A/N: Now this was one of the 4am fics! Please R&R and enjoy!

Disclaimer: Own the characters/world/universe? I don't even own a copy of all the books!


Meditation


The soft breathing of the others helped lull Daine into a meditative trance that had almost become second nature to her. The Rider's leave for Pirate's Swoop in a week, but the days still followed the same strict routine.

Daine had seen les of Numair, though he was never far from her thoughts. Even when meditating, she found her mind wandering towards him. (Well, when she didn't yearn to be with the herd.)

His teasing tones rang around her ears, as she thought of lessons with him. She told him that she didn't like the name 'Magelet', but it always made her smile on the inside when she heard it.

The most interesting thought to the young girl was how her mind always drifted back to one of their first conversations. Before all the fancy 'wild mage' talk, before the 'Magelet' nickname. When they were walking about hair ties.

Somehow it had felt right, like the first time she spoke to Cloud, it had been natural. She tried to tell herself that it was because she connected with all her patients. But she hadn't this time – it wasn't until after.

Her heart yearned after Numair, or the Stork Man as Cloud liked to call him. But whatever name he went by, be it Arram, Numair or Stork Man; Daine could not help but miss him when he was gone.

'Oh stop it you fool!' At first Daine thought it was Cloud who had tried to make her see sense, but she soon learned it was her own little voice giving the command.

It was silly her pining after Numair. He was and will always be older than her by a significant amount, but most importantly her teacher. Plus, what was it that Onua had said, "He goes for shapely blondes." Daine was neither shapely nor blonde. She was a thirteen-year-old brunette with hair that stuck out at worse angles than Stormwing teeth.

Her inner self sighed, though her body still breathed in time with the other young riders. Even though he was far older, she still craved his company. But she still got the feeling that he would always be her teacher.

'I need to stop this.' Daine thought bitterly. 'First I think I love the King, now Numair! Tortall is crazier than I thought! Or is it the Madness coming back?'

Mice nibbled at her feet, their concern bringing her out of their trance like state.

'Thinking about him again?' Cloud asked dryly, as if she were right next to Daine, though she was in the stables.

The young girl pushed her chin out as she feigned mediation. 'No, of course not.' She retorted, but even the friendly mice could smell the lie.


Daine/Numair is cute, I like to write it! R&R please!