WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON WE WON!!!!!!
ENGLAND 20 AUSTRALIA 17!!!! WE WON THE RUGBY WORLD CUP!!!!! I LOVE JONNY WILKINSON AND JASON ROBINSON AND MARTIN JOHNSON!!! Sorry, getting a bit excited there at the fact that England can still be the best at something. Did you guys see the match? It was so intense!
Sorry it's been a little while, but I went away to Rome for four days with my school and then when I returned I had piles of prep to do. It's like the teachers think we're sitting our AS Levels tomorrow rather than next summer!
Annonomus: Why thank you!
Erynwen: Yeah, sorry about the length of the last chapter, but like I said, I thought it might ruin the effect if it was longer.
Looties: Thank you. I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long?!
Serene Ice Mage: Thanks. In regards to D/N fics, have you read the ones by Numair's Daine, or "A Pocket Full Of Rye" by coral dragon? They're good.
ArizonaBay: Ah, yes, sorry about that cliffy . . .
Snakefeather: I'm trembling. No, really. (jk) Here's the update so please don't be angry with me . . .
Numair's Magelet: It's not that low of Daine. It's just that she's realised the fragility of life and wants to make the most of it while she still has it and show Numair how much she really loves him.
CrAzYhOrSeGiRl88: Woah, here is the next chapter - I do value my life! And your prediction is correct - major fluffiness!
Kaklesnap: I'm sorry to have kept you waiting - I'm not a fast writer even when I have the time. I hope this chapter puts you out of your misery!
QueenofConnaught: Yes, well I hoped that I would lead everyone to the wrong conclusion so I could surprise them. I can't tell you if Daine dies, just wait and see . . .
Wildmage101: I was aiming for that effect - like you say, she wasn't well- known, so it wasn't that sad, albeit I think it was necessary. This will be a more fluffy chapter, though perhaps with an undercurrent of dread or angst, I don't know. I am proud to say, that as of yet, I don't have any flames!
Bojanglesbiscuit: Done! (obviously)
Fire Mage: I'm so evil! Yes, I always wanted to be evil! Ha! Uh, yeah, anyway . . . 'pologise for death - twas necessary and , ah okay here's the fluff to make up for it.
Kit49: Thanks very much. Don't you love cliff-hangers?
XXX: Yeah, get the message . . .
Assthorn: maybe you could point out the grammar so that I can correct it if I have time? And as for the other part, well, you'll see.
Coursoccer: Thank you! I hope you haven't gone to insane due to the cliffy!
Miya-Chan3: But I am evil! However, I will continue anyway . . .
Kementari1: Yeah, I'm aware of the mix-up of the chapters. I tried to fix it but the computer wasn't co-operating - damn technology - but I'll try again. Thank you - and I like reading my reviews, but I guess I will have to stop and resolve the "biggest cliffy ever"!!
Sir Lady Alanna Cooper: Yeah, sorry about Miri's death, but like you said, we can't have Numair dying, can we?
Gain
Wary of her sudden change in demeanour, Numair drew Daine into his quarters and shut the door quietly behind them. He stroked a stray curl out of her face and gently pulled himself out of her embrace, searching her darkened eyes for an explanation. Daine made as if to wrap her arms around him once again, but he stepped sideways and tilted her chin up with one long finger.
"Magelet, what do you mean by this?"
Irrational pain of rejection flickered across her troubled eyes. "Don't you love me?" she whispered.
Numair sighed and relented, pulling her close in his arms. "Of course I love you, you know that, but please answer my question."
She shifted her head slightly so that she could meet his honest gaze as her fingers played tentatively with his shirt collar. "Miri's death made me realise how easily I could lose you if we had to fight again. I want to show you how much I love you, just in case I never get the chance to again. I want to make you happy."
"I won't deny that it would make me very happy, sweetling, but you don't have to do it - I am already happier than I could have imagined being all because of you. It's more than I could ever deserve." He did desire her, that was true enough, but he was unsure as to whether she really wanted to progress their relationship this far. Though, he thought uncomfortably, if she didn't leave soon, his resolve would crumble entirely due to the delicate patterns she was tracing on his chest through his shirt. After all, he too wanted to show her how much he truly adored her. Numair stepped back again slightly, giving her the option to leave if she wanted to.
