A/N: Well, I'm back! Lol. I took a long time to write this chapter, I know, but I wanted it to be just right. (A common affliction of a perfectionist, what can I say? :D ). So here's hoping you enjoy it! This chapter concludes after the epilogue of Lady Knight. Enjoy!
Chapter Thirty-Five: A K'miri Tradition
"'Kel!' shouted Neal. 'Are you going to dream all day? She's waiting for me!'
Lovers, Kel thought, rolling her eyes…She was about to tell her friend he could wait when she remembered that she'd get to see Dom while at Steadfast. It would be nice to be able to sit and chat for a while without kidnapping, flight, and war to distract them.
She nudged Hoshi to a trot."
-Tamora Pierce, Epilogue of Lady Knight
"Mithros, can't these horses go any faster?"
Kel looked over at Neal who was trying, rather unsuccessfully, to urge his horse faster. He was already setting a pace fast enough that they were already over a half bell's time faster than usual, but of course, this was no ordinary occasion. She, Neal, Tobe and their guardsmen were all heading to Fort Steadfast for Raoul and Buri's wedding. Though happy for the couple, that was not the reason for Neal's haste.
"Neal," Kel told him, "if we go any faster, we'll be in Carthak by nightfall."
"That would be funny if Tortall and Carthak weren't separated by a body of water," replied Neal in his usual sarcastic drawl.
"At the rate you're going, your horse would have no need for a boat."
"At the rate I'm going, I won't get to Steadfast before the Black God comes calling!" he countered, trying again to get his horse to move faster.
Kel laughed. "If you keep doing that, your poor horse will collapse and you'll be no better off."
From behind, Tobe said, "She's right, Sir Neal. We should give the horses some water and a quick rest so they don't do just that."
"A rest?!" Neal exclaimed, whirling around to face the boy. "They're practically asleep on their feet!"
Kel and the guardsmen laughed to themselves. "Don't worry, Neal," said Kel, already turning Hoshi towards the river. "We won't take a long one."
Neal followed Kel and the others reluctantly, muttering to his horse, "Some companion you are…"
When they stopped, Neal was itching to get back on the road. He practically sloshed the water into the horses' mouths.
As she watched him, pacing between the horses and the road, Kel shook her head in amusement. She was grateful that she and Dom weren't that way- sighing longingly and pining for each other, making everyone else's life around them a miserable one hearing about it.
No. She and Dom were different. They cared for each other deeply, that was for certain, but they saved those feelings for when they were alone. There was no need to carry on in front of other people. When on duty, they worked together as knight and sergeant. Only subtle gestures revealed differently. The way Dom would look at her reminded her of the feelings between them- and she was all too certain that he had noticed the way her own eyes always favored him as well. However, they kept their relationship as discreet as possible when on duty…for the most part. The Goddess knew how he still managed to steal a few kisses now and again!
Sitting against a tree, Kel smiled to herself. Although she usually chastised Dom lightly for doing so where others might see, she had to admit that she never pushed him away either. She always knew when it was coming, too- he would get that twinkle in his eye and that mischievous smile on his lips right before he would lean in and kiss her. Kel didn't want to tell Dom she liked him stealing kisses, if that meant no longer getting to see that look on his face that said he was getting away with something. She wouldn't give up that look for all the gold in the Realm.
Thinking about Dom, his kisses, and how just his presence made her feel relaxed and wonderfully content, Kel became suddenly aware of a foreign sound escaping her lips. Her eyes opened wide. Did she just…sigh?
She couldn't help but laugh. I'm turning into Neal, she thought with a smile.
Her reverie was interrupted by someone clearing their throat. Started, she looked up to see Neal himself.
Seeing her start in surprise, Neal raised his eyebrows. Kel couldn't help but be reminded of Dom when he did that. Mithros, she thought, I'm worse off than I thought. While she was thinking this, she missed what Neal said to her.
Realizing Neal was looking at her expectantly for an answer, Kel reddened at what had distracted her. "I'm sorry, Neal, what did you say?"
He looked at her for a moment before saying, "Our young hostler gave us the clear to ride again. You're holding us up."
Kel looked passed him to see Tobe and the others already mounted and waiting. Brushing off her breeches as she stood up, she went over and took the reins from Tobe's hands as she mounted Hoshi. She felt almost as eager as Neal to get to Steadfast.
