After the War
Disclaimer: I do not own the Immortals series, and I do not own Numair, if I did, well that would be the last you saw of him.
Chapter Three
Daine raced through the hallways, anxious as always to see her friends, she burst into the dining hall followed by a laughing Numair, and it was nice to be back, to have something to smile about at least that was what she thought. John sat at the head of the table discussing the budget with Gary when the pair walked in, it had been a far cry from pleasant since the girl left, Numair was like a feral wolf without her sweet nature and calming effect. Daine bounced up to the table and curtsied, she straightened to see her king trying in vain to cover a smile that spread across his handsome features.
He managed to control his silent laughter enough to give her the news, "Daine, we have a meeting after lunch, seems we have to put together a party like we did a year or so ago. Details will be given later; it's good to have you back. Perhaps now Numair won't act as if he is at death's door. He has been such a bother when he won't stop moping!"
Now John knew nothing of the relationship between the student and teacher, he only figured that his friend was upset that they could get no work done being halfway across the world or so it seemed. In truth no one really knew of the relationship, it was one of the best-kept secrets at court. It helped that they had only been like this since the end of the Immortals War, as well as the distance that had separated them for so long. Perhaps the only ones who knew were a stormwing or two, her parents, and the animals.
They sat down to eat with the others, laughing and joking, answering questions and teasing their meal partners. It was an enjoyable meal, Daine was sorry when the king rose to signal the end. Those who had been ordered to attend the meeting exited and made their way to the room where they held these things. Daine saw Tkaa and Kitten in the hallway and Kitten demanded with rather sharp pointed whistles that she wanted to be carried. Daine obliged and took her along with her to the quite obviously important meeting.
The table was filled, and Daine took up a position near a window, she stood and watched a finch dance to his own tune, fluttering wings that seemed only to slow her breath and mind. It was like being hypnotized by the sweet melody and the grace. The harder she tried to draw herself away, the more it took hold, then she heard the word that made her snap to attention, Galla. She almost dropped the dragonet, but only managed to look like a deer caught in the light of a hunter.
Several glances were cast her way, some out of disdain, others of sympathy, still more out of duty. It hurt to hear that place mentioned in here, where it could mean only a few things. Even fewer when she put together what had been said earlier, a party like last time, ambassadors of course, to Galla. Hopefully she would not have to go, but seeing as she was from Galla; the king may see that as a coin on the table. If Numair was going, it was quite likely that the Wildmage would be sent as well. Ears burning, she tried hard to listen without feeling sick. There it was the list of people who are to go, his name, and hers. Her head spun, she would not go, she just couldn't.
John was talking about why they needed this to succeed, partially because of the allies that could be gained after the war, and the help they could offer that would strengthen the friendship. Daine could hardly breathe, she set Kitten down and hurried out of the room, she ran not caring who saw her. She ran down the stairs and across the practice yards, towards the Royal Forest. Those who watched from the meeting saw the girl disappear into the dark and deadly place. Numair bit his lip and promised that he would go and talk to her after this was over, he should have expected it, sooner or later she would be sent to Galla and she would break down. She had healed since she had come back from the Divine Realms, but this was like a fresh blow to the freshly healed wound.
Daine crashed through the trees, not caring where she was going. Finally she sat beside the Undine pool and trailed her fingers across the glassy surface. Small lights glowed at the bottom, and even though it was day, the sun was blocked by the immense trees so it seemed more like night. It was calm here, and there was no one to remind her of what she had in store for the future. It was a nightmare never ending, always just around the corner.
She sat there for a long time, and animals of all kinds had come to comfort her, they could feel her pain and nerves. Someone heavy sat down beside her, and she could smell the spice of his soap and could hear the cloth rustle as he settled down. She sighed and let her hand slip into his; they lay on the forest floor, in a world of their own.
"Daine, Magelet, you don't have to come, but I want you to. Sooner or later you will have to go back there, and next time you might be alone, it is better to do this now."
She closed her eyes and let out her breath, "Numair, I just don't know if I can do this. I know you set aside things for Carthak, but I don't know if I am as strong."
A tear leaked from her eyes and Numair wiped it away, "Sweet, I promise you that I won't leave your side if you don't want me too. I will be there every step, you can even hide as a kitten in my pocket if you want to, although I don't know what people will say."
She laughed slightly, "Promise you won't leave me?"
He turned her head to face his and kissed her softly, then more passionately, enveloping in her as much of a hug as he could. The pair silently moved through the forest, stopping so Daine could speak to animals she knew. They stopped outside the stables and Numair gave his Magelet one more hug before he went to see the John about her. Daine smiled and went into her room, closing the door so as not to be bothered. She lay down and thought about just what she had agreed to do.
One figure still stood in the shadows, thinking on what it had seen. And what it could possibly have meant, surely it did not mean anything, for that was just illogical. Sighing, the person melted back into the shadows and into the night to compose a list of what to pack for Galla.
Cliffy, I know not my best, but I just had to do this. Plot bunnies at fault here, anyhow, I hope you like. Sorry it was so short; I just didn't want to give too much away. Just to answer a question, Numair in the beginning was looking at the portrait of Daine, which he had made before they went to the Divine Realms. Review if you want more, like if you want to know just who the person at the end was. Heh, heh, I know I am evil. So review and I will write. Sorry it took so long for this chappie.
Daughter of the Black