She gave him a small, if nervous smile and reaching up she twined a lock of his raven hair around her fingers pulling him down for the soft kiss that served as her answer. Breaking off, he couldn't doubt the mix of expressions in her gentle eyes; desire, longing, love and a curious element of safety. With the tenderness in her movements, he couldn't tell for sure who was the protector and whom the protected.
Numair caught her small hands in his own huge palms and led her slowly into his bedchamber, not needing to speak a word. Turning to face Daine, his lips captured hers in a searching kiss, assuring himself that this is what she wanted. She responded in kind, tugging him that little bit closer, her passion duelling for dominance with his.
Numair's hands slipped under her shirt, encircling her waist and stroking her sides gently. Desire rolled under the surface of her skin at this soft contact and chewing her lip nervously she reached forward with trembling hands and began to draw Numair's shirt from off his body.
Lust darkened the mage's eyes to a burnt cinnamon and smiling mysteriously his lips descended to the slender curve of her neck as he lowered her onto the dark coverlet.
*****
Two figures were holding a vigil by a new grave, silent under the moonlight. There was no sound other than the quiet breath of the wind through the leaves and grass. Shadows graced the ground with a wraith-like embrace, but the lingering grief that showed in their faces was darker still.
The fair headed man wrapped a comforting arm around the girl sat by his side. She sank into his gesture of reassurance, and let him brush away the single tear that was slowly tracing its way down her cheek; Evin did not weep - his tears had long dried up.
Valene glanced up at him, her eyes shimmering mournfully. She paused for a long moment, hesitating before she dared voice her thoughts. He squeezed her hand gently and urged her to speak her mind.
"Do you think that Miri will be angry with us when we can remember her and it won't hurt?"
"Don't be silly," Evin clasped her other hand unconsciously. "She will be angry if we continue to mourn for her forever, just as long as we never forget her."
Valene smiled briefly, her gaze shifting back towards the sombre gravestone. Suddenly the sight of the cold stone no longer weighed so much upon her shoulders. She closed her eyes and let the coolness of the night wash over her skin as sleep claimed her at last. Evin pulled her a little closer, his hand still clasping hers and laid his cloak awkwardly over her peaceful body. He pressed a gentle kiss to her temple and sat there, guarding Valene until he too lost the fight to stay awake.
*****
Sarra glanced up at her mate worriedly, noting the deep frown etched between his brows. His green eyes, darkened in anxiety, belied the concern he was hiding towards his daughter. In the mirror in front of the two gods lay an image of Daine and her lover, asleep in each others arms. Numair was curled protectively around the girl and her head was tucked under his chin, safe. Weiryn scowled at the mage.
"Little late t'be scowling, my love. The deed is none, and quite frankly, I'm happy for the both of them and so should you be." Weiryn's scowl deepened when he saw that she wasn't flinching under his glare.
"He's fourteen years older than her, Sarra! And he has a history regarding women, you know that!"
She shook her head in disbelief, annoyance sharpening her tone. "I also know that he is an honourable man and that he loves our Daine more than life itself. He will not hurt her, Weiryn!"
The god turned around and pulled her closer to his chest, his arms wrapping themselves around his waist. A pained expression flickered across his face. "It's not just that, I admit. You know what is happening with Daine; she will continue to sicken and she will die, there is no other way to restore the equilibrium of her blood. The closer she gets to the mage, the more painful it will be for the both of them when they have to say goodbye, and judging by the way sickness is progressing, it will not be long."
"Then we should allow them the chance at happiness while they still have it. 'Tis better to have loved and lost, then never to have loved at all, you know that." Troubled, the goddess twined her hair about her fingers. "I can feel her pain and struggle worsen, but she refuses to admit it to anyone - she wants to convince Master Salmalìn that she is fine. If that's her decision, it's not for us to interfere." She gazed upon her daughter sadly, knowing that her previous pain was nothing compared to what was yet to come.
*****
Daine stirred sleepily, feeling oddly sated and relaxed. A familiar scent of spices tickled her nose, and she rubbed her face in the sweet-smelling thing. A low chuckle forced her to open her eyes. Numair was lying next to her, one strong arm wrapped about her waist, a little smirk playing around his soft lips. Memories of the previous night rushed back to her and she blushed, smiling.
