Disclaimer: the chapters following contain new characters that are mine (Duke Gahlal of Wolset, Sir Tenen of Ansil, Eden of Appleton, Grayson of Palm and Duchess De'ana of Taylor's Pond). All other characters belong to Tamora Pierce blah blah blah u now how it works…

A/N: hey everyone! How are you all? First of all, I'm really sorry bout the formatting of the last chapter, the computer had to go n get fixed or something so I had to use our other one, which by the way isn't the best. So I have re-formatted the chapter and hopefully you can all read it now! Also I'm so sorry that it's taken me so long to update. I've been really busy and every time I try to get online one of my brothers is on there and I have to wait, then I get distracted and forget or something like that. Anyway I promised that I would say thanks to all those who reviewed, so here it is…

Reviews:

Martini: ok, well first and fore most…. Thank you thank you thank you, for your persistent reviews and if I never had those then I probably wouldn't have continued this. Is this really one of your favourites? Am I really a great author? Who would have guessed? Hmm, well I hope you like this chapter and I'll be looking forward to your review! ;)

Vulpes Lapis: so sorry bout the formatting, but I have fixed it now… please read and review.

Jossie: yeah I know how hard it is with all those decisions about uni and stuff, but I have made up my mind and have enrolled in the course and am ready to start on the 10th of Feb.! Can't believe how many people have reviewed! Thanks for the review and I'll send you the next couple of chapters for editing

Lady Jilly Bean: thanks for your review, really appreciate it, I can't believe that you (and everyone else) really love my fic!

Thayet: sorry bout the formatting please read it again and review.

Jahshasha again, sorry bout the formatting, please read and review.

Raashna: thanks for you review, keep reading and reviewing.

Anyomous: thanks for saying that you adore my fic…sorry bout the formatting…

Laxie79: thanks, many people say that they love the story…is it really true?

Veralidaine: yeah I know the fish thing sounds lame but that's all I could think of at the time, and I can't change that now anyway. What's done is done.

YamiLinkMaster: sorry it's taken me so long but here's the next chapter, hope u like it.

Sungirl: just letting you know that I didn't get any tribal monkeys! lol, nah, but thanks

Angelbirdy thanks, read and review…

Dracos Myth: thanks for the idea, sounds good not sure if I'll use it or not, thanks for the review

Firethread:okay, thanks for your suggestion. I never thought about the fish dying because of mines. Its brilliant…maybe I'll use that, so thanks again…keep 'R n R'

Chris: thanks for your suggestion, 'R n R'

Anonymous: to all those "anonymous" people out there thanks for your reviews, they are just as important as those who do leave their nicknames (hint!) please read and review.


CHAPTER 6: THE DELEGATION

Daine and Numair walked along the many hallways and finally climbed the stairs to the dining hall in which the delegation was dining with King Jonathon and his Royal advisors. They waited at the door until the man at arms was ready to announce them to the room.

"Master Numair Salmalin and Veralidaine Sarrasri."

Numair took Daine's hand and strolled into the room. They stopped in front of Jon and bowed in union. Jon acknowledged them with the slight movement of his head and smiled at them both. Daine noticed that there, seated along side of Jon and his own advisors were four males and a female, two of which wore the robes of mages and one of a healer.

"Numair and Daine welcome!" Jon stood shaking Numair's hand and then placed a delicate kiss on Daine's cheek. "My dear, I do not believe that you have met the delegates from Scanra. This fine gentleman is Duke Gahlal of Wolset, the King's Prime Minister of Scanra. This is Sir Tenen of Ansil the Prime Minister's second in command." Each man took Daine's hand in turn and gently placed his lips on it acknowledging her presence. The King continued. "This young man here is Grayson of Palm. Grayson is the current Chief of the University of Mage Craft at Scanra's capital and this is his student, Eden of Appleton." Jon stopped in mid sentence waiting for Eden to let go of Daine's hand as he had lingered longer with her hand than normal, politely allowing Eden to say a few words to Daine.

"It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm sure that we will have many moments in which to discuss such matters of your own personal magic. Wild magic is somewhat of a mystery to me, as I am sure it was to you when you first encountered it."

Daine merely nodded her acceptance of what the student mage had said and drew her attention back to her king who had yet to introduce the last member of the delegation.

