Last time:

"Well," Kel announced loudly to the table as she stood up, "I'm done so I'd better get those reports and see Wyldon. I'll leave you children to your dinner" She returned her tray and walked back past the table to the door. The men were still laughing but now it was directed back at Dom. Kel decided she would find out another time just what Dom had done to become the butt of every joke.

Talking With the Meathead

Dom saw no more of Kel that night, he assumed Wyldon had kept her talking for a long time and she had gone straight from the meeting to bed. He didn't see her the next morning at breakfast either but that could have been because it was so busy. Along with Kel's group many other people had been arriving in Steadfast in the past few days. There were two new Rider groups, another company of the Own, representatives from other small towns and camps that had sprung up during the war and three battalions of soldiers that were waiting for placement on the frontlines. And they had all, it seemed, decided to have breakfast at the same time. Dom could barely see past his own nose let alone discern a face halfway across the room.

As he ate Dom thought of what he needed to do that day. He of course wanted to see Kel, and there was some work he had to do for the Own. The amount of work though was not as much as Wolset had tried to make out. There were just a few errands that needed doing and he needed to take stock of all weapons and supplies and order repairs or replacements. He thought maybe he would go to the small set of shops that had sprung up within the fort's walls. But that he decided all that could wait, he hadn't seen that crazy cousin of his for a long time and he was itching to torment the Meathead.

Neal sighed as he opened the door to his cousin. "Oh great its you." He drawled.

"That's all I get? I haven't seen my dearest cousin for months and all I get is a sarcastic greeting? My my Nealan, that's not very nice. Come on, just let me in."

"Fine, but I know what you're like. You come in and eat all my food, drink all I have, 'borrow' money, tease me and then leave!"

"That's what our relationship is all about."

"Great." He stepped away from the door to let Dom through. He turned after closing it to find that Dom had settled himself in the nicest chair, taken a biscuit and poured himself a drink already and was eyeing Neal's money belt.

"Don't even think about it." Dom jumped at Neal's voice.

"I wasn't!"

"Yeah right. So what did you come here to do exactly?"

"Come on Neal, I haven't seen you for ages, tell me what you've been doing."

"Issuing orders now are we? I think you only came here because you were bored and couldn't find someone else to annoy. Am I right?"

"Close to, I think it was something similar that drove me to the desperate act of talking to you of my own free will."

"Well Yuki's at a dress fitting with Kel I think, so I also have nothing to do. So yes I will tell you all I've done if you tell me what mischief the Own's been up to lately."

"Who have you been talking to?" Dom pretended to be shocked and hurt, "The Own never gets into any 'mischief'. We are honourable men serving the King!"

Neal just snorted.

So Dom spent the morning with Neal telling and hearing slightly, only slightly, exaggerated stories of bravery and pranks they had both played. Dom also got to hear a lot about Kel. Neal was stationed with her, and most of his news concerned her in some way. Although Dom had heard most of what had happened to Kel already he learnt new things, details that Kel would never have said. Things like the way all the children looked up to her, the way she had won respect from all the villagers, the way she faced threats to New Hope with courage, and more. Kel wasn't the sort of person to boast but Neal did enough of that on her behalf. Then when Neal had updated him on everything he said something very strange, or it was strange for him to say it to Dom.

"I'll tell you something Dom. Something no one else knows!"

"What Meathead? You are scared of the dark? You really don't have a brain? You like to dress up as a lady when you are alone? Any of those?"

"Dom, now you're just being stupid."

"Oh really, I thought that's what you were for."

"You know, I don't think I'll tell you anymore."

"Come on Meathead. You won't be able to keep it a secret, I know you. It'll eat away at you and –"

"Fine I'll tell you! Yuki and I are getting married!"

Dom waited for a second. "I don't think you understood yourself Meathead. You said something no one else knows. Everyone knows you two are getting married. Though I don't know why Yuki would want to spend the rest of her life with you!"

"No the surprise is that we've decided to have the wedding at New Hope! In a few weeks!"

"What? Wow I guess that's good news. Does Kel know?"

"I told you, no one else knows. Now you're the Meathead. I think Yuki is going to tell her as they get the dresses. Do you think she'll like the idea?"

"Probably. It means that she won't have to leave New Hope for the wedding. And it will raise the spirits of the villagers too. I can't wait to see the looks on their faces when they see that their favourite Meathead is getting married!"

"What's this?" Dom turned to see Kel standing in the doorway. Her arms were piled with dress boxes and Yuki could be seen behind her smiling.

Dom spoke up "Didn't Yuki tell you? She's decided to sign her life away to Sir Meathead here and hold the unfortunate ceremony at New Hope. With your permission of course."

"Yuki! That's great, I'm glad you two have finally set a date. I was worried you'd never get married."

Yuki smiled. "Are you sure that you're okay with the wedding being at New Hope?"

"Yes, if you are sure you want it there. We aren't exactly the best equipped for a wedding. You'd have to do a lot of work to get it ready."

"I don't mind Kel. It means you and Neal won't have to come to Corus and I can make it exactly how I want it! And another thing; I want you to be a bridesmaid. My sisters are coming over to Tortall too so you will be with them."

"And Dom," Neal was speaking now, "I want you to be one of my groomsmen. Merric will be my best man and some more of Yuki's brothers are coming to be my other groomsmen."

"Yes and I've asked Neal's sister Alyssia to be flower girl, your whole family is coming aren't they Neal?"

"Yes, you'll finally be able to meet them all."

"Did you say all?" Asked Dom. "Even all the aunts, the grandmothers, sisters? Neal How could you? Now all I'll here will be 'Dom why aren't you married?' 'You need to stop this Own business and settle down.' 'Nealan's getting married to that sweey Yamani girl, why don't you do that too?''I hear that Beatrice of Florry Pike is a pretty young thing, lots of money too. Her father was speaking to me the other day; she does sound like a dear woman…' I don't think I could stand much of that!"

Everyone was in hysterics. Dom was able to capture the tone and mannerisms of all his aunts and other female family members perfectly. Kel had dumped her purchases on the floor, collapsing into a chair because she was shaking so hard. Yuki had her fan out but even that couldn't disguise how much she was laughing. Neal didn't even try to hide his mirth; he was rocking back and forth and slapping his knees.

"That was amazing Dom. I almost believed that they were all sitting right here in the room! You're nearly as good as me."

Dom's face was serious as he spoke, "I try." Kel looked at him in surprise. Something was going on, since when had Dom let a remark like that go? Dom saw her look, translating it. To reassure her he gave her a small smile and a wink and a look that said not to worry, he'd pay the Meathead back later. As he watched he saw her face turn a slight pink colour. She looked uncomfortable and he couldn't figure out why. And then she spoke.

"I need to get these," pointing to the dresses, "back to my room. I'll see you all later at the midday meal."

"I'll come with you, to make sure you put them away carefully without any creases." Said Yuki standing.

Once the women were gone Neal sighed and turned to Dom. "I love Yuki so much. You never know that you are missing a part of you until you find it. Yuki is that part of me. She's just so amazing-"

"Gods Neal, I think I'll leave instead of being bored to death by you talking about Yuki non-stop." Neal barely seemed to notice. He nodded slightly and began staring dreamily into space.

Dom smiled, shaking his head, and left. Now he had to find something else to do. Kel was with Yuki, and Neal was off limits in this mood. If only Raoul was here, then he could force his company on him, or maybe play a few tricks. Speaking of tricks maybe he could round up some of the Own and begin planning some surprises for Raoul for when he arrived at the fort.

review please!

kate xoxo