Wow, thanks to the response, guys! - I wasn't expecting any more than about
two reviews at the most. I'm so happy and I'm also going to shut up now, or
else I might bore myself to death with my rambling! P.S Taking into
consideration the contraction of the fever, the fever itself and recovery,
Daine and Numair should make a realisation by the end of the third chapter
and be together by the fourth. I know you probably want fluff, and I want
to write it as well, but I don't want to spoil things by rushing them so I
just ask that you hang on and you will be generously rewarded . . .
Csporty128: Thank you! You were my first reviewer and I really appreciate it! Yeah, the fluff will come soon, maybe not soon enough, but soon.
Bojanglesbiscuit: Thank you for your vote of confidence that this will turn out all right!
Martini: Wow, well thanks. I'm glad that you think this is good. I tried my hardest to update quickly.
Catalyst: I'm relieved that you think Numair was IC. I thought that was going to be hard to do convincingly. Thanks!
ArizonaBay: Here's what happens next . . . . And maybe Numair will blast Perin one, I don't know yet. *starts musing*
Daine: Your wait has ended!
DevilsQT: Woah! I've continued!
Numair's Daine: I feel sorry for Numair as well! Unicorn bit was, well is perhaps expected, but I wasn't feeling very creative, so forgive, please! Thank you.
A_lady_who's_sure: I'll try not to disappoint you with what I come up with then! Yeah, I agree - D/N forever!
Vulpes Lapis: I've noticed that there are only a handful of D/N fics. I think it's sad because in my opinion the Immortals are the best quartet. I've yet to decide how to make it an R and keep everyone IC, but we'll see . . .
Hell's Dragon: Thank you. You don't like the D/N pairing? Well, maybe we can swing you . . .*starts plotting*
Magic: Thank you! I hope that you will tell me if something's not right so I can fix it, cos I'm pedantic as well. Anyway, here you go.
Crystal Mage: Thank you!
Cherrio: Thank you!
Disclaimer: Own nothing. As much as it pains me to confess this, it's true that not even all the plot belongs to me.
Immortal Struggles
"Numair!"
He turned, wondering who was calling his name and saw his student hurtling across the fields towards him. He didn't want to talk to her just now, didn't want to see her again so soon. No, that was a lie. He did want to talk her, but it would be so hard pretending that nothing had changed and that he didn't mind whom she spent her time with. This was only made clearer when he caught himself thinking how beautiful and wild his student looked with her tousled curls dancing in the wind and the dusky light lending her skin a faint ethereal glow in the gathering darkness. He turned his back and resumed his walk across the yard, pretending that he had heard nothing, his heart heavy with loss.
A hand on his arm stopped him mid-stride and he looked down into a pair worried blue-grey eyes that seemed to be trying to see deeper into him than he was willing to allow now. She had caught up with him then. Resigned, he attempted to commence a charade of nonchalance, but faltered and was trapped by the question that met his ears.
"What's wrong, Numair? Have I done something to make you angry?" Daine sounded almost fearful and Numair scolded himself for letting her get hurt by his constant brush-offs. Taking her hand in his and squeezing it reassuringly, he put her mind at ease.
"No, magelet, I'm not angry. I've just been busy. You've done nothing wrong." 'Nothing except break my heart by giving yours to someone who is so right for you,' he thought bitterly, trying to ignore the way it felt to hold her slender hand in his, her skin soft and warm beneath his calloused fingers. He noticed suddenly that the worry on her face extended further than what she had just brought up with him, and the fear that troubled her eyes unnerved him slightly.
"What are you not telling me, magelet?" She fidgeted slightly, before offering up an explanation.
"There's a small herd of killer unicorns due north of here. They're about ten miles away and are travelling towards the Royal Forest."
Numair let go of the hand that he was still holding in shock. "Why didn't you say so before?" he demanded. "Go and find Buri - we need at least one Rider group. I'll meet you back in the stables in a few minutes." With that he ran off, leaving Daine behind, coughing dust in his wake.
*****
The road they travelled was fraught with danger, but the battle that ensued was the bloodiest yet. Emperor Ozorne was dead, killed by hyenas when he refused to abdicate from the throne of Carthak, but the spells that had been cast under his orders had weakened the barrier dividing the Realms to such an extent that it had collapsed, allowing the entrance of all immortals into the Mortal Realms. The Gods had done nothing to stop this since mortals had originally created the barrier, and this was the result. Attacks from groups of immortals meaning harm were constant but it didn't matter how many were killed for it seemed that there were always ten more to take the place of every one that died. This attack was just the latest in a series, though everyone would remember it for the tragedy that befell so many good fighters and as the day that the power of the Wildmage failed.
