A/N: Okay everyone, this is the beginning of my revision of this fic. So if you are reading this for the first time and the next chapter seems stupid that is why.
"Numair!" Onua yelled as she, Tkaa, and Kitten ran to Daine and Numair as they stumbled together towards their friends. "We were so worried that you were killed battling that mage, or that Daine was attacked after she ran off looking for you and… Oh am I glad to see you two safe and sound!"
"Onua, we are fine. A little shaken up but otherwise fine," Daine assured her former employer with a smile, Numair's hand was on her shoulder, squeezing it gently.
"I am relieved to hear it," the woman sighed with relief. She stepped forward to embrace her comrades.
"Onua I would love to stay and talk to you but I am very tired, and hungry, and I would love to get back to Port Legann to have a bath" Daine said as she leaned up against Numair as sleep was nearly taking over her dirty exhausted body.
"As would I like to sleep and wash up" Numair agreed.
"Very well, I won't keep you. We can talk after dinner or tomorrow,"
After a well-deserved nap and bath Daine was more than glad to change into a fresh pair of tan breeches, a shirt, and her well worn boots. She was about to say so to Kitten when she heard a knock at her door. When she opened her door she saw a clean, fresh shaven Numair in loose black breeches, shirt and boots, his long hair pulled back into a neat ponytail. "My Darling, beautiful magelet will you please do me the honour of joining me for dinner?" he teased.
" You Sir, (I) know(/I) that you don't act like a pompous court "Yes milady" dolt brain!" Daine said in a pretended cross voice. She knew that Numair was teasing her but she wouldn't ruin his fun. She was just glad that he was fine.
"So is that a yes?" Numair had just a hint of hopefulness in his voice.
"I never said yes!" Daine said who was close to a fit of giggles, caused by the sudden influx of hormones
"Oh but you just said the word yes," Numair pointed out as a grin appeared on his face.
"Numair," Daine groaned. Most of the time his jokes were bad. "Well you wanted an answer so it is only polite to give you one," She said as she stepped towards him. "This is your answer…" she whispered in his ear right before she kissed him. He kissed her sweetly in a way it that was almost like he was saying, "I love you Magelet,"
When Daine and Numair went to the dining hall they saw a sight that was very surprising. Everyone was standing including King Jonathan and Queen Thayet as well as the Lioness and the Baron of Pirate's Swoop. Everyone was applauding them as they went to their seats right beside the king. The seats that were saved for guests of honour.
When the applause died down, Jonathan stood up and said" Veralidaine Sarrasri and Numair Salmalin, please rise," Daine and Numair obeyed.
"You, Veraldaine Sarrasri, have saved all of Tortall. Everyone here is in your dept. Without your bravery and talents Tortall would now be in the hands of the Carthakis. For these actions, I give you the Tortallian Cross for you bravery, wisdom and talents. Step forward please,"
Daine obliged her king and a servant to his right stepped forward to his side and presented Jon with a small wooden box. The king lifted the lid and took out the small silver cross that was attached to a simple gold chain. In the centre of the cross lay the Tortallan Coat of Arms.
"Thank you, Your Majesty," breathed Daine. She was about to turn to go back to her seat but the king motioned for her to stay put.
"I to give you, Numair Salmalin the Mage's Wand for your magical battle and defeat of your nemesis. You are worth your weight in gold, my friend. Please step forward,"
Numair stepped forward and accepted the delicate rod of gold that was encrusted in gems. He then took a step backwards to Daine's side.
Then, to Daine and Numair's greatest surprise and embarrassment, Jonathon slowly slipped into a bow. The rest of the court was startled for a moment, but quickly recovered and followed suit. The first person to follow the king was Thayet. Daine looked in awe at the sight before them.
(I) Nobles. The nobles of a realm that wasn't my birthplace, nobles who don't even know me are bowing with respect to me. The king is bowing to me. The Queen is bowing to me!(/I)
Daine felt a huge hand slip into her hers and give her hand a gentle squeeze. There would be plenty of time for talk the next morning.
Jonathon rose. "Now, it will take a while, maybe even years but I believe we can rebuild Tortall." He announced to the entire court that was there. The entire audience in the Port Legann rose with applause for Tortall and for the hope that the way of life they had all knew would someday be restored.
Daine glanced sideways to her friend and lover. They shared a secret smile of congratulations, love and understanding.
"Now if everyone will kindly take their seats, I believe that there is a large feast that awaits us," the king announced. Everyone sat down and began to salivate over the entering dishes.
All evening, Daine heard many different accounts of the events of that day, and she added her story to the mix several times.
At about one in the morning Numair stood up and announced, "I would love to stay here and continue talking to you all but I am extremely worn out and at the moment, all I want to do is sleep. I thank you all once again for the honour of this award but right now, the greatest reward would be a nice soft bed with clean linen sheets,"
Daine stood up quickly, "I too would like a good night's rest and thank you again for the favours given to me. I am greatly and deeply honoured,"
"Of course, of course," King Jon said with a wave of his hand. "Enjoy your soft beds,"
Numair and Daine bowed to their monarchy and then made their way to their rooms, which were side by side.
"You are amazing Magelet, we are all in your debt," Numair whispered, holding his love close.
"What about you? You fought a very powerful mage. Without you, more of our people would have died,"
"As you wish, but I still am the luckiest man in the world,' he whispered, his face getting nearer and nearer to her own.
"And I the luckiest woman," she breathed back as their lips met passionately in the moonlight.
A/N: well whatcha all think? Much better I think. I hope you liked it and please R/R! And don't hold back, I want your opinions!
