Disclaimer: This story is based on the incredible work of Tamora Pierce, without whom the wonderful characters Daine and Numair would not exist.

A/N: Everybody has been bugging me about who belongs with Onua. If you have read "Trickster's Choice" you already know because of the naming day ceremony. You'll get to see it here.

Ethalas Tuath'an: I love writing George. He makes everything fun. That was Daine as I see her to a "T". There were so many little things covered in there, including the spelled arrows thing.

Jules-Gemma: Thanks

Purple Eyed Cat: If you've read TC, you already know the answer to that.

Kit49: Yes, FORESHADOWING! And both were so tired and worried about the other that they didn't realize what George was telling them. You'll have to wait for that part. The almost near quote from RotG is on purpose, but I doubt if anyone but you will really realize it. I wanted to make it so that when she says she knows she loves him, it's because there's no doubt left. And don't worry about Onua. Love is coming her way in the sweetest way.

1reallyblue1: I loved making George's lines. They were my favorite. Like when I write Evin, he's fun because he's naturally a fun-loving man.

ConfusedKnight: I hope this chapter clears it all up for you.

Narm's Briton 44: I knew you'd like the carnage. And as much as I might want them to go together, I can't. It doesn't happen for 6 months.

Nativewildmage: Glad you liked it.

Chapter 20 - Kisses

True to her word, Onua had stayed busy, trying not to think about Cearl or the events of their trip north. It had taken a couple days for Numair to regain his strength and for the weather to permit travel, plus another two days to reach Corus. Once they were back at the capital there was clean up work to do there too. The earthquake had affected everything within a 200 mile radius.

Then Onua had thrown herself into preparations for the Mid-Winter festival, volunteering to help in so many places there was no time to think. She had not thought about Cearl since the ride back when she had learned a few things that made the truth even harder to face. It seemed that nearly everything she thought she knew about him was either a lie or truth so badly stretched that it was barely recognizable. He had not, for example, been invited to join Lindhall, Harailt, and Numair, but had volunteered out of the blue. Although Lindhall had mentioned Daine in his correspondence, he had not ever divulged her name or very many details about her magic other than that it was wild magic. Onua would probably never know if Cearl had cried over his horse, or if that was one of those things he took from reading her mind like "an open, pathetic book". And they could not be sure if the spidren attack was real or staged.

Discovering Cearl's role in the mind-control magic had left more questions than answers. Although they were certain that he had "infected" Daine, Alanna, Raoul and probably Daniel, they were not certain if he had actually been the one to infect Gary. The presence of the stormwing had never been cleared up, and they didn't know how he knew so much about them.

The bracelet had been a unique thing. Each gem stone represented an individual and gave him a glimpse into their lives. That was unnerving for the women especially. He could literally see what they were doing at any given time. When Daine and Alanna had looked at it in those first few moments after Daine had taken it, they had seen themselves in the stones, exactly the way a third party would view them.

A small bottle of griffin blood potion had been found in Cearl's belongings and the book they had seen him reading repeatedly explained the spell. It gave the mages the knowledge to counteract everything in case Cearl had an accomplice somewhere.

The griffin blood potion had been mixed and poured on gems best matching each individual and tying them to it. He could then focus his power into the stones to make them do whatever he wished. The stones had included an amethyst for Alanna (a power stone), aquamarine for Daniel and Raoul (courage stones), sapphire for Daine (a nature power stone), tourmaline for Gary (a wisdom stone) and several unused stones of emerald, jasper, and jade. A small piece of malachite between each tied them together. The mages had even speculated that the emeralds were intended for powerful sorcerers (probably Numair and Harailt). Although Numair, Lindhall, and Harailt had explained all of this, Onua didn't understand the brilliance of the spell. She only understood that it represented her failure to her friends.

The mid-winter festival, a week-long celebration surrounding the longest night of the year, was underway now. There was little else to focus on this time of year. The castle held a banquet and dancing each night in which the pages were always asked to serve. The nobles, ladies of the court, and other esteemed guests were invited each night. But Buri had always hated parties of that magnitude. She had made her own tradition for a private party for the Queen's Riders held on the third night of the festival (the day before the longest night of the year). It was that party that Onua had poured her efforts into this year and she was uncertain what distractions she would find when it was over. That party was to begin in a few short hours.

The party was casual, unlike the big parties at the castle, and Onua dressed in her nicest tan breeches and yellow shirt with a darker yellow tunic thrown over for warmth. The riders would snack on finger foods, sing songs accompanied by whoever had instruments and was willing to play, and tell stories of the year. Onua knew that stories of their adventure were likely. That knowledge ate at her.

