A/N: And here is yet another chapter....You guys have got to admit that my updating tendency is at its best....Come one now, you know its true, so just admit it! For once with a fic, I was smart, you see. I didn't post the fic as soon as I started it. I waited until I had written about 5 chapters before posting. And it has paid off cuz look at how fast I can get an update up. Oh, also, just to answer a few questions, some people have been asking why the plot isn't progressing. I do have a reason for that, believe it or not. The reason is simply this: I want you guys to totally get pissed when Daine actually does have to go. The other reason, is that this is going to be a LONG fic....I want to shoot for like 150,000 words! Oh and for another question I got, yes, I do know that Alanna and Numair probably wouldn't act like that, but I just had to do it. I saw something similar happen during lunch at school, and it inspired me. Oh and one last question was from The Forgotten Fate was if she can marry Rosh. I'd love to answer you, but that's really up to him. I'll have to ask him at the next press conference. You won't see much of Rosh till close to the end just to let you know. I *might* do a brief interlude from Rosh's POV, but I might not. I haven't decided......Anyway, don't forget to review, or you shall pay dearly!!! Muahahha!!!

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"Onua!" Alanna called out through the crowd of Riders gathered inside Fort Legann. Though she couldn't see the horse mistress, she knew her friend was about, for she could hear the woman's carrying voice ring throughout the area. Yes, over the years of training the Riders, Sarge had definitely rubbed off on Onua. Finally, after much searching, Alanna spotted the woman. She was sitting on a bench, observing the Riders at work. She seemed too lost in concentration to hear Alanna. The Lioness sighed in frustration and trudged over to meet her friend. The two of them had to talk. What Alanna had to discuss with her was important, and couldn't wait. Now was a perfect time to talk to her, for the topics of discussion were no where to be found and Alanna suspected she knew why.

Alanna took a seat next to the horse mistress, giving the woman a shock. " Didn't you hear me call?" Alanna asked in annoyance. Onua turned to her friend and rolled her eyes.

"Actually, I didn't, but now I do and I'm all ears," Onua said with a grin at her own cleverness. Alanna rolled her eyes mockingly before speaking again.

"We need to talk," Alanna said seriously, her voice low. Her eyes darted quickly to the left and then to the right to make sure that no one was listening. " Its rather urgent."

"What about?" Onua asked curiously. Alanna had the distinct look in her eyes that said that she had good gossip. Onua hoped it had something to do with the rumor that Kalasin had been betrothed. Alanna always managed to find the juiciest gossip.

"Its about Daine and Numair," Alanna said, surprising Onua. It was a known fact that many of the palace maids found it entertaining to gossip about Daine and Numair, but she'd never heard Alanna utter a single word about the two in that manner. At times, when Onua was walking through the halls at the palace, she would stop and listen to what the maids had to say. She'd always found it humorous that many would swear by the great gods that they'd seen Daine enter Numair's room at night and not come out until morning. Unlike the maids, Onua had known the true reason that this incident had taken place. Daine had gone to Numair's room late one night for a lesson, and the two of them had fallen asleep. It was, however, odd for Alanna to bring up the two in gossiping.

"What about them?" Onua asked, hoping Alanna wasn't going to start in on some rubbish she'd heard from a maid. It wasn't like Alanna to do something such as that, so Onua had complete faith that her friend was not about to insult her friends behind her back.

Again, Alanna looked both ways before continuing. " For their sake, I shant say it here. There's too many people around to here it," Alanna said, looking nervous. Her eyes bore the satisfaction she got only after learning an interesting secret.

Onua raised an eyebrow at the lady knight, wondering what in fact the woman had to say. If Alanna said anything about Numair having taken advantage of Daine, Onua would refuse to believe it. It wasn't in the man's nature to do such a thing. He loved Daine as if she were his sister, and would never do anything to hurt her. " All right then," Onua said, wondering if she would even want to know what her friend had to say. In her life, she'd learned that some things were better left unsaid. '' If you can't tell me here, where then will you?"

Alanna glanced around the fort's interior, looking for a proper place. She eyed a secluded corner behind the stacks of flour sacks. -Perfect- she thought to herself. " How about over there?" she asked as she pointed to the flour sacks. Onua looked at Alanna questioningly, wondering what secret was so great that it needed to be told in such a hidden place. Though she had her doubts as to whether she wanted to hear Alanna's news or not, she followed her anyway, hoping for the best. By now, curiosity had gotten the best of her in any case, and she doubted if she could ever walk away in the first place. Good gossip was just too resisting, even if the subjects were her two best friends.