"So you've decided to wake up at last, Magelet?" her lover teased her gently.
"No," she replied, snuggling deeper into his warm embrace. Numair smiled, marvelling at the sight of her there in his arms and kissed her lightly on her mouth before pulling away. A soft whimper caused him to return his attention to her lips and he tugged her closer.
Two arms twined around his neck and a quiet giggle sounded beneath his ear.
"What's so funny?" he asked, rolling over so she was pinned between his forearms. His dark eyebrow lifted appraisingly as she continued to laugh under his gaze.
"I'll tickle it out of you," he threatened. Suddenly an impatient knock echoed from the door. They froze as Onua's voice drifted into his chambers.
"Numair, get up you lazy man. I need help locating your student. She's run off the Gods only know where and I want her to look at the horses."
Daine scrambled out of her lover's bed, landing on the floor with an ungainly thump. She dropped a kiss on his head before heading to the window.
"I'll find you later," she promised and leaping into the air, switched her form for that of a sparrow's. Numair was left gazing at the empty space where only seconds before Daine had stood. Another knock roused him form his trance and wrapping a robe about him he went to open the door.
"Onua, can't it wait? I was rather busy and do not appreciate this interruption." Ignoring the mage's obvious irritation the Horsemistress ran an eye over his obvious state of undress, his tousled hair and through the door which led to his bedchamber, the clothes that lay scattered by the bed. There was little doubt as to what Numair had been doing last night. 'Wonder who it was this time?' she wondered. She hadn't noticed anyone who had caught the man's attention recently and she knew for a fact that he hadn't been up to court for a while - in fact he seemed to be avoiding it.
"That is clear," Onua replied coolly, "but I still need help finding Daine. If you've recovered from your last nightly escapade perhaps you could get dressed?" Numair rolled his eyes slightly and wandered back into his room. As he disentangled his own clothes from Daine's he let a smug smile grace his lips.
'If only she knew,' he thought.
*****
Well, people that is another chapter done. Do you want another one? Press the purple box if you do!
ENGLAND 20 AUSTRALIA 17!!!! WE WON THE RUGBY WORLD CUP!!!!! I LOVE JONNY WILKINSON AND JASON ROBINSON AND MARTIN JOHNSON!!! Sorry, getting a bit excited there at the fact that England can still be the best at something. Did you guys see the match? It was so intense!
Sorry it's been a little while, but I went away to Rome for four days with my school and then when I returned I had piles of prep to do. It's like the teachers think we're sitting our AS Levels tomorrow rather than next summer!
Annonomus: Why thank you!
Erynwen: Yeah, sorry about the length of the last chapter, but like I said, I thought it might ruin the effect if it was longer.
Looties: Thank you. I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long?!
Serene Ice Mage: Thanks. In regards to D/N fics, have you read the ones by Numair's Daine, or "A Pocket Full Of Rye" by coral dragon? They're good.
ArizonaBay: Ah, yes, sorry about that cliffy . . .
Snakefeather: I'm trembling. No, really. (jk) Here's the update so please don't be angry with me . . .
Numair's Magelet: It's not that low of Daine. It's just that she's realised the fragility of life and wants to make the most of it while she still has it and show Numair how much she really loves him.
CrAzYhOrSeGiRl88: Woah, here is the next chapter - I do value my life! And your prediction is correct - major fluffiness!
Kaklesnap: I'm sorry to have kept you waiting - I'm not a fast writer even when I have the time. I hope this chapter puts you out of your misery!
QueenofConnaught: Yes, well I hoped that I would lead everyone to the wrong conclusion so I could surprise them. I can't tell you if Daine dies, just wait and see . . .
Wildmage101: I was aiming for that effect - like you say, she wasn't well- known, so it wasn't that sad, albeit I think it was necessary. This will be a more fluffy chapter, though perhaps with an undercurrent of dread or angst, I don't know. I am proud to say, that as of yet, I don't have any flames!
Bojanglesbiscuit: Done! (obviously)
Fire Mage: I'm so evil! Yes, I always wanted to be evil! Ha! Uh, yeah, anyway . . . 'pologise for death - twas necessary and , ah okay here's the fluff to make up for it.
