A/N: OMG! I'm am so so so sorry it's taken me this long to update…I started this chapter way back in December and just now finished it…sad…I've been working on this every free second I get…but unfortunately…that's not much…I promise my updates will be closer together…, here is the third and final chapter of our lovable couple…it's gonna be a long one…so sit back in your chairs and get comfy…hope you enjoy!

Heh heh…it seems that in the last one I forgot to actually put what Jon said…any of you like to know? Well it's in here…look for it!

Disclaimer: Ok, ok I'll admit it…TP owns this and I –sadly- do not. The only things I own are the plot –duh- and anything else you don't recognize –double duh- oh and I don't own Daine's vows either…they're from a song…although it's been too long since I wrote them…and I don't remember which song…

"Sir Rafael, you are to take a squad of the King's Own to the town of Criers to train any willing how to fight. You will be leading the group; however, their sergeant gives the men all of their orders. So basically you don't do anything whatsoever until you reach Criers…and even then you won't be doing much…mostly you're just there because we have no where else for you to be…understood?" Alanna drawled, thoroughly bored.

So far she was only down to number twelve of the new knights. She was reading off of the paper she and Jon had written up, and was beginning to walk away -when she heard a very feminine squeal.

She turned around slowly, not sure what to expect. She almost burst out laughing at the sight, but realized it wasn't quite funny as much as sad, and kind of creepy…Sir Rafael, had his hands clasped under his chin and was skipping around the hallway gaily. (Both types of gay as you may have guessed…)

Alanna shook her head and walked away, wondering how he'd ever made it through his page years. At least she didn't have to worry about this one hugging her to death as Sir

Herrmann, Sir Theodore, Sir Artemus, and, well, all the other previous knights had done.

But she had gotten them all back for the un-knightly displays of happiness…she broke the index finger of all the ones who had hugged her. But then, being the nice lady knight that she is, (yeah right…) she healed it for them; of course only after making them swear on their mothers graves never to even think of hugging her, ever, again.

So now -after being scarred for life at what the Chamber had allowed to become a knight- she sulked off to find her next victim.

She didn't have to go far, for Sir Zachariah was sitting outside his rooms chatting with Sir Nigel about his placement. Nigel had been the first to receive an assignment; he was also the first to have a broken limb by the Lioness that day.

His mission was to travel with Buri and her Riders, to get used to life on the road. But what he didn't know was that Buri was taking him to a special training course in the mountains, which was used for advanced Rider training. So he basically wasn't going to do anything, while getting his butt kicked by Buri.

She almost felt sorry for the poor guy –almost.

She scowled at him when she approached. His face paled and he dashed around the corner; hurriedly saying goodbye to his friend. Zachariah jumped up from his sitting position, and saluted the King's Champion. Alanna growled menacingly at being mocked, and the green knight before her shook in his boots.

Alanna took a deep breath and cleared her throat. "Sir Zachariah, you will be stationed as a spy for the King in the Lower City. He wants you to keep tabs on some newly released criminals. You begin at sundown tomorrow, and will continue taking notes and following people around until we get bored of your entirely useless reports. You will not be late for this assignment, or you will answer to me."

Zachariah, grinning broadly, took a step towards Alanna with outstretched arms and a tear in his eye. Alanna grabbed his finger and snapped it back before he managed to pull her into an embrace. His smile disappeared instantaneously, and he grabbed his hurt finger with his other hand.

This caused pain to jolt through the broken ligament, and tears to roll quietly down his lightly tanned face. Alanna tilted her head in amusement. Wow, he didn't scream like the other ones…he might actually do alright…well, maybe

"Never, ever, do that again." She said fiercely. He nodded vigorously, and Alanna reached out with a glowing hand and touched his fingertip. She pressed lightly and the bone was whole once more.

Zachariah bent his finger, and was awed to feel not even the slightest bit of pain. He looked at her and mouthed a quick thank you before walking swiftly into his room, and hastily slamming the door so as not to anger the Lioness further.

Alanna grumbled to herself. Why can't they all be that simple? Why must they all torture me slowly and painfully with their uncontrollable glee? Why, why, why?

She stomped off to find the remaining knights; Sir Ivan, Sir Jefferie, Sir Nicolai, Sir Deriick, and Sir Wyatte.

(((Many Hours later)))

A very grumpy Alanna returned to her room that night. She promptly fell over on the bed and groaned. She was very wiped out from all that walking, and all the healings…of course no one would feel sorry for her tomorrow; seeing as she wasn't actually supposed to break all those fingers…George came out of the privy and looked her over.

"Good heavens lass, you look as though you just came off a boat! What did they do to you?"

Alanna looked at him. "They all hugged me –except for the gay one, he was too busy being, well, gay- and so I broke their fingers, but then being as nice as I am, I healed them too. And now not only do my feet hurt, but my head is on fire and I feel as though I might pass out from overexertion." She replied; speaking very fast and very dramatically.

George chuckled. He laughed out loud. "We have a gay knight?" he asked through peels of laughter.

Alanna glared at him. "Well fine, I see how it is then. Care more about the fag of a knight than your Lioness." She pouted at him.

George stopped laughing, but a grin remained on his face. "You know, you look a lot like Jon when you do that love…"

Alanna gaped at him. "I do not look like Jon!" she retorted stubbornly, sticking her tongue out. George's grin broadened.

"You're right lass; for one thing, Jon doesn't look that adorable in a pout…not adorable in the least. In fact, you're so adorable, I may just have to kiss those perfectly pouted lips of yours…"

Alanna leaned forwards towards him. "You mean these ones?" she asked teasingly.

George put his finger under her chin and tilted her head upwards. He captured her lips with his own and kissed her deeply. He pulled back and smiled broadly. "Aye lass, those ones."

Alanna went to sleep that night feeling better than she had all day.

(((Next Morning)))

Daine's POV

Daine opened her eyes and was blinded by the sunlight streaking through her window. She desperately tried to close her eyes and roll over, but it seemed that all the curtains had been drawn. She felt Numair's sturdy arm around her waist, and she heard him snore lightly.

She tugged at his elbow until his grip loosened. Then she carefully crawled out of bed and stretched. She yawned lightly and leapt in fright. She had just noticed the group of women sprawled about her bedroom; asleep. She tiptoed over to Kel -who was closest to the bed- and tapped her stiffly on the shoulder.

The young lady knight woke with a start and smiled sheepishly. Daine motioned for Kel to follow her into the privy.

Kel obliged. When they were both inside the large privy, and the door was securely closed, Daine calmly -with a slight edge- asked, "What are you all doing in my rooms?"

"W-well…" Kel said, stammering under the piercing gaze of the Wildmage. "We just thought that we'd wait for you to get up…and then…kidnap you to the city for the day!" she finished triumphantly. "But we kind of got a bit tired…and well…" she added, mumbling.

Daine stared blankly at her for a moment. "Why?" she asked suspiciously.

"So that we can get everything you need for your wedding…" Kel replied, gesturing with her hands, as if it should be obvious.

Suddenly they heard a yelp from the bedroom. Daine threw the privy door open to reveal Numair trying desperately to pull the coverlet around his nude torso; while all the other faces in the room smirked and snickered at him. (Well, mostly just Alanna…) Daine couldn't help but grin.

"Daine," Numair whined angrily. "Care to explain why all of our female friends are in our room this early?"

"They're kidnapping me love. I'll be back later." She ran over to him and kissed him soundly on the mouth before stepping into her leather boots and hurrying all her friends out of the room.

