A/N: Hey everyone.....
Just to answer a few questions I received, I'd like to say that this fic will have a fluffy, happy(to some extent) ending! Now, I'll leave you to figure out how that works, even though I already know....I'm not going to tell you how, so you'll just have to guess for now. Also, one of you asked how long this is going to be, and I'd like at least 40 chapters, but who knows? I could be higher, it could be lower...I don't know for sure.....
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As Daine left her room and Numair behind her, she knew exactly where she was headed. When she was having a problem with anything, anything at all, she always knew one 'person' she could turn to, and that was her temperamental mare, Cloud. Cloud had always been there for Daine, though not always by choice. The mare had even kept Daine from sure insanity once or twice. Daine needed her now, more than she ever had before. She needed a shoulder to cry on, and someone to lend her horse sense. Cloud was just the one she needed.
Daine walked swiftly down the halls, trying her best not to show her state of distress. She wasn't ready to talk to any of her friends about what was to happen to her just yet, that is, except for Numair. Daine knew that she could not have kept this big of a secret from him if she had tried. Without meaning to, he always managed to throw her on a guilt trip whenever she was keeping something from him. Daine supposed that it must be another sign that she had always loved him, since the moment she first met him.
It took Daine little time to find the stables, being that she knew just about every short cut that existed to get there. Being that she was the Wild Mage, she visited the stables often, usually multiple times each day. That meant she was constantly on the same path there, and knew every possible way to reach the stables. It could be fair useful at times, she had found.
As soon as Daine's magic came within range of the stable, she could hear her pony's frantic voice in her head. -I feel your sadness- came Cloud's voice rapidly in Daine's mind -What's wrong?-
Daine managed half of a smile hearing her mount's voice. Cloud always knew when something was wrong with Daine. Daine could never lie the pony, for Cloud would always have a way of knowing. It was a deeper connection that Daine had with Cloud; deeper than any bond Daine had with any other of the People. -Calm down, Cloud. I'll explain in a moment.- Daine could hear the echo of her own voice in her mind, and to her, it seemed to be nothing but melancholy. She knew that her mannerism must be down right depressing, especially since Cloud could feel her emotions radiating off of her. Try as she might, Daine couldn't pull herself together any more than she already had, and she hated herself just now, for being such an emotional mess.
What am I becoming, Daine thought, further distressing herself. She could feel anxiety like she had never known before. The idea of living in Snowsdale had been very different when she had known nothing else. Now, she knew that there was a whole world beyond that biased and magic fearing village. She had always hated the place, but had never before realized that there was more to life than what she had. The villagers of Snowsdale, they had rejected her, told her that she was worthless to the world. It was because of them that Daine's childhood had been little more than just twelve years of never ending torture. It had even gone beyond that, and into the time that she had become an adult. That time had started the very second her mother died, when she must fend for herself. It was then that she had fought for her life, as the same villagers of Snowsdale, hunted her as if she was an animal, with every intent of killing her.
Daine shivered as these thoughts of her past life whizzed through her mind. It was hard to believe she was going back to that. This was definitely not a thought she wanted to be thinking just now, but she couldn't avoid the fact that it was true. She was indeed going to be returning to Galla. She may not be going back to Snowsdale specifically, but over the years, she had learned to despise the entire chunk of land within the borders. I can't go back, she found herself thinking for the umpteenth time that day. She would most definitely have to add this day to her list of days she would never want to relive. It had to be among the worst days of her entire life!
-I was beginning to wonder if you had just forgotten me- Cloud's voice could once again be heard, ringing loudly in Daine's ears. This took Daine slightly by surprise, for she had gotten fair lost in her thoughts on the walk over to the stables. She had forgotten what she had even intended on doing!
-I'm sorry, Cloud- Daine sympathized with her mare -This has been a fair awful day, if you must know-
-Well, I can see that! Would you care to explain yourself?- Cloud retorted through mind speech, letting her snappy nature take control of her actions.
Daine didn't respond to the pony's remarks right away, but instead stopped walking as she approached the stables. She didn't exactly wish to run into Stephan, whom she was sure might be here this time of day. It would probably be best if she used the back entrance and went as quietly as she possibly could. Daine did just that, walking swiftly around to the back side of the stable, and letting herself into the swinging door that awaited her.
