Disclaimer: I do not own the characters or places written and recognized in this, they belong to Trudi Canavan. I am not making a profit from this.

(If I had owned it, Akkarin would have lived!)

A/N Hello! This is my first fic (ARGH!). I hope it's okay! Some of the characters may be a bit OOC, I'm very sorry about that! For one, I think I may have made Balkan a wee bit too forgiving :/ eek! This fic may also turn into a multi-chap one, although I already have slight writer's block. It does not bode well! But I'll try my hardest to sort it out :)

ALSO So that a part of this story makes sense: When crossing the border back into Kyralia, Sonea and Akkarin DO NOT meet Dorrien, hence he does not know what is going on between them, therefore the reason he is angry when he realises, as you will find out if you read on...

Anyway, please don't hesitate to R&R, constructive critisicsm is very welcome. Ciao!

Chapter One : The Power Of Love

Sonea dropped to Akkarin's still form, her black robes billowed out behind her on bloodstained ground.

Whose blood?

Her whole body shook as she grasped the handle of the Ichani's blade, and pulled it out of Akkarin's chest. She was still shaking when she pressed her hands over the wound, concentrating hard on reconnecting the cruelly torn tissues in his body.

Her lips trembled as she reached out a hand and turned his head towards her. Sobs racketed through her as she saw his once beautiful dark eyes stare out as though at something behind her.

"No, Akkarin…" her whispers grew louder, "Akkarin! Please don't! Please don't leave me! We've done so much…"

Her cry echoed around the empty space of the Guild grounds. She could feel herself breaking down, her heart clenching too painfully in her chest at the sight of the once strong and imposing man looking so vulnerable on the ground.

What did I do? WHAT IS THIS PUNISHMENT FOR? She screamed in her head.

He couldn't be dead. Tears were streaming down her face, dripping onto black robes. She was so close to him, she could feel his still warm body under her. She lifted her head and pressed her lips against his, her hands gripping his robes tighter and tighter. You can't be gone! She reached up to either side of his head, pressing her cold palms against his smooth black hair and let her mind expand out, trying in vain to find Akkarin's. Come back to me Akkarin… come back… Fresh tears ran down her face as no-one replied to her desperate plea.

Memories of herself and Akkarin forced themselves on her, almost like they were mocking. One stood out from them all; the first time he admitted his feelings for her, how his eyes looked resigned to the fact he could no longer deny himself, and he took her in his arms for an embrace that she lost track of time in, how his kiss lit up a fire in her body that made her heart stutter and then pulse stronger for him than ever before.

I couldn't stop myself reaching up, running a hand through her soft hair, pulling out the debris and making her perfect again. I can't describe the pride I felt for her that night…

Sonea jolted alert, her eyes snapping open. That memory was from the night she had first killed the Ichani woman.

But… that memory was not mine. Akkarin pulled the dirt out of my hair.

Realisation hit her and her already quickened breathing increased two-fold.

Or behind the waterfall, her body so close to mine, her hair slick against her head and trailing down to her shoulders, moist, dark eyelashes framing beautiful dark eyes, and then it happened, my attempts at restraint failed and now our bodies were together, skin against skin, the air electrifying and her lips leaving burning sensations on mine…

Sonea slowly moved her gaze down to his face again, and quietly whispered "Oh…".

His eyes were looking straight back at her, faintly glistening, and his lips were curled in a familiar half-smile. She could feel his chest once again rising and falling beneath her steadily.

"Akkarin - " Her voice caught and she tried to hold back tears, but her relief was so powerful she could do nothing but let them flow. Akkarin blinked and pulled himself up into a sitting position, with Sonea in his lap. She could see tears threatening to spill from his eyes as well. He had a strange expression on his face, a mix of fear and joy, but she guessed it was the same way she looked now; she was scared he would suddenly slip away again.

"Akk -" This time she was stopped as he placed a finger over her lips, quieting her.

His right hand moved up her back and entwined itself in her hair, the other left her mouth and he wrapped it around her waist. Slowly he brought her face closer to his. Their eyes met. Sonea felt her face and neck warm under the intensity of his gaze, but she returned the look and faintly smiled as she heard a catch in his breathing. His gaze shifted from her eyes towards her mouth. He paused and then leaned forward. Finally, their lips met. His lips were so soft against hers and she tilted her head to deepen the kiss. He pressed against her harder in response. In that moment Sonea forgot all her worries and she lost herself to the emotions he brought out in her. Her teary eyelashes brushed against his cheeks, and all too soon he let out a soft sigh, and gently pulled away to rest her head on his shoulder.

