There are 6 messages in this issue.
Topics in this digest:
1. [DL-D] So Many Egg lings
From: "Edward Murray" <elm.murray@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
2. [DL-C] - The New Wingleader
From: "carys murray" <carysmurray@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
3. [DL-W] On a mountain perch
From: "Allen Veazey" <veazeyae@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
4. Re: [DL-W] On a mountain perch
From: "CG Murray" <CG_Murray@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
5. [DL-W] Recent Returns
From: "Arlene" <wondermom@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
6. [DL-W] Prodigal Son
From: Allen Veazey <veazeyae@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 1
Date: Mon, 20 Sep 2004 12:51:07 -0700
From: "Edward Murray" <elm.murray@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
Subject: [DL-D] So Many Egg lings
[Day 100]
Thea set near Galendriel's head as she laid her eggs. Rayn was doing
an
excellent job in aiding her bond mate. The pain was tolerable though
she
suspected the gold dragon blocked some of it to keep from over
whelming her
rider. A crowd had gathered at the news several dragons lending a bit
of
fire to keep the sands warm.
This early stage was often the most crucial, for the eggs were soft
and the
treasures with in were not completely developed yet. Well not their
bodies
any way. Thea wasn't sure how it worked, but she did know that
Galendriel
was already in communication with the egg lings. When Rayn announced
one egg
to be a queen she looked at the egg in disbelief, how could she know,
it was
very different but the healer assured her and Galendriel verified it.
The Duchess watched Rayn closer reevaluating her first impression of
the
healer. Young and eager to be of assistance, yet ever shy or so it
appeared
to the Duchess. Rayn always appeared to be quietly reading and some
what
withdrawn from the others. The death of Katie had been a horrible blow
from
what she gathered in the grapevine, yet somehow the girl continued on
with
her tasks.
After a few hours several more eggs arrived making the total now some
25 in
all as the sun had crawled nearly half way through the sky. Galendriel
wasn't done yet and Thea began to worry if they could find enough
riders for
all these eggs. She looked to the crowd around them; it had shrunk a
lot as
the day wore on. Patrols would be underway, and there were many duties
that
could not be neglected.
Glancing around she spotted Lyinn talking to Alexander the two seemed
very
excited chatting away so she felt a piece of regret in calling her
over.
Alex's eyes narrowed disapproving a bit. She knew it was largely due
to how
he felt she should be handling the problems with the town. She had
heard
that Lyinn had disappeared from the hatching for awhile to be carried
off to
the med center by Alexander and was glad she had chosen to return.
Lyinn excused herself and made her way over as another egg hit the
sand.
"What can I do for you Thea?" She inquired.
"Sorry to pull you away but can you fetch Jason and T'rell, I would
ask
Galendriel but she is engaged with the birth and new hatchlings.
"Certainly," her eyes glazed over as she began to send the message to
Mylinna. After a few moments she had her reply. "Message sent and
T'rell and
Jason should be here soon." She smiled. "Anything else?"
"If Panda isn't to busy I would like her to look over the papers this
evening so I can stay here with Galendriel and the egg lings." Though
it was
a request not a command, Thea knew they would take care of it for her.
Lyinn smiled gave Thea a hug spoiling her regal posture and headed off
to
make sure all was taken care of. The Duchess watched her go thankful
for
having such wonderful company in a friend like Lyinn.
[Early Evening]
Galendriel had laid her last egg there were 35 all together. The
energy of
youth was still with Rayn as she finished up with Galendriel where a
lesser
woman would of simply drop from exhaustion. Thea was watching the
healer
when she heard the footsteps on the sand.
"You summoned us, Duchess." Jason offered.
As she looked up she noticed the reproach in T'rell's eyes at the
younger
wingleader. He bowed his head. "Evening Duchess," he said in that
disarming
way of his then nodded toward the eggs, "that is a large clutch
there."
"Thank you both for coming," she said and rose to her feet, the gold
dragon
taking little notice. "The size of the clutch is why I sent for you
two.
