A/N: Okay, I would've had this chapter up a lot sooner if my computer hadn't died. Yes, it died. And everything was lost :( so I had to rewrite what I had already written of this chapter. So sorry for the wait again, but here it is despite it all!

Chapter Thirty-Four: Thoughts on the Future

"'Sergeant Domitan, tell me these children aren't the result of your squad's Scanran frolics,' Kel heard Raoul say cheerfully. 'Though I do admit, some of them look a little old to be yours.'

'Well, sir, my men helped,' Dom said, the picture of boyish mischief.

Kel almost smiled. At least Dom would get away from this with a whole skin, it seemed. She'd wondered if his tale of Lord Raoul's sending his squad to help had been just that, a tale. It was a relief to know it was the truth and Dom had been acting under proper orders…"

-Tamora Pierce, Lady Knight

With the combination of Neal's healing and the fight, Kel had a difficult time staying upright in her saddle. They had been riding nonstop since leaving Blayce's castle, stopping only briefly to water their horses and relieve themselves. They even ate in the saddle that day, trying to put as much distance between them and the castle as possible. Kel wasn't the only one that was exhausted. Everyone felt the same, so what would it look like if the person they were counting on to lead them nodded off in the saddle?

Kel sighed gratefully when they finally reached a place to stop for the night. Usually night was the perfect time to travel, but all of them needed a well-deserved rest to maintain their strength.

Pulling up on her reigns, Kel instructed some men to search the area and report their findings back to her. After receiving their reports, Kel announced that they would be making temporary camp for the night, and gave a few, brief instructions. No use to waste my breath telling them to do what they already know how, she thought. She patted Peachblossom as she watched everyone begin their tasks.

"Need help?"

Turning at the sound of the voice, Kel looked down. Dom was standing beside her horse, his hand resting on the back of her saddle. His own horse stood close by, gnawing on some grass.

Still trying to maintain her image as strong and confident, Kel declined his offer. "No, no, I've gotten down out of a saddle plenty of times before without your help, and I can do it again."

As if her words had carried a curse, the moment Kel's feet landed on the ground, she suddenly stumbled, thrown off balance. In the next instant, Dom's strong arms were secured around her, steadying her.

Kel almost cursed him for how good he looked while she felt like something had chewed her up and spit her back out. Luckily, however, he had caught her, because if he hadn't, she would most likely be on the ground, drawing unwanted attention. But her pride was definitely wounded.

Then suddenly Dom leaned down and whispered in her ear, "You know, Peachblossom creates a very good shield…"

She looked and saw what he meant. Her horse's body was between them and the prying eyes of the rest of the camp. No one could see them.

Realizing the possibilities suddenly presented, Kel then remembered Dom's promise to show her just how happy he was that she had survived.

Her body started thrumming as he began to turn her slowly in his arms…

In the back of her mind, Kel faintly registered the sound of a horse snorting and the unmistakable snap of teeth.

"Mithros, Kel, someone has to teach your horse some manners."

Kel looked to see Neal passing by Peachblossom, leaving a wide berth between him and the animal's teeth. Neal eyed him warily.

"Why? He helps keep away unwanted visitors," remarked Kel half-jokingly. The truth was she was a little bit annoyed that he had chosen that moment to interrupt. And seeing the small bottle he carried in his hand, Kel knew he was the last person she wanted to see at the moment. He would no doubt be shoving that vile-tasting medicine down her throat soon.

"I'm just fulfilling my duties as a healer," he defended, seeing where her gaze lingered. "And as a part of those duties, I need to make sure that everyone gets their adequate dose of medicine. Including you. We can't have our dear Protector of the Small losing her strength. Isn't that right, Dom?"

Though his arms had loosened from around Kel, Dom was still standing close behind her. He was cursing Neal for his rotten timing. He and Kel had just been about to kiss, and Meathead had ruined the moment. Typical.

Watching, Neal tried to hold back his amusement when he saw the glare Kel gave his cousin when he agreed that she take her medicine.

Neal grinned and shrugged, "Majority rules."

Kel sighed, took the small bottle, and drank the liquid inside. Her face contorted at the horrible taste.

"Now before it gets dark, let's change that bandage and get you cleaned up," said Neal. "The men told me there's a pond nearby…" He continued talking as he led Kel away.

Though happy at the prospect of getting a quick bath, Kel couldn't help but look back at Dom with longing in her eyes.