Kit49: Thanks very much. Don't you love cliff-hangers?
XXX: Yeah, get the message . . .
Assthorn: maybe you could point out the grammar so that I can correct it if I have time? And as for the other part, well, you'll see.
Coursoccer: Thank you! I hope you haven't gone to insane due to the cliffy!
Miya-Chan3: But I am evil! However, I will continue anyway . . .
Kementari1: Yeah, I'm aware of the mix-up of the chapters. I tried to fix it but the computer wasn't co-operating - damn technology - but I'll try again. Thank you - and I like reading my reviews, but I guess I will have to stop and resolve the "biggest cliffy ever"!!
Sir Lady Alanna Cooper: Yeah, sorry about Miri's death, but like you said, we can't have Numair dying, can we?
Gain
Wary of her sudden change in demeanour, Numair drew Daine into his quarters and shut the door quietly behind them. He stroked a stray curl out of her face and gently pulled himself out of her embrace, searching her darkened eyes for an explanation. Daine made as if to wrap her arms around him once again, but he stepped sideways and tilted her chin up with one long finger.
"Magelet, what do you mean by this?"
Irrational pain of rejection flickered across her troubled eyes. "Don't you love me?" she whispered.
Numair sighed and relented, pulling her close in his arms. "Of course I love you, you know that, but please answer my question."
She shifted her head slightly so that she could meet his honest gaze as her fingers played tentatively with his shirt collar. "Miri's death made me realise how easily I could lose you if we had to fight again. I want to show you how much I love you, just in case I never get the chance to again. I want to make you happy."
"I won't deny that it would make me very happy, sweetling, but you don't have to do it - I am already happier than I could have imagined being all because of you. It's more than I could ever deserve." He did desire her, that was true enough, but he was unsure as to whether she really wanted to progress their relationship this far. Though, he thought uncomfortably, if she didn't leave soon, his resolve would crumble entirely due to the delicate patterns she was tracing on his chest through his shirt. After all, he too wanted to show her how much he truly adored her. Numair stepped back again slightly, giving her the option to leave if she wanted to.
She gave him a small, if nervous smile and reaching up she twined a lock of his raven hair around her fingers pulling him down for the soft kiss that served as her answer. Breaking off, he couldn't doubt the mix of expressions in her gentle eyes; desire, longing, love and a curious element of safety. With the tenderness in her movements, he couldn't tell for sure who was the protector and whom the protected.
Numair caught her small hands in his own huge palms and led her slowly into his bedchamber, not needing to speak a word. Turning to face Daine, his lips captured hers in a searching kiss, assuring himself that this is what she wanted. She responded in kind, tugging him that little bit closer, her passion duelling for dominance with his.
Numair's hands slipped under her shirt, encircling her waist and stroking her sides gently. Desire rolled under the surface of her skin at this soft contact and chewing her lip nervously she reached forward with trembling hands and began to draw Numair's shirt from off his body.
Lust darkened the mage's eyes to a burnt cinnamon and smiling mysteriously his lips descended to the slender curve of her neck as he lowered her onto the dark coverlet.
*****
Two figures were holding a vigil by a new grave, silent under the moonlight. There was no sound other than the quiet breath of the wind through the leaves and grass. Shadows graced the ground with a wraith-like embrace, but the lingering grief that showed in their faces was darker still.
The fair headed man wrapped a comforting arm around the girl sat by his side. She sank into his gesture of reassurance, and let him brush away the single tear that was slowly tracing its way down her cheek; Evin did not weep - his tears had long dried up.
Valene glanced up at him, her eyes shimmering mournfully. She paused for a long moment, hesitating before she dared voice her thoughts. He squeezed her hand gently and urged her to speak her mind.
"Do you think that Miri will be angry with us when we can remember her and it won't hurt?"
"Don't be silly," Evin clasped her other hand unconsciously. "She will be angry if we continue to mourn for her forever, just as long as we never forget her."