Finding 35 young riders is a daunting task, with all that is happening
to
the land born towns I'm not sure if it is even possible, but I am
relying on
you two to make that part a success." She smiled.
As if knowing there was more Jason asked, "Exactly what do you mean by
that?"
"Each of you have an import assignment in being Wingleader of the Beta
and
Gamma but your first priority over the next month is getting
candidates for
the hatchlings." Thea explained.
"That's not a problem Sharees is doing very good as a wing second and
she
can handle the group while I do the searching." T'rell offered. "Yet I
am
not sure how Jason will be able to do the same because he doesn't yet
have a
second."
"I'll manage don't you worry about my wing." Jason said in a venoms
voice.
"I would think keeping the warren safe is more vital. Not to mention
the new
news that Chamelle brought about the Wyverns with riders."
"It is still very vital, but we can't forget why we are here and
getting
candidates for the egg lings is a very important part of the whole.
Jason
you will need to pick a second because I think this will take much of
both
of your skills to find enough through the refugees and the farms
outside the
city gates." As she finished speaking more foot steps on the sand
announced
the presences of others.
Lyinn had procured Thea a bed and linen so she could sleep here on the
Sands
with her bond mate. In a girlish giggle Thea moved over to hug her
courier.
"Oh you're such a doll for doing this for me."
Both Jason and T'rell seemed a bit surprised and almost as one asked
"You
can't seriously be thinking of staying here tonight."
"Of course I am Galendriel just delivered 35 hatchlings. She is very
exhausted and I will watch over her this evening." She watched the men
wrestle with this idea in their minds as her bed was prepared, then
her
dinner laid out which gave all the impression of royal sleep over.
{Tag Michel, John, Crystal, Tom and Rachel if you wish to add
anything}
Summary
Day 100 through the day and into the evening, Galendriel delivers 35
eggs.
Worried about not having enough candidates she asks Lyinn to send for
T'rell
and Jason. Thea tells the two wingleader that their first job is to
find
candidates and let their seconds work the wings and for Jason to pick
a
second. She then has a bed and dinner set up for her as she prepares
to
sleep in the sands with Galendriel.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 2
Date: Mon, 20 Sep 2004 13:44:31 -0700
From: "carys murray" <carysmurray@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
Subject: [DL-C] - The New Wingleader
Day 6
Pre-Dawn
Rowan woke with the soft sounds of the pre-dawn. This was the time
she
loved the best; the greeting of the sun, to greet the day with a sense
of
purpose. She stretched and worked the kinks out and made her way to
the
shower.
She enjoyed the hot water beating down on her, pounding her muscles
and
invigorating her, helping her begin her focus on what needed to get
done.
She chuckled to herself, for altho she had grown up in the desert, the
wastes, she had a perverted love of water. She knew it's worth, and
the
cost of running out, and yet once she had returned to the warren and
their
way of life, that was one of the first things she had shed. Her
conservation
of water; following the strict rules of saving and not wasting a drop.
Once dressed and ready for the day she moved to the balcony and
watched the
seemingly effortless trek of one of the trainees up the hill to
participate
in her morning ritual. Rowan smiled wistfully and wondered what it
would be
like to have that deep of a commitment to something one could not see,
but
only feel.
On that note, she reflected upon the one who guided her and walked
with her,
altho he no longer walked in the land. Her father. He was with her
every
step of the way. She smiled and was glad he was her companion. She
glanced
around the room, and seeing that everything was in order, she left to
begin
her day.
Dining Hall
Dawn
Rowan made her way to the Dining Hall to begin her day with liquid
nourishment. It was too early in the day to eat. She smiled and
waved at
those she knew. She grabbed her mug of steaming hot coffee and headed
to
her new office.
Rowan was surprised at her new assignment and step up in the Warren.
Wing-leader. She smiled at that thought and title. She had felt a
tinge of
regret that her father had not lived to see this her newest
accomplishment,
but sensing him close reveled in how she knew he would feel.
Rowan was honored to have been chosen for this position, she knew it
would
be a challenge to prove she was capable, she was looking forward to
it. One
of the biggest factors in her being chosen was that she was as much a
Nomad
as Warren born. She could glide between them and weave and dance
around
both cultures without a second thought. It had always been so.
