Chapter 3:
Into the Woods
Daine was seething with fury by the time the little company set off. Numair and Anya had come out of the woods smiling like they shared some kind of secret. Daine hated secrets, especially when they were about her. And by the way they looked at her, she knew the secret was definitely about her.
Flicker had decided to stay here in the woods, near his home. This upset Daine, because the squirrel was a good companion. But she knew that he deserved a rest. He had had quite enough adventures for one squirrel lifetime.
Anya captivated Kitten, Zek, and Gold-Streak. They watched her with obvious fascination, and fought constantly to be the closest to her. Even the marmoset, who was usually very shy of strangers and stuck to Daine like a burr, clung to Anya and opted to ride on the genie's mode of transportation: a magic carpet.
The carpet vexed Daine as well. How could they keep a low profile now? Although the missions didn't require the secrecy that was vital in the past, Numair and Daine still liked the privacy and quiet, away from the curious stares they often received. But that sanctuary was impossible now; a genie and a flying carpet don't stay concealed long, especially in a country where news travels fast.
Not that Numair seemed to mind or even notice the loss of their solitude. He was deep in conversation with Anya, about his favorite subject: myths. Anya knew numerous legends and facts about immortals, and could tell many genie stories.
Daine sighed. She knew better than to think that Numair was interested in Anya for more than just tales, but still, she felt left out, and such thoughts came of their own accord.
As the humans and most of the animals were occupied, Daine decided to talk to Cloud. The pony had good sense, most of the time.
Cloud? she asked, What do you make of Anya?
You mean the woman on the flying rug that Numair is talking too? The pony inquired.
Yes. She's a genie, and I'm her new master.
What's a genie? I've never heard of those things before.
A genie is a type of immortal. They grant wishes to whoever lets them out of their bottles, according to Numair. I let Anya out. I kind of wish I hadn't.
Why? She seems nice. And you get wishes. That could be useful.
She irritates me. I don't know why, but she does. And I don't want to be anyone's master.
I like her. And Numair and the others seem to like her too. You should get to know her before you make judgements.
Daine frowned. Do you think that, well, maybe Numair likes her a little bit too much?
The pony snorted. Are you jealous? You shouldn't be. The stork-man loves you, not her.
"No, I'm not jealous!" Daine blurted aloud. "I'm just– cautious, is all."
"Daine? Who are you talking to?" Numair and Anya, ahead of her on the road a bit, looked back at her curiously.
The girl blushed. "Uh, just Cloud. Our conversation got a little heated. Sorry."
"Lady Daine, is everything all right? You sound upset," asked Anya, her voice concerned.
"It's nothing, okay? No need to be so nosy," Daine snapped. When the genie's eyes showed hurt, she added, "I'm fine, really. You two just continue talking. I'm just fine."
"As you wish, Lady," the immortal whispered. She turned and looked at Numair, worry and confusion written in her azure eyes. Numair silently agreed.
The afternoon and evening passed by without mishap. No other humans and few animals or immortals were about. A friendly centaur galloped by once, waving as he went.
Daine kept her unpleasant disposition up, not speaking unless forced to, and then only in monosyllable words and painfully short responses. She closed off her wild magic, so that even the People couldn't talk to her. She hunched over on Cloud, eyes straight ahead.
Numair was confused and distressed by Daine's attitude. While she never was really that talkative to begin with, she didn't pointedly ignore Numair like this. He knew something was very wrong, but what that was, he could hardly guess. Had he said anything today to offend her? No– he had been very good-natured today. Besides, he wouldn't say anything hurtful to his beloved, if he could help it. What could have happened today to make her so angry? Then it came to him– Anya. The genie was obviously not on her favorite person list. But why would Anya's presence torment her so? She was very nice and agreeable. All the genie wanted to do was be friends with Daine. He couldn't fathom why the girl was so irritated by this. But he didn't intend to wait soon. He would get the answers to all of his questions out of her later– on way or another.
But it was getting late, so he would have to put his thoughts away for another time. They needed to find a safe place to spend the night. Surveying the area carefully, he spotted a small clearing shielded by a grove of trees. The stream that ran through the forest was nearby. It looked like it would suit the travelers nicely.
