture to the open floor and Daine moved to sit as she spoke. "Well, that's what Raoul was trying to tell Jon before you came, but you might be able to help us." Alanna grinned as she opened her mouth to explain when a loud shout came from the hall.
"Kel. Kel! KEL!" Neal screamed from outside the room.
Alanna shook her ahead, "Get in here Meathead!" Within moments Nealan of Queenscove's head peeked inside the room.
"What is it Sir Alanna? Neal said mockingly.
"You are Kel's best friend, are you not? Alanna smiled up at him angelically.
With a puzzled look he continued his way into the room, "That would be why I'm looking for her."
"Good, very good indeed."
"Oh no! I spent 4 years with you as a Squire and I know that tone. That is a bad tone."
Alanna calmly continued, "Sit down O'once – squire of mine."
"Actually, I think I'm going to go find Kel, see what she needs. I'll see you all…"
"Queenscove, SIT!" Neal gave a small squeal and moved quickly to the windowseat. "Now then," Alanna glanced at Neal who gulped, "everyone no doubt knows some of what went on tonight, but not everything."
Raoul continued, "Kel and Dom were fighting like a married couple! It started as teasing then became more hostile. Then Dom had to go and mention the refugees Kel risked death for."
"What is the deal about a friendly fight?" Jon said from the chair.
"Alanna and I believe that they are more, or want to be more, than just friends."
"Are you insane?" Neal yelled as he brandished his hands in front of him. "Kel would never fall for Dom, he isn't her type. Besides, they always pick on each other. And Dom, he likes the prissy, flashy, showy, noble ladies. He would never think of Kel as other than a friend, ever."
"Hold on, Neal, I understand what they mean," Daine interjected, "I see them both every now and again at New Hope while I am searching the place as a bird. For them, fighting is playful banter which is flirting. Numair and I were the same."
"But you were both able to tell each other. If Dom and Kel did have 'feelings' or were 'flirting' then they would be able to open up."
"You can't just open up." Alanna muttered from her floor spot, "Both of them are way too preoccupied with other things to tell, and Kel would never make the first move. Dom is probably confused."
"See," Neal got up and paced, "both are too preoccupied. Kel with New Hope and Dom with the Kings Own. There is also one other problem, the rule that comes with being in the Kings Own."
King Jonathan scratched his chin, placing what Alanna was trying to accomplish in his mind. He smiled at Alanna as he spoke, "Rules can be changed. Those of the Kings Own should be able to marry as long as their wives understand the dangers. Yes, I believe that I was wrong to create that standard."
Neal's jaw dropped open, "What! What is this about? You're not going to set them up?" Alanna smirked at Neal. "This is going too far! I can't believe you would do this. Jon…Raoul…Daine, how could you condone this behavior!" Neal flopped down on his back on the window seat.
"I didn't know that was the intention until you mentioned it. I think it is a wonderful idea!" Daine interjected gleefully. "Although, when would they see each other?"
"I rarely see Buri and Alanna barely sees George, "Raoul put in, "Absence makes the heart grow fonder' and Third Company spends a good amount of time at New Hope." Neal gave an exasperated and annoyed cough from his corner. "Although, it is possible to have them stationed there until needed."
Exactly, and with Third Company stationed somewhere on reserves," Alanna began, "another company could be added. There are always men who are willing to join, possibly more once they are allowed to marry. This is going to be so fun!"
Nealan stared at the ceiling, "FUN! Setting up two people is not fun. You could regret getting into the middle of this. What if they truly don't like each other? Tell me what happens then. You can't just meddle with their love lives. I agree, it might be enjoyable for a while, certainly better than Meathead torture but…why?"
"Myles always said that the gods meddle in our lives and they have more power than we will ever have. What can it hurt, even if it doesn't work?" Neal folded his arms across his chest like a schoolboy. Alanna sighed, "Since it seems that we have no interruptions coming from Sir Meathead at this time, Dom will need to hear it from Raoul and Jon because you are his mentors and friends. Neal, Daine, and I will take Kel. It is best if we tell them when they think we don't know they are their. Daine, can you spy on them to see where they will be tomorrow?"
"Definitely," Daine agreed.
"We all need to play a part in this to make it work. We need to stick together, alright?"
"Do I have to do this?" Neal asked as he rolled his head toward Alanna and when she nodded curled his lip in a pout and sighed.