| Along the path, part 1 Author's Note: No, these characters belong only to Tamora Pierce, yadda yadda yadda. To get to the point, this takes place a few weeks after the Immortals War is over. "C'mon Kit!" Daine called exasperatedly. "I know you're under the hay! We have to go!" Cloud snorted. Shall I kick her? she asked Daine. No, thanks, replied Daine drily. "You're keeping the Lioness waiting!" What's so important about going to the Stork Man, anyway? Cloud! Daine was fed up with the mare's questioning. I'm going to live in his tower near Pirate's Swoop because I need to be near him as he is my teacher! And I can still visit the Palace, help Onua and Alanna's nearby! Okay, now you can kick Kitten. Good. said Cloud, giving Kitten a soft kick. The dragonet trilled angrily and turned from her usual dusty blue to annoyed red. She surrendered and came out. "Right. Let's go!" Daine mounted Cloud and they hurried to Alanna. "Had some trouble?" Alanna joked. "Silly dragon.. I wish she'd be more resigning. I know she doesn't need to stay with me, but.." "I think she'd prefer being with you than staying at the palace alone," the Lioness commented as they trotted through Corus. "And you?" Daine asked. "Would you rather stay at the palace than go to Pirate's Swoop?" Alanna contemplated. "The palace is like a second home to me.. I grew up there. But I have my family there, and they need me." At this Cloud snorted. Behave! Daine warned her. "I'm pretty confident Baron George can manage without me, however." she grinned. Daine laughed. She could tell the rest of the trip would be funny with Alanna to keep her company. A few days later, Daine was gathering some berries near a camp they'd set up when she heard men jeering, singing drunken songs. Bandits! Faintly, she heard one say, "Yeh, the one with the abil'ty to talk to animals, 'n the Lioness. More men're on their way. We'll get 'em," The voice was slurred, to person to whom it belonged was obviously drunk. She hurried back to Alanna. "Bandits.." she panted, "They're closing in on us. I think they've been following." The Lioness changed quickly into combat/knight mode. "Right, I'll pack up. You get the horses and Kitten. Quick! We'll fight them if we must, but the odds wouldn't be good." Daine grabbed her bow in case, did as she was told and brought the animals, and the two jumped rode away as fast as they could. The bandits had found them, Daine could hear them yelling, there was a clang of weapons being picked up. They raced on the road, scanning the area for somewhere to hide. But there wasn't. "I think we should go off the track to confuse them!" yelled Alanna. "Follow me!" Cloud told Daine some news, There's an old castle wreckage up ahead! To the north, I see it!"Alanna! Cloud told me of a castle wreckage. North," "Let's go!" The reached the castle, thinking the bandits gone. Suddenly, they were all around them. Alanna drew her sword. They were trapped! Along the Path, Part 2 Author's Note: The exact same as last time. None of these characters belong to me, except the ones I invent. Daine is 17 years old, and journeying with Alanna to Numair's Tower when they are attacked by bandits. Also, I want readers to realise this is just a climax. I love Daine and Numair as a couple, and I can assure you there will be BIG parts about them..later... Daine was widly thinking what to do. I can't shapeshift, she thought. What good would that do? I could just get hurt, and so could Alanna. I haven't seen so much as a bird around these parts. Goddess! What could she do? Alanna, of course as a trained knight, was more experienced in this and was also evaluating the situation, only she had a better idea. Already, a thick purple mist was forming around them. A magical shield. Cloud didn't like this one bit, and she reared. Cloud! Stop, please. Stay calm. They can't get us from here. Daine was trying to rationalise with her horse when she saw a green haze forming around the purple. A bandit had the Gift too! "Alanna! Should I fire into the mist?" "No. You may not be able to hit them and then you'll have lost an arrow. If we could climb the wall.." Suddenly Daine felt strange.. everything went hazy. She was sleepy.. so sleepy. Cloud whinnied, and then everything went black. When Daine came to, she was bound and gagged in a tent. Ha! At least she still had her magic. Kit? Cloud? Where are you? she called. I'm here.. in the tent next to you, I think. I saw you being pulled into the tent on the left. Cloud told her. Daine was very anxious, How long have I been like this? Where's the Lioness? Where's Kit? Skysong is here with me. I believe purple eyes is in the tent next to yours. And you've been dormant around 6 hours. Daine sighed. At least she hadn't been unconsious for a few days.. she hated that. Cloud, she called, can you see outside? Yes. I've managed to kick a hole in the material at the bottom of the tent. Why? I need to know if there are any animals I can contact for help. See any birds? I have to get out of here! Daine thought desperately. Sure. I see a starling and a few