"Last but never the least is Duchess De'ana of Taylor's Pond. She is a healer and the wife of the Chief healer of the King's personal healers." Daine's curtsy was the correct amount for someone of such status and welcomed the female to Tortall

"Duchess, what a pleasure it is to meet with you. I hope that you are enjoying your stay in Tortall and that my King is making your stay a pleasant one?"

"Oh, but of course! I have never been so kindly treated, especially from his Majesty himself." The Duchess replied in what appeared to be a slightly husky voice. She turned and smiled at Jon who returned the smiled equally.

Numair could see that Daine was starting to fidget and took it as his cue to tell the King what he had planned.

"Sire, Daine and I would like to extend the offer of accompanying the ambassadors to further their tour of the palace. I believe that they had some inquiries for which Daine can aid me in answering." Smiling, Numair winked at Daine who blushed slightly.

'Horse Lords! Not now!' She thought silently. 'I wish he wouldn't do that at such inappropriate times. I'll become all giddy if he doesn't stop it!'

She turned her attention back to the present to listen to what was being said, which was also an attempt to calm herself down.

"Yes, by all means. If the ambassadors wish to further their tour of the palace then who am I to stop them? But just make sure that they are back in time to prepare for the ball tonight that is being held in their honor. I do not wish to displease my Queen by having the guests of honor arrive late." There were chuckles all round as the King continued. "Besides Numair, I have heard quite a lot of talk that you yourself take longer than any court lady to prepare for a ball!"

Jonathon's blue eyes sparkled in mischief as Numair laughed at his King's last comment. He gave Jon a friendly pat on the back and told Daine "We must leave before he tells of more of my bad habits to our good friends here!"

Daine laughed watching as Numair offered his arm to the Duchess. It was customary for such an offer to be made though the thought of it made Daine somewhat jealous. A tap on her shoulder made her turn around and come face to face with Eden of Appleton. She looked at him and his lopsided grin warmed her heart. He had the traditional Scanran features of blonde hair with two small plaits coming down the sides of his face but, as Daine looked at him, his hazel eyes where what must draw the ladies to him. Daine seemed puzzled as to why she hadn't noticed them before but wasn't about to find out the reason as he was saying something to her.

"Mistress Sarrasri, Veralidaine, may I have the honor of escorting you?"

"Yes of course, but as long as you call me Daine." A small smile spread across her mouth and Eden noticed that her eyes were sparkling.

"Well then, Daine that would mean that you must call me by my first name, Eden, as it is only fair!"

A slight tinge of red appeared on her cheeks as Daine took the offered arm and walked on behind the party bringing up the rear. Numair lead the delegation party along towards one of the many stables at the palace. In particular the one where the delegation's own mounts were stabled.

"So, Daine what's it like living here in the palace?" Eden asked.

"It's wonderful. It's my home so I couldn't think of living anywhere else but at the palace. Although I do have rooms at the Lioness's home in Pirate's Swoop. And Numair has given me rooms at his own home too." She smiled at him.

"The Lioness?" He queried.

"Yes, Lady Alanna of Pirate's Swoop and Olau. The King's Champion." Daine answered.

"Oh. Yes, I just met her at lunch. She's a lovely creature, with those odd coloured eyes. Did she cast a spell on herself to make them that way?"

Laughing softly, Daine answered "No! She was born with them and it's the same colour as her magic. Did you know she used to have a cat as a Squire who had the exact same eyes?"

"Really?" He said in amazement. Eden saw Daine nod in agreement and continued, "Well I would never have known that. Forgive me if I'm prying, but you mentioned that you have rooms at Master Salmalin's home. All he did this morning was talk about you when he gave us a tour of the University. Praising you for all that you're worth. You seem to be very close to him. Are you engaged to him or something?" Daine stopped and looked at her guest. A sudden rush of embarrassment came over her and her cheeks reddened. "I'm sorry I should never have said that. Daine, please forgive me. I was out of line. I have no business prying in to your life like that."

"Eden, it's ok." Daine took his arm and they proceeded to walk after the group. Sighing Daine continued "It is true that Numair and I are close, but that's only because he was, still is, my teacher. He's been my teacher for the last four years, almost five. He's helped me with my Wild Magic, training me in it to speak with animals and to heal them as well. I'm not engaged to Numair." She paused as if in thought then asked him, "Did Numair really speak that much about me?"

