Disclaimer: the characters mentioned in my fic are sadly not mine - though I wish they were - but belong to the wonderfully talented Tamora Pierce… I'm just borrowing them for a little while…I plan on giving then back – eventually –
A/N: Hey everyone, thanks for being so patient, yet again, for this chapter, I know how frustrating it can be to wait for an update, not mentioning any names now am I Jossie? Lol, sorry couldn't help myself! Also there was no definite amount of days for when D & N traveled to Dunlath in "wolf-speaker", so I just estimated. Please forgive if it's incorrect. Thanks for reviewing the last chapter…
Spice x2: yes Eden is a conniving little so & so…but wait, there's more!
Martini x2, Anigym, Numair's Daine: thanks very much for what you said
Catgirl: oh…kitten well lets just say that she's with her family in the dragon lands... oops sorry how could I forget her?
Raashna, Lioness-07863: more Alanna/George for you and your thought about Numair turning Eden into a tree sounds really nice at this point in time but I'm afraid that something along those lines won't be happening for a little while longer!
Dracos Myth: was waiting for someone to say just that! And last of all:
Jossie: Where would I be without my beta? Lol thanks heaps as always from the bottom of my heart... I'll call you later because I need to talk to you about something really important – non-fic related 'stuff'
Um, this chapter is kind of like a filler chapter just so that the plot moves along, might seem a little fluffy, but hey, I love fluff! Lol, this is the 'real' chapter 9, even though it says chapter 11, don't get your hopes up because I'm nowhere near that number! Ok I'll shut up so you can all read…
Chapter 9: CONFUSION, A LETTER AND NERVOUSNESS
Daine rounded the corner as she came up from the staircase and bumped into someone. She mumbled her apology, not wanting to hear theirs and tried to side step around him or her only to be confronted by the same someone. Daine just wanted to walk away. She wasn't in the right frame of mind for idle gossiping in the halls.
"Daine! Stop. Please."
"Go away. Please! Just leave me alone." Daine answered, not bothering to look at the person in the face.
"Daine!" the voice said again.
A hand grabbed her arm but she shrugged it off. But when it came again, Daine pivoted around to face her quarry, ready to firmly tell the person to just go away and leave her alone, when Numair's face came into view. Eyes full of tears she gasped and exclaimed, "Numair!"
"Magelet, what is it? Tell me what's wrong."
Shaking her head in answer, she buried her face into his shirt and clung to him not wanting to say anything. Numair drew his arms around her in a bear hug. He whispered soothing words to her, stroking her hair to try and calm her down. They stood there for a few minutes until Daine looked up and mumbled through sobs that she wanted to go.
"Of course, baby, of course. Come on I'll take you to your room," he murmured in her hair.
Numair ushered her a few steps until they appeared in front of the one with her name printed on it. Giving him the key, Daine waited while the door was being unlocked before she walked in and flopped herself down onto her bed. It was here that she curled up into a little ball and said nothing. Numair closed the door behind him and coming over to the bed sat down beside her. He didn't say anything but merely tried to comfort her. Stroked her hair, held her hand and softly traced the patterns on her palm. It was a while later when he voiced a query about what happened. When she didn't reply, Numair lent over and realised that his beloved had fallen asleep. He gently placed his lips on her forehead and lay down with her curling himself around her body, knowing that Daine would eventually tell him in her own time.
It was some time later when Daine woke up. The sky outside had darkened and dimmed but there was still a substantial amount of light left. She noticed that Numair no longer was beside her, that actually he was nowhere to be found in her rooms when she called for him.
She sat up and realised that she was covered. 'Numair must have covered me up,' Daine thought. She pushed the covers back and swung her feet out of bed. 'And he must have removed my boots.' Standing up, she stretched and wondered how long she had slept for while she walked over to close the drapes. As she did, the room grew slightly darker. Daine was about to light the candles when there was a knock at her door. "Come in."
The old oak door swung open gently to reveal two people. One was Claire, the maid she had help her dress for the ball, who held a white box in her arms. The other must have been a servant. He held armfuls of wood and kindling for the fireplace.
"Lady, please, let me to do that." The servant dropped his burdens on the rug in front of the fireplace and went to Daine, taking the candles out of her hands.
"No, really, I can -" but she was cut off.
"M'lady, please. Sit. I have a letter here for you, and orders to help you with whatever you need." Claire placed the box on the bed and gave the envelope over to Daine. She opened it and read:
'Daine,
How did you sleep? Forgive me for leaving you but it was getting late and I still had things to do before we leave for Dunlath tomorrow morning. I have taken the liberty to arrange food supplies as well as for Cloud and Spots to be well groomed and fed so that they are ready to leave. I have asked Claire to help you pack. I know you like to do this yourself, Magelet, but you are tired and need to keep your strength for the journey. Don't let me find out that you wouldn't allow her to help you. Please Daine, for me.
You are probably wondering what the box is for? Well, His Majesty wouldn't allow us to leave tomorrow unless we dined with him this evening. I bumped into him as I came out of my study. As usual I wasn't watching where I was going. Almost knocked him over in front of the delegates! The box, I must confess, contains a dress for you to wear. I will come for you in a few hours time for dinner.