sparrows.. Great merciful Goddess! But where were they? What if they were days from anyone who could help them? Be reasonable, Daine. She told herself. If you were unconscious only a few hours, and you're in a camp, you cannot be much further away then where you were when you were captured! Hello wing-brother, she called the starling first. Two legger? the bird was confused. No, People two legger, she told it soothingly. Daine remembered that not long before they were captured Alanna had said it could be around a few more hours before they reached Numair's tower. Add six hours to that.. she wasn't sure how she could deliver a message. If she went with him, who would help translate? And wouldn't it take a while? What she would give for Tkaa.. Hold on, please. she said. Struggling she tried to grab her pocket knife from her pocket. She wriggled and it fell to the floor. Manouvering her feet, she pulled up the blade and placed it on her lap, and continuing to rub her foot against the ropes, she broke her hands free. Great, a start! She thought. However, she couldn't just go outside. She knew by now that there were guards placed carefully next to every tent, other wise she would've called Cloud. She looked around the tent, and spotted her pouch, which had been looted of most food. The rest of her cases were no where to be seen. Luckily, she always packed some parchment and a quill. Quickly she scribbled a message of help to Numair. Do you know the whereabouts I am? she asked the starling. Yes. You are approximately 175 kilometers away from Pirate's Swoop. That meant about 140 from Numair's tower. She wrote this down. Then she used her pocket knife to make a hole small enough for a bird in the tent and then asked the starlings permission to enter him. This should be interesting, he commented. Daine surveyed the scene. When the guard wasn't looking, she told the starling to swoop into the small hole. Daine returned to her own body and clothed herself again in a rush. Here. She told the bird. Please take this in the direction of Pirate's Swoop. Around 35 kilometers or so before it, go south down the coast. You should spot a tall, black tower. Fly in and take this to the man who lives there. Thank you! and he flew back out and headed towards Pirate's Swoop. Now, what about Alanna? Daine thought. The sparrows! I'll get them to deliver the message to Alanna.. But how would they fly in? Daine was tired of thinking. They'd just have to find a way. She wrote another letter to Alanna, explaining what she'd done then asked the sparrows to give it to her. Now, all she could do was wait... Along the Path Part 3 Author's Note: Yes, this time I will try and consider my.. dun dun DUUUUUUN! Paragraphs! Mwa. <--*is currently obsessed with that word* Anyhoo, all characters belong to my idol, Tamora Pierce *bows before her* and only characters you dun know are mine. Enjoy! Daine sat, bored almost to tears. For a while she had been talking to Cloud, but she was fed up with that now. This left her utterly alone to deal with her own thoughts. It's like the saying.. Daine thought. A watched kettle never boils. All the more I dream of Numair being here now, it seems like eternity.. only, I can't tell whether he even got the message.. the starling should be guiding him back if he did. This abruptly brought her thoughts to Numair. She sighed. Daine hadn't fully told Cloud the truth. She was also moving in to his tower to be with him, not as her teacher or mentor, but because she loved him. Stupid dolt! she thought to herself. I should snap out of this.. I wonder how Alanna is. How many hours had passed? She pondered some more. Suddenly, a clashing of hooves was heard. Daine's heart rose. Was he here? "Where are they?" a deep, familiar voice was heard all over the camp. Daine would have yelled, jumped for joy, but her mouth was still covered. She wanted badly to call out to him, tell her where she was; where the Lioness was; where Cloud and Kit were. Finally something was going on. "Ah, Numair Salmalín. The greatest mage in Tortall." The voice was taunting, educated. Daine guessed the man was the one with the green Gift that had counteracted Alanna's and landed them in this mess. "Come for your little pet tool and that uncooth lady knight?" Daine could not see his face, but she was sure he would be angry at that remark. Numair was restless, so he stomped around the camp, checking all tents. Daine frowned, why was this all so easy? Then, the green light struck. Numair was obviously prepared, a black light came foward and he was completely protected. "If you've laid so much a finger on my student and the King's Champion, you will pay dearly." He calmy uttered a freezing spell- whomever it was with the green Gift was now stuck in the position he had been in when the spell hit him. HAH. Daine thought. Your problem entirely. It wasn't a huge camp, and Numair froze anyone who tried to attack him as he searched. He soon came upon Cloud and Kit. Kit gave a sharp series of trills, and clung to Numair's breeches. "Cloud, where's Daine?" His dark eyes filled