"Daine," Numair knocked again. "I know you're in there." He sighed where there was no answer, leaning to rest against the door.

"I leave in the morning; first bell. I know you said you didn't want to come but if you change your mind-" he traced her name plate with one finger, feeling the grooves of letters. "Either way, I'd like to see you."

He waited, anticipation slowly giving way to disappointment when no reply was heard. "Well, goodbye," he faltered. He couldn't remember a time when he had been at such a loss when it came to Daine. Sighing again, he pushed himself away from the door and headed back to his rooms. There had been a time, not so long ago, that he would have had trouble getting rid of her the night before they were to be separated.

A letter from an old friend had turned into an opportunity for both him and the university. Tomorrow, he would leave for Tusaine and not return until at least first frost. His best efforts to talk to Daine had been found in vain as she proved obstinate and skilled when it came to avoiding him. His concern had turned to frustration and then offense before circling back to concern and repeating the cycle in an endless loop over the past couple weeks.

His sleep was restless and it was with a heavy heart and arguably heavier eyelids, that he attached his packs to Spots the following morning. The air was misty and damp, and he was nothing if not more vexed to know that he would probably spend a good deal of the journey cold as well as alone.

Before he could mount he felt something hit his boot with a soft thud, followed by an anxious trill.

"Kit," he beamed, his first silver lining of the morning appearing in the form of the small immortal. He picked her up as she chattered in a series of whistles and chirps. "I will miss you too," he replied, earnestly, "but I will be back before you know it."

The small creature nuzzled into his chest, scales slowly shifting from grey to her usual blue. He preened the young immortal, taking care to pay special attention to a spot under her snout her knew her to be particularly fond of, as he became aware that they were not alone.

Daine stood several feet away, leaning against a stall. "Kit convince you to bring her by?" He struggled to keep his annoyance in check.

She paused, the hay she had been twirling between her fingers stopping it's motion. Finally, she sighed. "You know she could have come on her own."

Kit was squirming in his grasp now, stretching to get close to Spots. "Ah, you just wanted to see him," he said sourly as he passed her over to perch on the geldings back, though her affection for his mount always touched him. He put his hands in his pockets and approached Daine. He was half-surprised she didn't bolt in the other direction. She twirled the hay again, eyes following it.

"You could still come with me," he broke the silence. She looked as though she may respond, but seemed to think better of it. Numair grabbed the strand from her hands and let it drop to the ground. "Daine."

"I shouldn't," she shrugged and crossed her arms.

"Shouldn't, or don't want to?" It came out sharper than he had meant, but for the first time she met his gaze and he saw her own temper rise.

"What I want-" she bit her lip, looking away and collecting herself with a steady breath. "It's not about what I want," she shook her head. "I just don't think it's the right choice for me right now; can you respect that?"

He softened, guilt at the thought he had been pressuring her tempering his anger. "Of course. Thank you for coming this morning."

"I wouldn't let you leave without saying goodbye. Even if-" she faltered again, putting her hands in her pockets and mirroring his own stance. They stood in silence, unsure of what to say, or perhaps out of things to say. He broke the silence first.

"I have to get going," he moved forward and embraced her. There had been a time when it would have felt natural, but now he was tentative-unsure of whether or not she wanted to be touched. She returned the gesture but did not lean into him as she usually did. He drew away, noticing that her eyes were over-bright. He wanted to reach out, stroke her cheek, but didn't.

"I'll write." He paused as she nodded, before drawing a deep breath. "When I get back-"

"Yeah," she cut him off, nodding again. "Okay. Don't stay away too long." She smiled at him as he plucked Kitten from Spots, and handed the dragonet back to her mother.

He winked at her, "I'll be back before you know it."


Magelet,

I have to say it was strange to be on the road without you. I've become very used to having you by my side-setting up camp takes me much longer now! I can't say that I'm enjoying it.

I'll cross the River Drell tomorrow. Hoping for a much less damp experience than we had the last time we did it. I'll let you know how it goes.

I'm sending some sweets that I picked up in Ravendale. Remember that little cart with the old woman who read your palm? She's still there and remembered you and Kit. Me, not so much but you know how I feel about fortune telling. Maybe it showed and i've been snubbed.

Anyway, she remembered you both and gave me some treats to get to you. She says her dog (Tantio?) is still doing wonderful. The mint is for you, and the strawberry for Kit.

Missing you both,

Numair


Numair,

Knowing your coordination your river crossing was likely as bad as the last, though I am assuming you've dried by now.

Thank you for the sweets! We both loved them. Kit loved them messily as you can see from the chocolate stains on this letter.

I've been invited to both the Swoop and Legann, but haven't accepted either invitation. I must admit i'm feeling fair ambivalent right now and I won't lie but am not enjoying the idea of travelling without you either. It does feel strange after so long together.

Stay safe, stay dry,

Daine


Daine,

I'd rather not talk about the crossing.