Goddess bless you my darling,
Love Numair.'
Daine sat in surprise yet feeling warmth spread from her chest throughout her whole body by what he had said in the letter. So much had happened in so little time. She turned to face the box that lay on the bed beside her. It was of medium size and tied with a gold coloured ribbon. Daine put the letter down and untied the ribbon. She lifted the lid, unfolded the tissue paper to reveal a lilac coloured dress and delicate slippers for her feet. Lifting it out of the box by the sleeves, Daine examined the gown completely. It was of simple design. The dress had short sleeves that would be tight on her upper arms. The neckline was modest; it would accentuate Daine's humble breasts as the lilac cloth clung in the right spots. The skirt flowed onwards from underneath her breasts as it cascaded to the floor. The cloth was light and appeared as if it was being crushed and crinkled.
Without hesitation Claire took charge of the situation. She told the male servant that he had better start the fire as it was going to get cold soon. While he did this, she asked Daine what was to be done, carefully taking the gown from Daine's hands. Claire walked over and hung it in her wardrobe waiting for her instructions from the wildmage. Daine sat back down on her bed not knowing what to do or say.
"Lady? Lady, would ye like the candles in the dressin' rooms lit after I lit this fire?"
"Sorry?" confused, Daine looked towards the servant who knelt on the rug.
"The candles, in the dressin' room."
Daine still had no idea what was going on, but gladly appreciated it when Claire intercepted the conversation and again taking control of the situation.
"Yes, that would be good, thank you. When ye have finished ye may leave," Claire told the male servant then turned to Daine. "M'lady, what did ye need to do? Am I to help ye dress again for dinner? Does the gown need pressin'? Or am I to clean the room?"
"No, you are to help me pack," Daine replied, coming out of her daze. She motioned towards the trunks at the foot of the bed. "In there, should be packs and a bed roll. If you could please, assist me in packing for my journey to Fief Dunlath. I leave tomorrow and haven't yet started."
Daine walked over to the fire that was now warming the room. She warmed her hands and feet till they were toasty and turned to see the male servant retreat from her bathroom. It glowed with a faint light that could only mean that the candles were just lit. She smiled at him as he came over and picked up his tools and the kindling that remained.
"Claire, do you know what time Master Salmalin is coming here? I mean, do you know when I am to be ready by, ah, for dinner I mean."
"M'lady, ye know that dinner is served at the same time each evening, especially when His Majesty is dining with guests. Master Salmalin dare not be late an' he be comin' to get ye soonest before."
"Of course, yes! How could I have forgotten?" Daine slowly walked back towards Claire. "Now, where was I? What was I doing?"
Daine waited for the King to have his first mouthful of food. It was customary for the dinner guests to wait until the King had commenced before they could lift a fork. She looked down at her own bowl. 'It's orange! How can anyone eat orange soup?' She frowned at the thought while picking up her spoon. With it she started to jab at the crispy bacon garnish sprinkled on top. 'And what in Mithros's name is that?'
"It's double potato soup. And the garnish is edible."
Daine looked up to find Numair, soupspoon to mouth, smiling at her.
"But it's orange. Potatoes aren't orange," she whispered.
"Ah, but you see, a sweet potato is. It's doesn't look like a normal potato, it's long not round."
"Oh."
"I'm surprised you haven't heard of that variety. Just try it; it's a beautiful soup. I know you will like it."
Daine slowly began to taste from what was in front of her. She'd never heard of such a potato being orange, let alone even tried the vegetable.
The conversation of the dinner party guests picked up, leading many of the diners to take up a discussion with those seated around them. As Daine ate, she engaged in conversation where she thought needed, giving her opinion on this and that. The long table was filled with familiar faces. Daine sat between Numair and Alanna, while Alanna's husband George sat on her other side. Lindhall Reed sat on the one side of Grayson and Eden was on either side of him. There, also seated, were Sir Myles of Olau and his wife Eleni talking with the Duchess. Sir Raoul of Golden Lake, Sir Gareth of Naxen younger and senior, Buri and Sarge seated alongside of the Queen. Alongside Jon were the Prime Minister and his assistant from Scanra.
The sound of cutlery could be heard to those outside of the dining hall. But as the meal progressed, the sound of the guest's voices could be heard above all else. The food attendants cleared away the soup bowls and replaced it with the main meal of pheasant and vegetables. They also refilled goblets with either wine or juice. When the topic of conversation reached to the reason why the dinner was being held, Daine's heart sank. She hadn't wanted it known to everyone that she was traveling alone with Numair.
'But you have many times before now and it didn't make any difference then,' said the voice from within. Sometimes Daine didn't like it when that voice was right. 'It's only because your feelings for Numair have changed that this is now a problem. Worry about it later, when the time comes.'
"So tell me again, where are you going?"
Alanna looked at George. She knew that he was just mucking around with Daine and Numair, but he didn't need to be so cheeky. He turned to face her and saw that she was grinning wickedly. He chuckled as Numair retold what he had already said.
