Written by Britnie Ann
Email: Mstryhrs98@aol.com
Website: www.oocities.org/mstryhrs
Numair watched silently from a chair near her bed in the infirmary. Anyone walking into the room would have thought him turned to stone. But inside, emotions and thoughts heaved and roiled so wildly that it was a miracle he could keep his outer self still.
He was tired, bone-weary, but couldn't bring himself to leave Daine's side. She would be frightened when she awoke. And he prayed to all the gods he knew that she would wake with better peace of mind then what she had been forced to sleep with.
Alanna came in from time to time, checking her vital signs, asking him questions on his observations of the young woman. Onua had come by earlier, bringing an anxious Cloud with her. The gray mare had insisted on sticking her head in the nearest window to see her mistress for herself. Onua had also brought him a few books from his room, but he could find no interest in them.
He couldn't help but think...it was his fault. He had put Daine in a situation that forced her to do what she had done. Yes, she had saved his life, but would she always live with the repercussions of her actions?
He leaned forward, resting his head in his hands, not caring for the long black hair that had come unbound hours before. It settled like a shield around his face, "a shield from the rest of the world, from pain..." he thought silently.
"Numair?" a voice questioned softly, and the mage opened an eye to see Duke Baird through the strands of his hair. He sat up straight and pushed the hair behind his ears and nodded politely to the healer.
"Any change?"
"Nothing at all," he replied.
The duke nodded thoughtfully and walked over to his patient. He checked her pulse, her breathing rate, and found they were all as a few hours before.
"She really seems fine. I was a bit worried at first, when she continued to struggle against the sleep Lady Alanna laid on her...but she has settled nicely. I have some concerns that her magic may have overloaded when she-but that is more yours and the Lioness' line of expertise." he came to the foot of the bed and looked at him with kind eyes. "I think it would be best for both of you if you go ahead and take her to your apartment."
Numair nodded gratefully, unfolding all 6 and a half feet of him as he stiffly got up from his seat. Duke Baird moved to Daine's other side to help Numair carry her to his rooms, but the man shook his head once sharply. "I can manage, thank you, Baird." The healer curled the edges of his mouth up slightly and opened the door for him. Numair gathered his love into his arms, keeping her wrapped in the light blanket, and carried her out the door. He nodded absentmindedly to those he saw in the waiting area of the infirmary, knowing they all must be wondering what the greatest mage in Tortall was doing carrying the only wildmage out of a healing room. "No, your wrong, Numair. They most likely already know what the greatest mage in Tortall is doing carrying the only wildmage out of a healing room,"
He shook his head wearily and thanked the healer assistant that opened the door for him. Court life and being one of the most prominent people in the land was very, very tiring. He hugged Daine's sleeping body closer to him and hurried to their rooms.
Upon reaching the apartment he was only mildly surprised to find the door was swung open before he could attempt to do so himself. A worried Kitten sat on the other side of the door up on her haunches. He wondered that she was still in his rooms, and not gallivanting somewhere trying to find Daine. The young dragon cheeped a worried note and scrambled out of view towards the bedroom. Numair followed her, kicking the door shut after him. Kit had pulled back the covers of the bed and Numair caressed her small head in thanks after he settled Daine inside them.
"Let's see if we can find something to eat, Kit." Numair said quietly after he had scrutinizing the familiar lines of his loves' face. The young dragon stopped studying her unconscious surrogate-mothers face and nodded seriously. Numair doused the light in the bedroom and followed her out the door, closing it partly behind him. Though not without one last look at his beloved’s prone form. He knew it was better for her to sleep as long as possible, but it made him uneasy to see her so...
He turned to the other room just in time to see Kitten pull a bowel of fruit to the floor. He sighed. "Kitten! If you aren't worse than a two year old child you most certainly equal one!"
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A crashing noise startled Daine from her fading sleep, quickly followed by low murmurs. Upon consciousness she was assaulted with great pain in her head and a multitude of voices clamoring for her attention. Quiet! All of you! Daine screamed in her mind as loud as she dared, and was rewarded with peace from all the animals, but also with a sharp stab of pain from her head. It grew so bad that she nearly passed out from the intense pain. Gradually the waves of hurt subsided.
Gasping for air she gingerly opened her eyes to tiny slits, trying to ascertain where she was. Thankfully, she found herself to be laid in Numair and hers bed with the light mercifully out.
She started to feel a few hesitant voices from the animals again, most pressingly from Cloud. Daine began to reassure her pony but was again beset with piercing pain in her head. She immediately cut the connection and massaged her aching temples. Again the pain slowly faded. What was wrong with her? This had never happened before...and then she slowly began to remember what had taken place before, the tigers... Daine groaned with grief. She had killed an animal. She, Daine the Wildmage, who could hear, talk, and change into animals! She had killed an innocent tiger that had just wanted to go home...
