Disclaimer: All characters belong to Tamora Pierce.
Raoul had the men ride hard, only allowing brief stops for the horses to rest or enough time to allow the men to switch out mounts. They ate in the saddle as they rode on. They had been on the road going on eleven days; they were halfway to their destination. It wasn't until the sun had almost set that he finally called a halt for the night. From the looks of things, he and the men, and Kel, would reach hill country soon.
He hoped that the company would suffer no more grief in the next ten days. He already had two of his charges wearing dress, and another nine with only loincloths. He knew that his company would make quite a pretty sight when they finally rode into Pearlmouth.
He was broken out of his thoughts by shouting between the men. Sighing, he strode over to where the commotion was occurring to find Dom and Kel surrounded by four very angry looking men who he recognized as Wolset, Riley, Amos and Fred, all from Dom's squad. He decided to listen and assess the situation before he stepped in.
"Ye both did it on purpose! How else could four tents and bedrolls from the same squad go missin'?" Wolset practically screamed at the two leaders in front of him.
"And when in the history of the Own has there ever been lost tents and bedrolls?" questioned Riley. "It isn't natural! You and Lady Kel were the ones in charge of packing the wagon! You did something we know you did!"
"I swear, I've had just about enough of this! First you take away all of our clothes and now our bedrolls have gone missing! I swear by Mithros that if…"
Fred was cut off by a very angry Dom. "Don't you dare threaten Kel. She has nothing to do with the tents. She turned into an innocent bystander the moment we attempted and failed to prank her! On hind sight, we should have kept the same rule we had when she was a squire! Kel is off limits to all pranks."
"Ye just are protectin' her cuz she be your lady lo…" Wolset was cut off by Lord Raoul.
"This is quite enough!" Raoul's voice was quiet and very firm. "Until we have the chance in Pearlmouth to buy new tents and bedrolls, you men will just have to share." He looked at each man and Kel in the eye. "Wolset, Riley, Amos and Fred, you will share bedrolls with the others members of your squad, with the exception of Sergeant Domitan. I have had more than enough problems with your squad on this trip, and I don't need a murdered sergeant on top of it all." Here he looked at both Kel and Dom.
"I was more than happy to look the other way when Kel told me about stealing the men's clothes and burning them." Here Kel looked at her feet, blushing a deep red. "And I know that you Sergeant Domitan have wanted to get back at them just as much. But if I find out that either of you step another toe out of line, I will have no choice but to find punishment to help teach you to behave while on a mission. Now all of you, back to work, it has been a long day, and I don't know about the rest of you, but I have no other wish but to eat a hot meal and sleep. Dismissed!"
Raoul left the men to set up their sleeping arrangements. He also noticed the subdued expressions on both Dom's and Kel's face. He knew he would have to apologize to them later, but for right now, he needed time to think. He wished Buri was there with him, she would know how to calm him down.
Wolset and the men watched as the subdued couple walked away to set up their tents and most likely reflect upon their actions over the past week. After arranging who were to share tents, and which luckily man got to keep his as his own, the men gathered under the pretense of setting up a rotation for the remainder of their journey to Pearlmouth.
"I've been thinkin'." Wolset told them, "It appears that we have misjudged Lady Keladry. If what Raoul said be true, then t'was her and not Dom who planned for us poor sobs to be without clothes. I think it is 'bout time we pay her back."
Riley spoke up, "But Wolset, you heard My Lord, he said he would not tolerate any more pranks on this journey."
Wolset shook his head, "Nah lad, he said he wouldn't tolerate any more pranks pulled by 'em. By his own words, I'd say he gave us permission to get 'em back."
All the men started to smile evilly. Wolset was right; Raoul had said he would punish Dom and Kel if they did anything. He never said the others couldn't.
Once Wolset saw all the men had reached the same conclusion he rubbed his hands together. "So my fellow plotters, what are we gonna do to her ladyship?
They continued their discussion on how to best get back at Kel until dinner was ready.
They had decided that it would be best to hold off on their plans for a few days, to let Lord Raoul cool off. After all, it wouldn't do to have both the Protector of the Small and the Giant Killer after their necks at the same time. The very thought made each man shutter.