He called to the others. "What do you think of this spot for the night?" He pointed to the clearing.
Daine shrugged her shoulders with the least amount of movement possible. Numair took the response as a possible "yes". Anya scanned the section. She nodded. "It will serve us well. Is there anything I can do to in aid getting the camp in order?"
Numair thought for a moment. "You can help Daine care for the horses, while I start a fire."
"If Lady Daine wishes, I can have the site completed within moments," Anya said carefully.
"No. I may have to put up with a servant for a while, but it doesn't mean I have to use the magic she possesses. Numair and I have been making countless camps without magic for four years," Daine said icily. It was the most she'd said all afternoon.
"But, Daine, I sometimes use my–," started Numair, but stopped when he saw the look of malevolence on his sweetheart's face. "Never mind…"
"I'm going to take care of the horses," Daine said. "I don't care what you do. Just stay out of my way, and don't use any magic." She dismounted Cloud, then led the pony over to the side of the clearing. When Numair got off of Spots, the gelding followed Daine.
The mage looked at Daine's retreating back with astonishment. "What it the name of Shakith is the matter with her today?" he muttered under his breath. He shook his head, and moved into the clearing as well, to begin the preparations for the campsite.
Anya rolled up her magic carpet. It became quite small and compact, and it soon fit in the palm of her hand. She slipped it into her pocket. Nodding to the smaller companions, Kitten, Zek, and Gold-Streak, whom had been riding with her, she walked over to Numair to see how she could help.
It was eerily quiet in the forest in the time that the travelers were doing their tasks. No birds called to each other. And none of the humans spoke. They went about their business in silence. When Numair had a fire roaring, and Daine was finished with the horses, they gathered together and ate supper. The hush of the forest continued throughout the meal. The only sounds were the chewing of food, and the occasional stomp of a hoof.
Numair broke the silence. "Anya, I need you to clear something up for me: I was led to believe in all my years at the university, learning about mythology, that genies only granted three wishes to their masters. But you seemed prepared to give Daine just about anything that she wanted, no matter how many wishes it took."
Anya set her plate on her lap. "That rumor started long ago in the Yamani Islands. A rebellious young genie was released from his bottle by a nobly born boy. The genie was quite willful, and he played a prank on the boy by telling him he could only have three wishes. When he used them up, the genie went back into his bottle and left. The boy told of his experience and the three wishes often, so the word spread. It still hasn't been completely diminished, and genies can frequently get away with only granting three wishes."
"Absolutely fascinating," murmured Numair, looking at her in awe. Suddenly, there was a loud clatter. The genie and the mage both looked up, startled. Daine was stomping angrily away into the forest, with a shovel in her hands. Her dish lay upside-down on the ground, the cause of the noise.
Numair got up and ran after Daine. "Honestly, Daine, what is has gotten into you?" he demanded when he reached her. She was digging the latrine trench, pretending to be completely consumed by her task.
When she didn't respond, Numair grabbed the shovel. He wrenched it out of her hands. "Answer me!" he yelled. Daine turned away from him, and ran deeper into the woods. "Daine, wait! We're not done yet!" Numair called after her, outraged and concerned all at once. "Daine…"
Daine didn't heed him. She just ran, further and further away from him. From Anya. From everything. She stopped only when her legs collapsed, miles away from camp. Her head hit the ground hard, and everything went black from there.
That was how Numair found her, unconscious, hours later. He nearly broke down and wept with relief at finding her, despite his being so angry with her. He knew very well that Daine could take care of herself, but the woods were so big, and even with the moonlight, it was so dark…he didn't know if he'd ever see her again. The forest can conceal many secrets. He would have used his focus of her, the bracelet with the lock of her hair, to locate her, but he had been far too distraught to concentrate on the spell.
The mage scooped her up gently in his arms, then sank to the ground and held her tightly. A few teardrops cascaded down his cheeks. "Magelet," he whispered into her hair. "Don't leave ever me again."
"I won't," Daine whispered back. "I'm so sorry." She looked up at him. "Why are you crying? You know I wouldn't ever leave you for good. I just had a bad day. I'm sorry." She wiped his tears away.
" I know. I was crying because I was so relieved to have found you. But we need to be heading back now. Can you walk, or can I carry you? How is your head?" he asked.