with concern, like the mare could talk to him. But by now, Cloud was used to her 'stork man' and almost understood him, too. She patiently led him next door, to Daine's tent. Daine heard him, waiting, always waiting. "Daine!" Numair cried. She tried to get up and fell. Her legs were only partly untied, and anyway they had fallen asleep because she'd been sitting so long. She was hungry, she didn't know whether it was night or day. With a flick of his wrist, Numair did away with the rope and tape around Daine's mouth and she did run to him this time. "My poor magelet." He held her at arms length. "They didn't hurt you, did they?" "No, but-" she was interupted as he picked her up and embraced her, his warm mouth touching hers, and once again she felt that rush, the dizzyness in all the places he touched her. He brushed some hair out of her eyes. "I'm glad you're okay, magelet." She could hold on forever and ever and ever.. "Alanna!" However much she didn't want to, Daine broke away from him. "She's in the next tent. Cloud told me." The Lioness eyed Numair and Daine suspiciously. What had taken them so long? Once again, Numair did away with the bounding and the first thing Alanna did was yell. Daine hid a grin. She knew all about the Lioness' temper. "Why, those stupid bandits! If it hadn't been for Daine calling you-" The two exchanged glances, "- we could have been here a lot longer. Not that I had very much fun waiting with no food.." I'm hungry. Cloud was getting restless. Kit whistled in agreement, and tugged Numair's breeches. "Other people are hungry, if I'm not mistaken." Retrieving their cases from where they were hidden, Numair brought out the food he'd packed in a case and brought with Spots, his patient gelding. "This place is spooky," commented Alanna, "with all these frozen people. I wonder who did this?" She said with a grin. "Would you prefer they attacked me? About 30 men to 1, I wouldn't have stood a chance." Daine was a little more interested in something else. "How long did it take you to get here? Cloud said I was unconscious 6 hours, and we had around 4 or so more until we reached your tower." Numair frowned, at looked up at the sky. "You know, I'm actually not so sure myself.. I was absorbed in reading about the Jeuid Astroid shower in Saraine, I wasn't even sure of the time when the bird gave me the message.. and then I just rode out on Spots as fast as I could. I think it could have been around 9 hours. I think we should get going." "Great, I need to stretch and MOVE!" Alanna was glad to get some movement. They traveled for around three hours, and then it became dark. The trio set up a camp, Alanna and Daine in the tent they had brought and Numair in the other. Daine was very used to these camps, she'd been setting them up throughout the four years she'd been in Tortall. By the time she was finally able to head off to bed, Alanna tapped her shoulder. "Daine? Can I talk to you a moment?" she guided her to their tent. Daine had absolutely no idea what was wrong with the Lioness, but she was prepared to listen. "What's going on with you and Numair? I've seen the way you two glance at each other. And sometimes you stare off into the distance dreamily." Daine cast her eyes to the ground. Should she tell? Her common sense told her that Alanna was a good friend, she could trust her. So, she spilled out the whole story, starting from the time in the Divine Realms. "Well!" said Alanna when she was done. "In that case I have something to give you." Daine gaped. Wasn't she going to lecture her how she shouldn't be with an older man? Alanna smiled. "Daine, do you know how much older George is than me?" How did she do that? Daine shook her head. "Seven years. Or is it eight? I don't think it matters how old a person is, if you love him, that's just fine. And I don't think Numair would ever take advantage of you. However, for me to feel better, I want you to have this." She unclasped a necklace with what appeared to be a charm on it. Daine had no idea as to what it was, so she waited. "This is a pregancy prevention charm. I want you to have it, I got it when I was around your age." "B..but Numair'd never, ever.. b..e." Daine couldn't even say it, the thought was so strange. She knew it was what had offended him; it was a touchy subject. Alanna glanced at her. "I know the probabilities aren't great. Numair wouldn't do such a thing until he knew you were comfy with it, it's just, for me to feel okay. You're like a daughter to me." Daine grinned. Guilt trip. How could she decline a gift that was presented to her like that? She took the charm. "G'night Alanna." "Good night Daine." Next day, everyone was up early. "Get good sleep?" Numair cheerily asked. Alanna was not a morning person. "No. Someone I know was snoring. VERY LOUDLY." Daine laughed. "Why don't we head out now? I don't like the look of those rainclouds." They set off, the Lioness grumbling half the way. "And I thought Numair was bad," laughed Daine. Their trip was uneventful, until it started to rain, and a fierce wind swept through them. Numair