I'm spreading things out slightly. It's too compacted for my taste, according to TP's time line (). This fanfic starts in late June of 452, making Daine 16 as of January. Numair is 30. Alanna is 33.

Everything you recognize is TP's

"Daine?" A voice called. A girl with smoky brown curls, and gray eyes looked around the door. "Oh, hello Numair," she said, blushing slightly. Numair grinned at her taking her hand and kissing it lightly. She yanked it away. "Numair, don't! What if someone sees?"

"Sorry Magelet," he said, grinning, and made his way inside her room, shutting the door with a quiet click. Daine stood on toes so she could kiss Numair's neck. He leaned down and kissed her full on the lips.

"Jon wants to see us in the throne room, you know." He murmured as they broke apart. Daine grinned wickedly, swooping in for another kiss.

"He'll just have to wait, then." Minutes passed, and they kissed again and again. A loud bang on the door made them jump apart. Alanna of Pirate's Swoop and Olau called "Daine! You're supposed to be in the Throne Room! Numair was supposed to tell you, but doubtless he got distracted by an oddly colored butterfly or some such nonsense."

Numair made a face, and Daine gasped. "Uh… j-just a minute!" she stuttered nervously. Numair smoothed his shirt. "What do we do now?" he whispered. Daine grimaced, and Numair kissed her nose softly. "I'm not sure. Maybe hi-"

"Are you alright, Daine? I'm coming in." Alanna said, throwing the door. Numair moved to close the door, but he was too late.

Alanna stood at the door, gaping at the two lovers. "What is going on here?" she snapped. "Care to explain, Numair?" Daine blushed and bit her lip nervously. Numair met the Lionesses' gaze steadily. "It's not what you think, Alanna." She glared. "The hell it isn't!" she snarled, slammed the door shut and advancing on the two. "You, taking advantage of Daine? I'm imagining that, am I? She's barely sixteen, Numair! Can't you at least wait until she's the same age I was when I-" Alanna stopped, blushing slightly. (A/N: I'm referring to the part in In the Hand of the Goddess, when Jon bedded Alanna for the first time, on her 17th birthday)

"No, Alanna, it's not like that, really," Daine said quietly. "Numair's not taking advantage of me. This-" She paused, reddening, "is consensual." Alanna raised one eyebrow. "Really now? Has Numair informed you of his past…women?" Numair glared at the Lioness. "This relationship is not the same. I-" his voice cracked slightly with emotion. "I love Daine."

Alanna yanked open the door. "You'd best get to the throne room," she spat, before stalking out.

"Oh, Magelet, I'm sorry Alanna acted that way," Numair murmured, taking her small hand in his large one. Daine was quiet for a moment, leaning into Numair's warm chest. "It's alright. Everyone knows the Lioness has a temper. Besides, people would find out sooner or later." Numair kissed her softly. "We should get to the Throne Room."

They stood, and made their way to the Throne Room, hand in hand.