Wingleader's Office
Rowan stepped through the door of HER office and grinned. She had
spent
sometime setting things up and going through the old files and reading
up on
everyone to see if she could change anything that would strengthen the
wing.
She had been left in charge when the last Wingleader disappeared, and
she
had not changed anything then, because it was not her place, and what
was
already set up was fine. Now she had the authority to do so, and so
far she
stayed the course, things were going well enough. She felt they
needed more
practice and training, she was also going to have to work out a time
that
the wing would begin to help the new trainees.
Rowan made a note to set up a time to confer with Eth'n the new
trainee
instructor. He seemed to be doing a good job with so many Nomads
among the
trainees. She had watched them from afar, and had not stepped forward
to
volunteer to be the translator. Not that she didn't approve of that,
hell
she had been the translator many times. She felt that given a certain
time,
they needed to blend into the warren so they would be stronger. She
did not
care if they only spoke the common tongue of the warren during the
times
they were on patrol or training.
[TAG- ARLE- Care to have a meeting between Wingleader and Trainer?]
Rowan finished up with her notes and headed out to the training field.
She
wanted to speak to the wing before patrols and practice split them up.
Training Field
Early Morning
Rowan stood watching quietly in the early morning air as the wing
slowly
gathered. Rowan spoke with those that had returned from the pre-dawn
patrol. She knew that they did not really need them that early, but
some
things just were too hard to let go. If she could figure out a way to
improve their night watch she would. As it stood, better safe that
sorry.
Her father had taught her that, the wisdom of the elders had shown her
why
you never let your guard down.
So after she had shared the news from the night watch and made sure
their
report went to the morning patrol she mused on what they had seen, or
rather
not seen. Being too quiet could also be a bad sign. She put that
thought
in the back of her mind and made a note to speak to the Warren Lady on
the
matter.
Maybe the mapmaker had seen something in his travels. Rowan made
another
note to speak with him as well.
[TAG- JOHN- Trevor noticed anything out of the ordinary? Also perhaps
some
help with a meeting with both Trevor and the Warren lady]
Rowan turned her attention to the wing that now stood assembled and
ready
for their morning training and patrol assignments. She gave her little
speech she prepared and answered any questions that were asked.
Once the preliminaries were over the practice began she stood and
watched as
they worked together in seemingly effortless motion. She got lost in
the
beauty of it. Parts looked almost like a dance, dragons and humans
weaving
together on the air currents.
Rowan made mental notes as she caught a few movements that she had not
seen
before. One of them intrigued her, and she wanted to pursue it
further.
She had never quite seen a movement like that, and it was done in a
way that
told her they had practice it before. She smiled in memory of how she
and
Vashah had done that before many times. It was good to see the
initiative
of others
Once practice was over and everyone wandered off to other activities
Rowan
made her way to the dining hall to grab something to eat, and to
finish up
some reports and to send out memos, so she could work on the ideas and
thoughts she had.
Rowan was surprised that so many seemed to be intrigued over Andahar's
new
clothes. Granted he looked well in them, as a young chieftain should.
His
was one tale that was similar to some, the loss of true family and
taken in
by another tribe. She had heard some of the tales of his past, and he
seemed to have had a harder time than others she knew. He was a
proud man,
but being a nomad, this only made sense.
Early Afternoon
Rowan left the dining hall again and went to enjoy a fight around the
area
with her beloved soul mate. Her sister-heart as Vashah called her.
She
smiled as she found her waiting for her and their special time
together.
Both enjoyed this time.
Both seemed to need this time of aloneness. They spend the time
enjoying
the thermals and seeking out the boundaries of the Warren. They shared
thoughts and talked through the gossip that was to be had.
Rowan was glad that Vashah enjoyed the art of gossip. Dragons always
knew
everything before most of their riders did. Living in the Warren with
Dragons was a lot like living within the tribe and villages. News
always
traveled faster than anyone could understand. That and nothing was
ever
truly hidden within either place.
