There are 2 messages in this issue.
Topics in this digest:
1. [DL-WR] Polite Conversation (JP)
From: "Arlene" <wondermom@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
2. [WEB] The Lady and the Wolf
From: "Michael Turek" <greywolfe@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 1
Date: Fri, 4 Mar 2005 10:13:50 -0500
From: "Arlene" <wondermom@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
Subject: [DL-WR] Polite Conversation (JP)
Day 15
Late Evening
The door closed behind the prince and warrenlady with a finality that
made J'red's heart stop cold. Why had he asked him to remain? He would
have gladly escorted Merissa back to her apartment -- and by dragon,
too, which was much quicker than walking.
He sighed, as obviously the long walk back together was exactly what
they did want. Which meant... he would be here with Ari for some
time...
alone.
Ari blinked in astonishment and quelled the sudden rebellious lurching
of her stomach. How could he suggest such a thing! Hadn't he been
paying attention to anything she had tried to tell him?
She looked over in J'red's direction and managed a weak smile as he
looked right through her. Thankfully for the years of instruction by
her
mother, she kicked into automatic training.
"Would ya care for any refreshments?" she asked nervously.
He smiled evenly at her and shook his head. "No, thank you M'lady." He
answered and indicated that they should sit and relax.
"I'm not M'lady." She snapped back a bit stronger than she felt was
proper. "I be Ari, just Ari." She replied in a soft whisper, fighting
the tears that came unbidden to sting her eyes.
"Yes, of course." J'red looked around, unable to look at the woman of
his heart's desire. "Ari..." He said her name softly, almost a
whisper.
Ari looked up at hearing his voice speak her name..almost like he had
once done. She noticed his gaze not on her..more off to the side..and
she steeled herself.
"Aye?" she answered in return...hopin her yearning was not as evident
as
she could hear in her response.
His gaze broke away and he looked at her, finally. "Pardon?"
<Talk to her! Tell her how you feel!> Firefly encouraged.
<*I can't! I don't have the right. She's destined for greater things
than I could ever offer her here!*>
<She doesn't want them. She wants to stay here.> Firefly asserted.
J'red' could feel her gaze riveted on him. No, he had no right to ask
her to stay with him. She was going to court... wasn't she? But...
why
had the prince wanted him to remain behind?
Ari stood quietly and felt her knees buckle and she willed herself to
keep standing. He was SO handsome..and all she wanted to do was to go
back to the way it was before..before all of this nonsense began.
<*My heart., you must tell him..you must tell him how you feel..about
him..about staying.he can help you...*>
*Nay Az..he does not want me* Ari spoke to her dear bond mate..hearing
those words again made her eyes swim with liquid emotion.
"Would ya like ta sit down..rest a spell..since Reolden will be
awhile."
She offered showing him a chair in which to sit and make himself
comfortable.
Her eyes seemed unusually ****ny, he noticed. "Whatever you would like,
m'... Ari. We can sit, or stand... or..." He looked away suddenly as
a flood of emotions washed over him, as Firefly flooded him with a very
intimate memory, illustrating just exactly what the "or" might be.
"Perhaps some wine?" J'red quickly moved to the side board to hide his
flu****ng face, and poured two glasses of wine.
Ari smiled and nodded as she watched him seem to fumble as he poured
the
drinks, but when he turned back to face her; before her stood one who
was calm and relaxed, almost like some of those other young lords she
had watched arrive and greet her cousin.
She smiled and sat in the chair he indicated and then he adeptly handed
her the glass of wine and sat next to her.
He sat near, but not too close, afraid that he might inadvertently put
an arm around her out of habit. He smiled, assuming the air of young
lord, as he'd been schooled at his father's estate. It has seemed a
lifetime ago, yet it was surprisingly easy to slip back into. It was
comforting in a way, to pretend to be the sophisticate when your
insides
felt like jelly. "Are you enjoying the visit with your cousin? He is
the first member of your family that you've known other than your
parents? Are you finding anything in common?" The questions seemed
safe, but he really did want to know the answers.
Ari smiled and chuckled softly. She remembered the same lessons from
her mother. The polite conversation.the sharing of tidbits that
neither
were truly interested in knowing.