Once out into the hallway, Alanna burst out laughing. "Did you see his face!" she gasped, her face as red as her hair. Soon everyone else was laughing as well, and even Daine was giggling at her fiancée's behavior.

"That was priceless!" shouted Onua as they scurried through the halls.

Thayet was bent over laughing, while trying to keep up with everyone else, so she therefore ended up on her back on the floor. She had accidentally bowled someone over in her mad haste, and wasn't quite sure who it was for her eyes had gone all teary from the fits of laughter…

But Alanna noticed; and she didn't waste any time taunting her favorite King, who -at the moment- was on his head, against the wall, with his feet draped precariously around his neck.

"Honestly Jon, can't you ever watch where you're going? I mean it's just not right for the King to be dashing through the halls and to run over his spouse…that job is reserved solely for Thayet!"

"ALANNA!" Jon roared "What is the meaning of this?"

"Me?" Alanna asked innocently. "Why, whatever do you mean milord?"

Kel and Daine were rolling on the floor as the King of Tortall disentangled his legs from his head and managed to stand up. Thayet had been trying to get up, and would have succeeded if not for the laughter that kept her down. Buri went over and hauled her up, deep laugh lines creasing her features.

Jon ran over to Thayet and asked, "Are you all right my dear?" She could only nod at the moment and when her giggles subsided she answered, "Yes Jon, I'm fine."

Then she and her friends dashed off once again before Jon could ask any more questions.

When the women reached Corus, Kel led the way to Lalasa's shop. She pushed open the door and they all heard the bell over the door ding their entrance. From the back of the small shop Lalasa called, "Be right with you!"

"That's ok Lalasa; we're in no big hurry!" Thayet shouted back. She and the rest of the group sat down on a bench by the counter. "So Daine," she asked "What sort of dress were you thinking of?"

Daine thought for a moment. "Something simple…not too flashy or anything…"

Lalasa came around the corner of a dress rack with another woman who said hello to them all, bowed to Thayet, and left. Lalasa looked at the faces of her friends. "What can I do for you all today?"

Alanna spoke up, "Well Daine is getting married and we were wondering if you could plan it for us and also if you had a dress she could buy that would be great." She smiled hopefully.

Lalasa grinned. "Congratulations Daine! Oh I have the perfect outfit for you!"

Daine smiled shyly. "I don't want anything too fancy please…"

"No of course not dear, I remember what you like…" the seamstress replied cheerily. She bustled about her shop, and over to a rack in the corner. On it were many different varieties of wedding gowns as well as bridesmaid's dresses.

Lalasa reached into the very middle of the rack and pulled out a small white gown with varied sizes of yellow flowers stitched across the front in no particular pattern. The edging on it was satin ribbon of the same light color as the embroidery. The neckline was low, but modest. The bodice was form fitting, and the skirts went out at the hips. It was sleeveless, and had thin straps that went over the shoulders. It looked somewhat like a summer dress, but it was a thicker, softer material.

Daine gasped upon seeing it. "I-it's beautiful! I love it!" she exclaimed. Lalasa handed it to her and she went to the back room the try it on. It fit almost perfectly. It was a bit loose but it would work.

"How does it fit?" Thayet called out from the other side of the curtain.

Daine walked out of the room and spun it a small circle, making the skirts flare. "What do you think?" she asked brightly.

"It's gorgeous!" exclaimed Onua. The others murmured their agreement.

Lalasa studied it for a moment. "It's a tad too big, but I can fix that." She took out a handful of pins and went up to Daine. She quickly pinned it up where she would take it in at, and told Daine to take it off. She skipped off to the back room and returned carrying it over her arm.

Lalasa took it and went over to the counter. She set the gown down and then went over to the wedding rack again. She pulled out five matching bridesmaid's dresses. They were yellow, just like the stichery on Daine's dress, but the edging was a more golden color. She put them next to Daine's dress and asked, "Who are your bridesmaids dear?"

Daine blushed. "I hadn't thought about it yet…"

"No problem," said Thayet. "We'll be your bridesmaids. There are five of us after all."

Lalasa nodded and wrote down their names. (Thayet, Alanna, Kel, Onua, and Buri) She would adjust the dresses later on with the ladies measurements.

"Thanks you guys," Daine smiled.

Alanna and Kel groaned simultaneously. Thayet and her big mouth! Now they'd have to wear dresses!

Lalasa told Daine that she'd make all the other necessary arrangements, and that she needn't worry about anything.

After that the ladies left the shop and went to the Dancing Dove. Alanna said hello to Solom and ordered lemonade for everyone. They downed their tankards and then since they were all famished, they decided to have some breakfast. They went to a tiny teahouse across the road from the Dancing Dove –Tabitha's Tea Cozy- and stuffed themselves with pastries. (A/N: And yes, I do know what a tea cozy is, but I thought it would make a cute name…)

When no one could eat another bite, Thayet suggested they do some shopping. Alanna agreed instantly; wanting to go look at some new daggers. Kel decided she needed a new sword, and the two ran off together leaving Thayet, Buri, Onua, and Daine on their own. Thayet suggested they look at jewelry for Daine to wear at the wedding, and Buri ran off after Kel and Alanna. Thayet laughed at her best friend's behavior.

"She never was one for shopping…" she told Daine and Onua. "In fact, I was surprised she lasted this long!" Daine giggled.

Together they ran off to Anastasia's Jewelry Boutique, and Daine bought some yellow ear drops set in silver, with a matching necklace. Onua bought a pair of gold ear drops that had a horse charm on each of them. Thayet bought a white gold necklace with a sapphire pendant for Kalasin, and a silver and ruby bracelet for herself. Then they went off to find their lady knights.

Meanwhile on the other side of the market…

"I refuse to pay that much for this wretched steel! It is very poorly made! I will not pay more than two coppers for it!" bellowed Alanna to a shopkeeper.

"If is so atrocious, then why bother trying to buy it!" demanded Edmund, the owner of the shop.

"Because you tried to sell it to me even though you knew that I knew it was poor steel, and because of that I will buy it, but not for the price you want me too!" screeched the enraged Lioness.

"Umm…Alanna…that made no sense whatsoever…" Kel pointed out. Buri nodded in agreement.

Alanna thought about what she had just said. "You're right Kel, it didn't." She turned back to the shopkeeper. She gritted her teeth and with an attempt at composure and politeness said, "The reason I'd like to purchase this knife is because I am in need of a new dagger, and even though this isn't the best quality steel, I want to buy it because I know I won't have it for long anyway. And although I am willing to buy it, I will not pay you a gold noble for it; I will only pay two coppers at the very most. Is this acceptable to you?" Alanna asked as politely as possible, her rage dispersing slightly.

She looked back at Kel and Buri. "Better?" she asked.

Before they could say a word, Alanna was answered by a very smug queen leaning on the doorframe.

"Much better Lioness." Thayet smirked.

"Tsk tsk Majesty" Alanna replied. "If you do that too often you face will freeze like that…and you will be forever sneering…and we wouldn't want our queen to be imperfect, not would we?" she teased.

Daine and Onua -who were next to Thayet-, burst out laughing. Daine clutched at her stomach, but couldn't suppress her giggles.

Thayet stuck her tongue out in a very un-royal like manor. Kel was grinning so broadly her dimples were like craters in her cheeks, and Buri was snickering at her long-time friend.

"Whew!" said Alanna, wiping a hand across her forehead in a dramatic gesture. "I thought it might be stuck! Mithros knows she makes that face at Jon on a daily basis! Oh good, I'm so glad our queen is not horribly, horribly disfigured! It just wouldn't be the same!" Alanna beamed at herself for her cleverness.

