A/N: ok, the author's notes scattered throughout this fic are supposed to let you in on what's happening in the scary world that is my brain. Just so you know, this is my first fic, and I'm really nervous about what people will think, so if you review, try not to flame me. Unless it's for me to post more, but I think I'm going to do this all at once. And to anyone who is reading this because they got a review from me, I only have a few things to say. #1: Please don't take any grudges out on me in an insulting review and #2: HIIIIIII!!!! It's so cool that you actually want to read this!
Disclaimer: I *don't* own Tammy's characters or worlds, and I'm not trying to tell anyone I do, although in a court of law one might argue...wait no! I don't want to get sued! So don't sue me because I'm not stealing, I'm borrowing, and at the end of this fic, TP can have her characters back.
Warning: This doesn't really have much to do with the Lady Knights, although I concede that they are the pinnacle of cool and have the best jobs on the planet, it's more a Numair and Daine and Baby fic. So if you don't believe in cradle robbing, turn back. Of course, Numair is barely in this. It's kind of set a few years after Kel's quartet ends...I'm still not totally sure.
And, without further adieu, (did I spell that right? O well) I will actually *begin the fanfic*. (Large gasp from audience.)
At the wedding feast of Sir Keladry of Mindelan and *Insert any dude here*:
Numair sat at the table next to his wife, Daine, waiting for the right moment to begin. He had a few lines around his mouth, and crinkles at his eyes, but his skin was still tan and firm. His jet-black hair was streaked with gray at the temples, but he looked dignified rather than old. With regal placidity that showed none of the stiffness he felt, Numair rose to speak.
"My dear friends and colleuges," he began, "this is a very happy occasion. My wife's friend Keladry and **, who is like a brother to me, have chosen to join their lives as one. Now, I hope my little speech has not given either of them cold feet," this was said jokingly, and a chuckle rippled through the crowd. "Because I am about to make this a doubly joyous occasion. Daine?" As she rose to her feet, he paused to catch his breath, which came in shallow inhalations.
"I am so happy," she said with shining eyes, "so happy to tell you this, my friends." Daine paused to look lovingly at her husband. "Numair and I are going to have a baby." Applause went up throughout the room. Then the King, at the right of the bride and groom, [A/N: Can any of you tell me where he would sit? He's the King, but Jon's a guest here, and it's not *his* wedding feast.] Stood and held up a hand for silence.
"In honor of this doubly joyous occasion, as Numair so rightly put it, I move that the bridal couple share the first dance." Again, applause fluttered throughout the room. "Keladry? **?" They nodded their consent. "Then it is agreed! Musicians? You may begin!" As the small group of court minstrels prepared to play, the lords, ladies, and friends of the bride and groom moved out around the dance floor. The minstrels began a lively waltz that was usually played for couples at Beltane. Some in the room laughed at the dual meanings. By the end of the dance, Numair was tired, although he didn't show it. He steered Daine to a table, claiming that he wanted his baby in one peace, and the dancing wasn't helping with that much, now was it. Immediately, her friends among the court ladies swept down upon them, only to take her away to discuss "baby things."
Sir Rodney, one of Numair's friends, sauntered over, and slapped Numair on the shoulder. "You're very lucky, my friend. You and she are really in love." Rodney took a seat at the table.
"Ah, I know what you mean. If only all couples had love, no?"
"Yes, or at least a face as pretty as your Daine's!" he sighed heavily. "When I married Samantia, it was because it was the right thing to do for the fief. I thought her beauty would be enough." Rodney laughed, a single laugh, short and humourless. "Now I am left without love nor lust, and far too many children! Indeed, you have it good."
Another knight came up, this one not a friend, and not a member of sober society. He stumbled over, and grasped Numair's hand loosely. "Ha ha! Nishe, Numair, nishe! Not bad....er...Not bad..for an...old.. man..eh?" He lapsed into drunken laughter again, having made a joke, though slurred and breathless. The drunken knight was then removed by two of his friends when he began on bawdy drinking songs.
Sir Rodney rose with a quick laugh. "Poor Morros, likes his drink a bit too much. But he is right though!" He clapped Numair on the shoulder again. "Not too bad for an old man, eh?"
Numair laughed and said farewell to his friend, noting that his left hand felt a bit stiff. Perhaps he would have Duke Baird look into that later...
Daine had finally returned from the 'baby talk.' "Numair," she said, "Dance with me!"
"Of course, dearest," he said in a tone matching hers, "I am yours to command." The musicians began a quick reel. Numair and Daine danced through to the waltz after. During the reel, Numair noticed his hand growing stiffer, and that his left foot was lagging a bit. Suddenly, in the middle of the waltz, he felt a pain in his chest. He ignored it.
"Is something bothering you, sweetheart?" Daine asked, her eyes concerned.
"No, no, my dear!" He replied, smiling at her fondly.
"Good," she sighed, leaning her head against his chest. After a moment, she realized that his heartbeat...there was something awfully wrong with it! It was at that minute that he collapsed.
"Numair? Numair?" She screamed, kneeling next to him. "Numair! Numair, wake up!" The people of the court were crowding around, but he was only vaguely aware of black shadows. All he could see was Daine.
"Somebody, get Duke Baird! Numair, Numair, dearest, just hold on!" She was holding on to his hand for dear life, as tears streamed down his face. Slowly, painstakingly, he reached up to brush the tears away. "Numair, no! Save your energy!"
A small smile appeared on his lips. "There's... no need now. I love you, magelet....baby too...always love you..." He searched for air, and his hand dropped down. Daine cried out, but he barely heard her. The black shadows were closing in now... all he could see was Daine, and she was fading away..."Remember..." he choked out, "always love you...baby too...love...you...magelet..." and with that, the shadows over took him.
[A/N: Kamikaze: Dude that was so sad! No shit it was only Numair, but still. Diane is stuck with that "bundle of joy" "in the oven". That really sux.]
[A/N: Sunshine: Ok, if I could just hear your opinions on who ** (Kel's hubby) should be, that 'd be great. And I'm sorry for all you Numair lovers that I killed him off, but it is necessary to the plot. It's not like I enjoyed it; I cried for like, 10 minutes after I finished this. *Any*way, please review. I already have chappy 2 written, but I am demanding so I want @ least 5 reviews before I update. px2dmx, SunnyX]