Ahhhh J'red, she thought..how much I miss thee. "Aye he is the first."
She answered as if the pause had not happened.
"He has been kind and generous ta me." She replied and took a sip of
wine.
Common? Did they have anything in common? Other than being related to
each other...he seemed willing to help her..he seemed understanding of
her feelings..or was he? Why did he leave her with J'red?
She looked up and saw him looking at her.watching her? No.he was being
polite. She hid her soft sigh in her movements and looked back to him
again.
"Well..." she blushed softly. "Other than bein related..nay I do not
think we have that much in common..well other than bein a Dragonrider."
She added, when her befuddled thoughts settled enough to remember that
bit of information.
J'red nodded, "Yes, a dragonrider who is also royal.... Firefly says
that Trendal is often bored at court with no dragons to talk to, but I
guess that will change with Azhy there."
Ari caught the gasp in her throat before it released and swallowed it
back down from whence it came.
<*Breathe little one*> the soft and gentle pleading of her soul mate
echoed throughout her being. She closed her eyes and let the love and
comfort wash over her...bringing a sense of calm she so desperately
needed.
She straightened in her chair and calmly opened her eyes to face the
inquiring grey eyes that seem to bore right through her. How could he
look at her so, and not feel anything anymore? She just did not
understand what Miss Meri held over him, but she wished she could
discover that secret.along with her mothers and maybe..just maybe...she
could win him back..if it was not too late.
"I can't imagine Az at court..can ya?" she asked and finding mirth in
that giggled softly.
He managed a tight smile. To be honest, he couldn't either, nor could
he imagine Ari at court; at least not the Ari that he knew so well.
But,
he guessed that she would change. She was already changing, wasn't
she?
Here they were pretending that there was nothing between them, having
polite conversation over an after-dinner wine. "No, but I guess you
can
get used to anything."
Ari nodded softly and looked away for a moment and hid it with a sip of
the wine.
<*I would endure endless agonies my heart...but I will not allow you to
sacrifice your life away from those you love.*> Azhy interjected trying
to get her to admit her plan to Firefly's rider. If he had to.he would
find a way to break the news and get them to stop her.
Having a little talk with Wyndamenth and just how barren the wastes
were, and the evil that resided there...NO, he would not allow her to
jeopardize her life..and lose all that mattered to her.
*Az..please...ya just don't understand...he does not care...I am nothin
ta him.*
Ari turned her attention back to J'red and smiled warmly as if she did
not have a care in the world. Should she ever speak or see her mother
again, she would have to thank her for teaching her so well.
"Aye I have been told that as well." She answered. She studied the man
before her. It was really hard to keep her eyes off him. How she
managed to sit here as if they were total strangers was beyond her.
She was already changing, he could see that. He wanted to tell her how
lost he would be once she left, but he had no right to put the burden
on
her.
<You should tell her!> Firefly practically screamed in his head,
making
him wince.
<*No, you don't understand. I can't tell her! She has
responsibilities, now. Land. Titles! She's going to be a Very
Im****tant Lady in the court. She deserves better.*>
<Deserves? Who could possibly be better than you?> Firefly stated,
indignantly.
<You don't understand.> J'red tried to hide the conversation with his
dragon by staring into his glass of wine. He wanted to jump up and
grab
Ari and ... and what? Run away with her? How childish! Instead he
swallowed some wine and answered, softly, "I suppose court will take
some getting used to, at first..."
Ari heard how easily, and casually he mentioned her living at court.
Hurt and anger swelled up and rose along with the bitter bile that
burned her throat. Forgetting herself, she leapt to her feet and
before
she could remember where she was and who she was with she smashed her
glass into the fire. Turning to face J'red who risen with her display
of anger, she let out a cry of outrage.
"Blast it all! How many time do I have ta tell ya! I shan't be livin
at court. I refuse. You, or Reolden or even than blasted retched
Reginald person, can't make me! Why won't anyone listen ta me? How
many
people do I have ta tell?"
As she began her tirade she began to pace as she felt the storm within
release.
"I be a Dragonrider...I have rights...NO ONE, not even that rotten
blasted king can tell me what ta do! Not even...." She twirled around
"My mother. She can't do a blasted thing ta me...I be free ta chose
what I want!"
