Author's Note: This takes place after the Emperor Mage but before The Realms of the Gods, while Ozorne will be in it, I don't plan on delving into the Realms of the Gods storyline to much. It's been updated once more.

Loving my Magelet by:Geek Love 13

Prologue:

Numair's Point of View

For as long as my soul inhabits this world, never will I forget the last few days of our peace conference in Carthack. The fear that welled up inside of me, upon realizing Ozorne had gone after Daine. The irrational and illogical fear that numbed me to any logical thought,nothing mattered but finding her before he hurt or killed her. I knew that she was only valuable to him, if I took the bait, so I did. The aftermath of that plan put Daine in a lot of pain, Kaddar told me that when Daine had found out about my death, it was like it broke something in her. I saw that for myself when I found her, in the gutted ruins of the palace, when she broke at seeing me alive and cried in my arms. And then when she'd collapsed, exaustion taking its toll and I'd tucked her in and watched her sleep, hearing what made up her nightmares. Her screams to me and for me, begging me not be dead we're haunting. Mithros, Mynoss and Shakith! How I made her suffer.

My poor magelet, she'd been forced to endure and suffer through so much while we were here, and I know deep down that half of it is my fault. The day that I confronted Ozorne in the aviary, and then hit him, I as good as drew a bullseye on her and said, "To destroy, the mage shoot here." Also it pains me to realize that I wasn't there for her as much on this trip as I should have been, but I was in a place that pained me terribly to be back in. Plus I had to deal with Varice, a person whose presence grated on me a lot of the time. She seemed to assume that just because I was back we could be together again, but Arram Draper died years ago, in his place, born from the ashes of pride was Numair Salmalin. I wouldn't go back to her for anything. Plus she showed that she didn't know me as well as Daine the first night we were here when she fixed me a plate full of rich foods, not knowing that I prefer light foods on my first days in a new place, but Daine called on some of her friends and soon the food was gone. It's amazing how well my magelet knows me.

Most people assume that I'm so protective of her because she's my student. The truth I've come to realize is far from that. If it's true that for every person there is one person who can make them whole and complete, Daine is that person for me. She's my friend, she understands me, and she drives me to be a better person. I was drawn to her from the beginning, even when I was half-dying in hawk form, and as we've been friends and teacher and student, a bond between us grew and it still continues to grow.

She is my magelet, but I will never let her know, where my mind has been.

When she's in pain, I bleed. When she's happy, I'm happy. However letting her know how I feel would be hurting her in the end. She's only fifteen years old and I have the blackest reputation at court. No good that I know of can come out of her knowing my feelings for her.

Such a pity.

I love them and leave them, at least I used to, I haven't had a conquest in a year or two, but I'm not known for being in love, nor am I known for ever maintaining a long term relationship. They filled the emptiness inside for a little while but it always came back. Until my wildmage got to me. Like magic she filled all of my empty spaces and took my heart.

Sighing I quiet my mind and stare at the sea.

Daine's Point of View:

Thank the gods that we are out of Carthack! I hated who I became, who my friends became in that horrible place. Then when Numair "died" well my soul fragmented and broke, I was and still am unable to imagine life without him.

I walk over near Numair, who is gazing at the water and is obviously miles from her.

"I'll be fair glad to get home." I say, gazing at the sea as well.

Numair looks at me and there is something in his eyes for a second. Some heat I don't understand, that passes from his eyes. I'm left feeling confused which is weird because I can usually read him.

"Me too magelet. How is your health?"

Trust him to be concerned about my health again. "I'm fine, a little tired still but I'm fine."

I fudge the truth slightly, I'm worn out still and I hope that I'll be able to have a couple of days rest before we have to do our duty.

Soon we are back home, and we're called before their majesties for a briefing. King Jon has me explain everything that happened and I tell him, stuttering with worry at certain points, but Numair put his hand on my shoulder and I relaxed against it and told my story. Hopefully they wouldn't kick me out of my home.

Jon and Thayet both said that they understood that I was used as a gods' vessel and just before we left to enjoy a few days well deserved rest, reports came in about killer unicorns, in the royal forest.

Alanna, Numair, and I were sent out, as the riders were busy training new trainees, and we've dealt with such issues in the past easily.

Dark unicorns are beautiful creatures, they are the black all over and look like beautiful midnight black horses.

I don't suppose you'd be willing to leave this forest peacefully?

I expect the answer to be no, and I'm already preparing my bow.

Yes, as long as you die.

Before any of us can react, I feel a sharp pain in my chest and collapse.

Well that plan didn't work so well did it?

Numair's Point of View:

A scream echoes throughout the forest and I barely register it's me, as I crouch down at her feet, after my gift flared out and charred the unicorns.

The horn pieced her chest. Alanna is already trying to save her, violet light pouring over Daine's body.

I'm trembling but I keep repeating, she's not dead, she's not dying, she'll be all right.

"I can't save her!" Alanna cried, tears pouring down her face. "The horn punctured her heart."

With the two of us holding her hands and weeping, Daine was taken by the black god.

I was screaming, sobbing and raging at the world. Why did they take my magelet away? She was so young. She'd endured so much. I didn't want to live without her.

I loved her! I didn't realize I'd shouted the last part until I saw Alanna's shocked look and heard it echo through the forest.

I collapsed in a pile of bitter tears and didn't register the sound of horse hooves, until her mare, Cloud let out a keening wail. The wolves's howls barely registered for me either.

Magelet, I'd give up my life and be with the Darkgod forever if you'll come back. My soul for hers, an easy exchange to make.

Death was so final. Never again would my magelet be here with me. If she were here now, I'd gather up my courage and court her.

But I wasn't fast enough to protect her and she's dead now.