I appreciate that I'm missed. I would be lying to say I'm not concerned that you're outgrowing me-though one may argue that you should.

That being said you were probably right that it was for the best you not join me-you would find this dreadfully dull. Even I am finding it to be a bit tiresome, and I very much enjoy 'musty old rocks' as you charmingly call them.

The ruins are impressive in scope-they extend much further underground than we anticipated-but I'm not sure if we'll find what we're hoping. I won't bore you with the details.

Sincerely,

Numair


Numair,

I am running very late but Kit is insisting I send this to you immediately. I think it's a fingerpainting (clawpainting?) of the three of us and Spots (she's mad at Cloud-don't ask), but it could be some sort of chaos beast. Not sure.

-Daine


Daine and Kit,

I love the clawpainting. I have it hung in my tent and treasure it. One of the students asked if I had a toddler at home-is saying yes technically a lie?

Things are well here, though it's getting colder. You know how I feel about the cold. We're moving into a new chamber tomorrow and what we find may decide how much longer we will stay on site for the season.

Hope to see a letter from you soon. Are you still in Corus?

Sincerely,

Numair


Daine,

I was hoping to see another letter from you, but I know how busy things get. I'm enclosing this in a letter to George since I'm not exactly sure where you are. I don't like not knowing that.

We're still working through that chamber, but no decisions have been made on how much longer we will stay on site. Some of the students are getting restless and I think several of them have learned that they prefer the library to field work (can't say I blame them). You certainly spoiled me as far as favorable students go.

I miss you,

Numair


George,

Nothing of note to report here. We're still excavating, but if I am needed back home I can return. The Tusaine mages are agreeable and have brought up the idea of collaboration with the University several times-something to talk about with Harailt when I return.

Can you send the enclosed letter to Daine? She said she may go to the Swoop, but I'm not actually sure where she is right now. On that note, where is she?

-Numair


Tall Hawk,

Must I remind you, again, to send letters through the appropriate channels with the appropriate codes?

I will pass your letter to Copper Wolf.

No need to hurry back now-keep me posted.

-Whisper Man


Whisper Man,

I'm not exactly sending sensitive information. This seems like overkill, but I will play along.

Don't think I didn't notice that you didn't tell me where Copper Wolf is. You always know where everyone is. What's going on?

-Tall Hawk

P.S. This code-name is worse than the last one. Can I just be Juggler again?


Daine,

Please write as soon as you are able-is everything okay? I'm concerned.

George won't tell me where you are and I haven't heard from you in weeks.

I'm sending a copy of this to Corus, the Swoop, Legann, and Dunlath for good measure. I'm hoping your letters have just been lost on their way to me.

I have a few things to wrap up here but am planning to be on my way home as soon as I can.

Concerned,

Numair


Tall Hawk,

Daine is fine. There is no need to fret. She's just taking a well-deserved rest. Remember what peace and quiet feels like?

And while I do like to be in the habit of knowing where all my little birds are in the realm, i don't make a habit of divulging that information unless it's need-to-know. Trivial things like safety to consider, and all that.

Since you're both on leave, I have to assume that this is personal.

Regarding your other matter, John Juggler is now in the ranks so I'm afraid that will be too confusing. I've considered it though, and your request is granted.

Effective now, your code-name will be Stork Man.

You're welcome.

-Whisper Man


Whisper Man,

No.

At this point you're just mocking me.

-Numair Salmalin


Daine,

While I am relieved at the news that you are well, i'm confused as to why I haven't heard from you.

I know things were uncomfortable when I left, but I'm hurt at this.

I'm not really sure what to say.

Still though, please write.

Sincerely,

Numair


Daine,

Since you are presumably not awaiting my return with baited breath I'll be extending my stay for a while longer.

-Numair


Magelet,

I'm sorry if my last letter was passive-aggressive. I would like us to move past this whole mess.

Please consider writing. I would very much like to know where you are, at least.

Still concerned,

Numair


Stork Man,

Enclosed please find a...something I received to be sent to you? I hope it's paint. If it's not, I don't want to know.

Little Silver is very talented in many ways, but artistry may not be one of them.

Also, why is this coming through me? What in Mithros' name is going on between the two of you?

Perhaps you both need a longer rest. Gods know the last few years have been hard. What about spending the winter with your family?

I've gotten clearance for you to take the time away providing you make a stop in the Tyran capital on the way. Their college has mentioned a few times that they would be interested in you visiting but we haven't been able to spare you. This might be a good time to kill a couple birds. One stone and all.

-Whisper Man


Whisper Man,

That's not a bad idea. Send any details you have. I'll make arrangements.

And for your information it's a clawpainting and I think it's lovely.

-Stork Man


Daine,

I'll be away longer than anticipated as I will be spending the winter with my family.

You're welcome to come if you would like. You're always welcome where I am.

-Numair