A/N: Well here we are....another update...my very first update of 2004! *does dance* It feels so weird saying that its 2004...it just doesn't feel any different I guess! I'm going to try to update I'm Still Here very soon, its just that I feel like getting maybe up to chapter 20 in this one before I even try...This is a part in the story that I want to be done just right, or else it won't work...that's why I can't be distracted by my other fic....I hope you enjoy today's entry, and R/R!!!! ^_^

Disclaimer: Hmmmm...I haven't left one of these in a while....I don't own it, so don't sue me over it...I do sort of own the plot though, so keep your dirty mits off it! Also, I don't own any of Trisha Yearwood's lyrics....

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"Try the violet one, Daine," Thayet, the queen of Tortall said to her young friend. The two had spent much of their morning out in the most prominent, not to mention costly, dress shop in Corus. The only reason Daine had agreed to tag along had been that the queen had insisted, and one couldn't deny the order of a queen. Another reason had been because she knew very well that it would look fair foolish if she showed up at a ball held in her honor, dressed in her usual shirt and breeches. As much as she wanted to deny it, Daine desperately needed a new dress for the upcoming ball.

"Are you sure, Thayet?" Daine asked, biting her lip as she let her eyes scrutinize the dress that hung before her. It was long, and had a relatively low cut to it, one of the reasons Daine was unsure of it. The material by which it was made was a thin silk, meant to cling tightly to one's body, especially near the hips. "I don't know if its, well, my sort."

"Well, you won't know until you try!" Thayet said cheerfully, trying to ignore the younger woman's sour demeanor. She could sense the melancholy tone in her young friend's voice, and she wanted desperately for it to go away.

"Yes, I suppose so," Daine muttered, taking the dress from Thayet's outstretched arms. She held it in her hands, looking it over one last time before stepping behind the dressing screen with it. Without putting her heart into it, she quickly slipped out of her outer garments, first her off white shirt, and then her tan work breeches. She undid the ties on the back of the dress, which she was displeased to see, that once laced up again, would be see-through. "Why did I ever let Thayet talk me into this?" Daine grumbled to herself, not really caring if the queen heard her or not. I'm not even a citizen of Tortall anymore, so there isn't much she can do! Daine felt immediately guilty for this last stray thought, and decided to start having a better attitude about this whole ball idea. She knew that the monarchs had only been thinking of her when they arranged it, and she should at least enjoy herself for their sake. And for Numair's sake, she thought. This would be her last night with him, and she wanted it to be one she would always remember. She supposed a ball would be an excellent way to spend it.

"How are you doing in there, Daine?" came Thayet's voice from the opposite side of the dressing screen. Daine could tell she was very excited about all of this. She knew that dress hunting was one of Her Majesty's favorite hobbies.

"I don't know, Thayet," Daine voiced her unsureness. "I really don't think that this one is for me."

"Well, let me see it, dear," Thayet called once more. This last request irritated Daine slightly, making her loathe the dress further. If she didn't like it, she felt sure that the older woman would, being that they had contrasting tastes.

Timidly, Daine stepped out from behind the dressing screen, blushing slightly when she noticed just how much of her upper body was showing as a result of the dress's low neckline. "Hmmm," Thayet scrutinized the dress in her mind. Putting a thoughtful finger to her lip, she began looking it over at every angle. "No, I think you're right on this one, Daine. It just isn't you."

Daine sighed in relief, glad that the queen wasn't going to try to force her to where this one to the ball. "Why don't you try this one, Daine," Thayet called from the opposite end of them room. This brought the question to Daine's mind as to how the queen had managed to reshift her position so fast, and on top of that, how she had managed to find a proper dress in such a short time.

"What do you say to this?" Thayet asked as she held the dress out to Daine. The young girl scanned the dress that was held before her eyes. She had to admit, it was the most stunning piece she had laid eyes on yet in this shop. It was a long, satin embroidered godet dress. Daine admired its intricately embroidered pattern of flowers that stretched across the front. It slanted down to the side, making it look almost like a sash. Daine also noticed, with some approval, that the design picked up again near the back, towards the bottom of the gown. The dress was a brilliant blue gray in coloring, matching Daine's eyes perfectly. The embroidery was done with silver thread, making it stand out lavishly.