Once the two women were completely hidden from site, Alanna turned anxiously to her friend, a sly grin spread across her features. " Well?" Onua hissed, pulling Alanna by the arm. " What was so important that it had to be said back here?"

"I'm fair surprised and disappointed that you haven't noticed it," Alanna said with a knowing grin.

"Noticed what?" Onua hissed back in annoyance. She hated it when Alanna toyed with her like this.

"Isn't it obvious?!" Alanna sighed in exasperation. " Onua, haven't you noticed anything different about Daine and Numair?"

"Well, maybe a little something, but I suppose anyone would be different after being taken into the Divine Realms," Onua said, her curiosity growing with every second.

" Well, I for one noticed a big something," Alanna said knowingly. " I don't have any proof so to speak, but I don't think they're just student and teacher anymore."

"Alanna!" Onua said in surprise. " I'm surprised at you! Daine and Numair are our friends! We shouldn't be talking about them like this!"

"Come now, Onua!" Alanna said, not believing her friend's act for a minute. " You can't tell me that you haven't thought this would happen all along."

"Fine, I'll admit that I did suspect it once or twice, but that's all!" Onua admitted, feeling a little ashamed of herself. She didn't even want to think of the look Daine and Numair would give her if they knew about what she and Alanna were talking about just now.

"Well I've seen it all along!" Alanna said, hoping Onua would believe her. " I've known Numair for a very long time, perhaps even longer than you have. In that time I've seen him with many court ladies. Once or twice, I even thought I saw an expression one might interpret as love. As soon as Daine came along, I knew how mildly I had used the word love when concerning Numair. I saw the way he looked at her, and I knew. You can't tell me that you didn't see it as well. Today, I saw her return that look to him. I saw him look happier than I've ever seen him and the same goes for Daine. I don't know about you, but that's proof enough for me!"

" It sounds convincing, but to truly be sure we'd have to see them kiss," Onua said truthfully.

"I may not have seen them kiss, but today at breakfast, I dropped my fork on the ground and when I reached down to get it, I glanced under the table and I saw them holding hands!" Alanna reported what she had seen and Onua's eyes grew wide with mischief.

"This truly is getting interesting," Onua mused. " It would be nice if all of this were true, because you and I both know that he's loved her in secret for years."

"Yes, he has," Alanna agreed with her friend, nodding. It all seemed so perfect. "Remember that focus you found in his room when you went to borrow a book from him? That's more proof if I ever saw any!"

A horrible thought suddenly struck Onua. What of Numair's powers? He was indeed a very powerful mage, the best in the Realm perhaps. What if love had driven him to enchant Daine into falling in love with him? Both Onua and Alanna had seen his focus he had on Daine. They both knew very well what could be done with a focus, and shuddered at the mere thought. -No!- she told herself sternly. - He would never do that!- " Alanna, you don't think that he, what with his powers and all- I mean love can drive a person to do strange things, things that they wouldn't normally do-You don't think that he-" Onua beat around the bush, but Alanna knew exactly what she meant.

"Not for a minute!" Alanna said, sure of herself. " Numair wouldn't do that. He's sincere. I can see it in his eyes."

"Yes, I was hoping you wouldn't think he had," Onua said in relief. It wouldn't be as if it was the first time a mage had conjured a love potion to enchant the maiden of their choice. Then another thought hit Onua. If all of this was true, wouldn't they want to be sure? " Alanna, suppose we're right, how will we prove it to ourselves? I don't know about you, but some good solid evidence would do me some good."

"I agree and I have plan," Alanna smiled mischievously "We'll spy on them when they think they're alone. Today would have been perfect because according to the guard, they went out into the forest alone."

"That's an excellent idea!" Onua squealed with excitement. "Before long, we should be able to catch them kiss at least once, and if they don't then surely they will slip in public sooner or later."

"This is going to be great fun," Alanna couldn't hold back her excitement. Both woman began giggling at the idea of catching their friends in an intimate moment.

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"We should start heading back, Daine," Numair said, yawning. Though the two had spent the past week sleeping, they had still managed to fall asleep together under the barrier of willow leaves. The smooth sound of rushing water rippling through the rocks of the nearby creek, mixed with the comfort each got from the other's body pressed firmly against their own had been too much for the two. It had lulled the relaxing lovers into a deep sleep, filled with pleasant dreams, not doubt.

