Disclaimer: I do not own the characters that appear in Tamora Pierce's books, obviously they belong to Tamora Pierce :)

The behavior of Numair haunted her even in her sleep, every which way she turned in each dream she saw Numair dismissing her in various ways, even ceasing to be her teacher. Her heart continued to ache at each twist and turn.

The next morning Daine skipped breakfast, she couldn't bear being around all of these humans, she needed a good dose of the People. She needed her freedom for awhile. As she went down to the stables she was met by Cloud.

No sleep? Cloud questioned

You know very well I didn't get a good sleep, do I normally look this terrible in the morning??

Cloud then grabbed Daine's arm and squeezed it lightly You will not take that tone with me, you are still a colt to me.

Sorry Cloud, you know I'm just irritable right now

Why?

Never you mind

Daine—

Cloud can we just get out of here first, please?

Fine. Let me out and meet me at the creek that we usually ride to.

Thank you Cloud

Just let me out.

Daine unlatched the gate and put her change of clothes onto Clouds back and shape shifted into an elegant red-tailed hawk. Daine soon took off and forgot everything and anything that had gotten her down, she let the air whip through her feathers and also let it wipe her mind clean. But as soon as it began it had ended, she was just over the creek and dove to meet Cloud. Daine changed and took her clothes in hand and went behind a rather large bush to change.

Speak.

Okay bossy.

Without another word Daine divulged all of her confusion and feelings for thee Numair Salamin. Once the words came past her lips it was like the torrent of water that comes when a dam breaks. She told Cloud all about Lady Eliza and when Daine said the name her voice and body tensed.

Lady Eliza had been one of the women that Numair had obviously been with in a certain way before the war had broken out. She was the essence of every woman that Numair Salamin had been with, tall, blonde and busty. It wasn't her looks that bothered Daine it was her attitude. She was so "high society" and had her nose so high up in the air that if it rained hard enough, she would surely drown.

Cloud listened patiently letting in an angry mumble here and there. Daine didn't really realize that Cloud was somewhat furious that she was having to feel those feelings, after all Daine had been through, in Cloud's eyes, she didn't deserve it. Finally Daine finished, and repaired the dam.

Daine he may be just meeting her, you know. Have you treated him like a lover the past three months?

Why would I— Oh. Point taken.

Exactly there's no reason to really be upset and worried, just get his attention tonight and really talk to him.

Thanks Cloud…you help so much.

Well I do know almost everything

According to the positioning of the sun, Daine realized that it was time to go back to the palace and prepare herself for the big dinner tonight, Daine couldn't quite remember why they were having it, but in Tortall you didn't need a reason to have a big ball like dinner.

Cloud can I ride back with you? It'd be so much easier than having to fly and then change again.

Cloud let out a deep sigh as if it would be the end of the world if she did and replied simply with an Of course.

Oh I'm not that heavy!

Mmhmm

Whatever.

Cloud bore Daine back to the palace and told her to got get ready and have someone else brush her, Daine almost refused but Cloud insisted.

Daine went up to her room where she was faced with none other than Lady Alanna

I should of known Daine thought to herself.

"Come on Daine we've only 3 hours until Dinner!" Alanna said with mock enthusiasm.

"Oh joy," mocked Daine.

"If I'm stuck dressing up like a doll so are you, and if you're going to dress up, you're going to look stunning."

Alanna then pulled Daine into the chambers and began working on Daine's hair. With such curly hair there was very little to do with it in that state. But, Alanna had come prepared with vast amounts of hair lotions. When Alanna got done tugging and pulling at her hair she had an elegant up-do with a few spiral curls cascading from various areas. With hair done, Daine was sat into a chair and had face paint put on. Daine never really needed face paint, she'd never needed to worry about impressing anyone. With the last of the face paint put on she was given some red material to put on and was shoved behind the changing screen.

When Daine stepped out Alanna gasped. "Daine you look stunning!"

Daine took a look at herself in the mirror and gasped as well, she couldn't believe that she could be this fair looking. The dress she wore helped a lot. It was a strapless red number that had a design cut into the top and the bottom puffed out just enough for Daine's liking. The top was laced with stones of different types.

"Alanna! Thank you so much," Daine said giving her a quick hug.

"No problem, Numair will surely love you in this, no doubt"

Daine's stomach tightened, "What?"

"Oh Daine, don't play dumb, I knew about you two before you two knew," Alanna said knowingly, "Although lately, you two have been hiding it quite well."

"There's nothing really to hide," Daine mumbled barely audible.

"What was that?" Alanna questioned.

"Oh nothing at all," Daine said quickly, "We should probably head down."

"You're right, wouldn't want to be late, now would we," Alanna said, sarcasm dripping from every single word.

Daine let out a small laugh at the lady knight's unwillingness to go. With that the two went down to the dining hall side by side and stepped through the doors.

Reviews would be nice, I'm not sure how this is going, constructive criticism please? If not thats fine too, I'm not one of those people that demand reviews.

Stay cool :)