Valene smiled briefly, her gaze shifting back towards the sombre gravestone. Suddenly the sight of the cold stone no longer weighed so much upon her shoulders. She closed her eyes and let the coolness of the night wash over her skin as sleep claimed her at last. Evin pulled her a little closer, his hand still clasping hers and laid his cloak awkwardly over her peaceful body. He pressed a gentle kiss to her temple and sat there, guarding Valene until he too lost the fight to stay awake.
*****
Sarra glanced up at her mate worriedly, noting the deep frown etched between his brows. His green eyes, darkened in anxiety, belied the concern he was hiding towards his daughter. In the mirror in front of the two gods lay an image of Daine and her lover, asleep in each others arms. Numair was curled protectively around the girl and her head was tucked under his chin, safe. Weiryn scowled at the mage.
"Little late t'be scowling, my love. The deed is none, and quite frankly, I'm happy for the both of them and so should you be." Weiryn's scowl deepened when he saw that she wasn't flinching under his glare.
"He's fourteen years older than her, Sarra! And he has a history regarding women, you know that!"
She shook her head in disbelief, annoyance sharpening her tone. "I also know that he is an honourable man and that he loves our Daine more than life itself. He will not hurt her, Weiryn!"
The god turned around and pulled her closer to his chest, his arms wrapping themselves around his waist. A pained expression flickered across his face. "It's not just that, I admit. You know what is happening with Daine; she will continue to sicken and she will die, there is no other way to restore the equilibrium of her blood. The closer she gets to the mage, the more painful it will be for the both of them when they have to say goodbye, and judging by the way sickness is progressing, it will not be long."
"Then we should allow them the chance at happiness while they still have it. 'Tis better to have loved and lost, then never to have loved at all, you know that." Troubled, the goddess twined her hair about her fingers. "I can feel her pain and struggle worsen, but she refuses to admit it to anyone - she wants to convince Master Salmalìn that she is fine. If that's her decision, it's not for us to interfere." She gazed upon her daughter sadly, knowing that her previous pain was nothing compared to what was yet to come.
*****
Daine stirred sleepily, feeling oddly sated and relaxed. A familiar scent of spices tickled her nose, and she rubbed her face in the sweet-smelling thing. A low chuckle forced her to open her eyes. Numair was lying next to her, one strong arm wrapped about her waist, a little smirk playing around his soft lips. Memories of the previous night rushed back to her and she blushed, smiling.
"So you've decided to wake up at last, Magelet?" her lover teased her gently.
"No," she replied, snuggling deeper into his warm embrace. Numair smiled, marvelling at the sight of her there in his arms and kissed her lightly on her mouth before pulling away. A soft whimper caused him to return his attention to her lips and he tugged her closer.
Two arms twined around his neck and a quiet giggle sounded beneath his ear.
"What's so funny?" he asked, rolling over so she was pinned between his forearms. His dark eyebrow lifted appraisingly as she continued to laugh under his gaze.
"I'll tickle it out of you," he threatened. Suddenly an impatient knock echoed from the door. They froze as Onua's voice drifted into his chambers.
"Numair, get up you lazy man. I need help locating your student. She's run off the Gods only know where and I want her to look at the horses."
Daine scrambled out of her lover's bed, landing on the floor with an ungainly thump. She dropped a kiss on his head before heading to the window.
"I'll find you later," she promised and leaping into the air, switched her form for that of a sparrow's. Numair was left gazing at the empty space where only seconds before Daine had stood. Another knock roused him form his trance and wrapping a robe about him he went to open the door.
"Onua, can't it wait? I was rather busy and do not appreciate this interruption." Ignoring the mage's obvious irritation the Horsemistress ran an eye over his obvious state of undress, his tousled hair and through the door which led to his bedchamber, the clothes that lay scattered by the bed. There was little doubt as to what Numair had been doing last night. 'Wonder who it was this time?' she wondered. She hadn't noticed anyone who had caught the man's attention recently and she knew for a fact that he hadn't been up to court for a while - in fact he seemed to be avoiding it.
"That is clear," Onua replied coolly, "but I still need help finding Daine. If you've recovered from your last nightly escapade perhaps you could get dressed?" Numair rolled his eyes slightly and wandered back into his room. As he disentangled his own clothes from Daine's he let a smug smile grace his lips.
'If only she knew,' he thought.
*****
Well, people that is another chapter done. Do you want another one? Press the purple box if you do!