There are 2 messages in this issue.
Topics in this digest:
1. [DL-D]- Crossroads
From: "carys murray" <carysmurray@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
2. [DL-W] Early Morning Lesson- JP
From: Allen Veazey <veazeyae@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
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Message: 1
Date: Thu, 11 Nov 2004 14:12:34 -0800
From: "carys murray" <carysmurray@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
Subject: [DL-D]- Crossroads
Day 104
Mid-Morning
Warren Lady's Office
[SNIP]
"I need to caution you, though I have no illusion on your skill to
handle
the wild, it is those things in shadow I worry about." She let that
sink in
as she took a bite of the sweet cake.
"It is my understanding, that you've been told that you have a likely
chance
to bond with a dragon, which means your safety is as important to me
as my
own son's. I'm already looking into having some things for you to
learn,
and do while in the Warren. I will not ask you not to leave the
grounds,
but I must ask if you do that you be sure to have a couple dragon
riders
near at hand."
[END SNIP]
Weya sat quietly as the Warren Lady spoke her fears, and Weya heard
yet
again the urgent request not to venture too far from the Warren. Weya
did
not answer right away, for in truth she was not sure what the other
matters
the Warren Lady was speaking of.
Weya studied her while she spoke and knew her to be noble born. She
would
not understand the ways of Weya, her people and most of the ones she
ruled.
Not that she did not have a great and kind heart, no that was one of
her
strengths. Weya sat quietly, not offering much to the conversation,
until
she had a better feel for the woman before her.
As the Duchess sipped her coffee there was another rap on the door.
"Enter." She called out, and she put the cup down, and rose gracefully
to
meet and greet the group of possible searchling's as they entered her
office. Weya rose and stood silently by her seat on the couch and
when the
room was filled, the young girl who had shown her in slipped back out
again
and closed the door.
[SNIP]
Tonweya started to slip out. "Please Tonweya, stay. You are a part
of
this." The huntress stayed but kept partly to herself.
[END SNIP
Weya wondered just what it was that she wished to teach her. Weya
recognized a few of the faces that already graced the searchling's
barracks.
The bright hues of the twin's were easy to spot and she watched them
intently for a bit, because they fascinated her. She did not know
why, but
the thought of having another just like you.. She let her mind wander
until
she heard the Duchess' voice still the soft din and clamor or those
gathered
in the office.
Weya listened to her words, and then she began the question and answer
part.
The twins had moved over closer to her and she smiled at them and
turned
her attention back to what was being said.
Weya was not sure if she wanted to be bonded to a dragon. Not that she
did
not wish to be part of something special like she witnessed and
watched
between Dante and Jacks. Weya was not sure she wished to be
surrounded by
so many all the time.
Maybe, should it happen, she could train and then she and Dante could
go
back to their old way of life. Once those creatures had been dealt
with.
She was not afraid of hard work, or training. If chosen she would do
her
best, and excel at what was needed. The trick was to give enough back
for
payment to what she had received.
Suddenly the meeting was over, and the group began to file out and
Weya
waited her time by watching all of them. Weya enjoyed watching
others, and
was a good judge of character and intent. As Weya followed the group
out
she saw that there were others waiting to see the Warren Lady as well.
Weya
smiled warmly as she spotted Jason.
[SNIP]
When the searchlings exited Sybil quickly looked the lot over for
those she
might consider pursing, she spotted Weya and a smile quickly came to
her
lips.
"Ah my sweet, I see you too have been in to see the Duchess. Isn't
she just
so regal? Makes you want to just eat her all up."
[END SNIP]
Weya stiffened as she first heard the voice; then saw the beautiful
woman
approaching her. Weya readied for what she thought would be the woman
touching her, but sighed in relief when she stood just before her.
Altho
the way the woman gleefully and lustily eyed her, made Weya feel more
uncomfortable than the first time she had met her.
"Tis a pleasure to meet ya again." Weya whispered softly in a jumbled
manner, wondering why this woman rattled her so. She then wondered
why had
she just said that! It was not a pleasure; it was uncomfortable and
un-nerving. She felt another's gaze on her and broke her connection
with
Sybil and looked up to see Jason smiling at her with a sardonically
wicked
grin, or was that a sneer on his face. What ever it was, he was
highly
amused with what ever it was he saw.
[SNIP]
"Sybil! That will be enough, I'll not have you." The Duchess was at a
loss
for exactly what to call Sybil's lustful ways. "Get in here now,
please."
"Yes your highness." The Alpha wingleader laughed and slapped Jason on
the
ass. "She summons us, shall we oblige her or make her suffer a long
wait?"
