Bitterosemary: Thank you, I'm still not sure where the ideas of actually come from. It scares me sometimes, I worry that I'm only meant to have so many ideas and I'll use them up to quickly! NealsChick: Thank you. Celuna Cirrus: Thank you., I hope you though Esryn was strange in a good way? Aravilui: Thank you, blushes. I was inspired to write fanfics by Sonnet Lacewing's stories, so I'm glad I've got someone else having ago, and thank you for recommending me, that's a huge compliment. I hope your friends liked them! Jess: As I said, I'll jump a few years between Lughnasadh and Mabon. I'm trying to stick a little to cannon with regards to DN's relationship, that's why I'm not marrying them as they're still unmarried until Daine's about 25, I think. Drop Your Oboe: Thank you – I hope Beltane lives up to your expectations. Lime 63: Thank you! Dolphin Dreamer: I've tried to get a bit more of Numair's thought in here, see what you think. Thank you for your review as normal! Kelsey: I typed almost 3000 words in two hours when I finished this chapter! Hope that was quick enough. JadeViper08: I've made a reference to Daine's conception – it would be her 18th, as she's just had her 17th birthday, and you're no more of a nerd than the rest of us! Silverlake: I would like to say that I made all the names up – some I did, other I dug around on the net for. Thank you. Daine's Daughter: Thank you. Goldeneyedwildmage: I think most of us have dreamed over Numy at some point, so you're not alone. Your review made me giggle, you have a very (good) funny way of getting things across, I like it! Sonnet Lacewing: I'm sure we could always invent a few more black robes from somewhere to play with! I could have done more with that story, it could have ended up several chapters long. Thank you, as always. Feyrey: Lots of fluff in this one! It had to be with it being Beltane. I've done some poetry to and stuck it on under the same penname as here. I wrote it eons ago, but am still quite proud of it. It meant a lot that you thought I'm at a level where I could send it off. I intend to do one more story after this, and then start my own, I'm already planning bits out. Please keep reviewing, you make some good points. This chapter is fluffy and hence had too much description in it! But I couldn't help it, it was fun.

Thanks for all your reviews!

Disclaimer: It all belongs to TP, as usual.

Beltane Part I

Chapter 1 – Evening

A fresh breeze blew gently through the trees, their branches dancing slightly, making the new leaves rustle. Already it was warm, although summer had not yet begun, and the gathering of merry makers who were dallying by the edge of forest wore clothes that helped to make the most of the cooling air. Wild flowers swayed gently, their heads peering over the lush grass as if they were watching the people as they milled around the field, laughter erupting almost continuously, punctuated by playful banter. The sun was beginning to set slowly, its rays spilling out colours of every hue of red, yellow and orange, creating a patchwork sky against which small fluffy white clouds were paused, the breeze not strong enough to help them hurry their journey.

It was May eve, the night before Beltane, and it seemed that most of the residents, at least the younger ones, were outside in the palace grounds, preparing for the celebrations, which would begin at dusk. Bale fires had been built; prepared from the wood of nine different trees. They would be lit shortly, and their flames would burn as strongly as the spirits of the revellers, long into the night and at full strength. Already ale and wine had been consumed, the merry atmosphere carried along by the sweet breeze, whispering to any wallflowers to join in. The evening would be filled with this ambience, as any cares were forgotten and fears left behind and the union of the Goddess and the young horned God was celebrated.

Daine stood a little way from the group that she was with, watching them intently. She had found many things since she had been living in Tortall; this was the place she had found friends and a family, work that she loved and a home that she'd never even thought she could have. Yet tonight, for her, was a night of contemplation. Beltane eve was the anniversary of when her Da had been moved enough to cross the boundary into the mortal realms and mate with her mother. She had been born nine months later, in Snowsdale, a place that lacked the acceptance of where she was now, naming her a bastard and shunning her and her mother, unless they needed something from them. In other places, the children born of Beltane eve and Greenwood marriages were considered to be children of the whole village and blessed by the Goddess; for her, that hadn't been so. It had been here in Tortall that she had found she was received and welcomed.