It was after their rest around noon that Lord Raoul finally approached Dom and Kel. He had been observing them all morning and noticed their subdued manners. While they would normally join in with the men for jokes and friendly banter, they remained silent and never laughed at any of the jokes being told. He sighed as he rode over to the two.
"Sergeant, Lady Knight." Raoul waited for them to acknowledge they had heard him before he continued. "I am sorry I snapped last night. I know that it is no excuse, but I am already feeling the loss of Buri. She had just gotten back when we were called out, I didn't have time to really enjoy my time with her. She really has become a rock within my life that I can count on. There just have been so many things on this mission that seem to be trying my patience. I never meant to use two of my best fighters as a scapegoat." Raoul blushed remembering his temper last night.
"We understand Sir." Kel spoke up, "We should have known when to stop. One big prank on them men should have been enough."
"And we promise that we will try to behave better on this trip My Lord. I can at least tell you that Kel and I have no more plans in regards to pranks. And, know that I take full responsibility over the lost tents and bedrolls." Dom hung his head, "My Lady Keladry had no part in the planning or executing out the prank."
"Domitan, I will remind you that while it was your prank, I never made to stop you! I even agreed it was a good idea when you proposed it to me a week and a half ago!" Kel seemed annoyed now.
Raoul whistled, "You two really do know how to wait for the perfect timing. A week and a half!" He laughed.
Dom smiled, "Actually My Lord that actually was Kel's doing. She batted her pretty little eyelashes at me and asked to wait until after Persopolis. If it were up to me, I would have done it before then to allow for us to stop for proper gear!"
Kel scowled at Dom before riding ahead. Now that the air had been cleared with her former knight master, Kel felt more herself.
Raoul was more than happy with the quiet for the next three days. The men without proper clothing were now beyond burnt and were well baked, sporting dark tans. His sergeant and former squire were managing quite well in their skirts. And most importantly, Buri had gotten a note to him with the help of Daine. She would be meeting him at Pearlmouth.
He was happy when they began to go through the hills, leaving the desert behind, they were now less than a week away from their destination, and he had his wife waiting for him. He felt that nothing could dampen his spirits. That was until the rain began to fall the following morning.
Wolset and the men filed out early the next day. To their delight, it had begun to rain. It would be a perfect time to prank the Lady Knight. And even better, Raoul seemed to be in a much better mood since he heard from Buri.
Some of the men went to a nearby pond to gather a few things that they needed to pull this off. Others went to start packing. Wolset and Riley however where on a mission, distract the Lady Knight.
"My Lady!" Riley called out when he saw her emerge from her tent. Both men went over to where she had stopped scowling at them.
"Riley, how many times must I say it, call me Kel, not my Lady."
"I'm sorry my Lady, but I will not do such a thing until you stop calling my Lord 'my Lord' or 'Sir'." Riley gave her an evil smirk.
Before Kel could say any rude remarks Wolset took over the conversation. "What this young lad was tryin' to say afore titles got pulled into it was could ye possibly show him some moves for the staff? I would teach the poor sap me self, but quite frankly, ye practice daily with that pig sticker of yours, and ye can almost unhorse my Lord! And you know how to deal with youngin's; I know I would send him tumblin' in the mud with loss of patience no more than a minute in."
Kel laughed. "Fine, I think we have some time before we ride out, just let me put my stuff away." Riley stopped her as she turned to pack up the remainder of her belongings.
"Please Kel, can't Wolset just do it? I really need the help. I thought that I heard Sergeant Domitan tell my Lord Raoul the other day that my skills with the pole arms were so weak that a first year page never taking up a staff before could beat me to a pulp!" Riley gave her very pleading eyes that she just gave in.
"Fine, I'll help you. And you better really need this; otherwise I will not be happy about exercising in the rain." Kel lead the young man away from the tents. "Ok, show me what you've got."
Dom watched captivated as Riley and Kel practiced in the rain. He had never seen her look as beautiful as she did that moment. Although she was getting soaked, she took the time to rearrange Riley's hands and feet, not even seeming to notice that he sported only a loincloth. She truly would help anybody he thought.
Dom looked away when he noticed that he had stopped admiring her skills and had instead started to notice how her long skirts hugged her legs, and how the already tight bodice of her gown seemed to cling differently, actually giving shape to individual breasts as the fabric became drenched.
