Disclaimer:: i do not own any of the main characters. If by chance you don't recognize a name, it is probably mine. i do not work for Tamora Pierce and no money do i get from this. i know that in the newest series, Trickster's Choice and Trickster's Queen (ok so I haven't read 'Queen' yet, but still) Daine's and Numair's daughter is named Sarra Lynn. (spelling?) but for the purpose of this Fic, it has been changed. Happy Reading!

A/N: i don't have a beta as of yet...not sure what one -IS-, but i will do my best not to create a hostile environment for my readers, if i happen to get any! :P

This Chapter is dedicated to Lorett, who, i hope will be as loyal in reviewing as i am to her, and if you are interested in Harry Potter Fics, She has a truly Awesome one called "The Three Keys" a definite high on the 'must read list'

Without further ado.. A Kiss of Shadows!

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Chapter One- Wills and dreams clash and collide

There is a scowl on Daine's face as she regards her child, a mixture of exasperation, anger, and fondness in her expressive face. Unruly chestnut curls frame her face, her luminous hazel/gray eyes are stern, even while her full mouth is trying to remain unsmiling.

The object of her irritation stands covered crown to toe in dust, which is falling gently around them, the table off to the side is in pieces, probably the result of the resounding BOOM that was heard only moments ago.

"Karma, what in the Mother's name have you done?" Daine said softly, taking the time it took to survey the damage to school her features back into place, to stop the laughter from escaping. Bone Dancer, the skeletal bird Daine accidentally brought back to life a few years ago perched on her shoulder.

The small head, which was turned downward examining the floor slowly lifts.. a chin as stubborn as her mother's is set, as is the face. The eyes are a vibrant green, and the hair is a brown black mix, with none of the maternal curl, with the exception of a lock or two on the forehead.

"I was 'sperimenting Mum" came the soft lisping voice of the child. 'Trying to do like Da does. But I couldn't make it work. How come you and Da have gifts and I don't?". That stubborn chin juts out as the all too familiar topic is brought out into the open again.

Daine sighs. "We have gone over this before. Firstly, you are not supposed to be playing around in your Father's laboratory. There are things in here that are very volatile, and I, for one, do not wish to see you harmed, or at the worst, dead because of it. Secondly, they will come in time." Was the explanation, said in a slightly tired tone, a tone that has all the nuances of an argument gone stale from over explanation. How do you tell your six year old, the child of the Greatest WildMage that ever lived, the child of the greatest Sorcerer that walked the living realms, the granddaughter of the God of the Hunt and the Green Lady, how could you explain that that you have had her powers bound for her own safety and possibly for the safety of others? How do you tell her that while she was in the womb she changed shape so often, and even afterwards, it took her Grandmother to make her pick a shape? Thankfully they also bound that part of her memory too. Who knows what children can remember at such a tender age?

"That isn't fair! Georgina has her gift! She is younger then me, and SHE can start a fire! Her brother David said he has had his all his life, and HE is only eight." Her tiny hands go onto her hips and she scowls, that stubborn chin jutting out again. "Either you are hiding something, or I simply don't have any. Either way you have been lying! And you said it is not nice to lie! It is bad to lie! If I don't have any gift, I wanna be a Shang Warrior!"

"Karma that is enough! Now go to your room. Your father will deal with you when he is done speaking with the King. NO don't argue anymore, just go."

The small face screws up in anger and Karma stomps away, pausing at the door, to turn and yell "I HATE YOU!" before slamming the door shut, or trying to, there wasn't much left. Daine looks around slowly and sighs, fighting back the tears that were threatening. No one said that raising a child was going to be easy, but she didn't think it was going to be that hard.

Some time later, Daine and Numair lay in bed, her head on his chest as she tells about what happened that day. After bringing Karma up some dinner, she found the girl had cried herself to sleep. Leaving the tray there, Diane simply waited for her husband to come home. His brows furrow slightly as he listens and then he sighs.

"You know, maybe she is right. She should know, about what she can do. Hells Fire, Di, it is getting harder and harder to hold onto the wards as it is. I am afraid everything is going to leak out one day, and we won't be around to stop it. What do we do then?"

"But Numair she is only a baby! She can't handle any of this. I refuse to put her into a position where she gets hurt."

"Don't you see, my little maglet? She is already hurting. She knows she has something, that she is special but she can't see it. She is going to do something rash soon. We will speak to her in the morning."

But little did they know, that at that precise moment, Karma was doing something rash. Little Karma was running away..and there would be no morning for her parents to speak to her in, unless they found her. Sadly with the wards place upon her, she could not be scryed for by magical means. So yes, something rash has indeed happened.

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Please read and respond! This is my first fic, so please do not flame me if you do not like it. Constructive criticism is always welcomed