She watched the group of people, her family and friends, as they clustered around two heavy piles of wood, and her heart felt big and alive with the love she felt for them. Onua had her arms around the neck of her lover, gently being held in his arms as they shared words away from the rest of the pack. Her face was all smiles, even her eyes, which spoke the happiness she felt with him. Sarge, for all of his giant like size, held her like she was the most precious object on earth, his huge hands encircling her waist and his eyes heavy with feeling.

She saw Thayet being playfully provoked by Jonathan as he rather ungallantly dropped a handful of petals on top of hair, causing her to squeal and dash after him, intent on revenge. Although Daine had seen the formal, polite relationship that they had when other nobles were present, she never tired of seeing how a king and queen could be normal and show how unlike other state marriages, that theirs was one of love rather than convenience. She noticed how Thayet's face lit up when Jonathan pulled her close for a kiss and how his blue eyes, that had once made her go weak at the knees, twinkled at her reaction. They would have never noticed her watching them; they were too engrossed in each other to care about the rest of the world and its opinions. The night was for lovers and even the stars knew it.

Alanna was her usual active self, pacing round the bale fire, passing comments to the other people present. Her hair was still long, almost to her shoulders and her features appeared to have softened in honour of the evening, the normal intense look had been relaxed, her purple eyes reflecting the atmosphere of the occasion. Her husband watched her from a seated position, not tempted to join in his wife's examination of the fire, simply enjoying the view and relaxed blaze of the evening which was ebbing in. Daine watched as the Lioness went to her husband, his arms immediately opening to embrace her, them pulling her down into the grass, their laughter permeating the air. A call from someone calmed them, "Aren't you meant to be in the woods for that?" and they separated slightly. The night would be full of touches and glances; some would last for a year and a day as greenwood marriages, others would remain for longer, until they were separated by the hands of the Black God, and there would be others, like her parents, who would be tied only until sunrise.

For a few minutes she watched the others that she knew circulate, their words free and easy, and their manner light and casual. This year there was no fear resonating in the air, no threat of Ozorne or any strange immortals, and for Daine there was no worry of whom she would jump the embers with. Last year she had half pined for Numair, knowing that her feelings for him had grown into something more than a liking for the man who was her teacher and friend. Shortly after, she had found those feeling to be returned and they were now living together, lovers, accepted by their friends around them and their bond strengthened each day.

She watched him as he floated around the group, chatting to people as he passed them and exchanging smiles. She heard him goading Alanna, teasing her mercilessly about a fall she had had when she had been chasing after Alan, and ended up knocking a jug of blackberry wine over her. Even in the dim light she could see his eyes dancing, his mouth turned up in an amused smile. His thick, raven hair was loosely pulled back into a horse tail, banded by a thin strip of leather then Daine would stake would slacken and fall out by the time they got to their bed. His skin that had once seemed to have aged quickly had been rejuvenated by the peaceful months that they had had, and his thirty one years did not show. His voice echoed around her, making her heart pound and her eyelids feel heavy with desire. She fought the urge to go to him, to run into his arms and stick there, not wanting to appear too needy.

He seemed to realise she was watching him, and began to walk over to her, his long legs eating the ground between them quickly. He swept her close to him, a passion smouldering in his eyes that made her knees give a little and her hands itched to touch him. She remembered their first kiss, and how she had thought later, after several more kisses in less traumatic times, that she had never realised that their kisses would grow more intense. From what she had heard, the passion lessened after a while, and while Daine knew that their relationship was still in its infancy, she had become more enamoured with her man, her need for him growing each day, until sometimes she felt as if she would burst if she couldn't touch him or at least breathe the same air as him. She felt his lips hard against hers as he pressed down for a kiss. She felt the fire in him mingle with the blaze inside her chest and they burned together for awhile, oblivious to any one looking their way, although if they did it wouldn't particularly be noticed on a night like tonight.

"Are you going to come and join us?" Numair whispered to her when he had managed to tear himself away.

Daine nodded, her face feeling flush and hot from the heat of their kiss. "I don't suppose we could slip away now?" She asked, quietly murmuring the words.