Meanwhile, Dom was figuring out how to 'accidentally' throw his cousin into said pond…

After returning from her quick bath and eating a fast supper, Kel laid down in her bedroll and fell asleep as soon as her head hit the ground. It had been an exhausting day. Everyone else did the same, falling asleep instantly on their pallets. Those on the first watch of guard duty were each offered a mug filled with a warm liquid that Neal said would help keep them awake. They couldn't afford to have anyone falling asleep on duty, especially in enemy territory.

Dom, along with Owen and some other soldiers who weren't additionally drowsy from a healing, had volunteered for first watch duty. Dom was sitting back against a tree, watching the road from where he sat. The light from the moon was bright enough so that he could see the road was completely deserted. That did not deter him from keeping an eye out though for any movement.

As he watched, he listened as well. Glancing back at the camp, he saw all the bodies laid out on bedrolls. It was completely quiet, for they were all too tired to even snore. As his gaze roamed over the camp, it came to a stop at the sight of one form in particular. From the stillness of her body, Dom could tell that Kel was asleep. He was still gazing at her when suddenly two bright eyes popped up from beside her, looking back at him. Dom watched as the gray-and-orange cat got up from where it was nestled next to Kel and padded its way over to where he sat.

Settling in beside him, Dom ran his hand over her fur, the cat snuggling closer to his touch. "Thank you," he whispered. The cat purred in reply. He continued to stroke her fur as his thoughts wandered.

Dom must have lost track of time, because the next thing he knew, the soldier sent to relieve him from guard duty was standing beside him. Standing up, Dom patted the man on the shoulder and took his leave. The cat remained behind, keeping her own watch of the road and their surroundings.

Those that were sleeping were spread out over the ground, making it easy for Dom to reach his saddle bags and take out his bedroll. There was still no snoring, which Dom considered a blessing. The less noise, the better.

Looking around for a place to sleep, Dom saw the others from his watch already settling down. Owen looked like he was already asleep. Dom smiled. Then his gaze drifted to where Kel lay. There was plenty of room beside her. So, taking advantage of the fact that no one was awake to notice, Dom spread out his bedroll next to Kel's, leaving little more than a finger length between them.

She didn't stir as Dom settled his length down on his pallet. Lying on his back, Dom looked up through the trees to the night sky above. Then he looked at the young woman beside him as she shifted onto her side, her hand falling to rest just inches from his own. Slowly his fingers reached out to touch hers.

Taking his eyes off their hands, Dom looked up to find two hazel eyes open and watching him. His breath caught when their gazes locked. A myriad of emotions shone in their eyes. Not a word was spoken between them, but their feelings were reflected in their gazes- Sorrow for the lives lost, and happiness for being alive. Respect for their people that had fallen, and a slight feeling of guilt for surviving…

Then another emotion played across their faces as Dom's hand tightened around hers. They were alive. They had each other.

They had… love.

His eyes never leaving hers, Dom reached up and tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. His hand lingered there as he turned on his side. Then, very slowly, he leaned in toward her. His fingers slid into her hair, his hand cradling the back of her neck, as he pressed his lips lightly to hers.

Dom had intended the kiss to be slow and elongated, but his intentions were soon forgotten as her warm lips responded to his touch. A new sense of urgency overcame him as he shifted and pressed her back against the ground, his lips never leaving hers as he deepened the kiss.

Kel matched the heat of his lips with equal intensity, meeting his demands with her own. Her arm that wasn't hurt slipped around his neck, her hand finding the back of his head and pressing him closer. The heat of their kiss continued to mount as Kel felt his hand not holding the back of her head slide down to rest on her hip. Kel's head began to spin, her breath coming too short, too quickly. She unwillingly wrenched her mouth away from his to fill her aching lungs with air.

Dom, his eyes dark in the moonlight, pulled back and looked down at her with concern as she tried to steady her breath. His own breathing was coming hard, but not like hers. Using his arms to support him, he gave her more room to breathe.

Finally Kel was able to say with displeasure, "Damn body. This is what I get for getting hurt." She sounded none too pleased, causing Dom to laugh delightedly.

"Don't worry. We can continue this later…when you're feeling better. I don't wish to feel Neal's wrath upon me when he finds out you didn't get your proper rest. Besides," he continued, leaning down to place a kiss on her jaw, "it'll give me something to look forward to during our long days in the saddle."

This time he touched his lips to her ear. Hearing her breath hitch, he pulled back and grinned at her wickedly. She narrowed her eyes at him, trying to mask her enjoyment. He continued to grin.

"According to healer's orders," he said, settling down beside her, "I think you better be resting, lady knight." He pulled her to his side, keeping his one arm fitted tightly around her.

"You're not making that too easy," she informed him as he kissed the top of her head.

