Sorry for the delay folks!!! I really like this story and I do not know what was on my mind that I simply just stopped writing. I guess it was because I need the A's on my report card y'know? Well then, with out further ado, I present… the third chapter! This will hopefully be followed by a 4th, 5th, and 6th… heck, maybe even more depending on if I can get it wrapped up by then… Well thanks so much for your reviews! Leave more!
The two reached the great hall and opened the giant doors. Inside were the king, George, Numair, and a couple other ministers in the king's service. The Gallans were starkly different from the diverse Tortallan crowd. The Gallans were all around six and a half foot tall men, dressed in identical sky blue robes, with blonde hair and blue eyes – except for one, who's close cropped curly brown hair and lightly tanned skin Daine eyed curiously. The young man of about twenty-two must've felt Daine's eyes on him because he looked directly into them and smiled. Daine felt herself go red and moved to stand behind Numair.
"Ah, Daine and Alanna - now that we're all here, we can begin introductions." said Jon. 'Introductions' meant standing in line by order of political importance. Daine knew this drill very well and stood at the end of the line by Numair. The king introduced Alanna, George, and the ministers to the foreign party first. The Gallans seemed friendly enough, though Daine didn't quite know what to make of them; they reminded her so much of her old home. Jon called Numair and Daine at the same time. They walked over to Jon and bowed, then turned to the Gallans and bowed respectfully.
"Numair, this is Master Frederick Ahern from the royal university in Galla. He tells me that his specialty is the study of myths and I took the liberty of informing Master Ahern that you knew quite a bit about mythology and would be more than willing to spend some quality time together - in the name of science, of course." said Jon. Numair's eyes lit up at the prospect of gaining more knowledge. Daine smiled secretly, she knew Numair would most likely talk Master Ahern's ear off.
"Veralidaine Sarrasri," Daine bowed at the mention of her name. What character did the king have for her to entertain? "This is Master Erik of Thistlewood, Greensboro, and Raleigh, advisor and caretaker to the Gallan ministry's royal menagerie. Master Erik has a most remarkable gift, not unlike yours, Daine. He is able to communicate with all mortal animals." Ha, thought Daine, he can't talk to immortals. I've already got one up on him. She mentally admonished herself for thinking such thoughts before she'd actually met this most curious individual. "Daine, I hope you don't mind that I took the liberty of informing Master Erik of your most remarkable talent. I know you'd be more than willing to spend some time with him, since your abilities are both so rare and wonderful." Daine was overwhelmed and slightly put out that there was someone who shared her wild magic. There was no way she could refuse this offer, however, since it was more of a royal command than an invitation.
"Of course, your majesty." Replied Daine, all the while smiling sweetly to Master Erik. She couldn't help noticing how his eyes bored directly into hers, as if searching for something. She broke the quasi staring contest and hurried after the Lioness to get ready for the welcoming banquet.