There are 4 messages in this issue.
Topics in this digest:
1. [DL-D] Pride giveth!
From: "Tree Deutscher" <treedr@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
2. FW: [DL-W] DLW: Old Wounds
From: "Andrew F." <asiafish@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
3. [DL-W] The Arrival of the Infamous and Famous
From: "Arlene" <wondermom@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
4. [DL-J]-JP- Chewin Things Over
From: "carys murray" <carysmurray@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
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________________________________________________________________________
Message: 1
Date: Thu, 23 Sep 2004 03:00:13 -0700
From: "Tree Deutscher" <treedr@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
Subject: [DL-D] Pride giveth!
Day 100 Early Evening
Samson was so excited he could hardly see straight. The day they had
arrived at Daere so many long moons ago he had told his rider that one
day he would win his queen and that's exactly what had happened.
Thirty-five eggs! Straightening the crimson giant puffed out his chest
in pride. It wasn't just that he had proven himself the most worthy,
but also that a part of him would now live on through the dragonettes
waiting to be born. Something that any self-respecting male dragon
hoped for. [Look at that one!] He chortled in awe poking Lexi in the
back of the head with his large snout. [It's the same color as me!
It's gonna be a boy I can tell!]
*Hate to tell you Big Guy but the color has nothing to do with it! And
the thought of a bunch of baby 'you's' running around the warren, is
rather frightening!*
Samson, nuzzling the top of Lexi's head snorted loudly blowing his
rider's wavy curls into a tangle. [Could be worse, could be a bunch of
baby Almantha's!]
Lexi chuckled, lightly pushing the scaly nose away. *Now that my
friend, is a real scary thought and would you quit snottin' on me!"
The blacksmith's head snapped sideways from a playful headbutt, *Ow,
stop that and behave yourself!* Lexi swatted irritably at the red
snout.
"Awwww, you're just jealous that you're not gonna have hatchlings
too!"
Ignoring the red male, the big man's eyes wandered around the cavern
coming to rest on Almantha. She lay quietly nearby, curiously watching
the nest and Pandora stood next to her, methodically stoking the
little queen's shoulder. Almantha by far was no longer little. She had
filled out quiet nicely during her last growth spurt, though not quite
as big as Galendriel and quite wirey for her size, she had grown into
the regal stature that was normal for the queen dragons.
Of course the regal part was often questioned when Almantha was seen
stalking small rodents. The wilder queen was very feline in her
moments, but then she had been like that from day one and it seemed to
increase with age much to people's amusement. The young female had
grown quite adept at catching mice and other small rodents and was
often seen with a fat rat dangling from her mouth, torturing the
little creature much as a cat would until finally turning it into a
snack.
Her flying abilities still weren't up to par but it wasn't from lack
of trying and Lexi often wondered if it was Pandora's fears that held
her back or something else. Of course nature had a way of compensating
for such things and Almantha was incredibly fast on her feet. She had
developed a strange gait that was rather comical to watch and quite
difficult to describe, yet she could cross the warren as fast as the
others could fly and had the advantage as she didn't have to worry
about takeoffs or landings. He was sure that eventually she would take
to the air out of necessity, but for now the young queen appeared
content to stay closer to the ground.
Something that bothered him lately was the fact that Almantha had not
yet risen to mate. Strangely enough Thea's flight had really brought
that point home for him. The idea of his sister prancing around like a
sex-crazed wild woman and getting mauled by strangers did not sit well
with Lexi. Even though he knew it was part of being joined to a
dragon, it was still his Sister and he just hoped she would be able to
deal with it. Considering her reaction when she thought T'rell and
Sharees were playing footsie, he hoped when the time came the
aftermath wouldn't send Pandora scurrying back into her shell. Another
thing that nagged at him since she'd first joined with the copper
terror was the fact that he might very well be a contender, a thought
that terrified him. He couldn't deny that he and Pandora were probably
more affectionate with each other then most siblings and back at
Marrid they had been accused more then once of 'sleeping together'.
Even though it was true he had woken up in bed next to his Sis more
times then he could count, it simply wasn't that way. Falling asleep
during a late night chat did not constitute 'incest.' If there was
just some way to tell when Almantha would fly or getting close to it
he could take off for a day or two.
A shudder rippled through the big man, waking up with Panda in his
arms after a mating flight would devastate them both, he definitely
had to figure something out because Almantha wasn't getting any
younger. Lexi sighed to himself his gaze returning to the golden queen
and her beautiful rider.
Pushing himself off from where he was leaning on Samson, Lexi wandered
around to where Thea was laying out her bedroll for the night.
"Milday?" The blacksmith asked in an eloquent tone and both Thea and
Galendriel turned to stare at him. A roguish grin lit up his face and
he gave the golden queen quite a courtly bow. "My sweet lady, you are
to be commended, you have surely outdone yourself this day! I know
Samson is quite pleased with such a fine clutch! You must be very
proud!"
Even though he knew Galendriel wouldn't understand, she would
understand his gesture and tone. Besides, Thea would probably
translate once she got the look of surprise off of her face.
*Big Guy, you'd better get your hiney in gear and get this girl a
fancy meal or your worthiness will be in the shitter if you don't!
Once she's rested, she's gonna be pretty hungry!*
A blur of red was seen crossing the cavern and the expectant sire was
gone in a flash and Lexi had to stifle a laugh. He didn't think he'd
ever seen Samson move that fast before.