Numair laughed. "Although no one would think badly of us, they would notice. We can slip away later, Magelet. It's tradition."

"That would give us a greenwood marriage," Daine smiled. "You have to promise to stay with me for a year and a day."

"You know I'd promise to stay with you a lot longer than that if you'd let me," he half joked.

Daine grinned. "Like I said, if you're very, very good!"

Numair kissed her again; a little more spark in his touch and his kiss became more demanding. Daine forgot the people around them and felt herself merge into him.

They broke apart when the calls of Thayet threatened to deafen them. Looking up, they saw Jonathan scrape two pieces of oak together, the tein eigin – the need-fire, until they were alight with flames. They made it quickly down to the bale fire, watching the king light both of the piles of wood, and then stand back and watch as the flames licked the air around them, burning up the fuel that they stemmed from. Tomorrow there would be ash left on the ground where the fires had been. It would be gathered and spread over the fields, encouraging fertility in the soil. Any woman wishing to bare a child would also gather the ashes and wear them in a small purse around her neck.

Daine noticed a trail of cattle being driven up toward the fires. It was tradition for some animals to be herded between two bale fires, for protection, healing and purification. The disgruntled animals would now be taken into the summer grazing fields, but for now they didn't understand why they were being made to walk at this time, when the sun was just about to disappear for the night. Daine sent them images of fresh green pastures and felt them pacify slightly. The herd moved through, leaving the fires consuming the wood rapidly.

"This time you will be jumping those embers without me forcing you to," Thayet said to Daine. "Last year I had to practically push you and Numair over them."

"We weren't together then, though," Daine replied, recalling the day.

"No, I know. I was wondering how long it would take you before you actually realised you both felt the same," she smiled at the younger woman.

Daine laughed. "Sometimes I wish we had realised it sooner, then I wonder whether it would have turned out the same as it has. I think we found out each other's feeling at the right time."

Thayet nodded, smiling still. "Any longer and Numair would have gone insane with frustration. He appears to have grown younger rather than older since you moved in with him."

Daine looked toward her lover; he stood with Jonathan, George and Harailt, the four of them gazing up at the night sky, pointing out the various constellations that were appearing. Daine saw Thayet roll her eyes at the men. "Isn't it supposed to be us who sit stargazing?" She said in amusement.

"It should be, in theory. However, they are the one's usually sat there looking pretty, while we maintain the success of the country," Alanna appeared behind them.

Thayet nodded. "I wish Jon would realise that sometimes." She looked slightly melancholic for a short moment, but before Daine could inquire as to what the matter was George had appeared at Alanna's side, forcing her to look up at the night sky.

"There's the Cat," she followed his gaze, smiling at memories that Daine knew a little about. She spotted George's hand go around Alanna's waist and him lean in close and whisper something to her. Then she felt an arm sneak around her.

"Jon and Thayet are going to jump the embers," she heard Numair whisper into her ear. "We'll be expected to as well."

She nodded, glancing to look up at the tall man. "We did last year, don't you remember?"

Numair laughed quietly, just so Daine could hear. "I couldn't forget. All I could think about that night was you, and how you might end up doing it with some other man."

Daine turned and nuzzled her nose into the gap of his shirt, knowing the effect that the simple action had on him. "I was wondering if you would find some fair lady to escort into the woods," she said, aware of his racing heart.

"I think I was wondering about what it would be like to take a walk in the woods with you, and bring in the may," he confessed, making Daine smile.

"It always amazes me that you felt that way about me back then and I didn't know," she said quietly, half watching the fire being reduced to embers. The other would be kept burning until the morning so that the couples who wanted to see in the may could collect a flame from the fire to light their own hearth on the way back.

"You must have had an inkling of how I felt about you," Numair stated. "I think I was quite obvious sometimes. Most other people seemed to be aware of something being between us."

"Well did you know of my feelings?" Daine demanded playfully. "I was too wrapped up in thinking that someone like you would never fall in love with a village girl from Snowsdale."