shivered. Daine knew he hated the cold. Finally Daine had reached her destination, drenched, but happy. Numair persuaded, "Alanna, you have to stay until the rain subsides.. you could get struck by lightning!" "Thanks," commented Alanna drily. "I may as well stay, I guess." Daine was just grateful for the quality of food. She was a lot hungrier than she thought she was. Later she unpacked her cases with the help of Alanna, and she quickly put on something warmer to wear. "I'm in the guest room if you need me." The Lioness exited to a lower level. Later that night in bed, Daine shivered. She heard Numair going over some papers. Typical. Awake at this hour, probably studying some ancient papers that fascinated him. She padded softly to his room. "Magelet? Why are you up so late?" Numair looked concerned. "I'm just a little cold. Aren't you?" Numair smiled and shoved the blanket over, to reveal a black glow underneath. "I'm heating myself." He felt her arm. "Mithros, you ARE cold. Here," he moved over. She glady accepted and climbed in. He stroked her hair, and she relaxed, warm now. Numair was still reading. "Sssh Daine. Fall asleep. I love you." he leaned over and kissed her, and she snuggled close, falling into a deep slumber. Along the Path Part 4 Author's Note: I'm sorry it took me so long to do this, but I've just been so busy, an', well.. heh. Anyways, this won't have much fluff, but hopefully, the next one will! Alanna sighed, and turned over in her bed. There was no use in trying to go back to sleep, she knew she wouldn't be able. Squinting, she sat up. It was still rather dark out, and she guessed it was around four in the morning. She looked out the window. Still, it was a beautiful one, and it would be nice to go for a ride. Outside was still partially wet from the storm, she noticed, as she got dressed. A sudden thought crossed her mind to leave a note, and she scribbled one hurriedly. But where could she put it? Numair could be so absent minded.. the only place he would find it would be right under his nose. Or, next to his bed. The maid wasn't up and Alanna was not about to wake her, so quietly she took the steps three at a time until she reached the mage's room. She spelled herself so she would make no sound at all, and silently opened the door. She grinned at the sight before her. The big mage had his arms around Daine, and her head was resting peacefully on his chest. They were also both in bed clothes, the Lioness mused to herself, but then again, what did she expect? Putting the note on his bedside table, she scurried out of the room and to the stable, mounted, and galloped off into the woods. When Daine woke up a few hours later, Numair was still in bed, which was very unusual for him because he normally got up early to go back to his work. What's more, he was still asleep. She noticed the parchment on his table, and leaned across to get it, recognizing it at once for Alanna's loopy script. Her eyes scanned the paper, and she put it back. She yawned, and jumped out of the bed. All her things were in the room down one level, so she went there to get dressed. Within ten minutes or so, she was fully awake and clothed, and had decided to visit Cloud in the stables. Daine glanced at Kit, who was curled up tight on the bed, and wondered whether she should wake her. She shook Kit, and was greeted with angry whistles, of which Daine expected were for leaving Kit alone last night. Smiling at the dragonet, she walked down to the stables, Kitten scampering quickly after her. Cloud, on the other hand, greeted her quite pleasantly in comparison to the dragon, and whinnied as she came in. I suppose you've been with the stork man? she inquired. Yes, as a matter of fact. I have. And call him Numair, will you? The pony snorted. I shall call him whatever I want, said Cloud pertly. Just then, Daine heard a horse gallop in. It was Alanna, and she was grinning. "I have something here which will surely not make your day," she told her, and passed her a letter. "Oh, that's a great omen." Daine retorted. Her heart fell. It was an official palace invitation to a feast celebrating the end of the Immortals War. She Alanna and Numair had all been invited, and it was next week. "Next week?" she moaned, "We just came from the palace!" "I just knew you'd rejoice at the news." "You don't like palace functions either, do you?" The Lioness smiled grimly. "Not any more than you. C'mon, let's go inside and eat!" said Alanna, "I'm starved." During breakfast, the main topic was of course, the function. "Now you get to see how long it takes Numair to prepare for this sort of thing," said Alanna, her amethyst eyes dancing. Daine smiled. When she had first come to Tortall, she had been warned by Onua of Numair's vanity. "I do not-" replied Numair, but he was interrupted by Daine. "Numair, you took an hour to prepare before seeing Ozorne. Girls are meant to take that long." the lanky mage cast a withering look at Alanna, for bringing the subject up. Outside, it began to rain heavily again. "You're not leaving today, either," he