Chapter VII

(a few weeks after the)

Merchants selling their goods were bustling about Serena as she wandered listlessly around the market, ignoring the loud people. She didn't even stop by the stall that sold make-up – that's how depressed she was.
I've lost him. My Numairthe best lover I've ever had. The mage who taught me the fundamentals of magicand I've lost him forever. He's getting married in a week!
Forgetting where she was, she threw back her head and howled like a wild animal. The busy people hardly noticed and kept to their business.
You in pain, miss?
The soothing voice cut through Serena's anguish. She met the brown eyes of a middle-aged man. His mop of light brown hair brushed flopped continuously in his face and over his amber eyes. Although he was in his forties, he was well muscled and didn't look old.
Serena said softly. I guess you could call it pain.
The man nodded. Taking her arm, he led her inside a building.
Serena looked around and guessed that they were inside his home. She turned to him, smiling brightly. I'm Serena, she said, not volunteering any more info. The man bowed.
I am Roland, second-in-command in the Merchant's Guild.
Serena bit her lip.
I noticed that you looked rather pale and angry. Would you mind telling meI am taking a course in the University as a mind-emotion-healer (*A/N a therapist, people!*)
Serena nodded. Then it is obvious why you picked me out of all the people outside. She waved her hand towards the door. Doing so, she flashed the ring with Teb's tooth on it, attracting Roland's eye.
May I? he asked, catching her hand. At Serena's nod, he slid the ring off her slender finger and examined it closely.
A gift from one of the gods! he breathed after a moment. Serena nodded.
Teb, God of Jackals, she said. Roland returned it to her.
You must forgive me if I do such things, he told her solemnly. I am very much interested in arcane things.
Serena's face crumbled. Just like Numair Roland took her hands in his.
Lady, are you all right? You don't look well.
Serena shook her head, but when Roland shot her a look, she sighed and told him all about the Numair/Daine/Arram situation. When she finished, Roland sighed.
I've heard that Master Salmalin is quite the women's man. He likes blondes and his engagement to the Wildmage was a surprise to all.
He was interrupted when a young boy ran inside, holding a small package. Without a word, the boy gave Roland the parcel and left. Silently, Roland ripped off the thick paper that protected whatever was inside and grinned when a silver ring fell on the floor.
Serena bent down and picked it up, looking at it carefully. It's just a ring, she said, handing it back to the foolishly smiling Roland. He shook his head.
he breathed, is a Changer.
Serena gasped, remembering the ancient legends about the powerful tools made by an extinct race from the east. A Changer, she whispered, and then looked up at Roland in suspicion. A Changer as in – if you put it on one of your fingers and then hold your hand on another person's head, whispering trinka-mine trinka-mine' several times, you shall switch bodies? Your mind will be in the other person's body, and vice-versa?
Roland nodded. Suddenly, Serena blanched as a plan flooded her brain.
How much to borrow? she asked breathlessly. Roland raised an eyebrow.
Twenty-five gold nobles? he proposed. Serena frowned.
she said.
Roland counter-attacked.
Twenty-one and that's my final offer!
Roland laughed. He gave her the Changer and counted the coins Serena handed to him.

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Daine fidgeted, managing to get some kinks out of her back. Unfortunately, she managed to get pins to replace the kinks and she yelped, earning a glare from the seamstress.
This dress isn't going to be finished if you don't stop moving, the seamstress warned as she fixed the hem of the simple, sky blue dress.
Daine rolled her eyes, ignoring the wickedly grinning Alanna. Remind me again why I listen to you? she asked.
Alanna replied, you'd be getting married in breeches and a shirt if you didn't, and that is hardly dignified.
Daine decided not to answer. Instead, she turned her attention to the seamstress.
Mistress Tyler, how long will this take?
The wiry woman raised an eyebrow, taking measurements with her pale green eyes. Two hours if you keep on moving.
Daine groaned.
Fifteen minutes – I think – if you stay absolutely still.
Immediately, Daine froze, only the corners of her mouth turning down as Alanna laughed.