"I have to admit, Thayet, its the best one you've pointed out to me," Daine said, letting herself grin slightly. Thayet's eyes lit up when she saw Daine flash the first grin she'd seen in a while.

"Well, what are you waiting for, Daine?" Thayet asked excitedly, practically jumping up and down as she spoke. When Daine shot her a quizzical look, the queen added, "Try it on!"

Daine smiled at the queen's antics, taking the dress from her and walking back across the room and to the dressing screen. Once again, she slipped out of her outer garments, this time though, with much more anticipation. The more she began considering the whole idea of a ball in her honor, the more she had to admit to herself that it would not be half bad. It would be something for her to remember doing with Numair, whom she would dance the night away with.

Proudly, Daine stepped out from behind the dressing screen to an anxiously awaiting Thayet. The queen's eyes lit up upon seeing her, making Daine wonder all the more how she looked. "Oh, Daine! You look absolutely stunning in that dress!" Thayet cried excitedly, "Come, see for yourself!" She added, pointing to a full length mirror that stood next to the dressing screen.

Daine walked over to the mirror, slightly nervous about her appearance. Once she reached the mirror, she took one look at herself and she knew that this dress was the perfect one. She wanted to look her best for her lover for the last time he would see her, and this most definitely gave off the desired affect. "I this this one'll do, Thayet," Daine said, mentally kicking herself for letting her attitude droop again.

"You bet your life it will!" Thayet said excitedly, giving Daine the impression that she hadn't noticed the younger woman's slight change of attitude. "I want you to look your best for that night, Daine." Thayet herself began to frown slightly, feeling sadness from her own words. She had promised herself that she would avoid dwelling on the fate of the young woman that stood before her, but she was finding it to be a hard task.

"Thank you, Thayet," Daine said, smiling gratefully. It was still hard for her to believe that she could be such close friends with the monarchs of this strange country. Thayet had never ceased to surprise and amaze her. She really would miss the raven haired queen.

"Its the least Jon and I could do for you, Daine," Thayet said sympathetically. She smiled slightly at the young woman, hoping to raise her spirits. "I really am sorry, Daine. Jon is too."

"I know Thayet, I know," Daine said, her voice low. She let her eyes drop to the floor, knowing that her eyes would water if she continued to face her friend.

"Could you find it in your heart to forgive us?" Thayet asked, heart sincere. She really did hope that her young friend didn't blame her and her husband for what was happening. In truth, there was very little, if anything, that could be done about it. Thayet just wished that it could be some other way.

"Thayet, I never blamed you or Jon in thr first place!" Daine voiced, forcing a smile. She no longer faced the floor, but instead looked up at her friend. Feeling her knees beginning to feel weak at the mere thought of her return to Galla, Daine sat down on a large chest that sat close behind her. "I'm fair sure that there's nothing to forgive."

Without uttering another word, Thayet stepped forward towards Daine, and threw her arms around the young woman's neck, pulling her close. "I'm going to miss you!" The queen cried sadly, eyes watering with tears.

"Gods, Thayet, I'm going to miss you too," Daine said quietly, voice slightly muffled, for her face was buried in Thayet's mass of raven black curls. She felt her eyes watering up with tears, but she pushed them back, telling herself that she wouldn't make her friend feel worse by her crying.

The two women sat together on that chest for quiet some time, both thinking of how cruel life could be. Finally, Thayet spoke once again, breaking the silence. "You'd best get out of that dress and back into your clothes, Daine, so that we can pay for it," she said, acting as if the emotional conversation of minutes before had never taken place. Daine was grateful for Thayet's sudden change of subject. Talking about her fate to return to Galla was not something she wanted to do just now, especially with her limited time left in Tortall with her friends.

