Description: Numair appears before the Great Gods while is life is judged on whether he is worthy of a second chance.

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters. Everything belongs to Tamora Pierce.

Author's Note: Be warned: I've "killed" a major character in this chapter. I promise it still follows the canon of the books. I just figured Daine had already 'died' a few times and it seemed nearly impossible for everyone to survive this war. I'm afraid I made a small ruling here, given how many times Daine has been returned after killing herself, that she get's no more free chances. I'm not sure if Tamora would approve of that ruling or not, but I hope she understands my reasons.

For anyone who is curious why the Gods don't heal Numair like they did for Daine. Firstly, it's his spirit that stands before them not his body, which is still lying on the ground. Badger returns his spirit and puts him back inside his body. The reason the badger god doesn't heal him is because he's human. Badger can only affect his own mortal children. I believe Daine is an exception to this and was made an honorary badger when he gave her his claw.

Chapter 16

Numair opened his eyes and looked up to see the Black God standing before him. He had known the backlash of his last spell would probably kill him, but that hadn't quite prepared him for death. Rising slowly to his feet, the mage bowed deeply before the Black God becoming aware they weren't alone. He stood on the edge of a circle of the Great Gods similar to the one in his vision from the Dream King. Gainel smiled at the mage and nodded his head to him in gratitude. Numair was shocked to be brought before such a grand audience such as this.

"Do not flatter yourself. We do not gather for you, mortal." Mithros' voice thundered around the room.

The mage flinched and bowed his head trying desperately to clear his mind of any thoughts, but one came to the forefront.

Facing Gainel, he addressed the God of Dreams. "Was Uusoae's pawn revealed?"

Gainel smiled and nodded as Mithros answered. "Weiryn's daughter killed the one responsible for assisting Uusoae."

Numair smiled feeling tears of pride fill his eyes knowing it was always going to be Daine who would see it through to the end. The Dream King stepped forward and waved his hand in front of the mage, forming an image of the young woman dressed in lavender riding on the back of Diamondflame.

"Thank you," the mage murmured feeling the tears slide down his cheeks.

It hurt to leave her behind and never know what their life could have been, but he was glad she had survived, and he'd had the chance to see her one last time.

Silver fire bloomed at the mage's side as the badger god appeared. "I protest this. The mage should be given a second chance."

"What interest is the mortal to you, Badger?" Mithros asked suspiciously. "He is not one of your children."

"I speak in his favour and ask he be returned to the Mortal Realm," the badger god appealed on Numair's behalf.

"As do we," a woman's voice spoke as Sarra and Weiryn appeared in a flash of silver with Broad Foot at their feet.

The mage smiled and bowed his head in greeting even though the situation seemed a forgone conclusion. He had knowingly cast the spell which had ended his life. As far as Numair was aware, the Great Gods did not grant mortals a second chance at life.

– I speak for the mortal, also, brother. He joined the fight against Uusoae at my bequest. – Gainel's soft voice spoke in support.

A cane thumped on the floor. "Even I will speak for the boy. Without his assistance I might not have regained my kingdom – however unintentional it was on his part. I think he deserves another chance to roll the dice," the Graveyard Hag grinned toothily and winked her one eye at Numair.

Shakith, the goddess of justice, stepped forward holding a set of scales, her blank eyes staring through the mage. "This mortal has acted with an unselfish heart. He always places others needs before his own. The magic granted to him has never been used to cause unnecessary harm or upset the balance of the Mortal Realms. His stalwart defence of justice has caused him to suffer on more than one occasion. I judge him to be true and worthy of a second chance."

The mage's jaw fell open, unable to believe what he was hearing. Numair knew well the laws of nature and that you should never bring the dead back to life. It seemed almost impossible that he was being offered this chance and wasn't entirely sure whether he deserved it or not, however much the mage wanted to be reunited with Daine.

"Nonsense!" Sarra hissed at him as she stood at his side. "My daughter is expecting to see this man when she returns," the goddess addressed the Great Gods. "Would you ruin her choice?"

"This is your jurisdiction, brother," Mithros stood facing the Black God. "The mortal's fate rests with you." The Great God vanished as did his sister and wife the Great Mother Goddess.