Thayet pouted. "Alanna weren't you haggling for a dagger?" she asked in a mock-hurt voice.

"Oh yeah…" Alanna turned to face the shopkeeper once more. "So?" she asked "Do we have a deal?"

The large man stroked his beard thoughtfully. He tugged at the bottom making it look like an overgrown goatee before replying, "Make it three coppers and you have a deal."

Alanna whooped. Loudly. "Yes! Done!" She forked over the coins and grabbed her dagger. She placed it in the sheath at her waist and let Kel up to the counter.

"Alanna, you spent that entire time buying one dagger?" Daine asked.

"Yes," she replied. "Why not?" she asked confused.

Daine shook her head. "Never mind Alanna,"

Kel was looking at all the swords that the shopkeeper had on display. "Have you any others?" she asked the man after scrutinizing each one carefully, and not seeing one she liked. He nodded and showed her into the back room.

Thayet began looking around at all the weapons. She picked up many different daggers and weighed them in her palm. She picked out a tiny knife with a black opal set in the pommel for Kalasin, and a sword with a large sapphire set in it for Roald. She also picked out a small, sturdy bow and a set of griffin-fletched arrows for Liam.

When the Edmund came back with Kel, she paid for her sword after getting him to lower the price to two coppers and one silver noble. Then Thayet made her purchases, as did Buri who bought a dagger for Raoul and had it engraved, 'Giantkiller'. Daine looked, but didn't see anything she needed. Onua bought some arrows to fill her quiver.

Since they were all shopped out, they decided to head back up to the Palace before everyone began to wonder where they were…

Meanwhile, back at the Palace…

"I swear by Mithros that when Alanna comes back I will personally slaughter her!" Jon bellowed at the men in his study.

"Now now," said George. "I can't have you murdering my wife Jon, what would your subjects think?"

"At the moment, George, I don't care! She broke the fingers of all my new knights yesterday!"

"Aye, but she did heal the lads as well…" George pointed out.

Jon threw up his hands in frustration. "But how do I know she didn't cause any permanent damage!" he roared.

Numair and Raoul were laughing quietly at the thought of Alanna being hugged by the knights fresh out of squiredom.

"Jon," said George. "I do believe that that is the only reason she healed them…so it wouldn't be permanent." He said grinning.

Raoul laughed even harder at that, now his face was beginning to turn a delightful shade of pink. Jon glared at his best friend. "Think this is funny do you?"" he asked menacingly. Raoul nodded furiously. "I had seventeen knights come and complain about my champion this morning!" Jon went on.

Numair stopped laughing -slightly. "Jon, I though we had eighteen new knights…"

Jon stopped pacing and counted on his fingers. "We do Numair…hmm; Rafael didn't come see me…"

George burst out laughing.

"What so funny?" asked Raoul.

George motioned for them all to come closer.

"Alanna didn't break his finger." He said, eyes twinkling mischievously.

"We've already come to that conclusion George, tell us why." Jon said impatiently.

"Because he didn't hug her. He didn't even try."

Raoul replied, "Go on,"

"HE'S GAY!" George whispered loudly. "Alanna said she heard him squeal like a little court lady and then he was skipping around the hall!" By the time George was done talking, his face was bright red, and Numair and Raoul were literally rolling on the floor, exploding with laughter. Even his Majesty was grinning to no end.

Then he stopped abruptly. "Oh gods, I have a gay knight serving my kingdom…"

This only succeeded in causing George to join the other two, supposedly fully grown men, on the King's fur rug. There was nothing that could get them to stop laughing now…

The door to Jon's study slammed open.

…except maybe that.

In the doorway were Alanna, Thayet, Daine and Buri along with Kel and Onua. Jon stomped up to Alanna and glared at her.

"Are you going to say something or just stare at me Jon?" she asked him sweetly.

He growled at her and went over to his desk and plopped himself into his cushy chair.

"What's wrong Jon? Have I done something to upset you?" Alanna scoffed brightly.

"You know damn well what you did Alanna!" he roared.

"Well of course I do, but you should let everyone else know too, don't you think?" she replied grinning broadly.

"Of course I think!" retorted Jon.

"Jon I think you missed the point…" said Thayet warmly.

"What point?" he asked, thoroughly confused.

Ignoring Jon, George sneered, "Well love, all of us lads know, but I do believe you're right. Johnny 'ere should tell the other lasses what you did…I do believe they'll get a kick out of it…" he chuckled.

Thayet went over to Jon and perched herself on his desk. "Jon, please tell me what Alanna did."

Jon muttered something incoherent under his breath. Alanna, who was conveniently still at the door said, "Sorry Jon but you'll have to speak up, I can't hear you all the way back here…"

Jon glared at her and said, "Alanna broke the index finger on seventeen of my new knights yesterday, just because they hugged her." In saying this, all the men –excluding Jon- burst out laughing once again, and were joined by all the women –including Thayet-. Jon gave them all dirty looks.

"Tell them about the eighteenth one Jon…" Alanna gasped between laughs.

Jon flushed. "Umm…no." he said.

Thayet punched him lightly on the arm. "Come on, it can't be worse than all those broken fingers!"

"Hey, I healed them all! But only because I knew I'd be dead if I didn't! The healers would've hade a fit!" Alanna protested.

"And what about me? You didn't think I would have a fit?" demanded Jon.

"No, I knew you would have one, but I'm more worried about the healers…"

The laughter in the room only increased.

"Jon, just tell me about the last knight!" exclaimed Thayet.

"The reason only seventeen had broken fingers is because the eighteenth one is…"

"Is what Jon?" prompted Daine

Jon covered his face with his large, calloused hands and said simply, "Gay." The room erupted with laughter –again. In fact it became so loud that Jon's squire came in to see if something was wrong. Jon sent him away, mortified that he had probably heard everything. While all his friends were laughing, Jon was worried what people would think if they knew…he shuddered thinking of all the rioting conservatives.

During all the fits of laughter, and Jon's worried pondering, Daine and Numair had slipped out of the study and were walking along the corridors. Daine had her arm linked through Numair's and was giggling softly. Numair was grinning broadly, as he and the love of his life clomped loudly through the halls.

Daine sighed happily as she leaned her head on Numair's tall shoulder. "Numair lets go for a ride!" she suggested eagerly.

He groaned inwardly. Riding was not his favorite thing to do. He was about to protest, but as he looked into Daine's stormy blue-grey eyes and saw the joy that practically jumped out at him, he said, "Sure love, lets go."

Then suddenly his eyes lit up. "Better yet, I'll race you there!" He dashed off through the halls laughing as Daine stood stunned. Then she grinned and ran after him. His long legs gave him the advantage of speed, but Daine had something he didn't…

Oh Cloouuud! Daine called out cheerfully to her long time best friend. Through the connection she felt her mare grumble.

What is it now child? Cloud asked, exasperated.

I'm not a child anymore! Protested Daine.

No, of course not. But you will always be my kit.

Daine groaned. Ok…anyway Numair and I are racing to the stables for a ride, and since he has a head start and longer legs…I was hoping you would meet me outside…

Cloud became very giddy. Of course I'll help you put stork-man in his place! I'd be happy to! Want me to tell Spots to give him trouble too? She asked hopefully

Daine laughed. No Cloud, just meet me outside please…

She looked ahead of her; Numair was at the door already! She had to hurry…she pumped her legs until she was going as fast as she possibly could. She pulled alongside Numair just outside the palace and he looked startled at first before grinning broadly.

"So you caught up after all!" he teased. "What took you so long?"