Lexi kept a respectful distance but moved close enough so that he
could talk to the Warrenlady. Squatting down he smiled gently, "You
look tired Duchess...and yet quite radiant! I'm glad it went so
smoothly. Congratulations..to both of you!"
A faint blush came to Thea's cheeks, "Thank you!" She answered
returning his smile. "It has been a rather exciting, and of course
trying day!"
He watched the regal woman fidget with the blankets, smoothing and
adjusting them until they were to her satisfaction before starting on
the food that had been laid out for her. Lexi couldn't stop his eyes
from wandering over the lush figure, lingering at the enticing
cleavage as she leaned for a roll, before moving to her dainty hands.
His eyes were riveted to the slender fingers as Thea carefully filled
a plate and a little sigh escaped remembering exactly what she could
do with those fingers.
The topaz eyes looked up at him with a raised brow and Lexi grinned
sheepishly at getting caught. His dimples deepened under the closely
cropped beard, "Can't blame a guy for looking! You know, Samson is
practically bursting at the seams, so if he makes a pest of himself
please let me know."
The Duchess's eyes twinkled in amusement, "I'm sure Galendriel will
manage to.. 'keep him in line1'
Glancing up at the metallic beauty Lexi laughed, the deep rich sound
echoing through the cavern, "Lady, I don't doubt that for a minute!"
Rising to his feet. "I should go! Rest well Thea!" Wiping beads of
sweat from his brow he looked around the cavern noticing that it had
emptied out considerably, but the excited chittering of those left
made him smile. They were already planning a party. He noticed Lyin
talking to his Sister and seeing Pandora's head bob, he shook his head
sighing to himself. It never ceased to amaze him that Sis could do all
the things she did, yet still consider herself weak and unworthy.
Hopefully one day she would figure out she was neither. Stifling a
yawn he headed for the entrance of the cavern.
Several of the guys were crowding the entryway,. "Hey, good job Bud! I
bet Samson is walking on air!" Max slapped him jovially on the back
chuckling at his own pun. Lexi grinned, readying himself for some
good-natured ribbing.
"So do we call you Uncle Lexi or Grampa or...!" A'ron chuckled
gleefully. "Hey, and aren't you supposed to be passing out cigars or
something? But we'll settle for a mug of ale, right guys!"
"Yeah yeah! If I recall its you jokers that owe me quite a few ales at
last count!" Lexi countered with a grin.
A child's excited chatter caught the big man's attention, turning his
smiled vanished when he saw it was Sharees and her little charge
paying their respects. As they finished and bid the Warrenlady good
night the blacksmith sighed feeling a strange sadness settle in his
chest.
A comment from one of the men that the Wing Second may be a hot number
but was definitely a liability with a kid hanging around her ankles
had Lexi swinging around with fire in his eyes. A'ron knew that look
all to well and quickly clapped the smithy on the shoulder. "Never
mind him Lex, he's new, but he'll learn soon enough! C'mon, I'll make
good on one of those ales I owe you!"
[..]
Almantha had lain in the same spot all day silently watching the
goings on, never leaving Galendriel for a moment. Finally when the
humans had moved away the copper female inched forward until the
golden queen lifted her head to gaze questioningly at her younger
counterpart.
"Lady G?" Almantha whispered almost reverently, "Did it hurt much?"
{Tag Eddie}
Respectfully submitted by,
Tree Deutscher
AKA
Lexi, Samson and Almantha
***Summary***
Day 100 Early Evening
Lexi and Samson discuss the eggs. Lexi pays his respects and reminds
the red dragon of his worthiness. Talking to the guys he sees Sharees
then goes to have an ale with the guys.
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Message: 2
Date: Thu, 23 Sep 2004 20:49:37 -0700
From: "Andrew F." <asiafish@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
Subject: FW: [DL-W] DLW: Old Wounds
------ Forwarded Message
From: "Andrew F." <asiafish@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
Date: Thu, 23 Sep 2004 20:32:22 -0700
To: "Whiteriver (Yahoo)" <whiteriver@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
Subject: [DL-W] DLW: Old Wounds
Day 12 - Noonish
Tatiana's Quarters
Pav'lo didn't want Tatiana to know about the newest arrival. Through
Pumkin
and Zenia he knew that she would not only know this enigmatic rider,
but
feared that she might not accept the pardon he was given.
Still, Tatiana was experienced enough in the ways of the dragonvine to
know
when Zenia was keeping something, and thus knew where she had to go.
Zenia
too had been at this a while, and thus gave Pav'lo a warning, at which
point
he just thought it best to tell her the truth.
"Ash" Tatiana said softly to herself. That was a name she never
expected to
hear again. She put down the quill and looked over at the rack with
her
armor across the room. With the usual pain, she stood up with all of
her
weight on her right leg and hobbled over to get suited up.
20 minutes later, Tatiana limped out of her quarters and headed to the
quartermaster's office, her stride obviously painful and lopsided, but
none
slower for it. She was a fearsome sight, standing tall, her gray hair
and
lined face in sharp contrast to the bright piercing eyes and clearly
functional armor and long sword she wore as casually as most people
wore
trousers.
Walking into the shop, she saw him immediately, his back to her as he
and
Pav'lo talked about sheets and other necessaries of apartment
furnishings.
Tatiana could care less about such things, or about whether or not
Merissa
gave this villain sanctuary. "Ash'chenon" Tatiana called out in a
forceful
tone. "You should not have come."
<tag Allen, Arle>
Respectfully Submitted
Andrew F.