Numair became aware that most of the gods had vanished and only a few, including those who had spoken for him, remained.

The black hooded figure regarded the mage. "There is still more required of you in the Mortal Realms."

Mynoss stepped forward. "Judgement is passed. The mage will be returned to the Mortal Realms for his part in defeating Uusoae. But know this – you shall not be granted another chance at life nor will Weiryn's daughter," the god looked meaningfully at Daine's parents and the badger god.

Sarra raised her chin in a defiantly stubborn gesture Numair recognised well. Weiryn returned the other god's stare although he fidgeted slightly. The mage could not guess at how precarious the hunt god's situation might be given that he had already requested his mate from the Black God's Realm.

"On more than one occasion the godborn has escaped judgement and been returned to the Mortal Realms," Mynoss continued. "Should either of you mortals appear before us again, you will not be returned. Weiryn's daughter will be given the choice between the Divine and Peaceful Realms, but you, Numair Salmalín, born Arram Draper, will enter the Peaceful Realms if you are judged worthy."

"So mote it be," the remaining gods intoned.

Numair felt his breath quicken which was an odd sensation for someone who was dead and could no longer breathe. Sarra placed her hands on his shoulders and turned the stunned mage to face her.

"We will see you soon, at the Autumn Equinox. We'll have a chance to talk then," she smiled and kissed his cheek returning to her mate's side.

"G'day, Master Numair. I'm sure we'll speak again soon," Broad Foot said.

– Who will return him? – Gainel asked his fellow gods.

"I will," the badger stepped in front of the mage. "I will see him safely returned to his body. My kit would be most upset if anything were to happen to him."

Silver fire surrounded the pair as Numair felt himself floating down through the clouds. As he hadn't remembered ascending in the first place it was difficult to tell if he had risen or merely been transported to stand in front of the Black God. The badger floated above him, his paws resting heavily on the mage's shoulders. He hit something cold and gasped as Numair returned to his body, feeling an explosion of pain.

– Do not be so careless again, mage. I will see you soon. – Claws dug into his flesh and then were gone.

He blinked his eyes open squinting at the bright sunshine. It appeared to be after midday from the position of the sun. It took several tries, but the mage managed to convince his body to sit up feeling a sharp pain in his chest. Numair tentatively examined himself and discovered he had several broken or fractured ribs. In his hand he held a ruby which confused him for a moment, until his memory returned, and he remembered it had served as Inar Hadensra's eye. Placing the ruby in his shirt pocket the mage dragged himself under the cover of a shady willow tree and rested his back against it.

His thoughts were chaotic as he tried to understand what had happened to him. Numair knew he had fought Inar Hadensra and he had cast a spell to unwrite the enemy mage from existence. However, the next part was either the product of a delusional mind or it had really happened. Considering the pain he was in, and the potential internal bleeding he might be suffering from, there were points to support either claim. The mage really hoped he didn't die of his injuries before he was found, although the likelihood of being found by an ally was greatly reduced as he was on the other side of the enemy camp.

Numair dozed fitfully not sure how much time had passed when he heard a lone rider approach. A quick check of his Gift told him he was completely dry and defenceless. The mage had a dagger at his belt, but his limbs were too exhausted to move, and he'd be more likely to stab himself than an enemy.

"Whoever you are, if you're here to kill me, you'll need to do it while I remain prone," he called out. "Have the decency to be quick about it, so I can get back to my rest." By announcing himself the best Numair could hope for was to be captured and not instantly killed.

The rider dismounted. "What I've got in mind isn't near so quick as killing!"

The mage sat perfectly still, not able fully comprehend if the woman he loved was really here or if he was suffering from extreme blood loss, and his mind was playing tricks on him. "Daine?"

Numair dragged himself to his feet and stepped out from under the tree to see his friend and love standing before him in the same lavender dress from his dream. The mage still wasn't entirely convinced this wasn't all a fabrication of a tired mind until she slammed into his chest driving him back against the tree trunk.

Something cracked as he grunted. "That hurt."