Daine nodded, and stood to again go behind the cover of the dressing screen. She undid the laces in the back of her dress, barely able to reach a few of them. Soon, she had slipped out of it all together, and stood clad in only her breast band and loin cloth. She reached down the floor, to the pile where she had idly tossed her clothing, and picked up her pair of tan working breeches. She pulled them on, and then reached for her white shirt. Once dressed, she again stepped out into the open shop, to find Thayet waiting for her. The queen held a bag, which Daine knew held the newly purchased dress. She smiled towards her friend, and together, the two women left the store and headed back to the palace.

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(several days later)

Daine sat in her room, staring intently at her reflection in the mirror that hung above her dresser on the wall. It was the night of the ball, and she was already clad in her new dress. Now, as she looked at her reflection, she thought herself to look relatively beautiful.

Suddenly, there was a light rapping on the door. Daine knew that it was most likely going to be the servant that Thayet had promised to send to Daine's rooms to help her to do up her hair and face paint. "Come in!" Daine called, causing Kit to stir at her feet. The young dragonet had sensed Daine's sad state lately, and had made it her business to always stay near her guardian.

"I am here to serve you, Milady," came the voice of the young female servant as she stepped into Daine's bed chamber. She approached Daine where she sat before her mirror, and carefully scrutinized the Wild Mages appearance. "You look beautiful already."

"Thank you," Daine said, trying her best to be cheerful, but failing miserably. It seemed that all that she could think about was what awaited her with the coming day tomorrow. "What would you suggest I do with my hair?" She voiced, but her heart was not in it by any means.

"Allow me to do it for you, Milady," the servant said, taking a step closer to Daine until she stood directly behind her. Daine sat back, relaxing herself as the servant worked with her hair. She could feel the woman lifting it and carefully wrapping it this way and that. Every once in a while, the servant would add some sort of mousse or hair potion to make its texture just right, and would then move back into what she was doing.



After little more than half an hour, the servant finally moved back, awaiting Daine's approval. "Well, what do you think, Milady?" The servant asked timidly.

"Its beautiful," Daine said, forcing a grin. She continued to stare at her reflection, at her newly pinned up hair, and sighed. She felt as if she were on death row, and she was in the hangman's room, awaiting her death that would come with the morning.

"Have you any other needs?" the servant asked, smiling towards Daine.

"None, but thank you," Daine said sweetly, once again forcing a grin. "It was fair nice of you to assist me, and I thank you."

"It was my pleasure and my duty, Milady," the servant said to Daine. She bowed, smiling one last time before leaving Daine to herself.

Daine sighed inwardly, gazing out her bed chamber window. The sun was beginning to set, and Daine knew that she now had little time before the start of the ball. Glancing around the room, she took in its every feature, wanting to remember it. Though almost everything inside of it that would be familiar to her had already been stripped bare and packed away for her departure, Daine still couldn't help but think how much she was going to miss falling asleep in this room every night. This was only one single thing among the endless amount of things she would miss.

There was a loud rapping coming from the main quarters of Daine's room. She quickly rose from where she sat on her bed, and exited her bed chamber. Lifting her skirts as she went, she made her way to the door to her living room, and turned the knob to open it. In the doorway stood her secret lover, Numair Salmalin. She smiled upon seeing him, earning half of a grin in response. She knew from the look in his eyes, that he was thinking along the same lines that she had been. He was thinking about what the morning would bring. He was thinking about the Gallan delegation that would take her from him tomorrow. "You look so beautiful," He voiced in little more than a whisper. Reaching out a timid hand, he gently brushed away a stray curl.

Daine felt her face grow hot as she blushed at his compliment. Slowly, she moved closer to him, until their bodies were pressed tightly together, and she kissed his cheek lightly. "You look handsome yourself," She said with a smile, feeling her heart fluttering within her chest. She could see his eyes darken with an odd emotion at her mention of his apparel this night. He stood before her, clad in a pair of black dress pants and a white silk shirt with ruffles along the sleeves and chest. Also, he wore his usual black robe, signifying his mastery and rank.

