Chapter 13: Forever

It seemed to Alanna that time stopped for a moment. The sounds of the crowd of people in the courtyard below faded from her awareness as she stood with her friends at the base of Balor's Needle. The haunting whistle of the wind rang hollowly in the cold air as the group stood motionless, tears in their eyes. In her many years as a warrior, the Lioness had seen human suffering in all its tragic forms. Even in her personal life she had been no stranger to sorrow. But as she looked at the dark-haired young woman desperately weeping over her dead love's body, Alanna could almost feel her heart break.

Thayet reached out her shaking hand to her husband and Jon tightly gripped it with his own. Raoul tore his stormy eyes from the horrific scene and cast a look down to the courtyard below. The sight of the Tortallians' joyful victory celebration suddenly seemed cruel when juxtaposed with the sound of Daine's sobs. A myriad of sorrowful emotion swept over Onua as she raised her hand to her mouth in shock. Numair had been her first friend in Tortall- he had been her confidant and trusted comrade-in-arms more times than she could count. George shut his eyes in grief as the icy feelings of dread that had been wrapped around his heart since the blood-red sunrise were realized in the flesh before him.

Daine raised her sorrow-twisted face to her friends, her bright eyes pleading.

This wasn't supposed to happen! she choked out, her hands twisting the white fabric of Numair's shirt. They promised he'd be all right!

Jon took a tentative step towards the girl. he said softly. Sometimes the unexpected occurs. And though it's tragic and- and awful... sometimes these things... happen.

Fresh tears spilled down her cheeks as she shook her head violently. she cried No! This wasn't supposed to happen. She looked down at Numair and gently ran her fingers along his cold cheek. When she dragged her gaze back up, her eyes were flashing with dangerous fire. She stared at the others without seeing them. You promised me. she whispered in an stagnant, but almost ethereal voice. You promised.

Daine's companions shifted uncomfortably at the girl's tone. Alanna shuddered and shut her eyes as her young friend's voice rose in intensity and emotion.
Daine struggled to her feet and turned her face to the heavens. You lied to me! You lied to him! We did everything you asked and this is the reward? Her hands clenched and unclenched at her sides as she began to sob again. Badger, I have never asked you for anything! I have always obeyed you! Trusted you!

The others gaped as storm clouds suddenly began to form overhead. Shaking in fury and grief, Daine reached inside her shirt and pulled loose the leather thong on which her guardian's silver claw hung. She raised the token to the darkening sky and screamed in anguish. You killed him! You killed so many! You gods never fight your own battles so we're left to bleed and die in your stead!

She turned the sharp point of the Badger's claw towards herself and placed it against her own throat. Show yourselves, oh Mighty Ones! She let loose a strangled laugh. Show me your faces and tell me why you lied and killed my love today!

Alanna dropped to her knees, eyes still screwed closed. George knelt at her side, his worried arms around her shoulders as he looked up into the storm clouds. The wind began to roar and a lightning bolt ripped through the sky. Onua and Raoul instinctively put their hands to their sword hilts as Thayet and Jon stared at Daine in fear for the girl's safety.

Rain began to pour down from the clouds, but before the first drop could hit the ground, Daine and Numair vanished into thin air.

Those who remained gasped collectively at the disappearance. Horse Lords, Onua whispered sorrowfully. I can't believe she did that.

She's challenging forces she can't possibly win against. Jonathan agreed.

George just shook his head and looked up into the rain. Fat drops trailed down his face and neck, soaking him. Alanna slowly opened her eyes and turned toward her husband. Memories of George's struggle to save her from Uusoae's magic surfaced as she looked at him. What wouldn't she face for the sake of this man's love?

The Lioness looked at the spot where the girl and the mage had been seconds before. What would Daine be willing to endure?

********

As quickly as she had vanished from Balor's Needle, Daine found herself in a large white room. She looked around in wonder for a moment, then spun on her heel as she heard footsteps behind her.

An enormous man brushed past her and walked purposefully over to the wall. Instantly, the wall began to stretch and contort itself so that a large cushioned chair emerged from the space.

Daine was still shaking with fury and grief. She wheeled around and faced the enormous man, eyes blazing. Where am I? she demanded. Who has brought me here?