[END SNIP]
Weya watched with interest, as she could tell the Warren Lady was not
amused
by her behavior, but as she watched Jason wink at her and then follow
Sybil
into the office, she realized that he was. She looked over to the
young
girl who had been the one to escort her into the office earlier and
she
smiled at her and turned and made her way out into the fresh air.
Weya's thoughts were swimming and swirling around in her head, and she
knew
that to clear her head, she needed to get out and away from the
others, and
their distractions.
Weya headed to the barracks, and gathered her bow and headed out to
the
practice and training field. She knew that there at least, she would
find a
place where she could begin to work through all she had witnessed this
morning.
She wondered if she should speak to Dante about this, but decided that
perhaps it was better left alone. Well, at least until she could work
out a
plan that would entail her not having to deal with the Wing Leader.
Afternoon
Weya had spent a good portion of the afternoon practicing her archery
and
pondering on the new path before her. She was under no delusion as to
what
learning to be a DragonRider would entail. She had spent months
watching
the others train and practice, train again and practice even more.
She knew she was good with her bow, and if needs be, not too bad in a
scrape. She knew she would need to learn the art of battle with the
sword.
Weya was not sure just who all knew she watched them. Someone was
watching
her, and since he had not bothered to show himself, nor make a move
against
her, she did not worry.
Weya was also aware that there was another, hidden in the shadows, who
watched them all. She had felt his presence, and altho he seemed to
have
the ability to block much, his interest, and his seeming random times
she
felt him told her he used the old and dark magics of her people.
Again she was torn as what to do. For who here would believe her?
Well,
other than Dante, but she did not wish to worry him. He had so much
to
worry about with just the day to day routine of patrol, and practice.
The
way he seemed to glide between caring for and looking out for her, and
his
sister.
No, Dante's plate was rather full at the moment, and Weya wished only
to
help him ease the burdens he carried. So, she too, had become a
watcher.
She watched over the others, to try to see if she could indeed pick
out who
was watching them.
She made it her business to know where everyone of importance was, and
what
they were doing. She did not pay too much attention to their personal
activities, for that was not important. She was surprised how easy it
was to
watch so many. She chuckled and chastised herself for being easy to
track
as well. She too had grown soft here, always keeping a regular
schedule, and
making it easy for others to watch her too.
As she realized the day had almost gotten away from her, and Dante
would be
up by now, looking for her, she picked up after herself and washed
away any
of her tracks.
Weya headed back to the barracks in hope of meeting up with Dante, so
that
they could spend some special time alone. She had gotten so she
enjoyed
their time together, and after the rough night she had experienced the
night
before, she could use some sleep.
She wondered as she walked back, if those dark ominous eyes she saw
once in
awhile were the ones that were causing the dreams. If they were, then
she
needed to figure out a way to make a stronger totem amulet, so that
she
could not only protect herself, but Dante.
Weya remembered that his sister Akety had experienced something
similar, but
hers were no more. Maybe she could figure out a way to talk with her,
without alerting her to her predicament and see if there was something
she
could do to stop these.
[TAG - Katie - would Akety talk freely with Weya about her past
nightmares?
Also, would the twins complain to anyone about Weya's?]
NRPG - Also anyone who wishes to pick up and play with at least the
one set
of eyes watching the Warren. There are a few, so join in : )
[Summary]
Morning- Weya is called in to speak with the Warren Lady. She does
and Thea
asks her not to go out and hunt alone. Then the rest of the
searchlings
arrive and Thea speaks to them about their duties, what they will
learn, and
how special this gift of dragon-bond is. When leaving the meeting,
Sybil
makes her presence known to Weya. Jason seems amused by both Sybil
and
Weya's response.
Afternoon- Weya feels she needs to take some time alone and work
through all
that she has seen and heard. She ponders several things and when she
notices that it grows late, she hurries back to spend time with Dante.
Respectfully Submitted by
Carys Murray
Aka
Weya
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Message: 2
Date: Fri, 12 Nov 2004 04:25:04 -0600
From: Allen Veazey <veazeyae@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
Subject: [DL-W] Early Morning Lesson- JP
Day 13
Morning
Dragonhealer's cave
>[You do know the right spots] she purred softly.
>*Well, I be hopin so, since I be a healer* Ari teased back. *I need
ya to
relax while I tend ta ya and help work and flex thy muscles* Ari
explained
to her.
>While Ari got down to business of giving Wyn her massage they happily
chatted about many things. As usual once Ari got into her healing mode
she
began to hum and soon Ari was lost in the moment.
It was not long before a man's voice broke her reverie. "She does look
better." Turning, Ari saw that Ash'chenon was at the entrance of the
cave,
leaning against the side of the entrance. He was dressed differently
today,
something looking vaguely like grey fatigues, with soft-soled leather
shoes
covering his feet. "Any chance she would be up for a short trip?"