"I'd be content to stand here all night, just taking in your every feature," Numair whispered, though he had not intended to say it out loud. When he noticed Daine staring at him curiously, eyes wide, he knew that he had indeed voiced his mind. he blushed at this sudden recognition, wishing to be saved from this awkward moment.

Daine blushed furiously, wishing, and not for the first time, that her skin was not so light. "Numair, there is a wide variety of ladies at court tonight for this ball that I'm sure would be much more pleasing to the eye than myself." Daine, being the modest young woman she was, really did believe what she had just said.

"Oh, but how wrong you are, my Magelet," He said, voice slightly amused. Daine looked into his dancing eyes and was pleased to see that he was passed his previous thoughts of her departure. She did not want him to dwell on it, not on her last night in Tortall with him. "Out of all the women in the world, none could even dream of holding a candle to you in my eyes."

If Daine had felt flattered by his words before, it was nothing to what she felt now. She blushed for what seemed to be the umpteenth time that night, and again asked the gods why they had cursed her with such a light complexion.

Before Daine knew what was happening, he had brought his lips to hers, losing his inner battle of self control. He poured all of the emotions that he felt inside his heart into that kiss, and Daine took them in willingly. She kissed him back, trying her best to comfort him, and assure him that she would be all right. He moaned inwardly as the kiss went on, feeling on the verge of tears.

Though she didn't want to, Daine pushed him away much too soon for the both of them. He groaned in disappointment, but then realization struck him as well as it had her. "Numair, we can't do this here!" she hissed in his ear. "Anyone could have seen that."

"I know, love, but at this point, does it really even matter?" Numair asked, hands smoothing his shirt back to its original state. He looked intently into her blue gray eyes, effectively melting her heart.

"Numair, I just don't want our friends to know how much you and I really had to lose," Daine said sadly, feeling her eyes well up with tears. Numair nodded, eye focused firmly on the floor. The both of them had just touched onto a subject he did not by any means want to discuss. To him, it was just a terrifying reality, and for tonight, he would deny it. "Now lets go to the ball, as we're expected. We can spend time together when its over."

Her eyes glistened with an odd emotion as she said this, causing Numair's heart to beat at a rapid pace. His breath caught in his throat, and he fought to push back a number of tempting thoughts that were now flying through his mind's eye. "Of course, sweet," He answered, shaking his head to clear his mind when she was no longer looking. Numair forced a smile and extended his arm to her, all the while telling himself that he would not think about tomorrow as anything more than an average day in Tortall. Daine accepted his offered arm gratefully, and together the two made their way from Daine's room, down the hall, and to the ball room.

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Alanna the Lioness sat at a table in a distant corner of the ball room. The Lioness wore a lavish, wine colored dress with intricately embroidered designs up the front. She hadn't expected to arrive in Corus so soon, nor had she imagined what news she would stumble into upon her arrival. She remembered clearly now what had happened. She had unsaddled Darkmoon, and left her trusted mount to Stefan to put into the pastures for grazing. She had then made her way to Jonathan's study, to immediately give him her reports, for she wanted very much to see to her friends. At the time, she had no idea what sort of havoc and grief had fallen upon them. Upon her arrival in Jonathan's study, he had told her the grave news of the letter from Galla, and how Daine was going to have to depart in two day's time.

The Champion could remember breaking down into tears right on the spot. Veralidaine Sarrasri had always been her close friend. The young woman had even saved Alanna's life on occasion, and she thanked the gods everyday that Onua had stumbled across her on her journey to the horse fairs. It had been, and still was hard for Alanna to grasp the fact that the Wild Mage would be sent away against her will to her home land.

"I'm glad to see you made it back to Corus in time, Alanna," came an all too familiar voice. Alanna turned around to see Onua, the horse mistress. Onua wore a modest dress, easily the most plain one in the entire hall. It was a dark color of peach with a strap that tied around her neck to hold it up. She still looked lovely in it, Alanna saw. Alanna forced a smile, earning one in return from Onua.