Tatiana and Zenia
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Message: 3
Date: Fri, 24 Sep 2004 02:10:07 -0400
From: "Arlene" <wondermom@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
Subject: [DL-W] The Arrival of the Infamous and Famous
Day 12
Afternoon
Merissa's Office
[SNIP]
"You were Trinale's junior queenrider," he said, simply. He did not
remember her at all. Probably Joined after he had left. He simply
stood
there, confident that she would figure out who he was. Everyone knew
who
he was, that was the problem...
"I'm Ash'chenon," he confirmed for her, after she obviously had worked
out the ramifications. "My dragon is very sick... I need your help. I
need time, to let her heal. I need your protection, your countenance.
Even though I was pardoned, there are those... well. You can imagine."
He paused. "We need to stay here... otherwise, one or the other of us
may die. Whatever you want in return, if it's in my power to do so,
I'll
do it."
[END SNIP]
Merissa felt her mouth go dry as she stared at the man who, through no
real fault of his own, only the misfortune of being the vessel,
through
whom so much harm had been rendered, now stood before her begging her
for asylum and aide. "Your pardon was granted, so I will allow you to
remain, though I believe you will find your stay a rather
uncomfortable
one. For as you say, there are those here with long memories. I will
ask our quartermaster to provide you with accommodations that might
afford you some privacy as well as access to the medical center."
She rose slowly and offered him her hand, "This must be one of the
most
difficult things I imagine anyone could do, and I admire you for that.
So, welcome back, Ash'chenon."
Merissa personally escorted Ash to Pav'lo's office. She introduced
him
to the grizzled veteran and Ash extended his right hand in greeting,
but
dropped it when the quartermaster did not return the gesture.
"... so, if you could find a room that would allow Ash to walk up in
case his dragon is unable to fly, should her condition worsen, but
would
allow him some privacy." Merissa explained to the older man.
Pav'lo nodded, and replied, "I believe I have a few for you to choose
from." Using his good, left hand, he pulled a map of the warren out
from under a pile of requisitions and reports. His right arm hung
uselessly at his side as he began to straighten out the map.
Merissa set a book down on the corner of the map and replied, "Good,
then I'll leave you to it." She turned to gaze once more at the
enigma
of a man that had appeared in her warren. "I hope that Wyndamenth's
condition is improved quickly. I know that our dragonhealers, Dalmar
and Arideregh, will do all they can to help her," she told him in all
sincerity before she returned to her office.
---
As they were discussing the linens and other items that Ash might need
delivered to his apartment, Gob popped his head into Pav'lo's office,
in
answer to his mentor's summons. His eyes were as big and round as
saucers as he stared at the infamous man before him.
"Oh, wow, so you're HIM... the monster everyone's been
talking...about...er, um, I mean..."
Pav'lo glared at Gob, "This is Ash'chenon, rider of Wyndamenth, and
you
will be respectful, young man!"
Gob nodded and then grinned, "So... what's it like living in the
wastes?
I bet you got to see all sorts of weird things!"
"Gobaith!" Pav'lo growled in warning
---
Early Evening
Merissa read through the detailed notes that Ari had put together on
the
wild dragons... including the dead queen. Ari had been referring to
them
during their discussion earlier and had left them with Merissa at her
request. There were certain things in them that were just not making
sense to the young warrenlady.
There was a soft tap at her door, and Merissa looked up, expecting to
see Eleanora poke her head in. Another knock sounded, and Merissa
realized it wasn't her courier.
"Come!"
The door opened to admit Th'rin. He smiled, hesitantly, "Umm... you
working all night, too?" It was the first full day that Merissa had
spent at the office.
Merissa smiled, "Of course not. Just finishing up here. Though...
this
is just so odd!" She went on to explain Ari's notes and as they
talked
she realized that it would be much better if Ari could explain them
herself.
<*Chrysthal, if Ari isn't busy, could you ask her to come to my
office?
Tell her that Th'rin and I have a few questions about her results from
the dragons.*>
A few moments later, there was another knock on the office door and
Merissa bid Ari entrance.
Ari popped her head in the office and smiled when she saw both the
warren lady and Th'rin. "I heard ya had need of me, My Lady, how can
I
be of help?" Ari asked as she stepped through the doorway into the
office.
"Merissa, remember?" the warrenlady winked. "If you could tell Th'rin
what you told me earlier... I think I may have some of this wrong.
Your
results showed that the wilder queen was poisoned and so was the
wilder
female?"
---
El sat at her desk and chewed absently on the tip of her pencil.
Something in these inventory figures just didn't add up. Except SHE'D
done the inventories, both times and she was sure she'd counted right.
But there were things missing, clearly. Could someone have put things
away in the wrong place, she wondered. The alternative
was....unthinkable. With a half-growl she tossed the pencil on to the
desk and ran her hands through her hair.
Or tried to.
The coronet of braids she habitually wore really didn't allow for
hands
through hair - nor stand up all that well to the attempt. With
another
growl, this time at her hair, she stood up, intent on finding a mirror
and fixing the damage - for the moment, the possible inventory
shortage
out of her mind - when Cara's voice bugled through her head.
<HE'S HERE!>
<What? Who,> El thought back confusedly. Honestly, Cara sounded as
though it were her long-lost brother - at that thought, El paled.
Dear
gods, MORE Telnor riders?
<Trendal,> Cara replied smugly. <He's been sunning, he looks
marvelous.
Oh, and the humans with him are important, aren't they? You should be
greeting them. Get up and get going.>
"Shit."
With the half-audible syllable still hanging in the air, El spun
herself
around the doorframe into Merissa's office. "They're here, 'Riss.