Numair tweaked her nose. "I thought that you'd never want an old man like me, who spends most of his life wrapped up in arcane books trying to comprehend the meaning of things that would only apply to a handful of people."

Daine stood on her tiptoes and kissed him softly on his lips, ignoring the calls from George to gather round the dying fire. "I think, Master Mage," she said when she pulled away from him. "That we should stop thinking about reasons why we shouldn't have loved one another, and go and see Thayet singe her clothes."

Numair grinned, still holding onto her, not wanting to let go in case she turned out to be some wonderful dream. With his arm wrapped around her small waist, they strolled the few steps to the vanishing bale fire, standing near to Onua and Sarge, who were also paying far more attention to each other than the proceedings around them.

It was an informal affair. Few of the elder members of court had come, so the banter between the adults was rife. A few of Corus' citizens had been formally invited to attend, such as one or two friends of George's who had been highly useful in the past year or so and a handful of the traders whose goods were used by the king and queen.

They were on the top of a slight hill, the north of which led gently down into forestry. All around him, Numair could see that the fields were alight with bale fires; some would not be put out and jumped until closer till midnight and already he could spy couples wandering into the dense woods, to 'see in the may.' The following morning would find couples wandering back from the woods and the fields, their hands full of flowers and sprigs of Hawthorne, which they would they deliver to the houses of friends and relatives on their way back to bed.

He imagined that he and Daine would also enact the ritual of spending the night making love in the woods, supposedly in honour of the union between the Great Mother Goddess and the young horned god. It was also the night of the year when custom allowed people to be rid of their wedding rings and spend the night as they would if they were single, although he didn't know anyone this year who would be doing that, although he knew it would be fairly common in the smaller villages. He glanced at Daine and knew that even if he was lucky enough for her to one day accept one of his many proposals, then he would never dream of ridding himself of the band that tied them, even for one night.

They watched as the queen and king linked hands and jumped the embers, laughing slightly as Jonathan mockingly gathered Thayet's light skirt with the hand that held hers. His robes had one year caught flame as they had jumped the smoking wood, a story that had now gone down as legend. He saw George take hold of Alanna's hand, watching as she gathered up her skirts rather elegantly. She took pleasure on wearing more feminine clothes when she had the chance, having spent most of her life in breeches and a shirt. A cheer went up as Alanna screeched "For Tortall!" at the top of her voice, managing to make herself heard over all the noise around them. Numair was sure that George was probably wishing for more little ones, knowing that he missed having small children about Pirate's Swoop, and would dearly like to add to their family.

Numair's eyes widened as he spotted the next couple, Raoul and Buri. Both were single, although there was always a rumour that connected them with somebody. He saw them grip hands and jump rather athletically over the dying fire, Buri yelling something about protection that he didn't quite catch as Thayet was now ordering in his ear to take Daine and jump next.

He looked at her, his heart swelling a little with pride and affection as they went to the front of the crowd, a cheer going up when people noticed who was up next. As a fairly new couple, it was their first Beltane, there had been many words jested about their upcoming night in the woods, and the passion that they should be sharing in bed. It was all taken in good spirits though, and Daine had been less embarrassed than Numair at some of the rather more jocular remarks made by members of the own, who had been given leave to attend by Raoul, one or two of them bringing girls from the nearby villages, checking that pregnancy charms were firmly tied around their necks.

The fire cleared, Numair pulled Daine close to him, certain that the attention was now focused on Onua and Sarge who were next to cross the embers and were receiving far more comments than he and Daine had due to Sarge's standing with members of the Own and Rider groups.

"We can probably slip off now," he whispered to Daine, his hand reaching up to caress her hair. "I've seen that Alanna and George have already disappeared, and I doubt they've gone to check on the children, seeing that Maud is there."

Daine put her hands around his neck. "I'm surprised that she was so willing to handle Kitten as well, else we would have had company in these woods!" She said to the mage.

Numair found his hands starting to wander, needing to make contact with her. The night was always saturated with desire and he was being drawn into it fast, feeling that his need for her was greater than it had ever been. Silently, they turned and began to make their way into the dense forest that stretched around for several miles. Daine knew the woods well and he knew that she would lead them to a spot where they would be undisturbed by any other courting couples, and could see in the may in peace, with just each other present.

