Hey you guys. I got this thought in my mind that I was just gonna stop writing Fanfiction all together because what is there to gain from it? It wasn't fun anymore and I should start a new original book and get it published right? So that's why I haven't updated. But then I started thinking, what a pity for this story to go to waste after 18 chapters. I might as well finish it right? Along with my other two stories. Then I can start an original, and do another short story whenever I have writer's block or want to do it for fun. Also, now that I've taken a few months off, I think that I'm refueled and can start fresh. It actually IS going to be fun now. And I can just write to get my mind of things and stuff. Yeah, I'm gonna stop blabbing now, lol. So just to let yall know, I will finish this story and do not fear, for SportzGurl is back! :P (Wow that sounded gay, lol.) On to the story (that I intend to finish!)!

The Long Awaited

Ch. 19

Bright rays of sunlight streamed through the opening of the tent as the young man walked inside, his gaze tenderly falling on the sleeping woman within. His eyes softened as the brilliant sunbeams struck her disarrayed curly locks emphasizing its natural auburn highlights. As he headed towards her, he felt his heart speed up and his palms grow shaky. Her affects on him were astounding. She made him feel nervous, giddy, light-headed, and blissfully happy; not just now, but EVERY time he saw her. How he loved her...

"Daine, honey, you need to wake up." He whispered, sitting on the side of her bedroll, gently pushing back her feather soft hair with his nimble fingers.

The young woman stirred, then groaned in protest, not wanting her incredible dream to come to an end. She clutched her flimsy pillow in her bruised arms and buried her face into its softness, trying to block the voice.

"Love, suffocating yourself won't help any."

She could hear the smile on his face and let out a sigh of contentment. "What are you doing here so early Numair? Come to make sure no bad men came in the night?"

Silence, fingers frozen in the tangles of her hair.

"That was a joke of course." She mumbled, face still hidden in the pillow. "Numair, I was thinking about last night. I just wanted to thank you for being there for me. It might not have meant a lot to you, but to me...it helped a lot." She paused before going on. "I don't really think of you as a teacher anymore. How could I with what's been going on and all..."

Another pause. "Numair?" she questioned lifting her bed-tousled head up, setting her gaze on the man beside her. Gray eyes met blue...deep blue piercing eyes, but Numair's were bla..her mouth dropped open. "Phi..Philip?" she stammered.

His eyes hardened as he turned his head away, averting his gaze. Not in time however, to hide the hurt in his eyes. "Daine, we need to talk," his voice harsh even to his own ears.

"Philip, I-"

"Does he call you 'Love' as well?' he hissed.

"Wha...? No of course not Philip, I-"

"Daine, I am not blind. I am not ignorant either! I don't know what kind of fool you take me as, but I see what's happening here! For Mithros sake Daine, BE HONEST WITH ME!"

"Philip, please don't be ang-"

"Oh don't even...How can I NOT be angry?"

"I don't know what's going on between Numair and I, I don't deny I feel some sort of attraction for him. But Philip, I think you're overreacting a tad!"

"Overreacting?" Philip laughed bitterly. "Do you think seeing you in another man's arms made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside? Do you think I said to myself, "It's a good thing that man is there holding the I love and can't live without so I don't have to bother doing it myself?" And then to come in here this morning and be mistaken for that very man!? Do you think that makes me feel GOOD?"

"Of course not, but Philip, you don't know what kind of state of mind I was in yesterday, you're being unfair to me!" Daine retorted, feeling her pressure rise.

"I wouldn't know Daine. I wouldn't know because you won't tell me! And Numair, he" Philip groaned in frustration and hurt. "I love you Daine! I LOVE YOU! Does that mean ANYTHING to you? I would do anything for you; I would DIE for you just to know you're happy. So please, just spare an old man's heart and tell me what you're feeling. The truth."

Daine witnessed Philip's tirade, tears filling her eyes. "You want the truth Philip, the truth? YOU are the man I love. You're the man of my dreams...You fill the hole in my heart and hold the key to my happiness," she choked. "Mithros Philip, it makes me quake in my boots to think I can love a man this much. You Philip. I can't grow old without you. I couldn't even fathom it. Numair, he's just a friend. And that is all he will EVER be. Even a million Numairs will never measure up to you," she was sobbing now, barely able to choke out her last few words. "My love for you, Philip, is what keeps me alive." And with that she buried her face in her hands, tears freely streaming down her smooth cheeks.

Philip stared at her as she vainly tried to wipe away her tears, fighting back the lump in his throat.

"Pl...Please say something," she hiccupped.

"Well, thank Mithros there isn't a million Numairs on this world," and with that he took the crying young woman in his arms and held her to him as though the world would end if he let go.

"I've been a fool lately Philip, but you do know I love you don't you?" Daine spoke after a few moments.

"Love, after this war is over I intend to make you my wife. And there isn't a dang thing that all-powerful mage can do about it!"

Daine sobbed happily into Philip's chest, nodding her head in agreement.

"I love you Daine and don't you forget that."

They held each other for a few more minutes when Philip drew back, still holding Daine's small hands in his own. "You need to get ready, we're going to go scouting today."

"Scouting?" she questioned.

"Yeah, find animals you can communicate to. Maybe they can even tell us information about the enemy's whereabouts and what not. Sir Alanna's idea."

"That woman is a legend," Daine laughed. She leaned up and kissed Philip on the cheek. "I'll see you in a little bit."

Philip turned and exited the tent happier than he had been in days. The sunlight hit him directly in the eyes and he had to squint to see where he was going. He took a few steps forward before abruptly coming to a halt.

"Hello Numair."

"Philip."

"How long have you been standing here?" he said, motioning to the area near Daine's tent.

Numair's face was tight with emotion, trying to fight back anything that would give his feelings away. "Long enough," he whispered, silently holding out his hand.

Philip firmly took it, confirming the silent truce that was made between them.

A/N: So again, sorry for my period of insanity. I AM gonna finish this story!! Review por favor and until next time,

SportzGurl