The Wild Mage knew this stable well, for it was the one she visited the most often out of all of His Majesty's stables. She had always kept her own mount in this particular one, finding it to be the most comfortable and suitable for Cloud's needs. As if by instinct, Daine made her way through the many rows of stalls, knowing exactly where she would find the one she sought. She went as quietly as a mouse, not wanting to arouse Stephan, whom she suspected was napping in the loft.
Before long, Daine had reached her desired location, and she felt as if a huge burden on her heart was suddenly beginning to flow out. Her eyes began watering with tears, and she did her very best to will the away, push them back. Her efforts were in vain, for soon, a single tear was falling down the side of her face, against her will. It was hard to believe that she even had any tears left unshed after the events of that morning. The only time she had cried more, had been the day she had found her mother and grandfather dead.
-Cloud- Daine called out in her mind as she swung open the door to her mount's stall. Cloud was anxiously awaiting her, pawing the ground to ease her nerves. Daine looked into the eyes of her trusted mare, and by nature threw her arms around her neck. She held Cloud tightly, crying into the mare's chest.
-What happened, Daine?- Cloud's mind voice was gentle and caring, much the contrast of her normal behavior. The mare may very well be temperamental and snappy by nature, but she knew when there was a time to be gentle. She knew Daine as if she were one of her offspring, and she prided herself in that. She would help Daine now, as she had in the past. Cloud could only remember seeing Daine like this once before, and that had been when she had watched Daine roughly pull the cluster full of arrows from her own mother's chest.
-He's sending me back- Even though Daine was not speaking aloud, but simply in her mind, her voice was shaken and raspy from fear. She could not even begin to think straight now; her mind was jumbled, for she was completely confused.
-Daine, if you want my advice, you're going to have to explain yourself- Cloud said, voice still gentle and soothing in Daine's mind. The mare gently nudged her rider, butting her head against Daine's side to get her attention.
-Cloud, I don't know what to do!- Daine found herself crying freely now; she no longer tried to hold back her tears. -The king of Galla is going to declare war on Tortall unless Jonathan sends me back there to live- Daine could barely choke out these words, for she trembled with fear at the thought.
Cloud's reaction to Daine's words was immediate. Her ears pricked forward automatically, signifying her sudden feel of a threat. She snorted, pawing the ground uneasily. -You are a free two legger, Daine. He can't do that- Cloud made her protest openly, unwilling to accept that Daine could find no way out of this fix.
-I'm afraid its more complicated than that- Daine let herself slump down to the ground as she let go of her death grip on Cloud. The mare instantly brought her head down to rub against Daine's shoulder, neighing soothingly to her keeper.
-Storkman isn't going to be pleased- Cloud said after several minutes of complete silence. Daine felt her heart plummet once more at the thought of what she was leaving behind. She was leaving a loving man, one who would do anything to wed her and became her husband.
-Cloud, I told him just last night that I'd marry him. I can't go back on my word. I don't want to go back on my word- Daine had calmed down a great deal, but she felt no different on the inside. When it all boiled down to it, she felt lost. She didn't think anything that anyone said to her now could help her, and she was probably right. No one could possibly understand what she was feeling, no matter how much they claimed to. She was alone, and she would remain alone from now on. Any dreams of a happy and complete life were dead to her now, and would never return.
-Marriage?- Cloud neighed at this remark, almost finding it amusing. -You two leggers allow yourselves to fall into too much commitment. You've been engaged for less than a day, and already it is causing you grief-
-Its not the idea of marrying him that's gotten me into this mess of emotions, and you know it Cloud!- Daine found herself suddenly getting angry. Normally she found Cloud's remarks amusing, but not today and never again. She could no longer stand to hear such jabs toward the man she loved enough to marry, but, would never get to marry.
-My only advice to you, would be to give up being a two legger. You are more People than you are two legger anyway. Try being a pony; I think its fitting- Cloud turned away from Daine, turning to her feeding trough to munch on the oats Stephan had left her earlier that day when Daine hadn't come to visit.
