Redemption

Disclaimer: Tamora Pierce owns all of PotS. Everything you recognize is hers; everything you don't recognize is mine.

A/N: There's some fluff in here, but there's still a bit of plot, too. Enjoy! Keep sending in those awesome reviews - they make me want to write more!

"The priestess said that there was a powerful spell embedded in the stones. As long as the wearer has it around her neck, no pregnancy charm in the world can do its work." Virryn's smile became wistful and her eyes unfocused as though she was having a vision. "So you see the Goddess has given me every advantage I could hope for in this stage of my life. Joren, I couldn't give you brothers, but I will make sure that you have sons."

Dinner at Stone Mountain

Sir Aron of Aili watched from the side of the practice yard as Joren and Kel casually sparred. He couldn't quite understand why Joren was going so easy on Kel. The lord of Stone Mountain had been coming over to the fort to train every other day or so for two weeks. When Joren sparred against him or one of the other officers, he really gave it his best effort. Lately, though, it seemed that Joren didn't even try to beat Kel anymore. The soldiers lost interest in betting on their matches - they were too routine and boring. Kel also noticed Joren's reluctance to really fight her.

"Joren that was barely a tap!" chided Kel. "Put your back into it! Come on; fight me the way you fought against those bandits!" "Otherwise, this is just a waste of my time. Aron gives me a better workout than you do."

"That was a good strike - it would get the job done," he protested and he made his voice sound a little winded as he blocked her next parry. "But maybe we should take a little break." "Why? Why does it have to be you? First the Chamber, and now my mother. What's so special about you?"

"Fine, but I think you've been 'taking a break' all morning," Kel said sarcastically and she turned away from him to walk toward Aron. "I thought you wanted to get in another good workout before we leave for your mother's birthday dinner. But we may as well st..." "Take a break, my a..."

"Kel, behind you!" yelled Aron, as Joren sprang toward Kel and swept her feet from under her. She fell with a thud and then rolled over to her side, rubbing her shoulder.

"Joren! What was that about?" Kel yelled at him. "Why did you do that? That's not right, you know." "Snake! Why do I keep forgetting that you're a snake?"

"Sorry! I'm sorry," Joren apologized and ran over to help Kel get up. "Aagh! You just make me so mad sometimes! I know that wasn't fair, but you turned your back to me and I just ... Aagh!"

"Never mind," she said, refusing Joren's outstretched hand and pushing herself onto her feet. "I shouldn't have turned my back on you - that was one of the first things our Shang masters taught us. Thanks for reminding me." "Yes, I must remember what you are at all times. Snake!"

"I really am sorry, Kel. I guess I just got mad and lost it there for a second." admitted Joren. "I've been a bit under the weather and ... well ... that just sounds like the most pitiful excuse, doesn't it?" He gave her a sheepish, but very cute smile. "I must remember to be nice, to be charming, and to be a good little boy so Mother won't ..."

Kel dusted off her breeches and took a drink of water. She made eye contact with Aron who just shrugged his shoulders. Then she looked at Joren with a puzzled look on her face.

"Is something bothering you?" asked Kel. "Is everything going well at your quarries? I heard a few of our silver mine bosses saying they felt some more trembles deep in the earth. What do the scholars say?" "I hope we're not in for another 'quake so soon."

"Actually, the scholars are concerned." Joren said; glad to have a worthy topic to discuss. "One of them said it could happen around midsummer or later, but he's sure the land will heave itself against that deep crack again." "Yes! Saved by the academics. Kel always did enjoy scientific discussions when we were in class."

"Then when should we plan for the next caravan to Corus?" asked Kel, all about business now. "Should we wait or should we go early?" "My money's on going early, but I wonder what the stonecutters will say."

"I was thinking we should plan to go early," said Joren. "We haven't had too much trouble with spring raiders so far, but if they harass our people while we're gone, at least General Vanget can get send reinforcements up here again." "Good, good. Anything to keep my mind off of tonight."

Then Kel, Joren and Aron went to her office for a while to plan for the next caravan of silver and stone to Corus. Kel was already packed for her overnight stay at Stone Mountain. Lady Virryn was celebrating her birthday and had invited Kel to dinner and an evening of entertainment. After she had given Aron guidance for the following day's training, she and Joren rode along the trail that led to Stone Mountain. Kel commented on the little spring flowers peeking up through the rocks, but Joren only nodded and kept his eyes on the trail. Neither of them had much to say after that. When they arrived at Joren's home and took care of their horses, they each went their separate ways to wash up and get ready for the dinner.