It wasn't as if her friends had deserted her either. With the exception of Alanna and George, all would be there that evening. Alanna and George had decided to leave the children with their grandparents and spend some time alone. They were probably in Pirate's Swoop, but they might also have headed for the dessert. Everyone else who knew first-hand about her relationship with Cearl was coming to the rider's party in the barracks. Even Numair and Harailt, who almost always liked to be in the middle of the court happenings had chosen to be there.

Daine had stuck close, providing as much comfort as Onua could ever ask. That evening she knocked on Onua's door. Onua opened it to find Daine dressed in a pretty, silk pantsuit that was probably left from her trip to Carthak. She, too, had added a tunic for warmth. It was dark blue and looked to be made of wool. Her hair was down and loose and looked a bit wild, no doubt crackling with static from the wool. She had Kit balanced on one hip and was carrying a big plate of cookies. "Hello Onua, you look more beautiful than ever," the girl said kindly. "Thayet sent these. She says she plans to drop by later since ours is the 'real party'." She laughed, eyes twinkling.

For a moment, Onua found herself caught in the memory of this young girl like she looked when Onua first saw her. The difference was startling. She could see the waif-like thirteen year old, her haunted eyes, too thin face and desperate expression – asking for work and pretending to be fifteen -- the age she actually was now. They were almost like two different people. The young woman before her was beautiful, responsible and self-assured. Onua realized for the first time that Daine was marriage age for commoners now. She wondered how long it would be until the clerk started hanging around again. She saw Daine as her daughter in a way, and resolved to help her find happiness.

When they got to the mess hall they discovered that Buri and the seventh riders had returned. Evin Larse had put on his best player clothes and was doing magic tricks for his friends. That boy was always the center of attention. He waived enthusiastically at Onua and Daine when they came in and managed to drop the coin he had been hiding. The uproar of laughter only spurred him on. Buri walked up and embraced Onua tightly. "It's good to see you back in one piece," the shorter K'mir told her.

Kuri Taylor was passing out small sandwiches, wearing a glowing smile. Even Raoul of Goldenlake had decided to join them. He normally hated the pomp and circumstance of the castle and he greeted Onua warmly from the doorway. Buri dragged the tall man outside for a brief sparring match soon after and Onua laughingly wondered who would triumph.

They all mingled awhile before the riders gathered to sing a few songs, making room for Onua and her Citole. There were two guitar players in the crowd too and one lute player. Numair had brought his flute, and Kuri had brought a small harp that was badly out of tune. They played all the old favorites first, singing loudly and, in some cases, off-key. She had arranged to do the new songs, though she really wasn't into thinking about love tonight. But when it came time for Sarge to sing, it was Numair instead who nervously stepped to the center. Sarge sat down next to Onua and grinned reassuringly at her.

Sarge had a clear, very deep voice and Onua liked the sound when they had practiced. Numair's was not so deep and not so loud, but still she liked the effect as he seemed more in touch with his own words. He sang softly, barely looking around him, facing the doorway as if he might be hoping for escape. Onua noticed that Daine watched him from the back of the crowd where it would be hard for him to find her. When he was finished, the applause was tremendous.

Now that the riders had Numair where he was easy to interrogate, they started to ask about the trip north and Cearl. Onua found she couldn't stand to stay. She excused herself and left, barely realizing that Sarge followed her out of the door.

"That mage has a way with lyrics," he said conversationally.

"He likes words, it makes sense," Onua answered.

"Yes, but I meant the sentiment." The former slave was a huge man, towering over everyone and especially Onua. He sat down by the well and looked up at the stars. "I like a good love song."

"I'm not sure I do any more. I think I'm pretty much through with love, in general," she said.

"Oh, I hope that isn't true. You might break a heart or two with that vow." The deep rumble of his voice gave the words an emphasis that caught her by surprise.

She looked up into his large brown eyes and saw something she'd never noticed before – a gentleness and shyness that seemed both akin and in conflict with everything she'd ever known about this man. "Love can make a fool of the smartest person, but it's the kinda' fool everybody oughta' get to be at least once." He smiled, his teeth showing a shocking white in features almost hidden in the night. He took one of her small tan hands in his large umber hand, raised it to his lips and kissed it. "Someday, I'll be your fool if you want." There was so much warmth in the words that she felt herself shiver pleasantly. She moved toward him without realizing it and felt strong arms envelope her. When their lips met, it was the most gentle kiss she had ever experienced.