Daine smirked. "I was…preoccupied…"

He gave her a sideways glance and kept on running. As the two neared the stables, Daine gave an ear-piercing whistle. Cloud burst out of the door and almost knocked Numair over. Daine jumped on her mare and said triumphantly, "I win!"

Numair gaped at her. "You cheated!"

"Did not! I couldn't have…there were no rules remember?" she taunted brightly. "Aww! Can my black robed mage not stand to be beaten by his future wife?" she asked playfully.

He sniffed, feigning a hurt face. "No no, I'll be –sniff- ok…" –sniff-

Daine snickered and pushed him gently with her toe. "Well that's a relief dear." She teased him. She patted his cheek with her hand.

Numair trudged the rest of the way to the stable door slowly and deliberately, making it look as though his pride was mortally wounded.

Spots… Daine called out.

Yes mistress Daine? He answered eagerly.

Numair is almost at the door to the barn and I was wondering if…

If I could run him over for you? Spots asked excitedly.

Daine giggled again. Well maybe just be standing there when he opens the door and give him a bit of a scare…Don't hurt him though!

It would be my pleasure…The horse said evilly. Daine laughed at Numair's mount. Then she turned Cloud with her knees to watch the show.

Numair yanked open the stable door a moment later and jumped at seeing a horse out of its stall and standing by the door. He was even more shocked to see that it was his horse…Daine he thought.

Spots exhaled on his master. Then nudged him with his big soft nose and tipped him over into the hay.

Numair yelped as he fell and when he sat up, his hair was full of straw. A stray piece hung down in front of his face and he blew upwards and it fluttered away. Suddenly he heard Daine burst out laughing. He glared at her. "This is your fault!" he shouted with mock sternness.

Then he got an idea. Grinning wickedly, he grabbed a handful of loose hay and casually stalked over to Daine. She had fallen off Cloud and was rolling around; laughing loudly. When she saw Numair she sat bolt upright. "You wouldn't dare." She said, guessing what he was planning on doing.

"Oh I so would…" Numair replied, still grinning.

Daine jumped up and ran around to the other side of Cloud. Numair followed her and she bolted again. He caught up to her and nimbly tackled her to the ground.

"Numair…no…don't do it…"

But it was too late. Numair took the handful of straw and stuffed it into her hair. Now her beautiful soft brown curls had pieces of golden yellow hay sticking out of them. Numair laughed as she glared at him. Then he leaned down and kissed her teasingly.

He jumped off his fiancée and ran over to Spots, laughing. She jumped onto Cloud and chased him down -before he could reach his gelding. When Cloud was right next to him, Daine jumped off her mares back and tackled her betrothed.

But instead of him falling to the ground with her on top of him, as she had planned, he reached out his arms and caught her. But, in doing this, Numair lost his balance, and his long, gangly legs folded under him making Daine land on his chest. She raised her hands in the air triumphantly. He grabbed her arms and pulled her down so they were face to face.

She propped her elbows on her chest and looked into his eyes. They glinted in the sunlight, and as she looked deeper, she could see how happy he was at the moment. She leaned down and pressed her lips to his and kissed him fervidly. He kissed her back and she twined her fingers in his hair as he wrapped his arms around her neck.

When they pulled apart, Daine laughed. "We must look really funny to anyone watching…"

Numair laughed and replied, "Well I for one don't mind. I like being funny!" She giggled softly in his arms. Then she sat up and pulled her hands out of his hair, grabbing a few stray strands of straw as well.

Then she reached up into her own hair and pouted. "It's going to take forever to get all this hay out!" Numair laughed at her. "And what about me? I have it in my hair too!"

Daine snickered studying her lover. "You look like a pincushion love…" she said, smiling brightly.

"Thanks Magelet, that makes me feel loads better…"

"You're welcome dear, what are women for?" She replied grinning. She stood and brushed herself off, then stooped to pull Numair up. Then he valiantly picked her up and plopped her onto Cloud's back. "Milady," he smirked. Then he clambered onto Spot and the two set off into the forest on their favorite trail.

They rode quietly for a long time, just enjoying the scenery in the Royal Forest. Then Numair softly asked, "Magelet, are you sure you wont wake up one day after we're married and decide you want someone younger?" Daine looked at him, startled. She studied his face watching many emotions swamp his tan features. She identified the most recurring one as fear. His dark eyes pleaded with her to tell him the truth.

She sighed. "Numair, no one can tell what the future will bring…" She watched as his face fell. "But I can promise this: I will never love anyone as much as I love you." Then -since they were riding so closely- she reached a small hand up to his cheek. He leaned his face into her palm and kissed it. "I love you Numair." She leaned up to kiss him, and he met her halfway, quickly closing the distance between their mouths.

Then she grinned wickedly at him. "Well, unless of course some strapping young nobleman comes to court…" Daine batted her eyelashes playfully. "He might happen to be rich, and very handsome…maybe even more handsome than my giant lanky husband…"

He frowned at her, jutting out his bottom lip in a pout. "I am not lanky…" he protested.

Daine nodded with mock soberness. Then she shook her head sadly. "One of the lankiest I'm afraid…I mean, just think how our children would have turned out! I'm glad I realized this now instead of later on…" she said patting Cloud thoughtfully.

Then before she knew what was happening, she was surrounded in a black cloud of Numair's Gift. It picked her up off her mare and gently dropped her in a pile of exceptionally mushy mud. Then, laughing hysterically, Numair called his magic back and grinned at his wife-to-be, covered in dark brown muck. Daine's mouth was open in surprise. She couldn't believe he just dumped her in the mud!

Get him back already! Cloud said irritably, stamping her foot.

Daine said to Spot, A little help please?

Spot was all too happy to oblige. He bucked, and his master, paying too much attention to laughing, flew into the mud landing with a thump! next to Daine. Daine grinned evilly at her fiancée. Then seeing his pitiful expression, burst out laughing. Then she patted his shoulder comfortingly. "You brought this on yourself love." She pointed out.

She stood up and walked over to Cloud, but the mare sidestepped so Daine couldn't get on her.

You'll not get on me like that. She said stubbornly.

Cloud, Said Daine impatiently. I'm not walking all the way back to the Palace.

Then turn into a bird and fly. Cloud grumbled in reply.

Spot, I suppose you won't carry Numair either?

Spot snorted. Not unless he plans to groom me for hours.

Daine sighed. "Numair our horses have turned on us and won't let us ride them." She glared at the two mounts. "We'll have to fly back."

"Sounds good to me," replied Numair, grinning.

Numair quickly changed into a black hawk, which looked as though he'd gone for a dip in a mud puddle; which he had… Then he waited patiently on a branch for Daine to scold Cloud once more.

Then she jumped into the air rapidly changing into a golden eagle. She soared up in the sky and Numair joined her. Together they watched as Cloud and Spots took off headed for the Palace and they did the same.

Daine and Numair met their horses outside the stables and, having shape shifted again, put them in their stalls. Then they raced up to their rooms to change before anyone they knew saw them.

After they were both back into clean clothes, they headed down to Corus for lunch. There, they found a quaint little place that looked very inviting. They ordered their meal and discussed their wedding.

"We still need to set a date," remarked Daine.

Numair thought for a moment. "How about the Spring Equinox?" he suggested. "It's not very far off, and your parents would be able to come."

Daine smiled. "That would be nice." She said thoughtfully.

"It's settled then." He replied grinning.

"I'll have the Badger tell them for us."

Their food arrived and they set aside their plans for the time being. Later that evening when they got back to their rooms, there was a note on the door. Daine un-tacked it from the wood and read it, with Numair looking over her shoulder.

