Wow, I've been away for like months! I'm really sorry about that, but I
just completely lost track of what I was writing and I was so busy with
exams and everything and before I knew it 7 months had passed without an
update and *breathe*
Well I'm back and hopefully with more regular updates you people will
forgive me for being away so long!
First though I would like to thank everyone who reviewed the last chapter. I'm sorry that I can't write personal notes to everyone, but that would take so long considering the number of reviews I received. Well here I go. Thank you to . . .
Social-schitzophrenic. Mirren. Larky.
Snakefeather. Daine. Wildmage101.
ellaenchanted198. 11. Book Angel.
Sabrina11. Fantasyfan. Paige.
Numair's Angel. Chirugal (aka Numair's Daine).
Daine. Nurriel Evenstar. Amanda.
Miya-chan3. Bahja. Anime- Lover18.
Becks. Nuit*nothing. Flack.
I Love PPC. Wildmage. Hells Angel.
Iceangel3. Batty Anthy. Kitten551.
Rachel. Celtic-Mage. XXX.
Kaliarnet. Numie Fan. Anh.
ArizonaBay. Tam-Tam. DarkPixie.
Fire Mage6. LisSakura. Georgespike.
Chrissy. Amina. Marianna.
Fireblade K'Chona. Numair's Hot. Missy Hallan.
Jessie. Martini. Magelet18.
Devil. FicFreak. Live- eviL-07.
Kit49.
Assthorn: I thought I'd make time to answer your reviews because you brought up some very good points. 1: Numair has calloused hands for absolutely no reason except for the fact that I have a thing about them - completely illogical, I know. 2: Daine finds out in EM that her father is a god (when she kills herself) and I guess that there is just an aura about her which makes her recognisable to immortals as Godborn. 3: Yeah, I did screw up with the bit about the bows, sorry about that. 4: I changed the place of the wound in the third chapter because I was made aware of the fact by a couple of people that a stomach wound was fatal - I just haven't changed the second chapter to fit yet. 5: I have little doubt that Daine is now scared shitless of physical intimacies like sex, yet I think I will handle that hurdle when I come to it. A general comment about the writing: I have taken into consideration what you have said and am trying hard to put it into practice. Thank you.
N.B This chapter is going to go at a slower pace to the others, I'm not sure why, but it probably reflects the lack of urgency and Daine's state.
Waking Up
Daine's delirium did not cease as further time passed, but her memory had shifted into the time when she had met Onua and come to Tortall and now she was more restful. Every day Numair came to the room where she had been moved to and sat by her, willing her to awaken. After that dreadful revelation of her assault two years back, he had become fiercely protective of her in her vulnerable state and left her side only when people he trusted were there. There was no apparent threat though, and at times, despite the fact that Daine was still in a coma of sorts, he was vastly entertained by her views on Ozorne's heritage and the identity of his parents, which she likened to chickens and spidrens. Daine did have another dedicated visitor, Perin. Numair felt next to no resentment towards the boy now, since he was suffering from the situation as badly as Numair was, and the mage had not the heart to hate a boy with whom he could emphasise.
One night Perin sat by the bed, holding Daine's small hand between his own larger ones. He was concerned by the chill that had penetrated her body and releasing her, fetched a blanket from the barracks and returning drew it over her still form, tucking it in warmly at the sides. She stirred as he did this, and ceased trembling so much. He gazed at her gently, rapt by the sight of her, even though it was obvious that she had been ill. The bluish circles underneath her eyes did not concern him, for he knew that they were caused only by the lack of rest she had during the time when she was reliving moments painful to her. His grey eyes fell lovingly on the slightly unruly curls that lay across her shoulders like a smoky brown river and he traced her eyelids delicately, which he knew hid her beautiful blue-grey eyes. Perin's finger followed the soft curve of her young cheek, danced over the stubborn line of her chin until it encountered that dulcet mouth with its sweet lips. He laughed quietly as he felt her mouth lift into a half-smile, lulled by his caresses. Bending forward, he placed a light kiss whilst his fingers weaved themselves into the soft waves of her hair. She sighed into his kiss, murmuring something beneath her breath.