One either got use to it or did not let it affect them, or you learned
to go
to a place that no one could follow. Having Vashah in her life gave
her
this special place. No one would ever be able to follow. This place
with
just the 2 of them gave her the ability to stand tall and apart from
the
others.
As the sun began to sink in the horizon Vashah turned back to return
to
their home. Once they had arrived back and Rowan spent the time she
felt
was needed to oil and massage her sister-heart and then watching her
amble
over to her cuddle mates for a night of cuddling and gossip.
Rowan chuckled at the sight and notion of how much easier in a way it
was to
be a Dragon. Rowan made her way back to the Dining Hall so she could
grab a
small meal and head up to her quarters to prepare and make ready for
the
next day.
She was surprised to hear that the talk of Andahar and his new clothes
had
heated up and now it seemed there were pools for betting on the
out-come,
and who what and where. She chuckled about it, for the thing Nomads
loved
more that the skill challenge was betting on one.
[SNIP]
"Imagine him wearing them so boldly."
"Girl who made clothes should claim them."
"Foolish of her not to."
"Smart of her!"
"Why?"
"He will pay high bride price for one who is so modest."
The cup that Alania was holding fell to the table with a crash. She
jumped
and quickly picked it up, not looking at the women who were now
looking to
her. Her face flushed and she quickly gathered her plate that she had
not
yet touched. Within minutes she had fled the dining hall.
[END SNIP]
Rowan watched the little scene before her and took in the rest of the
conversation after Alaina had fled. Rowan pinched her lips together
and
decided that perhaps she needed to speak with her. She was going to
have to
get use to such things if she was going to stay with a Nomad
Chieftain. Not
that she cottoned to a lot of their ideas, in fact she was one who
refused
to become chattel and be ruled by them.
Listening to the mindless gossip and banter in the background she
finished
her meal and made plans to speak with Andahar about this issue. She
was
pretty sure he was not betting on both sides of the blanket. He was
only
thinking he had been given a gift, and with natural curiosity wanted
to know
who had given him such a gift.
Rowan reflected on the set of clothes she saw at practice that
morning, and
knew them to be of worth. In Nomad standards it was a coup. Watching
how it
affected Alaina, it was a thorn.
Andahar was one of the ones she silently depended on, and she needed
his
focus on the wing and his position. Not trying to seek out some
lovesick
girl and dealing with a jealous lover. The hurt look on Alaina's face
was
evident.
Yes, she would need to speak to him and maybe try to get his focus
back on
track.
He did look good in those clothes, she thought. Nice workmanship on
them
too, I wonder who did make them?' She asked herself as she headed up
to her
place.
[TAG- ARLE- Ready for a JP on the meeting between Rowan and Andahar?]
[SUMMARY]
Rowan awakens and goes through her day as she ponders the ways of
things.
She begins her new position as Wingleader and makes some observations
that
she will share with others. She ponders the issue of the gossip of
Andahar
and his new clothes. She ends her day with wondering like the rest of
the
warren who made the clothes.
Respectfully Submitted by
Carys Murray
Aka
Rowan, Wingleader of Cleft and rider of Vashah.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 3
Date: Mon, 20 Sep 2004 20:52:24 -0000
From: "Allen Veazey" <veazeyae@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
Subject: [DL-W] On a mountain perch
The lake glittered in the far distance, a sparkling blue
jewel; even from their perch, they could see the ribbon
of river that stretched south towards Cleft and the
Nomadlands. He could not see it from here, but his
eyes were drawn to the spot where the ancient crater
stood, where the waterfall roared and splashed.
It had been home, once.
They had travelled over the entire realm, this rider and his
dragon and his pet. Mostly, they had kept to the edges of the
great wastes, avoiding the larger areas of human habitation.
Most of the landbound would have nothing to do with them;
they had their own reasons for avoiding the warrens.
There were exceptions, of course, over the years. Smaller
villages, individuals, those willing to trade or sometimes
even talk. In one of his bags, the black silk uniform of a
sirado master gave mute testament that at least the blademasters
of the Sword's guild had taken them in for a time.
