Heya, people! Sorry it's been a while (5 days!) but I haven't been able to
get on a computer, and now have gotten writer's block! C'est la vie, eh?
S'posed to be revising at the moment, but never mind!
Disclaimer: Other than the plot and Valene, nothing belongs to me.
Csporty128: Glad you like! Would the four pages be after she has fallen and they are talking, or maybe the end of the book? I have the same problem! Still, it's healthy to be obsessed by something, I'm thinking. ; )
Jazy716: Oh yes, more blood explanations aboard! Of course, they know that they love each other, they knew that all along, but were just being tick!
Rhapsody07: x2. I love D/N as well. Aren't they the best? Ages don't bother me, it's the love that matters. : )
Anic: I agree - D/N!!!!
Anonymous: Yay, you love it!
Llama blue: Like the new name! Have fun in Wales and here's your update!
Queen of chickens: The old stuff is the best, I reckon. Will e-mail soon.
ShangRose: Never fear, more fluff will inevitably appear. Wow, that rhymed! (fear, appear . . . okay *autheress decides to shut up now*)
Kylaia: Here is the update because I rather like my hair where it is. What did you knock yourself out on whilst doing the happy dance!? Keep your end of the deal up, cos here's mine! : )
Martini: You like? Good! Please let me kill off Daine - I'll resurrect her I promise! *puppy dog eyes and pet lip twist author's face*
Zara: Thank you! : )
Wildmage101: I take it that the story is satisfactory then?
Bojanglesbiscuit: I only just got back from Wales on Monday evening! Ah, the pressure! Please don't hurt me! *ducks*
I would just like to add that you should all read What If by Kylaia. It is so good and I hope that she forgives me for this, but to tempt you think crossover!
Twilight
The two of them sat together on the grassy knoll as the ground was bathed in a faint, rippling light that emanated from the stars above, bright pinpricks in the dark fabric of the night. The girl sighed in content, curling her slight body further into the curve of the man's arm and nestling her head beneath his chin. He smiled softly at his young love, bringing his hand up to smooth away the curls that fell in a tumbling curtain across her face. He pulled her closer and kissed the top of his head, his warm breath gently stirring her hair.
The night was quiet and still, the silence punctuated only by the low chirruping of the crickets who hid themselves amongst the blades of grass as they serenaded the night. In the fields the animals were lying down to sleep and inside the buildings humans were preparing themselves for bed, thankful for a respite from work. Few passed by the oak tree that stood as a guardian to the horses and even fewer noticed the silhouette of two lovers sitting at peace beneath its shadow.
Silence reigned, warm despite the autumn chill that was already beginning to sharpen the air. Forgiveness had been granted even before apologies had been made and for a while they saw no need for words. Instead they spoke only with gentle caresses - a finger lightly stroking a cheek or lips touching each other in the moonlight. At last the man stirred, though he was loath to break the peaceful spell that the night had woven around them.
"Daine?"
"Hmm?" She raised her head and smiled drowsily, fighting the sleep that threatened to close her tired eyes. Numair kissed her forehead softly but when he spoke his tone was serious.
"We need to talk. We can't avoid this subject forever."
Daine groaned quietly, more awake now. What could she say? She was fairly certain that she was going to die, but every time she thought of Gainel's words, the weight of this knowledge lessened and she knew that she was beginning to win her in internal battle. Looking into Numair's eyes, which in the dark seemed black, she saw the fear that haunted them and knew that her decision had already been made.
"Please don't worry yourself needlessly, Numair. My divine blood is not trying to kill me - it's trying to give me a new life. I am half-god and I am winning this fight. I won't die, I'll never leave you. That, I can promise."
He opened his mouth, determined to discuss this at greater length, knowing now that it was better to face his fears, but he saw the finality and the truth glinting in her sombre eyes and said nothing. Reassured slightly by the confidence of her tone, he had to admit that since he had returned yesterday she had shown no signs of weakness. He would have known if she was suffering, not so much by a sixth sense as by the fact that she couldn't hide her feelings. He loved that trait since he knew that she wouldn't be able to pretend that she loved him if she didn't. Ultimately, he didn't even know for definite how serious her condition was and had the feeling that the king's words two days back had actually been an appeasement attempt.
"I'm sorry, sweetling," he grinned ruefully. "I'm turning into a mother hen. I just worry about you, that's all."