Daine looked at Numair confused. She read the note again. "H-Wh-how did they know?" She stuttered, confused.

Numair shrugged. "They are gods love…"

Here's what the note said:

Congratulations sweetling. I knew the two of you would marry eventually. And you don't need the badger to let us know; we already do. And of course we'll be there for you. We love you Daine, and we're proud of you.

With love,

Sarra and Weiryn

Daine was so glad that her parents were coming. She couldn't wait to see them. She wondered if Broadfoot and the Badger would be there too. After kissing Numair, she rushed off to tell Alanna.

She found the knight in the gardens having a heated discussion with her husband. Not wanting to interrupt, she quietly walked up behind them. Alanna continued to talk, not noticing her. George saw her, grinned and winked at her before returning his attention to Alanna.

Daine smiled to herself. George always knew when someone was around. She sat on a bench across from the couple, and patiently waited for Alanna to notice her. Alanna was known for being long winded in her speeches.

"…and another thing…" she droned on and on and soon Daine began to get tired. It was then that the Lioness noticed her young friend.

"Daine, what are you doing here?"

Daine jumped. "I was waiting to talk to you…"

"Well you should have said something, I didn't notice you there."

"I didn't want to interrupt," Daine replied sheepishly.

"Oh. Well, now, what did you need?"

"I have the most wonderful news to tell you!" she answered brightly. "Well actually a couple things. First Numair and I set a date for our wedding; it's going to be on the Spring Equinox which is only a couple weeks away. And also, my parents are going to come!"

"That's wonderful Daine!" exclaimed Alanna.

"So we finally get to meet your parents eh lass?" George said grinning.

"Yes, and I'm so excited! I can't wait!" Daine beamed. I know Ma will love you Alanna, and Da too. And of course they'll love you too George, how could they not?"

They all laughed at that.

"Lass, I'm sure that we'll all love them as well." chuckled George. Alanna nodded in agreement.

Daine sat with them a while longer, then ran off to find Numair.

Daine had looked all over the Palace and still hadn't found Numair after an hour. She was beginning to get worried, so she went up to Jon's study to see if he knew anything.

She knocked soundly on the huge oaken doors. She waited a moment and when Jon didn't answer, she turned to leave. Then the doors were yanked open by none other than Jon himself.

"Hello there Daine what can I do for you?"

Daine smiled. "I was just wondering if you'd seen Numair."

"Oh yes, he had to go to the city for a while," he replied. "But would you care to keep an old man company until he returns?" Jon added hopefully. "I'm dreadfully lonely today…"

"The King? Lonely?" Daine teased. "Never."

Jon put a finger to his lips. "Shh, don't let anyone know…my advisors will give me more work to do if they find out!"

"Don't worry Majesty; your secret is safe with me!"

Jon winced. "Please Daine, just call me Jon. Or if you have to Jonathan…but not majesty." He grinned. "Otherwise I might just be forced to call you 'Veralidaine' all the time. And you wouldn't want that now would you?"

"Point taken." Daine riposted shuddering.

She and Jon talked for a few hours about random nothingness; but then Daine remembered something. "Hey Jon, what did you say to Alanna yesterday?"

Jon looked puzzled at first, but then it clicked in his brain. "Oh…that," He thought back to the day before. He contemplated lying to his young friend, but decided against it; she was almost as good a lie detector as Alanna…and that was saying something…

"Well?" Daine prodded lightly.

"I said that…are you sure you want to know?"

"You're stalling dear king," she pointed out gleefully.

Jon grinned. "Nothing gets past you does it Daine?" he sighed. "Very well, if you must know, I said, "I seem to remember you used to like this "stuffy" office…" He looked embarrassed but Daine couldn't see why.

"That's not so bad…why did you mumble it?" she was quite confused; she couldn't sense the second meaning it had. (A/N: Do you get it:D)

Jon shook his head sedately. He wasn't about to explain that one…

A messenger knocked on the door timidly and the aura around Jon was filled with equanimity as he told Daine it would have to wait until another time as he had something to attend to. He left with the page boy and Daine was left to ponder on her thoughts.

Suddenly she understood it; she flushed a deep scarlet and bolted out the door. Her blush didn't leave her until she reached her room. I can't believe I asked the king to explain that to me! He must be so embarrassed! She heard movement behind her and she spun quickly to be met with Numair trying desperately to hide something behind him. She grinned broadly.

"I was looking for you earlier…"

"I uh…umm had to go meet someone in the city…"

Daine was attempting to peer around him. She frowned. "What are you holding?" It was a small package, badly wrapped in brown paper and tied with a thin blue chord.

"N-nothing love!" He tried to distract her by kissing his soundly but to no avail. She snatched it out of his grasp when he wasn't paying attention. She held it up and smirked, "You really should tighten your grip dearest, elsewise anyone could just grab your things…"

He reached for it but she pulled it away like a mother denying her child a toy. "Daine, come on give it back; you proved your point, give it up."

"Not till you tell me what it is!" she protested.

He glared at her. "I don't wanna."

She put on her saddest puppy-dog face ever. "Pwease?" she asked jutting out her bottom lip in a pout.

He crossed his arms. "No."

"Well then I guess I can't give it back," she sad shrugging. She turned and walked towards the bed. He attempted to grab it over her shoulder, but she quickly dropped it down her shirt. (A/N: Ha ha! She pulled a Hallie!) Numair pouted and stalked into the privy.

She fished out the package and studied it. She shook and tossed it up and down. She wasn't actually going to open it; she knew she wouldn't have too…

She went over to her desk and quietly took out a piece of paper. She set the package down next to her and very subtly ripped the paper. It sounded as if she had ripped the package; which was exactly what she wanted. Numair burst out of the privy. "Daine please don't open it!" he whined. "Don't open the package!"

She grinned wickedly. "You mean this package?" she asked innocently, holding up the unharmed object.

His eyes narrowed as he saw the ripped paper and her holding his parcel. He was about to lunge for it but remembered -finally- that he had the Gift. He mentally slapped himself repeatedly and reached out for his package with his magic. It snapped gently out of his lover's hands and into his own. She scowled at him. "Numair just tell me what it is!" she pouted.

He sighed. "Daine I don't want to! It's a surprise!"

Daine's mouth made an 'o' shape. "You could have said so…" she pointed out stubbornly.

Numair smiled gently at her. "I could have, you're right. But I didn't think of it…" he replied honestly. "But that's why I have you my love; to think of all these clever things!" he said playfully.

"Well I suppose one of us has to do it…" she teased.

Numair kissed her deeply and then asked, "So my lovely Magelet, for what did you require my services? Do you need me to lift something heavy," he paused to flex his muscles. "Open a jar perhaps, or did you just miss me?"

Daine giggled. "No dear, I just wanted to know where you were is all. But I did have a very umm…interesting chat with Jon."

Numair cocked an eyebrow. "And what pray tell, did you two talk about?"

Daine grinned slyly. "Oh you know; this and that."

He gave her an odd look. "Such as?"

"Wouldn't you like to know…" she replied with a wink. She got up and walked over to the sofa; purposely swaying her hips more than was necessary.

He followed her.

"Daine…"

She ignored him and plopped down onto the mauve couch.

He tapped his foot impatiently.

She giggled.

"What's so funny?"

"Oh nothing, I was just remembering the last thing Jon said to me…" She continued to laugh and giggle while staring off into space.

Numair threw up his hands in frustration. "Fine! I give up I don't care!" He started to stomp off towards his study, but Daine grabbed his shirt. She pulled his head down and kissed him deeply.