They were a strange trio. The rider was an older man, tall, thin,
wiry, with the deep permanent tan that only comes from years
in the southern sun. A multitude of scars stood out sharply
against the dusky skin, white lines that told a story of war and
pain. One such livid scar traced down the left side of his face,
missed the eye (though that eye had turned white over the years),
and continued at his chest. The other eye was a very pale grey,
like water burned by sunlight. His hair was silvery white, allowed
to grow shoulder length, and hung on either side of his face like a
curtain.
His clothes were old and dusty, a collection of styles and materials
collected from all over the realm; snakeskin boots, black denim-like
trousers, a black jacket and gloves of soft leather, a silvery-white
shirt
of silken material, and what looked like a thin shirt of silvery
chain-links underneath. A slightly curved sword rested in a scabbard
on his back, and a pair of nomad as-en knives hung at his belt.
His dragon was a female, small for a dragon of her age; perhaps
sixty feet long, a sky blue that darkened to a royal blue at her
wings
and snout and tail. It was evident, as she clung to the high
mountain perch she had chosen, that she was quite agile. She
turned her head back towards her rider as a yowl of impatience and
protest sounded at her back.
The third was a mountain lion, one of the warped creatures that
one would expect to see in the wastelands. He was a dark brown,
like the man, with occasional tan patches showing on his fur, and
black claws that kneaded and scratched the dragon's scales as he
adjusted his riding position on her back.
<He's hungry,> the dragon thought.
*I know,* the rider replied. *He always is.*
<I am, too. Why are we waiting?>
*The last moment of doubt,* her rider thought. *The final decision.
You know what our reception will be like.*
<How many times will we go over this? Let's go back to the
wastelands.>
*No, Wyn,* the rider thought. *That place is closed to us
now. You know that. You need help.*
<Ash...>
*No. You're sick, and it's progressed beyond my skills. We need
a dragonhealer. We need, also, to find out what's going on
with us.*
<Is it not preferable to how things were?> The dragon's blue-
black eyes whirled. <It is a gift.>
*At the cost of your stamina? Your health?* He turned back
to regard the lake in the distance. *No... we have to go. We've
been through this. I just... it won't be easy.*
<No... but we will have one another.> Wyndamenth settled
back on her haunches, launched herself from her perch. Spreading
her wings, she let the updrafts push them in a slow climb. <That
is all we need.>
Ash'chenon did not reply; he simply nodded his head after a
moment. Turning, they cut through the chaotic winds and began
their descent towards Whiteriver.
Allen Veazey
veazeyae@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
'chenon and Wyndamenth
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 4
Date: Mon, 20 Sep 2004 14:27:50 -0700
From: "CG Murray" <CG_Murray@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
Subject: Re: [DL-W] On a mountain perch
Welcome aboard!
great post, great character and I look forward to more!
Carys
----- Original Message -----
From: "Allen Veazey" <veazeyae@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
To: <whiteriver@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>; <whiteriver@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>;
<WeaversFiction@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
Sent: Monday, September 20, 2004 1:47 PM
Subject: [DL-W] On a mountain perch
> The lake glittered in the far distance, a sparkling blue
> jewel; even from their perch, they could see the ribbon
> of river that stretched south towards Cleft and the
> Nomadlands. He could not see it from here, but his
> eyes were drawn to the spot where the ancient crater
> stood, where the waterfall roared and splashed.
>
> It had been home, once.
>
> They had travelled over the entire realm, this rider and his
> dragon and his pet. Mostly, they had kept to the edges of the
> great wastes, avoiding the larger areas of human habitation.
> Most of the landbound would have nothing to do with them;
> they had their own reasons for avoiding the warrens.
>
> There were exceptions, of course, over the years. Smaller
> villages, individuals, those willing to trade or sometimes
> even talk. In one of his bags, the black silk uniform of a
> sirado master gave mute testament that at least the blademasters
> of the Sword's guild had taken them in for a time.