"Daine?" asked Perin urgently, hoping that she had woken up at long last. His hopes were dashed as her head tipped to the side and she continued sleeping, still smiling. Unconsciously she repeated the name of the person who comforted her in her dreams. Perin lowered his ear to her face, desperately seeking to hear what she was saying. When he did he recoiled in shock, his face pale with the sudden realisation.
"Numair."
*****
As dawn stole over the horizon Numair was already awake. Having endured a fitful night's rest he could bear to lie abed no longer and now paced the room ill at ease. The cause for his feeling was not certain; he wasn't even sure that it was a bad feeling, just one of anticipation. He knew that something important was going to happen today and he hoped beyond hopes that it would be something to do with Daine. Sighing in slight frustration, he went into the adjoining bathroom in order to prepare himself for the upcoming day. He finished and stared about his rooms blankly, as if looking for something that wasn't there, yet should be there. Numair pulled tan breeches and a fresh linen shirt from out of the dresser and tugged his dark hair back into its customary horse-tail. The feeling of restlessness had still not dissipated and clung to him almost like a tangible substance.
Sitting down in a deep-backed chair, he settled to read until the bell rang for breakfast. However, The Chronicles of Ulied did not hold the same scholarly interest for him as usual and he abandoned this fruitless attempt to distract himself. Letting himself out of the door, he walked the deserted corridors quickly, his footfalls echoing down their lengths. As he reached the outside, he felt a morning chill in the air and shivered slightly, noticing the cold way that the stark yellow light glinted off the ritual nightly dampness that was spread across the ground. Wrapping his arms tightly around his chest, he set off for the Riders' barracks, where Daine lay. He did not notice Perin leave just a few moments before he arrived at her door. Perin, however, did notice the tall mage's appearance and checking for a second, turned and followed, slipping unseen into the shadows.
Numair neglected to close the door as he entered her room, and settled himself in the chair which stood next to her bedside. He noted with surprise that it was still warm and came to the conclusion that Perin had probably been there. Clasping the girl's hand with his own, an echo of Perin's action earlier, he sat in silence for a long time, just watching her. In the distance, the bell rang for breakfast and Numair's stomach growled in response. Resigned to fact he had to leave her, Numair rose and bent over Daine. He ran a tender hand down the side of her face.
"I must go now, Magelet. I will be back later, I promise." After a moment's hesitation, he leant forward and placed a quick kiss on the corner of her mouth. "Sorry," he whispered, "but I know I'll never have the opportunity to do that again." Turning abruptly on his heel, he strode out of the room, not even noticing Perin who still stood outside the door, frozen in shock.
*****
Perin stumbled outside and sank to the ground near the paddock fence, his head in his hands. He couldn't believe it. All this time, and he had never suspected a thing. But he thought in sad consolation, at least he hadn't been played for a fool. Daine was one of the few honest people he knew and he was sure that if she had been aware of her feelings for Numair, she would not have strung him along like this. As for Master Salmalìn, it was obvious that he did not believe that Daine returned his affections because of what he said to Daine after he had kissed her. A groan escaped him. It was all too confusing; well, it wasn't that confusing if truth be told, but if everything happened as it seemed it would, he would end up the loser.
Perin plucked a piece of straw from off of the gate, where it had become tangled in the splinters. He rolled it around an around, feeling the stiffness of the object beneath his fingers. There was nothing actually dangerous about the straw itself which deterred him, yet he had trapped it all the same. Gods help me, he thought. I'm going all learned, seeing things in symbols. However, the course he had to take was clear to him. He must let Daine go and if she questioned why, he would tell her that although she didn't realise it yet, her true affections lay somewhere else. He would not tell her with whom, though. No, these things couldn't be rushed. Nor stopped, he realised ruefully. Perin loved Daine over himself and it hurt to do this, Gods did it hurt, but he knew it had to be done.
A tear ran down his cheek silently. His part was over. Although he knew that Master Salmalìn had something of a reputation concerning women, he was also aware of the fat that the mage was an honourable man with good morals and would not concern himself like this over Daine if his feelings and attentions were not true. One day I'll find someone else to love, he thought with a resigned determination. Someone who I will mean as much to as those two do to each other, even if they don't realise it yet.
Despite this, he could not stop a sound of hi grief from escaping his throat. A person lifted his head and stared at him with concerned eyes. The Horsemistress, he thought.