THREE days early. Reolden," she amplified when Merissa gazed blankly
at
her. "And Glynda already told me she'd planned a cold pick-up supper
for
tonight, too!"
Merissa gaped. She could now hear the excitement of her queen, as she
greeted Trendal. "Reolden is HERE?" She jumped up, automatically
smoothing her skirt with her hands, her face flushing as she grinned
slyly at Eleanora, "And Mahti? I suppose he's here, too?"
She didn't see the dark look that crossed Th'rin's face as he also got
word of the Prince's early arrival.
El flushed. "Cara didn't say," she responded tartly, nettled at
Merissa's teasing. "She did say that we should be out GREETING," she
added pointedly.
Her concerns being over Ari's reaction to an event El was sure her
friend was dreading, she too missed the look on Th'rin's face. She
held
out an arm to the red-head. "C'mon, Ari," she murmured. "He's really
a
nice fellow and not a bit...um, royal, really."
Ari felt numb through and through, how her legs even moved she did not
know, but she ambled awkwardly as Eleanora led, or was it dragged her
out the door. Everything she had dreaded these past days was here,
ready to knock her down and pull her away from her new home. She
gasped
as she realized that Meriwen would die of embarrassment when she
learned
that she greeted his royal highness in her common work breeches. Ari
tried to get Eleanora's attention to tell her, she did not want to be
royal. She sighed and gave up and let El continue to drag her to her
doom.
Unobtrusively, her arm still linked with Ari's, El lifted her hands
and
signed to her friend. *Relax, he's a dragonrider, he'll understand
you
belong HERE.*
Having passed on the best comfort she could - at least when Ari
wouldn't
actually articulate what was wrong - El used her other hand to pat her
friend's arm. The occupation with Ari's nerves was fortunate. It
carried her out of the office and onto the Green....and gave her a
valid
excuse to be "preoccupied" and NOT meet the dark eyes she could FEEL
watching her from a pace behind Reolden's shoulder.
With a strange fluttering in her stomach, Merissa hurried out to greet
the prince who had already dismounted from the brown dragon. She
wanted
to curtsy. She had planned on it, even. But when she saw his smile,
she found herself giving him a warm hug instead. "Reolden! How nice
to
see you again! I mean..." Suddenly recalling that they were being
watched by the entire warren, she took a hasty step back and managed
to
curtsy and blushing furiously, "Your highness, welcome again to
Whiteriver."
He laughed. "Wonderful to see you again, Merissa. And thank you for
your warm welcome."
[TAG: Kris... Th'rin's reaction/thoughts?]
Reolden glanced about as if looking for someone, searching the faces
in
the crowd. Knowing the reason for his visit, Merissa looked back for
Ari and motioned her forward.
When Ari remained stock still, Eleanora sighed and stepped forward,
perforce bringing the girl along with her. She sent a quiet message
via
the dragons for Reolden to go slowly and gently with the obviously
nervous dragonhealer, then carefully detached her arm and stepped
back.
Ari did not know how her wobbly legs managed to move her forward. She
found that his eyes bored into hers and somehow he willed her to come
closer. As she did, his smile widened in recognition and she smiled
weakly back to him altho what she wanted to do was turn and run. She
found herself standing before him, and as if she were born to it she
curtseyed low and deep as was fitting and greeted him. "Tis a
pleasure
ta have the honor of addressin thee ya highness." her heavily ladened
lilt dance around each word. "I be Arideregh of the House of
Winterhaven of the lands of Greyhawke." Ari introduced herself and
hoped
seriously she did not muck it up.
He bowed in return, but he couldn't keep the look of amazement off his
face as he took all of her in. "The pleasure is mine... though,
m'lady,
I find you are not quite how I pictured you from your portrait or the
letters...."
Ari looked up into the kind eyes of the...her cousin she reminded
herself. She smiled shyly and nodded and then looked perplexed.
"My portrait, your highness, I have never had one done?" she asked
confused. I be not wishin ta upset thee your highness, but I have not
written thee."
Ari looked for support and saw her friends smiling so she turned back
and waited for his explanation.
He laughed softly, "Nay, you have not." He glanced around, "But I
have
been receiving lengthy epistles from my dear old nurse. She is quite
taken with you. Though as for the portrait... I have seen your
likeness
in our family gallery." He assured her. "But you are far more lovely
in person."
Ari blushed deeply at the words and found herself tongue-tied. She
glanced and saw that many people had gathered and it felt that all
eyes
were on her so she felt perhaps this would not be the right place to
cause a scene. She was glad for once of her mother's training and she
let it take over.
"I be pleasured that ye have chosen to visit us, Your Highness," she
began, "Altho, we were not quite prepared for thy arrival." She
leaned
forward a bit and grinned impishly. "Ya kinda caught us with our
breeches down," she whispered and hoped he would not be offended.
He looked surprised but laughed warmly, "But I sent word that I would
be
arriving in a fortnight from the day I wrote the letter..." His eyes
sought out the one to whom another more private letter had been sent
at
that same time, and a brief smile passed between himself and Merissa,
"which was fourteen days ago today. When was I expected?"
"Not for another three days at the earliest," Merissa confessed, but
her
eyes were shining and she was smiling warmly, obviously glad of his
arrival.
"Well, then, if the festivities aren't scheduled for a few days yet,
that will give me more time to get to know my cousin in a more
intimate
way."
Ari stood nervously as she watched the interaction between her...the
prince and the warren lady. She could tell they knew each other, and
that she was very glad to see him again.