Daine felt a small smile tugging at the edge of her lips. she shook her head ever so slightly, amused by her mare's never ending amount of horse sense. The sad part of it all, was that she knew that what Cloud had just said was the most sensible suggestion she had received all day. Being a horse would free her from all of this. No one could hold her down, if she were no longer a two legger. It would relieve her of a lot of unwanted stress. Daine had always felt connected to the People, so perhaps she should permanently join them. But I can't do that, she reminded herself quickly. She couldn't, for she would be abandoning the man she loved, who would forever be a two legger. He had no strand of People in him, and never would. If she became one of the People, she would be more lost to him than if she returned to Galla forever. Besides, there was no guarantee that she wouldn't one day get the chance to return to Tortall. From what Numair had said to her, he would surely wait for her as long as it would take for her to get that chance.
Daine sat in Cloud's stall for quite some time. She was lost in her own thoughts, lost in time. She was envisioning many things that should be coming in her future, but wouldn't. She could see also things she did not want to see. It was as if her fate was haunting her without rest, and so she received no ease. Daine was oblivious to the passing hours, and to the shouts of the palace crier, announcing the time of day and meal times. So far today, she hadn't eaten a bite of food, and felt a complete loss of appetite. She felt if she attempted to eat a single morsel, she would simply throw it up later.
In the time that Daine spent lost in her thoughts, Cloud moved out of her stall and into the small paddock that it led to. She felt that Daine needed some time to be left alone in her thoughts, and she of course gave her that space. She was worried for her long time friend, hoping that she would be all right. Cloud didn't want Daine to have to leave Tortall and her friends behind. She knew first hand how much Daine had been through in her life before now, and thought that this was an unfair choice of action for the gods to take in Daine's fate. Daine deserved a happy, peaceful life. She had done so much for the gods before, made so many differences in people's lives, that Cloud felt that the gods owed her.
"Daine," came a soft, familiar voice from the front of the stable. She could hear the sound of shuffled foot steps entering the stable along with the sound of the door swinging open and then clicking shut again.
Daine knew that voice well, and she loved it, but just now she felt as if she shouldn't call out to it. She was afraid, once everything was boiled down to it. She could feel herself beginning to shake and tremble against her will. Her lips quivered lightly, making her emotions obvious. She wanted to run out to Numair, and yet she didn't. She loved him so much that it hurt, but that was the problem. The more she was with him now, the more painful it would be to leave once that time came. She knew it would hurt him too, possibly more than it was hurting her. She didn't want that to happen to him.
Without stopping to think, Daine quietly, yet swiftly rose from where she sat crouched in Cloud's stall, and shuffled her way through the open stall door, careful not to make it creek, and thus alert Numair."Daine," She heard his voice call out again, this time more frantically. She knew she had probably worried him, for she had been gone until sundown, and he still hadn't found her. She felt her heart pull in her chest, as if urging her to stay put and allow him to find her. She knew she would find comfort and love in him then, but what would that give her now, aside from temporary satisfaction? The fact was, he would not always be there anymore;he couldn't always be there now. They would be hundreds of miles apart, in two seperate countries, and she would long to be at his side once more. Nothing would be able to quell that longing except having him near her again, and that would be impossible. It would be better for them both, if she learned to be without him now, when he was still in her reach and she in his. It would be hard, and it would hurt her deeply, but in the end, it was for the best for both of them.
"Are you in here, sweet?" Daine tried her best to block out his calling voice, so soft and alluring. It captivated her, made her feel as if she were frozen in time. His voice made her question her actions of retreat, but she hadn't the time for that. She had to get out now if she were to get out at all. She had to retreat somewhere, perhaps her rooms, and push all thoughts of her lover far away. If she was lucky, she might forget him completely.
Without meaning to, Daine lost her footing on a brush that had been carelessly strewn on the stable floor. She fell immediately, landing on the hay scattered floor with a loud and hard impact. It was not until Daine heard his breath catch in his lungs and his breathing become heavy, that she knew she had been found out. He knew now that she was here, and there was no use being quiet about her retreat any longer. Before she even had time to think, she heard his shuffled and frantic foot steps coming up the isle, signifying he had spotted her. "Daine!" She heard him call out to her, as soon as he saw her sprawled on the stable floor. He was at her side immediately, before she had been able to regain her posture and run. She cursed herself now, for being so clumsy as to fall on the brush that had been left on the floor by a stable hand. "Are you all right, Magelet?" Daine winced when she heard him use his nickname for her. She had always loved it when he called her that, and she knew she had to get away fast before she was lost in him once again.