"Um. Yes he did. To me he seemed to be talking about someone that he loves, but now that you mention that there is only a teacher/student relationship between you, I can see that it is that kind of love. Nothing more than fondness I think. Daine I really am sorry, please say that you forgive me." Eden stopped and took Daine's hand in his. She noticed that they were soft as well as being calloused. He gently tickled the inside of her palm with his fingers and only stopped, seeing her giggle, when she forgave him on his mistake.

They resumed walking and Daine couldn't help but feel guilty for lying to Eden like that. There was more than just a teacher/student relationship between her and Numair. But she didn't want some stranger to know before she did that there was something happening between them. On the other hand, she also felt slightly guilty because she was flirting with Eden. What did that say about how she felt for Numair? When Daine and Eden reached the stables, Numair and his guests were waiting for them. Numair was watching Daine closely as they walked down towards the stables. He could tell that she was enjoying the company of the younger mage. He felt a twinge of jealousy when he saw Daine laugh and place her hand on the arm given to her by Eden. He pushed that jealousy aside and called her to him.

"Daine, the Duke was wondering if you could look over his mare. He seems to think that there's something the matter, what with you being here I didn't think you would mind." Numair told her. He looked over towards the Duke and saw him smile.

"Sure Numair." She turned to face Gahlal, "I would be honored Duke Gahlal if only you could tell me the mare's name?" Daine motioned towards the doors of the stable where they all walked in and stood.

"Her name is Bobbin. She was a gift from my parents and as a child I was told that I would bob up and down on her when riding. Thus her name." He chuckled and pointed out the stall in which she was.

Daine let go of Eden's arm and walked over to the stall, calling the mare forward with her mind. Bobbin, would you please come to me? When Daine reached the stall a beautiful light chocolate brown mare came to the gate of the stall. Daine opened it and went in leaving the gate open for the delegates to see what was going on. On viewing the mare Daine could see that she had cream coloured socks, mane and tail. To her, she was the most gorgeous looking mare Daine had seen in some time. She stretched out her hand, allowing Bobbin to get her scent. After explaining to the mare how she came to be able to talk to animals and what she was going to do, Daine was allowed to look the horse over.

How does Duke Gahlal treat you, if you don't mind me asking? Daine asked mind to mind. She ran her hand over the animal's body inspecting her, feeling with her hand as well as with her mind.

I don't mind at all. He treats me better than he does his other mounts. Gentle in the saddle, hard with the rein. Not as bad as most think. Though sometimes I am favoured more than others. You must tell him to stop fussing over me. I get inspected every five minutes! Bobbin whined in laughter and allowed Daine to lift her legs to inspect her hooves and shoes. Though I must say, at least he hasn't had to replace me as many times as he's had to replace those darn fish of his. Daine smiled and let go of her leg.

"Bobbin says that you have fish and that you have to keep replacing them. Is there something the matter with them? Are they ill?" She asked the Duke.

"My fish? Bobbin told you about my fish!" Gahlal was so surprised that Daine couldn't help but let out a little giggle.

"My Lord's fish are a well known thing in our city. His daughter has cats you see. The only polite way of saying this is that they think that his fish are tasty!" Tenen of Ansil told her smiling.

Daine laughed alongside everyone else and went to face the mare asking if she could slip into her mind to make sure everything was fine there. Bobbin was intrigued by the question and allowed her in. Once Daine was satisfied that Bobbin was healthy did she leave her mind. Daine left the stall locking the gate in place. She told the Duke that Bobbin was indeed in perfect health, that she has softened her mouth, therefore he should be gentle with the rein and didn't need to be 'inspected every five minutes' as the mare had so mildly put it. She produced a clump of sugar and gave it to Bobbin for being so cooperative.

"My dear girl, thank you. I've never met anyone with your ability to communicate with animals like that. Master Salmalin you have taught her well. Whatever you do, don't let her go."

"Duke Gahlal I assure you that I won't be letting her out of my sight. You can trust me on that one." Numair told him. He swung his arm around her shoulders in a half hug and winked at her. She blushed heavily and didn't notice the look on Eden's face.

"Master Salmalin, was there somewhere else you wanted to take us? Otherwise I think I shall turn in to rest my feet before this evening's grand ball." The Duchess asked.

"No, not unless you want to visit the menagerie? I had meant to take you but it can wait until tomorrow." Numair looked at Daine as she was tugging on his sleeve and saw the Duchess and the Duke nodded their agreement. "What is it magelet?"

