Kel was in the stables the next morning, trying to figure out what would be the fastest way to Tusaine. Hoshi and Peachblossom were standing placidly next to her. Dom walked down the aisle of the stable and saw her standing there. He stopped, then grinned mischievously. He backed away silently, then crept around to the back of the stables, behind where Kel was standing. He crept towards her and peeked over her shoulder. Kel turned her head slightly and asked calmly,
"Dom, what do you think would be the best way to get through the Royal Forest?" He laughed.
"I was trying to scare you!" He exclaimed. "You weren't supposed to know I was there!"
"I saw you in the stable." Kel replied. "I was going to say something, but I didn't want to ruin your fun." He looked over her shoulder, peering at the map.
"What if we took the Giantkiller road, then go west until we reach the border? After that I'm sure Lord Durin can lead us to the palace." Kel glanced sideways at him, waiting for his opinion. She could fell his warm breath on her neck and suddenly realized just how close he really was. She sucked in a quick breath and thankfully caught sight of Neal, struggling to get his enormous pile of bags onto his packhorse. Kel ducked away from Dom, handing him the map, and ran to help Neal before he dropped everything.
"Neal! You idiot! We aren't going for three years! What in Mithros name are you bringing?" She demanded. "Look how much I have! And Dom has even less!" Kel reached out and took a large, very full bag from Neal, then jumped when a voice said softly right next to her ear, "That's because you're a girl. And pretty girls always have more things than men." She turned to glare at Dom, blushing slightly.
"So what does that make Neal?" she asked, hands on her hips. Neal poked her in the ribs and Kel snatched his finger and bent it back.
"Ow! That hurts, Kel! Ow! Stop it!" Neal screeched in her ear and she let go, smiling sweetly. A deep voice made all three turn.
"Well, I can see this will be a very interesting journey." Kel whirled, hand going instantly to her sword hilt, as did Dom's. She relaxed and blushed as she looked up at Lord Durin, standing behind them. He looked as handsome as ever. She sent a sidelong glance at Dom. He looked like a codfish, mouth gaping. Kel almost giggled, but she forced her Yamani training to take control. She elbowed both Dom and Neal, then said in her most formal voice,
"Lord Durin, may I present Sir Nealan of Queenscove, and Sergeant Domitan of Masbolle. Dom, Neal, this is Lord Durin of Malson, Tarque and Halasin." She bowed, and the Neal followed suit, after Dom. Lord Durin bowed to the men, and kissed Kel's hand.
"And you are the lovely Lady Keladry." Dom watched the taller man's features very closely when he stood up. If he wanted to marry Kel, I bet he has the power to arrange the marriage. He thought. I can't let that happen. But if she loves him, I won't stop her. I want Kel to be happy, even if I spend the rest of my life lonely, at some border post near Tusaine, hoping to catch a glimpse of her. I definitely can't tell her how I feel now. What if she loves this Durin dolt? But what if I die? Then she'll never know. I'll try to tell her. If I can't work up the nerve, then I'll tell Neal. Dom almost shook his head to rid himself of those depressing thoughts, but he stopped himself and said,
"A pleasure I'm sure, Lord Durin. Please, this will be a very long trip if everyone uses titles, so I'm sure I speak for the three of us when I say that our titles aren't necessary." Dom looked questioningly at Kel and Neal, who both nodded. Lord Durin laughed, and Kel was surprised at how musical it sounded.
"I agree entirely." He said. "Lord Durin is much too long. Please call me Durin." They all nodded, and Kel asked if everyone was almost ready to mount. Durin left, walking towards his horse, and Kel went to mount up, but Neal grabbed her arm.
"Why didn't you tell us what he looked like!" he hissed, looking to Dom for support. He grinned half-heartedly, and Kel almost asked him what was wrong, but decided that now wouldn't be the right time. She went to leave, but Neal still held her arm. "He looks like a god! No wonder all the men hate him!" she smiled and shook him off, mounting Hoshi and pulling up beside Durin. They waited for Neal, and rode out of the palace. Dom ahead, Kel and Durin riding together, then Neal at the end.