He found he had to stop every few steps and uptake a closer touch, needing to feel her body next to his. He could sense the fervour growing in her, her responses becoming hungrier and her hands causing him to take some sharp breaths to steady himself. He knew that his lips would be bruised in the morning; such was the fury of their kisses and doubted that they would make it much further down the path. He felt her wrap a leg around his; still standing, it drew her hips closer. He broke away from her, looking for a bed of moss, or somewhere free from anything that would cause discomfort.

Looking up, he saw antlers and at first was unconcerned until he realised a split second later that they were attached to a man. He felt Daine move against him, oblivious to what he had just noticed.

"Numair…" she cooed his name, her hands unbuttoning his shirt. She looked up at him when she found him unresponsive, and noticed the expression on his face. She turned round in his arms and looked towards her parents who were now only several footsteps away.

He expected her to leave him and rush towards them, for she very rarely saw them, and had not expected to this sabbat as Sarra had claimed that they were needed to act in their roles for the night. Numair had expected Sarra to be busy heeding calls from women who wanted to be with child and were having difficulties. However, it appeared that she had found the time, had not given them any warning and now Daine's father, who didn't particularly like him anyway had now caught him in an incredibly compromising position with his daughter. Numair felt his passion vacate his body rapidly, wondering if he was about to meet one of the hunt god's arrows.

Sarra was smiling as she reached them, her eyes twinkling at the situation she had caught them in. she reached for her daughter and took her into a warm embrace. Daine parted from him, and Numair knew that although she was pleased to see her parents, it had disturbed her own fun.

"I'm sorry, sweet," Numair heard her say. "I know we were interrupting, but we managed to find a gap in time to come, and I wasn't able to let you know." Obviously the actions between him and Daine hadn't gone unnoticed. He offered his hand to Weiryn, who smiled at him, his eyes dancing at Numair's discomfort.

"It is a Beltane tradition," the god muttered quietly to him. "I suppose I would have been worried about your status as a man if you hadn't have brought my daughter out here on a night like this, although I am glad we weren't any later." Numair felt himself redden to the very tips of his ears, knowing that Weiryn had managed to bait him as well as showing his acceptance.

"I am sorry that you saw what you did, Weiryn. I wish you had been a few minutes earlier," Numair replied, knowing that his discomfort was evident in his voice.

Daine parted from her mother to greet her Da, although her welcome was not the rapturous one her Ma had received, it was only slightly less. She had confessed to Numair that she was unsure what to speak to her Da about when she saw him. She had only known of who he was for slightly less that a year; and Numair knew that she had many questions for him that would one day need addressing. But for now, she hugged him, then let go and returned to Numair's side.

They sat on two large tree trunks that had fallen closely facing each other. Sarra inquired after their health, and the well being of their friends whom she had met at Mabon last year. Weiryn stayed fairly quiet, mainly asking about the weapon maker they had been using to make bows, and how the hunt seasons had been. Numair found himself relaxing into the conversation. Sarra was good company, her manner easy going and playful. He had known for a while that she liked and approved of him, having told Daine as much when she had found herself back in the divine realms after killing Ozorne. As for Weiryn, this was the least hostile he had been toward him, which considering the position he had nearly found him in with his daughter was quite a feat.

"So, Numair," Weiryn said in his commanding voice. "Do you get to spend much time as you would like at your home?"

"We've been needed at the palace for many reasons recently," he replied, his voice at its most respectful. "So no, we've haven't been there much. We did find time to make it more homely, and move a few of Daine's belonging across, and buy new essentials, so she can travel light when we go there. Hopefully we'll make a trip there soon, possibly for Midsummer. You would be very welcome to come to us there." Numair offered.