Unlike her previous visit to Stone Mountain, Kel allowed Molly the maid to help her dress for dinner after she took her bath. Kel had grudgingly agreed to wear the beautiful gown that Joren had given her as a gift. It was made of heavy velvet, too heavy for the current weather, but it was in Kel's favorite russet color. When Molly shook it out to place it over Kel's head, a small piece of paper fluttered from the lace at the bodice of the gown. Kel picked it up and smiled when she read it.

Dear Lady Keladry,

I hope you like this dress. Lord Joren asked me to create something you would enjoy wearing. I know this is your favorite color. Perhaps you can wear it at midwinter. I hope to see you then.

Yours truly,

Lalasa Isran

The dress fit Kel perfectly and looked fabulous on her. Kel loved to run her hands over the rich fabric, and she wondered how much the dress cost. She blushed when she remembered the conversation of the ladies at the bathhouse. "So, it really was Joren those ladies at the bath house were gossiping about. No wonder Lalasa was behaving so strangely when I visited her."

Kel also allowed Molly to fuss with her hair. This seemed to make the maid very happy. Kel's short locks were a bit troublesome to pull up into a fancy arrangement, but Molly was very skilled with a brush and comb. It also gave Kel more of an opportunity to chat with Joren's former nursemaid and see what she was willing to say.

"This dress is lovely on you, milady." Molly said as she teased a strand of Kel's fringe to make it pouf out a bit. "I heard that Lord Joren had the seamstress make it special for you."

"Really?" replied Kel, more color creeping into her cheeks. "How odd. Does Lord Joren do things like this often?" "I don't think I want to be on his gift list."

"Oh, he's always been full of surprises, milady. He can be real nice when he wants to be." Molly sounded proud of her former charge. "He seems to favor gowns lately. Lady Virryn will be wearin' one tonight that he gave her, too. Of course, she wasn't too happy that Lord Joren also gave that Lady Celeste a dress as a partin' gift."

"A parting gift?" Kel tied to sound nonchalant. Then she felt guilty for being as much of a gossip as those other ladies. "Where did Lady Celeste go?" "I was wondering if I'd have to endure her boorish conversation tonight."

"Why, she went back to Jennsmont with her brother, of course" informed the maid. "Now that Lord Joren is healthy, we don't need an in-house healer. And it seems that Lord Joren didn't care to keep the lady on as his mistress, either. At least their parting was friendlier than most I've seen. There was no throwing of dishes or ranting and such. Back in Lord Burchard's day there was plenty of that. Life's more peaceful here now."

"Oh." was all that Kel could reply. "What a strange household! I can't imagine my father ever treating my mother in such a fashion. No wonder Joren is so messed up."

"There, now! Aren't you the pretty one when you're all done up like a proper lady?" cooed the maid, as she fastened the polished stone necklace around Kel's neck. "Oh, beggin' your pardon, milady! I didn't mean any disrespect to your being a knight and all ..." the maid hastily added.

Kel smiled at Molly and told her not to worry. Then she followed the maid to the banquet hall. No one else had arrived, so Kel placed her gift to Lady Virryn on a small table next to the lady's chair. She had purchased a perfect silver thimble and some brightly colored silk embroidery threads when she visited Lalasa in Corus. Kel knew that Lady Virryn enjoyed needlecraft, so she hoped Joren's mother would like her gift. Kel jumped when someone touched her on her shoulder.

"Sorry! I guess I keep surprising you when your back is turned to me," Joren apologized, with his hands raised to his sides. "I didn't mean to startle you. I only came in to ask if you'd like to join me in the library to look at some of the scholars' findings before dinner is served." "Merciful Mithros, Kel! You clean up so ... beautifully. But I've got to get you out of here now so Mother can dose your drink cup."

"Yes, I would like to see what they've discovered so far," replied Kel as she surveyed Joren standing there, looking very lordly in a black velvet tunic over silver hose and a satiny silver shirt. The velvet showed off his lord's medallion perfectly and he walked with a manly grace that practically shouted his authority. Kel noticed the broadness of Joren's back as she followed him into the book-lined room. "Stop noticing him like that! He's a snake. Remember that he's a snake!"