Numair swept her up in his arms, pulling her tightly to his chest. Once again, Daine winced at his show of affection. Silently, she cursed him for making things so hard for her. Without a single word to him, or a glance into his dark, stormy eyes, she retched herself from his hold, finding that he put up no struggle. By now, tears were streaming down her face as she quickly shuffled away from him, fighting to get to her feet to run. Though she didn't mean to, she found herself gazing suddenly into his dark eyes, as if enchanted by his presence. She immediately regretted what she was about to do, for she could see his eyes, wet with tears, looking back at her with an undying love. It was obvious that he didn't understand her antics, and maybe he never would. Daine couldn't help that now. She had to be strong and do the right thing, no matter how wrong it may seem just now.
Lost in her mind, as if against her own will, Daine stood to her feet and, fast as lightning, bolted away from him. She wanted nothing more than to stop dead in her tracks and allow him to catch her in his arms, so that she could feel him hold her tight. It was likely he would kiss her then, as she so desperately wanted him to. As she ran now, she could almost feel his soft lips on hers, caressing her lips lovingly with his own.
"Daine! Wait!" Daine heard his frantic, panic filled voice calling after her retreating form. She dared not turn back to face him. She didn't want to see the pure love she knew that she would find written clearly on his face. She wanted desperately to forget everything, yet that was the last thing she wanted as well. She was so confused just now, that she had not a single idea as to where to begin.
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A/N: Well? What did you think? I know, I know, it was sort of a cliffy, and you hate it when I do that, but guess what? It makes it better! Plus, its REALLY entertaining to read the reviews you guys send me! Speaking of reviews, I had better get many of them, or you can expect to never see an update from me again....hehehe...With the right amount of reviews, you can expect to see an update from me very soon. Perhaps less than a week! ^_^
Just to answer a few questions I received, I'd like to say that this fic will have a fluffy, happy(to some extent) ending! Now, I'll leave you to figure out how that works, even though I already know....I'm not going to tell you how, so you'll just have to guess for now. Also, one of you asked how long this is going to be, and I'd like at least 40 chapters, but who knows? I could be higher, it could be lower...I don't know for sure.....
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
As Daine left her room and Numair behind her, she knew exactly where she was headed. When she was having a problem with anything, anything at all, she always knew one 'person' she could turn to, and that was her temperamental mare, Cloud. Cloud had always been there for Daine, though not always by choice. The mare had even kept Daine from sure insanity once or twice. Daine needed her now, more than she ever had before. She needed a shoulder to cry on, and someone to lend her horse sense. Cloud was just the one she needed.
Daine walked swiftly down the halls, trying her best not to show her state of distress. She wasn't ready to talk to any of her friends about what was to happen to her just yet, that is, except for Numair. Daine knew that she could not have kept this big of a secret from him if she had tried. Without meaning to, he always managed to throw her on a guilt trip whenever she was keeping something from him. Daine supposed that it must be another sign that she had always loved him, since the moment she first met him.
It took Daine little time to find the stables, being that she knew just about every short cut that existed to get there. Being that she was the Wild Mage, she visited the stables often, usually multiple times each day. That meant she was constantly on the same path there, and knew every possible way to reach the stables. It could be fair useful at times, she had found.
As soon as Daine's magic came within range of the stable, she could hear her pony's frantic voice in her head. -I feel your sadness- came Cloud's voice rapidly in Daine's mind -What's wrong?-
Daine managed half of a smile hearing her mount's voice. Cloud always knew when something was wrong with Daine. Daine could never lie the pony, for Cloud would always have a way of knowing. It was a deeper connection that Daine had with Cloud; deeper than any bond Daine had with any other of the People. -Calm down, Cloud. I'll explain in a moment.- Daine could hear the echo of her own voice in her mind, and to her, it seemed to be nothing but melancholy. She knew that her mannerism must be down right depressing, especially since Cloud could feel her emotions radiating off of her. Try as she might, Daine couldn't pull herself together any more than she already had, and she hated herself just now, for being such an emotional mess.