>
> They were a strange trio. The rider was an older man, tall, thin,
> wiry, with the deep permanent tan that only comes from years
> in the southern sun. A multitude of scars stood out sharply
> against the dusky skin, white lines that told a story of war and
> pain. One such livid scar traced down the left side of his face,
> missed the eye (though that eye had turned white over the years),
> and continued at his chest. The other eye was a very pale grey,
> like water burned by sunlight. His hair was silvery white, allowed
> to grow shoulder length, and hung on either side of his face like a
curtain.
> His clothes were old and dusty, a collection of styles and materials
> collected from all over the realm; snakeskin boots, black denim-like
> trousers, a black jacket and gloves of soft leather, a silvery-white
shirt
> of silken material, and what looked like a thin shirt of silvery
> chain-links underneath. A slightly curved sword rested in a scabbard
> on his back, and a pair of nomadic as-en knives hung at his belt.
>
> His dragon was a female, small for a dragon of her age; perhaps
> sixty feet long, a sky blue that darkened to a royal blue at her wings
> and snout and tail. It was evident, as she clung to the high
> mountain perch she had chosen, that she was quite agile. She
> turned her head back towards her rider as a yowl of impatience and
> protest sounded at her back.
>
> The third was a mountain lion, one of the warped creatures that
> one would expect to see in the wastelands. He was a dark brown,
> like the man, with occasional tan patches showing on his fur, and
> black claws that kneaded and scratched the dragon's scales as he
> adjusted his riding position on her back.
>
> <He's hungry,> the dragon thought.
>
> *I know,* the rider replied. *He always is.*
>
> <I am, too. Why are we waiting?>
>
> *The last moment of doubt,* her rider thought. *The final decision.
> You know what our reception will be like.*
>
> <How many times will we go over this? Let's go back to the
> wastelands.>
>
> *No, Wyn,* the rider thought. *That place is closed to us
> now. You know that. You need help.*
>
> <Ash...>
>
> *No. You're sick, and it's progressed beyond my skills. We need
> a dragonhealer. We need, also, to find out what's going on
> with us.*
>
> <Is it not preferable to how things were?> The dragon's blue-
> black eyes whirled. <It is a gift.>
>
> *At the cost of your stamina? Your health?* He turned back
> to regard the lake in the distance. *No... we have to go. We've
> been through this. I just... it won't be easy.*
>
> <No... but we will have one another.> Wyndamenth settled
> back on her haunches, launched herself from her perch. Spreading
> her wings, she let the updrafts push them in a slow climb. <That
> is all we need.>
>
> Ash'chenon did not reply; he simply nodded his head after a
> moment. Turning, they cut through the chaotic winds and began
> their descent towards Whiteriver.
>
> Allen Veazey
> veazeyae@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> Ash'chenon and Wyndamenth
>______________________________________________________________
Message: 5
Date: Mon, 20 Sep 2004 21:04:49 -0400
From: "Arlene" <wondermom@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
Subject: [DL-W] Recent Returns
Day 11
After Midnight
Pav'lo wanted Gob to be checked by a healer, but the boy was adamant
that he was fine, only hungry.
So the trio, Tatiana, Pav'lo and J'red, escorted the recently returned
waif to the dining hall. The servers, well aware of the boy's
appetite,
had pulled out some of his favorites. Even though Gob was often seen
as
a walking disaster, just waiting to happen, he was loved by all, and
they had been very upset by his sudden disappearance.
After allowing Gob to stuff his face for a few moments, Pav'lo began
with his questions.
Indicating Tatiana and himself, Pav'lo stated, "We were in the cavern
as
it collapsed, but we surmised that you were already gone by that
point.
Whoever set up that cave-in knew what he was doing and knew we'd come
in
to look for you. Can you recall anything about the person who took you
that might help us to find him?"
Gob frowned, "It was dark and... I don't remember anything until I
woke
up. They wanted me to talk to Windfree. That's the dragon. There
were
two voices when I woke up..."
"Men? Women?"
"Men." Gob said with surety.
"Do you recall anything of their conversation?" Tatiana asked.
"One of them was complaining and the other was angry..." Gob was
thinking and snapped his fingers, "He kept calling that one a name, he
didn't seem too happy about ... something. I think he was angry that
Elister had taken WindFree, or me, or both. That was it! Elister!"