The man's dark eyes turned towards her, small golden embers flickering in their irises. He silently surveyed her form with those haunting eyes, and then raised his large hands, palms up, in a swift and commanding gesture. Daine gulped in surprise as rivulets of molten gold began to pour down from the high ceiling of the room, staining the white walls with their bright shimmer as they streamed to the floor.

Daine felt a rumbling from beneath her feet, and looked down to watch the floor space in front of her toes split open to allow a slithering, leafy vine to emerge. The vine twisted its way across the floor, traveling the length and width of the huge room, bright, exotic flowers and trees springing up in its wake.

The room had taken on the atmosphere of an otherworldly garden, vibrant blossoms and rich green foliage had formed twisted, beautiful canopies overhead, and slender trees and snaky vines lined the walls, their natural hues contrasting with the rich gold that still dripped from above Daine's head.

She turned back to the man. He seemed not to have noticed this wonder he'd created, and simply sat, quietly and expressionlessly, looking at the girl.

His silence and seeming indifference infuriated her. Who are you? she hissed. Where's Numair?

His eyebrows raised slightly, but before Daine could say another word, dozens of beings entered the room from unidentifiable doors and took seats conveniently created by the plants around the room. There were men and women, but animals also, and strange shimmering beings that looked to be composed of air, fire, water, and even earth. Suddenly Daine found herself at the center of attention, and though sweat beaded at her temples from nervousness, she tried her best to ignore their collective gaze and asked again, Where am I? What have you done with Numair?

She felt a cold nose against her calf, and looked down to see the Badger god at her side. Do you not recognize the Divine Realms when you see it? he asked her contemptuously. Honestly, kit, have you no idea what your insolence will rain down upon you?

Ignoring his last statement, Daine looked around at the host of gods and goddesses that surrounded her. So this is the Divine Realms? she said carelessly, then turning to stare pointedly at the enormous, silent man in front of her. I'm not impressed.

Show some respect before the King of the Great Gods! hissed the Badger.

I'll show respect when it's deserved! snapped the girl. Why were we lied to, Numair and I? Why were we lied to? We did everything that was asked of us, we performed the ritual- we were guaranteed safety! He was guaranteed safety! Odds bobs! For gods you're fair foolish! Don't you understand that you've just destroyed your best chance of winning the war against Uusoae? Numair's the strongest mage in the Eastern Lands! He's- Daine choked on her words and dropped to her knees, facing Mithros. Hot tears threatened to spill from her eyes as she whispered, He was the strongest weapon you had against Chaos. Why did you take him?

He remained expressionless, and Daine grew even angrier until she felt a soft hand on her shoulder. She turned to see a tall woman standing there. Her hair was long and black, piled atop her head so regally that it put any crown crafted from metal or jewels to shame. She had the loveliest face that ever saw the light of day: high cheekbones and a full, soft mouth. Her eyes were two pools of molten amethyst, the deep purple hues swirling and luminous. She wore a dress of the purest white, cut simply, but made of the richest fabric Daine had ever seen. A sleek black cat sat regally at her feet.

she said gently. I understand your anger and your grief... but I would urge you not to vent your frustrations in front of your present company.

Recognizing Alanna's patroness, Daine cringed at her prior rudeness, but her own heartbreak was too strong a conviction to simply surrender in the name of etiquette.

Forgive me, Great Mother, the young woman said. but when would you have me vent my frustrations'? When Uusoae has gained control of the mortal realms and everything good and right in the world has become twisted by her cruelty? When I have to watch my friends die by the talons and teeth of an army of bloodthirsty immortals? Or when I am standing at the grave of my lover, a man with the power to save us all but who was tricked into death by merciless gods?

The room was suddenly filled with a disapproving rumble coming from the pantheon. The Mother Goddess wordless withdrew her hand and went to stand by her husband's throne. Daine's heart began to beat faster as the disapproval swirling about her turned gradually into outright contempt. The various gods' voices grew louder and louder, but Daine kept her eyes fastened on the face of the enormous man before her.

Suddenly Mithros raised his hands once again and the room fell silent. He blinked those dangerous eyes slowly and opened his mouth to speak, bright white teeth contrasting sharply with the rich ebony color of his flawless skin.

It would seem that in all my foolishness, I've trespassed against you, little one. he said, his low voice infused with power. Daine winced inwardly at her previous word choice. Perhaps insulting the most powerful god in existence wasn't the wisest thing she'd ever done...