Ari had to admit he was not the monster that her mother had portrayed
and she hoped that Sheldon and Eleanora were right and he would indeed
understand and let her stay here. She quietly stood and studied his
features and stance. She wondered what the King looked like. Did the
Prince favor his mother, or father?
She bit her lip in trying to keep from chuckling out loud, for the
thought of the King made her remembered her mother's description of
him
and it had not been complimentary.
<*He seems to be a nice sort*> Azhy volunteered. <* All the others
say
so*> he added and hoped this piece of information helped.
*We shall see* was all that Ari was prepared to venture. She glanced
around and noticed that J'red was not there.
*Where be J'red?" she asked worriedly, *Be he alright?*
<*They left, they are not here,*> Azhy replied.
Ari blanched and swallowed hard. *He's gone?* the sudden truth of his
actions hitting her hard. He had known the Prince was coming, and
left
as Meriwen had asked.
Ari suddenly felt rather sick to her stomach, and she hoped she could
make a quick silent exit and go and hide.
Merissa stepped forward, noting Ari's sudden shyness. "Yes, well,
nothing like informal to get to know each other better... and that's
exactly how you'll find us this evening. I'm afraid we weren't
planning
on the banquet for a few days. But you must be famished. I know that
I
am! Shall we?" Merissa motioned toward the dining hall.
Reolden bowed, "The food is of no concern. I am honored to dine in
your
company."
Merissa giggled slightly, her cheeks taking on a slightly pink hue, as
she turned to lead the Prince and his entourage to the Dining Hall.
Ari was propelled along with the group and found herself following the
Prince, his entourage that had suddenly grown, and the members of the
welcoming party, plus a few who had heard the news and came to join
the
ranks.
The voices were happy and loud and everyone suddenly seemed to be in a
happy, party mood, and Ari just wanted to slip away to the safety of
the
darkness.
But, alas, she was trapped within the wave of people as they walked
towards the Dining Hall, and Ari decided somehow, she would find a
place
to duck out, sure that no one would miss her, for the only one who
would
have, was not there, and no longer cared, and she just did not feel
she
was up to dealing with trying to appear happy and excited, when all
she
felt was doom
She felt the rush of the people and heard harsh voices, and Analise's
raised above the others, before she found a way to duck to the side.
Everyone was so intent upon getting inside to see what was going on,
no
one noticed there was now one less in their party.
[SNIP]
Analise shrieked and pounced on the paper, stomping it in an attempt
to
put out the flame. She picked up the ruined sheet of music, her face
livid as she wailed, "OUT! Get OUT! You... YOU..." Spittle was
flying
from her mouth as it worked out what it was she wanted to call the
tone-deaf, meddling, nuisance, bard-wannabe. She spun on her, "Not in
a
million years will you EVER be a Bard!"
Then her face went from livid to pallid as she looked up and saw the
company that was walking toward her. "Merissa...," Analise hissed,
and
then groaned, "Your Highness."
[END SNIP]
Merissa gaped at her mother, mortified by her barroom manners. If the
floor had developed a hole and swallowed her up in it, she would have
gone in willingly.
Reolden smiled, amused by the unflappable Analise being brought to
near
hysterics and gracefully answered her greeting, "Dear Analise, why you
look lovely, with some color in your cheeks... the wilds of the warren
suit you so much better than the stuffiness of court!"
Analise only could curtsy low and mutter, "Yes, of course, your
highness." All hopes of ever returning to court dashed in that
instance, and the girl of her undoing standing there oblivious of her
disgrace.
Nerika immediately thought to impress the prince with her talent. She
would have no objection to being spirited out of the warren's clutches
and given a chance to pursue her *real* career. The fact that Reolden
was a rider himself led her to hope that it was even possible.
She smiled and offered, "My Prince, I know that Analise would
undoubtedly wish to perform for you, but she mustn't strain her voice,
so I would be happy to sing for you while you dined?"
"How thoughtful! Please, do!" And Reolden followed Merissa to a
table
next to the stage.
[TAG: John!]
The wingleaders and other leaders of the warren joined them at the
table. Merissa's chair was held out for her, and she gave Th'rin a
passing smile for the effort, but her eyes returned at once to Reolden
who was looking about.
It was then, as they all sat down, that he noticed that his cousin was
missing. "And where has Lady Arideregh gone?"
Everyone glanced around and a voice murmured, "And J'red." A few
snickers followed that comment and Merissa glared over at the
wingseconds, not sure whether it was Emery or Effinky who had made the
rude connection.
"We have several wounded or sick dragons in the warren at the moment,
and I'm sure that Ari, umm... Lady Arideregh..., has merely gone to
check on them."
Reolden raised an eyebrow, "Lady Arideregh looks after sick dragons?"
"She's quite skilled as a healer and especially a dragonhealer,"
Merissa
stated, "And has been an invaluable asset to the warren since her and
Azhy's arrival."
"She and Azhy?" Reolden looked surprised, "I thought she came here
alone?"
"Well she and her dragon."
"Dragon?" Reolden gaped. "As in joined?"
"Yes." Merissa gasped, "You don't know?" She put her hand over her
mouth in surprise and looked about as if searching for someone to help
her.
"No, I was unaware of that fact." He sent out to Trendal and received
confirmation and a bit more besides.
<Yes, she's joined, for about 5 years, to Azhgre. He's a dragon from
a
wilder's clutch.>
Merissa could see the faraway look in Reolden's eyes and she waited
until they refocused on her. "I'm sorry no one told you."