For once the pain was a welcome one as a vision couldn't hurt, and all of his doubts melted away. Daine tried to pull away, but he wrapped his arms around her and began to plant kisses all over her face until he found her lips for a deep, searing kiss. She returned the kiss in earnest while his hands roamed over her back and sides, enjoying the feel of her pressed against him. Her hands were doing their own exploring, although he was suspicious she was checking him for injuries. The need for air forced him to break the kiss, but he returned quickly not wanting this moment to end. Numair had to stop to for air several more times finding it more difficult to breathe. They eventually parted but the mage kept hold of her hands.

"Will you marry me?" the words were out of his mouth before he could stop himself.

Daine grinned which was not the reaction he'd expected. "Maybe someday. But only if you're very, very good."

That wasn't a 'no'. "What if I'm very, very bad?" he whispered seductively covering her mouth with his.

They kissed until they were both trembling and Daine became heavy in his arms.

"Still maybe someday," she said in a breathless voice. "But you're welcome to try and convince me to make it sooner." The young woman's eyes twinkled before she tilted her head and giggled. "Cloud says we're as bad as colts frisking," the Wildmage translated. Numair blushed having forgotten they had an audience. "Kitten is bringing Onua and Tkaa to meet us."

"Then by all means, let us totter down to meet them," he sighed feeling extremely light-headed. "I will resume persuading you in regard to matrimony at another time, when we've rested, and eaten, and had baths."

Numair felt decidedly silly. They were supposed to be speaking after the war about whether they wanted to pursue a relationship and here he was getting rather carried away. Still, she hadn't said 'no'… Daine helped him to his feet as he swayed dangerously. The mage was extremely grateful when she slung his arm over her shoulders and helped steady him.

"So that Inar Hadensra was a hard fight?" she looked up at him concern written all over her face.

"The hardest," he replied feeling something dig into his chest. The mage reached into his pocket and pulled out the ruby eye. "I believe I'll retire and return to juggling for a living." Numair frowned wondering why he had kept it and tossed it into the river. "I could support us with juggling, if you were to marry me."

"We'll see," Daine rolled her eyes in amusement.

The rational side of the mage's brain managed to engage enough to hear his own foolishness. He'd barely been able to support himself with juggling while living on the streets let alone a wife. His internal injuries must be causing his light-headedness and in turn his tongue was running away with itself. He took a deep breath trying to clear his head but felt another sharp pain in his chest.

"I take it Uusoae was acting through Ozorne?" he asked quietly.

Daine nodded solemnly. "I'll tell you all of it later. It will take a bit of telling."

Cloud walked up to Numair's other side and let him use her for support as they made their way towards their friends. Kitten screeched when she spotted them and bounded over the grass on four paws. The mage dropped to his knees as the dragonet reached them and swept her up in a tight hug.

"I missed you too, sweetheart," he whispered cuddling her while she nuzzled his face, emitting happy chirps.

When Numair released her, the dragonet stood before Daine and started scolding. A hand appeared in front of his vision and the mage looked up to see Onua smiling down at him. He let the K'miri pull him to his feet just before she embraced him.

"It's good to see you again," she said, her eyes bright.

"Likewise," Numair said lurching forward in a coughing fit.

Onua and Daine quickly took an arm each, supporting his weight as he staggered, the pain in his chest getting worse.

"We brought a group of Riders to escort you back to Legann," Tkaa said in his whispery voice.

Numair nodded and smiled in greeting to the basilisk as his vision swam. "Something's wrong."

Both women tensed and scanned the area. "Where?" they chorused.

"With me," he slurred and passed out.

There was a soft bed under him and the smell of fresh herbs when Numair awoke. His body ached all over but the pain in his chest was greatly reduced at least. The mage was disappointed to find he was alone in the stone walled room. Numair concluded he must have been taken to Port Legann and was probably in one of the healing rooms. He had hoped Daine and Kitten might have stayed with him when the door opened and Onua walked in.

The K'miri cursed when she saw the mage was awake. "Daine's going to murder me! I only just convinced her to get some sleep," she said by way of apology. "Daine and Kitten haven't left your side since you collapsed. I promised I'd let her know if you woke up. I don't need to get her, do I?" she asked hesitantly.

Numair shook his head and tried to talk causing him to cough. Onua was by his side instantly putting an arm around his shoulders while she pressed a cup of water against his lips. The mage sipped the water gratefully before settling back onto the pillow.

