Hey Guys, I just wanna thank you for your reviews! Oh and I have no problems with constructive criticism. I appreciate all the positive help I get from my readers. Let's just pretend that Daine can do all these special things. Well, first of all, Daine and The Mother Goddess made a deal where Daine had to work for her if she would be allowed to goback to Tortall. Daine has "connections" Thanks again! (Oh and oops! Daine's eyes are blue.)

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Chapter 14: Pre - Ball

Daine breathed in the forest smells and closed her eyes. Silently she called to the People. At once they answered her. Then, she patiently picked one out at a time and listened to them. She continued this for a long while.

Daine didn't know how long she had sat there but was surprised to see that it was dark. She was also surprised when she turned and saw Numair leaning against a tree, asleep on his feet. Smiling, she got up (with some difficulty) and gently shook him. He woke abruptly.

"Sorry I fell asleep. So much for watching over you! You've been at it for about nine hours."

"Wow. Well, I'm feeling it," She said.

"You'll make it back okay?" He questioned with a bit of worry.

"Oh, I'll be perfectly fine! Just a little stiff," Daine explained as they started to walk back to the palace. Once out of the woods, Daine was able to see the stars and the moon. From its position, she gauged it was around two in the morning. She straightened her neck and felt a little dizzy. She was tired.

Shaking her head to clear it and dismissing Numair's worried glances with a wave of her hand she continued on her way. After three steps she stumbled and started to fall. Luckily, Numair was there to catch her.

"Daine, you are not alright. You need some help getting back to our room. Just let me support you," Numair said sternly. She looked into his eyes and felt her own eyes close; she fought it with all her will.

"No, no, I'm fine! Just let me be," She leaned away from him and began to fall again; Numair caught her again. She was sleepy, so sleepy…

Numair sighed and picked her up, carrying her like a baby with her head resting on his chest.

"You are too tired, little Magelet," he stated.

"Well, nine hours of non-stop magic will do that to a person. Even if I am a goddess, it's only a title for me. I'm the same as before," her voice was getting softer by each word. She yawned "I'm worn out," she admitted and was asleep.

"Sleep well, Love," Numair whispered softly. She didn't respond.

"Is she okay? What's wrong with her?" A worried Alanna greeted them outside their rooms. To any other person, Numair carrying Daine would make it seem as if something was wrong.

"She's fine. Wore herself out, though. She just needs sleep. Open the door for me, will you? It's unlocked." Alanna pushed their door open and bid them good night. Numair put his sleeping magelet in bed and removed her boots. Then, stripping to his loincloth, climbed in beside her.

Daine slept uneasy that night, but it wasn't until an hour had passed that she began to have nightmares. First, she was floating through grey space. Then suddenly she saw herself on a red stain. She peered closer and decided that this was blood. Panicking, she felt her breath getting heavier and an unbearable pain scorched her side. No, no, this couldn't be the end! Not again, no more, she prayed. No, not this! Anything but this, she moaned.

Numair had been awakened by her heavy breathing and mutterings. Concerned he had tried to wake her but didn't succeed. He repeated her name again and again and tried to soothe her. Finally, he just took a towel and began to wipe her sweaty brow.

He was startled by a particularly violent jerk and scream that seemed to burst his eardrums. He needed to wake her. She was obviously in pain, clutching her side, and he couldn't stand being useless.

"Daine, Daine, please wake up! Wake up, Sweet it's okay! Only a dream. Oh, gods we need a healer! Healer!" Frantically he flew to the door and began to wrench it open when her stirrings stopped and her breath became quiet. Numair, fearing for her life, rushed to her side and took her hand.

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There was a pulse. He breathed a sigh of relief and laid his head on her gently rising ribs. He still wasn't sure if she was fine, though, so he decided to fetch Neal.

"She's fine," Neal reported after an inspection. "I don't know why she won't wake, though. Must be gods-influenced." Numair nodded and thanked him for coming. Neal nodded and started for the door.

"Neal, wait. If you could keep this quiet? I mean, for Daine? I don't think she would want the whole palace to know she had nightmares." Neal agreed and retired to his rooms. Numair crawled back into bed and couldn't help holding Daine close. He didn't like the spasms she was having and needed her right with him.

Daine woke in the early morning. She had just finished a conversation with the Mother Goddess, who had assured her that only every once in a while bad dream got past the Dream God. He was there, too, and apologized sincerely for her inconvenience. Ganiel explained that certain dreams were made of what a person feared most, and in her case it was her injury.

Although she had been comforted, it didn't help her fright. She would never do border patrol again. Ever. But when Daine looked up and realized that she was safely tucked into Numair's arms, she relaxed a little. While in Numair's arms, she knew nothing would ever harm her. Still, she didn't close her eyes. She was afraid of what might be displayed behind them.

As Numair was starting to wake, she closed her eyes and steadied her breathing. Then, when she knew he was awake, she stirred, stretched, yawned, and opened her eyes. Numair fell for it.

"Good morning, sweet," he greeted. He decided it was best not to mention last night. She managed to greet him before Numair jumped up.

"Oh, Mithros! We are supposed to meet Jon in eleven minutes! I forgot about our meeting. He told me yesterday when you were working," he added to answer the question displayed on her face. She sighed and began to dress. Pulling her hair into a pony's tail and splashing her face with water, she left with Numair.