Reolden nodded, and then began to grin, "And Azhy is a *he*!" And he
began to laugh softly, "They don't know! No one in court knows!
Cecily, Cecily, you did it. You got him!" The King was not going to
like this, he thought, as his laughter rolled out.
---
Summary:
Day 12
Afternoon
Merissa welcomes Ash'chenon to Whiteriver, with a warning. She
introduces him to Pav'lo, the quartermaster, so that he can get
assigned
a room. Gob appears at Pav'lo's request to help bring supplies to
Ash's
new quarters.
Early Evening
Merissa and Th'rin's meeting with Ari is interrupted Eleanora
announcing
the arrival of the Prince. They rush out to greet him.
Merissa and company escort the Prince to the dining hall for supper,
where Ari slips away, after noticing that J'red is missing, and during
an interesting scene between Analise and Nerika. Shamed, Analise
wishes
to fade away, but undaunted Nerika offers to sing for Prince Reolden.
The Prince, noticing that Ari is missing, asks Merissa about her, and
learns that Ari is a dragonhealer -- and joined to a male dragon.
---
Respectfully submitted by:
Arlene Jacobs
AKA
Warrenlady, Merissa, rider of Chrysthal,
Pav'lo, rider of Punkin
(playing) Prince Reolden, rider of Trendal
with help from
Katrina Gischer
AKA
Eleanora and Cara
Carys Murray
AKA
Ari and Azhy
And
John Pepper
AKA
Nerika and Lyraene
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 4
Date: Fri, 24 Sep 2004 00:12:27 -0700
From: "carys murray" <carysmurray@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
Subject: [DL-J]-JP- Chewin Things Over
Day 8
Early Morning
Dining Hall
Gus kept her hand firmly on Dylan's arm and she hustled her friend out
of
the Dining Hall. The blonde was still making a few incoherent
sputtering
noises that indicated the fight was still "on" as far as she was
concerned -
and as long as Gus didn't stop it. She propelled her all the way
across the
Green and into the Wingleader's office before letting go in order to
close
the door.
With a sigh, she turned to the still angry girl. "Fine, go ahead and
say it
all, ya ain't gonna be no good t' me until ya do."
Dylan looked at Gus and let the bubbling anger take hold of her. She
honestly did not know what to say. Which was worse? Being labeled a
woman
of ill repute? A whore?
Or, have Gus accused of things that were not true? And while she was
on the
subject what about him sneaking around? Checking up on Tyler? What
kind
of.. Low life did that?
What kind of low life goes sneakin around peepin on us? Then blames us
for
seein what twas none of his business?" she lashed out at Gus, knowing
she
should stand quiet and work through things.
"And what he said about ya!" she exclaimed. "I know there be no shame
the
way life dumps ya places, but.. ta think that about ya! And openly
admit
it!" Dylan felt the anger whip and burn hotter.
"I just want ta box his ears, and wipe the floor up with him. And the
way
HE treats Ty! Orderin him about like some.. mere woman!"
Gus raised an eyebrow at Dylan's phraseology. "A mere woman?" she
queried
softly.
"As opposed to a mere man?" She shook her head and decided to let the
idea
that a 'mere woman' was apparently SUPPOSED to be ordered around
dropped.
Dylan had a lot of strange ideas.
"It's Junior." She muttered. "He ain't got the sense o' a log, ya
GOTTA
tell him what t' do. If K'mal ain't sent him off, the idiot boy
wouldn'ta
let K'mal apologize like he hadda." She rolled her eyes. "Like we
was
gonna forgive K'mal fer bein' as ass, just cuz Junior's getting' la-"
She
stopped abruptly and coughed.
"Anyway, ya gotta just let it do, Dyl. Trust me, K'mal ain't the only
one
thinkin' 'bout me like that." She shrugged and made a vague balancing
gesture with her hand. "Reckon he's the only one t' brin' ya into it,
but."
She sank into her desk chair. "Hell, I can't blame 'em.well, on me.
Bringin' ya in was just stupid- but jealous is like that."
"Jealous? Of me?" Dylan chuckled softly. "He be jealous on one hand,
and
hates the sight of us becoz we be so wicked?" Dylan shook her head.
"I
don't get it."
She took a deep breath to try to clear her head. "Well, I plan not on
bein
in that situation." Dylan remarked. "He could have hurt many people
with
that kind of thinkin." She remarked more to herself than Gus.
"So, what ya be tellin me, I can't flatten anyone I hear speak ill of
ya?"
"Jealous don't gotta make no sense." Gus responded. "But why NOT
you?" She
shrugged. "And the thinkin' we're wicked is part o' the jealous.cuz
otherwise, it'd be HIM that was wrong. But well, he knows that much
now."
At Dylan's final question, Gus chuckled. "And yeah, that's what I'm
sayin'.
Warren's different than the street- or a ship, fer that matter.
There ta
gotta fight whenever so's no one reckons ya weak. Here it seems they
think
ya weak if ya DO fight." She made a face. "Self-control, I expect.
Sheesh,
ya think I can't flatten 'em myself?"
Dylan laughed at Gus' final statement. "Nah, I just figured if ya
weren't
around I could handle it for ya." Dylan looked around the room and
over at
the desk.
"Guess we best be startin on the paper work, I expect that Ty might be
a wee
bit late.' Dylan offered with a mischievous grin.
Early Afternoon
Dylan walked briskly across the Green and her anger matched her
stride. She
was not happy at all with the way things were going. First Corwin had
given
her a lecture like she was some small child with the brains of sand.
