Disclaimer: I don't own anything that you recognize, it is all Tamora Pierce's brain child.

A/N: Special thanks to Oletta who is my favorite person right now. Hope you like this everyone!

Lady Knight Keladry of Mindelan yawned and stretched as she got up for the day. It was past noon, far longer than she usually slept; however, she had had a healing the previous day. Those healings often left her exhausted and hungry. Realizing the time, Kel sighed. She had hoped to be able to help with any cleanup left from the previous days battle. Well, it's your own fault for not seeing that archer before you stood up,Kel scolded herself. As soon as Kel, clutching her injured side, struggled to her feet to start her morning ritual, albeit a little late, one of her oldest friends burst into the room.

Lady Yukimi, known as Yuki to her close friends, glared at Kel. "Hold it right there! You are not supposed to get out of bed until Neal checks you over one last time." Yuki stared Kel down until the larger woman caved and plopped back down on the bed with a sigh.

"I feel fine," stressed Kel, "there is no need for this fuss." Even as she said this, she felt pure exhaustion wash over her body from the minimal energy she expended in the past few minutes. "I just caught an arrow in my side, no need to act like it's the end of the world. Besides, I really am feeling much better now!" With that last sentence Kel tried to rise again only to collapse back onto the bed after standing for only seconds.

"You look like you are feeling better," commented Yuki, her eyes dancing. Kel gave in, there was nothing she could do for now, she couldn't even stand up for more than a few seconds. After a few more minutes, Neal arrived in his usual manner.

"Mindelan, I hope you know that was very stupid." Neal announced as he burst forth into the room. Neal kneeled down next to Kel's bed and prepared to examine her recent injury. The wound had been only partially healed due to the large number of hurts acquired by the fighting force.

"Isn't this a pleasant greeting Meathead? Instead of concerned remarks asking about how I feel, I get a lecture on my stupidity." Kel grimaced as Neal prodded the wound. Dark green fire shone around his hands as he applied more healing to Kel's side.

"That should do it," Neal stated optimistically, letting the magic fade from his hands. "Now Kel, you won't like it but you aren't allowed to do any strenuous exercise for a few days. I will have to clear you before you are allowed to go back onto active duty." Kel groaned. This was the last thing she wanted to hear. "I don't want to hear it. You were stupid and now you must pay the price." Neal said forcefully as he prepared to leave the room. "Yuki, are you staying with Kel?"

"Yes." Yuki stated simply, bidding her husband farewell as he left the room. "Now," she turned on Kel. "It's time for you to get something to eat, and if you can manage to stay awake, I just might let you get out of bed for a little while." Yuki's eyes twinkled; she was obviously enjoying playing nursemaid to her old friend.

Kel wrinkled her nose at the prospect of being forced to spend the rest of the day in bed. At least there are none of Neal's nasty teas to drink, Keladry thought optimistically. However, just as she began to feel relieved at the prospect of not having to drink any of his vile concoctions, Yuki produced a tea mixture. "I almost forgot, Neal told me to give you this after you finish eating." Kel groaned, just when she had thought that she was going to get off without tea.

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The Yamani woman sighed as she watched Keladry sleep. The knight needed her rest, even if she didn't want it. She was constantly bombarded with complaints and quarrels of the refugees of New Hope. Yuki could only hope that this wasn't stretching Kel's limits as a person. It takes a great deal of patience and perseverance to do what must be done in a refugee camp.

Quietly, Yuki left the room to give Kel some privacy as she slept. Yuki's husband, Neal, had told her that the tea would make Kel sleep for the rest of the day to help her recover as he worked on his other patients. As she went to go find her husband, Yuki was accosted by Neal's cousin, Dom.

"I heard Kel was injured. Will she be alright?" Dom demanded, gripping her arm tightly. Looking into his deep blue eyes she saw frantic worry for the Lady Knight.

"Don't worry," Yuki replied calmly. "Everything will just fine. She's sleeping now so don't go barging into her room and interrupting her much needed rest."

"Thank the gods!" Dom sighed with relief. He released her arm, his entire body sagging with relief. Yuki studied him carefully. She thought she had detected more than just concern for a friend in his manner.

"Dom, when did you happen to join us here in New Hope?" Neal inquired as he strolled up to his wife and cousin.

"Sir Meathead, good to see you! We got in about half an hour ago, milord sent a couple squads here to take a breather from the larger battles." Dom answered enthusiastically. "I heard our Lady Knight got herself injured yesterday. Your lovely wife assures me that she will be up and at 'em in no time." None of his previous distress was evident as he talked to his cousin about their friend's misfortune.

Neal shot a glare at his cousin for the use of his dreaded nickname. He opened his mouth to reply, but before he could Yuki interrupted him. "Do you know where you are staying? Neal can have Tobe show you where to go."

"We already got our rooming assignments from the clerks. I just came looking for my dear old cousin." Switching his gaze back to Neal. "Care to show me that you haven't lost all of your knightly skills by tended the ill?" Dom challenged playfully.

"Alas, I cannot at the moment, perhaps some other time. I must return to my assistants before they begin to miss me too much. They don't like it when I am gone, they pine." Neal replied loftily. "However, in a few days I may be able to escape for a sufficient amount of time."

"You just want time to practice." Dom accused laughingly as he turned and began to walk away towards the barracks. Neal threw his hands up in the air and stormed away. Yuki no longer attempting to conceal her emotions giggled at her husband's antics as she walked back to Kel's room to check on her patient.

A/N: Sorry again it took so long to update! I'll try to do better I promise! Hope this satisfies you for now. TouchofGrayce