"I wouldn't have missed this for the world," Alanna replied, eyes looking remorseful. She looked at Onua, still more than surprised to see her here. It was a known fact that the horse mistress avoided any and all social functions, for she loathed them. From what Alanna knew of this, Onua hated balls more than Alanna did. She was pleased to see that Onua had chosen to come in any event to support her friend. "I must say though, I'm surprised to catch you out of the stables, Onua."

"Yes, well, I wouldn't miss this any more than you would, Alanna," Onua said, voice choking slightly. Alanna fully understood what her friend must be feeling. She knew that Onua had come to love Daine as if she were her sister. "I just can't believe she's leaving."

"Nor can I," Alanna admitted, taking a sip from her glass of red wine that sat on the table before her. Without a word, she pointed to the open seat next to her, and Onua took the hint and sat down. "It just doesn't seem fair to me."

"I know what you mean," Onua said in agreement. Alanna sighed, sitting her wine glass back down onto the table. "Where is George? Was he able to come?"

"No, I'm afraid he couldn't get away from the Swoop in time to get here for the ball," Alanna said sadly, knowing how much it bothered her husband that he wouldn't be there to bid farewell to his good friend. "He really felt bad about not getting to say good-bye to Daine."

"I would imagine so," Onua said, wishing that the rougish baron were here. She knew it would have meant a lot to Daine if he could have found a way to come.

The two women sat in silence for a while, listening to the musicians play their best for the dancers on the dance floor. It seemed that everyone they knew had made it and was either seated or twirling on the dance floor. Finally, when Alanna spoke up, they both realized that not everyone was here just yet. "Well, look who finally decided to show up," Alanna said with a chuckle, voice thoroughly amused.

Onua turned her head to where Alanna was gazing and saw that her eyes had landed on the two large oak doors to the ball room. Stepping through them was the guest of honor, their good friend Daine. On her arm, was Numair. "You haven't forgotten about our little theory, have you?" Onua questioned, already knowing what was on Alanna's mind.

"You can bet your life I haven't," Alanna said, eyes still intently watching Daine and Numair. She held an odd emotion in her eyes, one almost of pity. It was then that it struck Onua.

"Oh, Alanna!" She said suddenly, voice stricken with sadness, "I hope we're wrong about them, I really do!"

Alanna met the eyes of her friend, realization striking her as well. "Oh gods, you're right, Onua!" She said suddenly, eyes alight with understanding. "Look what she would be leaving behind!"

"This just isn't fair," Onua said, feeling horrible for the fate of her friends. Deep down, both women knew that their suspicions were right. They had to be right, there was just no other way. Though Alanna hadn't been at the palace to see it, Onua had noticed clearly how much more time the two more spending together. That had only multiplied since Daine had learned the news that she must return to Galla. "If we're right, then I'm sure they love each other a great deal. How's this going to affect Numair?"

"From what Jon said, Numair was furious, and went into a rage with Jon. It went from that to a fit of tears, so its hard to say exactly what he'll do," Alanna said matter of factly. Clearing her throat, she added, "I imagine this whole thing is hurting him a great deal, even if he isn't her lover."

"Out of all of us, I think Daine was the closest to him," Onua said, a stray tear rolling down her cheek for the sake of her friends. She emitted a light, far from happy chuckle, "Come to think of it, Daine was the only one I can think of that he paid more attention to than his books!"

"Yes, that's definitely true," Alanna said in agreement, letting her eyes stray back to the entering couple. She thought of them as 'together' and she smiled. It seemed to be the perfect match. If only it wasn't about to be destroyed.

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"There's so many people!" Daine breathed as she stepped into the royal ball room, arm linked tightly with that of her lover.