(Ari's dialogue)
"Nothing much," Ash replied. "Just a chance to hatch two dragons at
one
sitting. Wyn gets her exercise, we find a plant or two, and I get to
see what
you're capable of. Where we need to start."
******************
If one word could describe the place where they had teleported, that
word
would be "remote". The wind was strong, sending a chill through them,
and
the warren was a distant smudge of color near Dragon river.
"All right," Ash said when they had dismounted. He turned his head
against
the spray of dust as both Wyndamenth and Azhy took off to find a good
perch.
"What I need you to do, to start, is to walk as tall and straight as
you can.
Slowly. Like the world is yours to command." He did this several
times,
varying the commands, and finally passing a hand across his face.
"Ari, you walk like a panther. I should know, I have one. That's
excellent if
you live in the wild, but others will hold it against you at court."
He
hesitated. "And your accent, your words... they give you an exotic
air, but
that might work against you as well. We need only to play the game, to
give
you that air of sophistication that will cause those at court to treat
you
differently. Treat you with respect."
Ash stood back a step. "There is a thing. It is called... sirado. It
is a way of
fighting with fists and feet, a knowledge of balance, of physical and
mental
discipline... as with many other things, it is a secret of the guild
of Swords.
Thus, you must keep what you learn to yourself." He paused. "You would
gain intimate knowledge of the muscles in your body, how they work
together, how they move... it would be simple for you, a dragonhealer.
Once
you become proficient, you can adjust your walk and gait however you
wish.
It is the fastest way I know for you to learn this. The movements, the
exercises, they are also very physically challenging." He paused
again. "I...
do not intend to stop there. If you are to learn sirado, you will
learn all of
sirado. Not just for balance. I will teach you the fighting, and I
will teach you
the extension of sirado... the apex of the training... sirado-ka, the
way of
swords."
He stopped, gazed at Ari intently. "It is not only the speed of
learning that prompts me to offer this... it is also the best way I
know to protect you. The Way is very difficult, Aridergh. And you'll
be learning charm and dance and etiquette as well... I will help you
as best I can, but there is so much, so much to learn and retain... if
you want to back out, now is the time to say so. I'll try and think of
another approach."
Again Ari focussed on his words, and the passion in which he spoke of.
She went deep inside to gather the picture she kept closest to her
heart, and it gave her the resolve to go through this trial. She would
learn, she would succeed, and she would win.
Ash would show her how, and she would make him proud as well. She took
his words to heart, and she closed her eyes for a split second to
gather the voice that she carried with her where ever she went. She
smiled as she gathered that which she needed. She looked back up into
his face and made eye contact.
"I wish to remain free Ash." She parroted back in the exact tone and
timbre of her mother. "I will do what I need to accomplish this task
you have laid before me." She studied him intently.
"I give you my word as my bond." She vowed.
"Then do as I do." Ash moved to the side, leading Ari to a more open
area, and began to stretch. He began to show her movements in slow
motion, Each movement accompanied by tension of muscles,
until they quivered.
"The beginner's form," was the only thing he said, at that near
the end of the exercise. "Remember it, for we will build upon it
each day. And now, a break... a little food, a little learning.
Unpack the plates, will you? We can start with the setting of
the plates and utensils..."
Ari nodded and kept her peace. It was rather relaxing in it's self to
spend time in concentrated silence, to meditate on the moves, and how
it made her feel, and also be aware of her surroundings and how they
played a part of relaxation too.
"Remember it, for we will build upon it each day. And, now, a
breakā?¦a
little food, a little learning.
Unpack the plates, will you? We can start with the setting of the
plates and utensilsā?¦"
Ari nodded and smiles and ambled her way to the packs to begin the
task of setting up and setting out. She knew his mind was on courtly
behavior, and this was not to be a simple picnic. With those thoughts,
J'red rushed forward in her thoughts and she felt her chest tighten
and altho she wished those thoughts of him could stay and linger to
keep her company, she pushed them away so she could focus on this
important lesson.
She took a deep breath and returned to her former thoughts of courtly
ways. She was glad for once, her mother had always insisted on a
certain level of decorum. She gathered the items Ash had packed and
began to set up a place for them to eat.
She laid out the blanket, and then knelt on it and began to unpack the
plates and other items he had brought with him. She was amazed he
brought so much with him, for just the 2 of them, and then realized,
he had brought enough with him to teach her of the ways of dining at
Court.
She placed out the plates and utensils that she recognized and with
the few remaining pieces she was not quite sure of, she guessed. She
made the setting look as proper but festive as possible, and waited
for his comments, and instruction.
The next hour or two was dedicated to explaining a state dinner. Ash
had not brought all the food, of course, but had managed a few things.