Daine too yawned, opening her eyes to take in her surroundings. Next to her lay Numair, who was now sitting up, resting his weight on his elbows. He looked so handsome when he did that, Daine thought with amusement. She wished she could wake up to him next to her every time she went to sleep. Taking a glance at her surroundings, she remembered that she and Numair had been expected back at the fort. It must be late, for sunlight no longer leaked through the gaps in the willow leaves. What would it look like for the two of them to return from a private stroll together when it was dark out? It seemed so far they hadn't done a very glamorous job in keeping their secret relationship a secret. She turned to look at her love, and from the look on his face, he was thinking the same thing. " How long have we slept, Numair?" Daine asked, stretching out her limbs from her nap. Numair was watching her movements intently, looking enthralled by her every move. Daine smiled at this, knowing very well how he felt, for she felt it too for him. " I was fair sure I'd slept enough this week," Daine added dryly, causing Numair to laugh.

"As I said a moment ago, we'd best hurry back," Numair said, shamelessly letting his disappointment of returning show. " May Mithros give up his rank as a great god if I am much mistaken in saying people will have already started getting ideas about us."

"Its likely you're right, though its always been that way," Daine said with a sigh. "Thanks to several gossiping nobles, I'll never forget the rumors that flew that night we fell asleep in your room after having a lesson."

"Yes, that memory is one that is firmly planted in my mind," Numair said regretfully. He'd hated some of the things that had been said about his Daine. The nobles could insult him all they wanted for all he cared. It was when they insulted Daine that he burned with anger. He'd earned his reputation, whereas she hadn't. She was still innocent, never having bedded a man. He had bedded his first woman long ago, and had thus earned such a reputation at court. It wasn't fair that Daine should be drug down with him.

Daine sighed, still thinking about the rumors and gossip. Daine had been one to experience bad talk in her time. She remembered all to well what the villagers of Snowsdale used to say about her, never ashamed to say it to her face. They'd called her a fatherless bastard. They'd said she'd never marry, for no respectable man would ever love her. The words had stung as she heard them, but somehow, she'd always managed to push back the tears that burned inside and hold her head high. It seemed iron to say the least that now, she was Wild Mage of Tortall and had recently been asked for her hand in marriage by none other than the greatest mage in the Realm. She wondered what the villagers of Snowsdale would say to that. Perhaps they would take a lot better to her now, but she didn't care. They were the last people she wanted to see again any time soon.

The gossip in Tortall for Daine hadn't been much better. Upon her arrival, she'd been talked about. It hadn't bothered her all that much though, for she was used to people talking about her. What had always made her burn with anger was when they added Numair to the insults about her. She'd always thought that they didn't understand. How could they? It was obvious none of them had ever had someone care so much about them as Numair did for Daine. Since the trip to the Divine Realms, his caring had only doubled, if not that then more than doubled. Nobles always seemed to find a way to turn love into lust, and to Daine it all seemed fickle.

She felt Numair's hand on her shoulder and she turned to face him. His eyes held a look that said he was questioning what he was about to say. Daine hoped that whatever it was, he wouldn't refrain from asking her. She wanted him to be able to tell her anything just as she would for him. Finally, he spoke, " Daine, before we head back, there's something I need to ask you," he said, his voice hoarse. Daine couldn't understand his behavior or tone of voice at all.

"Then tell me," Daine insisted, eager to know what was troubling him.

"I-I just wanted you to know, I mean being that-" Numair struggled to find the right words. Everything he said came out jumbled, his voice stuttering. " What I'm trying to say is that if the rumors and talk were too much for you, I'd understand if you didn't want to deal with it. I'd stop all of this right now and spare you the gossip." Numair had said many things in his life, but that had been by far the hardest. He'd waited so long for her love and now that he had it, he was offering to give it up for her sake. he would do it any day though if she wanted him to.

Daine felt as if she might fall over from the shock of his words. This had been the farthest thing from her mind during their conversation. Daine couldn't even begin to fathom what would cause him to think she would ever do such a thing to him. She loved him way too much to give him up on account of some palace maid's words. She'd given up being a lesser goddess and living with her Ma in the Divine Realms so that she could be with Numair. Then a thought his her even as all these others roared through her mind. He didn't know about her decision not to be a goddess. He had no idea what she had given up just to be with him. Perhaps if he knew what she'd done, he'd have more faith that she loved him, more faith that she'd stay with him forever.

