Hi guys! Gosh, I never thought you'd like this fic that much! Hah! Okay, replies to some of the people who reviewed this:
Jimmy the not-so-great:don't worry, I'll finish this! I don't want to die! :o) I'm so glad you like this story so far.
miss julep: Yes, I loved Moulin Rouge - I can't wait till my aunt sends it! It's so original and witty - confession: I cried. :o) And about the evil maharaja...well, yes, duh! There's gonna be an antagonist, sure!
AthenaPeter: Skysong's coming - dunno when, though... glad you like the story so far. ^_~
Rose of Kennan: Ozorne's a-coming...oh yes, he's gonna have *major* part. hahahah.
And to all the others: I'm so *happy* you like Lady of the Silver Temple - I just hope I don't let you guys down. Umm...not to worry about me dropping this fic, cuz I wrote out the *entire* plot last night. Here's the latest chapter, from me to you, without further ado!
PS: If you want a disclaimer, go to the first page of the fic. I'm not about to repeat what everyone knows...
PPS: this equals thoughts. Daine thinks, Annicka hears -Annicka talks to Daine like this-
"




Part III
Daine


Daine stared at her wall, deep in thought. Her hands idly stroked Annicka and she hummed a soft tune.
Why did I freak out? she asked herself. I see guys everyday - well, I see my friends with guys...I've never actually been with a guy...that'll soon change...
With a sigh, she stood and went to her closet. She didn't open it; instead, she let her hands rest on the polished wood. Inside was the dress she was going to wear tomorrow night - she loved it.
Her whole routine was planned out. All new hookers at the Silver Temple had to have some sort of premier, and hers was just going to be a greater affair than usual because she was Damara's foster-daughter. Daine knew every step she was going to take, every move she was going to do, every word she was going to sing...perfectly.
So why am I suddenly so agitated? I've talked in front of huge crowds before!
It was the man. And the woman. Both of them.
Alanna the Lioness; Numair Salmalín. Tortallans.
She new them by reputation - everyone who could read did. They were celebrities - the first lady knight and the most powerful mage in the Eastern Lands. But it was the man who really bothered her...
Well, not really bothered. He's actually very...Daine, stop it! She closed her eyes and rubbed them, then changed into her nightdress and crawled into bed. Annicka settled on her neck, purring loudly. Daine began to stroke her again.
She had seen Numair before. In her dreams.
Badger, what does this mean? she mentally asked her benefactor, clutching the silver claw he had given her. Typically, he didn't answer. So like a badger he is.
Ever since she had come to the Silver Temple, the Badger had visited her in her dreams - and twice physically. Then, a year ago, he stopped visiting her mind - the image of a tall, dark-haired man replaced the god. Daine didn't understand those dreams; all she knew was that whenever she dreamed about him, she felt remarkably content and safe...and controlled. The madness was always a constant worry, even though it never showed up after Snowsdale. But it was there, waiting to catch her unawares...

The kitten raised a sleepy eye.
Was your leg broken when I first found you?
- Yep. Then I felt healed - that's when you fainted. But don't worry about it, please, Daine? Just don't worry about it and go to sleep. I'm a tired kitty. -
A smile on her face, Daine broke the connection and relaxed. All she could do was hope that Numair didn't come to her premier - when she saw him she had forgotten everything for a moment...she couldn't risk that during her show. On the other hand...wouldn't it be wonderful if he...
Go to sleep, Daine she told herself sternly. He's probably not gonna be my first. Goodnight.

Daine, you look amazing! Damara said seriously. She put the brush down and pushed Daine towards the full-length mirror.
Is that me? Daine thought, shocked. That couldn't be her reflection! But it was.
She turned and hugged the woman she had grown to think of as her second-mother. Sure I do. Damara, this is me - an amazing person.
I think you're a bit tipsy, Damara replied, a smile playing on her face.