She smiled weakly. "It'll be fine. But I'm not going to make you haul me all the way back to the camp. I can walk." She stood up, only to fall back onto his lap. "Okay, so maybe I can't walk… But I don't want you burdened with me that whole walk."
"Sweetling, you are no burden to me at all. Except when you act like you did today."
Daine grimaced. "I was being a silly little girl. Please forgive me, Numair. I won't be like that anymore."
Numair stroked her hair. "What was it about?"
"Anya, I guess. And the whole slave thing. And how you were so spellbound by her."
"So I was right when I thought Anya plagued you…but, you thought– that I was–," he faltered.
"I was being really foolish. But she's so pretty, and well, I was afraid of losing you, and…" Daine began to cry.
Numair looked at her in astonished silence. "Sometimes I forget how young and inexperienced you are," he said after a while. "I love you. Not Anya, not Varice, you."
Daine sobbed harder. "I'm sorry," she choked out. She got off of his lap and moved away a bit, turning her back to him, tears still flowing. Her body shook uncontrollably.
Numair stood up and turned her around to face him. She looked down and stared at their scuffed boots. He lifted her head up and kissed her. He hugged her gently. "It's all right," he said. "I forgive you. I love you. I wouldn't leave you for Anya or anyone else. I promise." He let her go and held up her hand. "This ring is a symbol of my undying devotion to you. It's a very special ring; it belonged to my mother, and her mother before her, and my grandmother's mother. It's been in the Draper family for generations." The soft moonlight cast gleamed on the jewel in the ring and Daine's tears. "I wouldn't give away to just any woman. You are the only woman worthy of it. Always wear it, and remember how much you mean to me. Never forget."
Daine sniffled. "I'm sorry that I've been so silly today." She wanted to say more, but Numair silenced her with a series of kisses. "You've already apologized," he said, when he broke the last kiss. "And I've already forgiven. Let's go back to the camp. Everyone was so worried about you when you ran away. They'll be elated to know that you're safe and sound."
They walked back to the campsite. Daine managed to walk with only a minimal amount of support from Numair, but she soon became too tired. Her knees buckled out from underneath her, so the mage carried her the rest of the way. He didn't mind one bit.
Anya cried out in happiness when Numair emerged from the woods with Daine in his arms. Gold-Streak and Zek clambered up Numair and swarmed all over Daine's face, waking her up. Kitten tried to use her immature dragon wings to fly over to the girl, to no success. She settled for trilling as loud as she could.
"I'm all right, Kit!" Daine said groggily. "Stop that noise, you're giving me a headache!" The dragon quieted immediately.
"She'll be fine," Numair said to Anya. "She just needs sleep, and some quiet." The genie nodded, and removed the darking and marmoset from Daine's face. She then set out a bedroll, into which Numair gently tucked Daine. As the she smiled up at him sleepily, and the three little animals nestled themselves in next to her. "Anya, where do you want to sleep?" asked Numair. "You can have the spare bedroll and some blankets, if you like."
Anya politely declined, saying that she would rest in her bottle. She clapped her hands, and disappeared.
Numair handed Daine one of her long nightshirts, and changed quickly into on of his own. He then climbed into the bedroll with her, careful not to bump her head.
"What are you doing?" said Daine softly, wrapping her arms about him and caressing his hair.
"You made such a huge fuss this morning about me not sleeping with you at night, and now you're asking what I'm doing?"
"You made the fuss, not me." Then she fell into a deep slumber, enclosed in Numair's embrace.
A/N: Yeah, I know, Numair got a little sappy. And Daine was being really silly. Deal with it! They'll be back to normal later. Sorry that it took so long to get this chapter up. The stupid idiot that is me ruined the disk that I had all of number 3 on. But it worked out, because I didn't like how it was going anyway. I hoped you liked this! I'll start working on the next few chapters soon. Be patient! In the meantime, look for more silly food stories, and a scene in the books from Numair's POV! Yay!
Disclaimer- Don't sue me! I don't own anything! And I have no money anyhow… The plot is possibly mine, but this type of story is probably been done so many times over, it's hard to tell who really came up with it. Tamora Pierce owns all of these wonderful characters. But Anya is of my own creation…sorta.