"Apparently Lady Maura is having some trouble with the fish contained in the lake. They seem to be dying and have no reason why that is. Daine was asked to help and I was told to ride with her and assist. We would have gone there straight away but ah, we were, um… ordered to attend the ball and so we have." He turned to look at the young wild mage who sat beside him. She smiled politely at him and picked up her goblet of juice. She had the sudden urge to wrap her arms around him and squeeze him tight, but managed to refrain from it. Instead she winked at him over her goblet.
"So where is this place? You never answered the Baron's question, Master Salmalin."
Daine peeked around Numair's form and realised for the first time that evening that Eden had been seated next to Numair. He drank deeply from his own goblet and eyed Numair before he raised his glass towards Daine. Numair could tell a mockingly gesture like that a mile away and here it was right under his nose. If Daine hadn't have rested her hand on his arm he may have caused a scene, all of which would be in front of the King and the rest of the diners. Daine shook her head at Numair and answered the question in her trained, and refrained, voice.
"Eden, Numair hadn't forgotten that George had asked the question, but merely neglected to answer as the Baron already knows where it is that we are going."
"Then for my benefit, please inform me again of the whereabouts of this place, I mean, I am a foreigner in a new country after all," he replied smugly.
"It's…" she started to say.
"It's towards the north-east of Tortall. Dunlath, that's the name of the castle, is about four or five days ride from Corus." Alanna had answered the question before Daine had, sensing that something was wrong between the two. She couldn't think of what had happened since the day before when they had gotten on so well. She hadn't wanted her to say something in front of everyone here that Daine would later make her regret.
"Yes, but we could get there in half that time, if we needed to and I place emphasis on the if."
Alanna shot a look at Numair, one that he didn't notice. She didn't think that the comment was a necessary one, but he had already said it.
"Something's not right." Alanna stated bluntly.
"Love, what's wrong?" George stopped in his tracks to look at his wife. She looked worried, concerned and as if her mind was preoccupied.
"Nothing."
"But you just said…?" he interrupted her.
"Not me. Something's not right with Daine and Numair. The way they were speaking to…" but she was cut off yet again.
"To Eden. Yes, I know."
"You saw that too?"
"I have the Sight, darling, ye always seem to forget that."
"I'm sorry, George. It's just that I was…"
"Preoccupied. Yes, I know that too!" he smiled at her and tweaked her nose.
"You, George Copper, seem to know quite a lot today!" She kissed him and took his hand, leading him in the direction of their chambers for the night.
Somewhere else in the palace was Eden. He had managed to find is way in to one of the many libraries. Sprawled out on the table in front of him were many scrolls, all opened to reveal maps of Tortall. He placed another paperweight on to the corner of the scroll, continuing to study his way along the route that Daine and Numair would possibly take to Dunlath.
Daine and Numair walked on in silence. Their walk from the stables was pleasant, apart from the quietness. Each contained their thoughts within them and voiced nothing until they arrived at Daine's chamber door.
"Numair…"
"Daine…"
They started to say at the same time. Laughing Numair said, "Lady's first."
"No you first," Daine put in, "please, Numair."
He breathed in heavily. Taking her hands within his, he gazed into her blue-grey eyes. "Daine, I just wanted to say that, I was glad that Jon had the dinner, actually that he insisted on it. I wanted to ask about-."
"Stay," she interrupted.
"What?" Numair asked, confused by the sudden change of conversation.
"I said, stay. Please, stay with me tonight. I don't want to be alone. Even if you leave after I fall asleep, just please, don't leave yet."
She reached up, caressed his cheek while her eyes pleaded with Numair to stay. He nodded, whispering 'ok' and allowed Daine to lead him inside towards one of the chairs in front of the fireplace. She was about to pull away when he hugged her tightly. She felt the warmth of his body and the strength in his arms as he held her there. Numair sighed and released her from his hold.
"I'll be right back." Daine left and went to change. She came back five minutes later to find that Numair had made himself at home, removing his boots and the heavy mage's robe. He turned to find her standing there, yawning and watching him.
"You should get to bed, you look tired. A good night's rest will do you good!"
"Yes mother," Daine replied, brows lifted cheekily.
It was during his little speech of global magical repercussions that he realised that she had fallen asleep. He looked in her direction and lovingly watched over her, seeking warmth in the thought that would be brought by her features. She was more beautiful asleep than what he had thought originally. Her soft lips curved into a pouted smiled as he lifted her from her position in the old leather armchair. Crossing the room to her bed, Numair carefully placed his beloved down and covered her. Daine snuggled under the covers and continued to sleep. Numair knelt down beside her, stroked her smoky brown curls behind her ear, tracing his finger along down her face to her checks and to her strong but stubborn chin. His lips met hers in a kiss with such a passion that had he not have left hastily he would have done something more.
The midnight cry sounded as two keen eyes watched Numair leave Daine's bedchamber…
A/N: so how was that? Tell me what you thought by reviewing, it'd make my day even better if you did! I love getting them as it always gives me encouragement to write more…I get so inspired by them! Points to the purple review button its down there… don't be shy, com'on please…