Ari felt the hot tears burn her eyes and she did not care if they would
shed. The astonished look on J'red's face told her that no matter what
she did, she had somehow lost him...and she would never know why. She
felt the fight go out of her. It was useless to fight it anymore.
Well, if he did not want her here...at the Warren...she would just find
a new place to live. She took a deep breath and straightened her
shoulders.
"I be sorry for actin in such a manner... twas unbecoming." She replied
softly. "I did not mean ta speak in such a rude way." Ari mumbled her
apology.
"Please make my excuses to his highness...I think it best if I retire."
She curtseyed to him and began to walk out of the room.
"J'red?" she softly called to him as she turned back around..for one
last long look. "I be seriously in earnest..I will not go ta court.
If
it be too difficult for ya ta have me here...in WhiteRiver...I will go
away...."
Ari turned and walked away with a decorum she did not feel. She opened
the door to her room and quietly shut it. She leaned up against the
door
and slowly slumped to the floor and began to weep heart wrenching sobs.
J'red felt stunned. Her outburst had been so unexpected that he hadn't
even been able to formulate a reply. He had sketched a brief bow at
her
curtsy, much out of habit just as he had risen to his feet when she had
stood. But this left him standing in an empty room staring at an empty
hallway. He could hear her crying. He took a few tentative steps
toward her door, but paused, unsure of whether he should proceed or
retreat.
<Go to her!> Firefly encouraged.
<*How can I? Obviously I've offended her!*> J'red agonized.
<Were you even listening to anything she said? She wants to stay here.
She doesn't want to go to court!>
<*But... that's only because she doesn't realize how im****tant she will
be there... how im****tant she is.*> J'red sighed. <*Once Reolden
explains it all to her....*>
<I don't think that will change her mind. Miss Meri is wrong. She
doesn't want to go there. She wants to stay here, but if you don't
tell
her how you feel, she might go away, and then what? And you don't want
her to go away. So tell her!>
<*I...*>
<You want to. Do it!>
<*I... can't.*> J'red sighed and turned toward the door. He didn't
want to go, but he also didn't want to face Reolden and have to explain
that he had somehow, inadvertently, made the prince's cousin cry.
"Good
night, Ari," he whispered, and closed the door behind him.
---
Summary:
Day 15
Late Evening
Prince Reolden asks J'red to remain behind and keep his cousin, Ari,
company. Ari and J'red both try to act polite and ignore their warring
emotions. Firefly and Azhy both try to encourage their riders to talk
about their true feelings. J'red tries to put the best spin on Ari's
leaving to go to court, but Ari, unable to take it anymore, releases a
tirade before regaining control. With her emotions barely under
control, Ari excuses herself and goes to her room, leaving J'red shaken
and confused. Unable to face the prince, J'red steals away, but not
before he hears Ari crying.
---
Respectfully Submitted by:
Carys Murray
AKA
Ari and Azhy
And
Arlene Jacobs
AKA
J'red and Firefly
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 2
Date: Sat, 5 Mar 2005 02:38:28 +1100
From: "Michael Turek" <greywolfe@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
Subject: [WEB] The Lady and the Wolf
Day 23, Evening, Gala Ball
Somewhat in his element, Kayn slid through the crowd of people like a
****p
through silent water, disturbing no one as he passed. Having had such
interesting times with others that evening, Kayn decided it was time
for the
main course, so to speak. Thus he was searching for someone in
particular,
like a hunter seeking out his favourite prey.
In this case, she wasn't hard to find. He'd marked her scent earlier
and
tracking her down wasn't a problem. The issue was separating her from
the
gaggle of high society that clung to her like an unrelenting raincloud.
However, he was nothing if not persistent and patient. All it required
was
timing.
Which in the end wasn't a problem. A quick jab at a remark made by one
of
the vapid airheads and he was part of the circle, everyone twittering
with
fake laughter. His eyes were only for her however, their penetrating
gaze
taking her in, his mischievous grin bringing a smile to her face.
"Excuse me ladies and gentleman, but I'm going to be so bold as to
steal a
few moments of Miss Skye's time," Kayn announced smoothly with a easy
smile,
taking Kysen's arm in his. He grinned. "Don't worry, I promise I'll
bring
her back in one piece."
