AN: A HUGE apology to all my faithful readers. I got so caught up in school and other stories that this story got pushed to the back of my mind. But I have a schedule for updates for all my stories now so I should be updating regularly. So, read, review and enjoy!

Chapter 4: A Journey

Daine, Numair and Alanna were on their way to Corus. Page training was going to start in two months and Numair was a teacher. Also, Alanna had received and urgent letter from the king. Finally a girl had come forth to take advantage of the declaration that girls could become knights. Alanna was anxious to meet the girl. Daine was rather preoccupied and Numair was very worried about her.

Am I ready? Daine asked Cloud silently.

The pony snorted. I have never experienced what you going through, but you and the stork-man love each other so much I'm sure you will be fine.

Daine smiled and patted her on the neck. Numair was watching this silent exchange. When he saw Daine smile, some of his worry was erased. Daine hadn't smiled in weeks. He rode closer to her and put his arm around her waist.

"Glad to see you smiling, magelet."

She looked up at him and leaned into his chest.

"Wake me up when we get to Corus." She murmured to Numair, Cloud, Spots, and Kitten. The she gave a small sigh and her mouth twitched into a small smile. Promptly she fell asleep. Numair hugged her closer and pressed his lips to her hair, trusting the horses to follow Alanna and Darkmoon. Numair soon fell asleep as well.

Alanna looked back at them and smiled. She thought they looked so cute and peaceful. Then the sky began to darken. Alanna stopped at a wayhouse. She woke Numair and he carried the still sleeping Daine into the wayhouse. He placed her on the bed in their room and went to take care of the horses. He got bitten by Cloud twice.

Finally he returned to Daine and found her awake and feeding jerky to Kitten. When he entered Daine looked up at him and gave him a dazzling smile. He smiled happily in return then they prepared for and went to bed. Daine slept in Numair's arms with a contented smile. But Numair couldn't sleep. He was so relieved that Daine so depressed any more that he felt happy and well rested for the first time since they had found out she was with child. He just lay there with his lips pressed against her hair. Eventually he drifted off to sleep.

When Daine woke up in the morning she felt no warm body beside her. She jerked up and looked around desperately for Numair. Then the door opened as in came Numair, carrying a tray of breakfast. Daine relaxed as he placed the tray on the bed before her.

"Breakfast in bed, magelet," He whispered, sitting beside her and kissing the top of her head. Daine smiled and immediately started eating. She was hungry. Very hungry. She wolfed down the food without even noticing what it was. Alanna had told her that this appetite was a normal part of pregnancy. But Daine found it unusual to be so hungry all the time. It was disconcerting to always want to eat. But it helped that she wasn't picky and could eat almost anything. When she was finished she smiled up at Numair. He smiled back, happy to see her smiling.

Then Daine said, "You know, we really need to set a date for the wedding. And it needs to be a holiday so my parents can come."

Numair nodded, thinking.

"Do you think we could get everything ready by midwinter?"

Daine considered.

"I guess so." She replied, still smiling. She was excited to be joined in matrimony with the man she loved.

Then Alanna knocked on the door.

"Hey, you two, we're leaving in five minutes." She practically growled. She had never been a morning person. Numair and Daine smiled at each other, then collected their things. They met Alanna in the stables less than three minutes later. Alanna managed a small smiled as the saddled the horses and set out. This leg of the journey was uneventful and they reached Corus by noon.

They all went to the King's Study as soon as they were settled. Jon smiled at them and gave Alanna a letter, saying, "Its from Baron Piers of Mindelan, his daughter, Keladry, wishes to become a page." Alanna nearly jumped up and down with joy. Jon left her reading the letter and turned to Daine and Numair.

"Numair, Daine, welcome to Corus. Daine, I trust the journey wasn't too hard on you?"

She shook her head. Jonathon smiled.

"Good, now, your rooms have been set up in Numair's old rooms, with a few additions," His eyes sparkled, then he continued, "I have scheduled a party tomorrow and we will announce your engagement. Daine, when you are ready, I believe Thayet wishes to speak with you. Numair, you can begin preparing for your lessons. I believe you will be teaching third and fourth year pages intermediate magic and first and second year resident squires advanced magic."

Numair nodded. Daine and Numair bowed to the king and left. When they reached Numair's rooms, they received a shock. The brass name plate bearing Numair's name was still there but a much newer one underneath that read Veralidaine Sarrasri had been added. Numair unlocked the door and they went inside. There was still the study/front room, with two desks, but instead of there being just one door, there were four. Daine headed to the first new door and opened it with a gasp. Numair came up behind her and gasped as well. They stared open-mouthed at the room.

AN: I know I really shouldn't leave you guys hanging like this after not updating for so long but trust me, you won't be disappointed! Review please!