"I won't be the only one to miss you, Wild Mage," Numair said, trying to force a bit of humor into his demeanor. He failed miserably at this, and he knew it. He was just finding it to be so hard to simply smile or be cheerful lately. The news of Daine's return to Galla was tearing him apart, bit by bit. By tomorrow, he would have nothing left, for his entire world will have completely collapsed. She was his reason for waking up every morning, even before they were lovers, but just good friends. What reason was there for him to wake up anymore, if she was not going to be there to greet him, kiss him good morning?

***How do I

Get through one night without you

If I had to live without you

What kind of life would that be?

Oh I need you in my arms

Need you to hold

Your my world my heart my soul

If you ever leave

Baby you would take away everything good in my life***

Upon stepping in the room, Daine immediately unhooked his arm from hers. She knew that few had probably noticed them in that state, but that they would shrug it off as Numair just being her escort. "Shall we find a table?" Numair asked, deciding it would be best if they moved out of the doorway. He could feel the hair beginning to stand up on the back of his neck, as if he were being watched. He knew that all eyes were on himself and his young lover, after all, she was the guest of honor, and he her escort. No matter what the reason, he wished it would stop. It made him nervous to think that all eyes were on him. He wanted to be able to enjoy his time left with Daine in peace, with no one watching them.

With Daine in the lead, they went in search of an unoccupied table. Out of the corner of his eye, Numair had already seen Alanna and Onua sitting at a table with plenty of room to spare for Daine and himself, but somehow, he did not want to join them. He wanted to sit privately with her, to simply talk and enjoy her company. He knew such thoughts were very selfish of him, but he couldn't help it. "Look, there's Alanna and Onua," Daine pointed out, hardly and ounce of emotion in her voice. Numair knew what these last two weeks had done to her, and it broke his heart.

"Sweet, would it be too much to ask for us to just sit in private?"Numair asked, eyes pleading with Daine. She shifted her gaze, and it fell upon her two friends, the lady knight and horse mistress. Turning her head back to her lover, she saw the pleading look in his eyes and felt torn. Sighing inwardly, she nodded to Numair, and turned her back to the table her two friends sat at. She would have plenty of time to say her good byes to them tomorrow. Just now, the only person she wanted to be with was the man standing next to her.

***And tell me now

How do I live without you

I want to know

How do I breathe without you

If I ever go

How do I everever survive?

How do I

How do I

Oh how do I live? ...***

Following Numair, the two found a nice table near the back of the room, just beside the door that led to the balcony. It was well out of the way of the commotion of the party, thus giving the two their desired privacy. Forcing a small smile, Numair pulled back Daine's chair for her, so that she could sit down. Daine couldn't help but emit a small chuckle at his antics. This earned a true grin from Numair, rather that a forced one, which had become his usual way.

"Will you and the lady be having the beef, or would you prefer the chicken?" One of the servants that was to be serving at the ball tonight approached the table where Daine and Numair had just sat. Numair turned to look at Daine, wanting to let her make the decision.

"The chicken sounds fair," Daine said quietly, voice barely more than a whisper. Numair heard her, though he was certain that the servant had not.

"We shall both be having the chicken, thank you" Numair said politely, nodding his head in dismissal to the servant. The young man had sprinted off in little more than the blink of an eye. "Daine, are you all right?" Numair asked, letting his eyes dart both ways to see if anyone was looking as he cupped her face with his large hand.

"I'll be fine, Numair," Daine said quietly, voice calm, yet restrained. Numair knew the reason for her odd behavior. He cursed himself silently for again bringing his mind to that particular subject. Numair held his gaze with her own for a moment more than was necessary, and then he let his hand drop back into his lap once more.

The two sat in a horrible silence, awaiting their meal. Neither Daine nor Numair were very hungry, being the circumstances, but each decided to eat in an attempt to not worry the other.