"I'd rather you promised not to bring me back," Kysen whispered
conspiratorially as they eased away from the group. "They were
beginning to
bore me to death." He chuckled.
"It can be arranged," he replied lightly, expertly lifting two glasses
of
champagne from a passing waiter's tray, offering one to her as they
finally
found some space away from the main crowd. "Here's to you Miss Skye and
a
successful evening."
"Kysen will be fine," she offered, sipping from her glass and eyeing
him
thoughtfully. "I've been waiting all evening to talk to you and
suddenly
you've whisked me away."
"It's all in the anticipation," Kayn said with a wink, sipping from his
own
glass. "So Kysen, now that we have a little time alone to talk, what
did you
want to know?"
Kysen laughed easily as she studied him. He was definitely not what he
seemed. She had not thought he would be so da****ng, so charming, and
definitely not the old hermit and eccentric she had heard him to be.
No
standing before her was someone who knew how to work the crowds, so
cosmopolitan in his being.
She liked what she saw, and even more what she heard. He was charming,
intelligent and she took a slight breath in to take in that unusual
scent or
perhaps his personal air. He was not what he seemed..but then that
could be
said for her and Fi as well.
Kysen chuckled warmly as she admitted that could be said of most in
this
room. We are in our element as we all chat and mingle, visit and chat
all
with our masks on. Life is a masked ball.
"Well Mr..."
"Kayn, please call me Kayn." He interjected softly and with a hint of
mischievousness in his eyes and his...was that an impish grin?
"Well...Kayn." Kysen began with a wickedly impish grin of her own.
"Please
tell me what ever made you decide to grace us with your presence this
evening? I have scored the social coup of the year..not that makes a
big
difference to me..other than helping the charities more...but I am
dyin' to
know what intrigued you about us?"
"What wouldn't intrigue me?" Kayn replied with a wink. "A sudden change
in
management and a jump in donations? Your quite lovely handwriting?" He
grinned wickedly at her. "That lovely perfume you wear when writing
letters?
I could hardly refuse the invitation to come meet you, now could I?"
"Well you could have," Kysen replied with a small laugh, "but I doubt
you'd
be having as much fun as you're enjoying tonight."
"True," Kayn allowed, sipping once more from his glass. "I must admit
I'm
enjoying myself far more than I anticipated." He chuckled. "There seems
to
be so many interesting people here to play with. Although if Fionula
had her
way I'm sure she might not have joined me for that dance." Kysen raised
one
eyebrow in question.
"She never did tell me how she knew you," she murmured, eyes searching
the
crowd momentarily for her friend, before coming back to focus on the
man in
front of her. "So, how do you?"
"She walked into me on the street," Kayn replied, trying to keep his
face
straight. Kysen didn't bother and burst out giggling.
"She what?"
"Fi was in her own little world and walked head first into me," Kayn
said
with a laugh. "I felt so sorry for her I bought her a coffee just to
calm
her down." Kysen was attempting to stifle her giggles and failing.
"That's so not like her it's..oh dear," she laughed. "I bet she was
frightfully embarrassed."
"Don't worry, I was gentle with her," Kayn said with a smirk. "She is
quite
the interesting lady once you tease her enough to get her going." Kysen
laughed.
"Oh dear. I'm surprised she didn't run away as soon as she saw you
coming."
"She almost did," Kayn replied with a wink. "But I managed to charm her
into
gracing me with a dance." Kysen looked at him knowingly.
"You 'charmed' her huh?"
"Well," he said with a laugh, "when charm fails embarrassment works.
And
Fionula is still uncomfortable with a few things about herself, so
she's
rather easy to tease."
"Oh?" Kysen raised an eyebrow in question, wondering just what he knew.
"And
what might that mean?" Kayn looked at her and grinned impishly.
"That's for me to know and you to find out," he replied with a wink,
taking
their glasses and offloading them onto a passing waiter's tray. "Now
dear
lady, will you grace me with a dance or two?" He took her hand in his
and
brought it to his lips, placing a soft but lingering kiss on it, his
eyes
taking in her body and slightly flushed face as he did so. Kysen smiled
back
at him, like a small child suddenly being given a very large candy bar.