Anguished tears streaked down her face, but she held back the sobs, pushing them away. She knew her head would explode into fiery pain if she did anything strenuous.
Numair, where was Numair? She suddenly had an overwhelming urge for him to be at her side. She had saved him, hadn't she? Yes, yes, I was in his arms when the purple light put me out.Daine tried to smile, Alanna's doing no doubt. Thank the Horse Lords I didn't have to see the tigers body.
But what had they done with the female?
Daine's ears began picking up noises in the other room and she tried to switch her ears to those of wolf without thinking. This time the pain was excruciating and she cried out involuntarily. Within seconds the door was slammed against the opposite wall and light exploded in the room. Numair leapt over a chair and was at her side in seconds.
"Daine! What is it? What’s wrong?"
She was still in a world of pain, writhing from side to side with her hands over her ears, hardly able to notice the troubled dragon who was trying to avoid her wildly moving legs. "Numair, make it stop!" she gasped as he grabbed her wrists and looked at her with intensely worried eyes. "My head...it's-it's-" and then it was gone. She still had the ache from before, but nothing near as painful as seconds ago.
She blinked at him. "It's gone,"
"Whats gone, Daine, what was happening?"
"I-I don't know. I heard talking and when I tried to shape change my ears to hear better my head burst into pain." she grimaced at the thought of it.
He frowned deeply and let go of her wrists. "How do you feel otherwise?"
"My head aches something fierce, but nothing compared to earlier and just now."
"What earlier? This happened before?" he asked sharply. She nodded and related what had happened when she had tried speaking to the animals and Cloud.
He settled down into a chair, deep in thought as he pulled characteristically at his nose. She studied him and was slightly alarmed to see how haggard and drawn he looked. When was the last time he had eaten? Slept? And thinking of this she realized how hungry she herself was.
Slowly and carefully she pulled back the covers and swung her legs over the edge of the bed. How weak she felt! She scowled, not at all liking how feeble she had become. Kitten squawked rebukingly when she saw this.
"Daine! What in Mithros name are you doing?" Numair exclaimed gently pushing her back onto the bed from where she was teetering above it. She turned her scowl on him. "I was going to get something to eat and drink."
He looked surprised at her tone and face but was then mortifyingly abashed. "Oh, sweet, I'm so sorry, I got caught up in the magic...I think when you used your powers so vehemently on the tiger that you damaged something, because your magic comes from your body, this is quite explainable, now if," he saw her looking at him with an even more cross expression and his face flooded red under his tan. "Lay down, I'll get you anything you need, don't worry about it."
He turned to leave the room, where Kitten was once again raiding the small supply of fruit and vegetables, this time for Daine; when he heard the young woman whisper, "Numair, please..." he turned and saw her slumped there on the bed with tears streaming down her face.
"Daine?" he questioned worriedly.
"Come here," He went to her, and she gestured for him to get on his knees. He was completely mystified as to what was ailing her or what she was wanting from him. And then he got his answer as she grabbed him around the neck and buried her face in his shoulder, sobbing silently and hanging on to his strong form for dear life.
"Magelet, I'm so sorry...so sorry."
He felt her stop crying sooner than he expected, and they simply held each other just for the joy of being close until he felt her go lax in his arms. Smiling he gently laid her back into bed and covered her again-sleeping form. He waved a hand sharply, causing his mage light to flicker and go out. He smoothed a curl from Daine's face. She looks much more at ease now..."
Kitten came trundling into the room with the once broken bowel in-claw, now miraculously intact and full of various fruits. Numair raised an eyebrow and whispered, "Did I know you could do that?" She cocked her head and chirped matter-of-factly. "Come along, Daine's resting again, we'll order up some real food."
She nodded eagerly and turned tail back out the door.
A pounding at the door heralded the entrance of a harried looking horse-mistress and alert lady night. They both opened their mouths to fire questions and he held up his large hands quickly. "Stop. She's fine, I promise." They closed their mouths and relaxed slightly and on came the next inquiries. Numair rubbed his forehead wearily. It was going to be another long night.
Please continue to let me know what you think guys! ^_^
P.S. - Oh! Someone said a bit back that they thought Numair and Daine would have consummated their relationship by now. ::Thinks a moment:: That's true, your very true ^_^. But- ehehehe, this is my story and with me being a Christian I chose to keep Daine chaste. ::shakes hands approvingly with a somewhat disgruntled Daine and sticks her tongue out at a much more disgruntled Numair:: LOL, anyway, on with the chapter!
**Disclaimer - Numair, Daine, Alanna, King Jon, and all the other characters are Tamora Pierces. Also the wonderful land of Tortall and surrounding world. I have no claim to them! Just like borrowin 'em, ^_~
Email: Mstryhrs98@aol.com
Website: www.oocities.org/mstryhrs
Archive: If you'd like to add my ongoing story, please just ask and you shall receive!]