She pulled away, releasing his shirt and smiling.

"And you're sure you won't tell me?" he asked hopefully.

She laughed at her fiancée and said, "He was bored and I was bored so we talked about random nothingness…then I asked him what he said to Alanna yesterday…" she blushed slightly. "Boy was that a mistake…"

Numair looked thoroughly confused. "Why? What did he say?"

Daine shook her head demurely. "Trust me on this one; you don't wanna know…"

Numair sighed and lifted her up from her sitting position. Then he sat down and pulled her onto his lap. They sat in silence for a while, each thinking of their own things. Then Daine heard a soft snoring noise. She turned and grinned seeing Numair's sleeping face. She kissed him on the cheek and went to plunge herself into a well needed bath.

(A/N: Since this is getting too long, I'm just gonna skip ahead to the wedding week…)

(((Spring Equinox Eve)))

The castle was bustling with last minute activities before the wedding of Tortall's Wildmage to Tortall's Black Robed Mage. Even Corus was far busier than normal. Tomorrow was to be the wedding of the century and everyone wanted to be ready. It wasn't every day that the kingdom's two most powerful mages got married…and to each other nonetheless!

Daine was sitting with her friends in the mess hall mindlessly picking at her porridge. Numair was off putting up magical wards and barriers in some remote city and had been for a couple weeks.

Since he'd left, she'd been sulking around, doing absolutely nothing unless it was required. Right now all her friends were watching her worriedly as she stirred her unwanted breakfast.

"Daine honey, you really should eat something." said Thayet gently.

"She's right," Alanna said through a mouthful of pastry. She swallowed before continuing. "If you don't eat anything, you won't have the strength to get married tomorrow…" she pointed out.

Daine sighed, looking up. "I might not be getting married Alanna. If Numair isn't back, we'll have to postpone it…" she whispered sadly.

Alanna and Thayet exchanged a glance.

"Well of course he'll be back Daine! You know he wouldn't miss this for the world!" Kel said cheerily.

"I know…" Daine replied. "But somehow I don't think he has a choice…"

"Daine, honey, give him the benefit of the doubt! It's not his fault he got called away. He wouldn't have gone if there was someone else available. You know that!" Onua announced thoughtfully.

"Yeah!" chorused Alanna. "Don't be so miserable!"

"Yes, Alanna does enough sulking; we don't need you sad too!" added Thayet brightly.

Alanna glared at her. Thayet just smiled sweetly in return.

They started bickering like a couple of University girls, and didn't seem to notice that Daine had left.

She wandered sulkily around the Palace for a bit, and decided she should go visit Cloud. She'd been to busy moping to pay much attention to anyone lately; especially Cloud. As she stood outside her mare's stall -getting scolded for recent behavior, and complaining how life wasn't fair- someone covered her eyes with their hands, gently, from behind. She assumed it was a man because the hands were fairly large and very well calloused; but that could just mean it was Alanna. Although it couldn't be Alanna because she was too short…Daine sighed for the umpteenth time that day.

"Evin, I'm really not in the mood…" she grumbled sadly.

A familiar voice chucked. "Evin? Were you expecting him? Maybe I should just leave then…"

It finally dawned on her. "NUMAIR!" she screamed ecstatic.

She yanked his hands off her face and launched herself into his arms. She buried her face in his neck and tears of joy leaked from her eyes. "Imndofafydournome…" she mumbled into his dark hair.

Her breath was hot on his skin and he laughed.

She giggled pulling her head away from him. "I'm so happy you're home! I missed you so much!" He kissed her chin. Then her nose, and her forehead, finally coming to a rest on her lips.

"I missed you too Magelet!" he replied grinning broadly.

She sniffed, and wiped her eyes. "I thought…" she trailed off shaking her head.

"Thought what love?"

"Well, I thought that maybe you wouldn't make it home in time for the wedding…"

He cocked an eyebrow at her.

"But I realize now how silly I was being!" she laughed.

"You actually thought I'd miss my own wedding? I think you greatly underestimate my mystique darling…"

Daine snorted. "What mystique would that be love?

He feigned a hurt look. "For your information, I have plenty of mystique!" he protested.

"Ha! Love, you have about as much mystique as a drunken 16 year-old!"

(A/N: something I said once…it was actually the mental equivalency of a 16 year old on dope, and I said it about this extremely immature teacher I have when everyone else was calling him a two year old…I was being original:D)

"Hmpfh." He turned his head to the side and pouted; looking much like a toddler whose wall-paintings in the bathroom weren't appreciated…

She combed her fingers through his hair snickering. "Numair, you know I'm just teasing…" He turned his head away when she looked at him.

"Numair…"

He sniffed, sounding a lot like he was crying.

She grabbed his stubborn chin and turned his head to face her. His eyes were dancing and he was grinning. She slapped his chest lightly and he laughed out loud.

After arguing with Thayet, Alanna was in one of her moods…she had decided to go for a ride with Darkmoon, hoping to put herself in a better mood. As she reached the stable doors, she heard laughter from inside. Deep-throated laughter and light, happy, giddy laughter. She walked in and stopped short.

Although she had just assured Daine that Numair would be back, she had scarcely believed it herself. She rushed up to them and gave Numair a hug, as well as Daine. She clapped Numair on the shoulder as if she was just one of the guys, albeit a much shorter one, and said, "Good to see you Numair. Glad you decided to show up!"

Numair chuckled. "Please Alanna; I wouldn't miss my wedding for the world. Now someone else's I might, but most certainly not my own. I'd have too many angry women after me if I did!" he added brightly.

Alanna gave him a sly grin. "That's a smart lad…wouldn't want to have to murder you for making Daine unhappy, because that'd make her unhappy too! So just don't plan on being late tomorrow…" She replied charily. (charily, NOT cheerily…)

She stalked off back up to the palace forgetting about her ride.

Numair looked confused. He and Daine exchanged a look, stared after Alanna, and exchanged another look.

"Did that make any sense to you?" They both asked each other simultaneously. Grinning, they laughed together and walked out of the stables arm in arm.

Daine and Numair spent the rest of the day just being together. When they went to bed, Daine was curled up in a ball with Numair's strong, comforting arm around her, smiling to herself.

A few hours later, they were woken by an angry queen and an enraged, but not quite furious yet, lioness bursting into their rooms using Alanna's Gift.

Daine sat up alarmed, with Numair throwing up a shield around them. Alanna stomped up to the bed and punched a hole in his barrier with her fist. "You never were too good at these…"

"Alanna! Thayet! What do you think you're doing!" Numair demanded hotly. (not that kind of hotly…Hallie…Janni…)

Daine rubbed her eyes tiredly. "-yawn- whaddyou want 'lanna?"

Alanna pointed a condescending finger and Numair and used it to enforce her words. "First of all mister-" She looked at Daine. "Did you just call me 'lanna'?"

Daine nodded stupidly. "Sorry, I'm just so –yawn- sleepy!"

"Yes, well," she stopped again. "What was I talking about?" Daine and Numair just looked at her. She turned to Thayet.

"We were gonna tell them how they can't see each other when they wake up and one of them has to come with us!"

"Oh right." Alanna started again. "You two can't see each other when you wake up, so one of you has to come with us." She nodded her head with finality. Thayet slapped her forehead.

"Wha? Why?" Numair asked wrapping an arm around Daine waist protectively.

Thayet sighed and Alanna just seemed to get madder.

"Because I said so you dolt!" she shouted irately.