"Can we eat? I'm starving," Tobe told her, absentmindedly stroking his horse's neck.
From her other side, Kel heard Neal's anxious sigh. She felt like doing the same. Thinking of the perfect explanation for why they needed to keep riding, she said to Tobe, "We'll eat in the saddle. It wouldn't be fair to put Neal through any more suffering today. He's on a hurry to get to Steadfast for a certain reason." With that said, she turned and gave Neal a teasing smile.
"Yes," said Neal, "and that's for the same reason why I found you daydreaming a moment ago- no doubt fantasizing about a certain cousin of mine who will also be in attendance."
Her face reddened. Neal was apparently adept at recognizing the look- he certainly had enough practice himself. When she didn't answer, Neal smiled widely. He knew he was right. Not needing to reassure him, Kel ordered them to head back to the road.
It wouldn't be long now until they arrived at Steadfast…
As another horn sounded from the walls, Dom's head snapped up to listen. The sound that signaled friends were approaching echoed through the fort, which was a good sign. The bad part was that had been happening about every half bell that day. How was he to know when Kel was coming if the sound signaling allies kept going off so damn much? In the morning, he had deliberately volunteered for patrol duty and extended his weapons practice and workout in order to be near the walls, and thus in view of whoever came in through the main gate. After the first six or so groups paraded through the gates, and a pain in the neck from turning to look around so much, however, Dom finally convinced himself to get away from the gate and get some food in Steadfast's mess hall. Even then, every time he heard another horn, he couldn't help but listen. He restrained himself from going to see who had arrived this time.
"A bit jumpy today, aren't we, sergeant?"
Dom turned to Qasim sitting beside him. "What?"
Across from them, Wolset laughed. "He's had his head in the clouds all day." He grinned at Dom. "I wonder why that is. Waitin' for someone in particular? A sweetheart? Perhaps a certain lady knight?"
"I sure hope it's not the Lioness," remarked Sergeant Aiden jokingly from Dom's other side. "Baron George Cooper wouldn't take kindly to that."
They all laughed. The couple had been one of the first to arrive that morning, in separate parties. The way George greeted his wife upon arrival let everyone know that it had been a couple of months since their last meeting. The Lioness had at first tried to hold her husband off, but in the next instant they were caught up in a warm embrace. Dom had never seen Alanna smile so much. Watching them, Dom couldn't help but think they were a lot like him and Kel in that respect. These thoughts had Dom imagining how he would greet Kel when she arrived…
"No," Wolset laughed, interrupting Dom's musings, "I think Dom here has his eyes set on a different lady knight."
"Lady Kel? Really?" asked Qasim, not so much shocked as amused. "It's about time you got around to telling her."
"That's what we thought," Wolset chimed in. "But it was a little more complicated than we imagined. Something about another sweetheart she used to have. It was an utter mess. But we got them together in the end."
Dom raised his eyebrows at his corporal. Then in a tone to rival Neal's, he replied, "Yes, and I had nothing to do with it at all."
"Wow, you and Kel," said Aiden, impressed. "She's coming to the wedding, isn't she?"
"That explains why he's chafing at the bit," grinned Qasim. Dom smiled widely.
"How long?" asked Aiden.
After Dom briefly explained to him how long they had been sweethearts and how far their feelings for each other went back, Aiden nodded his head sagely, "Yep, long enough."
Looking at him curiously, Dom asked, "Long enough for what?"
Aiden leaned his elbows on the table in front of him. "Long enough for a woman to start thinking about marriage. And being here, at a wedding, only speeds things along. Weddings have a weird effect on women."
"He's right, y' know," agreed Wolset. "I once had a lady friend in Port Caynn a few years back, and after she went to her sister's marriage ceremony, she came back to me babblin' about gettin' married and havin' young'uns . It was horrifyin'."
"Yeah, I find the thought of you having children horrifying, too," Dom laughed.
Getting back to Aiden's point, Qasim said, "Lady Kel doesn't seem like the type that has marriage in her uppermost thoughts. Unlike other women, she has much more to think about."
"Yeah, like killing Blayce and saving us all from those killing machines," said Aiden.
"And who said she would even want to marry Dom here?" teased Wolset.
Dom chuckled and picked up the roll on his plate, throwing it at the corporal's head.
