Chapter 6 – Journeys Begin
By Silent Serenade
Fine, I admit. I'm pathetically slow. But I'm sure you all knew that.
Wooohooo... We're about half way into the story now (only!), and things would possibly speed up soon. Thanks for putting up with me, but school's really... Loaded.
Disclaimer: My library has signed copies of Ms Pierce's books!
"Sorry about last night," Numair apologised for the 65th time. "I was under strong alcoholic influences and was left alone with the beautiful and willing love of my life."
"Perhaps if you put a tad of sincerity and emotion and wipe that victorious grin off your face I might forgive you."
"There's nothing to forgive. If I remember correctly, you aided in the untying of your dress."
"Which thankfully remained as my dress due to the appearance of King Jonathan, sweet, understanding Jon, who happened to be strolling unaccompanied."
"And with no credits towards your thoughtful friend Onua who left me to ravish you in my uncontrollable desire."
"Oh, PLEASE! Don't exaggerate so!"
With a sudden swift movement, Numair managed to stop both their horses without falling or overly disturbing the dozing Kitten. He held her face to look into his, and softened his touch as her stubbornness and strength faded to fear and uncertainty.
"I'm speaking the truth, Magelet. I don't think I can hold this much longer, especially when I'm drowning in your chocolate whirlpool as your silky hair flows freely in this gentle summer breeze, softly teasing my skin."
All doubts vanished at Numair's wild, stormy eyes holding a desperate plea. She smiled shy, and when she spoke, her voice was velvet with its beautifully smooth texture, full of a silent serenade reserved only for him; endless whispers of a gentle lover's caress.
"I enjoyed it immensely and never wanted it to end. I felt so close to sharing something special with you, but when we finally had our privacy, you were asleep and..."
Her melodious voice wavered slightly and broke, taking Numair's heart with it.
"I'm sorry, my sweet, I really am. But the drinks pushed me beyond my control, blindly needing this raging hunger to be satisfied. Although I suppose it's positive you've kept your innocence," he ended sadly.
As much as I realise how important amendments are, this is a rather uncomfortable position, Cloud complained.
Sighing and sniffing her nose, Daine made a face of annoyance at her mount and led Cloud to resume her trot.
After 2 weeks of traveling East, Daine's spirits were somehow lifted as cities scattered to towns, further diminishing to villages among the forests-filled lands. The air held a sensationally crisp touch which alerted the mages' senses, easing them with their newfound awareness.
"Ah, the mountains, aren't they beautiful?" Memories flooded Daine, as she recalled playing and learning in the calm wilderness. A sudden yearn for her childhood tinted her vision, but she brushed it aside and focused on the scene before her.
"Yes, it is." Numair spoke softly, huskily. In all his years of traveling, never had peacefulness this strong accompanied him. Seeing the expression on Daine's face, he wondered of her true feelings. "Don't you miss your home?"
Despite the sensitive tone he'd chosen, Daine's dreamy gaze instantly darkened as gates closed swiftly. She looked away from Numair's compassionate features, taking the distant view of nature again, and spoke almost hesitantly.
"No. Corus is my home."
If he heart the rusting steel voice, he chose to ignore it. Instead, his smile broadened as he inwardly prayed his companion would be alright.
"Then tell me... What in Mithro's name are we doing here?"
Broken from her trance, Daine laughed merrily, eyes twinkling.
"I've no idea."
As they rode towards a thin clearing from the woods, Numair gently caressing her arm, Daine was immersed in doubt.
What am I doing here? Is this my home? I've grown up with these blessings, but I'm afraid they're captivating me more than it should.
That night as they settled in camp near River Drell, what separated them from the glorious mountains, Daine smiled as she remembered.
"What's so amusing?" She felt Numair's warmth flood her being, an arm sliding across her waist.
She leaned back into him, grin widening.
"How we first met."
Numair chuckled, and softly pressed his lips on her forehead.
"I thought you were the most stubborn, strangest animal."
"And I knew in my delirious sate about the extent of your magic."
Sighing happily, Daine rested her head on Numair's light-covered chest.
"I was so shy around you, so unsure of myself. I felt myself blushing every time you glanced at me."
"Yes, I could tell. It was obvious how you feel for me right there and then."
She smacked his nose playfully, as Numair caught her hand and pulled her close, kissing Daine fully on the lips.
When they parted, Daine shivered with something far from cold, eyes gleaming and dazed, as Numair led them back to their tent.
"Come, Magelet. We cross the river tomorrow."
Dum de dum...