Disclaimer: I don't own Numair, Daine, Lindhall, etc. Please don't sue me. 

Author Note: This is my first Tamora Pierce fanfic. Please no flames. I will make each chapter at least one page long. I want at least four reviews before going on. Read and review!

Newfound Emotions

"Numair!" The man gasped, seeing Numair holding Daine in his arms. Numair quickly let Daine go, and she fell to the floor from the lack of arms to hold her tightly. Both blushed deep crimson, Daine on the floor and Numair standing.

"Numair... I would have expected better than this!"

The black-robed mage remained speechless. How this must look... It was quite shocking when you thought about it.

"Well, I'm leaving. I came to see you, but you... Goodbye." Lindhall proceeded these words by walking back down the stairs, and out the door. Numair and Daine watched him disappear into the distance on a horse, looking quiet upset.
"Maybe you should go, Magelet."

"Might as well. Goodnight, Numair."

"Goodnight, Sweet."

The two engaged in a long, passionate kiss. Numair's lips caressed Daine's softly. He teased her with his lips, and as he slowly pulled away, Daine stopped him.

"No...Keep going."

Their lips met once more. Numair's arms traveled up the back of her shirt to caress her back. Daine ran her hands through his hair. Daine pressed her body against his own. They molded together as one. Daine became pleasantly aware of all the places that touched. Numair started leading her into another room, still kissing. The bedroom. They continued to kiss there, but nothing more. Daine saw the look of desire in his eyes, and Numair saw the same look in her's. But they went no further. They fell asleep in each other's arms, and sleep until morning.

The next day Daine kissed Numair goodbye and left his tower. She made her way back to the city. She was being awaited by Onua, who was looking upset.

"You're late. Just because we're friends doesn't mean you can neglect your job. Now some horses are being frightened by the new riders. Go calm them down."

Daine apologized, and walked quickly over to the horses. A smile was laid across her face the whole time. She found Cloud grazing in a herd. She proceeded to tell her everything that happened, in words.

You mean you and the Stork-Man are mates?

"Sort of."

I never would have thought it.

"Yeah, isn't it great?"

Daine turned around. There was a person standing there, someone she knew. He had heard the whole conversation. She gasped slightly, knowing it could only be...

"Perin!"