A/N - I think I'm getting a little better! Let me know any know overall how the story sounds! Not much of a cutoff I know, but oh well.
Daine didn't get far from the stables when she heard a shout.
"Daine! Veralidaine! Wait please!"
Running up the hill was a man with wavy black hair and sparking blue eyes. He wore a brown shirt with billowed sleeves and a pair of comfortable pants. Normally a leather cord would have been threaded to keep the neckline closed, but this man's was completely open showing his well muscled chest. His burnoose was flapping in the wind and he was missing a boot.
"Sergeant Domitan, whatever is the matter? You look completely bedraggled. I was told I would meet you on the road. Please, catch your breath." He was trying to speak and gasp for breath at the same time.
"My apologies Wildmage, but one of our mares has strained her left hindquarter. I wanted to catch you, you know, before you flew off." He said with rueful grin.
"Is she in the Own's stable?"
He nodded.
"I'll go to her, and then we will regroup at the North Gate. I have a few more errands and I should be on my way. You on the other hand might want to continue getting dressed." She teased as she nodded to his bootless foot.
"Curse it, how did I get all the way here without realizing?" He rolled his eyes and gave a frustrated huff as he jogged back to his quarters.
"Don't be late!" she yelled.
He turned. "It's too late for that, my lady!"
She smiled to herself and she continued her way down to her destination. She wanted to stop by a friend's rooms for a quick goodbye.
Keladry heard a knock on her door and put down her book of Yamani war history. She was wasting time until Tobe came back.
"It's open."
Daine came in with a bright smile on her face.
"Daine, how are you? Weren't you supposed to be gone this morning?"
"Yes, but I got stalled." she drew out the last word.
She flushed at remembering just who stalled her. Numair didn't see the importance at leaving so early in the morning. He had argued that since the sun wasn't even up then why should she be? Kel saw her friend blush, and tried to hide a smile beneath her hand. Lovers were always an amusement.
"I still have some things I need to get done. Sergeant Domitan is running behind as well." Was that now a blush from Kel? She wondered if she was just seeing things. "I need to go check on a mare of his. Anyways, I just wanted to say goodbye, and also Jump will need to take these…" She handed the Knight a glass jar filled with green pills.
"What are these?"
"They're something I came up with. I had help from Numair to make sure they would work. They're medicine. Just some herbs infused with a little healing magic to ease pain of old age."
Both women had a sad look on their faces. Jump was getting old and neither of them liked that thought.
Kel smiled a bit. "Daine, this is marvelous. Thank you so much. How much does he need?"
"Oh, yes, he needs two each day. If you put one in his food he will be none the wiser. Before I leave, how is Tobe doing?"
"He is incredibly happy, that boy. He's helping Lalasa this morning. I was waiting for him to come back when you came in."
Tobe had been going to Lalasa's self defense classes which were held in the evenings three days a week. This morning however, Tobe went to help Lalasa set up her new classroom.
Lalasa's classes had turned into something new in town. Her shop had become too small to be a dress shop and have the classes, so she bought the building upstairs for more room. She wanted to have a place where the children who came could learn their numbers, letters, as well as learn self defense.
"She's become quite the unconventional school teacher. She never charges money, only encourages the children to come every day. She is the mother of the town's children, basically. Tobe spends his time helping the boys and girls his age. He's a smart one."
"He's had a smart mentor." Daine said with smile.
Kel flicked her fingers, "I just helped him along. He has brains like Neal and can remember anything you tell him. Also, you've helped him quite a bit in developing his horse magic, don't forget that!"
Just then Tobe came barreling through the door.
"Lady! I heard Daine was lea – Oh, Lady Wildmage!" and he threw himself around her in a tight hug.
Daine laughed. "Tobe, my goodness I won't be gone long!" and she hugged him back. "Look at you! You've grown since the last time I saw you!"
He laughed. "My Lady that was naught two days ago."
"Yes, that's the point!"
"I came rushin' not knowin' when you'd b'gone! I just wanted to say goodbye afore you left."
"Tobe, speak proper please. You know you shouldn't run willy nilly into a room throwing yourself at people." Kel's tone wasn't reproving, just a reminder. He backed away tying to recover himself.
"Apologies, my Lady. Apologies Lady Daine, I meant no offense."
"Oh, goodness none taken at all, Tobe. Don't be silly. Kel is right though, do remember your manners when they are needed." she winked at him.
"Well, my dear friends, I really do need to go. The sergeant is probably wondering where I am." At that she snuck a glance at Kel. She blushed! She wasn't just thinking it!
Kel saw her laughing eyes. "Oh, well, I hope you have a safe journey. I know we will all miss you. We will try to keep Numair occupied." And she practically shoved Daine out the door.
She could hear Tobe saying, "Lady that wasn't very nice. Even I know you like Sergeant Domiton!" A thunk and a yelp came from behind the door as if Kel as thumped her book over his head.
Daine smiled and shook her head as she made her way to the Own's stables.