Daine shook her head. I've drunk nothing but water - I'm totally sober, Mara. Totally. What time is it?
Er...we have about an hour before the doors open.
Great. I have one blessed hour left as an unknown girl, Daine muttered. Her face was rather white.
Are you scared, Daine? Damara asked, hugging her.
A little, Daine confessed. But that's natural, right?
Definately. But don't worry - they'll all love you.
That's what I'm scared of.

Well, that was pretty unconclusive, Numair told Alanna, watching the stable-boy' Graham lead their horses to a stable. I tested him - nothing! No magic whatsoever. And I gave him stress - or, rather, you did - and nothing! Zilch! Whatever power he had is gone.
Alanna, a blush dying on her cheeks, replied, What about Josie? She performed it twice.
I don't know, Numair said quietly. But it's still too early to tell what this thing is - what's that noise?
Alanna looked inside. There is some - oh, wait, I saw a sign saying it was that girl's premier.
Numair's face became excited. Alanna, there's something strange about her! Some sort of magic - and permanent magic! None of that stress-power' - something else.
Numair, are you -
Come on! We're going in! The mage grabbed the woman's hand and dragged her inside the brothel, where a huge crowd was gathering.
People were settling themselves around a large, beautifully decorated stage. Women - probably the entertainers' of the place - were serving drinks, chattering, and eying several men. Numair and Alanna were surprised - these wenches didn't look beaten or abused - they were beautiful, well cared for, healthy-looking women who seemed to be held in awe by the men.
The two Tortallans had to search for a few minutes before they managed to get two seats at the very back of the room. Alanna was looking extremely uncomfortable - Numair, for some strange reason, had his dream-like expression on his face and he was humming softly.
What are you doing? Alanna muttered, kicking him gently.
Numair snapped back to attention. Oh. I'm scrying.
What? Here? Now? For what? demanded Alanna. Honestly, I don't see why this girl -
Alanna, unless I am mistaken, that girl is extremely powerful, and if she isn't taught how to control her magic, she won't be the only one who gets the raw end of the deal.
What magic?
I'm not sure, but I think it's -
Numair stopped talking, because it had suddenly become very quiet and the lights had dimmed. Everyone was staring at the stage in eagerness; music had started, soft at first, but getting louder and picking up a fast pace.
The remaining light was now coming from behind a white screen that was set up on the stage. It suddenly flashed - then everyone drew in a sharp breath, as the silhouette of a woman seated on a straight-backed chair was now projected on the screen.
Just a little bit of love, the silhouette sang out. I was alone, I was afraid, I couldn't face another day of pain in my life, oh oh oh. I called your name and you were there, just like an answer to a prayer, you made it all right, oh yeah! The shadow moved its right leg over one side of the chair, then its left leg over the other, so it was sitting on it as if it was a horse. So I give my heart, and I give my soul to you, oh baby, I do. And now I know, I know I found the truth, o-o-oh yeah!
With only its legs, shadow pushed itself upright and artfully kicked the chair away; at the same time, the screen vanished. Now, the stage was possessed by a slender young woman of mid-height, dressed in a bluish-silver dress. On one side, its skirt was up to her thighs; on the other, it dragged on the floor. (A/N picture Kylie Minogue's dress when she and Robbie Williams performed Kids in the MTV Music Awards a few years ago.) Her hair was hanging loose, and only her lips and eyelids were painted.
She walked to the edge of the stage, still singing. Just a little bit of love's gonna turn it around, a little bit of love can do it. And just a little bit of love's gonna turn it around, and around, and around, oh yeah!
Swaying her body to the music, she peformed a small dance, then picked up the song. I found the truth, I found the way, I'm standing in the light of day, I got the power. I'm not worried any longer, no, I'm only getting stronger by the hour. You can move a mountain, or calm the stormy sea. There's no doubt about, I truly do believe...Just a little bit of love's gonna turn it around, a little bit of love can do it. And just a little bit of love's gonna turn it around, and around, and around, oh yeah! Just a little bit of love's gonna turn it around, a little bit of love can do it. And just a little bit of love's gonna turn it around, and around, and around, oh yeah!