Then
Keer seemed to not be around much either, and he was not at practice,
and
she did not hear anything about that. What was it, it was ok to skip
practice if you were a MAN, but being a mere female, you needed to be
right
there, all the time?
Her thoughts drifted back to K'mal and his piss poor excuse of
jealousy and
begging for an apology, or was it forgiveness? She fumed about that,
because she was mad at Corwin and his treatment of her and she knew
she
could do nothing about it. K'mal on the other hand she could rage in
secret.
She felt her muscles tighten and then softly protest the lack of food
within
and she made her way to the Dining Hall to see if perhaps, they might
have
anything left.
She hoped they did, or she might just go in search of her own. As she
stepped into the Dining Hall she saw that there were not many people
there,
and she made her way to the line.
She really hoped she did not meet up with anyone. She wanted to eat
and
stew and figure out just what it was she wanted.
* * *
Gus sat back in her desk chair and rubbed her temples. She'd -
finally! -
worked her way through the stack of papers Tyler had left for her to
sign.
The knowledge that it wouldn't take anyone else in the warren several
hours
just to sign papers made her edgy- and reminded her of the morning's
assorted fights.
Damn Corwin anyway for being a jerk AND blurting out her secret like
that.
All right, she granted that Hsina's apparent suicidal tendencies, not
to
mention her sexual possessiveness were going to grate on a man's
nerves, but
STILL.! And now she'd have to find someone ELSE to be her scribe- and
how
was she going to explain THAT without telling?
Her stomach rumbled and she snapped to her feet. Fine an excuse to
delay
thinking about it. Maybe Tyler would have an idea.THAT reminded her
that
she still had to find some chore for K'mal AND see the both of them
for
dinner. She growled softly, She wanted to make Tara proud, she really
did-
always assuming it WAS possible for her to make ANYONE proud- but
dammit,
this Wingleader crap got old, real fast.
She filled a tray and looked around the nearly empty hall for
someplace to
sit and immediately offered up a silent prayer of thanks to Ythfaru.
DYLAN.
AND, just when she needed someone-anyone- to chew out. With great
strides, she made her way to Dylan's table and plunked herself down.
"Well,
ya got a lotta 'splainin' t' do, ain't ya?"
Dylan looked up as Gus sat down with a loud thunk and glared at her.
"Great" she thought, just what she did not need, she knew Gus well
enough to
know that look, and that tone, and SHE was in the mood for a chew.
Dylan did not want to be Gus' chew toy, not now, not ever. She was
not sure
where this was goin, but she was afraid she was gonna find out.
"Explain what?" Dylan asked slightly more grumpy that was probably
wise, but
Dylan was not in the mood to deal with anything.
Gus' eyes narrowed angrily. "Splain what?" she repeated, her voice
rising.
"How 'bout you 'splain how and why ya come t' get me into trouble?
Without
even TELLIN' me?"
Dylan looked at her like she was crazy. What she had just said made
NO
sense to Dylan. Sadly, Dylan then told her that.
"That makes NO sense Gus." She replied a bit sharper than she really
meant.
How was she to tell Gus she had gotten her in trouble when she did not
know
she had?
"Really?" Gus retorted, her voice dripping acid. "I s'pose it makes
MORE
sense for ya t' skip trainin' - even goin' so far as t' read the MEMO
Corwin
sent - knowin' I wasn't gonna - but not TELL ME?" She leaned forward;
realizing her volume was rising and brought it back down to an angry
hiss.
"If I'm gonna get my ass chewed over somethin' Dyl, I 'spect that I at
least
know what the hell's goin' on- and I DON'T 'spect fer a FRIEND t' send
me
into that kinda trouble without at least a WARNIN"!"
Dylan sat quietly trying to remember a memo. She just did not
remember any
memo. Not about training, or practice, nothing but tithes and
schedules
for.. schedules!
She looked up to Gus and gave her a wistful grin. She remembered.
The
Schedules!
"By the Powers Gus!" she explained. "I plume forgot about it!" She
looked
sheepish at her friend. "Ty handed it ta me and then we started
talkin
about." Dylan stopped, not wishing to upset the apple cart any
further.
Gus frowned and tried to decide just what Dylan and Tyler would talk
about
that Dylan couldn't bring herself to mention-and then her frown
deepened.
"Ah, Talkin' 'bout that damn locket and yer trick t' brin' me into
Cabral-
and that's somethin' ELSE Corwin was yellin' 'bout-and ya FERGOT!"
She tried to hand onto the anger, but Dylan looked so clearly not just
sorry, but downright embarrassed by it that it was nearly impossible.
"Dammit Dyl, ya can't just ferget like that." She protested softly.
"Corwin
was in such a foul temper, TARA come by.and he spilt the secret t'
her."
"I be ever so sorry Gus, truly, and had I even had a chance ta think
it
thru, I would not have allowed Ty ta sweep me up in the adventure of
givin
ya family.. I be none ta happy with Corwin."Dylan mumbled looking
chagrinned. She felt terrible that Gus had been chewed on, for HER
mistake.
The, the words of Corwin and his actions sunk in. Her eyes grew
wide and
she gasped.
"BY the powers! HE ratted on ya!" she choked out, trying to keep her
voice
low, so as not to bring Gus more shame.
"What kind of a rat.HE spilled his guts ta her?' Dylan asked with
shock.
"He.he spoke ta me of bein like a family." Dylan leaned back in shock,
not
knowing what to say.