"And even if she does," Aiden commented, "we're not allowed to marry anyhow."
Still smiling, Dom turned to the other sergeant. Looking at him curiously, Dom said, "You think that would stop me? I would marry her today if I could." He smiled at the thought.
"And what would y' do then? Take up sewin'?" laughed Wolset.
"No, of course not," Dom chuckled, "I could always join the army. And if that doesn't work, then I could always help manage my older brother's fief, where we'd have our own home. You know, helping him patrol, train the guard, keep the finances, maybe watch over our children…" Dom's grin widened at the thought.
"Watch out boys," teased Wolset, "we may have glaive-wieldin', blue-eyed babes runnin' around before long."
Grinning broadly, Dom kicked him under the table. "I wouldn't say that. Kel doesn't want to get married right off. I can't blame her. She just got her shield that she's worked so hard for all these years."
"Makes sense," agreed Qasim. "But then again…it doesn't mean you can't be promised to each other. You know, betrothed. Even if you wait some years before getting married, at least a betrothal will make your relationship more defined and strong. Like a bond."
"And wouldn't a weddin' celebration be the perfect time to do it!" laughed Wolset agreeably.
As the others continued talking about the celebration the next day and the feasting afterwards, Dom remained silent, thinking over what they had said. He wanted to marry Kel. There was no question about it. But he also respected her wishes to not get married right away. He understood her reasons. But there was nothing stopping them from becoming betrothed. They could stay that way for years and he wouldn't mind! Promising themselves to each other was naturally the next step in their relationship. A step he wanted to take…
It was dusk when the gates opened once again, this time emitting a tall lady knight, an anxious green-eyed knight, a young boy and their companions- which included a small dog with a crooked tail. The riding party entered into the yard, one a little more hurried than the others.
When Neal saw the pretty Yamani lady there to greet him, he pulled on his horse's reigns. When the animal came to a halt, he remained on his horse, his gaze locked with Yuki's. Soft smiles graced both of their lips.
Half expecting him to fly off his horse and embrace the short Yamani, Kel was impressed. Neal in love was a whole different person indeed. Kel smiled.
Then she watched as Neal dismounted carefully before making his way over to his betrothed. No one would have ever known how anxious he was on the road from the way he was acting at that moment. He looked calm and relaxed…and immensely happy. Kel continued to watch as Neal leaned down to tell Yuki something. Her eyes were bright as she gave him a Yamani half-smile and then told him something in return. Neal grinned and then offered her his arm. She wrapped her hand around it and Neal covered her delicate hand with his own larger one. As they walked away together, talking quietly to each other, Kel looked after them. Having her two best friends in love with each other was truly wonderful.
Glancing around, Kel looked for Dom. Her search was thwarted however as people came to greet them. Little did she know that Dom was on the other side of the fort, chopping wood. It was Wolset who found him there.
"Did you hear? Another riding party just arrived," said the corporal, stopping close to Dom. Wondering where Dom was, Wolset had come looking for him after greeting Kel. He had seen her looking around too. "Or have you given up yer post?" Wolset had run across Dom multiple times that day during his guard duty. He had then joked with Dom about wanting to take his place on the fort's walls.
"I decided I needed to do something to keep my sanity," replied Dom, swinging an axe down onto the piece of wood. "Plus, Raoul got after me and put me to work."
Wolset chuckled. "Does milord suspect?"
"If he doesn't, he will soon. My cousin's due to arrive."
Waving it off, Wolset replied, "He'll be too occupied with his Yamani lady to remember that." Seemingly as an afterthought, Wolset added innocently, "Oh by the way, he told me to send you his regards. His betrothed seems to take priority over family."
Dom stopped and turned to look at Wolset. "What did you say?"
"Your cousin. He had eyes only for that pretty Yamani of his when he came through the gate jus' now," he answered casually. He smiled. "I have a feelin' they're greetin' each other nice and fine at the moment. Don't you think?"
Dom wasn't listening. He was looking in the direction of the gate. Kel was here?
When Dom didn't move after a moment, there was a hint of amusement in Wolset's sigh. "Well what are you doin' just standin' around here for? Call me old-fashioned, but I make sure to give my sweetheart a warm greetin' every time I see her. I wouldn't leave her standin' around at some gate. Go."