"Hush, Sonea. I'm here… I promise I won't leave you again." His deep voice resonated in his chest.

Somehow he had known what was frightening her, and that promise eased her mind. Thank you, she thought. She didn't know if she said it out loud, but now a sudden rush of weariness washed over her, and she collapsed in Akkarin's arms, unconscious.

~.~.~

Akkarin glanced down when he heard a soft murmur and was startled to see her eyes flicker in and out of focus and then close.

"Sonea?"

He expanded his own senses to search for her mind. He let out a breath he hadn't realised he was holding when he found it, even though he could only sense a vague feeling of happiness and contentment radiating from her, no surface thoughts. He then searched for her power and grimaced. It was almost fatally low, she was near exhaustion. His arms tightened themselves round her body, as though they alone could protect her, when he realised he had no power to spare to help revive her.

Well of course I don't have any, he smiled as he chided himself, I already gave it to her.

After gazing at her once more, Akkarin looked around himself at the result of the battle. The three Ichani bodies still lay on the ground not 20 feet away, their limbs sprawled out where they fell. Too close to feel comfortable, Akkarin thought. The ground around them was cracked, brickwork smashed to pieces, and dead vegetation caught up in the air assault had been scattered everywhere. Akkarin's heart sank as he remembered how Sonea adored the Guild's gardens, she would sit on one of the benches and read until the sun set… and now it has been destroyed.

His thoughts were interrupted with the sound of heavy, quick footfalls behind him. Despite his low magic he created a weak shield surrounding himself and Sonea, and duly heard someone curse when they walked straight into its stinging wall.

"Akkarin! Is Sonea okay?" a voice called.

Akkarin relaxed as he realised it was just Rothen. He let the barrier down and Rothen rushed over to his side.

"Lord Ro - "

"Is Sonea okay or not?" It was obvious Rothen was trying to keep the panic out of his voice.

"She'll be fine… She's just exhausted, I don't think she's physically hurt…"

"How DARE YOU!"

Akkarin jolted in shock at the sheer hate he heard in those words. He turned to look behind him properly and realised that Balkan and Dorrien were following Rothen. His gaze slid from the worry in Rothen's eyes, to a pair flashing with anger set in a face with clenched teeth. Dorrien's face. Still on the ground, it was all Akkarin could do to just stare at Dorrien as he towered over him as he spat out his condemnation for him.

"What sort of monster forces a vulnerable girl to learn such a dirty, disgusting, immoral magic?"

Akkarin was stunned by the vehemence in his voice and could hardly get in a reply, not that Dorrien was listening anyway.

"But, she asked me to -"

"What sort of MONSTER takes her away from a man she loves as a father, and bans them from ever speaking to each other again?"

"There was no choice - "

"WHAT SORT OF MONSTER BEDS THE GIRL HE IS MEANT TO PROTECT?"

This last question echoed through the grounds and hung in the air with immense pressure. Akkarin flinched at Dorrien's crudeness, but he began to feel anger building at Rothen's son for his ignorance. A threatening gleam returned to Akkarin's eyes as he regarded Dorrien.

"Firstly, Sonea asked to be taught black magic. Secondly, it was necessary to claim her guardianship. If I had not, Rothen and Lor… Lorlen would have revealed me, and I, and all of you, would be dead." Akkarin then paused as he considered how to answer the last statement. His tone softened a little.

"Thirdly… I have come to love Sonea. I will never harm her in any way. She… We both…"

Rothen gave a quick intake of breath. His face had paled to look extremely nauseous and he began to swallow continuously. Akkarin suddenly understood that he hadn't thought Dorrien was being serious about the last accusation. Dorrien merely gave Rothen a look that asked how blind he could be, but then he turned his attention back to Akkarin, his eyes still furious.

After clearing his throat, Balkan stepped forward. He had said nothing during the whole conversation, but now he had their attention he spoke up.

"These matters, although important, can be discussed later, when it is more appropriate. Lord Dorrien, you have shown your ingratitude to these two people for saving the Guild and Kyralia. I suggest you save face and call for Lady Vinara's assistance. I am sure you would still want to see Sonea well again, despite your obvious dislike for the High Lord?"

