A/N: This chapter is lovingly dedicated to CrAzYhOrSeGiRl88 because she has reviewed practically every chapter of every story I've written. She's a whole freakin' barrel full of awesome.


Chapter 11: Sanguine

For a long moment, no one spoke. A fire crackled in the fireplace of the king's study, its merriment a strange juxtaposition to the tension radiating from the humans in the room.

Finally, Jon cleared his throat and addressed his advisors. Please stop me if I misinterpret what it is you've told me, he said slowly. The former Emperor Ozorne and his accomplice, Prince Deniau of the Copper Isles, have aligned themselves with the goddess Uusoae and have unleashed the unspeakable wrath of an indeterminable number of immortals upon this realm.

Yes. Well, that and the strain of raiders we've been fighting has been using Chaos magic to poison the minds of our knights and Riders to then slowly destroy the major fiefs of the kingdom. Essentially they're turning our own warriors against us. added Alanna.

The king put a hand to his forehead and screwed his eyes shut in thought. Oh yes, he said grimly. We can't forget that... Numair, the only thing that separates us from the horde of furious immortals and Chaos slaves out there is a magical shield that will last how long?

We've just over a day left, sir. Numair answered quietly.

Jon opened his eyes and looked expectantly around the room. Any ideas?

********

Hours later, an exhausted Daine made her way through the corridors away from Jon's study to her room in the north wing. She entered her modest quarters to find Kitten curled up on her bed with Zek the marmoset asleep against her side. In an effort not to disturb her friends, Daine sat gingerly on the edge of the bed to take off her boots. Glancing down at herself, Daine realized that she was still wearing her bloodstained clothes from the battle. The gravity of the situation suddenly hit her full force as she stared at the grotesque patterns of immortal and human blood that had turned her once white shirt and breeches a sickly shade of muddy red. Silent tears formed in her eyes and she began to shake with fear and sorrow.

Kitten and Zek awoke and immediately moved to Daine's side, chirruping and cooing to her, trying desperately to comfort the girl they loved.

Zek climbed into her lap as she began to cry in earnest. Kitten whistled and leapt from the bed, disappearing into the hall.

What happened? asked the marmoset, his familiar mind voice sounding in her head.

Daine wiped her eyes with shaking hands and tried to steady her breathing. There was a battle, she told him. And as bad as that one was, the next is sure to be worse. She hugged the small monkey to her chest, and though he tried to soothe her as she had so often done for him, Zek felt fear creep into his mind as well.

Familiar whistling from the opposite side of the door betrayed Kitten's presence, and the dragonet raced back into the room to jump up beside Daine again. She gently took Zek from the girl's grasp, and chirping to the marmoset, she placed him securely on her back and climbed down to stand by the doorway.

Kitten, what on earth- Numair's sentence was cut off as Daine came into his view. His eyes widened as he took in the sight of her face and clothes streaked with tears and blood. Embarrassed, she tried in vain to smooth her rumpled clothes and hair.

Oh, Daine, he whispered. In two steps he was at her side, her head lay on his shoulder and his arms held her snugly against him. Daine closed her eyes as she rested against him, her breathing finally slowing to its normal rate.

Kitten nodded. The Stork-man would put things to rights. She and Zek left to go sleep with the palace cats, and she spelled the door locked behind her.

Numair murmured softly into her hair as she calmed. Daine sat still in his embrace for a moment, then suddenly jerked away, looking at his chest and arms in horror.

I ruined your shirt, she said hoarsely, staring at the ruddy stains. The man shook his head and smiled at her, gently stroking her cheeks with his thumbs.

Let me help you clean up, sweet. he said. He rose and went over to the washbasin that sat on her armoire. Pulling a fresh towel from the rack beside it, Numair dipped the white terrycloth into the water. Sitting beside her on the bed once more, Numair softly wiped away the smears on her face and neck.

Once clean, he could see the pink line of the quickly healing cut that ran from her temple to collarbone- a memento of Ozorne's kidnapping. Leaning forward, he kissed the point where the cut melded into the smooth skin at her hairline. Daine shivered as he trailed kisses along the light scar, ending at her clavicle.

She pulled his mouth up to meet her own, and wound her fingers into his hair Her nails raked lightly against the back of his neck; he buried his face against her solar plexus with a groan. I love you. he murmured into her chest.

He could feel her heartbeat begin to pound as she silently dropped her hands from his neck. Nervously, he pulled back to stare at the coverlet. You don't have to reciprocate my feeling, he said softly. I just wanted you to know. After a heartbreaking moment of quiet, he ventured a glance at her face. Tears had formed in her eyes once again, but instead of an expression of misery, her countenance now bore an exquisite awe. Numair's eyes lit in hope as he looked at her.

You love me? she finally whispered.

He smiled. I have always loved you.

