Disclaimer: I own nothing.
Kel took in the delightful smell as she and the others entered the small, neat inn. It reminded her of all the sweet treats the cook used to make at Mindelan but better. She took her seat near the end of the dark stained wood table as the others followed suit.
Dom plopped himself across from while Tobe sat on her left, Neal on her right.
Gratitude rushed through Kel as she looked at all of her wonderful friends. "How did I get so lucky?" she thought. Neal with his sarcastic but caring attitude, she knew he would always be there for her no matter the circumstances. Yuki was always there to discuss anything feminine when she had had it when all the testosterone. Owen always made her smile. Tobe's devotion filled her with a sense of protectiveness of him that she needed. Dom, well Dom's everything. Oh gods. What am I thinking? Dom was a perfect combination of them all. He made her happy, he respected her, he was always there for anything she needed, and she knew she could tell him everything. Except the part about you liking him since you met.
Shaking her head as if to clear her thoughts she turned her attention to the conversation that was taking place during her mental absence.
"I'm definitely eyeing that delicious apple pie." Dom said with a slightly dazed look as he stared at the desert.
"I'm thinking more along the lines of spice cake." Kel said with a laugh at Dom's obvious love for apple pie.
"Ah, if only you could taste Queenscoves's cook's spice cake. It's like heaven, only edible. Actually, it's quite fascinating how she makes it…" Kel groaned inwardly as Neal launched into a detailed explanation of how the cook makes the spice cake. Halfway through, a bit of apple landed in his hair, but this did not seem to faze him.
While Neal was rambling, Kel's thoughts and gaze once again strayed to the man across from her. He was extremely focused on his food now that his attempt to shut up his cousin did not go as planned. It was cute. Kel could imagine him as boy begging the Masbolle cook for more pie. She's laughed to herself when a thought of his face covered in apple filling came into her mind.
Hearing Kel's laugh, Neal turned to her. "Protector, do you find it amusing that my cook received the recipe while her mother was on her deathbed?"
This only made her laugh harder due to the fact that Neal actually thought she was listening. "I'm sorry," she said after composing herself, "It's just funny that you think we are all paying attention."
With that, everyone let out a chuckle especially after Tobe voiced his speculation on how much air Neal's lungs could hold.
After that, the subject turned to the growing population of Spidrens which was far more interesting if not depressing. After paying, Kel and the others made their way to the main road to look at the stores.
"Bring it on, Protector." Raoul taunted later in the day while sword fighting on the practice courts.
Kel did not respond, as was her habit, but instead attacked in a flurry of precise thrusts.
"Come on, Kel! Beat the old man!" a voice said from the side of the courts. Kel again ignored all that was around her except for Raoul's sword. Although they were using practice equipment, a painful error could still take place due to carelessness.
Kel had spent her day just enjoying the excitement of Midwinter, but she had decided to keep up her skills despite that she was supposed to be on break. Now, she slightly regretted it. Raoul blows were hard.
Every time she fought her giant ex-knightmaster, she came closer to beating him, but had yet to do so. If she could just get his sword out of his hand, her Midwinter would be complete.
Yet these dreams were interrupted by Raoul knocking her sword out of her hand rather than the other way around.
"You are definitely gaining on me, Kel." Raoul said with a smile as they shook hands afterwards. "Won't be long until you beat me."
Kel accepted defeat with a smile, not out of joy for losing but out of hope for one day beating him.
Just then the man who had been cheering her on sauntered up, blue eyes with a mischievous glint in them. "You almost had him, Protector," Dom said handing them both a canteen of water, "It's been so long since I've seen his sword go flying. I look forward to the day when his age catches up with him."
Still attempting to catch their breathe, they both mumbled a thanks for the water. Kel knew that she would feel the strain her muscles took in the morning far worse if she didn't soak them in hot water soon.
Slightly embarrassed due to Dom's confidence in her she said with a sigh," Well, I don't know. It will most likely be a while before I beat him. But it will happen." Kel said to both of them with a smile but if you look close enough (and Dom did) her eyes flashed with determination.
With that, Kel began the trek to the women's baths.
"Oh Drat." Kel thought as she remembered the ball she was supposed to attend that evening. With the sled race, shopping, and weapons practice, it had slipped her mind. She opened her eyes and got out of the steamy water. She was just thankful she had taken care of buying a dress already.
She quickly dressed in a warm shirt, breeches, and tunic to make her way to her rooms.
Kel was looking forward to wearing the beautiful deep red dress. It was pretty, but distinctly different from the court ladies extravagant gowns that were likely to be displayed this evening. She had refused a corset and a low neckline, but Lalasa was prepared for this. Instead, she had a unique design. It was made out of silk with no embellishments. It crossed in the front and seamlessly gave way to a full skirt. Rather than have people marvel over her dress, it highlighted the woman in it.
Kel pinned half of her almost shoulder-length, light brown hair with a ruby clip that was a present from her mother last Midwinter. Because she had taken so long in the bath, it was about time to leave. So with a final glance in the mirror and a good-bye to Jump and the sparrows, she made her way to the ballroom with excitement and some nervousness pulsing through her.
A/N Good, bad, okay? It's longer today. Review if you wish to.