Chapter 13: All's Well

"Daine!" Daine was greeted by a sea of people welcoming her back and a flood of questions. Numair had to finally break in as some were getting too enthusiastic. It was known that Daine was a little too well-liked amongst the pages and squires, even knights, but the knights controlled themselves. Everyone was dining together for the last week of training before their short autumn break, so Daine was able to see her friends, her admirers, and the rest of the palace. Numair guided her to the head table and into a seat, telling her to wait there and he would get her some food. Alanna finally managed to get the pages and squires in control and Daine was able to thank them for her gracious welcome.

Although she sat with her best of friends, she still felt a bit nervous. She assumed that she had been quite a bother and she didn't want her friends to think of her this way. As a nervous habit, she started to fiddle with her finger where the engagement ring had once sat, but she found nothing; where was it? Then she remembered that she gave it to Numair as proof that she really was Veralidaine Sarrasri. He simply hadn't given it back. She would have to ask him about it later, but for now she wanted to enjoy her friends and food.

That night Daine sat in the king's common room and caught up with Jon, Thayet, Buri, Alanna, Kel, Dom, and Onua. Finally it was time for her story. Taking a deep breath, she began.

"Numair had left a few days earlier and I was lying in bed. For some reason I just had this insane, glorious idea and decided to visit the mother goddess… I had decided I would offer my services as a goddess if I would be granted a return trip to the mortal realms. After some negotiation, she agreed. I am now the Goddess of the People." When she ended, not a sound was to be heard. Everyone was staring at Daine.

Onua was the first to speak. "Can you – can you show us? It's not that we don't believe you," she added quickly. Daine smiled and lifted her arms. She levitated a bit and seemed to glow; then she instantly became the image of a golden lady dressed in a beige toga with a green sash around the middle. Her hair was wild and spread around her like a half halo. The goddess-Daine was the most beautiful yet fearful creature that the witnesses had ever seen.

"Wow," breathed Numair. All except him were speechless and looked even more mystified than when she had first broke the news. The spell ended but no one lifted an eye. Then suddenly they were all on their knees, bowing down to this majestic lady.

Daine kneeled beside Alanna and lifted her friend's head. "I'm still Daine. Please don't treat me like that!" She spoke to all. "I came back to spend my life with you guys, not worshipped by you. I'm no better than any of you. Please promise you'll treat me like you would have, as if I hadn't gone anywhere! Please?" Daine was begging and they all knew it.

"Pleased to abide your wishes, Lady Sarrasri," Jon stood with a twinkle in his eye and lightly kissed Daine's fingertips. Daine smiled. He was just being plain silly. Drawing her hand away, she sat down opposite Jon. The rest took seats and Numair sat beside Daine. To her great pleasure the rest of the night and the early hours of the morning were spent having a normal conversation.

Daine felt lips brush her cheek and a weight was lifted from the bed she laid on. Cracking one eye, she saw Numair pulling a shift over his head and running a comb through his hair. Numair had classes early that morning (he had been excused from teaching due to the tragedy that had occurred. He was now back on schedule) and he had to rise early to prepare. Daine knew she should get up too, but the bed felt so comfortable…

She made herself swing her legs over the side and stand up.

"Morning, sweet," Numair greeted her with a kiss. She smiled groggily and fell forward into his chest. He put his arms around her shoulders and held her close. Years of traveling with Daine and getting up for classes had made him into a more agreeable morning person, so now Daine was the grumpier one.

"'Morning," she yawned.

"Would you like to have breakfast with me? I also think Jon has something to tell you." Numair stroked her curls.

"I s'pose so. But don't you have classes? Wouldn't want to keep your students waiting." Daine yawned again and went to wash her face and teeth.

"Yes, but my first lecture isn't until ten strokes of the tower."

"Right then," she replied as she changed her nightclothes to breeches and a green shirt. She too had lessons to give later on.

Once they entered the mess hall, Daine knew something was up. For one, everyone was in their seats and quiet. Daine raised her eyebrows at the king, but he just smiled. Numair led them to the head table. Then Jon produced a scroll closed with the royal seal.

Please Join The Royal Family In Celebration Of Tortall's Wildmage, Veralidaine Sarrasri. A Ball Will Be Held On The Fifth Day Of October At Seven Bells.

Signed,

King Jonathan of Conté

"Jon, please not another! I haven't done anything special!" She argued.

"Horse poo, you haven't! You served the country on the border as you have these past six years. I command you to accept." He had a twinkle in his eye again. Sighing and thanking Jon she took the scroll. The mess applauded. "Now, tuck in!" He ordered, and the inhabitants of the room immediately started eating. But before she turned away, she thought she saw Jon wink at Numair, but she wasn't sure.

"Trainees, straighten in your saddle! You won't be allowed to ride off to war looking like a slug! That's it, extend your legs, down again, extend, down, good! Now, continue that for the next quarter hour!" Daine bellowed. Glad to be working with trainees again, she was having far too much fun wearing out her voice.

Cloud, will you please come here? She called with her mind. Nowadays she was only half aware that she was calling; it had become so easy for her.

You know you only have to order me. Since you returned you've changed. All us People see you as our goddess now.

I know. I just like being polite. Now, would you go give this to Numair? She tied her letter to Cloud's neck.

The Storkman? Yes, I suppose so. But you'll owe me carrots.

Oh, stop it. You know you're getting carrots, Daine replied. Cloud trotted off. Numair was probably outside helping students recognize magical herbs such as Vervain; he liked to teach outside.

In the letter it explained Daine would spend all evening in the forest for her duties. She hoped Numair would know what 'duties' meant. She needed to speak with the animals once a week and listen to their thoughts and requests; it was her job as a goddess now. Daine was a bit nervous as it was her first time and she automatically reached down to fiddle with her ring, but then remembered it wasn't there. She resolved to ask him about it that night.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

AUTHOR'S NOTE

Hey you guys! Thanks so much for all the great reviews! I hope you liked this chap. I have another one ready, so review. Try and give me atleast 65. That would make me happy! Thanks again,

Hottie12oclock