Into the Woods
Daine was seething with fury by the time the little company set off. Numair and Anya had come out of the woods smiling like they shared some kind of secret. Daine hated secrets, especially when they were about her. And by the way they looked at her, she knew the secret was definitely about her.
Flicker had decided to stay here in the woods, near his home. This upset Daine, because the squirrel was a good companion. But she knew that he deserved a rest. He had had quite enough adventures for one squirrel lifetime.
Anya captivated Kitten, Zek, and Gold-Streak. They watched her with obvious fascination, and fought constantly to be the closest to her. Even the marmoset, who was usually very shy of strangers and stuck to Daine like a burr, clung to Anya and opted to ride on the genie's mode of transportation: a magic carpet.
The carpet vexed Daine as well. How could they keep a low profile now? Although the missions didn't require the secrecy that was vital in the past, Numair and Daine still liked the privacy and quiet, away from the curious stares they often received. But that sanctuary was impossible now; a genie and a flying carpet don't stay concealed long, especially in a country where news travels fast.
Not that Numair seemed to mind or even notice the loss of their solitude. He was deep in conversation with Anya, about his favorite subject: myths. Anya knew numerous legends and facts about immortals, and could tell many genie stories.
Daine sighed. She knew better than to think that Numair was interested in Anya for more than just tales, but still, she felt left out, and such thoughts came of their own accord.
As the humans and most of the animals were occupied, Daine decided to talk to Cloud. The pony had good sense, most of the time.
Cloud? she asked, What do you make of Anya?
You mean the woman on the flying rug that Numair is talking too? The pony inquired.
Yes. She's a genie, and I'm her new master.
What's a genie? I've never heard of those things before.
A genie is a type of immortal. They grant wishes to whoever lets them out of their bottles, according to Numair. I let Anya out. I kind of wish I hadn't.
Why? She seems nice. And you get wishes. That could be useful.
She irritates me. I don't know why, but she does. And I don't want to be anyone's master.
I like her. And Numair and the others seem to like her too. You should get to know her before you make judgements.
Daine frowned. Do you think that, well, maybe Numair likes her a little bit too much?
The pony snorted. Are you jealous? You shouldn't be. The stork-man loves you, not her.
"No, I'm not jealous!" Daine blurted aloud. "I'm just– cautious, is all."
"Daine? Who are you talking to?" Numair and Anya, ahead of her on the road a bit, looked back at her curiously.
The girl blushed. "Uh, just Cloud. Our conversation got a little heated. Sorry."
"Lady Daine, is everything all right? You sound upset," asked Anya, her voice concerned.
"It's nothing, okay? No need to be so nosy," Daine snapped. When the genie's eyes showed hurt, she added, "I'm fine, really. You two just continue talking. I'm just fine."
"As you wish, Lady," the immortal whispered. She turned and looked at Numair, worry and confusion written in her azure eyes. Numair silently agreed.
The afternoon and evening passed by without mishap. No other humans and few animals or immortals were about. A friendly centaur galloped by once, waving as he went.
Daine kept her unpleasant disposition up, not speaking unless forced to, and then only in monosyllable words and painfully short responses. She closed off her wild magic, so that even the People couldn't talk to her. She hunched over on Cloud, eyes straight ahead.
Numair was confused and distressed by Daine's attitude. While she never was really that talkative to begin with, she didn't pointedly ignore Numair like this. He knew something was very wrong, but what that was, he could hardly guess. Had he said anything today to offend her? No– he had been very good-natured today. Besides, he wouldn't say anything hurtful to his beloved, if he could help it. What could have happened today to make her so angry? Then it came to him– Anya. The genie was obviously not on her favorite person list. But why would Anya's presence torment her so? She was very nice and agreeable. All the genie wanted to do was be friends with Daine. He couldn't fathom why the girl was so irritated by this. But he didn't intend to wait soon. He would get the answers to all of his questions out of her later– on way or another.
But it was getting late, so he would have to put his thoughts away for another time. They needed to find a safe place to spend the night. Surveying the area carefully, he spotted a small clearing shielded by a grove of trees. The stream that ran through the forest was nearby. It looked like it would suit the travelers nicely.