"Numair Salmalin, how can you even say that?!" Daine voiced what she had been thinking. "You may not know it, but there's something I left out in my story I told you earlier and it might be of interest to you." Daine said this with one hand planted on her hip, staring directly into his eyes without blinking. He seemed to be trying to avoid making direct eye contact with her, but she wouldn't let him avoid it. She'd been foolish not to tell him about the choice Mithros had given her. Had she told him sooner, he wouldn't be having the doubts he was having now. He would understand.

Numair raised his eye brow in question as she said this. What is there that she hadn't told him? What could be important, yet she still forgot it? He hoped it wasn't something he would regret having to hear. "What did you leave out that is of importance?" he asked anxiously. Daine smiled knowingly. She snaked an arm around his waist and pulled his body up closely against hers. She snuggled into the crook of his arm, all the while still gazing into his face with a grin.

"Before DiamondFlame and Wingstar brought me back to the Mortal Realms, Mithros gave me a choice," Daine began, all the while Numair's eyes grew wider with anticipation. " The choice was this. He said I could either return to the Mortal Realms to live out my life or I could stay in the Divine Realms with my Ma and DA as a lesser goddess."

Daine had barely said these words before Numair had disentangled himself from her hold and jumped to his feet. His reaction was just as she had expected it. He was looking down at her where she sat and rubbing his eyes in disbelief. She'd given up being a goddess for him? He had never expected this, never. He knew in his heart that she loved him, but never knew she loved him enough to give up immorality and power beyond her wildest dreams just to be with him. Then, another, more horrifying thought crossed his mind. She hadn't yet told him her decision. What if she hadn't chosen him? What if she'd chosen to be a goddess and was merely here to say good bye and explain why she couldn't see him anymore? What if she would soon be gone from him forever. He would never see her again until the day he died. The mere thought chilled his blood with terror. He thought he felt his heart stop from fear. Time seemed to be at a stand still as he waited to hear what she'd chosen. " W-what?" he didn't let the disbelief hide in his tone. " What-what did you choose?" he asked this almost fearfully. He awaited in terror to be gently let down. How could she do this to him? -she hadn't done anything yet- he reminded himself. -Yet....- another voice in his mind said coldly.

"I'm surprised you even had to ask,you dolt!" Daine said, a look of triumph on her face. " I chose you and you alone. What good would being a goddess be if I didn't have you to share my happiness with?"

Numair's reaction to her words was immediate. He felt as if he had sprouted wings and was flying through the air on smooth currents of wind. Had he heard her right? He could have sworn she'd just told him that she chose being with him over being a goddess! Could it be true? It was true, it was very true. In an instant he'd once again dropped to the ground, springing towards her with a look of utmost happiness on his face. Within seconds he had her pinned to the ground beneath his hold. She was smiling up at him and he could restrain himself no longer.Did she know what that smile did to him? He brought his face down to hers and let their lips meet roughly. At first, Daine squealed in surprise as his lips moved over hers, but soon melted into him and returned his passion. She reached her arm up and around his neck, resting her hand behind his neck. She playfully gripped his hair, squeezing it tightly within her grip to control herself from falling too far into the passion. She felt thunder in her heart as the kiss went on. Her heart would fall with longing when he broke away for air, but would sing with joy when he again brought his lips down to hers.

So much for returning so soon, Numair thought. It looked as though those who wished to talk about them would just have to do so, for they weren't going to go back just to prevent them from doing it. Daine and Numair didn't care in the slightest bit. Numair moaned with pleasure as did Daine, not at all willing to break the kiss. Daine could feel his warm breath on her face as he continued to press his body farther down on her own. He was much larger than she, so her body was now completely covered by his own.

Daine melted completely into his hold on her, unable to move, unable to register reality. She was lost in his arms, his move warmly moving over hers. She felt everything about him, down to the last detail. She felt his hands roaming her back with yearning. She felt the firm grip he got on her shoulders as soon as his hands stopped roaming. She felt every place their bodies touched while pressed together. Most of all, she felt his lips as they caressed hers, deep in a passionate kiss. She felt his thick lashes bat against her face, falling into passion. She could even feel his hands roam their way from her shoulders and up her neck to rest on her face, cupping it in his hold. She let her own arms swing around his neck, pulling him all the closer. Had it not been for the pleasure she received, his weight on her would be too much to bear, though at the present moment it was worth bearing.