Daine flashed him a smile, a beautiful smile he reflected, before tucking up close again, her head on his chest. "I've already got a Ma, not that I'll be seeing her very often, that's true. Leave the worrying to her."
He chuckled softly, the sound becoming distorted, as if through a shell as her ear was pressed against his chest. Daine snuggled closer, inhaling his warm scent as she buried her face in the fabric of his shirt. 'I can't believe I almost lost him,' she thought in amazement. 'Still, no use crying over what's gone and done, as Ma says. Got him back now, and where's Kit?' she wondered, her thoughts beginning to drift randomly. The world became vague and drowsiness overpowered her exhausted mind as she surrendered to the sleep-like power of the night. The last thing she remembered was the feeling of Numair's fingers gently toying with her hair.
"I love you, magelet," he whispered, but then spoke no more. Instead he was content to gather her into his arms, fingers entangled in her dark hair, stroking her head softly. He rested his cheek against her hair, feeling the essence of her, caught in animal musk and flowers, fill his being. As he thought of what he now had, joy lent his heart wings and it soared, as free as an eagle. He wouldn't let her die - he had too much to lose. Besides, she had promised that she wouldn't leave him, she wouldn't die, and blinded by love he believed her, unable to comprehend the harsher and inevitable facts of life that darkened the troubled depths of her eyes.
She stirred and shifted slightly, murmuring incomprehensibly. Glancing down at her peaceful face, Numair realised that his love was asleep, and not wishing to disturb her, he turned his attention back to the heavens. The moon, though partially obscured by the dark clouds, cast a strange light that lent the night an almost surreal atmosphere. Alone on her bed of velvet darkness, she was the only witness to the couple's secret love.
Due to the thick grass muffling the sound of the footsteps, Numair didn't hear the person approaching until they were right behind him. Startled, he jumped as a timid hand tapped his shoulder, and wondered how he was going to explain this to whoever it was, as he and Daine had already agreed to keep their relationship private for a little while. Relief swept him as he encountered the shadowed face of Stefan Groomsman, who had at one time been a former student of his as well.
"Master Numair, you may be wanting to go inside now. It's dark and I'm thinking that you don't want to be creating rumours about you and Miss Daine yet, not till you're ready."
Numair smiled both inwardly and outwardly. Thank the Gods that Stefan understood! He didn't want to go in yet and part with Daine, despite the fact that she was asleep, but he saw the sense in Stefan's words. If someone of the court saw them together like this at night, they would automatically assume that Numair was only sleeping with Daine, not that he was in love with her. He wanted everyone to know that he loved Daine, but it was all so sudden that it needed time first. He nodded and rose to his feet, cradling a sleeping Daine against him.
"You're right, Stefan. We ought to go in. I only ask that you - "
"Don't say a word of this to anyone yet," Stefan interrupted with a self- conscious smile. "Don't worry, Master Numair, my lips be sealed." With that he strode off into the night, no doubt to check his beloved horses one last time before he took himself off to bed.
Numair kissed his student's forehead softly, resting his lips against her hair. "Come, magelet. Let's put you to bed."
He carried her to her room beneath the barracks, unaware of two startled pairs of eyes watching and following him. Laying her down on her bed, he took her boots off and covered her with a blanket, pressing his lips to hers one last time before taking his leave, trying to fix the image of her sleeping face in his memory forever.
*****
Daine woke up at dawn as usual, but found that she couldn't move her legs. Yelping in fright, she sat up abruptly and found that Miri and Valene, two of her friends were sitting at the end of her bed, identical grins plastered on their faces as they prevented her from getting up. Daine screwed up her eyes as she tried to focus on them as bright light filtered in through the window, glaring of every metal surface around.
"What do you two want at this time?" she asked, grimacing at the croak that emerged from her throat. They glanced at each other briefly, their faces becoming even more wicked by the second.
"The truth, if you please," answered Valene. Daine's brow creased in confusion.
"You and Numair," supplied Miri. Settling herself more comfortably on Daine's legs she added, "Now tell."
*****
That's all folks, I'm afraid. I am suffering from the terrible ailment of writer's block at the moment, plus I've just finished a songfic to Enrique's Hero. It's about a certain mage and his *ahem* "student! Don't know what to call it though, so any suggestions would be welcome! If you like this and what some more, the you all know the drill. Review! I'm thinking 95 reviews or so, or I won't continue!