The scholars showed Kel and Joren their maps and charts. They pointed out the red dots that indicated where they found evidence of the deep crack the King had felt. Kel marveled at the almost solid red line of dots that roughly followed the mountainous borderline between Tortall and Scanra. She asked if the Scanrans had reported any large earthquakes, and the mage answered that they had. He also explained that those people were so superstitious on the Scanran side of the border that they had abandoned their mines and quarries and moved further north. That explained why the spring raids had been so light. Finally, dinner was served and they all left the charts and went to the banquet hall.

Kel felt slightly uncomfortable at the dinner table. She thought there would be a larger gathering for the birthday celebration, but the only people in attendance were the two university scholars and the mage, Joren and Lady Virryn. Kel wondered if the older woman really had no friends. These mountains could be completely isolated in winter or after an earthquake, as Kel had already experienced. Perhaps it was just too difficult for friends to visit, but Kel felt sorry for the widow if that was the case. She decided to be as friendly as she could, because Joren still seemed preoccupied with something.

"Happy birthday, Lady Virryn," Kel said as the woman opened Kel's gift to her. "Thank you so much for inviting me to your ... celebration. Joren said there would be some entertainment later. Will there be music, or perhaps a jester?" "I only hope no one sings one of those silly ballads about the Protector of the Small. That would be unbearable."

"Thank you, my dear," Lady Virryn said graciously as she peeked at the colorful threads. "Oh, these are lovely! And I wanted a new thimble, too. How very thoughtful of you to give me these things, Lady Keladry. But, no, Joren was mistaken. You are my only invited guest this evening. The university people have been here a while, and I find it entertaining enough when they discuss such a wide variety of topics. Truthfully, I don't really enjoy large gatherings, but I find your company delightful. I hope you don't mind."

"Um, no, I'm ... I'm flattered, of course." Kel hoped she sounded sincere. Her head was beginning to feel funny and the room felt so warm. "This is so strange. It feels like the room is closing in on me. This gown is making me too warm. I need some fresh air."

"Lady Keladry, are you alright?" Virryn asked worriedly. "You look rather flushed. Do you need some air?"

"Yes, my lady, if you'll please excuse me," Kel got up but almost lost her balance. She knew something wasn't right, but she couldn't think a coherent thought at the moment. She held on to the table to support herself. "Can't think ... need air ..."

"Joren, why don't you help Lady Keladry back to her room," Virryn looked at her son meaningfully. "It appears that she may need to lie down for a while."

"Yes, of course," Joren replied, narrowing his eyes at his mother. "I can't believe I'm doing this for you, Mother. It feels so wrong to use Kel like this. I'm glad I didn't drink anything with my meal - I don't want your poison."

Joren came around to Kel's side and supported her around her waist. Then he slowly walked her back to her room, closed the door and helped her to sit on the bed. Joren had had years of practice helping ladies out of their clothes so he moved quickly and efficiently. First he removed Kel's shoes and pulled off her hose. He took the pins from her hair and gently mussed it so that her head wouldn't feel so tight. He loosened the bodice of her dress - the dress he had had made especially for her -and slid it off of her long body. He had enjoyed the way the dress looked on Kel - it made her look so soft and lady-like and alluring to him. Joren groaned in frustration as he pulled himself away from Kel's half-asleep form.

All kinds of thoughts raged through Joren's mind. He knew what his mother expected him to do, but Kel was such a decent person and he just felt so wrong about the situation. He knew that Kel really cared about people and about doing her duty for the realm. Joren had watched Kel's interactions with all sorts of people - with her soldiers and the village children, with the merchants and the miners, and even with him and his mother. And she truly was a great knight. Joren also knew that if he went through with the plan, he was about to mess up Kel's life in a really bad way. He didn't think he could deserve her love after that - she would hate him, and rightly so. Then he knew the Chamber would let him die. Joren had just made up his mind not to go through with his mother's plan when Kel reached out her hand and grabbed his wrist.

"Dom?" asked Kel, her voice husky from the effects of the potion. "Dom, please don't leave me again. Stay with me. Hold me. Love me, Dom, please."

