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Last Time:

"What am I going to do with you?" Dom grinned and Kel saw something strange in his eyes but before he could do anything or reply she hastily added, "Why don't we go back now? I've got as many gifts as I can. I'll try getting the rest another time."

Return to New Hope

They were ready to leave. Or most of them were. Dom craned his head around to see who was holding them up. Sure enough it was his meat headed cousin.

"What's the matter Neal? Left your brain in your room?"

Neal turned with a dignified air to face him. "No. I'm just being thorough. I don't want to leave anything behind and have to ride back."

"Sure." Dom turned away from Neal to look at everyone else. Tobe was riding Peachblossom. Yuki was coming with them as well as the Third Company. Without Raoul there Dom had had to go to Wyldon to get permission to stay at New Hope. It had been granted of course and Dom couldn't help but feel that Lord Wyldon cared about Kel and wanted her to be as safe as possible without coddling her.

That thought prompted him to look for Kel. There she was at the front of the column. She looked nervous and eager to be on her way. Dom could tell she was worrying about the refugees again, over the past day she had grown quieter and tenser; she wanted to be back at New Hope already.

Dom nudged his horse forward, thankful that she was riding Hoshi not Peachblossom so he could get close.

"They'll be fine Kel." She jolted a little at the sudden sound of his voice then reached out to reassure Hoshi who was spooked by her movement.

"I know, but I can't help worrying. I can't help but think of Haven, and Dom what if it's happened again, what if I go back and all I see is a ruin? What if-"

"Oh Kel," Sighed Dom, reaching over to give her a one armed hug, "I know you care about them but you'll worry yourself to death if you go on like this. They can take care of themselves Mother." That brought the smile he had been wanting to her face.

"Don't call me that."

"Alright Protector."

"Or that."

"Okay Keladry."

She shoved him away with mock anger. "Or that!"

"What do you want then Kel my dear?"

She made some unintelligible sounds then started muttering to herself. Dom caught some of the words: "Men…stupid…know it alls…think they can…" At least, he thought, she'd forgotten New Hope.

Just then Neal made the sign that he was ready. They could finally leave. Dom stayed where he was; at the front next to Kel. He wanted to try and keep her mind off New Hope.

After a few hours of riding they stopped for the midday meal and to give the horses a rest. Dom sat next to Kel who had her back against a tree. One of the youngest members of the Own handed round some bread and cheese. Dom talked to Kel about all the subjects under the sun, from slavery to the feudal system, from court life to her childhood, from obscure Yamani customs to tricks he had played on Neal as a child.

He was interrupted however when the scouts came racing back from further up the path. Kel immediately looked worried and asked for their report. They said that New Hope had been sighted and that all looked well from a distance. Dom saw Kel's shoulders sag in relief and she ordered the scouts to ride ahead and inform Merric that they would arrive soon.

After that she turned to Dom. "I'm so glad its okay."

"I know, I am too Kel." Her eyes were teary but she turned away from him before he could say anything. He saw her give the signal to ride on.

There was no more speaking. Kel seemed to Dom to be enjoying the silence and he didn't want to interrupt her thoughts.

Soon he could see New Hope. The wooden pike walls stood out against the green fields around and people could be seen waving from the walls and on the farms. It seemed everything was going well at the camp. The sound of trumpets rang out to greet them and Dom saw Kel spur Hoshi into a gallop. He urged March on too and the rest of the party followed suit.

In what seemed like no time they were through the gates. Kel was already out of the saddle and surrounded by a mass of children. Tobe had taken Hoshi to the stables, followed closely by Loey. Dom noticed this with a smile; you were never too young for love. Speaking of which he looked at Kel. Wait! Did he just think love and then Kel? No of course not. Kel was his friend, a very close and dear friend but a friend no less, or was it no more?

Dom shook his head. Thoughts like that got him no where and he had to settle March into the stables, unpack his bags and make sure his men were comfortable all before dinner. The thought of unpacking made him blush slightly; it reminded him of when Kel had first arrived in Steadfast. But he couldn't let himself get sidetracked thinking of Kel now if he wanted to eat dinner. He slid off March and led him to the stables.

When he got back he asked Kel where the Own were to stay then led the men off to get settled. Glancing back he saw Kel walking towards headquarters with Merric and Fanche, the two who had shared the responsibility of looking after the camp while Kel was away. Dom sighed. The last thing Kel needed right now was a full report, but he knew she had to do it.

He didn't see her again until dinner. She was seated at the head table and looked tired and ready to fall asleep. There was a spare seat next to her which he took. It was a while before she noticed him but when she did she gave him a small smile.

"Hi Dom."

"Hi Kel. You need to go to bed. You look worn out."

"I am. I've just got to address the villagers and then I'm leaving." Her words were punctuated by yawns and Dom could tell that the worry and stress that had been building up while she was away was starting to catch up to her.

"Well make it short. You don't want them to see you collapse right in front of them do you? Be quick and once you're done I'll help you to your rooms."

She began to protest but as she stood to make the speech Dom's hand on her arm was the only thing that stopped her from tipping over. She smiled down at him. Her smile and the warmth that radiated from the hand that was touching her made Dom feel strange, energized and limp all at once and he nearly lost his balance too. But then she started speaking and he trained his face into a semblance of calm.

By the end of the speech she was swaying. She had told the people about Neal's wedding and the new barracks along with all the visitors that were expected to arrive. She also congratulated them on the success of the camp and told them how proud she was of them all. This prompted a rowdy cheer and clapping that shook the tables and made the plates clatter. After they had calmed down Kel made a couple more announcements before stepping down and turning to Dom.

He looked up at her and still couldn't believe the way she spoke. She captured everyone's attention, making them all feel as though she were speaking to them alone, and everything she said stirred their hearts into doing the best they possibly could. Dom realized he had been staring when she waved her hand up and down in front of his face.

"What do I have food on me?"

"Nope, I'm just in awe of how amazing you are." Dom flushed a little, not having meant to say something so personal. But she laughed it off not seeming to notice and told him that she was ready to leave. He immediately stood up offering her his arm. She took it without hesitation and leaned on it thankfully.

Dom took a quick look around as they left to see if anyone had noticed their commander leaving with him. He saw Neal looking at him calculatingly. Dom blushed and Neal smiled as if he knew a secret. No one else seemed to notice though, of which Dom was glad. Even if he was just innocently helping Kel to her rooms because she was tired he wouldn't appreciate rumours spreading and neither he thought would Kel.

They walked in silence. Kel was too tired to talk and for once Dom couldn't think of anything to say. In spite of that Dom thought the walk to Kel's rooms ended too quickly. He watched her struggle for a few minutes with her key before gently taking it out of her hands and opening the door himself. Kel thanked him and entered the room.

"Are you sure you don't need any help Kel?"

"With what?" Kel asked perplexed. Dom thought of what he had just asked and let out a weak laugh, glad that it was too dark for Kel to see him blushing. Of course she didn't need his help! She just had to get changed into her nightclothes and get into bed. And he didn't think she'd want him to help her with either of those things. It seemed to Dom that Kel had thought of this as well as she let out a chuckle too.

"Goodnight Dom."

"G'Night Kel."

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kate xoxo