"How are you feeling?" she asked frowning.

"Hurt," he croaked smiling weakly at his friend.

"You gave us quite a scare there, you know?" the K'miri had dark circles under her eyes betraying how tired she was. "The healers have been working on you nonstop just to keep you with us. We thought we'd lost you to the Black God a couple of times. It was really bad. I'm not sure I even want to know what happened to you in that fight or where you got claw marks."

Numair's eyes widened. "Claws – where?"

"You had claw marks on your shoulders. You didn't know?" Onua asked incredulously as she sat in a chair next to the bed.

The mage didn't respond as realisation crashed around him. It had been real! He'd died and been given a second chance at life by the Great Gods. Numair had almost hoped he'd only dreamed that.

He looked up to see the K'miri's frown deepening in worry. "You?"

"I'm fine," his friend shrugged. "A couple of minor injuries but that's the worst of it. Mostly I'm just tired."

"Daine?"

Onua smiled kindly. "Daine is just fine. She didn't need any healing. She's just been worrying about you and refusing to get any sleep."

Numair returned the smile glad to hear his magelet wasn't injured. His eyes were growing heavy again as he rested his head on the pillow.

"Do you need anything? More water?" the K'miri asked.

He shook his head and attempted to wave her off, but his limbs wouldn't respond as exhaustion pulled him under again.

Bright sunlight shone through the window stirring the mage from his deep sleep. Most of the pain seemed to have subsided but there was still a weight on his chest, and someone was gripping his hand tightly enough to cause pins and needles. Numair's eyes fluttered open to see a mass of brown curls sat in the chair beside the bed. It seemed Daine had fallen asleep during her bedside vigil. The weight on his chest moved and a familiar chirp identified itself as Kitten. The mage lifted his left hand gingerly and stroked a finger over her scales. The dragonet's head shot up, as slit-pupiled eyes met brown, Kitten whistled and trilled loudly scrambling up his chest to nuzzle his cheek.

"Kit, it's not long past breakfast –" Daine's voice sounded groggy. "Numair…?"

The mage chuckled at the attention he was receiving from the dragonet as he smiled warmly at his friend. "Hello, sweetling."

Daine gasped and threw her arms around his neck hugging him tightly. Numair wrapped one arm around her waist holding Kitten with the other arm. This was definitely one of the best wakeups he'd had in his life. The young woman pulled back only so far as to look at him, then her lips were on his. They kissed passionately for several minutes until an inquisitive whistle interrupted them. Daine moved away, her cheeks flushed and took hold of his hand again as she sat on the bed. Numair blushed slightly noticing Kitten's curious gaze and stroked a finger under her chin apologetically.

"We've been fair worried about you," Daine said wiping her eyes on a sleeve.

"So I heard," he squeezed her hand reassuringly. "How long have I been out?"

"Four days. Today would've been five but you only slept through breakfast and that's not unusual for you." He would have tweaked her nose for that comment, but she was refusing to let go of his hand. "The healers were here for two days and nights trying to repair all your injuries. All they'd say was it was bad. They weren't even sure how you were still with us."

Numair had a feeling that it might have something to do with divine power that had been keeping him alive, but it was only a theory. The mage was not ready to discuss that with Daine until he had the facts straight in his own head.

"I had something to live for," he brought her hand to his mouth, brushing her knuckles with his lips.

She melted visibly, edging closer until she could bend over and kiss him again. The kiss was sweet and tender this time as her fingers tangled in his hair. Numair's hand, now free from her grasp, slid around her waist to stroke her back. Kitten trilled in consternation until the pair broke apart. The dragonet looked between the man and woman before letting out a series of trills and whistles.

"I think she wants an explanation," Daine giggled.

"Kit, a few things – changed while we were gone," the mage said carefully, resting his hand on the dragonet's back. "Your mother and I – would you mind if I courted Daine?"

Numair felt a great deal of trepidation as Kitten tilted her head looking between her humans. She let out another series of chirps and chattering noises which the mage didn't understand. He glanced at the Wildmage who shrugged. The dragonet squawked in irritation, jumping off the bed and scurrying to the door, whistling for it to open. The mages watched as she scampered off down the corridor her scales tinged with orange.