What am I becoming, Daine thought, further distressing herself. She could feel anxiety like she had never known before. The idea of living in Snowsdale had been very different when she had known nothing else. Now, she knew that there was a whole world beyond that biased and magic fearing village. She had always hated the place, but had never before realized that there was more to life than what she had. The villagers of Snowsdale, they had rejected her, told her that she was worthless to the world. It was because of them that Daine's childhood had been little more than just twelve years of never ending torture. It had even gone beyond that, and into the time that she had become an adult. That time had started the very second her mother died, when she must fend for herself. It was then that she had fought for her life, as the same villagers of Snowsdale, hunted her as if she was an animal, with every intent of killing her.
Daine shivered as these thoughts of her past life whizzed through her mind. It was hard to believe she was going back to that. This was definitely not a thought she wanted to be thinking just now, but she couldn't avoid the fact that it was true. She was indeed going to be returning to Galla. She may not be going back to Snowsdale specifically, but over the years, she had learned to despise the entire chunk of land within the borders. I can't go back, she found herself thinking for the umpteenth time that day. She would most definitely have to add this day to her list of days she would never want to relive. It had to be among the worst days of her entire life!
-I was beginning to wonder if you had just forgotten me- Cloud's voice could once again be heard, ringing loudly in Daine's ears. This took Daine slightly by surprise, for she had gotten fair lost in her thoughts on the walk over to the stables. She had forgotten what she had even intended on doing!
-I'm sorry, Cloud- Daine sympathized with her mare -This has been a fair awful day, if you must know-
-Well, I can see that! Would you care to explain yourself?- Cloud retorted through mind speech, letting her snappy nature take control of her actions.
Daine didn't respond to the pony's remarks right away, but instead stopped walking as she approached the stables. She didn't exactly wish to run into Stephan, whom she was sure might be here this time of day. It would probably be best if she used the back entrance and went as quietly as she possibly could. Daine did just that, walking swiftly around to the back side of the stable, and letting herself into the swinging door that awaited her.
The Wild Mage knew this stable well, for it was the one she visited the most often out of all of His Majesty's stables. She had always kept her own mount in this particular one, finding it to be the most comfortable and suitable for Cloud's needs. As if by instinct, Daine made her way through the many rows of stalls, knowing exactly where she would find the one she sought. She went as quietly as a mouse, not wanting to arouse Stephan, whom she suspected was napping in the loft.
Before long, Daine had reached her desired location, and she felt as if a huge burden on her heart was suddenly beginning to flow out. Her eyes began watering with tears, and she did her very best to will the away, push them back. Her efforts were in vain, for soon, a single tear was falling down the side of her face, against her will. It was hard to believe that she even had any tears left unshed after the events of that morning. The only time she had cried more, had been the day she had found her mother and grandfather dead.
-Cloud- Daine called out in her mind as she swung open the door to her mount's stall. Cloud was anxiously awaiting her, pawing the ground to ease her nerves. Daine looked into the eyes of her trusted mare, and by nature threw her arms around her neck. She held Cloud tightly, crying into the mare's chest.
-What happened, Daine?- Cloud's mind voice was gentle and caring, much the contrast of her normal behavior. The mare may very well be temperamental and snappy by nature, but she knew when there was a time to be gentle. She knew Daine as if she were one of her offspring, and she prided herself in that. She would help Daine now, as she had in the past. Cloud could only remember seeing Daine like this once before, and that had been when she had watched Daine roughly pull the cluster full of arrows from her own mother's chest.
-He's sending me back- Even though Daine was not speaking aloud, but simply in her mind, her voice was shaken and raspy from fear. She could not even begin to think straight now; her mind was jumbled, for she was completely confused.
-Daine, if you want my advice, you're going to have to explain yourself- Cloud said, voice still gentle and soothing in Daine's mind. The mare gently nudged her rider, butting her head against Daine's side to get her attention.