Two tears spilled down her cheeks as a grin formed on her face. Laughing, the man pulled her into his arms to press his lips against her forehead. Meeting his eyes, Daine gently brushed his dark hair away from his face. Stay with me tonight.

He nodded, too full of happiness to speak.

She quickly unbuttoned her ruined shirt and shrugged out of it. Numair turned his eyes away but couldn't hide the flush that crept up his neck at her actions. Daine smiled as she realized his coloring wasn't due entirely to embarrassment. She then slipped out of her breeches and tossed the clothing to the floor. Numair didn't resist as her hands deftly undid his own soiled shirt and pulled it off of him.

Rising to her knees, she pulled back the bedclothes and gently took hold of Numair's hand. He slid under the quilts with her, and sighed softly as she fit her warm, semiclothed body against his.

The day's events bore down heavily upon the pair, and their eyelids fluttered closed with the weight of their burden. Their breathing grew slow and matched, and in the moment before sleep claimed her, Daine thanked the gods for allowing her this night in this man's arms.

Numair felt her unconsciously kiss his shoulder blade as she dropped off, and his skin burned and thrilled at her mouth's touch. He felt almost guilty for experiencing such bliss when there was so much work to be done... but when he thought back to Daine's blood and tear- streaked face, he knew that there was nothing more important than protecting her. Than loving her. Than simply being with her.

********

Honestly, growled the badger god. I was starting to wonder if you'd ever fall asleep!

Daine scowled at her guardian's tone and reached up to finger the silver claw that hung around her neck. I thought you were supposed to come to my aid when I need it. she said pointedly. I think being attacked on all sides by immortals and Chaos slaves qualifies for a little divine intervention!

She heard someone clear their throat, and turned to see a thoroughly confused-looking Numair standing behind her, eyes wide in surprise. he began as he surveyed the eerie-looking forest they were suddenly standing in. This wouldn't happen to be one of your prophetic dreams now, would it?

The badger snorted. Two-leggers!

Badger, is there a purpose behind this visit, or is it simply a pleasure call?

Don't be insolent, kit! Mithros himself sent me to deliver this message! Don't you understand how serious this is? There is grave danger afoot!

We know, ventured Numair. Tortall has been set upon by-

It's not just Tortall, Master Samalin, the god continued grimly. The power of Lady Chaos is growing. The Great Gods themselves are beginning to fear for the survival of the Divine Realms as well as Human. If Uusoae is not stopped quickly... there's no telling when the madness will end.

Daine could never remember hearing the badger speak in such a tone. She reached out instinctively for Numair's hand and he instantly laced his fingers with hers. What can we do? she asked.

Uusoae's influence over the Human Realms must be broken. The Great Gods derive their power from the balance of magics that exists amongst mortal beings. If Chaos overtakes the Human Realms, than the Divine will be sure to follow. It is imperative that Tortall wins this war.

But how? asked the mage. We are seriously outnumbered, and we have no means to call for reinforcements.

There are numerous companies of the King's Own and the Queen's Riders headed for Corus as we speak. They will arrive within the coming day.

I don't understand, how can they help us if they've become Chaos slaves?

Now you're catching on, kit. There is a way to restore these humans back to their true selves, but it requires the use of a magic no mortal has ever possessed. He turned his shaggy head to Numair. Though the Elemental Spirits have long since departed from the Human Realms, their power still blooms on the earth. Every rock and tree, every drop of water or breath of air responds to their ancient call. Master Samalin, the Great Gods have seen fit to bestow upon you temporary access to Elemental magic for the purpose of defending your homeland against Uusoae.

Numair breathed deeply, his hand tightening around Daine's.

However, despite your strength, you are not capable of controlling such untamed magic by your Gift alone... He addressed Daine, Little one, this is where you come in. Elemental magic must have an equally old and equally feral power to accompany it when passing through the body of a human.

Wild magic. she murmured.

Yes. You must act as a conduit for the transmission of magics between the Realms.

Wait a moment, Numair broke in as he pulled Daine closer to his side. Will she be harmed by this in any way?

No. Daine possesses enough wild magic that acting as a conduit will not damage her. For that matter, master mage, should all go according to plan, you will emerge from this act unhurt as well.

Numair nodded, relieved on both counts. What must we do?

As the barrier surrounding the royal palace dissolves, stand at the highest level you can get to. Place your hands in Daine's and search your Gift for a small bloom of power that is not your own. Kit, you must summon up your magic and search as well. When you find Elemental power, open yourselves to it, and the gods shall pour it through Daine and into you. The magic itself will guide you then.

The badger god then stepped back and looked at the humans fondly. You carry the fate of many, my friends. Good luck.

********

Daine and Numair both awoke in the same instant. Looking down at his young love, the man smiled. There may be hope after all.