By this point, she had gotten off the stage and was now weaving her way through the sea of chairs and tables. She stopped at one man, twined her (uncovered, unskirted) right leg around his neck and brought her face close to his. And it can free your mind.
She moved a chair closer to where the Tortallans were, selected another man, ran her fingers through his hair. Yes, it can free you soul. Then she rapidly pulled away and extended her arms. Yes, it can free your mind, and it can free your - so-u-l!
The woman - yes, it's Daine - twirled prettily and ended up looking at the Tortallans' direction. Free your soul, let it go, let it go, just a bit of love, just a little bit of love, yeah... She blew a kiss to no one in general, whirled, and started to march back to the stage, pausing a few times to caress a random guy. Just a little bit of love's gonna turn it around, a little bit of love can do it. And just a little bit of love's gonna turn it around, and around, and around, oh yeah!
With surprising agility, Daine leaped back to the stage, began to inch towards the chair, then slowly and artistically draped herself on it. Just a little bit of love's gonna turn it around, a little bit of love can do it. And just a little bit of love's gonna turn it around, and around, and around, oh yeah! Just a little bit of love...
Silence...then, like a wave crashing against a cliff, there was applause. The entertainers' were all laughing and clapping, congratulating their newest sister', while the men were whistling and calling for more.
Daine pulled herself off the chair and bowed, a dazzled grin on her face. Thank you, she called.
She was joined by Damara, who looked magnificent in a dark green dress that fit her like a second skin. And the Silver Temple's ranks are increased by the lovely Daine Sarrasri!
The cheers and whistles from the men grew louder. A slight blush worked itself onto Daine's face - it deepened when people started calling out for encores.
Damara, playing the lovely host, clapped a hand behind an ear. What's this? You want an encore? I don't know - it's up to Daine. Daine?
Daine asked, smiling hugely.
Will you do an encore for these adoring fans of yours?
The younger woman tilted her head to the side and regarded the audience. Maybe - what type of song would you people like to hear? Another fast one, or a slow, lovey-dovey song?
There were several shouted suggestions. After listening for a few seconds, Daine held up her hand. Enough, enough; I know what I'll sing.
There's a girl. Damara got off the stage and returned to her table.
After a quickly whispered discussion with the musicians, Daine returned to her chair. But instead of draping herself so that everyone could see her body, she crossed her legs and leaned back modestly. Then the music started - it was soft, slow, slightly sad...
If ever a boy stood on the moon, all the heavens would call their angels round. Stop the tears from troubled skies from falling. If ever the river could whisper your name, would the choices you make still be the same, like a flower that dies from angry rain? Why do we hurt ourselves? Where is the love that lets the sunlight in to start again? A love that sees no color lines, life that begins with love, so spread your wings and fly, guide your spirit safe and sheltered, a thousand dreams that we can still believe...
The music cleared away the excitement that Daine had caused in the beginning. Now, everyone was captivated - several had tears in their eyes. Alanna was clenching her jaw, not wanting to break down; Numair was listening carefully, his dream-like face on once more.
If ever a boy stood on the moon, carrying all of his treasures from the stars, to a rainbow which leads to where we are, together we chase the sun. Where is the love that lifts my brother's voice to the skies? A love that answers a mother's cry, life begins with love, so spread your wings and fly, guide your spirit safe and sheltered, a thousand dreams that we can still believe.
Daine stood up. A boy stood on the moon, the ancient souls can still discover a thousand dreams that we can still believe. That we can still believe... She bowed; the cheers rose once more. Thank you, everyone!
Wasn't that wonderful? Damara asked loudly. Well, that's it. Now you can go do what you like to do - what you're best at. Get at it!
