You guys are so lucky you're getting this tonight. My new semester just started today and I completely forgot about this until about eight. Anyway, hope you guys like it. And did you like my nice, evil cliff-hanger at the end of the last chapter? Mean ain't I? Yeah, that was fun.
Disclaimer: Yes, I am an evil bum. No, I won't do anything about it. Deal.
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"Just sit down will you? And stop pacing. You're giving me a headache," said a stressed male voice. The darkness began to clear and a bright white light filled Kel's vision. As her eyes opened slowly, she had to blink a few times before she realized a bright lamp was above her head. Slowly, as the feeling came back to her body, she let out a soft groan of pain. Suddenly a dark-haired head filled her vision. Dom's face slowly came into focus as she looked up at him.
"Hey," he said softly as he pushed a few strands of hair away from her eyes. Her memory came back to her in a flood and she grabbed his hand in a vise-like grip as she sat up. "Dom, what happened? Is everyone ok?" she asked hurriedly. Her free had moved to her stomach. "Dom… is the baby…" She trailed off as she looked into his eyes.
The look in his eyes told her the answer he couldn't voice. He kissed the top of her head has she buried her face in his tunic. "I'm sorry," she whispered into his shirt. Tears coursed down her cheeks, leaving trails in their wake, as Dom forced her to look at him.
"It wasn't your fault. Don't think for a minute that it was." As she opened her mouth to protest, he covered it with a finger. "What would you have done? If you hadn't fought back, they would have killed you. Now hush."
They both looked to the door as Neal came in. It was strange to see such a grim expression on a face that usually showed such happiness. Coming over to Kel, he forced her to lie back. "You need your rest, Mother. And I suppose he can stay with you," he said, seeing the look Dom and Kel shared. "It's getting late. Both of you should go to sleep." He pulled a spare cot over before leaning down and gently kissing Kel on the forehead. "I'm sorry Kel." With that he blew out the lamps and left the infirmary as Dom climbed into the cot beside Kel.
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The following day was tough for Kel. Once Neal released her from the infirmary, she had to report to Lord Wyldon. Brushing off Dom's offer to come with her, she entered Wyldon's office alone. Taking a seat before her former training master, she sat awkwardly until Wyldon finally broke the silence. "Keladry, please take as much time off as you need to. Lord Raoul has also asked me to tell you that Captain Domitan will also be receiving leave."
Kel nodded her thanks, her gaze still riveted on the floor. Despite the fact that the baby hadn't been planned, she'd still been happy about it. Despite his sympathies, none of them really understood. Suddenly, Wyldon was standing in front of her, a hand on her shoulder. "I'm so sorry, Keladry," he said softly.
"Thank you, my lord," she said stiffly as she got up. With a quick bow, she let herself out. Dom enveloped her in a hug as soon as she walked out. He had already had a similar meeting with Raoul earlier in the day. Slowly walking back to their rooms, they each began to pack. Neither knew where they wanted to go, they simply knew they needed to get away for a short while.
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The following morning saw Dom and Kel mounted up and heading out of Fort Steadfast. Tobe stood by his lady, handing her the lead rein that Peachblossom was connected to. Hoshi waited patiently while her mistress made last minute checks to the packs. Dom's mare, Firefly, pranced beside Hoshi as her master mounted. Once they were in the saddle, Neal went up to Kel, keeping a careful eye on Peachblossom, who was eyeing his favorite target with anticipation.
"You be careful. If you get killed by some stupid lout, I'll never speak to you again," he said, jumping out of the way with a loud yelp as Peachblossom sunk his teeth into Neal's arm. "Now go. And get your vicious monster away from me."
With a smile, Kel urged Hoshi forward. Dom gave Neal a mocking salute as he and Kel left through the main gate of Steadfast. Unnoticed by Neal, Peachblossom snuck in another quick nip before following his mistress.
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Look! Everyone's favorite part! Well, favorite part other than the actual story. But come on, can you just pretend it's your favorite part?
AnkokuSama: Um… please don't destroy the world.
rootless californian: I'm a heartless little bastard aren't I? lol
winglessfairy25: Think about it this way, if it's pitch black, you can see the lights of a city from a LONG way off. Same kinda thing.
Cheeseycraziness: Was that a good wow or a bad wow?
And thanks to everyone else that reviewed. I would respond to all of you, but I'm kinda a lazy pig.