"Are you alright, boy? Has something happened to Daine?" He shook his head and she relaxed visibly at that.
"She's fine," he whispered lowly.
*****
Daine blinked her eyes slowly and pushing herself into an upright position, squinted slightly. The light that was streaming into the room was unnaturally bright and the room felt a bit warmer than she had expected, like it was approaching spring rather than still being most definitely wintertime. Confused, she swung her legs over the side of the bed, noticing that they felt strangely weak, as if she had been abed a very long time. Her stomach rumbled and she smiled, knowing at least how to appease that. As she stood, the room started to spin quicker and quicker, making her dizzy and with an unpleasant lurch of her stomach, her knees gave way and she collapsed onto the floor.
"What in the name of the Gods . . .?" she exclaimed hotly, noticing that her voice sounded hoarse and rusty. Then it all came back to her: The battle against the unicorns, the last one, screaming, charging at her, pain, darkness and a plague of nightmarish memories. She opened her eyes again, fear seizing her and began calling for someone, wanting them to explain what was happening, how much time had passed.
The door slammed open and Numair rushed into the room, his dark face creased with panic. Exclamations burst from his lips upon seeing her bed empty, but when his eyes alighted on her sprawled on the floor, looking decidedly bewildered a joyous grin spread across his face. Scooping her into his arms he swung her around and around, laughing all the time. Finally he stopped and just held her close. She looked up at him for an explanation ad was taken back by all the tenderness that was in his face. She felt another lurch in her stomach region, but surprisingly, this one felt like a good kind of lurch. A huge hand descended on the side of her face, touching the skin hesitantly as if he almost still couldn't believe that she was real and awake.
"You're awake, Magelet, he whispered in wonder. "I can't believe it, you're awake at last." She grinned up at him, not wanting to spoil the moment by haranguing him with questions. A strange look suddenly entered his eyes as he gazed happily down at her. She wasn't sure what the look was, but her breathing shortened in response and she could hear her heart beginning to work overtime. Suddenly his lips seemed very close and she couldn't help but notice how soft they appeared.
At that moment Onua entered the room, completely oblivious to the sudden tension between the mage and Daine.
"Daine . . . O my Gods, you're awake!" Daine stared at Onua. Had the Horsemistress just squealed? "I heard all this laughing coming from in here, but I hadn't dared to hope . . ."
Numair set the girl down and Onua ran to embrace her friend, tears in her eyes. Daine stepped back suddenly. "Can you explain what happened, please? I'm a little confused, to tell the truth." At her lost expression the others sat her down, embarrassed by their own lack of consideration and told her at last what had happened.
*****
That afternoon consisted of a riot of visits from various people, all eager to see for themselves that she was awake and well again. Finally they all left and Perin came in. He approached her awkwardly and sat down at the edge of her bed, staring at the coverlet.
"I'm sorry I didn't come and see you earlier, Daine. I just didn't want to come when everybody else was here." He looked up then to see her eyes smiling warmly at him. She grasped his hand gently.
"It's alright, Perin. I understand." Not wanting to say anything else, she leaned forward, intent on giving him a kiss, but was more than a little hurt when he pulled back sharply.
"No, Daine. Don't do that." He immediately regretted being so rash when he saw tears sparkle wetly in her eyes. "I didn't mean it like that, I'm sorry. It's just that I learned a few things when you were . . ." he gestured vaguely and she nodded in understanding. "One of them was that even though you were delirious, not much of what you spoke was nonsense. You . . . seemed, no, it is certain that your affections truly lie with someone else, not me. You just don't know it yet."
She shook her head in confusion, reluctant to let him go. "You are certain? But who? Perin, I . . ." She trailed away, and he tipped her chin up, smiling sadly.
"Yes, I am certain and I will not stand in the way of what will come. I won't tell you who it is, Daine. You will find that out in your own time. I will be here for you though, if you ever need me."
He kissed her forehead and left swiftly, closely the door gently as he went. Daine stared after him, even more confused than before and she sat that way for a long time. The last thing she saw in her mind before she finally drifted to sleep was Numair's face so unexpectedly close to hers.