Come on, muttered Numair to Alanna. They rose to their feet and struggled to get closer to the stage, which proved to be a small problem, as several of the wenches thought that Numair was there to have a good time. After a few polite words from Numair - and several threats from Alanna - they got to the stage - but Daine had disapeared.
Looking for her? Damara asked. Alanna and Numair whirled; the mistress of the brothel was sipping delicately from a glass filled with scarlet wine. If I'm not mistaken, I think she's backstage. The dressing rooms. Hurry up, as she still has to go chose a guy. Go on.
That Damara is very odd, Alanna said quietly as they were walking to the dressing rooms. How did she know?
Dunno. Wait - she's in here.
How do you know that?
She talking to the cat. Listen.
Alanna pressed her ear to the indicated door and heard a one-sided conversation.
amazing time. But now I have to go find a guy and have some funyes, of course I'm nervouswhat? How did youyes, they were there, at the very back. Yes, they were watchingAnnicka, are you sure you're not a god-sending - how do you know about the dreams and that he's in it? And howsomeone's outside?
Alanna jumped back, but too late. The door opened and Daine stepped out, a curious look on her face. She was wearing a simple blue dress, her hair was in a simple braid. she greeted them in her soft voice. Are you lost?
we were just looking for you, Alanna stammered.
Really? Are they wanting me back onstage? Daine sighed. I hope not.
No, that's not it. Mistress Damara's girls have taken over, Alanna told her.
So why are you looking for me?
We need to talk, Numair said suddenly.
Daine's face was suddenly haggard. She looked as if she was going to faint. Gods...okay, let's go to my room. Come on.
She led them up several flights of stairs, then entered a large, comfortable chamber. Her eyes troubled, she perched on the bed, stroking the kitten as if her life depended on it.
You're Alanna the Lioness, and you're Numair Salmalín, right? she suddenly demanded. They exchanged glances.
replied Alanna. But how -
Your reputations proceed you, Daine answered with a grin. It's not everyday when a lady knight and a black-robe come to Cría.

So what do you want?
At that, Alanna shrugged. I dunno. Numair's the one who does, though - Numair, mind telling us?
Have you ever heard of wildmagic, Daine?
The girl frowned. Never. What is it? Is it what that strange new magic that people are suddenly getting is called?
Numair replied, shaking his head. Most people don't believe in wildmagic - but that's because there are hardly anymore people who have it.
What does it entail?Daine asked, the adult language sounding odd, as it contrasted with her commoner accent and her young, sweet face.
With a wistful grin, Numair replied, It depends on how much wildmagic a person has. For example, an individual with a hell of a lot of wildmagic can heal animals, communicate with them, bend them to their will, use an animal's senses as they would use their own, and shapeshift. The few people who have wildmagic today can only communicate with only one type of animal and do some minor healings. Things like that.
So...wildmagic is connected to the natural world?
Yes, and, unlike the Gift, it can never be drained. Well, it can be contained, or the bearer of the powerful can overwork himself to a faint, but the magic is never gone.
Daine didn't reply. Instead, she gazed at Annicka carefully, choosing her words. Alanna glanced at Numair; he was looking at the younger woman intensely.
What are you trying to imply? Daine asked softly. That I have wildmagic?
The knight held her breath as Numair nodded. Numair, you never mentioned this.
I wasn't sure, he admitted. When Daine first brought the ale, I thought I had gone senile - but then she showed us the kitten -
Ah, the kitten. How did the babe heal so fast?
His dark eyes fixed on Annicka, Numair slowly said, The kitten was so in need that Daine's magic was just...sucked out of her. As she is unaccustomed to that, she fainted.
Daine's mouth was a perfect O. After a moment, she closed it and whispered, That's why...
That's why what? Alanna asked; Daine shook her head.
Never mind. So what do I do with this magic? I have no idea how to work it.
Numair spread his hands with a huge grin. That's what we're here for.¤