*****
The woods were quiet, too quiet for peace of mind. Nothing moved, no animals could be heard for they had all fled. Even the sunlight that filtered through the shady canopy was insubstantial and lacked life. Tension stretched so tight it could be cut by a knife and the darkness played with the hearts and minds of even the most seasoned fighters, every shadow becoming an enemy, every cold gust of wind their breath on the necks of the mortals. The horses were clearly frightened, shying at every sound, eyes rolling and nostrils flaring as they trembled in fear, sensing something that should not be, that was too unnatural to be true.
"Daine, how close are we to this herd?" Buri's voice was no more than a whisper, but in the silence and stillness that surrounded them, it was audible to every person there, raising hackles as skin prickled at the unexpected sound. Daine closed her eyes briefly, trying to make as accurate a report as was possible. Judging the sense in her mind and hoping she was wrong, she opened her mouth to answer and her eyes flew open as horses began to scream and try to bolt.
"Right behind us, about twenty yards or so," her tone hardened by an anxiety made less of a report but made more of an order, commanding people to prepare themselves, though she spoke no more words.
She flung a net of her copper magic out around the group, and with it tried to ensnare the creatures that sought to hurt her friends. It was brushed aside by the immortals, their strength fuelled by the terrible hatred and blood lust that governed their hearts. Again throwing forth tangle wires of magic, she pleaded with them to stop, but they just continued to advance.
"Stop!" she screamed, aloud as well as with her magic. The humans stopped, but quickly started again, sensing that the order was not meant for them. Inside her head a battle raged, vicious and painful. Please stop, she cried out. Don't kill these people when you have no good reason.
Why should we listen to you? The stallion of the herd demanded, both sneering and contemptuous. You mean nothing to us, Godborn. We shall kill you along with your friends.
No! Why do you do this? She asked, stalling for time. They had stopped just a few yards away, evidently enjoying her naivety. They snorted their amusement, pawing the ground with sharp hooves as their muscles in their hind legs tensed, ready to leap forward.
It is our nature, Veralidaine Sarrasri. You of all mortals should understand that.
There was no time to answer. The bushes were tossed aside as a twenty strong herd of killer unicorns flung themselves mightily into the midst of the group. The first five exploded into nothing as sparkling black fire surrounded them and crushed inwards. Daine snapped into action, fighting fear, stringing her bow with ease after years of practice as Buri started yelling orders.
"Archers, to the back of the ranks. Aim for the unicorns at the back so as to avoid your own. Fire at will!" Immediately a hail of arrows rained down and struck the powerful beasts. Four fell in that first onslaught, but not before two riders were dragged from the backs of their horses only to be trampled to death underfoot. Daine felt a continual flare of agony rack her body as one by one horse were culled; they were speared by the wicked horns of the unicorns and fell, screaming their last defiance. Tears coursed down Daine's cheeks as she mourned for those beautiful animals who had fought so bravely and died so needlessly but she continued to fire, driven by the knowledge that as soon as she stopped paying attention she was forfeiting her life.
The ground and the trees were bathed in the blood of the dead and the dying, scarlet running into silver and flowing as one around those who died divided. The casualties numbered many; seventeen of the unicorns had perished, but so had thirteen Riders and the battle was not yet won, not with three unicorns still alive, crazy with pain and fury. One of them turned burning eyes towards the small teenaged girl who stood against a tree, glaring mutinously at the beast while she slotted her last bolt into her crossbow.
You. The creature's voice shook with unsuppressed rage. You caused this, and I will have you for it, Godborn!
The unicorn snarled, madness glinting in its red eyes and froth spewing from its screaming mouth as it charged forward. The girl swung her bow up and fired, her arrow burying itself in the unicorn's throat, but the creature lowered its head, determined to make this one last kill before it died.
The girl felt fear overpower her, nausea threatening to claim her even before that spear that crowned the stallion's head touched her. No! she yelled, throwing all her magic and power behind that single word. The unicorn faltered slightly, but throwing itself forward, pierced the girl's stomach, its horn ripping deep, their blood mingling as they both collapsed one on top of the other, and their screams ringing loudest in the ears of those who were still alive.
Numair saw the creature tear into his Daine, and with a howl of grief as he saw her fall motionless to the ground, he ran blindly to her side, unleashing his fury upon the two remaining unicorns who writhed and contorted beneath the veil of his power and then shuddering burst into flame and disappeared, the last of the herd to die.