He called to the others. "What do you think of this spot for the night?" He pointed to the clearing.
Daine shrugged her shoulders with the least amount of movement possible. Numair took the response as a possible "yes". Anya scanned the section. She nodded. "It will serve us well. Is there anything I can do to in aid getting the camp in order?"
Numair thought for a moment. "You can help Daine care for the horses, while I start a fire."
"If Lady Daine wishes, I can have the site completed within moments," Anya said carefully.
"No. I may have to put up with a servant for a while, but it doesn't mean I have to use the magic she possesses. Numair and I have been making countless camps without magic for four years," Daine said icily. It was the most she'd said all afternoon.
"But, Daine, I sometimes use my–," started Numair, but stopped when he saw the look of malevolence on his sweetheart's face. "Never mind…"
"I'm going to take care of the horses," Daine said. "I don't care what you do. Just stay out of my way, and don't use any magic." She dismounted Cloud, then led the pony over to the side of the clearing. When Numair got off of Spots, the gelding followed Daine.
The mage looked at Daine's retreating back with astonishment. "What it the name of Shakith is the matter with her today?" he muttered under his breath. He shook his head, and moved into the clearing as well, to begin the preparations for the campsite.
Anya rolled up her magic carpet. It became quite small and compact, and it soon fit in the palm of her hand. She slipped it into her pocket. Nodding to the smaller companions, Kitten, Zek, and Gold-Streak, whom had been riding with her, she walked over to Numair to see how she could help.
It was eerily quiet in the forest in the time that the travelers were doing their tasks. No birds called to each other. And none of the humans spoke. They went about their business in silence. When Numair had a fire roaring, and Daine was finished with the horses, they gathered together and ate supper. The hush of the forest continued throughout the meal. The only sounds were the chewing of food, and the occasional stomp of a hoof.
Numair broke the silence. "Anya, I need you to clear something up for me: I was led to believe in all my years at the university, learning about mythology, that genies only granted three wishes to their masters. But you seemed prepared to give Daine just about anything that she wanted, no matter how many wishes it took."
Anya set her plate on her lap. "That rumor started long ago in the Yamani Islands. A rebellious young genie was released from his bottle by a nobly born boy. The genie was quite willful, and he played a prank on the boy by telling him he could only have three wishes. When he used them up, the genie went back into his bottle and left. The boy told of his experience and the three wishes often, so the word spread. It still hasn't been completely diminished, and genies can frequently get away with only granting three wishes."
"Absolutely fascinating," murmured Numair, looking at her in awe. Suddenly, there was a loud clatter. The genie and the mage both looked up, startled. Daine was stomping angrily away into the forest, with a shovel in her hands. Her dish lay upside-down on the ground, the cause of the noise.
Numair got up and ran after Daine. "Honestly, Daine, what is has gotten into you?" he demanded when he reached her. She was digging the latrine trench, pretending to be completely consumed by her task.
When she didn't respond, Numair grabbed the shovel. He wrenched it out of her hands. "Answer me!" he yelled. Daine turned away from him, and ran deeper into the woods. "Daine, wait! We're not done yet!" Numair called after her, outraged and concerned all at once. "Daine…"
Daine didn't heed him. She just ran, further and further away from him. From Anya. From everything. She stopped only when her legs collapsed, miles away from camp. Her head hit the ground hard, and everything went black from there.
That was how Numair found her, unconscious, hours later. He nearly broke down and wept with relief at finding her, despite his being so angry with her. He knew very well that Daine could take care of herself, but the woods were so big, and even with the moonlight, it was so dark…he didn't know if he'd ever see her again. The forest can conceal many secrets. He would have used his focus of her, the bracelet with the lock of her hair, to locate her, but he had been far too distraught to concentrate on the spell.
The mage scooped her up gently in his arms, then sank to the ground and held her tightly. A few teardrops cascaded down his cheeks. "Magelet," he whispered into her hair. "Don't leave ever me again."
"I won't," Daine whispered back. "I'm so sorry." She looked up at him. "Why are you crying? You know I wouldn't ever leave you for good. I just had a bad day. I'm sorry." She wiped his tears away.
" I know. I was crying because I was so relieved to have found you. But we need to be heading back now. Can you walk, or can I carry you? How is your head?" he asked.