"That was the third bell for the afternoon. I promised Mistress Clara that I would be at my rooms in half an hour so that she could bring my dress for this evening. I should go. No don't look at me like that. I promised I would stay for an hour only and it's been two!"

Numair laughed and offered De'ana his arm saying "Alright. I'll let you go on one condition."

"And what would that be?" she replied.

"That you," he cupped her cheek with his free hand, "magelet, help me escort our guests back to their chambers." With that he let go of her and walked back towards the palace.

Daine stood there stunned that he would show so much affection towards her in front of guests that didn't know about them. Sure they were here for some diplomatic peace talks or some such, but that didn't mean that she had to trust them. That surely didn't mean that he had to flirt with her in front of these people. A voice calling her caught her in mid thought and she had to once again push her thoughts away to be addressed later.

"Daine? Are you coming?"

It was Eden. He was offering her his arm again and protocol dictated that she must accept.

"Yes. Sorry, forgive me. I'm… I'm..." she drifted off but managed to remember to take his arm.

The delegation continued to make their way towards the wing of the palace that was allocated for the delegation's rooms. Along the way, Daine made small talk with Eden and promised a dance with him at the ball that evening. When they reached the rooms he held her hand and kissed it before closing the door after the Duchess and himself.

"He seemed friendly." Numair said.

"Who? Eden? Yes, he'd nice enough, don't you think?"

"Yes he seemed to be taken with you." Numair told Daine taking her hand and placing it on his arm. He looked at her and smiled cheekily down at her. "Did you not notice that he was flirting with you?"

Daine looked at him, appearing to be horrified at the thought that Eden was doing such a thing, when in reality she knew what he was doing and also knew that she was flirting back. She didn't see any harm in it. Especially since she would be riding out in two days and never going to see him again. Also, especially since she was smitten over Numair, so what did it matter? "What? You must be joking Numair. Why would he flirt with me for?"

"For the same reasons why I would flirt with you, my dear!" was the reply she got. Her high cheekbones turned a slight red shade and a small smile could be seen across her red lips.

"Numair…" Daine warned shaking her head.

They strolled on in silence. Each was thinking about what had just been said and neither realised that they reached Daine's rooms.

"Well then…" Daine whispered.

"Well then I guess I shall see you later tonight." Numair told her.

Daine produced the key to her room and unlocked the door. Opening it she stepped inside and turned to face Numair only to have him cup her cheek and kiss her. She kissed him back and snaked her arm around his neck. Placing his arm around her waist, he picked her up off the ground so that he wouldn't have to stoop. The kiss ended and they could breathe in.

"I've wanted to do that all day!" Numair whispered.

Daine could feel his warm breathe on her face and became giddy all over. She started to tremble within Numair's hold of her and felt a tingling sensation all through her body.

"Truly?" she whispered back.

"Yes! I almost did when I placed my around your shoulders before. But I some how managed to control myself!"

Daine laughed and to his surprise kissed him. He kissed her back and then gently placed her back down on the floor. He moved his hand from her face and began to stroke her hair, smoothing it out and away from her face.

"You should go. Mistress Clara will be here any minute now. Besides you need to get ready yourself. Someone told me that you take just as long as a court lady to prepare yourself!" Daine smiled up at Numair who watched as her eyes began to shine before him.

"Magelet, who ever told you that is going to die. They have mustn't have remembered that my gift is of the highest rank." He chuckled softly and then kissed her swiftly, letting her go and walking out of view.

Daine closed the door and stood there. She lifted her hand to her mouth and touched where Numair had last kissed her. It still felt warm! Daine grinned at herself thinking of how silly she must look, standing there holding her fingers to her mouth. Suddenly there was a knock at her door and thinking it was Numair, Daine opened it saying "I knew you couldn't stay away from me" only to find a confused Mistress Clara and one of her assistants. She admitted them and closed the door.

Eden walked out from behind the pillar to look at the closed door of Daine's room. He could not believe what he had just seen. Daine had told him that there was nothing more than a teacher/student relationship between them. But then he had just seen Master Salmalin kiss her. Twice! Eden turned around and proceeded to walk back to his chambers in a befuddlement of confusion.


A/N: well you weren't expecting that kind of an ending were you! hahahaha! Sorry couldn't help myself. Please review and I'll hopefully have the next chapter up soon…