Joren's heart lurched in his chest. "Kel, do you know where you are?" he asked, already knowing the real answer to that question. "This isn't what you think it is."

"It's my dream, isn't it?" Kel asked quietly. "Oh, this is my favorite dream! You're here with me again and we can be together, Dom. Don't go!"

Kel tried to stand up, but she only succeeded in pulling Joren down onto the bed with her. She giggled and hugged Joren around his middle. He looked down at Kel's dreamy unfocused eyes and knew that she saw someone else's face and not his face. Joren clenched his teeth and wondered who this 'Dom' person was and why he had left this incredible woman alone, but hearing a name that was not his own name was like getting doused with cold water. "Please Mithros, give me strength! I can't go through with this. My mother will just have to forgive me for what I am about to do ..."

"Shhh, Kel, I'll stay with you," soothed Joren, gently caressing her face and her hair. He scooted her body under the covers and climbed into the bed with her. She was still holding on to his wrist. Joren carefully circled his arm around Kel's neck and let her head rest on his chest. "Everything is going to be alright." "Mithros, help me please! I want to do the right thing. I'll only stay here long enough to let my mother think what she wants to think."

Joren was not a particularly spiritual person. He had followed his father's hypocritical example of making the seasonal offerings to the Great God, but he never really was a true believer. Right now, though, Joren possessed enough sense to realize that he could not control himself without some kind of divine intervention. Here he was, laying next to a half-naked, warm-blooded, totally-hallucinating woman who excited him in ways he never would have thought possible. Part of his brain realized that he had already had Kel's body, when he too was drugged and thought she was Celeste. If he gave in to his own desires, Kel would never know the difference. But Joren wanted Kel to know that it was him and not this other man that she was with. He wanted Kel to look at him with the longing he saw in her eyes. Joren kept sending up his pleas for help as the night went on and he held Kel in his arms.

In the distance, Joren could hear the sounds of an approaching storm. Lightning flashed and thunder rumbled. Soon enough the sound of raindrops plinked against the window. Joren continued to hold Kel throughout the stormy night. Whenever she stirred, he would hold her tighter. Every time he looked down at Kel, his heart tightened and he knew that he loved her now. He just had to figure out how to get her to love him back.

"How dare you interfere with my plans again?" raged the Great Goddess. "First you send an irritating earthquake, and now - this!"

"The boy asked - no he pleaded - for my help," Mithros proclaimed loudly and haughtily. "How could I refuse him? You would have done the same thing! You have done the same thing!"

"That's entirely different!" the Goddess yelled. "Now look what you've done! This poor woman has waited years for more offspring. I finally got everything set up to answer her prayers, but then you came along and messed it all up!"

"Hey! Your mortal was the one who talked about more warriors for the realm," boomed Mithros, "Warriors are my domain, and I think they should have a glorious beginning. They should not start out under some dark cloud of doubt and woe. All is not lost. Trust me."

"You had better be right about this," warned the Goddess. "The widowed mother truly is sick in her bones and the Dark God won't be held off for long."

"Just leave that to me, my sweet," soothed Mithros. "I think it's possible for us all to have our own way - we just have to be more careful and not work at cross purposes."

"I thought you expected the boy to fail anyway," said the Goddess as she began to calm down. "What changed your mind?"

"Anyone who asks for my help to be chivalrous the way that boy did tonight is going to get my help." proclaimed Mithros. "Let's just say I'm interested to see what the boy will do next."

The great gods mended their quarrel, and the storm over the mortal mountains began to ease up.

The stormy night gave way to a misty dawn. Joren finally decided that it would be best for him not to be with Kel when she woke up. If the potion was wearing off, he didn't want to be there and experience Kel throwing a fit. He would just pretend like nothing had happened and she would think it had all been her favorite dream. He would have to deal with his mother later. Joren thought about the man Kel obviously loved - this Dom, whoever he was. Would he be able to track him down, challenge him for Kel's hand or get him to go away for good? How long would that take? What should he do to win Kel's love for himself? What if Kel still wanted this other man? What would the Chamber do to him then? Joren pondered all of his questions as he quietly slipped out of the bed, gathered his things and left Kel tangled in her sheets, sleeping peacefully.

A/N: There you go. I hope you enjoyed it. Please R & R. I love constructive criticism. Thanks!