The Times Between
by Kimra
Title: Collapse
Book: n/a
Between: Emperor Mage and The Realms of the Gods
Daine walked into the ball room feeling too tired to care much about the assembly. Kitten gave a consolidating chirp as she too reluctantly entered the room, brushing past Daine's leg to watch the humans.
Daine glanced about for familiar faces as she walked deeper into the room. She knew many of the rooms attendants, ever since Pirates Swoop the King had felt it necessary to make her a part of the noble functions. But the majority of nobles seemed to feel ill at ease around her, so she had befriended only a few. Alanna was nowhere in sight, perhaps she had already snuck away, or she was on duty somewhere in Tortall's depths. The King and Queen where in the middle of a large throng of people who demanded there every attention.
Only Numair, of her closest friends, seemed at ease to enjoy the ball, and he had chosen a tall blonde to occupy his time with.
Daine felt nausea grow at the sight of him laughing with the lady. He had been spending long amounts of time with the lady, Elease, recently and she could only guess they where lovers. So far she had seen nothing to prove her theory but she had done everything in her power to avoid finding proof. She would much rather not know.
"Yet another ball to waste away one's evening." Lindhall's temperate voice surprised her and she turned to him with a smile. He frowned at her with concern. "You don't look well Veralidaine."
Daine shook her head in denial and lent against one of the giant columns that loomed around the room. Lindhall was her safest bet for a decent conversation.
"I'm just tired." Daine responded feeling the strain of the nights gathering more acutely now it had been pointed out to her.
"Perhaps you should go rest then. I heard of your ordeal with the unicorns." His smile was kind and it drew another smile from her.
"It was hardly an ordeal." Daine corrected remembering back to Carthak she doubted anything else could really be an ordeal after that.
"Arram seemed quite worried." Lindhall interjected in his typical breathy voice. Daine smiled lopsidedly.
"His always worried." Her words where joking but talking about Numair made her search for him in the crowd. She found him among the dancers twirling Elease about with skill. Daine lost her smile to a frown and turned her attention back to Lindhall, who she found was watching her thoughtfully.
"Still." He continued loosing the expression instantly as if she had not been meant to see it. "Meetings with Unicorns, especially killer unicorns can tax anyone a great deal. A rest would be of no harm. And I am certain the king will not mind if his loyal subject wish's to recuperate." Lindhall smiled once more and she wondered at his limitless smiles, only ever in the dreamrose visions had she seen him as anything but smiling. He was not an overly cheerful person, but he had a serenity and care about him he liked to share.
Daine sighed at his sound advise. "I think I will go rest." She admitted in surrender to his calm words and her bodies trembling weakness. "Kit?" She asked softly. Out of the shadows by her feet the slightly pink dragon appeared.
"Is Skysong alright?" Lindhall asked surprised.
"She's just been a little worried since yesterday. Nothing serious." Daine assured him as she pulled herself from the column. She found it difficult to steady herself for a moment, but under Lindhall's scrutiny she managed.
"Shall I walk you back?" He asked concerned, but Daine waved the offer and the concern away as she left the room.
Two steps into the corridor that branched from the ball room Daine felt her body give way, and only had time to register Kit's screech before darkness took her mind.
Best of luck with everything and for those who where concerned I'm feeling much better now. Thanks all.
Kimra
EXTRA Note: For some reason there is a spare chapter apearing in the count, however it doesn't exist, it's a ghost chapter and I don't know where it came from or how to get rid of it.