"Thank you," Weiryn nodded his head at the mage. "That's a kind offer to give to the parents of your lover. We will not know until nearly to the date if we can, but we will certainly give you more notice next time." He stood up and sighed. "I would like a longer amount of time to spend getting to know my daughter; however that will not happen unless you are both granted leave to come to our home." He eyed Numair sharply and Numair knew that he was thinking of Daine's choice to return here to him, and not live with her parents as a demi-goddess. For a second he felt a wave of guilt drown him, but recalled that it had been Daine's decision and even Sarra had admitted that that her daughter would have been unhappy in the divine realms.

"Maybe that will be able to occur at some point soon," Numair hoped that Weiryn would sense his sincerity.

The god nodded, his antlers moving with the gesture. "Maybe. I hope you noticed that you were included in that too. I am well aware that Veralidaine would not leave you for any length of time," he answered. Numair wondered whether he was trying to turn a compliment he had paid.

"He means that we would like to get to know you better as well," Sarra interjected, finishing her conversation with Daine, in which Numair had over heard the words 'pregnancy charm,' 'monthly' and 'breasts' mentioned, which had sent him into an inward fluster, wondering what they could possibly be talking about to be mentioning such things.

"It would be an honour to return to the divine realms, and of course, become further acquainted," Numair answered, keeping his thoughts under control. He remembered to birds and animals that they had seen there and felt the urge to find some old spell that could transport them there so he could explore the wondrous environment there.

"Hopefully it will one day happen. The gods were pleased with what Daine did with regards to Uusoae, they may well rescind their exile on her from our home," Weiryn sighed. "We must return," he said, looking at Sarra. "And leave these two to continue celebrating Beltane in the way that we once did."

Sarra nodded, embracing Daine one last time and them gripping Numair also. "Take care of her," she told him, moving away and allowing Weiryn to kiss his daughter and shake Numair's hand. The look in his eye as he did so was one of clear amusement, and Numair wondered if he had passed whatever secret tests Weiryn had put him through.

"I hope to see you soon," he said to the god, and then held Daine close to him as they watched them wander back into the woods, Sarra turning back to wave goodbye one last time, her eyes shining with tears held back from having to leave her daughter again.

They sat back down on one of the tree trunks, silent for awhile, simple regarding each other closely. Daine put her hand up and touched Numair's cheek, her fingers gliding down over the slight black stubble that grew too quickly for the mage's liking. She moved closer to him and he felt her lips return to his, his fire quickly reignited. This time the passion seemed fuelled by a different source, it lingering and going on a slow burn, simmering as their fingers rediscovered the places that made the other one purr. Words weren't necessary; they had other ways of communicating, and after what seemed like a length of time painful with anticipation Numair found that Daine had removed his shirt and bare skin was now exposed to the warm night. They had moved onto a patch of soft grass, an opening between the ceilings of trees above them, through which he could see the stars hanging and the moon lending its haunting glow to the atmosphere.

There love making was slow; the unexpected visitors seemingly causing the flame between them to glow for a little longer. Numair felt that Daine seemed determined to drag out the little teasing touches so that he was agonised with anticipation, bringing him to a crescendo which almost made him unsure with its intensity.

Afterwards, as they lay there, hidden from the path and prying eyes, the hints of the morning sun beginning touch the sky, they heard a familiar voice and the sound of hurried running. He looked at Daine, her eyes reflecting her contentment, and she drew up slightly, looking through the rhododendrons that were giving them their privacy. Numair followed her gaze and saw Thayet as she paused, her chest heaving with exertion and tears spilling over her cheeks.

"I'm sorry," they heard her cry back from where she had ran. "We should talk this through." And answer came, muffled by distance so it was unintelligible. Thayet seemed to sob harder at this, and Daine began to reach for her clothes, wanting to go to her friend. Numair put a hand to her shoulder and stopped her, shaking his head slightly.

After she had gone, Daine looked at him, her body still pressed against his. "Why did you stop me from going?" She asked softly.

"That wasn't for us to see," he replied. "I assume she was fighting with Jonathan, although I have never known it happen before. If it's more than a lovers' tiff then they will confide in us when they want to." Daine nodded, knowing that men worked in completely different ways from women. She would seek Thayet out later and make sure that nothing was amiss.

The sun continued to rise, the sky brightened by its glow, as the dawn introduced a new day.

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