After a while of going on like this, Numair finally pulled away from Daine, lungs moving fast to regain his breath. He was now breathing heavily, his throat sore from having taken in so few and so short of breaths. He rolled off of his love and found that she had had much the same reaction. He smiled briefly to himself, shaking his head to clear it. Then he remembered in a sudden urgency, that they had to go. From the looks of things, it was dark out, the sun having set long ago. He could barely see Daine, who sat mere inches away. There was no longer any light coming into their hide away save for a few rays of moonlight that leaked through. Lucky for the two, it was a full moon this fine night, giving them a light to see with.

"Daine," Numair said raggedly, resting a hand on his young love's shoulder. He felt his heart pounding wildly in his chest, his mind filled with wild images of where this new found passion could lead them. Knowing that his self control was slipping rapidly, he refused to again bring his lips to hers. If he did, all control he had previously had over himself would be lost. For Daine's sake, they had to stop now. " We really need to go now. We should stop," His voice was husky, overwhelmed by the passion that had passed between them mere moments ago. Though it had gone no farther than kisses, it had been the most incredible thing he'd ever experienced.



Daine nodded at this, no longer tired. She rose and her love mirrored her actions. Taking his hand, she stepped forward and pulled back a small section of the willow leaf barrier, just big enough for them to step through. They set out into the night and headed back to the fort. Numair didn't have to use his Gift to light the way, for the moon lit up the vast amount of clear space surrounding the fort. The brisk night air felt cool upon their skin as they walked, relaxing the two. The star filled sky made the night captivating with beauty. Had it not been for the late hour and the fact that the two were expected back long ago, Numair and Daine would have stayed out all night under the stars, enjoying the night's beauty and the comfort of each other's company.

Their walk back to the fort ended all too soon for the couple. As soon as the fort came clearly into view, Numair let Daine's hand fall and began walking at a respectable distance away from her. They came to the door through which they had exited and found a guard waiting as they had before. It was the same guard who had been posted upon their leaving. Daine recognized that he was one of the Queen's Riders, perhaps even one from her good friend, Evin Larse's group. Whatever group he was from, Daine was positive she'd seen him before, maybe even spoken to him once or twice.The young man looked at the two quizzically, almost reproachfully. Disgust was evident in his facial expression. Daine stole a look at her love who was to be posing as her teacher and saw that his face bore a sour look to match that of the guard.

"We request entrance," Numair said, ignoring the young man's looks. Numair gave the guard a look that would strike any man with any sense with fear. It wasn't wise to provoke a black robed mage. From the guards unsubtle looks of disgust, it was obvious the he suspected something, but then again who wouldn't after having seen the two enter the forest hours ago and return after night had fallen?

"As you wish Master Numair, Lady Daine," the guard said respectful, moving out of the way of the doorway. He stole a quick glance up at the watch tower that hung over the main gate. He smiled to himself. The Lioness sat up in the tower watching and waiting for what he suspected to be her friends. After the two had not returned from their walk, the King's Champion had become worried and had sat up in the watch tower to wait for them. Several times she had come down to ask if they had come and she had missed them. It would be amusing to hear them recieve the wrath of the Lioness for their night's escapades. He recalled many times when he'd fancied the beauty of the Wild Mage. He now found it unfair that her teacher, Master Numair, be the one to get her.

Daine and Numair entered the fort, only to immediately hear the sound of rushed foot steps. They both looked around expectantly, but saw nothing. It wasn't until they heard a familiar, annoyed voice that they knew they'd been caught by more than just the guard. Alanna came rushing to them from behind the shadows after having run down from the watch tower. She gasped for breath from having run. She cleared her throat. "Where were you two?!" She asked, her eyes alive with a dangerous fire, the purple color glowing.

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A/N: Well? Did you like it? I though I'd take this time to give you a heads up of what to expect for the next few chapters. I'm planning on Daine and Numair returning to the palace most likely in the next chapter and I'll do a few chapters at the palace before Daine has too go. Though its a lot of pointless fluff, these chapters are important! I've even included some foreshadowing in case you haven't noticed! the fluff was just to get you guys all ticked when Daine has to go bye bye....Trust me, the affect will be amazing...(rolls eyes) Anywayz, let me know if you're sick of the fluff cuz its sounds like a few of you are....DON'T FORGET TO REVIEW, OR I'LL HAVE YOUR HIDES!!!!!!!!