told her sternly. She batted her eyelashes at him. "Oh? I would have thought you'd like to have me struck by lightning." "Who says I wouldn't?" asked Numair with a grin, "but you have family who I'm sure would prefer to see you alive-" "Oh, shut up already." Daine was fed up. "Well, to change the subject, I'll be working on a spell most of the day, magelet, but in the afternoon I want to test your prowess." "Okay," said Daine happily. The days rushed past in a blur. The following day, when it was clear and sunny, Alanna set off for Pirate's Swoop. The ball loomed ahead like a black dot on the horizon. She tried not to think about it. At the moment, all Daine wanted to do was to enjoy her time with Numair, her time being here.... Along the Path, Part 5 Author's Note: *squeals* Part 5? Why, five is my lucky number! So, it could very well be yours too. *gasps* Could this be the fic you've been waiting for? It could turn out to be very long, very mushy.. I don't know! I write this before hand, y'know. *plays her MP3s* Good. Brainfood, music is. Now, you know all this *does a sweeping gesture* belongs to me, but the characters do not, they belong to the immortal Tamora Pierce. Comprehendo? Good. Daine leaned against Numair and glanced at him. He was, of course, rapt, his attention focusing on the zooming stars, the astroid shower in the sky. "Pray tell, what exactly you dragged me outside in the freezing cold to see?" Daine was still cold. It was nearing Midwinter, and the sea nearby meant a sharp breeze was constant. "It's an astroid shower magelet. Isn't it beautiful? It'll only be a few more minutes.." and once more he was lost in the sky. The girl sighed, and rubbed her almost numb legs. What's wrong? called Cloud from the stables, not too far away. Here's a perfect opportunity for romance between you and Stork Man. Since when did you become the romance guru? asked Daine irritably. Then, all of a sudden, then light show finished. Finally, the gods-cursed thing has ended, thought Daine. Numair stood up. "How did you like that ma-" He stopped and looked curiously at her neck. Daine glanced down. The charm Alanna had given her shone next to her claw as the light of the moon reflected on it. He picked it up and his eyes widened. Oh, Goddess, please don't let him know what it is, she pleaded silently. But judging by his look, he did. "That's a pregnancy prevention charm," he said, almost in disbelief. "A-and I can explain.." She told him all about the lecture Alanna had given her. "Well," he said slowly, "I guess I'm glad you have it, in case anything does happen. Rapes are not uncommon these days, you know." He cupped her chin in his hands, forcing her to look up at him. "I didn't ask for it, you know," she said in annoyance. He smiled. "I can't imagine you doing that, magelet." Daine gazed out at the stars. "The stars are beautiful, I suppose." she said, softly. "Not nearly as beautiful as you." He kissed her slowly, and she let her mind wander. Everything had become ten times more wonderful. "Come, let's go inside." The next day, Daine was packing again, but on this occasion not all her posessions. Horse lords, I can't believe we're heading off to the palace again! She thought. "Daine! Let's go!" Numair shouted to her from up a level. Taking her bags, she headed towards the stable to get Cloud and Spots. This trip was presumably shorter, as there were no bandits, and only took 4 days. All but too soon, (As Daine felt) the palace came into view, and they took the ponies up to Stefan Groomsman. "Ready fer the ball?" he asked. "I'll never be ready," muttered Daine. "Dress-wise, and the like?" he smiled a toothy grin. "Goddess, no! I forgot about a dress!" she exclaimed. "Never you mind, I bet if you asked Queen Thayet or Buri they could arrange somethin'." "I don't want to bother Her Majesty.. I think I'll go to Buri," she sighed, as the horses suddenly realised her presence and her mind was filled with greetings. Out of nowhere, a huge dog bounded up. Hello, Tahoi, she called to him, and he came running up to her. He decided she needed a bath and promptly began to lick her clean. No, really, I'm fine Tahoi, leave me alone! About five minutes later, Onua walked up to Tahoi. "There you are! I've been looking for you!" Daine wasn't sure whether Onua was talking to her or the dog. The first thing the K'mir asked her was the same question as Stefan's. Daine sighed. "No, I need to go to Buri for a dress." "The ball's tonight! Come on, I'll take you." An hour later, Daine was all set up with a dress. "I hate dressing fancy," she grumbled. "Well, I think it's time you should go prepare. Come, I'll put some makeup on you-" Buri was interrupted with an outburst from Daine. "Makeup! Must I?" "You'd look nice. And I can do you hair so that it's not so curly." The wildmage sighed. She'd need to put up with this, she supposed. So she reluctantly let Buri add some blush and eyeshadow, and even a touch of lipstick. Then she washed her hair, and straightened it, just a little bit. By the time they were finished, it was a quarter to seven, almost time. "Where's Numair?" Daine asked Buri. "Oh, he'll probably be coming down here soon. I got Joalian to call him down here when we were ready." She grinned. Joalian was a page who often hung around Buri. Daine had no idea why. Just then, the mage walked in. His eyes widened when he saw Daine, and with a sweeping glance he took in her outfit, a light blue silk skirt, and a blue trimmed blouse, her claw tucked safely away, as well as her charm. Her hair was out, and it was smooth and shining, and partly straight. Just for the occasion, she wore shoes with a slightly raised heel. "You look wondeful, magelet. Stunning." "And how long was it that you were preparing? 