Before long, the servant had returned with two platters of food, setting one before Daine and the other before Numair. On each plate was a large piece of herb roasted chicken breast, a dinner roll, rice, a bowl of soup, and a roasted potato. Daine broke her gaze away from Numair and turned to her food. My last meal, she thought meekly. Using her knife and fork, she began to cut the chicken breast into small pieces. Stealing a glance towards her lover, she could see that he had begun doing the same. They both ate in silence, lost in their own thoughts. Neither knew what to say to the other in a time like this, and maybe words were not the best thing anyway. If they were to saw something, perhaps it would dig up painful thoughts and reminders that neither wanted.

***How do I live without you

I want to know

How do I breathe without you

If you ever go

How do I ever, ever survive?

How do I

Oh how do I live?***

"Care to dance?" Numair asked, flashing Daine a genuine smile. During their long silence, he had done quite a bit of thinking, and had come to some decisions. He had decided that no matter how much it was killing him inside, he would be cheerful and happy for Daine. He wanted her to enjoy her last night here, and knew that if he continued to act in the way that he did, she would have no way of doing that.

Daine saw the look of fire in his eyes, and felt her breath catch in her throat. Was she just imagining things, or did her heart really skip a beat just now? A smile tugging at her lips, Daine replied breathlessly, "I'd love to."

With that,both Daine and Numair stood from where they sat and stepped away from the table. Numair extended a hand out to Daine, who accepted it willingly, a smile alighting her face, making Numair's heart melt. He was so glad that he had finally earned a true smile from her, some sign of happiness.

Numair led Daine swiftly out onto the dance floor, taking her gently into his arms once they got there. He slid his arm lovingly around her waist, preparing to move in onto the dance floor. He smiled as he felt Daine snake her arm into its proper spot on his side, and the other around his waist. Together, the two made their way onto the dance floor, all the while gazing intently into the other's eyes.

Looking into the eyes of his lover now, Numair truly realized what he had. Material possessions had nothing to do with his happiness. Perhaps such things had pleased him before, but they did no such thing now. He would much rather be poor, without a roof over his head, and still have Daine by his side that not have her at all. She was everything to him; she was his world. When she left tomorrow, perhaps never to return, Numair's world would be gone, and he knew that now. "What am I going to do?" Numair accidentally voiced aloud. It was in little more than the faintest of whispers, but Daine, being very attent to her lover just now, heard him as clearly as if he had shouted these words.

***Without you

There'd be no sun in my sky

There would be no love in my life

There would be no world left for me

And I

Baby I don't know what I would do

I'd be lost if I lost you

If you ever leave

Baby you would take away everything real in my life ***

" What did you say, love?" Daine asked, tone hushed so as to prevent anyone from hearing her address her teacher in such a way as she just had. She could tell immediately, from the look of surprise and embarrassment in his eyes and features that he had not intended for her to hear what he had just said aloud.

"I hadn't meant to say that aloud," Numair said, hoping she wouldn't question him further. He did not want to upset her, by explaining to her what he had really been thinking. "It was nothing."

"Oh, all right then," Daine said idly, still looking him directly in the eye. Her demeanor gave away all notions that she even slightly believed a word that he had just said. She knew him better than that.

Suddenly, before Daine could prod him further, the magnified sound of the king of Tortall's voice split the air. Daine knew from experience that it was that loud as a result of the king performing a spell on himself to magnify his voice. It was very affective for reaching large crowds of people through speech. "I'm sorry to interrupt, but I would like to take this time to bring recognition to the reason we are all here tonight," Jonathan said, holding his glass of red wine at chest level, as if he were preparing to make a toast. "The entire purpose of our ball tonight, is to honor our very own, Veralidaine Sarrasri. I regret to inform you all who did not already know, that she will be leaving us tomorrow. She will be returning to her home land, Galla, by order of the Gallan king, Jarlath. I would like to take this time to say to you, Daine, that I thank you for all that you have done for myself and my kingdom, and that It saddens me that you must leave us. We are all in debt to you, and if ever you need anything while in your new country, alert me and it shall be granted."