When they broke apart, he stared deeply into her eyes with a look of burning passion. "You don't have to decide anything now. I'll keep waitin' until you're ready." A large hand stroked her cheek once more and then he stood and walked back to the party, leaving Onua's heart to pound in the chill night air.

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By the time Onua and Sarge returned to the party, Numair was starting to feel uncomfortable. The riders were playing a party game called "Kiss and Tell". It was apparently a Rider's Party tradition but seemed like something that would be more fun after a lot of wine. Wine was banned from the Rider's Baracks. The players dropped their name in a hat where they were chosen out at random. Then they had to draw a slip from two of three jars. One slip came from the "challenge" jar corresponding to their sex and the other came from the "tattle" jar. Numair wasn't participating. He was sitting in a corner with Lindhall and Harailt, drinking tea and discussing renewing their attempts to repair the barrier.

He didn't pay much attention to the game, glancing at it only briefly, until Daine's name was pulled. She good naturedly reached into the tattle jar and handed the slip to Miri who read, "Who was the first person you kissed and who was the best person you kissed?"

Daine blushed slightly and said, "Evin, at this very party a year ago and also Evin at this party a year ago." This pronouncement was followed by a lot of whooping and whistling. Numair had the incredible urge to send a little fire at the tall, blond player, but he chastised himself. He tried to chuckle along with Lindhall.

"Daine, have you ever even kissed anyone else?" a boy teased. She turned bright red and nodded defiantly.

"But Evin's still the best?" a thin brunette girl teased incredulously. Numair thought they had introduced her as Rose.

"Look at him," Daine said shrugging. "That's a well-practiced mouth." The jibe received a roar of laughter and even Numair had to join in, though he tried to stifle it with his hand.

The only girl not laughing, Daine's friend Miri, held out the girl's challenge jar. Miri read, "Kiss the tallest man in the room."

Good naturedly, Daine said, "Okay, but I think I'm going to need a chair to stand on."

"Come on, you can't make the poor girl kiss her teacher," Harailt objected with a grin.

"Don't worry, they're not." Numair said softly, trying not to think about the kiss worth dying for he had experienced two weeks before. He tilted his head to indicate Sarge. Lindhall started to laugh. Numair said loudly, "Don't worry, Magelet, I'll give you a boost. Nod when you're ready."

Multiple voices teased, "Pucker up, Sarge" and made kissing noises at them.

She walked over to Sarge and held her arms out, nodding to Numair. Black fire lifted her up fifteen inches and she planted a light kiss on Sarge's mouth. Numair let her down softly.

Everybody was clapping and cheering. Miri ran over to Numair and said, "Fly me next" and wiggled her eyebrows. Numair distinctly heard Harailt and Lindhall stifling laughter.

Evin glared in Numair's general direction and when Miri turned around, he said, "Miri, I'm tired of flirting." He swept the girl into his arms and kissed her deeply, right there in front of everybody. When he let her go, Evin said, "Mid-Winter luck, Miri." Renewed "Ohhs", "Ahhs" and whistles rang through the room.

Onua said, "Miri, can I have Daine's slip of paper?" The "ooohs" that followed left most everybody in better spirits as Onua walked Sarge back out of the room.

"This looks like fun. Can anyone play?" a soft voice said. Numair looked up.

"Elyra," he said with a grin and rose to greet her. She greeted the mages enthusiastically, eyes barely leaving Lindhall's countenance. They listened to Elyra's story about the treaty, which was officially back on with the addition of a betrothal between Prince Roald and one of the new emporer's nieces.

After a while, the noise of the party seemed to be dropping slightly.Seeing his friend's face, Numair whispered to Lindhall, "Would you like me to have Miri make a slip directing Elyra to kiss the second tallest mage in the room, or are you going to take care of it on your own?"

Lindhall looked surprised at Numair. "It's not – we're not – she's…"

"Trust me," Numair whispered encouragingly

Lindhall took Elyra by the hand and led her out the door while Numair grinned. He looked up to see Daine watching him. What was that expression on her face? He found himself wishing he had played so he could've kissed the most beautiful girl in the room guilt-free. Pushing the thought aside, he turned to Harailt and said, "I think I should probably call it a night."

As if he wasn't feeling strange enough about his feelings for Daine, as he walked back to his rooms Numair saw Perin walking to the Rider's Party. He took solace in only one thought, Daine didn't prefer Perin's kiss to Evin's and Evin was now taken. Maybe they wouldn't resume dating. Then again, he probably shouldn't hope for that.

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There is still the epilogue to come. Until then, please respond.