Slight guilt appeared on Dorrien's face but undertones of his anger remained as he turned away to call for Vinara. Balkan turned to Rothen.

"Lord Rothen, if you are well? Please would you go to the High Lord's Residence and prepare Sonea's room, and anything you think Vinara may need to heal her. Akkarin and I will follow with her."

"But - "

Knowing what he was about to say, Balkan cut in.

"Rothen, there will be others around all the time, she will be safe there."

The double-meaning of his words did not escape any of them. Consoled, Rothen, if grudgingly, bowed and walked off towards the Residence.

Dorrien returned. Tight lipped, he told them that Vinara would be there shortly, and that should Sonea wake, she was not to move. Balkan nodded and then told him to organize search parties to go out into Imardin to search for survivors… and victims. Dorrien opened his mouth to protest, but at the last moment he scowled and stalked towards the Guild's gates.

A moment's silence passed until Akkarin broke it.

"Thank you, Lord Balkan."

Balkan regarded Akkarin and Sonea in his lap. The former strong, impassive High Lord looked, quite frankly, awful. His robes were torn at the sleeves and at where the Ichani's knife had been embedded into his chest. His face looked haggard; there were dark circles under his eyes, his cheeks were pale, and his lips were a thin line. Sonea equalled his appearance. Though her face bore a peaceful expression in her unconsciousness, there were dark circles under her eyes too, her hair was plastered to her face, and though she was fair already, Balkan could tell that she was much paler than anyone ought to be.

What on earth is going to happen now? He wondered. It was evident Akkarin was telling the truth about the Sachakans. Would he be reinstated at the Guild? But what about Sonea? It was obvious now that they had a relationship. Another rule of the Guild's broken. But then again, Balkan mused, it began while they were in exile. I wonder if the rules apply in this case.

"There is no need to thank me, High Lord."

Akkarin chuckled once, but he smiled sadly.

"Balkan, you know I was stripped of that title."

"Ah, yes, but I believe there is no other person more suited to the role."

Akkarin looked up at Balkan in surprise. He was not expecting someone to be so openly supportive of him, but he was heartened by his declaration.

"I still fear others will not believe me."

"Hmm. We'll see, I suppose. For now though," Balkan bent down and picked Sonea up from Akkarin's lap. She felt extremely light, and her frame was thin. His mouth turned down in concern. Akkarin pulled himself up, and stood for a moment finding his balance. Then he looked to Balkan and motioned that he would carry Sonea. Though doubtful of Akkarin's strength, he handed her into his waiting arms, when a thought occurred to him.

"Akkarin… that knife went right into your chest, we saw, we were watching from the roof." he indicated to the University. "… How can you still be alive?"

Akkarin remained silent as they walked towards the Residence. Balkan looked at his face and saw that a crease had appeared between Akkarin's brows, deep in thought. Eventually he replied.

"I honestly don't know what happened. I only know that Sonea somehow saved me. I am sure, had the battle gone on a minute longer, I would be gone."

Balkan nodded his acceptance of this conclusion. He returned to thinking through his previous thoughts on what was going to happen now. He grimaced as he realised that there were going to be a lot of meetings, discussions, and even worse, attending court. He glanced a look at Akkarin and Sonea and considered their supposed relationship. Akkarin said he loved her. Balkan honestly thought he wasn't quite capable of love, he always seemed so distant. But then, I suppose Akkarin's always been secretive. No one really understands him, except possibly Lorlen, they have been friends since they were Novices. Balkan looked to the man again. He wondered how Akkarin would cope with his friend's death. He remembered how he tripped over his name a few minutes ago. Lorlen would have been there for Akkarin now, and whenever he needed him in the future.

"You should know, you have my support Akkarin, in whatever is going to happen next."

Akkarin turned to him, his eyebrows slightly raised. My, perhaps I don't know Balkan as well as i thought. I would have expected him to consider me a disgrace to the Warrior discipline… just a disgrace completely... He frowned slightly. Maybe the Guild really will believe me now.

"Thank you, again." He returned his gaze to Sonea's face.

Balkan inclined his head at the thanks. They were nearing the Residence now and, after everything, the grey building seemed almost inviting for once.