(a/n: I'm baaaaack. lol I just cant stop writing! Hm…I'll have to erase some of the stories in my computers memory, or else I'll run outta room! Anyways I KNOW that technically Tortall and Emelan arent in the same world, and I'm not a fan of those 'magic portal' ideas, so let's just assume that Emelan is one of those little-discussed countries very very west of Tortall. K on with the story. Wait...it's set right before Squire I think. AND please correct me if I get names wrong w/ the Circle lot. I haven't read their books as diligently as I have the Tortall books)

Daine the Wildmage peeked her head into the King's council room. Heads turned in her direction She smiled shyly.

"Sorry I'm late everybody," she amended. "A sow was giving birth, and it was a breach. I was needed there."

Numair beckoned to a seat next to him, by the fire. She smiled gratefully.

"That's alright, Daine," Jon said. "We're just going to discuss the upcoming visit from our ally, Emelan." He turned the discussion to Gary.

"Emelan?" Daine hissed into Numair's ear.

"It's very far west," he explained. "We only visit them--or even make contact--once or twice a decade, unless there is an emergency." He patted her shoulder.

Gary was speaking. "…Will be seven ambassadors. Let's see…" he rummaged through the stack of papers in front of him. "Yes. Niklaren Goldeye, Briar Moss, Trisana Chandler, Sandrilene fa Toren, Daja Kisubo, Reubin Lancen, and Initiate Omar."

Most present shrugged. The names were not familiar to them. But Numair was on the edge of his seat, eyes lit with excitement.

"Niko is coming here?" he confirmed. "I haven't seen him in ages!"

"Mages," Gary muttered to Raoul.

Jon laughed. "Actually, Gary, they're all mages. Except for Reubin. He's coming to exchange military tactics. Which is where you all come in. Raoul, you'll mostly associate with Reubin. Omar is visiting the temples and the University. Numair…yes, you guessed. Niklaren. Briar, Trisana, Sandrilene, and Daja are all apprentice mages, so most of them will be accompanied by some of our squires or other mages. Except for Briar. Daine--"

Daine's head shot up. Bored, she had been speaking mind-to-mind with an eagle wheeling over the palace.

Jon continued. "You'll be dealing with Briar. He has a special connection with living things, also. But I don't think it's your kind of Wild Magic. I think he's even your age. I'm sure you two will get along perfectly."

Daine felt Numair stiffen beside her. She clasped his hand reassuringly.

Alanna cleared her throat. "And…Why are they coming?"

Jon winced and thought for a second. "A visit, Alanna." He cast her a meaningful look. Daine wondered what he was trying to hide.