A/N: WOW! I got such an amazing response from reviewers for my last chapter! Thank you all so so so much! I'm almost afraid to post this chapter because there's like no way that I'll get that many complimentary reviews again. However, I owe it to all of you to update. I'm sorry it took so incredibly long! Try having a full time job, along with unreliable Internet access, an ill grandfather and an insane mother and see how much you write! Anyway, here it is!

Disclaimer: Hello? Go look up Tamora Pierce on Google and see if "age 16," "poor," and "unknown" are on the description. If for some unfathomable reason they are I suggest you find a more reliable resource.

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Kel just looked at him. "No it isn't. If you really cared about me, you would have explained that kiss in the infirmary. But you just wanted some company didn't you? Even some that wasn't conscious." She looked at him sadly, one more tear trickling down her cheek as she opened the door and walked out.

Neal stood there for a long while, staring at the door.

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The next morning rays of sunlight crept into Kel's room to illuminate a sleeping form. For once in her life, Kel's weights and glaive lay forgotten on the floor as early dawn moved into late morning. As the sun was almost completely overhead, the figure in the bad shifted slightly, stretching from the fetal position that it had maintained overnight. Her tears had dried long ago, leaving only a salty remnant of her pain lingering on her cheeks.

Suddenly Kel was awakened by a pounding on the door. Shooting upright she quickly judged the time and sprang to her feet. Oh no! I slept in! When was the last time I slept in? I can't believe it! She hurried to put on a dressing gown and pulled open the door.

Neal stood there glaring at her. He didn't even spare her a glance before launching into his tirade.

"Kel, I know that you're mad at me, but this is not the right way to act! Just because you are annoyed at me you cannot sulk and hide in your room!"

Kel frowned. Sulk? She tried to correct him, "Neal, I-"

Neal ignored her and continued chastising her. "Knights, Kel, do not hide whenever they are angry. They fulfill their duties and leave their feelings to be dealt with later. The author Faduln said in his book that 'knights shall…'" Kel ignored him as he kept scolding. She waited, sure that he would stop at some point. Though since he was on the topic of books, she was not optimistic about that point coming real soon. She only wished that he had not chosen to rave in the hallway, as he was attracting peculiar looks from the passerby. Finally his cousin Domitan is it? I was never introduced strolled by. Seeing Neal confronting Kel, who stood awkwardly holding her nightgown, Dom paused behind Neal, listening to the knight rant. After a few seconds Dom understood what Neal was saying and burst out laughing.

Neal looked annoyed at the interruption and glared at his cousin. "Can I help you?"

Dom just laughed more, holding his sides. After a few minutes he was finally able to contain his mirth. "Neal you're lecturing your squire about hiding in her room and purposefully avoiding you, right?"

Neal nodded coldly. "That would be correct."

Dom chuckled. "Neal, look at her. Does it look like she was sulking, or even conscious before you so rudely pounded on her door?"

"I-of course she.." Neal broke off as he noticed Kel's nightgown and tousled hair. "Um, I, oh." He trailed into silence.

Dom took pity on him. Bowing to Kel he took Neal's arm. "Keladry, I apologize for my dear cousin's conduct. I'm sure that he will also be sorry after a few moments. Now, if you will excuse us." He dragged Neal away, allowing Kel to retire back into her room.

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A little later cleaned and properly attired Kel made her way down to breakfast. Well, actually it was lunch. She grabbed large amounts to eat and was ravenously devouring it when someone slid into the seat across from her. She looked up into two twinkling blue eyes. It was Neal's cousin. He grinned at her and reached out a hand.

"Hi, I don't believe we've ever been introduced. I'm Domitan of Masbolle, but most people just call me Dom." Kel took the offered hand and shook it. She opened her mouth to introduce herself but Dom waved her off. "No, no, you don't need to tell me your name, I already know you're the brave girl who fearlessly rescued an important leader while trying to deal with my cousin Meathead."

Kel giggled. It seemed that Neal was not the only one of his family to favor dramatics. "I don't know about the brave and fearless part about that. And who's Meathead."

"Ah," exclaimed Dom. "Meathead is more commonly known as Neal. However I feel that Meathead fits him much better."

Kel smiled. She opened her mouth to reply, but was cut off when someone cleared their throat behind her. She twisted to see Neal glowering at Dom.

"If you two are finished abusing me, Lord Raoul requests Kel's presence at his office as soon as possible." Kel nodded quickly. Neal looked like he was about to punch something, and she wanted to disperse the dangerous situation. She politely excused herself from Dom and followed Neal.

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Neal walked silently beside Kel. He was so confused. How had things gotten like this? Just a few hours ago they were so happy! They had even kissed! And yet here they were, ignoring each other. She was cold and distant towards him, and he didn't even really understand why. He knew that she was upset about the kiss in the infirmary. Gods, he hadn't even known that she had been awake! And he supposed that his lecture earlier hadn't helped. But what had gone so wrong?

He turned to Kel. "Kel. Please, just, talk to me."

She looked at him. "What do you want me to say?"

He shrugged. "I don't know. Anything. I can't stand you being mad at me Kel."

She turned and intensely studied the floor. After a few long minutes she quietly stated, "You should have thought of that before you broke my heart." With her eyes trained on her feet, she missed the expression of mixed shock and happiness that came over Neal's face. He intended to respond, but was cut short by the entrance of Raoul.

The large man fairly bounced over to them. Grinning broadly he slung an arm around each of them. He said, "I have spoken to the other generals about your plan Queenscove, and all of them agree that it is simply brilliant. Now, come watch it being executed." He started to stroll away, accompanied by Neal and Kel. The accompaniment may not have been voluntary, but as Raoul's arms remained across their shoulders, it was either walk or be dragged. Both knight and squire chose the first option.