"I don't think she's particularly happy about this," he said disappointed.

Daine stood and closed the door before returning to sit on the bed. "She'll come around."

Numair reached up to stroke her cheek, "I hope so."

She leaned into his touch before piercing him with her stormy eyes. "How are you feeling? The healers said your healing would have to be done in stages. They couldn't do it all in one go."

"I'm much improved," he replied seriously. "My muscles feel sore, but I can breathe a lot easier than when you found me."

"Why didn't you say anything?" the hurt in her blue-grey eyes was obvious.

Numair gave her a sheepish look. "I had other things on my mind at the time, namely how glad I was to see you." Daine frowned clearly irritated. "It didn't seem important at the time."

"You started to go blue on the ride back," she looked away. "I've never seen you look like that before."

The mage wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her back gently, so she lay beside him on the bed. "I'm sorry for scaring you. It wasn't my intention." He kissed the top of her head content to just hold her.

"Did Inar Hadensra do all that to you?" she asked resting her head on his shoulder.

"Not all of it," he admitted. "Some of the damage was due to the backlash from a rather powerful spell I used at the end."

"How did you beat him?"

"I removed him from existence," the mage answered quietly.

"Is that like a word of power?" Daine asked delicately. She knew how he felt about those.

"Not quite," he answered honestly. The repercussions of using a word of power affected the world whereas this spell affected only the caster.

The young woman rubbed her nose against his chest breathing deeply as she nestled closer. Numair was thinking he could happily drift back off to sleep like this when the door opened. The Wildmage sat up quickly as Kitten trotted back into the room followed by Tkaa. The mage smiled in greeting at the basilisk.

"It is good to see you awake, Master Numair," Tkaa said. "Skysong was most upset you couldn't understand her, so she asked me to come and translate."

Daine picked Kitten up off the floor where she had begun clawing at the bed sheets in an effort to climb up.

"I'm sorry, sweetheart," Numair stroked her scales. "Maybe His Majesty will be kind enough to grant us some time off after this, and I can re-dedicate myself to learning the original dragon language – with Tkaa's help."

Kitten sat on her mother's lap and chirped and trilled her question.

"Skysong would like to know what has changed between the two of you," Tkaa translated.

Numair blushed not yet ready to discuss his feelings openly with other people present. "When we were in the Divine Realms I – I revealed my feelings for your mother. I told her that I loved her."

Kitten chirped and chattered looking up at Daine and back to Tkaa.

"I'm afraid she still does not understand," the basilisk said. "She says you are her family. You have always loved her mother. Why is now any different?"

Numair looked at the dragonet his eyes getting hot. "You – you think of me as –" his throat choked with emotion.

"I thought you were aware of this," Tkaa regarded the mage. "When I first met Skysong in Dunlath she told me about her Mama and Papa. I believed you were already a family unit."

"I guess we always have been like a family. You've certainly been a Da to Kit as much as I'm her Ma," Daine pointed out.

The moment was too much for Numair who gathered the young woman and his dragon-daughter into his arms, holding them tightly while he buried his face in Daine's curls. He didn't want the basilisk to see him so overcome with emotion. Kitten had thought of him as a father for two years!

"Skysong would like to know what it is that you were doing with your mouths," Tkaa translated the next series of chirps.

Numair turned a deep shade of scarlet against Daine's neck as the young woman giggled. "It's called kissing. We'll be doing a lot more it. It's how humans show affection for each other," she explained.

The mage stroked his hand over her back thinking that wasn't the only way humans showed affection. He didn't really want to have to explain intimacy to his dragon-daughter and hoped Daine would be willing to do it.

"I shall leave you alone now if I am no longer needed," the basilisk said enjoying seeing the little family together again.

Numair raised his head finding his voice. "Thank you. Tkaa, please don't speak of this to anyone. It's still quite new to Daine and me."

The Immortal inclined his head and left the room closing the door behind him. The mage lay back on the bed pulling Daine and Kitten down, so they lay either side of him. He placed a tender kiss on both their heads before burying his nose in Daine's curls and closing his eyes. Numair had never imagined he could feel this happy and content.