Authors Note: I do not own any of the featured characters and they remain the property of Tamara Pierce. Sob.
Chapter Three
In the weeks that followed a tense silence fell over the palace court. Word had spread through the palace of Daine's hostile return to Galla later that month. Fractions were appearing in Jon and Thayet court, between those who felt the crown had betrayed Daine and those, who due to fear of her magic, wished her good riddance. But those close to her, held a sorrow and an understanding of the decision both the king and Daine had made, even if they didn't like it.
Daine had spent her days in these last weeks packing the few possessions which she had and learning the finer arts of being a TorallTortallan diplomat in a foreign court. Gareth the Younger of Naxen had taken it upon himself to teach her how to curtsey, address and hold herself in the Gallan court. In the long hours that she had spent learning with Gareth, repetitively going through courtly gestures and such, she had learnt more about the political situation in Galla.
Galla in recent years had become a major ally to Tortall. Not only were they preparing to go to war in defence of Tortall, they also supplied Tortall with sixty percent of its imports. However, the internal stability of Galla was an unknown factor. The current king, the son of a bloody usurper, had imposed an authoritative strict regime over the country. On one hand, any hint of rebellion was quashed in gory executions but on the other, the king had set up compulsory schools of learning, blossoming university hubs as well as a national poor relief for the needy.
It was in these lessons, which George Copper, Barron of Pirates swoop had come to visit her to inform her about Tortall spies at court should she need help. He also taught her rudimentary spying skills, should she need them. Daine felt more secure knowing that if needed, there were some people she could rely on and that she wasn't alone in the foreign court.
Sadly the weeks before her return slipped into days, until she felt suddenly that time was running out.
She and Numair had become ever closer, spending any free time available together enjoying each others company and physical closeness. She took great pains to memorize every emotion which could fill his eyes and learn his every thought on many subjects. She hoped that this would provide her with some comfort in the lonely years ahead, when she could no longer ask his opinion, feel his love, or maybe, she feared, remember his face.
That night two days before she would begin her long ride east to Galla, she wondered around the rooms which she and Numair shared. Even though she had shared these rooms she had acquired very little possessions, just enough to laden her horse down when she travelled.
However, in the last few weeks perhaps in a materialistic way of asking for forgiveness, Jon, well more influenced by Thayet, had given her a few elegant gowns, accessories and sturdy horse tack as well as a Sharpe knife from raven armouries.
When she had questioned Thayet about the knife, Thayet turned to look her in the eyes and said 'you can never be too careful at court'.
It made her shudder to think about how close she would have to get to another person to use to knife, but never the less tucked it into her left foot boot.
In an attempt to celebrate the achievements Daine had given Tortall and as a sort of goodbye, Jon and Thayet had organised a Ball in Daine honour. Even Alana had returned from investigated a suspected corrupted town chief early to help Daine get dressed.
'You look beautiful Daine' Thayet said in awe at how the sea green dress brought out the colour of her eyes and complimented her completion.
Daine stood in front of a long mirror, critically gazing at her reflection. Behind her stood Thayet, who she couldn't quite stop herself, comparing herself too. Thayet looked beautiful in her long sweeping gown, which contrasted sharply with her jet black hair. She looked ever much like a Queen.
Daine returned her gaze back to her own form. Sometimes she felt so un-associated with her body, maybe it was a consequence of having the ability to shape shift into any animal.
Alanna once again jumped up from the bed to reposition Daine's hair before moving back saying 'perfect'.
Daine stared at the two women in the reflection of the mirror. Once upon a time, she had been embarrassed whenever they tried to talk to the likes of her. But some where along the way, they have become some of her closest friends.
'I just to want to thank you both' Daine said 'for making me feel wanted and for supporting me in every decision I made and for making me feel accepted, even when….the things I could do…were a little unusual.'
'A little unusual?' smirked the violet eyed female, laughing. 'I'd call what you can do more then a little different.' Her voice softened 'But I would never have you any other way. You, in your own manner, have brought as much change to this court, as Jon and Thayet have made or even me, as the first lady knight.' She paused, looking more serious 'I am glad to have known you; it's not me who you should be thanking, but I thanking you.'
Alanna moved to draw Daine into an embrace
'I feel so powerless that I cannot stop what is happening to you. But I cannot change it. And I want to say that your decision was the greatest act of courage I have seen in a long time. If…' Alanna swallowed, tears welling up in her eyes, 'if you ever need someone, if you're in trouble, and in need of help, send for me or George and we will be there, whatever the cost' She drew back from their embraced and lightly kissed Daine's forehead and existed the room to check on the final preparations for the ball.
'See, Daine, what impact you have had on this court, that you leaving could make Alanna cry.' Said Thayet from where she was sitting on the loveseat.
Daine moved across the room to join her,
Sighing, suddenly tired of all this emotion,
'I will miss this place. After what happened to ma and Grandpa I never thought that I would ever feel at home anywhere. But too lose it… it hurts. Thayet will you do you a favour?' Daine asked, turning to look at the women,
Thayet leaned in closer, listening intently to what she had to say;
'Yes, unquestionably' she answered simply
'Will you look after Numair? I don't just mean, checking up on him to make sure he's eat when he get all wrapped up in his experiments. But I mean… help him move on.' She ended up whispering.
In truth the idea of Numair kissing another woman, loving another woman felt like a stab to her heart. But, the idea of him being alone for the rest of his days, hurt even more. She wanted him to be happy, even if that meant being happy in another woman's arms, so be it.
Thayet looked intently at Daine, knowing what it had cost her to ask.
'Yes I will, for you Daine I will' she replied holding Daine closely.
Hearing the bell, marking the hour Thayet and Daine, both wiped their eyes and got up and went to the last ball.
Author's Note:
I realised that Numair has his own tower, but for story consistency, Daine and Numair had begun to spend more time at court as Daine helped the new recruits and palace animals. However, on occasion they did stay at his tower.
Please review either positively or critically especially if there are any inconsistencies, spelling or grammatical errors