-Cloud, I don't know what to do!- Daine found herself crying freely now; she no longer tried to hold back her tears. -The king of Galla is going to declare war on Tortall unless Jonathan sends me back there to live- Daine could barely choke out these words, for she trembled with fear at the thought.
Cloud's reaction to Daine's words was immediate. Her ears pricked forward automatically, signifying her sudden feel of a threat. She snorted, pawing the ground uneasily. -You are a free two legger, Daine. He can't do that- Cloud made her protest openly, unwilling to accept that Daine could find no way out of this fix.
-I'm afraid its more complicated than that- Daine let herself slump down to the ground as she let go of her death grip on Cloud. The mare instantly brought her head down to rub against Daine's shoulder, neighing soothingly to her keeper.
-Storkman isn't going to be pleased- Cloud said after several minutes of complete silence. Daine felt her heart plummet once more at the thought of what she was leaving behind. She was leaving a loving man, one who would do anything to wed her and became her husband.
-Cloud, I told him just last night that I'd marry him. I can't go back on my word. I don't want to go back on my word- Daine had calmed down a great deal, but she felt no different on the inside. When it all boiled down to it, she felt lost. She didn't think anything that anyone said to her now could help her, and she was probably right. No one could possibly understand what she was feeling, no matter how much they claimed to. She was alone, and she would remain alone from now on. Any dreams of a happy and complete life were dead to her now, and would never return.
-Marriage?- Cloud neighed at this remark, almost finding it amusing. -You two leggers allow yourselves to fall into too much commitment. You've been engaged for less than a day, and already it is causing you grief-
-Its not the idea of marrying him that's gotten me into this mess of emotions, and you know it Cloud!- Daine found herself suddenly getting angry. Normally she found Cloud's remarks amusing, but not today and never again. She could no longer stand to hear such jabs toward the man she loved enough to marry, but, would never get to marry.
-My only advice to you, would be to give up being a two legger. You are more People than you are two legger anyway. Try being a pony; I think its fitting- Cloud turned away from Daine, turning to her feeding trough to munch on the oats Stephan had left her earlier that day when Daine hadn't come to visit.
Daine felt a small smile tugging at the edge of her lips. she shook her head ever so slightly, amused by her mare's never ending amount of horse sense. The sad part of it all, was that she knew that what Cloud had just said was the most sensible suggestion she had received all day. Being a horse would free her from all of this. No one could hold her down, if she were no longer a two legger. It would relieve her of a lot of unwanted stress. Daine had always felt connected to the People, so perhaps she should permanently join them. But I can't do that, she reminded herself quickly. She couldn't, for she would be abandoning the man she loved, who would forever be a two legger. He had no strand of People in him, and never would. If she became one of the People, she would be more lost to him than if she returned to Galla forever. Besides, there was no guarantee that she wouldn't one day get the chance to return to Tortall. From what Numair had said to her, he would surely wait for her as long as it would take for her to get that chance.
Daine sat in Cloud's stall for quite some time. She was lost in her own thoughts, lost in time. She was envisioning many things that should be coming in her future, but wouldn't. She could see also things she did not want to see. It was as if her fate was haunting her without rest, and so she received no ease. Daine was oblivious to the passing hours, and to the shouts of the palace crier, announcing the time of day and meal times. So far today, she hadn't eaten a bite of food, and felt a complete loss of appetite. She felt if she attempted to eat a single morsel, she would simply throw it up later.
In the time that Daine spent lost in her thoughts, Cloud moved out of her stall and into the small paddock that it led to. She felt that Daine needed some time to be left alone in her thoughts, and she of course gave her that space. She was worried for her long time friend, hoping that she would be all right. Cloud didn't want Daine to have to leave Tortall and her friends behind. She knew first hand how much Daine had been through in her life before now, and thought that this was an unfair choice of action for the gods to take in Daine's fate. Daine deserved a happy, peaceful life. She had done so much for the gods before, made so many differences in people's lives, that Cloud felt that the gods owed her.
"Daine," came a soft, familiar voice from the front of the stable. She could hear the sound of shuffled foot steps entering the stable along with the sound of the door swinging open and then clicking shut again.