Disclaimer: Other than the plot and Valene, nothing belongs to me.
Csporty128: Glad you like! Would the four pages be after she has fallen and they are talking, or maybe the end of the book? I have the same problem! Still, it's healthy to be obsessed by something, I'm thinking. ; )
Jazy716: Oh yes, more blood explanations aboard! Of course, they know that they love each other, they knew that all along, but were just being tick!
Rhapsody07: x2. I love D/N as well. Aren't they the best? Ages don't bother me, it's the love that matters. : )
Anic: I agree - D/N!!!!
Anonymous: Yay, you love it!
Llama blue: Like the new name! Have fun in Wales and here's your update!
Queen of chickens: The old stuff is the best, I reckon. Will e-mail soon.
ShangRose: Never fear, more fluff will inevitably appear. Wow, that rhymed! (fear, appear . . . okay *autheress decides to shut up now*)
Kylaia: Here is the update because I rather like my hair where it is. What did you knock yourself out on whilst doing the happy dance!? Keep your end of the deal up, cos here's mine! : )
Martini: You like? Good! Please let me kill off Daine - I'll resurrect her I promise! *puppy dog eyes and pet lip twist author's face*
Zara: Thank you! : )
Wildmage101: I take it that the story is satisfactory then?
Bojanglesbiscuit: I only just got back from Wales on Monday evening! Ah, the pressure! Please don't hurt me! *ducks*
I would just like to add that you should all read What If by Kylaia. It is so good and I hope that she forgives me for this, but to tempt you think crossover!
Twilight
The two of them sat together on the grassy knoll as the ground was bathed in a faint, rippling light that emanated from the stars above, bright pinpricks in the dark fabric of the night. The girl sighed in content, curling her slight body further into the curve of the man's arm and nestling her head beneath his chin. He smiled softly at his young love, bringing his hand up to smooth away the curls that fell in a tumbling curtain across her face. He pulled her closer and kissed the top of his head, his warm breath gently stirring her hair.
The night was quiet and still, the silence punctuated only by the low chirruping of the crickets who hid themselves amongst the blades of grass as they serenaded the night. In the fields the animals were lying down to sleep and inside the buildings humans were preparing themselves for bed, thankful for a respite from work. Few passed by the oak tree that stood as a guardian to the horses and even fewer noticed the silhouette of two lovers sitting at peace beneath its shadow.
Silence reigned, warm despite the autumn chill that was already beginning to sharpen the air. Forgiveness had been granted even before apologies had been made and for a while they saw no need for words. Instead they spoke only with gentle caresses - a finger lightly stroking a cheek or lips touching each other in the moonlight. At last the man stirred, though he was loath to break the peaceful spell that the night had woven around them.
"Daine?"
"Hmm?" She raised her head and smiled drowsily, fighting the sleep that threatened to close her tired eyes. Numair kissed her forehead softly but when he spoke his tone was serious.
"We need to talk. We can't avoid this subject forever."
Daine groaned quietly, more awake now. What could she say? She was fairly certain that she was going to die, but every time she thought of Gainel's words, the weight of this knowledge lessened and she knew that she was beginning to win her in internal battle. Looking into Numair's eyes, which in the dark seemed black, she saw the fear that haunted them and knew that her decision had already been made.
"Please don't worry yourself needlessly, Numair. My divine blood is not trying to kill me - it's trying to give me a new life. I am half-god and I am winning this fight. I won't die, I'll never leave you. That, I can promise."
He opened his mouth, determined to discuss this at greater length, knowing now that it was better to face his fears, but he saw the finality and the truth glinting in her sombre eyes and said nothing. Reassured slightly by the confidence of her tone, he had to admit that since he had returned yesterday she had shown no signs of weakness. He would have known if she was suffering, not so much by a sixth sense as by the fact that she couldn't hide her feelings. He loved that trait since he knew that she wouldn't be able to pretend that she loved him if she didn't. Ultimately, he didn't even know for definite how serious her condition was and had the feeling that the king's words two days back had actually been an appeasement attempt.
"I'm sorry, sweetling," he grinned ruefully. "I'm turning into a mother hen. I just worry about you, that's all."