All was still again. Corpses littered the ground, both mortal and immortal and the dirt was awash with the blood of the fallen. Moans issued from the mouths of the wounded, and in the corner, covered with blood, a man cradled his student, a silent effigy of grief and begged her to live.
*****
Well, that's it - the second chapter completed. What did you think? Please tell me if you want more. : )
Csporty128: Thank you! You were my first reviewer and I really appreciate it! Yeah, the fluff will come soon, maybe not soon enough, but soon.
Bojanglesbiscuit: Thank you for your vote of confidence that this will turn out all right!
Martini: Wow, well thanks. I'm glad that you think this is good. I tried my hardest to update quickly.
Catalyst: I'm relieved that you think Numair was IC. I thought that was going to be hard to do convincingly. Thanks!
ArizonaBay: Here's what happens next . . . . And maybe Numair will blast Perin one, I don't know yet. *starts musing*
Daine: Your wait has ended!
DevilsQT: Woah! I've continued!
Numair's Daine: I feel sorry for Numair as well! Unicorn bit was, well is perhaps expected, but I wasn't feeling very creative, so forgive, please! Thank you.
A_lady_who's_sure: I'll try not to disappoint you with what I come up with then! Yeah, I agree - D/N forever!
Vulpes Lapis: I've noticed that there are only a handful of D/N fics. I think it's sad because in my opinion the Immortals are the best quartet. I've yet to decide how to make it an R and keep everyone IC, but we'll see . . .
Hell's Dragon: Thank you. You don't like the D/N pairing? Well, maybe we can swing you . . .*starts plotting*
Magic: Thank you! I hope that you will tell me if something's not right so I can fix it, cos I'm pedantic as well. Anyway, here you go.
Crystal Mage: Thank you!
Cherrio: Thank you!
Disclaimer: Own nothing. As much as it pains me to confess this, it's true that not even all the plot belongs to me.
Immortal Struggles
"Numair!"
He turned, wondering who was calling his name and saw his student hurtling across the fields towards him. He didn't want to talk to her just now, didn't want to see her again so soon. No, that was a lie. He did want to talk her, but it would be so hard pretending that nothing had changed and that he didn't mind whom she spent her time with. This was only made clearer when he caught himself thinking how beautiful and wild his student looked with her tousled curls dancing in the wind and the dusky light lending her skin a faint ethereal glow in the gathering darkness. He turned his back and resumed his walk across the yard, pretending that he had heard nothing, his heart heavy with loss.
A hand on his arm stopped him mid-stride and he looked down into a pair worried blue-grey eyes that seemed to be trying to see deeper into him than he was willing to allow now. She had caught up with him then. Resigned, he attempted to commence a charade of nonchalance, but faltered and was trapped by the question that met his ears.
"What's wrong, Numair? Have I done something to make you angry?" Daine sounded almost fearful and Numair scolded himself for letting her get hurt by his constant brush-offs. Taking her hand in his and squeezing it reassuringly, he put her mind at ease.
"No, magelet, I'm not angry. I've just been busy. You've done nothing wrong." 'Nothing except break my heart by giving yours to someone who is so right for you,' he thought bitterly, trying to ignore the way it felt to hold her slender hand in his, her skin soft and warm beneath his calloused fingers. He noticed suddenly that the worry on her face extended further than what she had just brought up with him, and the fear that troubled her eyes unnerved him slightly.
"What are you not telling me, magelet?" She fidgeted slightly, before offering up an explanation.
"There's a small herd of killer unicorns due north of here. They're about ten miles away and are travelling towards the Royal Forest."
Numair let go of the hand that he was still holding in shock. "Why didn't you say so before?" he demanded. "Go and find Buri - we need at least one Rider group. I'll meet you back in the stables in a few minutes." With that he ran off, leaving Daine behind, coughing dust in his wake.
*****
The road they travelled was fraught with danger, but the battle that ensued was the bloodiest yet. Emperor Ozorne was dead, killed by hyenas when he refused to abdicate from the throne of Carthak, but the spells that had been cast under his orders had weakened the barrier dividing the Realms to such an extent that it had collapsed, allowing the entrance of all immortals into the Mortal Realms. The Gods had done nothing to stop this since mortals had originally created the barrier, and this was the result. Attacks from groups of immortals meaning harm were constant but it didn't matter how many were killed for it seemed that there were always ten more to take the place of every one that died. This attack was just the latest in a series, though everyone would remember it for the tragedy that befell so many good fighters and as the day that the power of the Wildmage failed.