"Why dear sir, I thought you were never going to ask."
Kayn grinned and bowing slightly took her hand and escorted her to the
dance
floor. He was a graceful dancer and very knowledgeable of floor
finesse and
etiquette. The first dance went smooth and charming; both learning each
others moves and how to work as a team. They chatted happily about
useless
bits of information and teased each other back and forth.
So lost in the fun she was having she was not aware of a pair of eyes
that
glowered from the shadows and watched with deadly interest. She tried
to
catch a look to see if she could spot Fi or even Lucien. She could see
neither.
She was worried about Lucien. He was overly protective with her, and
although she understood it on one level, she did not wish to live
forever in
a gilded cage. If she could not get out and enjoy life once in
awhile..why
live forever? Why live at all?
She pulled herself back to the present company and enjoyed his charm
and
teasing ways and pushed everything else to the back of her mind.
Tonight
was a time for rejoicing and celebration. Tomorrow they could get back
to
business at hand.
"You seem distracted." He whispered in her ear.
"No!" she answered perhaps a bit too quickly. "Just taking this
wonderful
moment in and reveling in it a bit." She smiled her answer hoping to
put to
rest any worries on his part.
"Ah, I know. Don't worry yourself about Lucien dear lady," Kayn said
with a
knowing chuckle, drawing a curious look from her. "I'm sure he's
prowling
the floor watching you. He takes his position very seriously, although
he
has absolutely no sense of humor." Kysen giggled, relaxing a little and
allowing Kayn to guide her through the dance.
"So you've met him already?" Kysen asked. Kayn grinned and nodded.
"Oh yes. He decided to gatecrash the lovely little time I was having
with
Fionula earlier. Although I think she was more upset with Lucien being
around her than anything. She couldn't run away fast enough." Kysen
sighed.
"He can be a little over protective," she allowed. Kayn raised one
eyebrow.
"Just a little?"
"Oh stop it," she said with a laugh. "Yes he's overprotective and
overbearing on occasions. But he believes he's doing the right thing."
"Probably," Kayn agreed, as the music faded and a new song began. He
grinned
at her wickedly. "And since he's going to just hate the idea of me
dancing
with you, why don't we have a little fun and tease him at the same
time?"
Kysen returned his grin with an identical one of her own.
"What did you have in mind dear sir?" The music had turned sultry and
slow
and Kayn took the op****tunity to pull Kysen in close, sliding a hand
around
her body and placing it on her navel while the other came to rest on
her
thigh. Kysen chuckled and leaned back against him as they began moving
slowly and deliberately with the music.
"If he's going to disapprove then we might as well give him a reason
too,"
Kayn whispered to her with a soft laugh. "Don't you think m'dear?"
Kysen
giggled as his warm breath tickled her ear, a faint ****ver running
through
her as he softly hummed along with the music.
"I think you just like teasing," Kysen replied softly, closing her eyes
and
smiling. Kayn smirked.
"Well yes of course I do," he said, "but that doesn't mean I can't
enjoy
doing it."
* * * * *
Lucien had been walking thru the swarm of bodies as he continued his
vigilant patrolling. He was finding this "gala" event bothersome and
more
dangerous with every step.
Sensing that many various types of undead mingling with the mortals was
troublesome enough. That he had sensed lupine as well did not bode
well.
Seeing Kayn arrive as if he owned the place caused serious unrest
within
him. Did he bring the lupine entourage with him? Or was it just a
coincidence? NO.there was never anything as simple as coincidence.
As he weaved his way through the clueless mortals he did notice one
thing.
Many were watching Kayn and his shocking behavior with Miss Fionula on
the
dance floor still rankled him deeply.
As he searched the room he wondered just where HIS lady had gotten
herself.
Every once in awhile he heard her soft laughter as it floated above the
din
and noise of the gathering.
He had left her with a group of elderly members of her board of
different
charities that she now oversaw. He felt she was safe there until he
could
return from his rounds. Now.she was nowhere to be found..and neither
was
the group of people that she had been conversing with.
Patrolling the perimeters of the dance floor he caught a glimpse
of..NO..that could not be! HE would never be so...Kysen!