Daine flashed him a smile, a beautiful smile he reflected, before tucking up close again, her head on his chest. "I've already got a Ma, not that I'll be seeing her very often, that's true. Leave the worrying to her."
He chuckled softly, the sound becoming distorted, as if through a shell as her ear was pressed against his chest. Daine snuggled closer, inhaling his warm scent as she buried her face in the fabric of his shirt. 'I can't believe I almost lost him,' she thought in amazement. 'Still, no use crying over what's gone and done, as Ma says. Got him back now, and where's Kit?' she wondered, her thoughts beginning to drift randomly. The world became vague and drowsiness overpowered her exhausted mind as she surrendered to the sleep-like power of the night. The last thing she remembered was the feeling of Numair's fingers gently toying with her hair.
"I love you, magelet," he whispered, but then spoke no more. Instead he was content to gather her into his arms, fingers entangled in her dark hair, stroking her head softly. He rested his cheek against her hair, feeling the essence of her, caught in animal musk and flowers, fill his being. As he thought of what he now had, joy lent his heart wings and it soared, as free as an eagle. He wouldn't let her die - he had too much to lose. Besides, she had promised that she wouldn't leave him, she wouldn't die, and blinded by love he believed her, unable to comprehend the harsher and inevitable facts of life that darkened the troubled depths of her eyes.
She stirred and shifted slightly, murmuring incomprehensibly. Glancing down at her peaceful face, Numair realised that his love was asleep, and not wishing to disturb her, he turned his attention back to the heavens. The moon, though partially obscured by the dark clouds, cast a strange light that lent the night an almost surreal atmosphere. Alone on her bed of velvet darkness, she was the only witness to the couple's secret love.
Due to the thick grass muffling the sound of the footsteps, Numair didn't hear the person approaching until they were right behind him. Startled, he jumped as a timid hand tapped his shoulder, and wondered how he was going to explain this to whoever it was, as he and Daine had already agreed to keep their relationship private for a little while. Relief swept him as he encountered the shadowed face of Stefan Groomsman, who had at one time been a former student of his as well.
"Master Numair, you may be wanting to go inside now. It's dark and I'm thinking that you don't want to be creating rumours about you and Miss Daine yet, not till you're ready."
Numair smiled both inwardly and outwardly. Thank the Gods that Stefan understood! He didn't want to go in yet and part with Daine, despite the fact that she was asleep, but he saw the sense in Stefan's words. If someone of the court saw them together like this at night, they would automatically assume that Numair was only sleeping with Daine, not that he was in love with her. He wanted everyone to know that he loved Daine, but it was all so sudden that it needed time first. He nodded and rose to his feet, cradling a sleeping Daine against him.
"You're right, Stefan. We ought to go in. I only ask that you - "
"Don't say a word of this to anyone yet," Stefan interrupted with a self- conscious smile. "Don't worry, Master Numair, my lips be sealed." With that he strode off into the night, no doubt to check his beloved horses one last time before he took himself off to bed.
Numair kissed his student's forehead softly, resting his lips against her hair. "Come, magelet. Let's put you to bed."
He carried her to her room beneath the barracks, unaware of two startled pairs of eyes watching and following him. Laying her down on her bed, he took her boots off and covered her with a blanket, pressing his lips to hers one last time before taking his leave, trying to fix the image of her sleeping face in his memory forever.
*****
Daine woke up at dawn as usual, but found that she couldn't move her legs. Yelping in fright, she sat up abruptly and found that Miri and Valene, two of her friends were sitting at the end of her bed, identical grins plastered on their faces as they prevented her from getting up. Daine screwed up her eyes as she tried to focus on them as bright light filtered in through the window, glaring of every metal surface around.
"What do you two want at this time?" she asked, grimacing at the croak that emerged from her throat. They glanced at each other briefly, their faces becoming even more wicked by the second.
"The truth, if you please," answered Valene. Daine's brow creased in confusion.
"You and Numair," supplied Miri. Settling herself more comfortably on Daine's legs she added, "Now tell."
*****
That's all folks, I'm afraid. I am suffering from the terrible ailment of writer's block at the moment, plus I've just finished a songfic to Enrique's Hero. It's about a certain mage and his *ahem* "student! Don't know what to call it though, so any suggestions would be welcome! If you like this and what some more, the you all know the drill. Review! I'm thinking 95 reviews or so, or I won't continue!