*Hey Every1!! Thanx sooo much for the reviews!! It helps me a lot!! And to those of u who are convinced u've seen this story b4, u probably have!! It got deleted by accident and I'm just reposting it. And yes, I was pretty far into it, so at least every1 doesn't have to wait until I type the next chapter for the next couple of chapters!! Anywayz, R/R!!

** I forgot to put this in the first 3 chapters: These characters do NOT belong to me. Only the people who weren't in the books belong to me (Ex- Philip, Rochelle, Paul, etc.)

Ch.4

The stranger smiled down at her, which made her heart feel as if it were going to melt. 'He's handsome alright, but Philip is cuter.' Daine thought stubbornly. "Excuse me, I apologize for bumping into you. I didn't see you there." She said apologetically.

"No it's my fault, I got in the way of your...dancing." The man, who was obviously a mage, replied. He offered Daine a hand.

Daine felt herself blush and grasped his firm hand. He helped pull her to her feet, "Thanks."

"Oh where is my manners?" the young mage asked, "I'm Numair SalmalĂ­n, and your name is."

"Daine Sarrasri...I mean Diane Saski." Daine couldn't believe she let her real name slip! Hopefully he didn't notice...

"Which is it?" Numair questioned suspiciously.

For some reason Daine felt an impulse to tell this mage the truth. "It's Daine."

Numair was about to ask her another question, but shook his head deciding not to. Daine suddenly felt like someone was digging through her head. "Do you have the gift?" Numair questioned.

Not expecting this question, Daine replied, "Me? No, I've never had the gift. My ma had it though. She was a healer."

Numair frowned a little. "Why, is there something wrong?" Daine asked quickly.

"There's nothing wrong exactly. But." he trailed off when he heard music coming from the ballroom. He gave Daine a cute lopsided grin and gallantly offered Daine a hand. "Would you like to dance?"

"Out here?" Daine asked.

"Sure, why not?"

"Alright than." Daine responded accepting the outstretched hand. They started to waltz and kept up with the tempo of the music.

"There's something special about you Daine, it's like you have some sort of wild magic. I saw you communicating with that bird and found it very interesting. I've always thought that wild magic was just a myth."

Daine was startled at his theory. "Me, have wild magic. I think your mistaken sir."

"No, I'm almost positive. I could help you learn to control and use it to your advantage if you'll let me. It'd be very dangerous if you didn't know how to use your wild magic. With my help you could shift shape, talk to animals, and heal them!"

Daine looked concerned, "I don't have money to be trained and I-I've always been fond of animals and they've like me. I guess that explains a few things."

"You don't need money! We can train you for free and as a place to stay, you can stay in the palace! It's very important we train you. You might be useful later on."

Daine thought about the Silent Stormers. She couldn't imagine leaving them behind, which reminded her, she still wanted to pickpocket this man before the night was over. She pressed her body up against his and with one finger traced his cheekbone. She quickly reached into his pocket and grasped the wallet, but when she was going to pull it out, Numair grabbed her hand.

"No, no Daine. This is mine. I understand now why there were two names. You're a thief!"

Daine was about to take off running, but Numair quickly seizeed her wrist. "Hey, don't run lass. Now I think it's an even better idea for you to stay in the palace to be trained. It'll keep you out of trouble!"

Daine blushed. "I couldn't bear to leave my friends behind."

"They can come too, if you want, BUT, yes there's a but, if anyone catches them stealing, we're talking execution."

Daine gasped. She didn't know if she liked this whole plan. This would mean that everything would change, but she would finally have a chance to stay somewhere that didn't involve dirt and grime. Besides, she needed to get her wild magic training. She looked up into Numair's eyes, "I think that'd be a good idea. Thank you."

Numair smiled happily, "Can you come back tomorrow and bring your belongings?"

"I-I think so. I must get going now. Nice meeting you." She curtsied and left. Numair watched as she walked back towards the ballroom and sighed. He'd have to control his emotions if she was to be his student, but he couldn't help thinking of her exquisite eyes and curly locks of hair. He quickly shook his head and got up to leave.

*Sorry this was kinda boring! I'll do better next chapter, I promise! R/R please! Oh and if u like this story, u'll probably also like my other fanfic, The Battle of Betrayal!! So go read that!! Hurry and get reviewing!! *~*SportzGurl*~*