Fifteen minutes later

Thank you, Daine said airily as she removed the dress and put on her usual rough clothes. I'm going down to the city – wanna come, Alanna?
The knight nodded. I need to pick up something for George at the Dancing Dove, so is it all right if we go there?
Daine shrugged. Why not? It's a good place to get a drink without Numair freaking.
Laughing, the two friends hurried down to the city. They were talking about the food being served at the wedding when Daine felt something was wrong.
What's up? Alanna asked, stopping. Daine shook her head.
I'm not sure she paused, listening with her magic. I thinkhead to the Dancing Dove, I'll meet you there, okay?
But – Alanna frowned.
It'll be alright just go. I'll join you there as soon as possible.
Nodding, Alanna left. Daine concentrated harder, then turned and started walking down an old, wet ally. She could hear the rats scuttling between the walls of the houses but she ignored the noise, searching for disturbance.
After a few minutes, after finding nothing, she shrugged and turned to leave the street when she bumped into a hooded figure.
Oh, I'm - Serena!
The figure removed the hood, revealing Daine's half-sister. Her blue eyes sparkled with malice and her lips curved up into a nasty smile.
Wh – what do you want? Daine asked quietly, noticing that Serena had blocked her only route of escape.
Just wanted to talk to you Serena trailed off, her right hand fidgeting under her cloak. you're getting married next week, am I correct?
Daine gulped. Why? So you can come and rampage the ceremony?
Serena shook her head. I'm trying to decide what to get you
A present? From you? Hah! Daine's eyes narrowed in suspicion.
Yes, I saw this wonderfulhat and I. wanted to get it for you.
A hat? Daine snorted, then stepped back in shock when Serena pulled her right hand from under her cloak and held it over Daine's head.
What are you doing? Daine demanded, trying to step back. But Serena's left arm had crawled around Daine's waist and held her still.
Just measuring Serena trailed off, muttering something that sounded like mine' over and over.
Daine doubled up in pain, gasping for air. Serena's voice grew louder and it hammered inside Daine's ears, making her vision swim. Suddenly, there was a gentle relief from the pain as she felt a whoosing sensation.
But before she could relax, she felt something rake her and she screamed before everything turned dark.

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Numair was in the fencing courts, watching the young pages work out. Alanna slipped up behind him silently.
she said; Numair jumped a mile.
Alanna! Don't do that! Why are you hereI thought you were in the city with Daine.
Alanna pushed away the question of how did he know? and replied, Oh, Daine and I had a quick drink. We're back now.
Numair nodded. Yes, I can see that. He turned his attention back to the pages.
Have you ever fenced before? Alanna asked.

Yes? Really? I've never even seen you pick up a sword, Alanna said. Numair turned to her, smiling crookedly.
It was a course all the university students had to take, he replied evenly.
Let's go! Alanna pushed him to an empty court and watched him with a critical eye as he selected a sword.
Are you sure? he asked. I haven't done this in a while.
Taking her position, Alanna grinned. I want to see if you have any other talents
Instantly, Numair swung his sword to meet Alanna's and then pulled back. He countered all of the knight's attacks without yielding, so after a while, Alanna felt her muscles start to ache.
Is that all you can do? she gasped.
I wouldn't dare attack you, Numair replied.
He isn't gasping for airAlanna thought in wonder.
This continued for about half an hour, before Alanna made a winning stroke, her sword creeping up to the mage's neck.
Yes, yes, you win, Numair complied.
You are so yielding! complained Alanna, throwing a bucket of water over her head.
he agreed. That's why I made it to the Masters.
Alanna made a face. If that's what it takes, I'm glad Thom made it through with his sanity. (*A/N *cough* Sanity? Haha, there's a good one. Thom was, how should I put itinsane.*)
Numair's face matched Alanna's. And you know what I had to do to get my black robe?
I don't want to know. Shaking her head, Alanna left. Numair, covered in a fine sheen of sweat, went back to his suite of rooms, hoping that Daine would be there.
His prayers were answered. Daine was sitting in front of a mirror, a hairbrush in her hand and an ugly frown on her face. Silently – cloaking himself in invisibility – Numair crept behind her and gave her a firm kiss.
Surprisingly, Daine didn't scare. She just let him kiss her, not knowing who it was and not caring. Numair threw of the spell, frowning.
How did you know it was me? he asked quietly. Daine fluttered her eyelashes.
Does it matter? Her voice was strangely heavy.
Numair said, walking to his closet and finding clean clothes. What if it was somesome freak who came here to hurt – or worse, rape – you? Would you still let me – him – kiss you like that?
Daine laughed softly and got up. Her eyes intense as Numair pulled off his sweat soaked shirt, she stepped in front of him and placed one hand on his chest. Bracing herself for massive resistance, she pushed him towards the bed and was surprised when he sat on the bed meekly.
I know when my fiancé is kissing me, Daine whispered, kissing him gently.
Numair laughed – there was a nervous ring to it. What's gotten in to you, Daine? I've never seen you act like this!
Daine smiled, her eyelids heavy. There's a first time for everything. She deepened her kisses and pushed Numair down so he was lying on the bed.
This time next week, you'll be a married woman, the mage said quietly. In response, Daine straddled him tightly and yanked the unworn shirt from his hands.
Then let's use the time wisely, she whispered, beginning to trail her kisses down Numair's torso. When she got to his breeches, she straightened. With a strangely cruel smile, she started to unbuckle Numair's belt.
I'll say, Numair groaned.

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