*****
Finally, I hear you say. Something has happened. Well, unless you want to wait another 7 months for the next chapter, you may want to boost my writing speed by sending me a little review via that lovely purple box!!
First though I would like to thank everyone who reviewed the last chapter. I'm sorry that I can't write personal notes to everyone, but that would take so long considering the number of reviews I received. Well here I go. Thank you to . . .
Social-schitzophrenic. Mirren. Larky.
Snakefeather. Daine. Wildmage101.
ellaenchanted198. 11. Book Angel.
Sabrina11. Fantasyfan. Paige.
Numair's Angel. Chirugal (aka Numair's Daine).
Daine. Nurriel Evenstar. Amanda.
Miya-chan3. Bahja. Anime- Lover18.
Becks. Nuit*nothing. Flack.
I Love PPC. Wildmage. Hells Angel.
Iceangel3. Batty Anthy. Kitten551.
Rachel. Celtic-Mage. XXX.
Kaliarnet. Numie Fan. Anh.
ArizonaBay. Tam-Tam. DarkPixie.
Fire Mage6. LisSakura. Georgespike.
Chrissy. Amina. Marianna.
Fireblade K'Chona. Numair's Hot. Missy Hallan.
Jessie. Martini. Magelet18.
Devil. FicFreak. Live- eviL-07.
Kit49.
Assthorn: I thought I'd make time to answer your reviews because you brought up some very good points. 1: Numair has calloused hands for absolutely no reason except for the fact that I have a thing about them - completely illogical, I know. 2: Daine finds out in EM that her father is a god (when she kills herself) and I guess that there is just an aura about her which makes her recognisable to immortals as Godborn. 3: Yeah, I did screw up with the bit about the bows, sorry about that. 4: I changed the place of the wound in the third chapter because I was made aware of the fact by a couple of people that a stomach wound was fatal - I just haven't changed the second chapter to fit yet. 5: I have little doubt that Daine is now scared shitless of physical intimacies like sex, yet I think I will handle that hurdle when I come to it. A general comment about the writing: I have taken into consideration what you have said and am trying hard to put it into practice. Thank you.
N.B This chapter is going to go at a slower pace to the others, I'm not sure why, but it probably reflects the lack of urgency and Daine's state.
Waking Up
Daine's delirium did not cease as further time passed, but her memory had shifted into the time when she had met Onua and come to Tortall and now she was more restful. Every day Numair came to the room where she had been moved to and sat by her, willing her to awaken. After that dreadful revelation of her assault two years back, he had become fiercely protective of her in her vulnerable state and left her side only when people he trusted were there. There was no apparent threat though, and at times, despite the fact that Daine was still in a coma of sorts, he was vastly entertained by her views on Ozorne's heritage and the identity of his parents, which she likened to chickens and spidrens. Daine did have another dedicated visitor, Perin. Numair felt next to no resentment towards the boy now, since he was suffering from the situation as badly as Numair was, and the mage had not the heart to hate a boy with whom he could emphasise.
One night Perin sat by the bed, holding Daine's small hand between his own larger ones. He was concerned by the chill that had penetrated her body and releasing her, fetched a blanket from the barracks and returning drew it over her still form, tucking it in warmly at the sides. She stirred as he did this, and ceased trembling so much. He gazed at her gently, rapt by the sight of her, even though it was obvious that she had been ill. The bluish circles underneath her eyes did not concern him, for he knew that they were caused only by the lack of rest she had during the time when she was reliving moments painful to her. His grey eyes fell lovingly on the slightly unruly curls that lay across her shoulders like a smoky brown river and he traced her eyelids delicately, which he knew hid her beautiful blue-grey eyes. Perin's finger followed the soft curve of her young cheek, danced over the stubborn line of her chin until it encountered that dulcet mouth with its sweet lips. He laughed quietly as he felt her mouth lift into a half-smile, lulled by his caresses. Bending forward, he placed a light kiss whilst his fingers weaved themselves into the soft waves of her hair. She sighed into his kiss, murmuring something beneath her breath.
"Daine?" asked Perin urgently, hoping that she had woken up at long last. His hopes were dashed as her head tipped to the side and she continued sleeping, still smiling. Unconsciously she repeated the name of the person who comforted her in her dreams. Perin lowered his ear to her face, desperately seeking to hear what she was saying. When he did he recoiled in shock, his face pale with the sudden realisation.