Thayet grabbed her shoulder calmly, and gave her a 'let's not do this now' look. She turned to her friends and, nodding to Numair, said, "You can't see her before the wedding; it's bad luck. And since you're together right now, you'll wake up seeing each other…ergo, one of you needs to leave…"

Numair let go of his fiancée and rubbed his face. "B-but this is the first day we've seen each other in two weeks!" he protested looking back and forth between Thayet and Alanna.

Alanna shrugged. "Not our fault; we don't make the rules."

Daine spoke up. "Couldn't he just…" she trailed off.

Numair looked at her. "Couldn't I what love?"

"Uh never mind it-it's silly…"

"Well it can't be any worse than one of us leaving our own room…" pointed out Numair.

"Well, couldn't he just wear a blindfold or something? That way we could be together and he wouldn't be able to see me…"

Alanna was about to protest, but Thayet clamped a dainty hand over her mouth. "That's a wonderful idea Daine. Simple, and it solves the problem completely!" Still holding Alanna, Thayet walked over to Daine dresser and pulled out a light scarf. She took it over to Numair and tied it swiftly around his eyes, making sure he couldn't see.

"Now wait just a minute!" Numair protested. "Don't I get a say in this?" he asked, turning his head from side to side trying to see the women, and failing.

"Well," Thayet replied sedately. "It's either this or you sleep with Raoul. And I hear he snores like a Stormwing…"

"No, no, this is fine!" Numair said hurriedly. Alanna rolled her eyes. She was still muzzled by Thayet, and was standing, arms crossed, tapping her foot impatiently.

Then she got a brilliant idea. She opened her mouth, as much as she could being gagged, and closed her teeth on Thayet's porcelain hand. Not hard enough to break the skin, mind you, but just hard enough to make Thayet yank her hand away.

"Ow! Alanna! What was that for!"

"You wouldn't let me go." Alanna said nonchalantly.

"What? What happened?" Numair questioned looking around blindly.

"Nothing, sweet." Daine said patting his knee comfortingly.

"Come on Alanna." Thayet growled. "Let's go."

Thayet grabbed Alanna by the wrist and jerked her towards the door. The door slammed with a Bang! and Numair looked around blindly asking, "What's happening? Are they gone? Hello? Daine? Anyone?" His voice was cracking and his arms were flailing about him. Daine bit her lower lip to stifle her laughter, and her shoulders shook with suppressed mirth. She reached out calmly, and placed her tiny calloused hand into his large tanned one.

She giggled softly as he felt his way up her arm with both hands and finally reached her face. He patted her cheeks and hair, as if to assure himself that she was really there. She pushed his hands away and held them at arm's length. Then she kissed him soundly, and they both went back to sleep.

(((Next Morning)))

Blue-grey eyes, fringed by golden brown lashes, fluttered open to meet the bright morning sunlight. As sleep left her, and she became fully awake, Daine sat up yawning and stretching. She grinned suddenly, remembering what day it was. Her face was glowing with happiness at the thought of finally being wed to Numair. She stretched again grinning from ear to ear, and suddenly she saw the blindfold Numair had been wearing draped across her desk chair. Then she heard the door to the privy opening and she hurriedly flew under the coverlet. She waited for a moment, breathing heavily, and then said, "Numair?"

There was no answer.

"Numair, you know you're not allowed to see me…" She heard someone walk across the floor and a dark shape appeared over her. She gripped the blankets tighter, and the shape shifted to tug at the covers.

Her nose suddenly was filled with the faint odor of sweet pea and woods lily…

The bedspread pulled free of her clenched fingers and, where she expected to see a tall, dark, and handsome man, she saw a woman. A sweet looking woman, with blue eyes, creamy skin, high cheekbones and a straight nose, with a braided crown of golden hair and a dimple in the corner of her mouth.

"Hello Sweetling."

Daine jumped up. "Ma! You're here! Oh I thought you were Numair!" She giggled. "I'm so glad you're here ma!"

Sarra laughed at her daughter. She pinched her nose lightly and replied, "I wouldn't miss this for the world darling."

"Is Da here too?" Daine asked eagerly

Her mother shook her head and said, "Not yet sweet, but don't worry he'll be here soon. Now as for you, get up! I didn't raise you to sleep so late! Especially when there's work to be done!"

Daine gulped. "Work?"

"Yes work dear, you're getting married! We only have so long to get you ready! Now up, up!" Sarra replied scooting her daughter out of bed and into the privy.

Daine was thrust into the waiting bath her mother had drawn. It was hot and steamy, and made her skin tingle. Her mother began to wash her hair, rubbing perfumes and conditioners into it. Then she scrubbed Daine down from head to toe, not missing as inch. Daine got out of the bath and was wrapped in fresh, clean linens.

Sarra wrapped her hair and let Daine dry herself off while she fetched a clean robe.

Once Daine was wrapped in her robe, Sarra bustled her out of her rooms and down the hall to Alanna's room. Alanna's room had been commandeered for the wedding. This is where Daine would get her hair and make-up done. After a couple of hours of being pinched and poked and painted, having her hair tugged and tied, she was hurried back to her rooms to get dressed.

Her mother had already laid out all her clothes. She was stripped of her robe and the next thing she knew she was in her dress, getting her shoes tied by her mother, just like when she was little. She stood up, and walked over to her mirror.

Daine looked herself over in the mirror. Her dress had been altered by Lalasa; she'd taken in the sides about a quarter of an inch, and added yellow satin slippers, held on by silk ribbons twisting up her ankles. She had even thrown in some extra flowers in a darker shade of yellow to enhance "the look".

Her hair had been done up by Thayet and Miri. (Even though Miri wasn't in the wedding, she was helping out.) First they had curled it lightly from top to bottom, and then Miri pulled the top half into a messy bun. The lower half of her soft tresses was left cascading down her partially bare back. One curl in the front was left out to accentuate her face.

Her face paint had been done by Sarra, and Alanna had even helped –a little. She was wearing pink lip rouge, and a light dusting of blush and kohl. It was all topped off with glitter; lightly brushed over her face: on her cheeks and around her eyes, as well as sprinkled over her bouncy curls. She gasped at her reflection. She felt a hand on her shoulder and she knew, without looking, that it was her mother. There was a tear in the corner of her eye.

"Ma, i-is that really me?"

Sarra couldn't help it. The tears rolled down her flushed cheeks. Her lips were trembling as she said, "Yes; oh my baby's all grown up!"

"Ma, don't cry," Daine said hugging her mother. "You'll make me cry!"

Sarra laughed. She hugged her daughter fiercely. "I'm so proud of you Daine." She pulled away and held her at arms length, wiping her eyes. "You're so grown-up!" She sighed to herself. "And I missed it all. I'm so sorry Daine; I'm sorry I was never there when you needed me, I wish so much that I could have been."

Daine looked at her mother sternly. "Ma, it's not your fault those bandits came; it's not your fault you were killed. Besides, if none of that had ever happened, I wouldn't be where I am right now; about to marry the love of my life who I never would have met, surrounded by the friends I never would have had, and about to be walked down the aisle by the father I might never have known."

Sarra grinned. "You always did look for the bright side of things sweetling."

"Don't be sorry Ma; I'm not. Of course I wish we could get back our lost time, and that you and Granda had never left me alone, but I don't regret anything. I love my life." Daine added smiling. Sarra hugged her fiercely. She was about to say something when there was a timid knock at the door.

"Sarra?...Daine?...Can I come in?"