*****
The woods were quiet, too quiet for peace of mind. Nothing moved, no animals could be heard for they had all fled. Even the sunlight that filtered through the shady canopy was insubstantial and lacked life. Tension stretched so tight it could be cut by a knife and the darkness played with the hearts and minds of even the most seasoned fighters, every shadow becoming an enemy, every cold gust of wind their breath on the necks of the mortals. The horses were clearly frightened, shying at every sound, eyes rolling and nostrils flaring as they trembled in fear, sensing something that should not be, that was too unnatural to be true.
"Daine, how close are we to this herd?" Buri's voice was no more than a whisper, but in the silence and stillness that surrounded them, it was audible to every person there, raising hackles as skin prickled at the unexpected sound. Daine closed her eyes briefly, trying to make as accurate a report as was possible. Judging the sense in her mind and hoping she was wrong, she opened her mouth to answer and her eyes flew open as horses began to scream and try to bolt.
"Right behind us, about twenty yards or so," her tone hardened by an anxiety made less of a report but made more of an order, commanding people to prepare themselves, though she spoke no more words.
She flung a net of her copper magic out around the group, and with it tried to ensnare the creatures that sought to hurt her friends. It was brushed aside by the immortals, their strength fuelled by the terrible hatred and blood lust that governed their hearts. Again throwing forth tangle wires of magic, she pleaded with them to stop, but they just continued to advance.
"Stop!" she screamed, aloud as well as with her magic. The humans stopped, but quickly started again, sensing that the order was not meant for them. Inside her head a battle raged, vicious and painful. Please stop, she cried out. Don't kill these people when you have no good reason.
Why should we listen to you? The stallion of the herd demanded, both sneering and contemptuous. You mean nothing to us, Godborn. We shall kill you along with your friends.
No! Why do you do this? She asked, stalling for time. They had stopped just a few yards away, evidently enjoying her naivety. They snorted their amusement, pawing the ground with sharp hooves as their muscles in their hind legs tensed, ready to leap forward.
It is our nature, Veralidaine Sarrasri. You of all mortals should understand that.
There was no time to answer. The bushes were tossed aside as a twenty strong herd of killer unicorns flung themselves mightily into the midst of the group. The first five exploded into nothing as sparkling black fire surrounded them and crushed inwards. Daine snapped into action, fighting fear, stringing her bow with ease after years of practice as Buri started yelling orders.
"Archers, to the back of the ranks. Aim for the unicorns at the back so as to avoid your own. Fire at will!" Immediately a hail of arrows rained down and struck the powerful beasts. Four fell in that first onslaught, but not before two riders were dragged from the backs of their horses only to be trampled to death underfoot. Daine felt a continual flare of agony rack her body as one by one horse were culled; they were speared by the wicked horns of the unicorns and fell, screaming their last defiance. Tears coursed down Daine's cheeks as she mourned for those beautiful animals who had fought so bravely and died so needlessly but she continued to fire, driven by the knowledge that as soon as she stopped paying attention she was forfeiting her life.
The ground and the trees were bathed in the blood of the dead and the dying, scarlet running into silver and flowing as one around those who died divided. The casualties numbered many; seventeen of the unicorns had perished, but so had thirteen Riders and the battle was not yet won, not with three unicorns still alive, crazy with pain and fury. One of them turned burning eyes towards the small teenaged girl who stood against a tree, glaring mutinously at the beast while she slotted her last bolt into her crossbow.
You. The creature's voice shook with unsuppressed rage. You caused this, and I will have you for it, Godborn!
The unicorn snarled, madness glinting in its red eyes and froth spewing from its screaming mouth as it charged forward. The girl swung her bow up and fired, her arrow burying itself in the unicorn's throat, but the creature lowered its head, determined to make this one last kill before it died.
The girl felt fear overpower her, nausea threatening to claim her even before that spear that crowned the stallion's head touched her. No! she yelled, throwing all her magic and power behind that single word. The unicorn faltered slightly, but throwing itself forward, pierced the girl's stomach, its horn ripping deep, their blood mingling as they both collapsed one on top of the other, and their screams ringing loudest in the ears of those who were still alive.
Numair saw the creature tear into his Daine, and with a howl of grief as he saw her fall motionless to the ground, he ran blindly to her side, unleashing his fury upon the two remaining unicorns who writhed and contorted beneath the veil of his power and then shuddering burst into flame and disappeared, the last of the herd to die.
All was still again. Corpses littered the ground, both mortal and immortal and the dirt was awash with the blood of the fallen. Moans issued from the mouths of the wounded, and in the corner, covered with blood, a man cradled his student, a silent effigy of grief and begged her to live.
*****
Well, that's it - the second chapter completed. What did you think? Please tell me if you want more. : )