The Chronicling of a Relationship
Numair Salmalin sat brooding at one of Tortall's many royal balls. He was beseeched all around by fine court ladies; however, he could tell that all they wanted was his power and wealth. At least, that was what they thought they could get. Numair wasn't interested in any of them, at all.
Letting his soft, dark eyes wander, Numair spotted his student, and recent love, Veraldaine Sarrasri, the Wildmage. Midwinter was coming soon, and he wondered if she would ever accept his proposal. Numair watched with distant eyes as her soft blue dress with fashionably bare shoulders and tight bodice swirled sensuously around her as she moved. She was surrounded by a group of love-sick admirers. The most persistent was Perin, the Clerk. He seemed to be trying to persuade Daine to do something that she was refusing.
Numair was displeased when Daine finally consented, following Perin. Frowning slightly, the tall mage disentangled himself from his unwanted admirers, and drifted closer as Perin somewhat forcefully took Daine's arm, and steered her towards the Gardens. Numair suddenly realized what he was doing. What right did he have? She was entitled to her own life and decisions.
Numair's heart felt uneasy. After a silent debate, he decided to follow. Alanna, dancing recklessly with George, sensed that something was wrong as she watched the black robed mage leave the room. She mentioned it to George, who confirmed her feelings.
"I saw his lass being led towards the gardens by that swain, Perin. I never did like his looks." George scowled darkly. It was common knowledge around the castle that two people, together, only ever went out into the gardens during a ball for one reason.
Alanna motioned for George to follow her, and they set out after Numair.
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Out in the gardens, Perin was trying to woo Daine. Normally she would have tried to listen to him, but her thoughts kept drifting back to Numair. She knew she would always feel safe, loved and protected in the circle of his arms. She loved the way he kissed her, always sensitive and kind. Sitting on the cold, hard bench with someone she didn't love, Daine shivered. She could almost feel those phantom arms now and a teasing kiss on her lips. She sighed. Would he ever be hers?
Noticing the sigh, Perin stopped his endeavors. Perin felt angered inside. He would make this girl love him! In the dappled moonlight that spilled so freely, fashionably bare shoulders showed off the lacing in the front of the dress. It was the only thing holding together the corset. The dark haired boy leaned over to engage her inviting lips in a kiss.
Daine was horrified. How could he do this to her? She started to protest, but Perin silenced her with his tongue. When Daine pulled away, Perin pulled her closer, his long fingers making quick work of the laced dress.
Numair was standing near their bench when Perin started kissing Daine. Disgusted, he was about to leave when he heard the first sparrow twitter. Numair turned and was horrified to see that Perin had the bodice of Daine's dress almost completely off. It was clear now the struggle she was putting up, aided by her sparrow friends.
Drawing up to his full height, Numair stalked into the open, and yelled, "How dare you touch on unwilling woman!"
Black fire began to pool around his hands and body. Greatly angered, he drew back his hand, and released a ball of magic towards Perin. Whispering a few well chosen words, he froze the hapless clerk. Perin wasn't really frozen, his body was just slowed down considerably, so much that he appeared to be unmoving.
With a cracked whisper of, "Daine!" Numair rushed forwards to grab the sobbing woman. The sparrows, who had been fruitlessly trying to prohibit Perin's movements, now settled on Daine, Numair, and the nearby rose bushes.
His long fingers gentle, he held the wildmage, and softly laced up her dress. Daine clung to Numair, her one comfort in the cold world. She felt safe in his arms; the gentle caress on her hair calming her.
"Magelet," her promised, "I'll never let anyone hurt you, ever again."
"I know," came the simple reply.
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Breaking the moment, Alanna rushed in, closely followed by George. The lioness, her dress askew, and a ball of violet light in her hand, moved hesitantly forward. The Baron stayed farther back, taking in the odd scene. His brows, knit together in confusion, slowly dropped in comprehension. George's knowing eyes took in everything around him. First there was Daine, her dress misshapen, being held and shielded by Numair. Her face was tear-stained. His wife sat by, talking anxiously to Numair.
The Baron received a shock when he saw Perin. His mouth moved slowly, but no sounds came out. A horrified look was plastered on his face.
"Numair, what happened?" questioned a very worried Alanna. Numair pointed wordlessly to Perin.
"Daine?" Alanna asked. A sob answered.
"Numair?" Alanna was now very brisk and business like. "Can you take her to her room? She is in shock, and I want to put her into a dreamless sleep."
Numair stood up, still holding Daine in his arms. "She doesn't have room yet. She's been staying with the riders. Will my rooms do?"
"Yes, but as long as we can get there fast enough." Alanna terse response spun them all into action.
The odd group left the cold gardens, leaving a very angry clerk behind.
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