Daine knew that voice well, and she loved it, but just now she felt as if she shouldn't call out to it. She was afraid, once everything was boiled down to it. She could feel herself beginning to shake and tremble against her will. Her lips quivered lightly, making her emotions obvious. She wanted to run out to Numair, and yet she didn't. She loved him so much that it hurt, but that was the problem. The more she was with him now, the more painful it would be to leave once that time came. She knew it would hurt him too, possibly more than it was hurting her. She didn't want that to happen to him.
Without stopping to think, Daine quietly, yet swiftly rose from where she sat crouched in Cloud's stall, and shuffled her way through the open stall door, careful not to make it creek, and thus alert Numair."Daine," She heard his voice call out again, this time more frantically. She knew she had probably worried him, for she had been gone until sundown, and he still hadn't found her. She felt her heart pull in her chest, as if urging her to stay put and allow him to find her. She knew she would find comfort and love in him then, but what would that give her now, aside from temporary satisfaction? The fact was, he would not always be there anymore;he couldn't always be there now. They would be hundreds of miles apart, in two seperate countries, and she would long to be at his side once more. Nothing would be able to quell that longing except having him near her again, and that would be impossible. It would be better for them both, if she learned to be without him now, when he was still in her reach and she in his. It would be hard, and it would hurt her deeply, but in the end, it was for the best for both of them.
"Are you in here, sweet?" Daine tried her best to block out his calling voice, so soft and alluring. It captivated her, made her feel as if she were frozen in time. His voice made her question her actions of retreat, but she hadn't the time for that. She had to get out now if she were to get out at all. She had to retreat somewhere, perhaps her rooms, and push all thoughts of her lover far away. If she was lucky, she might forget him completely.
Without meaning to, Daine lost her footing on a brush that had been carelessly strewn on the stable floor. She fell immediately, landing on the hay scattered floor with a loud and hard impact. It was not until Daine heard his breath catch in his lungs and his breathing become heavy, that she knew she had been found out. He knew now that she was here, and there was no use being quiet about her retreat any longer. Before she even had time to think, she heard his shuffled and frantic foot steps coming up the isle, signifying he had spotted her. "Daine!" She heard him call out to her, as soon as he saw her sprawled on the stable floor. He was at her side immediately, before she had been able to regain her posture and run. She cursed herself now, for being so clumsy as to fall on the brush that had been left on the floor by a stable hand. "Are you all right, Magelet?" Daine winced when she heard him use his nickname for her. She had always loved it when he called her that, and she knew she had to get away fast before she was lost in him once again.
Numair swept her up in his arms, pulling her tightly to his chest. Once again, Daine winced at his show of affection. Silently, she cursed him for making things so hard for her. Without a single word to him, or a glance into his dark, stormy eyes, she retched herself from his hold, finding that he put up no struggle. By now, tears were streaming down her face as she quickly shuffled away from him, fighting to get to her feet to run. Though she didn't mean to, she found herself gazing suddenly into his dark eyes, as if enchanted by his presence. She immediately regretted what she was about to do, for she could see his eyes, wet with tears, looking back at her with an undying love. It was obvious that he didn't understand her antics, and maybe he never would. Daine couldn't help that now. She had to be strong and do the right thing, no matter how wrong it may seem just now.
Lost in her mind, as if against her own will, Daine stood to her feet and, fast as lightning, bolted away from him. She wanted nothing more than to stop dead in her tracks and allow him to catch her in his arms, so that she could feel him hold her tight. It was likely he would kiss her then, as she so desperately wanted him to. As she ran now, she could almost feel his soft lips on hers, caressing her lips lovingly with his own.
"Daine! Wait!" Daine heard his frantic, panic filled voice calling after her retreating form. She dared not turn back to face him. She didn't want to see the pure love she knew that she would find written clearly on his face. She wanted desperately to forget everything, yet that was the last thing she wanted as well. She was so confused just now, that she had not a single idea as to where to begin.
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A/N: Well? What did you think? I know, I know, it was sort of a cliffy, and you hate it when I do that, but guess what? It makes it better! Plus, its REALLY entertaining to read the reviews you guys send me! Speaking of reviews, I had better get many of them, or you can expect to never see an update from me again....hehehe...With the right amount of reviews, you can expect to see an update from me very soon. Perhaps less than a week! ^_^