"Oh no?" he asked, a teasing lilt to his voice. He trailed his finger down her jawbone, following in its path with a few discreet kisses.

"You're impossible," she told him, causing him to chuckle. "But I love you," she added, her voice suddenly heavy with sleep.

Dom tightened his hold around her, his face becoming serious. "And I love you." He bent down and kissed her lips suitably. Keeping himself from lingering, he pulled back and told her to get some rest. He kissed each eyelid as they closed. Then he gathered her closer and wished her a good night. She murmured something in return, already drifting off to sleep. Dom was soon to follow.

Kel kept getting stronger as the next few days passed by, largely uneventful for which they were all happy. Dom always slept close by, but never like that first night. Everyone was more alert now that they were better rested, and they could no longer rely on the fact that everyone was too tired not to notice her and Dom curled up together at night. However, somehow, her hand always ended up clasped in his during the night, their entwined hands hidden beneath one of their blankets. Though their held hands were out of sight, the fact that they wound up sleeping next to each other every night did not escape the notice of their closest friends.

Neal in particular.

On the third day of riding, Dom had been inquiring about Kel's health when Wolset had piped up from beside him, teasing, "Why are y' asking him for? I'm sure yer providin' yer own amount of healin'."

Neal watched closely as his cousin gave his corporal a narrowed glare. Apparently I'm not the only one who's noticed something going on there, he thought with interest.

Over the next day or so, with the healings growing fewer and less frequent, Neal took the time to watch Dom and Kel more closely. He had to admit that they did a good job at masking their relationship as only that of friendship. But watching them closely, Neal suspected differently. Dom was careful not to constantly be at her side, moving among the people while on horseback, but he would often end up in the front, riding beside Kel. Neal watched when they rode alone, noting the way his cousin would lean his head slightly toward her when he said something, his face threatening to break out into a grin whenever she gave him a small smile or laughed.

Mithros, Neal finally concluded, my cousin's a goner.

On the fourth night, he, Kel, and Dom were sitting alone, talking over a campfire small enough to escape detection, when Neal handed her the infamous bottle of medicine.

Kel groaned. "Aren't I done taking medicine yet?"

Neal rolled his eyes and motioned to the bottle in her hand. "Drink it. This'll be your last one."

She did as he said and then handed the flask back to him. Standing up, Kel stretched. "I swear this stuff puts me to sleep," she told them as she covered a yawn. Those not on watch duty were already asleep, the three of them being the last ones up. Neal urged her to go to bed, practically shooing her away from the campfire. Kel obeyed, wishing them both a good night.

About to remark about something to Dom, Neal stopped when he noticed the direction of his gaze. Dom's eyes followed Kel to where she was laying out her bedroll. The favorable look in his eyes was so obvious that Neal almost laughed out loud.

After that Neal tried to engage his cousin in conversation, but to no avail. It was obvious his mind was elsewhere- most likely on the lady knight sleeping ten feet away. Shaking his head, Neal got up and doused the campfire.

"Going to bed?" Dom asked as Neal reached into his travel bag.

"That's what one typically does at this time of night," Neal remarked in typical Neal-like fashion. Dom chuckled and went to retrieve his own bedroll.

When he proceeded to lay it down close to his cousin, Neal raised an eyebrow. "What are you doing?"

"Going to sleep, what does it look like I'm doing?" Dom asked, sitting down on the pallet and pulling out a blanket.

"No, I mean why are you doing that here?"

Dom looked at his cousin curiously. "What do you mean?"

Neal's response was to sigh heavily. "Dom, everyone from here to the Roof of the World knows. Just go over there. Mithros knows you want to."

His cousin continued to look at him blankly. Finally, he asked, "Meathead, what are you talking about?"

Rolling his eyes, Neal asked, "Do I have to spell it out? It never occurred to me that intelligence had failed to be passed on to the Masbolle line." He shook his head dejectedly. Sighing again, he explained, "Take your bedroll and go sleep next to Kel."

Dom's head swiveled around to look at him.

Settling down into his own bedroll, Neal closed his eyes and told him nonchalantly, "Go on. It'll save you the trouble of sneaking over there later."

For a moment there was silence, and then he heard Dom chuckle and start to gather his things. Then Dom told him, "You know what Neal? I think sometimes I underestimate you."

"Sometimes?" he scoffed. "It's difficult to fool such a keen observer as myself."

His words were betrayed by the smug smile on his lips, of which Dom took notice. "Keen observer, eh?" Dom asked, a mischievous grin appearing on his lips. "Then I guess you wouldn't be surprised to know that Kel and I have been sweethearts since I was at Haven."