Perhaps you will allow me to set things to rights? Daine drew back slightly at his words, unsure of how to respond. This mage... you spoke of his talents with such confidence. If he is as valuable an asset in this war against Uusoae as you say, then he should certainly be restored to his position in the human realms to aid in the battle.

Daine gasped, her hands flying to her chest, where her ribs and flesh could barely contain the rampant beating of her heart. You'll bring him back? she whispered. He'll- he'll be alive?

came the answer. Though I warn you, Veralidaine Sarrasri, that the antithesis to chaos is balance, and for the mage to return to the world of the living, there must be one willing to enter the realms of the dead in his place.

The meaning of his words sunk in heavily, settling into the bottom of the young woman's stomach.

What are you willing to endure for your love of this man? the King of the Great Gods asked. What are you willing to sacrifice?

An image of Numair suddenly formed in Daine's mind. He was sitting at his desk in his study at the palace, nose in a book. Such an ordinary image. Nothing romantic or fierce or even particularly special about it. Perfectly ordinary. Yet it granted the girl more than enough of the courage she needed to answer.

she answered calmly.

Very well. Your life will become forfeit for the life of the one you so love. You will not be able-

the interruption rang out clearly and Daine was shocked into silence as a small woman ran up to put protective arms around the girl. Mithros, Father of Earth, she began, voice steady despite the shaking of her limbs. I beg of you to reconsider. Please. Please, allow me to go in her place.

Daine gazed tearfully at a face she'd not seen since she was twelve. The fine lines around the eyes that had once been the only mar to her mother's beauty had since deepened but had served to infuse the woman's face with an even more luminous wisdom. Her hands no longer bore the calluses that accompanied hard physical labor, but her voice resonated with the strength and spirit of a thousand women.

She is my daughter, my lord, Sarra continued. How can I perform as the Green Lady knowing I had not done all in my power to protect the one that is most precious to me?

Green Lady? Daine gasped. Ma, you're a goddess?

Her mother smiled sheepishly and kissed the girl's temple. I was going to tell you at Midwinter, dear.

You would forsake your powers and your status as a goddess to go to the Black God in Veralidane's stead? Mithros asked solemnly.



As would I. came a male voice from the back of the room. A tall man with long antlers growing from his head came forward to rest his hands of the shoulders of the two women. I cannot live here without my wife, or without doing all I can to ensure my daughter's happiness.



Weiryn, God of the Hunt, stroked Daine's cheek softly. Yes dear one. His eyes grew bright. You're even more beautiful than your mother described.

Mithros nodded. Then it is decided. Master Samalin and Mistress Sarrasri will return to the human realms. Weiryn, you and Sarra will enter the realms of the dead.

What? No! Ma, Da, I can't let you do this! It's- It's too much!

Sarra said softly. Oh my brave, brave girl. You have a life waiting for you. You have a nation that needs defending and many friends who love you. Those are beautiful gifts. Don't throw them away.

But you can't expect me to allow you to just- just-

Weiryn shook his head. I have always wanted to be there for you, Veralidaine, and it seems as if this is the only opportunity I'm going to get to really act as your father. We do not make this sacrifice grudgingly. It is our privilege.

Her mother nodded, tears in her eyes. No parents were ever prouder of their child.

As he watched the final, tearful embrace of mother, father and daughter, Mithros allowed himself a smile. If this was the kind of selfless love and sacrifice that beings were capable of- then perhaps the many realms of Father Universe and Mother Flame stood a chance of resistance against Lady Chaos after all.

********

As quickly as they had vanished, Numair and Daine reappeared at the base of Balor's Needle, though this time they were both breathing heavily and were wrapped tightly in one another's arms. Neither mage nor woman noticed their friends' shocked exclamations, they had eyes and ears only for each other. As they drew slightly apart to look the other in the face, Numair's eyes suddenly and inexplicably filled with the knowledge of Daine's trip to the Divine Realms, of her willingness to die for him, and of her parents' sacrifice.

Oh, Glory, he breathed softly, his fingers stroking his love's wet cheeks. I will work until the end of my days and after to repay the debt love has granted me today.

Daine smiled and kissed him. Then she took his hands in her own and they rose together to embrace their friends- both sending silent prayers of thanks towards the realms of the Black God as they did so.



A/N: Please excuse the liberties I've taken in my interpretation of the Divine Realms and the gods as established by Tamora Pierce. I wanted to shake them up a bit. :)