"Well, he ain't meant to." Gus allowed. "He just was sorta rantin'
all
over, y' now? And he tried t' cover it up and all. And I reckon the
bruise
he's gonna have on his chin'll remind him fer a while." She made a
face at
Dylan's further words.
"Yeah, he's big on that whole Warren family bullshit." She muttered.
"He
ain't the only one." She sighed. "Leastwise, Tara ain't upset-she's
just
insistin' that I LEARN."
She shook her head. "Another one o' them can't believe it ain't that
I
don't TRY, but she's stuck me with Junior fer learnin'-reckon HE
thinks he
can teach me too, like Elly done, but he's honest enough, when he sees
it,
he'll say true.
With a sigh, Gus rubbed her hands over her face, feeling suddenly very
tired. From behind her hands she added. "Oh, Tara figgered it out.
Ya
formed the letters like Junior and all, but he.hell, I ain't quite
unnderstood it, but he pushes harder? So she could feel the letters?
Anyway, she seemed real pleased t' have a good forger."
Another sigh worked its way up from Gus' belly. "I swear, if I live
here
with her t' be a hunnert years old, I STILL ain't never gonna
unnerstand
her!"
Dylan sat and listened, altho hearing Gus defend Corwin did not help
her
with the anger she still felt inside from his lecture.
She did not even attempt to pick at the food on her plate, and she
knew she
needed to eat, to.. well, tis better not to dwell on that little
issue, not
with the way Keer had been behaving. As the words sunk in and she
placed
them in their little spots for later dissection and study she realized
something that Gus had said.
"The Warren lady does not mind my cipherin?" Dylan asked eagerly.
"That
means she don't mind me helpin ya? Everythin be just fine." She
smiled
happily.
"Well," Gus cautioned hastily, "Not so long as ya do yer trainin' with
Corwin FIRST. But so long's ya ain't skippin' out on that, then its
ok."
She gave Dylan a stern look.
"But, ya HAFTA do the trainin' Dyl. If I'da knowed ya was skippin it,
I
wouldna let ya help me." She made a wry face.
"Sure, I'd like a scribe that was already IN on thin's, though." Her
face
brightened. "Did I tell ya, Tara's all fer keepin' it from Jerram?"
"He does not know? How does Corwin know and Jerram don't" Dylan asked
confused.
"Doesn't Jerram know everythin about ya?"
Gus choked and was briefly thankful she hadn't gotten the coffee she'd
considered-it'd have gone EVERYWHERE, and through her nose to boot.
"Hell
no!" she retorted, as soon as she could speak. "Why would he?" She
frowned, worried briefly that his was another of those "normal people
rules"
that she was messing up, but shook her head.
"Anyway, Corwin knows, cuz he and Elly was mates and she can't keep a
secret
NOHOW."
Her face suddenly set with fierce determination. "And Jerram ain't
GONNA
know. Not now, not ever, got me?"
Dylan nodded and stifled the giggle she felt in her throat. She
nodded her
agreement since she did not wish to ruin this moment with her giggling
and
making Gus angry again. She swallowed and regained some composure.
"I won't be tellin him." She finally got out. "Keer knows most."
Dylan
offered, so she did not feel bad about not being totally honest. "Tis
true
he does not know all. But I be sure he has told me everything."
Gus watched Dylan stifle her giggles and felt something inside her
relax.
It's been a helluva day- but Dylan was her friend after all. She
listened,
a bit-half-heartedly to Dyl's mention of Keer- Frankly she didn't
think much
of the Kataani, though she hadn't seen much of him, but he came off as
awfully surly- even by warren standards. Clearly, Dylan's revelation
that
Keer told her everything was meant as an invitation. Gus considered-
did
Jerram tell her everything? She snorted wryly. She doubted it- then
again,
she doubted that Keer DID tell Dylan everything. She smiled and
shrugged at
Dylan.
"Well, I reckon Jerram don't tell me everythin', but I don't figger he
owes
me that or anythin'. Fellas got a right t' his secrets." Her lips
twitched
with suppressed laughter. "Even Jerram."
Dylan smiled and laughed softly at Gus' statement. She was suddenly
tired,
and she had a good part of the day left. Perhaps she should sneak out
with
Dru, and find a quiet spot for a bit of swimming and try to figure out
just
what she was gonna do.
She wondered if she should tell her friend, the real reason Keer had
insisted she come here, would she understand? Or would it be better
to stay
quiet and just wait for the enviable. Sooner or later she would show
that
she had taken on life.
"Well, I be glad we got this settled. So, do ya need any more help?
Or are
ya free for a bit of swimmin?"
Gus grinned. "Finished the signin' and I ain't got nothin' more until
K'mal
shows up fer his punishment. So, yeah, swimmin' sounds good."
NRPG- Just filling in and working on character development, moving
story
along with a twist.
[SUMMARY]
Early morning - Gus drags Dylan out of the Dining Hall before she can
start
a fight with K'mal. They talk it over at the office and get down to
work.
Early Afternoon- Dylan is in a grumpy mood due to the chastisement
from
Corwin which Dylan does not feel she should have received. She makes
her
way to the Dining Hall hoping something is left from the lunch crowd.
Gus is also not in a good mood, from the fight with Corwin and his
spilling
of her secret to Tara. She heads to the Dining Hall to grab something
to
eat and spots Dylan in the corner and decided to chew on her for a
bit.
They start off grumpy, but soon are able to work it out and even find
a few
things humorous.
Dylan ends their discussion with an offer for an afternoon swim. Gus
agrees.
Respectfully submitted by
Carys Murray
Aka Dylan
&
Katrina Gischer
Aka Gus
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