Neal's eyelids flew open and he sat up, stunned. He stared after his cousin, who was already walking over to where Kel slept. Haven? How had he not noticed that?!

Aware of his speechless cousin behind him, Dom couldn't help but grin. He would be the first to admit that he found amusement in staying one up on his cousin. And this had been the perfect opportunity. He also contemplated adding that his squad had found out before him, but refrained. Maybe tomorrow…

The next morning they started out early in order to reach the Vassa River by mid-afternoon. During the morning ride, Neal and Dom were riding alongside each other. Neal didn't exactly know what they talked about- he was still itching to ask more about him and Kel. Finally, during a lull in the conversation, Neal's pride evaded him and he asked simply, "Haven?"

Dom chuckled. "I wondered when you were finally going to ask. And yes, Haven."

"So it was right before you left, right? Then I would understand why I didn't-" Seeing the grin on Dom's face, Neal stopped. "It was before?" he questioned in disbelief.

Nodding, Dom told him, "It was pretty soon after you arrived." Hearing Neal's groan, Dom laughed and told him, "Don't beat yourself up over it, Neal. We weren't trying to be noticeable."

"But how had I missed it then? She and Cleon had supposedly had a 'secret relationship' and I had seen right through that! How had I missed my best friend and cousin!"

"Perhaps it was my lack of using flowery language around her," Dom replied sarcastically.

Neal knew to what he was referring, and grinned. Apparently the mention of Cleon of Kennan still caused a tinge of jealousy in the sergeant.

"She didn't love him," Neal told him quietly. Dom turned at looked at him. Neal continued, "It was more one-sided. The poor girl was oblivious to his flirtations for years. But even when they were together, I always thought there was someone…" he glanced at his cousin, "else."

A moment of silence passed between them as Neal studied Dom. Seeing the look in Dom's eye, Neal suddenly asked him, "You love her, don't you?"

Dom's gaze shifted to meet his. He smiled and looked up to the sky. "Not even the gods know how much." His smile was still locked in place when he turned back to Neal, and started, "You know the first time I saw her, on the back of that damned horse in that tilting yard-"

Suddenly, Neal held up his hand. "Go no further. Please. You're talking about my best friend here. I don't wish to hear how her eyes sparkle like gemstones, or the like. Let's just leave it at you love her, and she loves you. I can figure out the rest for myself."

Laughing, Dom leaned over and clapped his cousin on the shoulder. "We're not all like you, Meathead. Besides, it never occurred to me that you're bad poetry skills had been passed into the Masbolle line."

Neal gave him a narrowed look. "Laugh all you want now, but you may come groveling back to me later for those same skills when you wish to send a note to your lover."

Dom laughed again, "I don't think so, Neal. Neither Kel nor I seem the poetry type. Our style is to just say what we want to say, not hide it behind fancy words."

"How boring," Neal sighed, shaking his head in despair.

With a chuckle, a wide grin spread across Dom's face. "Oh, no. Never boring."

On that note, Dom urged his horse forward, once again leaving Neal speechless behind him.

When they finally reached the Vassa River, Neal, Dom, and Owen went to talk to those that would take them back across the river. Tortall was just on the other side now…

Looking at her people, Kel realized with relief that they were about to be free. For herself and the other knights and soldiers, however, that freedom was not guaranteed. The night before she had had a nightmare that she was up on Traitor's Hill, found guilty for deserting her king in a time of war…

She tried to push those thoughts from her mind.

Once everything was settled in the way of coins and passage, slowly the people began to be taken across the river to the other side. With the rate they were going, it would take them a whole day to cross, leaving Kel with more time for her thoughts…

Dom had just finished piling another group of people into one of the boats when he turned to see Kel looking blankly over the river. He knew what she must be thinking about. Walking over to her, he placed a gentle hand in front of where she sat on her saddle. She looked down into his concerned face.

Giving him a small smile, she told him, "I just had a bad dream, that's all. It's what I get for having a good imagination."

He urged her down from her horse, helping to ease her weight off her hurt shoulder as she did so. "Tell me about it," he said.

She did as he led her away from the others and behind the smugglers' house. When she finished, Dom took her hands in his. "Kel, you did Tortall- the whole Realm- a favor. Innocent children were being killed, on top of the amount of soldiers that died at the hands of those killing machines. Only good can come from killing Blayce."

"I certainly hope so."

Dom smiled, "It will." He touched her cheek. "I'm afraid the only bad thing that will come of returning to Tortall is that I'll no longer be under your command."

