Chapter 2

After saying goodbye too her friends, mainly Onua, Daine joined Alanna and Numair in front of the group of Riders. She mounted her pony (who was Cloud's colt and seemed to share her mother's attitude and gifts) and eased herself into place on the saddle.

Alanna grinned, her violet eyes burning in the light. She was in her leather suit of arms, they were more comfortable and much easier on her mount. The Knight gave Daine a hard pat on the back. "Nothing we haven't done before, little one" she said with a wink. She knew Daine disliked being called anything that had to do with being young. Physically, she was 17, but mentally she was well beyond her years in experience and knowledge.

The girl chuckled lightly and turned and smiled at her teacher, her love, and grabbed his hand. He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed her fingers gently. Would she always have that falling feeling in her stomach whenever he showed his affection for her? She hoped so.

Alanna gave out the orders and their cavalry began to make its way to Illyria.

When the dark began to encompass the world, they began setting up camp for the night. Tents went up, fires were built, privies were dug, and circles were cast for warmth and protection.

Daine and Numair shared a tent. By now, most of the people knew that the two of them were involved. Daine often slept in her teacher's rooms, but she had never made the official move.

Numair had already climbed into their bed, clad only in a pair of loosely tied breeches for sleeping. He was laying on his back silently. Daine made her way and observed the man she knew that she was meant to love.

She smiled. When she originally met him, she hadn't realized what lay beneath his robes. Crawling in next to him, she ran her fingers over his chest slowly feeling his chest rise and fall with each breath. He responded with a smile and a kind of purr when she leaned over and placed her lips on his. Strong, warm arms pulled her closer to him.

Things between them were falling into place since their visit to the realm of the gods. They knew that this was how they wanted things to be.

With some guidance from the animals, Daine and Numair were located in the forest. When they were found, Daine was wrapped up in his arms and their faces were both tear stained.

Numair awoke to Alanna sitting in a chair next to his cot reading a book. When she noticed his open eyes she spoke.

"Welcome back," she said with a friendly grin.

"How long?" he asked clearing his throat.

"About 4 days. How are you feeling?"

"I feel like I've been hit by a boulder, and why are you looking at me like that?" He sat up in the bed with a wince.

"Well, if I can recall correctly, a particular young female was found entangled in your arms when we found you," was Alanna's sly reply.

At the mention of Daine, Numair's eyes widened and he attempted to get out of the bed. Too bad Alanna's reflexes were quicker than his as he was gently, yet firmly pushed back down onto the bed.

"Down, boy, down. Our Wild Mage still sleeps. Actually, I was expecting her to rise before you, since you were a bit worse for wear. I believe she is sleeping off more mental and emotional strains than physical."

Numair rolled her over so that he leaned above her, his features dramatized by the shadows of the tent. He kissed her passionately, and let his hands roam.

It was true. While Daine slept, pieces of the events that had occurred kept playing in her head. How she had noticed the change in his eyes when they first started their journey through the realm of the gods, and how they darkened.

Falling off the cliff; Numair's embrace when he realized she wasn't dead.

The kiss. She saw that image the most.

She then proceeded to see the dragons, Rikash dieing in battle, saying goodbye to Numair. Then finding him alive.

There was also a dream that she had had during her sleep, but was unable to recall it, or forget about it.

Alanna finally had to leave Numair reluctantly when she was called by Buri. She knew she couldn't stand in his way of getting to her, so she let him go.

"She's in her quarters. We figured she would be the most comfortable there." Alanna gave him a look as if to say 'I hope you know what you are getting yourselves into', but she wasn't against it. She knew that they would face many complications that would test their love for each other.

Numair stood outside of her door, unable to enter. He was so overwhelmed by his emotions, and he still ached, but he wanted to see her. What would he say to her?

'Nothing you dolt, she's sleeping', and with that he walked in.

Not caring what anyone would think if they found them, he took off his shoes, and crawled onto the bed next to her. He wrapped his arm around her waist, and placed his forehead against hers and watched her sleep, until he himself fell back into a slumber.

Alright. That's all I've got for the moment. I'll update when I get back from ITALY in a week.

Im sure italy will inspire me.

Leave reviews! I always try to get more than my previous story!

Speaking of which! It is called Waiting for the Rain, it is complete. It is Daine/Numair

Romance. Go check it out!