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And Here?
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"I'm truly sorry, Numair, I wish it hadn't happened, but we have already promised various prominent nobles that there will be tigers in the royal menagerie by the fall. Not to mention the Carthaki are expecting payment for the tigers, regardless of their deaths, and may feel offended if we do not choose to have tigers from Carthak in the menagerie..." King Jonathan shook his head as he rubbed his brow wearily. "We do not want to offend the Carthaki's, as weak as they may still be. Please give Daine my regards and apologies."
Numair scowled darkly at the richly woven rug which Jon's desk sat atop. Raising his eyes he said, "Jon, what is to stop the next pair from going ballistic on us? How can we know the same scenario will not replay itself?"
Jonathan shook his head, a frown resting on his handsome, if slightly worn, features. He leaned on his desk with one fisted hand. "No. The tigers should never have been able to get out in the first place. That was the fault of the handlers, and it will not be repeated."
"So says you. Remember you can't see and know all, as much as I know you wish you could." Numair sighed. "Do you want unhappy animals in such splendid homes, Jon? As I've worked with hundreds along the way with Daine, I have come to realize some just can't handle captivity. They either go mad or strike back when you least expect it. It won't work." he narrowed his eyes in thought. "I don't understand, though, how we could have gotten this far without finding a hitch of such a nature. Thank the Gods, I suppose."
King Jonathan looked thoughtful for a moment, sapphire eyes staring off into the distance. Numair watched him, the while wondering how his wildmage was doing. She was getting around better than yesterday and the day before, but still told him she had a throbbing headache. She also continued to be unable to talk with animals without excruciating pain. That was what hurt her the most. Lindhall had come by the previous day; and with Daine's help they found Daine couldn't hear animals either, unless they spoke directly to her.
"Numair," Jon began, bringing the mages' focus back to the king. "Now hear me out before you answer, and of course we will have to speak with Daine...but what do you think of taking a short reprieve across the sea, to your old schooling grounds." Numair's face instantly set into a frown as he crossed his arms over his chest. "It will do the two of you good, to get away for a bit." he said swiftly, ignoring the sour look on his greatest mages face. "This may even be what Daine needs to bring her magic senses back to what they were." he paused and then continued after he had settled into his chair and leaned forward. "And while you are there, Daine can pick out the tigers she feels will be best suited for captivity. This way, we will be certain there will not be a repeat of the other days disaster."
Numair thought quickly. Jon had a point. He had noticed Daine seemed a bit restless lately, feeling a mite closed in. It was common for her to be so midsummer, the point of year when it was many times too hot to be out-of-doors much. Numair himself would welcome a break from palace life...but Carthak? He could think of many, many other places that would be more comfortable. And yet, things were said to be much changed. He did have a fondness for the distant country where he had spent many years of his younger life.
But Daine...what would she think of this plan Jonathan had come up with so quickly? Would she agree to leave Tortall behind and go choose tigers? He smirked inwardly. It sounded slightly silly, but could be just what the young woman needed.
He looked up. "And my classes?"
"Don't worry about them. We have more than enough mages to fill in. None, of course, with your abilities, but I trust one of them can manage." The king smiled at him, knowing the offer sounded inviting to the tall man, even if it did have it's share of obvious drawbacks.
Numair stood slowly and nodded. "All right, if Daine gives her okay, we'll go, Your Majesty. Provided, Emperor Kaddar is agreeable."
Jon stood when Numair did and hand clasped with the mage. "Good. I've been worried about the two of you, this will ease my mind. Worried in more ways than one." he paused significantly and Numair knew instantly he was speaking about the absence of a marriage announcement. "Don't worry about the Emperor, I'm sure he'd be more than happy to see the two of you, especially Daine."
Numair nodded absently. That was what he was afraid of.
~~~~~~~~~~***~~~~~~~~~~
"Carthak?! Why in Shakith's name does he want us to go to Carthak, now?" Numair grimaced. Things weren't exactly going like he had thought they would.
Daine plopped back onto the garden bench and tried to calm herself, her head was protesting her protests quite vehemently.
"Daine, listen to me, I believe this would be the best thing at the moment. There's nothing pressing happening here and I know how restless you become near midsummer. Also, this will give you the chance to find suitable animals for the menagerie. Jonathan told me he would like some exotic birds as well. Plus, I know you have been wanting to see how Kaddar has been fairing."