Lucien felt his heart drop into his stomach and lay as if a rock. She
was..HIS lady was dancing with that..that..that wolf! He stepped
forward to
go to her, to pull her away and stopped as his foot touched the edge of
the
dance floor.
He could not. He mustn't. He sighed and took a deep breath and
decided she
was fairly safe enough. His thoughts went back to the dance between him
and
Lady Fionula..he took one step closer..NO! Damn her! He uttered under
his
breath.
Lucien stepped back into the shadows and walked the edge of the dance
floor.
He never once took his eyes off of Kayn. Once in awhile his eyes would
slip
over to his lady and she looked so happy...so relaxed...and he felt bad
that
she was enjoying herself.
For a time he stood watching her. He was torn between outrage and
wi****ng
to rush out and rip the vipers head off. Then he caught a glimpse of
her
face..the graceful way her body moved and turned in the beat of the
music.
He felt his chest tighten and his heart pound as he admired her form,
the
way she moved under the expertise of her partner. Finding himself
wi****ng
it was himself out on the floor with her caused him to narrow his eyes
and
glare at Kayn.
He pushed those feelings back down where they belonged...and worked up
his
ire of Kayn, the situation he was in..the undead walking among the
living.
Yes...perfect..now he was ready for battle.
With a few deep breathes to calm himself; he continued his rounds
around the
perimeter and made sure that none of the ones he watched made a move
towards
them.
He caught a glance from the rogue lone wolf and he knew he was being
baited.
He was not sure just what game was afoot here.but he would not allow
Kysen
to be caught in the middle of it.
* * * * *
Kayn inhaled her scent deeply, the mix of something definitely female
and
old power was intoxicating. He sensed some things about her while
others
remained a mystery. He did however sense the connection between
herself and
Fionula and the similarities between them. After his fun with Fi
earlier,
Kayn wondered what interesting secrets Kysen may be hiding.
The dance took them around the floor as they enjoyed the closeness,
teasing
and chatting as they did so. Out of the corner of his eye Kayn finally
spotted Lucien, seemingly unable to keep out of sight after realizing
who
his mistress was with. The look on his face was priceless and he
seemed to
Kayn in real danger of self combusting.
"I must say dear lady." Kayn murmured. "Your bodyguard looks decidedly
peaked. I think he's about to burst a blood vessel in his forehead."
Kysen turned her head to where he had indicated and spotted Lucien
watching
her, very much as Kayn had described.
"Oh dear." She whispered with a soft sigh as she too in the countenance
of
her bodyguard and protector. He was absolutely livid...and she was
surprised
he has not rushed out to the floor and dragged her off the floor.
Kayn chuckled warmly, enjoying the little scene. "It's okay." He
reassured
her. "I've managed to have a most enjoyable dance with you. I suppose
it's
about time I allowed the rest of our guests to have a little time with
you."
"How gracious of you," Kysen replied as she laughed softly, a tinge of
sarcasm in her tone.
Kayn simply grinned. "I do try to be accommodating," he replied blandly
as
he slowly escorted her to the edge of the dance floor. "However, I
would ask
that my lady would grace me with another dance before the end of the
night?
That's if she would enjoy it."
Kysen smiled radiantly. "I would indeed. In fact I insist on it." She
grinned impishly. "The last dance of the night shall be yours dear
sir.
Promise you will seek me out?"
"But of course," Kayn replied, taking her hand and kissing it slowly
and
deliberately, fully aware that Lucien was now bearing down on them.
"You can count on me being there at the time." He paused and winked at
Kysen, before turning his attention to their new companion.
"Ah Lucien, just in time," Kayn replied smoothly. "I believe it is
your
turn to take the lady for a dance." Before he could get a word in
edgewise
Kayn placed Kysen's hand in Lucien's and gave him a little ****ge
towards the
dance floor.
"Here's your chance boy." He whispered as he began to walk past.
"Don't
screw it up now, will you?"
Kayn turned back and blowing a kiss in Kysen's direction, he
disappeared
once again into the crowd.
****
A joint post, submitted by
Kysen and Lucien Aka Carys Murray
and
Kayn Aka Michael Turek
------------------
Heed me:
If thou wouldst dress the dead and play amongst them;
Thou shalt join their ranks.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
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]
|
