A/N: I love you for the reviews. And yes I probably should have waited to see reactions, but I'm anxious to finish the story. Ill write other things so check a lot okydoke.
Daine hurried to the mess hall after cleaning up. She knew she must tell her friends about what happened. I don't care if I told him I wouldn't tell, she thought, its wrong for me to fear him and Alanna and Ouna will know what to do. When she entered the room Numair was already at his usual position. She lingered at the door until George took the seat across from Numair she usually occupied. Once she was "forced" to sot nest to Alanna and across from Ouna, she moved in to sit. At once they noticed the change in her.
"What's wrong Dai?" Alanna questioned, truthfully worried. Ouna chimed in with a joke.
"Maybe her and Numair are having a little lover's spat."
"WHAT!" Daine was bewildered. "You knew. But how? We never told anyone."
"Sweetie, calm down," Alanna continued, "We figured it out, now tell us what's wrong." Alanna's calm sweet temper slightly startled Daine, until she realized that she was probably a mess. Gathering her thoughts she told them what had happened. Suddenly Alanna's temper returned.
"I'll kill him!" only when all heads turned towards her did the color drain from her face. "Sorry, only telling the story of when Jon almost tricked me into eating a toad by telling me it was chocolate. Jon's face softened at the memory and began to talk again. Only when the room was noisy again did they begin again. They decided to get it out of him why he wouldn't tell.
The next day they put their plan into action. Daine acted as of nothing had happened. After her morning practice Alanna cornered Numair and asked him what was new and other such light conversation questions. As they walked to the map room, the mages would be magically aiding in the clean up from there, she asked if he had anything to tell her, and how Daine was. When after ten minutes of such drabble with no reply she finally gave up.
Next it was Ouna's turn. After lunch she caught up with him. Using the same such strategies she hammered him as well. Once aging she too left with failure. At dinner the worn out trio began to discuss potential reasons for his reluctance. Ouna, too tired to talk just listened. Alanna was the first to have an idea.
"Maybe he wants to be sure you actually love him."
"Or maybe he's embarrassed by me." Daine whined.
"What if he has had bad experiences with revealing his love life."
"Or he thinks I'm not serious 'cause I haven't bedded him as the court ladies have."
"Perhaps he wants to let us know slowly."
"Alanna the thought is sweet but we're grown ups, we know he…" She was cut short by the weight on her foot. Looking down she saw a palace cat. I found you a present, the cat explained, when I was prowling this morning the mail carrier bird dropped this stinky piece of paper. I thought you might like it.
Daine thanked the cat and gave her a slip of bread before beginning to look at the letter. It was addressed to Numair. Quickly she read it.
My dear Numair,
Since I accepted your proposal last summer I figured we best get on with the plans. I think a small ceremony would be best. Perhaps in the mountains. Oh and don't invite that menace you call a student. Please write.
Your Fiancé,
Varice
Daine nearly chocked. After her friends jostled her out of her trance, she looked up at them, eyes full with tears. After having to recompose herself she whispered.
"Numair's engaged."
A/N: Ahh cliff hangers. Don't hate me because I'm leaving you on the edge. And read my profile, it will quell any fears you have for the Numair/Daine relationship. I ought to have the next chapter by tomorrow night. Oh yes and give me feed back. If you really like my fluff I may continue with relationship stuff.