He didn't have to be told twice. Dom's feet picked up speed as he walked through the fort. Wolset watched him go, shaking his head. He's a goner, he thought with a smile.
By the time Dom got to the main gate, he was walking so briskly he was practically running. Though the open area was far from deserted, it did not take him long to find Kel. She was standing there, talking to Raoul. Dom slowed and watched as she grinned at something Raoul said. Just watching her made him smile.
Listening to Raoul, Kel suddenly became aware that she was being watched. Then, just as a break came in between the groups of people heading toward the mess hall for supper, she looked over- and there was Dom, looking directly at her. Her heart sped up at the sight of him as their gazes locked.
Seeing the unfamiliar look on her face, Raoul turned to see what had caught Kel's eye. Ah, he thought with amusement as he spotted Dom close by with the same look on his face. It's about time.
Turning around fully, Raoul called out over the space between them, "Come to welcome our lady knight, sergeant?"
Dom smiled and closed the distance between them. Keeping his eyes on her, Dom replied, "If you don't mind, sir, I'd like to steal her away for a few minutes."
Raoul smiled. "No need to ask. She wasn't listening to me any longer, and what's the use in telling myself what I already know? If I wanted to do that, I would spend my life talking to trees and stupid soldiers. Where's the fun in that?"
After that, Raoul took his leave, saying something about Buri and supper. It seemed as though others had the same idea, for the yard was fairly empty except for the last few stragglers on their way to the mess hall.
"I think he was trying to give us some privacy," said Dom, smiling. He looked at Kel standing a few inches in front of him. The last time he had seen her was when they had left Scanra. That had been almost three months ago. Looking at her now, he wanted to do so many things- hold her, kiss her, talk to her, tell her how much he loved her… there was just so much.
"Privacy's a hard thing to come by standing in the middle of a fort," joked Kel. Her eyes were looking at him with the same yearning. She had missed him so much over the last few months.
Dom's eyes fell to her lips. "Then I guess we better find some before we make a scene."
He was about to lead her between the two nearest buildings when Kel stopped him. Then, leaning up the few inches that separated their height, she kissed him. Right there. In the middle of the fort.
Kel could sense his surprise, and decided to put everything into the kiss. Pressing up against him, she slid her hands into his hair. He crushed his lips to hers, his arms encircling her and pulling her closer as their kiss grew more fervent. The longing and affection was like none they had ever experienced before. It felt like the kiss could go on forever, and it may have- if it weren't for the sudden outburst of wolf-whistles and cheering coming from nearby.
Breaking apart, they looked over. A couple of men from the Own, including Wolset, were passing by on their way to the mess hall. They whistled and shouted out some remarks. Wolset, the loudest of all, jokingly told them to take their kissing somewhere else- like a room in headquarters.
Dom rolled his eyes and laughed and was surprised to see that Kel, though her face was red, was laughing too.
When the men moved on, Dom teased, "You know, I think you're getting better at this kissing in public. We should do it more often."
She shook her head and smiled. "Nice try. That was only because I haven't seen you for a couple of months. And here I was, teasing Neal about doing this same thing, and now here I am doing it. And I hate to tell you, but it was a onetime thing."
He smiled. "Just once?" Sidling closer, he ran his hands slowly up and down her arms. Then his lips brushed lightly across her cheek, barely touching her skin.
Kel drew in a deep breath as his lips came to hover over hers. "Maybe twice," she whispered and their lips met in another kiss.
Three months was way too long…
The ceremony the next day was simple, but beautiful. Raoul and Buri looked so happy that there were more than a few misty-eyed guests in attendance. Kel was one of them. She was so happy for them that it was hard to hold back her tears. She smiled the whole time.
Her teary eyes caught Dom's attention. Moving closer to her, Dom twined his hand around hers, squeezing it gently. She smiled at him and he smiled back. Looking back at the couple getting married, it wasn't long before she started to think about marriage itself. It seemed to be happening more and more these days- ever since that time at the Vassa River when Fanche brought up the subject.
But why? She had always thought of marriage coming after years of service to the crown. It had never been in her uppermost thoughts. Why now?
Instantly, Kel's thoughts steered her back to the man beside her. Who am I kidding? she thought amusedly. The answer was simple. She loved Dom, and although marriage had always been an afterthought to her before their relationship had begun, she was beginning to think that was changing. For Mithros's sake, she had even caught herself thinking about children a few times! Before, she had barely thought twice about it. She hadn't felt ready, had even been afraid and overwhelmed by the thought of marriage and having a family before she was much older. But now…
Was she ready?