"Elister?" All three sat forward with some eagerness.
Gob nodded, "That was his name. The guy with the hood, the one with
the
cool eyes."
"Hood?" Tatiana asked.
"Cool eyes?" J'red questioned.
But Gob went on to tell about the huge cavern and the trapped wilder
named Windfree. He recalled how the man named Elister seemed
convinced
that dragons were evil, calling them their enemy. He told them about
the 'game of tag' with the two guards that had tried to stop Gob from
releasing the wilder's chains -- and how he'd won.
They were dismayed by what they understood, or thought they
understood.
Someone had trapped a wild dragon and had taken Gob for the purpose of
gaining secrets from the dragon.
"Fools, is what they are!" Pav'lo spat.
J'red felt some distress. He while this could be isolated, he didn't
believe that it was. He glanced up as he saw Latnem coming
purposefully
toward them. He greeted the mind-healer.
"Just wanted to offer my assistance?" Latnem nodded toward Gob.
Pav'lo indicated a chair and Latnem joined them. "How are you Gob?"
The mind-healer asked.
[TAG: Eddie and Morgie.]
J'red could see that Gob was in good hands and he had the dragons to
check on. He excused himself and headed back toward the green, only
to
be told by Firefly that Chrysthal was concerned about Ari and would he
make sure that she got the rest she needed.
---
Day 12
Morning
J'red's mind kept replaying the distressing conversation that he'd had
with Meriwen the previous afternoon. He had not had much time to
think
about it during the day, but he had spent a lonely night contemplating
it. Azhy had told Firefly that Ari needed to spend time with the
wilders, and that he was not needed.
J'red wondered if Meriwen had spoken to Ari, as well. He had grown up
being told that duty and honor came before personal priorities or
preferences. He had never questioned it, and upon his joining to
Firefly, he had gone from Lord's son and heir, to dragonrider, he had
automatically taken the responsibility and duty of a rider, and now
wingleader. His life had always been meant to serve the greater good.
What Miss Meri had spoken of was the reality of the life that he knew.
She was asking him to step aside so that Ari could become the person
her
birthright and duty determined she should be. But for the first time
in
his life, he questioned the wisdom of duty over personal desire.
He had never expected this wild girl to have settled into his heart as
she had. He was just thinking how he hadn't even talked to her that
morning when Firefly's comments suddenly came into focus. He was
saying
that Ari was on the green with another strange dragon.
J'red jumped up and smacked his knee on the desk, cursing softly as he
did so. <*What do you mean /another/ strange dragon?*>
<She isn't a warren dragon. But this one has a rider. Hmmm...
odd...>
Firefly's comments sent J'red flying out the door.
<*Why didn't you tell me we had visitors?*> J'red accused as he
walked
quickly to the green where he could see the smallish blue dragon.
<I was trying to tell you, you were a bit preoccupied with your
thoughts,> Firefly stated.
It was then that J'red realized that he had barely been aware of
Firefly's trying to get his attention. He stopped as he saw the rider
conversing with Ari. He continued his approach as he saw her
attention
totally focused on the dragon. He couldn't help feel a surge of pride
as he saw the way she immediately set to work. But he tried to tamp
down the emotions. She was destined for greater things, he thought,
though... she really was an excellent dragonhealer.
The dragon's rider turned as J'red reached him and began his
introduction, "Welcome to Whiteriver, I'm J'red the Beta Wingleader,
and..." He stopped as he took in the tanned and scarred face.
Recognition as well as surprise crossed J'red's face. "Ash?"
[TAG: Allen! I think when Ash was there J'red was only a
dragonrider.]
---
Summary
Day 11
After midnight
Pav'lo, Tatiana and J'red take the recently returned Gob to the dining
hall, where they ask him about his ordeal. He relates what he can
remember. Latnem arrives to deal with Gob's emotional state and J'red
leaves to look for Ari.
Day 12
Morning
J'red is pondering his conversation with Meriwen when Firefly tells
him
about a dragon and rider that have arrived. J'red comes to greet the
new arrivals and sees Ari is already there examining the female.
