Disclaimer: I own nothing but the plot. All characters, locations, etc. belong to Tamora Pierce
Tortall
Alanna watched as Keladry of Mindelan and Nealan of Queenscove practiced their swordsmanship in one of the large practice courts. They were pretty evenly matched which surprised, the lady night. She had thought her one time squire would win, what with all the training she had beaten into him.
"Hey you two," she said with a grin, "the winner of this round is going to have to face me!" Nealan, who preferred to be called Neal, looked positively alarmed by this sudden turn of events. Kel suddenly dropped her guard and instinctively, Neal thrust in winning the match. Both Kel and Alanna were smiling.
"Good luck Neal," said Kel, turning and laughing. She was laughing so hard that she didn't notice lord Raoul standing in front of her until she ran smack into him. Now it was Neal turn to smile wickedly.
"Good luck Kel," he called back mockingly as Raoul drug the protesting Kel off to the Tilting yards to practice the joust.
Later that evening at dinner, both Kel and Neal were looking thoroughly miserable. Both of them now sported some heavy bruises that not even Kel's bruise balm could cure fully. Their friends, Owen, and Merrik came to sit across from them.
"Ouch," Owen said as Merrik nodded agreement, "what happened Kel? You get kicked by a horse."
"Worse," said Merrik trying his best to hold in his laughter. "It was probably lord Raoul." It was too much for both of them and they all burst out laughing at the site of the two friends faces. Dom, another friend and Neal's cousin came and sat next to Neal, laughing just as loudly. Neal glared at him.
"What are you laughing at?" He asked, menacingly, though due the large bruise that ran from his collarbone to cheek he just looked comical.
"I don't know yet," he said in between bouts of laughter, "but if your involved meathead it must be funny."
He dodged the swing Neal took at his head and swiped one of his rolls. Grinning mischievously he stuffed half in his mouth as he continued to laugh. Suddenly he began choking on the role. Kel seeing this punched him in the stomach, winding him and effectively dislodging the roll. Ignoring the uncontrollable laughter of his knight friends the captain of third company of the kings own began to eat his food in a sullen silence. Kel stood up shakily, her back one massive bruise, and limped off to her room. Neal, also limping but more heavily, hurried to catch up to her as their friends laughed about how they needed more bruise balm.
Well what do you think? I thought I should let you know what is happening in Tortall. Seeing as Sandry, and co. isn't going anywhere. Thanks for the reviews, everyone who sent one. Please continue to review, all reviews welcome.