Seeing her still set face, the tall mage crouched on his heels in front of her, taking her hands and peering imploringly into her face. "I've scoured my books, Lindhall's books, and anything else I could find. I can't find the answer to your wild magic problem. But the University in Carthak has many, many more books, manuscripts, and documents. Maybe-maybe I can find some answers there." Daine looked at they're intertwined hands and squeezed his, getting a return squeeze from Numair. I'm lucky to have someone who cares for me so much.
She frowned at another thought. "But, Numair, I can't speak to them! How will I know if they'll go crazy or not? I have no way-"
"You can still hear them, can you not?" Numair said gently. "True, only when they speak to you, but we'll think of something, Magelet. You aren't totally cut off from the animals. Who knows, you may have regained your previous abilities before we even dock."
"And your classes? You can't just leave in the middle of the term."
Numair smiled. "How many times have I had to turn down offers from mages who wanted my class?" he shook his head with a wry look on his face. "Mithros knows why. Those boys can even get on Tkaa's nerves."
Daine quirked her mouth slightly and sighed. "The Emperor? Kaddar will be okay with this?"
The mage nodded. "Jon assures me he will be most pleased to see us both."
Daine noticed the note in his voice and laughed at him. "Numair, don't get jealous on me now." The man gave her a sharp look, "Jealous? What ever made you think-"
She cut him off before he could protest any further with a loving smile and, "Okay. Since you've seemed to have had a good answer for every one of my questions... When do we leave?"
Numair gave her an affectionate smile and said softly, "You will get through this, Daine." Daine nodded, eyes getting bright. "I know. Please don't make me cry, Numair, I'm thoroughly disgusted with crying."
He grinned at her misheviously. "How about kissing? I should sincerely hope you haven't gotten tired of my kisses, hm?" She giggled and shook her head. He took her face in his hands, smoothing her wayward curls back. She leaned forward and brushed his lips lightly, thrilling at the tingling that rushed throughout her body from that slight touch. They smiled at each other, knowing what each was feeling. And Daine proceeded to show her teacher just how 'tired' she was of his kisses.
"Well then. What did you tell me Cloud has said Daine, 'lovely as colts frisking in the sun'? Was that it?" a laughing voice said, interrupting the pair. They pulled apart gasping, Daine's face going beet red and Numair said calmly, "Go away, Alanna. Can't you see we're occupied?"
Daine heard the Lioness laugh and the clank of metal against metal as she moved. The girl looked into Numair's eyes and saw him smiling apologetically at her before he gave her a last kiss and stood.
"Don't worry, I won't be long and you can both get back to your previous...activities." she joked, then became serious as she looked from one red-faced friend to the other. "I've just come from Jon, seems my Champion duties have been fully rectified and in need. I also heard you pair will be heading to our favorite country. I wish you well, it wouldn't be my first choice as a leave destination."
"Tell me about it," Numair and Daine chorused together.
Alanna smiled, resettling her sword on her hip. She was decked out in chain mail and light body armor.
"And where are you off to, Alanna?" Numair inquired, obviously noting the unusual amount of armor the woman wore.
"South. In fact, not far from Pirates Swoop. Might just swing on in and check on that thief of a baron of mine and his progeny of thief’s." Alanna winked and Daine laughed.
"Anyway, I came out to say good-bye, and good journey. I'm thinking you'll be gone by the time I drag myself back up here." Alanna hugged Numair, and she held him longer as she stood on tiptoe to whisper in his ear. Daine politely waited her turn.
"Be careful, Daine." Alanna said softly in her own ear. "Carthak is a treacherous land, as you know well." Louder she said, "And watch that treacherous man over there, he'll get ya, as you also may know." Daine smiled and embraced Alanna tight, praying the Gods keep her safe wherever she may go. Alanna began to stride out of the palace garden and said lightly over her shoulder, "Daine, honey, try to keep the palace in one piece this time?" Daine smiled as they watched their friend turn the corner, no doubt to meet the company of Kings Own that would ride along with her. Horseshoes rang out on the cobbles a distance away and receded ever farther. Daine couldn't believe they had missed the sound, but thinking back with a blush, she found that she could.
Daine turned to see Numair staring after Alanna. She strode to him and clasped hands. "Numair?"
He didn't look at her as he said, "Hm?"
"Your worried about her, aren't you?"
He looked down at her, his eyes speaking. "There's-something, I don't know what...but something..." he shook himself and managed a feeble smile. "Don't fret, I'm talking nonsense. Come along, I believe the king will want to hear your reply as soon as possible."
Daine nodded and they left the garden, sunlight fading pink in the twilight. The sun shining through the trees made dappled patters on the pair and the air smelt sweet with blossoms. Daine inhaled deeply and leaned closer to Numair as his arm tightened about her shoulders. It was strange, unsettling to be without the constant presence of animal voices...almost like their journey in the Divine Realms, but somehow worse.
Carthak... the young woman thought silently. What lay beyond the horizon in that far off land?