Kel smiled crookedly. "I don't think Lord Raoul will take kindly to me taking away a whole squad."

"No, indeed," he agreed, stroking her cheek, "but right now I'm still yours."

"Right now?" she asked, quirking an eyebrow.

He stopped and looked at her seriously. "You know what I mean," he said softly, cupping her face in his hand and brushing his lips against hers. "My heart will always be yours."

Kel used her good arm to pull his face back to hers, closing the space between them. His hands rested on her hips as he kissed her slowly and thoroughly, savoring the moment, not knowing when they would get another moment alone when they returned to Tortall. Kel pressed against him, holding on tightly and not wanting to let go. In response, Dom's one arm circled tightly around her waist as the other moved slowly up to once again cup her face.

They were both breathing roughly when they parted and looked at each other, neither one knowing what was to come. Steering away from those thoughts, Dom remarked, "It seems you are feeling better."

Despite her worries about what would happen when they landed in Tortall, Kel smiled. "It seems as though I am."

They continued on back and forth lightly before they started to walk back to the others. Dom helped her back onto Peachblossom, but remained at her side, mounting his own horse beside hers.

"So, Lady Kel, you thinkin' about settlin' down and raisin' a family now that you've seen the kraken?" asked Fanche, coming up beside her.

Kel smiled at the older woman. "I think I have a lot more to see of the kraken before that happens."

"I don't know about you, but I've seen enough of that to last for the rest of my life," she replied. "If I was you, I would at least want a man to come home to after all that. Raisin' a few babes wouldn't be too bad either."

Kel tried to hide her blush with a smile. She was acutely aware that they were having this conversation right in front of Dom. And the thought of coming home to Dom stirred crazy fantasies inside her that she had convinced herself that she wouldn't consider until later on her life. Of course, that had also been before she and Dom had become sweethearts…

Forcing all ideas about marriage and dark-haired, blue-eyed babies out of her mind, Kel smiled at the woman. "Thanks, Fanche. I'll let you know what I decide."

Seeing the redness of her face and the way the young sergeant pretended not be listening but was in reality watching Kel closely, Fanche grinned. With a quick farewell, she went to join Saefas as they piled onto another boat.

"That woman's a piece of work," remarked Dom lightly. He was watching Kel out of the corner of his eye.

"She is, indeed."

"She must know that marriage and children are the last thing on your mind," he ventured, seeming to remark casually. He held his breath while he waited for a response.

"No, not the last thing," she answered truthfully, her thoughts still on the images Fanche's words had created. She was oblivious to way he was studying her, his eyes clouded over with his own thoughts and images. Kel was still lost in her own world.

"So you're not objected to marriage?" he asked carefully.

"I was never objected to marriage," she told him, unaware of the significance behind his questions. "I just always figured I'd settle down after I got my shield and established myself." She shrugged, trying not to let her thoughts run away with her. "Sometime in the future."

There was a moment's silence between them. Then Dom asked softly, "How far in the future?"

For the first time, Kel turned and noticed the warmth of his gaze on her. Her breathing picked up as their eyes locked. She opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out. Was he implying…?

"Hey, let's go you two! What are you doing, waiting for the Scanrans catch up with us?" Neal's distinct voice carried over the space between them. They turned to see him getting on the last boat- the boat they were supposed to be on.

"Mithros, Meathead, what are you trying to do? Let the whole Scanran army know were here?" Dom chuckled.

"Well if you two lovebirds weren't oblivious to everything else going on around you, I wouldn't have to shout," he retorted.

That comment temporarily broke Kel out of her previous thoughts. Lovebirds? She looked at Dom and he gave her a shrug and smiled. When had Neal found out?

Then Dom took her hand. The warm look was back in his eyes as he smiled at her. "Let's go home."

They then moved to get on the boat that would take them back to Tortall…

"'You have every right to yell at me, my lord,' she said. 'Go ahead. I deserve worse.'

Wyldon took a step closer to her, cupped her head in both hands, and kissed her gently on the forehead. 'You are a true knight, Keladry of Mindelan,' he told her. 'I am honored to know you.'"

-Tamora Pierce, Lady Knight

A/N: :D They're free! Haha. The next chapter will be based off the book's epilogue, and the chapter following that one will be my own epilogue, so you're looking at another two chapters to this fic. I want to get them right, so I don't want to hurry them along so I hope you understand why these last few chapters have been taking me longer to write (though this one was effected by my computer dying on me :( but I made it! Lol). So I'll be taking my time with these next two…I'm a bit of a perfectionist :D. But anyway, tell me what you thought about this one!!