"Numair."
*****
As dawn stole over the horizon Numair was already awake. Having endured a fitful night's rest he could bear to lie abed no longer and now paced the room ill at ease. The cause for his feeling was not certain; he wasn't even sure that it was a bad feeling, just one of anticipation. He knew that something important was going to happen today and he hoped beyond hopes that it would be something to do with Daine. Sighing in slight frustration, he went into the adjoining bathroom in order to prepare himself for the upcoming day. He finished and stared about his rooms blankly, as if looking for something that wasn't there, yet should be there. Numair pulled tan breeches and a fresh linen shirt from out of the dresser and tugged his dark hair back into its customary horse-tail. The feeling of restlessness had still not dissipated and clung to him almost like a tangible substance.
Sitting down in a deep-backed chair, he settled to read until the bell rang for breakfast. However, The Chronicles of Ulied did not hold the same scholarly interest for him as usual and he abandoned this fruitless attempt to distract himself. Letting himself out of the door, he walked the deserted corridors quickly, his footfalls echoing down their lengths. As he reached the outside, he felt a morning chill in the air and shivered slightly, noticing the cold way that the stark yellow light glinted off the ritual nightly dampness that was spread across the ground. Wrapping his arms tightly around his chest, he set off for the Riders' barracks, where Daine lay. He did not notice Perin leave just a few moments before he arrived at her door. Perin, however, did notice the tall mage's appearance and checking for a second, turned and followed, slipping unseen into the shadows.
Numair neglected to close the door as he entered her room, and settled himself in the chair which stood next to her bedside. He noted with surprise that it was still warm and came to the conclusion that Perin had probably been there. Clasping the girl's hand with his own, an echo of Perin's action earlier, he sat in silence for a long time, just watching her. In the distance, the bell rang for breakfast and Numair's stomach growled in response. Resigned to fact he had to leave her, Numair rose and bent over Daine. He ran a tender hand down the side of her face.
"I must go now, Magelet. I will be back later, I promise." After a moment's hesitation, he leant forward and placed a quick kiss on the corner of her mouth. "Sorry," he whispered, "but I know I'll never have the opportunity to do that again." Turning abruptly on his heel, he strode out of the room, not even noticing Perin who still stood outside the door, frozen in shock.
*****
Perin stumbled outside and sank to the ground near the paddock fence, his head in his hands. He couldn't believe it. All this time, and he had never suspected a thing. But he thought in sad consolation, at least he hadn't been played for a fool. Daine was one of the few honest people he knew and he was sure that if she had been aware of her feelings for Numair, she would not have strung him along like this. As for Master Salmalìn, it was obvious that he did not believe that Daine returned his affections because of what he said to Daine after he had kissed her. A groan escaped him. It was all too confusing; well, it wasn't that confusing if truth be told, but if everything happened as it seemed it would, he would end up the loser.
Perin plucked a piece of straw from off of the gate, where it had become tangled in the splinters. He rolled it around an around, feeling the stiffness of the object beneath his fingers. There was nothing actually dangerous about the straw itself which deterred him, yet he had trapped it all the same. Gods help me, he thought. I'm going all learned, seeing things in symbols. However, the course he had to take was clear to him. He must let Daine go and if she questioned why, he would tell her that although she didn't realise it yet, her true affections lay somewhere else. He would not tell her with whom, though. No, these things couldn't be rushed. Nor stopped, he realised ruefully. Perin loved Daine over himself and it hurt to do this, Gods did it hurt, but he knew it had to be done.
A tear ran down his cheek silently. His part was over. Although he knew that Master Salmalìn had something of a reputation concerning women, he was also aware of the fat that the mage was an honourable man with good morals and would not concern himself like this over Daine if his feelings and attentions were not true. One day I'll find someone else to love, he thought with a resigned determination. Someone who I will mean as much to as those two do to each other, even if they don't realise it yet.
Despite this, he could not stop a sound of hi grief from escaping his throat. A person lifted his head and stared at him with concerned eyes. The Horsemistress, he thought.
"Are you alright, boy? Has something happened to Daine?" He shook his head and she relaxed visibly at that.