J'red
is surprised to recognize the rider, Ash.
---
Respectfully submitted by:
Arlene Jacobs
AKA
J'red and Firefly
Pav'lo and Punkin
(among others)
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 6
Date: Tue, 21 Sep 2004 03:01:22 -0500
From: Allen Veazey <veazeyae@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
Subject: [DL-W] Prodigal Son
Day 12
The Green
Mid-Morning
At Ash's direction, Wyndamenth settled at one end of the
green. There was much mental grumbling; she could already
smell food, and Avid's hungry yowls were incessant. But
both waited while Ash'chenon dismounted, slid down to the
ground, and rested his head against Wyndamenth's neck.
Only then did the lion leap down to the ground and
sniff at the air.
<You can't stand here and pretend no one will notice,> Wyn
thought.
<<This is courage?>> rang another voice in his head.
*Shut up, Sol,* Ash immediately thought back.
<Dragons all over... questions from them,> Wyn thought.
A pause, then a mental smile. <Some remember me.>
*So soon?* Ash's face fell. *I am going to regret this.*
Indeed, it was only a few moments before another dragon
and rider flew close, the girl dismounting and then
moving resolutely towards them. Even in that short
a time, Ash'chenon could see that heads were turning
among those people he could see,
words were being exchanged. He felt alone, exposed. His
hands occasionally twitched with reflex, but he kept them
well away from the sword at his back, the knives at his
belt.
>Azhy dropped her close and kept an eye on her. Ari
ran forward and then stopped before the pair and curtseyed
as was proper.
>"I be Ari, Dragonhealer of WhiteRiver, and I welcome
thee" she replied both vocally and mentally. "How may I be
of service to thee?" she added.
Avid crouched and answered with a low growl, half protection,
half hunger. Ash turned and immediately rebuked
the cat, a flash of anger; Avid settled back and
pretended to ignore them both.
The older rider turned back to Ari, bowed slightly. "My
name is... Ash," he replied. There was no hiding it, after all. "This
is Wyndamenth. You're just the person I needed to see."
He glanced up and around, as if looking around for threats, before
turning back to her. "She's sick," he said. "It's
complicated. We've been in the wastes... we've been all
over. Whatever it is, it's robbed her of strength, of
stamina. I can't even slow it down..." he paused. "We've
been far out in the wastelands. Everything out there
is bizarre... twisted... warped. I don't know what's
happened."
>It was then that J'red realized that he had barely been aware of
Firefly's trying to get his attention. He stopped as he saw the rider
conversing with Ari. He continued his approach as he saw her
attention
totally focused on the dragon. He couldn't help feel a surge of pride
as he saw the way she immediately set to work. But he tried to tamp
down the emotions. She was destined for greater things, he thought,
though... she really was an excellent dragonhealer.
>The dragon's rider turned as J'red reached him and began his
introduction, "Welcome to Whiteriver, I'm J'red the Beta Wingleader,
and..." He stopped as he took in the tanned and scarred face.
Recognition as well as surprise crossed J'red's face. "Ash?"
Ash'chenon nearly took a step back, something unreadable in
his eyes, but just as quickly squared his shoulders and stood
his ground. "J'red," he said finally. "I remember you. Lord
Fowler's son." He looked away again, scanning the green
again before meeting the wingleader's eyes.
"I did not want to disturb the peace of this warren," he said.
"Not here. Not now. But there was no other choice." He looked
away. "I need time. My dragon... needs help. You must have
heard about Wyn, the last time I was here... I need to speak to
Trinale, get her protection for a time. Where is she? I didn't
see her queen when I arrived."
Allen Veazey
veazeyae@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
'chenon and Wyndamenth
Summary: Ash arrives, feels threatened, but meets with
Ari and J'red. He asks about Trinale, thinking that she
is still Warrenlady of Whiteriver.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
To Join World Weavers, visit: http://www.worldweavers.net/
Only members of WorldWeavers Worlds should post to this list. To post
messages to this group, send email to WeaversFiction@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
|