Sarra went to open the door while Daine gave herself another look in the mirror. She turned when she heard her mother returning and was interested to see who the guest was. As soon as she saw Weiryn, she was in his arms hugging him as a daughter hugs her father. He kissed the top of her head and held her at arms length.

"You have grown much since we last met daughter." He smiled down at her. "I'm very happy for you today, and I'm happy that you are marrying a man who loves you as much as you love him." He gave her a wink. "I knew he loved you the moment I met him, and you him, as well." The god added grinning as his daughter.

Daine blushed, and Sarra laughed. "Shall we be going?" Weiryn asked, offering his daughter an arm. Daine took it, and her mother took her other side. Together the three left the room and made their way outside.

In the courtyard, there was a carriage waiting to take them down to the clearing where the wedding would take place. Weiryn Helped her in along with Sarra, and then he too clambered in. It took but a moment to get down there, and soon Daine was waiting with her parents with her friends as her bridesmaids.

After a moment, the music began to play, and one by one each of her bridesmaids walked down the aisle. Then it was her turn.

Daine walked slowly down the aisle, one foot at a time; her mother at her left and her father at her right. Kit walked in front of her trilling flowers across the walkway. (A/N: Hah! And you thought I'd forgotten about Kit! Well…actually I did…)

Numair smiled at her from the altar, and she grinned back. She finished walking up the aisle and turned to her da. He lifted her veil and kissed her cheek gently. She smiled at him and he whispered 'good luck'. She looked at her ma to see tears in her eye. Sarra kissed both of her daughters' cheeks as well as her forehead and smiled.

"Who gives this woman to this man?" asked the priestess.

"We do." replied Daine's parents. "Weiryn and Sarra of the Divine Realms."

"Very well."

Sarra and Weiryn bowed to the priestess, and went to their seat in the first row.

The priestess began. "We are gathered here today to witness the bond of these two in holy matrimony. May the Great Goddess and Mithros watch over them and keep them together throughout their whole lives."

Numair and Daine clasped hands.

"Do you, Master Numair Salmalin, take Veralidaine Sarrasri to be your lawfully wedded wife? To have and to hold, to love and to cherish, in sickness and in health, 'til death do you part?"

"I do." Numair replied staring into Daine's eyes. He leaned forward slightly, and murmured quietly, his lips barely moving, "If you get yourself killed I will never forgive you."

Daine smiled.

"And do you, Veralidaine Sarrasri, take Master Numair Salmalin to be your lawfully wedded husband? To have and to hold, to love and to cherish, in sickness and in health, 'til death do you part?

"I do."

"You may now read your vows for each other."

Numair pulled a piece of paper out of his pocket. "I still remember the first time we met. You told me that I was quite clever." The congregation laughed. "Granted I was a bird then, and wasn't myself in the least, but I still remember your face; perfect in every way."

He smiled at his bride. "I remember the looks of sympathy you gave me; and the frustrated ones too. I remember how much you tried to save me; and how much it hurt you that I wasn't getting better. I also recall the priceless look on your face when I turned back into a human…"

Daine blushed at the memory. He had been completely naked!

"I also remember thinking: This girl is special. And you are Daine. You are special. You mean the world to me Magelet, and I'm not sure what I'd do without you. I love you, and I will always love you no matter what happens. I want to be yours for ever and ever. I want to wake up every morning to see your smiling face; I want you to be mine, and only mine. I love you Daine."

"Well that's going to be hard to follow." She grinned as her friends laughed. She took a deep breath, almost forgetting to exhale. "I wonder how I ever made it through a day. How did I settle for the world in shades of grey? When you go in circles, all the scenery looks the same; and then I looked into your eyes, and the world stretched out in front of me.

And I realized: I never lived, before your love. I never felt, before your touch, I never needed anyone to make me feel alive, but then again, I wasn't really living before I met you. I never lived before your love. I wanted more than just an ordinary life, all of my dreams seemed like castles in the sky.

Now, I stand before you, and my heart is in your hands, and I don't know how I survived without your kiss, cause you've given me a reason to exist. I love you Numair, and I am so happy to be your wife."

(A/N: I didn't write this…as I said before…just reminding you…but I heard this song and I was like…hey! That's good! Lol)

Numair bent down and kissed her deeply. Everyone was clapping and cheering. When they pulled apart, the priestess looked at them and said, "You may kiss the bride…" And they all started laughing. They kissed again, and the priestess added, "I now pronounce you, man and wife."

Daine and Numair clasped hands and ran up the aisle to where Spot and Cloud were waiting to take them up to the palace. As they ran past all their friends and family, a cheer went up through the crowd and the newlyweds were laughing.

A/N: YAY! Finally! It's Done! Good God…that took me 6 months! Holy Crap…Anyway, how was it? I know it was really long, so hopefully you all didn't get too bored…Anyway, next up is Buri/Raoul!

By the way, if any of you are wondering why I haven't read/reviewed your stuff lately…it's cuz I haven't been able to check my email in like three months…but I promise I'll get to it all…

Review Replies:

seabiscuit0810: Heh heh…well I didn't exactly update soon…but I hope you like it anyway!

lianhuaflower13: YES! Writer: 2 Block: 0 now! hahahahaha! And, just for you, I put what Jon said! lol but not really…

CoPpErFyRmAgE: Glad you liked it! Hope you like this one too! Oh and I loved your ask evvy fic!

Immortal Moon: Yeah…I forgot…ad plus I couldn't think of anything then…but it's in this chapter! somewhere…I'm glad you liked it though!

wildace keladry2005: Yay! I'm glad you love it…how was this one?

x17SkmBdrchiczxx: Hehe yeah…I loved that too…next is Buri and Raoul…that should be interesting to write…

Numair's Lover: I'm glad you liked it! How was this? Enough fluff for you? lol

Juzolin? what? I didn't get any of that…I am glad you liked it though…lol I love Jon tormenting Alanna too…thanks! I try to make it funny…oh and for the abbreviations, basically it's like this: D/N Daine/Numair…and like T/J Thayet/Jon…get it? Sorry if its been confusing…I'm just sort of…like that…

nativewildmage: heh heh…well I certainly kept you waiting…much apologies…but I hope this nice loooong chapter made up for it?

Sarra Breeze: lol how was that? Enough arguing in there? Lol hope you liked it!

imakeladrygirl: Raoul and Buri coming up! In the mean time…I hope you enjoy this lovely chapter!

AnimalWriter1: lol yeah…hope you liked this one too! Next up is Buri and Raoul…and if you have any ideas I'd love to hear them…cuz I got nuthin…

Catri Howlman-Carthaki spy: I know I know…I forgot! But I remembered this time…and it's up there somewhere…Glad you liked it!

Lady Shannon Of RosePeak: You think so? I'm sorry…in the future I'll try to keep him more in character…glad you liked it!

K.C.: Glad you liked it! Oh I dunno…just for fun!

snoopy: here you go! Hope you liked this one too!

Nelarun: Well, I took a vote to see what people wanted…so now I have an order that I have to go in…but a couple people suggested I do it in chronological order, but I got more votes for not…make sense? Anywho…glad you liked it!

reading raa...i mean...BUNNY: lol thanks! Always nice to get compliments! Hope you liked this chapter!

Beauxbatons-Girl: Hey I'm glad you like it so far…I hope you keep reading!

MistLily: lol I'm glad you like it so much! So how's that for an outcome? Good?

LandUnderWave: Well I'm glad you love it! Here's your update, enjoy!

lionessoftherealworld: lol that's me! Glad you liked it!

gatermage: What he said is up there somewhere…I just forgot to put it in the last chapter…sorry! Hope you liked it!

Thank you all and goodnight!