Kel glanced at Dom sitting beside her. He was everything she ever wanted. While looking at him fondly, Dom sensed her gaze and gave her a wink, followed by a heart-warming smile. He gave her hand a quick squeeze. Kel's lips lifted up into a smile.
Her thoughts continued on the same train of thought throughout the rest of the ceremony. Then it was time for the feast, and for a moment her thoughts were put aside.
"What is it that Buri's wearing on her head?" she asked.
Neal and Yuki, sitting across from her, turned to look at what she meant. Buri was sitting at the head table, next to Raoul. On her head she wore a simple circlet made of branches, leaves, and small flowers. It was modest but pretty.
"It's a K'miri custom," answered Neal, turning back around. "I read about it in a book once."
"What don't you read about in a book?" Kel teased.
He gave her an un-amused look. "How to deal with sharp-tongued lady knights apparently," he replied in his usual drawl.
Kel laughed and shook her head.
"The crown, Buri told me, is a symbol of life and good fortune," Yuki told her. "It is a tradition for the woman getting married to wear one at a marriage ceremony in the K'miri tribes. The circle symbolizes eternity and the greenery and flowers represent life and nature. It is said to bring the woman, and the marriage, luck."
"I like that," said Kel. "Why don't we have such a tradition?"
"What you forgot to mention, my dear," added Neal, "is that it also symbolizes fertility- for the earth and the woman."
Kel chuckled. "Is Raoul aware of that?"
She saw Yuki's eyes crinkle in amusement. Then Yuki's eyes shifted to Buri. "This is the part of the custom I like most."
Turning to see what she meant, Kel saw Buri standing up. She removed the crown from her head and held it in her hands. "What is she doing?" Kel asked.
"You'll see."
"Are you planning to catch it, my dear?" Neal asked Yuki, smiling at her warmly. What she gave him in response was a sly look.
"Catch?" Kel asked, completely confused.
She didn't get an answer as Buri asked all the women present to come to the middle of the room. Wary, Kel had to be pulled to her feet by Yuki, who walked purposefully to the designated area.
"What are we doing?" she asked her friend. Kel looked around. Everybody was watching.
Then she heard from one of the tables, "But I'm already married, George. To you, in case you've forgotten."
Kel looked on as George Cooper laughed joyfully at his wife as he urged her out of her seat. "But lass, all you have to do is stand there. You don't have to catch it."
For a moment, Alanna stood there stubbornly. Then giving in, she walked reluctantly to where the few other women were standing. To Buri, she said, "You better throw that somewhere else. I don't need any more children at my age."
George laughed loudly at that.
What was going on? Kel thought. She looked around at the other women around her. There probably weren't more than a dozen. Alanna was sulking at the edge of the group, rolling her eyes at her husband's obvious amusement. The other women looked eager, their eyes set on the crown Buri held in her hands. They must have been members of the Queen's Riders, for they called out familiarly to Buri to throw it their way. Kel looked at Yuki questioningly. She just smiled in return.
Looking around at those watching them, Kel saw that most of the men looked just as perplexed as she felt. She caught sight of Dom, standing with his men, Qasim, and others from the Own. He smiled and shrugged his shoulders.
Kel turned back when Buri began to speak. "Okay, ladies, I don't want any fighting," she laughed. "Weapons are to remain sheathed. I don't want any deaths at my wedding. This applies especially to you, Alanna."
The Lioness shook her head as George and Raoul laughed. The other men were more reserved with their amusement.
"Okay, then." As Buri turned her back to them, Kel caught her eye. She could've sworn that she saw Buri smile.
Kel looked around again. What were they doing? Then the women around her started shouting and moving, their hands in the air. Yuki moved in front of her, but instead of putting her hands up, she reached up and hit the outstretched hands of the woman in front of her, knocking them down. That's when Kel saw the crown sailing through the air, coming her way. Instinct taking over, Kel stretched out one hand- and in the next moment, she had the crown grasped in her right hand.
The commotion around her died as everyone turned to look at her. Yuki was beaming, and Kel looked to see a small smile on Alanna's lips as well. She looked passed the women around her to see Raoul smiling and Neal trying to hide a smile behind his hand. Dom was watching her attentively, but looked confused and curious, as did most of the others.