2 hours? 3?" "One and a half," he admitted. She would have grinned, but the prospect of the ball was too overpowering, instead, she felt like scowling, but she didn't. "Scowling causes wrinkles," Her mother's voice played in her head. "Besides, you look prettier when you smile." The sooner this thing was over and done with, the better. "May I escort you?" His eyes twinkled in amusement. "Fine." Daine mumbled, and he led her into the hall. She felt so self-conscious, as though everyone was staring at her. Numair was instantly bombarded with every imaginable type of person. From the Dean of the University to Jonathan himself, and Daine was sure half the female population that had been invited. She sighed for what felt like the millionth time that day. It would be a long night. After an hour of 'mixing', they sat down to eat. Daine made sure she got a seat next to her teacher, and Alanna sat across from them. She winked when she saw them, her sword glinting at her side. A few people talked to Daine, and although she could tell they weren't generally interested, she told them what they wanted to know. Someone must have made sure the animals were far away, for Daine sensed the nearest mouse was about three rooms away. Nothing else was about, and it was strange to her. Very strange. She knew the palace servants could never tell the animals to go, they wouldn't listen. Under the table, she felt a hand come down on her's. Numair's, of course. It almost made things better. After the feast, everyone resumed talking and dancing. It probably won't end until late, Daine thought. Then she noticed a door was open, and sat down outside on a bench, watching a squirrel and conversing with it. She didn't even see the silhouette of a person, slipping out the door. Helena of Cordom was single, and beautiful. She had icy blue eyes that seemed to penetrate you, and her raven black hair added to this feature. She was also intent of finding herself a husband, even more so on a powerful one, which was why she was delighted to be invited to the feast. When she saw Numair Salmalín, the famous Tortallan mage, she raced to talk with him. And now she was deep in conversation, pretending to be interested in the information about the astroid shower he and Daine had seen. Suddenly, he heard someone yelling, a voice her recognized too well, but it was faint. He raced outside, and saw a man forcefully kissing Daine, while trying to unbutton her blouse. Her skirt was already off. "HELP!" Daine had screamed. "GET OFF ME!" She knew her attacker the moment she saw him. Perin the clerk. When he kissed her, it was pure disgust. There was no love, like when Numair kissed her. This just felt wrong, and horrible. She was feeling so horrified and revolted she hadn't been able to transform yet, but now she had just gotten over the initial shock when.. "Cease that at once!" He roared, shaking. Thinking back, the only time Daine had seen him this angry was when Ozorne suggested he taught her to take advantage of her. But Perin didn't stop. Black sparkly fire gathered in Numair's finger tips, aimed for Perin. It hit him and he froze, then fell to the ground. She took the opportunity to re-button her blouse and shove her skirt back on. Racking sobs were getting stuck in her throat, and Daine tried to say nothing, and prevent the tears. "Daine? Did he hurt you in any way?" She managed to shake her head."Are you sure?" The wildmage was opened her mouth to lie again, but it came out as a sob. She tried to wipe her eyes, but so many tears were pouring out she couldn't. "That.. was.. the worst..experience ever." Daine managed to get out. Numair brought her close immediately and she cried on his shoulder (A/N *Starts singing* Lean on me.. *notices people watching* *shuts up*). "It's okay, it's okay." Even by now, no one had really noticed, but Helena had waited inside, just next to the door. "If.. if he ever comes near me again.. I'll..." "I'll actually kill him." "You mean, he isn't dead?" "No, just unconscious. You can charge for rape, you know." Daine peered inside, remembering the ball. She couldn't go inside like this! She wanted to evaporate. No, she knew what she wanted. Throwing her arms around his neck, she kissed Numair. Things would be okay, she thought. She never knew that Helena was watching... |
| Along The Path Written by Aku |
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