"I give up on the wines." He said. "You'll have to act like you don't
know them, and allow your male escorts to pick. That's actually quite
common."
At the very least Ari was encouraged to actually pick up various
utensils at various times, with each course explained. This was
repeated several times until she had the hang of it.
Ari listened and made mental notes to help her remember just what to
do or say or pick up first. She was over-whelmed at times and others
the instruction of her mother slipped in and some of the few things
she had said, instructed or demanded made some sense.
Ari was glad that her mother had insisted upon certain types of
protocol while she was growing up.
She was also glad that in a way Jerusha had been the one to help her
through this maze. Ari did her best not to allow herself to slip into
her normal wool-gathering and diligently kept her focus and
concentration on Ash, his soothing calm voice and let everything wash
over her, find it's right place and sink in.
Ari knew that she would have much time for reflection and deeper study
later. She enjoyed the sound of his voice and how it added to the
nature around her. She had no trouble with the light-hearted
conversation during the course of the lesson. She knew how to start a
conversation, keep one going, to pull information from another, to
further the dialogue or change the subject.
Growing up as she had, with only adults, she learned quickly to move
within their circles and become one of them. She had her favorites of
course, and altho she could converse with them at ease, she did have
more of a problem with outsiders, and strangers, and she had struggled
with this since she had come to WhiteRiver.
She had her core friends, her working companions, and then the others,
some were minor acquaintances, others she knew by face alone. She had
realized she felt more at home with all the dragons, then with their
riders.
She pulled herself from her woolgathering only to look up and see Ash
sitting there comfortably smoking his pipe. She smiled and then
wondered when he had pulled it out to light it. How had she missed
that one? She pulled herself back to the lesson at hand and smiled at
him. She placed her hands comfortably in her lap, like she had seen
Merissa or Eleanora do and waited for his response.
Ash gave her a slight smile back. "I think that should be
enough for a first day," he said. "That should be the pace
of it, I think... with exceptions to your schedule, of course.
You'll be busy enough."
Rising, he began to pack everything back in the baskets
and boxes that he had brought. "Practice, yes? I'll leave
these things with you. The next time, we'll start on the
etiquette of court, and more of the exercises."
Ari nodded and moved to help him put things away. She went over to
Wyndamenth and checked her over and made sure she was still feeling
ok, and that she was not beginning to feel tired or fatigued.
"We still have a wee bit." Ari volunteered. "Shall we take some time
and hunt for some starts and get your private garden goin again?" she
asked in a hopeful tone. "T'would be a waste not ta take advantage of
such a bounty."
She studied him and thought perhaps, she saw some mirth to his
countenance. "What say ya?"
"I would say I am at your disposal." He replied with a smile and was
rewarded with one from her as well.
"I know a few places near here, that I go for several of my more
unusual plants, and the ones I use in my treatment of the Dragons."
She volunteered. "Az and his Dam taught me much." She added hoping
this would explain things to him.
They made the short hop and as Azhy stood hear Wyndamenth to keep an
eye on her, Ari led Ash up the hill to one of her favorite places. He
was impressed with what he saw, and as they began to harvest he
noticed that she had also replanted some, so that her stock of wild
herbs would always be ready when she had need of them.
They chatted and harvested for a short while. When Ash'chenon had
completed all that he had come for he stood up.
"Looks like I have enough to keep me busy for a time." He spoke
softly. "I also need to get Wyn back for some rest." He replied.
Ash leaped up, her worry evident in her features. "OH Ash, I be ever
so sorry!" she exclaimed. "I was enjoy the day, I forgot to inquire of
her." Ari spoke chastising herself.
Ash smiled and chuckled softly. "She is well, it is time for us to
rest." Was all he would say.
Ari nodded, and led them back down the hill to their waiting dragons
and within moments of take off they were back over the skies of the
Warren, gliding down to reach the Green, and then make their way to
Wyndamenth's quarters.
Ari got her settled in and was double-checking everything when they
were interrupted.
<*My dearest one, you have been summoned to help with the review of
the Wings with the Prince. *> Azhy replied softly. <*They are meeting
on the Green within 3 quarters of an hour *>
*BY the powers I forgot!* she chided herself. Ari turned to Ash'chenon
with a hint of embarrassment.
"I be ever so sorry, I forgotā?¦.I best be goin!" Ari spoke quickly
and
began to hurry out. She waved her good-byes and called out. "Hope ta
see ya tomorrow mornin!" And with that Ari hurried off to get ready
and hopefully be able to catch a quiet moment alone with J'red.
Respectfully submitted by:
Allen Veazey
Carys Murray
Summary: Ash and Ari go out to harvest plants, and at the
same time, Ash begins to teach Ari the guild art of Sirado and
of courtly ways.
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