Upon looking around, he noticed that the camp was broken up, and all the men were preparing their horses. Dom decided that it was time he broke up the practice season. He wanted some time with Kel before they rode out.
Clearing his throat, Dom made his presence known to both. "I think we can call an end to this insanity. After all, did you two not notice that it is raining and you aren't wearing your oil cloths Kel?"
Looking down, they both seemed to notice for the first time that Kel was soaked and Riley had water running down his bare skin in giant rivulets. Smiling sheepishly, Riley looked up at Kel "Sorry my Lady, I didn't realized that we would get this soaked." And he hurried away, secretly glad that he had kept the Lady Knight occupied long enough for everything to be put in place.
Once Riley was far enough away, Dom leaned in and whispered in Kel's ear, "I do have to say that I am rather glad that he had you standing in the rain." Dom looked pointedly down to her chest and then her legs.
Kel blushed; looking away she replied "I am rather glad you are enjoying this sergeant. But now that you have brought this to my attention, I wonder how many of these men can't help but notice as well."
Dom looked around, "Actually, I think they are all too afraid that you will chop their heads off if they do."
Kel raised her eyebrow, questioning him without words.
He smiled, "I know you are enjoying the attention from me. Besides, you like me too much for that to happen. After all, you said it yourself; I was the one who stole your affections from Meathead."
Dom started to lean down for a kiss.
Kel stopped him with her next sentence. "Who ever said that dear Sergeant? I remember saying that that man had held my affections, not that it was you." She smiled evilly, "In fact, for all you know I am just pulling you along, and one of the other men hold my fancy."
Dom looked shocked. He turned away looking hurt and angry. How could Kel toy with him like that! She had told him that she wanted that kiss, and yet here she was, casting doubts. Why couldn't she just come forth and say she like him like she had with Neal! Or even Kennan.
Dom spent the rest of the day in dark thoughts. And Kel watched from a distance hoping that she had not ruined everything with her teasing remarks. How could Dom even believe that anyone else in the company could hold her heart?
Raoul called for the company to stop for the night early. They had pressed on from the moment they had woken up until Raoul was unable to see more than ten feet in front of his horse.
He knew that it would not be safe to travel through hill country when they could not look around and spot Hill Men. He knew the chances that the crazy barbarians would actually attack in this weather were rather slim, but he did not wish to be caught unprepared. Also he was soaked and had no wish for any of his men to catch a chill that would either render them unfit for battle, or wear out the company healers before the fighting began.
Kel was in a really bad mood by the time the company stopped for the day. They had been riding no more than four hours by the time Raoul called a halt. There were three things that were contributing to her mood.
The first was the fact that Peachblossom was being more difficult in this weather and she was having difficulties with stopping him from snapping at any horse that was near. He also seemed to be showing a very low amount of tolerance towards Kel herself. She would have rode Hoshi but she really wanted to be left alone.
Second, she was soaked to the bone and her dress felt as if it were made out of lead. She knew that all the yards of fabric were saturated and could even feel water running down her legs. She was shivering due to the cold and wet. Quite frankly she really regretted helping Riley out that morning, she might have been drier.
Third was Dom. He had been in a horrible mood since this morning. He made sure that he never rode with her, and once when Raoul had called them both over, he had pointedly looked anywhere but Kel and had a sour expression that did not suit him at all.
She cursed herself for trying to tease him when he was about to kiss her. Now she had made such a mess out of things that he would most likely never speak with her.
Kel shook her head, she was being silly, of course he would speak to her again, eventually. But she knew that the chances of him attempting to kiss her again were very slim. Yes, she had made a big mess out of things.
Almost as if he sensed her self-pitying mood, Peachblossom stopped so suddenly that Kel slipped from the saddle, landing with a great splat in the mud. Cursing under her breath and threatening to turn him over to hard labor, Kel stood up. She was fortunate that the rain was coming down so hard that none of the men had seen her fall from the saddle.
"To bad Sir Nealan isn't here to help you up and make sure you are ok." A cold voice she almost couldn't recognize as Dom's said from behind her. "I'm sure you would just love having him hold your hand as he took the chill away."