She turned back to Buri with a questioning look. The K'miri woman smiled brightly. "Congratulations, Kel."
"Congratulations for what, exactly?"
"For catching the crown. Don't you know what that means?"
"Obviously not," chuckled Alanna.
"Whoever catches it," Buri told her, "will have good fortune in the coming year."
"Yes, Neal and Yuki told me it symbolizes life and luck for the one being married," said Kel, still confused.
"Yes, they're right," Buri smiled, "but it also gives good luck to the one who catches it. And according to K'miri custom, whoever catches it will also be the next woman married. I'm sure they also told you what else it symbolizes." Buri winked.
Kel stared down at the circlet in her hand, stunned. Voices filled the air as word went around of what else the crown represented. Slowly, Kel looked up, her eyes meeting Dom's across the room. Around him, his men were whooping and cheering, nudging him and clapping him on his back. His eyes held hers as he laughed and smiled broadly.
From nearby, she heard Raoul laughing loudly.
"I hope it works for you Tortallan women," Buri said, smiling as she sat down.
As she did, Raoul stood up. "And I think Sergeant Dom's hoping the same thing," he joked, still laughing. That caused another round of cheers and laughter. Kel felt like she was as red as a beet. Then over the noise, Raoul asked everyone to clear the floor as the dancing and celebrating began. Music started up and soon the women of the Riders and men of the Own were dancing, as wine continued to be poured and food continued to be served.
Yuki and Kel moved to a corner of the room. "You did that on purpose," said Kel, remembering the way Yuki had knocked down the girl's hands in front of her.
The Yamani's eyes twinkled. Ignoring her, she said, "You mean you've never thought about marriage? I've seen the way you two look at each other, and unlike Neal, I've been noticing it for a long time. Shinko and I both have."
She watched as Kel smiled and blushed, more from pleasure than embarrassment. Then Kel told her friend quietly, "I love him, Yuki."
"So are you going to get married?" she asked in her usually blunt manner.
"I don't know," she responded truthfully. "Dom's in the Own. They can't marry and I wouldn't want him to sacrifice that. And I'm not sure I want to get married right this instant. I love him more than I even know, and I always will, but maybe marriage isn't for us. I wouldn't want him to give up the Own. Besides, maybe he doesn't even want to-"
Yuki stopped her right there. "Kel, you're being stupid. He wants to marry you. Trust me."
Kel smiled but before she could say anything, Neal walked over. "Congratulations to the happy couple! When's the date?"
Yuki shook her head at her betrothed, but Kel wasn't paying attention. She was looking passed her best friend to see Dom still watching her.
"What?" Neal asked Yuki sarcastically. "I was just bestowing my best wishes."
Seeing the direction of Kel's gaze, Yuki took Neal's hand. "Let's go bestow your wishes somewhere else."
"What?" Neal asked as she towed him away. Then he saw what she meant. "Oh, good thinking."
Hardly noticing their sudden absence, Kel was only aware of Dom looking at her. Then, slowly, he started to make his way toward her, their eyes still locked. When he reached her, there was a smile on his face.
Her heart was pounding furiously- and the playful look on Dom's face didn't help.
"So…" he said, stopping in front of her, "Does this mean I have to marry you?"
"I don't know," she replied softly. "It's only a K'miri tradition."
Dom stepped closer to her. "Well I was always told to respect others' ways. I don't think this should be any different," he told her quietly, the smile still on his lips. Kel thought she was no longer capable of breathing. He continued, "But we can wait- until we're ready. I know you want to wait a couple of years, and I completely understand, but…" He paused and rubbed the back of his neck, a gesture he usually did when he was nervous.
Unable to take her eyes off him, her thoughts- and heart- were racing as he took her hands in his. Then he smiled at her tenderly. Softly, he said, "Kel, I don't care whether it's tomorrow, next month, or five years from now, but I just want to ask you one thing…will you marry me?"
Kel's face broke out into a smile.
A/N: EEEE! :D Dom proposed! You knew it was coming right? Lol. Well there you go! The end of Lady Knight and the books! Sorry about the cliffhanger, but don't worry I still have my own epilogue to post after this! Should be interesting :D. Tell me what you thought of this one!!