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After spending the remainder of the afternoon and part of the evening watching a cursing Burgad succumb to a spell operated by five powerful mages (including Numair Samalin), and be sent off to the Scanran ranks, Neal and Kel followed Raoul back to the his office. Still smiling, the general boomed, "Great job you two. Your plans have probably saved many lives. I thank you." He bowed to them, causing each to gasp in shock. "Now go get some sleep." He clapped them on the backs, not noticing the both of them staggering under the impact. As they started to leave he called back, "Oh, and if I'm not mistaken, you might want to start preparing for a celebratory ball." He winked at them and then shut the door.

Neal and Kel stood there for a few seconds in silence. Finally Kel spoke. "That really was a good plan Neal. Good job. Now allow me to bid you goodnight." She bowed her head and turned to go, but stopped as Neal grabbed her arm.

Neal looked at her. She looked so timid for just a moment, and he felt the emotion stir his heart. He reached up quietly and ran his fingers along her cheek. "Kel, I-"

He never got to finish. She wrenched herself away, running from him, her footsteps sending echoes through the deserted corridors.

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A/N: Well, I hope that you all liked it! I don't like it as much as the last chapter, but I think that that's because of the lack of fluff! Actually I think that there are other reasons too, this is definitely not my best writing. But I had major writers block (as you all probably noticed). So I just had to write something. And anyway, the next (an final) chapter will be drowning in fluff! I can't wait! And it will posted soon I promise! At least I hope so! In the meantime, if you're bored, I would be incredibly flattered if you checked out my other fic, titled "High Standards." It's also nice and fluffy, and, most importantly, Kel/Neal. Also, you can see Lady Knight 1215's fic "My Greatest Fear."

Awww it's almost over! One more chapter! And maybe an epilogue, if I can think of what to write in an epilogue. It makes me so sad! This is my baby! My first fanfic! But I hope that you have all enjoyed the ride. And to all of you that encouraged me, I give a large THANK YOU! And for personals:

Nutz Nina: Wow, I love that I got such a reaction from you! And yeah you're right, maybe I am making Kel a little too cold. She's just such a weird character for me to write, because I am like the polar opposite. So I'm exaggerating. But I'll try not to anymore!

WolfdemonGrl: I'm not staying mad at him! Well, I am in this chapter, but don't worry it will soon pass!

Dreamerdoll: Raoul is just stressed! And yeah, I didn't update soon, but at least I'm better than you: ) Update!

HyperLittleCatIsBloodyLazy: Thanks! I heart you for making my day brighter!

Stormy Winter: Yeah, everything went ok, with the teeth, and thanks so much for being sympathetic about it! Goodness knows my parents didn't feel quite the same way! And I guess there wasn't much fluff in this chappie, but there will be in the next one!

Crazy4tamora: Thanks for the advice. I considered having Neal and Kel return the general, but the Scanrans would recognize them, and it's better having him be alone anyway. Like less suspicious, you know. And no DK I promise! DK is evil!

Lady Peirene: I don't know if this was quite flirting, but emotions are certainly flying!

Lady Em-Chan: They will! Just make sure to stick around for the next chapter!

E.V.P.: Hahaha it's so funny that people think that I spend a while concocting that plan, because I thought of it just as I was writing it! I kinda hit that brick wall too, but this is my venture through it!

Misery DeSoul: Here's more!

Clair-a-net: Interesting is good! Right?

Chisakami Saiyuki: It's ok that you haven't reviewed recently! I haven't updated recently, so we're even!

Equestrian Babe: Thank you! Fluff is great!

Arcadia: Yeah, I got ice cream. OMG, I have such a sweet tooth it's not even funny. Still, if you want me to update all you have to do is bribe me with sugar!

The Golden Shadow: I love you too! And I love kisses! Especially kisses involving Neal!

Queenofdiamonds1: Thank you so much!

Piglet12345: Thanks, I love this fic too. That's why I'm sad that it's ending ; (

USNA: winces Sorry it's not exactly asap!

On top of cloud 9: I loved that chappie too!

Thingy of um thingyness: Um, sorry, I liked the fluff. This chapter doesn't have too much! Oh, and it's "too" not "to."

Some Random Reviewer: That would work, except the Scanran army is so large that they could break into the fort and rescue the general even if they are disorganized. So that's not really good for Neal and Kel. And I'm glad that you like the story! I love you too!

Lady Knight 1512: Wow, what can I say? Thanks doesn't really cover it. But I owe you so much for your faithful reviewing, and I can't describe how much it means to me! I hope that my reviews cover it at least a little. Oh and the recommendation above is heartfelt!

KittyofPiratesSwoop: I'm sorry that you're in that position right now! I hope that it resolves itself! Maybe as happily as this fic will end! And never fear, fluff will reappear!

Elerrina: Thanks for your support! Here is more, I hope that you enjoy and I look forward to hearing your opinion on this!

FanFictionFantom: Well we hope! But this is my story, and I won't let them do that! This story is reaching its end and I'm not going to drag it out.

Tidal Waves: No, the mage just has to have a control. Like a lock of hair or something. Or at least that's all that he needs in my story. Do you really think that I'd allow them to not get together in the end?

Sunkissed Guacamole: joins in happy dance wait, there no fluff in this chapter: (

Pussin Boots: School is long gone now! Thank God!

Irish Violinist: Thanks I'm glad that you think so!

Siriusforeva: Yay Neal!

Kings Lioness: Kel doesn't believe him… yet.

Phew! That took a while! But it was worth it because you all deserve a personal acknowledgement. Just remember, keep REVIEWING! Please! LOVE all of you!

Here whenever anybody needs me!

Em