Numair looked down at his lover, who was still in his arms, for the toast had began as they were dancing, and saw that a strong blush was creeping onto her face. That was not the only thing he saw. The blue gray eyes of his lover were welling up with tears, and it was only then that he noticed that a stray tear had already leaked down the side of his face. As if tuned to him, Daine turned her head to see that he was crying. Reaching out a gentle finger, she wiped that single tear away, forcing a painful grin to him. Both Daine and Numair seemed oblivious to what ever it was that Jon was saying to the crowd of people. They were in their own world.

In the corner of her mind, after several minutes of simply staring into the eyes of her lover, Daine could faintly hear Jonathan saying, "In conclusion, I would like you all to raise your glasses in farewell, to Veralidaine Sarrasri, heroine of Tortall."

Now, after hearing the last of Jon's speech about her, Daine found herself in tears. She had known Numair at least would miss her, and also her other close friends, such as Alanna and Onua, but she had no idea that she would be missed by anyone else. Looking around her now, she saw that indeed many would miss her, perhaps even some that were not present. Tears were streaming freely down her face, and she made no move to slow them, for she knew her attempts would be in vain. "You all may continue dancing," came Jonathan's voice once more, and immediately all the couples that surrounded Daine and Numair began dancing to the new song that was being played by the musicians. It was much slower music than before, so Daine moved herself closer to her partner, which was expected during such a song.

***And tell me now

How do I live without you

I want to know

How do I breathe without you

If you ever go

How do I ever, ever survive?

How do i

How do i

Oh how do I live?***

As Daine and Numair danced together, it seemed as if all eyes were upon them. To any onlooker, they looked as if they were untied as one, dancing to the music. They were oblivious to the world around them, concentrating only on each other. It brought tears to the eyes of all who could see them, and with good reason. Half of that unity, would be gone by this same time tomorrow night.

Unable to resist herself, Daine let her head droop down until it was resting comfortably against Numair's chest. As they continued to the music, she could feel his hand move from her waist to come and rest on the back of her head, burying itself in her mass of curls. With that hand, he pushed her closer to himself, as if trying to melt her body into his. "I love you," He whispered into her ear. These words were meant for her, and her alone.

Daine attempted to open her mouth in response, but found that her body had been frozen in time now, and out of her control. She continued with her rhythmic movement, her mind in a different place all together. She snuggled up against the warmth of his body, not caring if anyone bother to notice.

Numair was unashamed as tears continued to fall down his face as the dance went on. Oh how he loved this young woman who lay limp in his arms. He loved her more than he had, or ever would, love anything else. They danced on into the night; never stopping, never tiring. It was as if the had ceased to exist. They were frozen in time, together.

***How do I

Get through one night without you

If I had to live without you

What kind of life would that be?

Oh I need you in my arms

Need you to hold

Your my world my heart my soul

If you ever leave

Baby you would take away everything good in my life***

Daine felt her mind and consciousness return in full as soon as the music came to a stop. It did not start again, nor did a new song begin to play. Not a sound but the mumbling and chatter of the people around her fill her ears. Out of the corner of her eye, Daine began to see nobles leading their lovers off of the dance floor, and it was only then that she knew what was happening. The ball was over, her time had come to an end. She lifted her face from Numair's chest, and looked deep into his dark eyes. She could see that tears still flowed steadily down his face, and she could inwardly feel that she herself was in much the same state.

The silence between the two was broken when Numair lifted a hand to her face and tilted her chin up to look at him and he said, "Shall we go back to my rooms, Magelet?" These words were uttered breathlessly, and Daine was sure she felt her heart skip a beat at hearing them. Her breath caught, and unable to utter a single word in response, she simply nodded, eyes filled with tears.

***And tell me now

How do I live without you

I want to know

How do I breathe without you

If you ever go

How do I ever, ever survive?

How do i

How do i

Oh how do I live***

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A/N: Well? You like? I know I kind of left a cliffy for you, but I'm not sorry, so ha! But yeah, review, and maybe you'll get another chapter by wednsday...BUT ONLY IF YOU REVIEW!!! Oh, and I thought you might be interested to know that the next chapter is pure fluff...lol... ^_^