Turning without warning, Kel lashed out at Dom, completely losing her temper for the first time in many years. She felt satisfied when she saw him land in the mud, holding the side of his face where she had hit him. He looked up at her stunned. She had never lost her temper, even when she was dealing with the people of Haven and New Hope.
"I've had just about enough of you today Domitan of Masbolle! How could you be so pig headed to think that any man here in the Own besides yourself has my heart? I thought things were pretty damn obvious to the contrary. Now if you'll excuse me, I think I will go and find my tent now."
Kel left, leaving a still stunned Dom in the mud.
Dom continued to sit in the mud for another thirty seconds before he came to his senses and went to go apologize for being such an ass to Kel. She loved him, he had taken and held her heart's desire for years, and yet when she was trying to tease him, he got jealous and pushed her away.
It didn't take long for him to find her.
She was standing there looking down at something. Looking closer, he noticed that it was her tent, or what he thought was her tent.
Dom hesitated, if she was angry before, she must be livid by now. Shaking his head at his hesitation, he gently turned Kel to face him.
"Kel, I'm sorry. I was a complete ass to you today. Please will you let me make it up to you?"
He really became worried when she did not answer.
"Kel? Sweets, what is it? Do you want me to go and leave you alone? I'll understand if you don't want my help."
Still not getting any response, Dom started to turn but stopped when Kel grabbed his hand.
"I'm going to kill him. Ha! Help me pack up my stuff! Sure more like put slime, mud and who knows what else in it, leave it out in the rain and to finish it off, why not cut it to shreds so it is useless against the pouring rain. I'm going to kill him!"
Dom quieted Kel by putting his hand over her mouth. "Come on Kel, let's get you out of the rain and into some dry cloths, then you can tell me who you're going to kill."
"And were pray tell will I be doing that? Or have you forgotten that I have no tent?"
Dom just led her past tents. "You can use mine. I told you I wished to make up for being such an ass to you today."
He pushed her into his tent before she could complain. "I will be back shortly, and when I am, I will expect you to be in dry clothes and wrapped up in my bedroll.
Kel quickly did as she was told. She took off her sopping dress and underclothes and then pulled on her night shirt. She had just barely gotten into Dom's bedroll and felt comforted by his smell when Dom came in holding two steaming mugs. Kel looked down. She could see the side of his face starting to bruise.
"Dom, I..I'm sorry I lost my temper at you. This just hasn't been my day."
She heard him sigh. "I know Kel, and I'm sorry too. I was just being a jealous jerk. Now, if you don't mind, drink this and look away, I need to change."
Blushing, Kel turned and began to sip the tea. She almost gagged. "Gods, are you trying to poison me?"
Dom let out a chuckle, "No my sweets, I simply would hate for you to develop a chill after riding all day in that wet dress."
He placed his hand on her shoulder, letting her know that he was finished. "Would you mind terribly scooting over a bit, it is a little cold out here."
Kel shifted so that Dom could use some of his bedroll to keep warm. "Thanks, now tell me, who are you going to kill?"
"Wolset." Seeming to think for a moment Kel add "And most likely Riley. Actually, I wouldn't be surprised if I had to kill your entire squad. This morning he and Riley stopped by, Riley to ask for help with staff fighting and Wolset claimed that he would help me pack up my stuff so I could focus on the lesson. I told them both yes. Why was I so stupid?"
Dom put his arm around Kel, "You were trying to help somebody out."
Kel gave a small smile before she shivered a little.
"Cold love?" At Kel's nod, Dom set both of their mugs aside and pulled her down on the thin mat and hugged her to him. They both began to relax at the shared warmth.
It was several minutes of comfortable silence before Kel became aware of how Dom had suddenly tensed. But before she could ask him what was wrong, she heard him softly whisper her name before his hand gently turned her head. In the semidarkness Kel could briefly make out Dom's white teeth and a glint in his eyes that took her breath away. And then his lips were on hers and she instantly closed her eyes.
AN: It actually took me longer to write this than I thought it would. It's not that I found it difficult to actually figure out what to write, it's more along the lines of trying to balance spending time with my grandmother in the evenings and going to bed before I can be eaten alive by mosquitos. And because I haven't been able to update during my trip, I wanted to make sure that it was longer than my most resent chapters, in fact, I do believe that this is the longest one yet!