"She's fine," he whispered lowly.
*****
Daine blinked her eyes slowly and pushing herself into an upright position, squinted slightly. The light that was streaming into the room was unnaturally bright and the room felt a bit warmer than she had expected, like it was approaching spring rather than still being most definitely wintertime. Confused, she swung her legs over the side of the bed, noticing that they felt strangely weak, as if she had been abed a very long time. Her stomach rumbled and she smiled, knowing at least how to appease that. As she stood, the room started to spin quicker and quicker, making her dizzy and with an unpleasant lurch of her stomach, her knees gave way and she collapsed onto the floor.
"What in the name of the Gods . . .?" she exclaimed hotly, noticing that her voice sounded hoarse and rusty. Then it all came back to her: The battle against the unicorns, the last one, screaming, charging at her, pain, darkness and a plague of nightmarish memories. She opened her eyes again, fear seizing her and began calling for someone, wanting them to explain what was happening, how much time had passed.
The door slammed open and Numair rushed into the room, his dark face creased with panic. Exclamations burst from his lips upon seeing her bed empty, but when his eyes alighted on her sprawled on the floor, looking decidedly bewildered a joyous grin spread across his face. Scooping her into his arms he swung her around and around, laughing all the time. Finally he stopped and just held her close. She looked up at him for an explanation ad was taken back by all the tenderness that was in his face. She felt another lurch in her stomach region, but surprisingly, this one felt like a good kind of lurch. A huge hand descended on the side of her face, touching the skin hesitantly as if he almost still couldn't believe that she was real and awake.
"You're awake, Magelet, he whispered in wonder. "I can't believe it, you're awake at last." She grinned up at him, not wanting to spoil the moment by haranguing him with questions. A strange look suddenly entered his eyes as he gazed happily down at her. She wasn't sure what the look was, but her breathing shortened in response and she could hear her heart beginning to work overtime. Suddenly his lips seemed very close and she couldn't help but notice how soft they appeared.
At that moment Onua entered the room, completely oblivious to the sudden tension between the mage and Daine.
"Daine . . . O my Gods, you're awake!" Daine stared at Onua. Had the Horsemistress just squealed? "I heard all this laughing coming from in here, but I hadn't dared to hope . . ."
Numair set the girl down and Onua ran to embrace her friend, tears in her eyes. Daine stepped back suddenly. "Can you explain what happened, please? I'm a little confused, to tell the truth." At her lost expression the others sat her down, embarrassed by their own lack of consideration and told her at last what had happened.
*****
That afternoon consisted of a riot of visits from various people, all eager to see for themselves that she was awake and well again. Finally they all left and Perin came in. He approached her awkwardly and sat down at the edge of her bed, staring at the coverlet.
"I'm sorry I didn't come and see you earlier, Daine. I just didn't want to come when everybody else was here." He looked up then to see her eyes smiling warmly at him. She grasped his hand gently.
"It's alright, Perin. I understand." Not wanting to say anything else, she leaned forward, intent on giving him a kiss, but was more than a little hurt when he pulled back sharply.
"No, Daine. Don't do that." He immediately regretted being so rash when he saw tears sparkle wetly in her eyes. "I didn't mean it like that, I'm sorry. It's just that I learned a few things when you were . . ." he gestured vaguely and she nodded in understanding. "One of them was that even though you were delirious, not much of what you spoke was nonsense. You . . . seemed, no, it is certain that your affections truly lie with someone else, not me. You just don't know it yet."
She shook her head in confusion, reluctant to let him go. "You are certain? But who? Perin, I . . ." She trailed away, and he tipped her chin up, smiling sadly.
"Yes, I am certain and I will not stand in the way of what will come. I won't tell you who it is, Daine. You will find that out in your own time. I will be here for you though, if you ever need me."
He kissed her forehead and left swiftly, closely the door gently as he went. Daine stared after him, even more confused than before and she sat that way for a long time. The last thing she saw in her mind before she finally drifted to sleep was Numair's face so unexpectedly close to hers.
*****
Finally, I hear you say. Something has happened. Well, unless you want to wait another 7 months for the next chapter, you may want to boost my writing speed by sending me a little review via that lovely purple box!!