Leah of Goatsrock gracefully weaved her way through the crowd of nobles in the ballroom. The ball thrown by King Jonathon of Conte and Queen Thayet celebrated the end of the Scanran War. Leah's soft dirt blonde hair tumbled down her back in waves complimenting her forest green dress.

She was particularly looking forward to seeing Domitan of Masbolle this evening. While dancing at previous balls she had become rather taken with him. Now that the war was over, they could approach the subject of courtship. Finally she saw him. Eyes shining, mouth set into an easy smile, exactly as she remembered him.

However, another woman was causing this dazzling smile. A rather tall woman clad in a simple golden dress with light brown hair cut just above her shoulders conversed with the object of Leah's affection. Stopping a couple of yards away, she observed the couple. The woman had peaceful hazel eyes and a delicate nose. Her simple elegance, enduring rather than seductive, seemed to captivate Domitan.

Leah inched closer to hear their conversation.

"It seems strange to be wearing a dress at a ball surrounded by court after weeks of being covered in mud." the hazel-eyed woman said looking about the room.

"Covered in mud?" Leah thought. "A Queen's Rider maybe?"

"Ah, yes. I rather miss the mud. This tunic is not all that comfortable." Dom replied tugging on said article of clothing.

She laughed and excused herself to get something to drink. Leah watched as Dom gazed at her retreating back.

"Who is she?" she thought while looking at this woman once again with a tinge of jealously. She saw Sir Raoul of Goldenlake and Malorie's Peak talking with her annimatively. Surprise then recognition crossed her features. This was Lady Knight Keladry of Mindelan, former squire of Sir Raoul.

Now was the time to make her move on the unsuspecting Dom.

"Domitan, how long has it been?" Leah said in a light-hearted voice hoping not to leak out her emotions.

"Lady Leah, how are you this evening?" Dom asked politely.

"Very well, I just returned to court from Goatsrock. Father wanted to celebrate the harvest."

"Guessing you had a fruitful one then?" he asked.

"You are most correct. A wonderful omen for the victorious Tortall." she replied emphasizing victorious knowing that Dom had played a role in their victories. She was rather surprised though that he had not asked her to dance yet.

"Yes, I would say so" he responded smiling. "If you will excuse me, it was nice seeing you."

Leah gazed downtrodden at him as he walked up to the Lady Knight. A minute later they were dancing slowly to a beautiful song being played by the orchestra. She stared at the knight's small blush when her pulled her a little closer than necessary. Just then, Leah caught sight of a glittering ring on Keladry's finger right before he leaned down to brush his lips against his betrothed's.

Feeling angry at herself for being so blind, Leah attempted to find another charming blue-eyed man.