She smiled weakly. "It'll be fine. But I'm not going to make you haul me all the way back to the camp. I can walk." She stood up, only to fall back onto his lap. "Okay, so maybe I can't walk… But I don't want you burdened with me that whole walk."
"Sweetling, you are no burden to me at all. Except when you act like you did today."
Daine grimaced. "I was being a silly little girl. Please forgive me, Numair. I won't be like that anymore."
Numair stroked her hair. "What was it about?"
"Anya, I guess. And the whole slave thing. And how you were so spellbound by her."
"So I was right when I thought Anya plagued you…but, you thought– that I was–," he faltered.
"I was being really foolish. But she's so pretty, and well, I was afraid of losing you, and…" Daine began to cry.
Numair looked at her in astonished silence. "Sometimes I forget how young and inexperienced you are," he said after a while. "I love you. Not Anya, not Varice, you."
Daine sobbed harder. "I'm sorry," she choked out. She got off of his lap and moved away a bit, turning her back to him, tears still flowing. Her body shook uncontrollably.
Numair stood up and turned her around to face him. She looked down and stared at their scuffed boots. He lifted her head up and kissed her. He hugged her gently. "It's all right," he said. "I forgive you. I love you. I wouldn't leave you for Anya or anyone else. I promise." He let her go and held up her hand. "This ring is a symbol of my undying devotion to you. It's a very special ring; it belonged to my mother, and her mother before her, and my grandmother's mother. It's been in the Draper family for generations." The soft moonlight cast gleamed on the jewel in the ring and Daine's tears. "I wouldn't give away to just any woman. You are the only woman worthy of it. Always wear it, and remember how much you mean to me. Never forget."
Daine sniffled. "I'm sorry that I've been so silly today." She wanted to say more, but Numair silenced her with a series of kisses. "You've already apologized," he said, when he broke the last kiss. "And I've already forgiven. Let's go back to the camp. Everyone was so worried about you when you ran away. They'll be elated to know that you're safe and sound."
They walked back to the campsite. Daine managed to walk with only a minimal amount of support from Numair, but she soon became too tired. Her knees buckled out from underneath her, so the mage carried her the rest of the way. He didn't mind one bit.
Anya cried out in happiness when Numair emerged from the woods with Daine in his arms. Gold-Streak and Zek clambered up Numair and swarmed all over Daine's face, waking her up. Kitten tried to use her immature dragon wings to fly over to the girl, to no success. She settled for trilling as loud as she could.
"I'm all right, Kit!" Daine said groggily. "Stop that noise, you're giving me a headache!" The dragon quieted immediately.
"She'll be fine," Numair said to Anya. "She just needs sleep, and some quiet." The genie nodded, and removed the darking and marmoset from Daine's face. She then set out a bedroll, into which Numair gently tucked Daine. As the she smiled up at him sleepily, and the three little animals nestled themselves in next to her. "Anya, where do you want to sleep?" asked Numair. "You can have the spare bedroll and some blankets, if you like."
Anya politely declined, saying that she would rest in her bottle. She clapped her hands, and disappeared.
Numair handed Daine one of her long nightshirts, and changed quickly into on of his own. He then climbed into the bedroll with her, careful not to bump her head.
"What are you doing?" said Daine softly, wrapping her arms about him and caressing his hair.
"You made such a huge fuss this morning about me not sleeping with you at night, and now you're asking what I'm doing?"
"You made the fuss, not me." Then she fell into a deep slumber, enclosed in Numair's embrace.
A/N: Yeah, I know, Numair got a little sappy. And Daine was being really silly. Deal with it! They'll be back to normal later. Sorry that it took so long to get this chapter up. The stupid idiot that is me ruined the disk that I had all of number 3 on. But it worked out, because I didn't like how it was going anyway. I hoped you liked this! I'll start working on the next few chapters soon. Be patient! In the meantime, look for more silly food stories, and a scene in the books from Numair's POV! Yay!
Disclaimer- Don't sue me! I don't own anything! And I have no money anyhow… The plot is possibly mine, but this type of story is probably been done so many times over, it's hard to tell who really came up with it. Tamora Pierce owns all of these wonderful characters. But Anya is of my own creation…sorta.