There are 2 messages in this issue.
Topics in this digest:
1. [DL-W] Uneasy Footing
From: "Arlene" <wondermom@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
2. [WEB] (JP) Interruptions
From: "Michael Turek" <greywolfe@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
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Message: 1
Date: Tue, 15 Mar 2005 23:46:30 -0500
From: "Arlene" <wondermom@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
Subject: [DL-W] Uneasy Footing
Day 15
Late Morning
Warren Offices
J'red had breakfasted with Reolden after the meeting on the green with
Reginald. He had been surprised by the questions the prince had asked
him. Reolden had inquired, if he were dedicated to the warren, and
they
had spoken about it in detail. He assumed that his father's land would
be inherited by his sister and ruled by her and her future husband and
had no plans on taking on his father's titles or becoming involved in
landbound politics. But he was also not ignorant of them, either.
They had discussed Ari, but only vaguely. Reolden mentioned what he
believed to be his father's plans for her. It made J'red's stomach
queasy when he thought of her becoming a "grand lady", with lands and
titles, and boring state dinners, and court politics. He found that
his
food had lost all of its appeal when the conversation had taken that
turn.
They had quickly finished then, as Reolden stated that he was "holding
court" in an office in the warren offices and needed to go. They
walked
in and J'red left the prince to work on requisitions with Faylen.
---
Lost in thought, Sheldon walked slowly toward the room that had been
turned into the informal court for Prince Reolden.
Though his father's lands had been tem****arily divided up and now were
under the protection of the other lords of the Whiteriver Domain,
Sheldon's father's titles had yet to be transferred. He knew that he
should be concerned about this audience with the prince, but he found
that he really didn't care what became of those titles, and he honestly
hoped he would never inherit anything from them.
Sheldon was expected and as soon as he arrived he was shown in to see
the prince.
Sheldon bowed to Reolden, "Your highness, I am your servant."
Reolden smiled, "Please, this is an informal audience."
Sheldon risked a glance at the prince before he straightened. "Thank
you, your highness."
Reolden just shook his head. He wished he could put the young man at
ease. "My father has not yet made a decision on the final fate of your
family's lands."
"They are in good hands now, your highness. I could not wish for
better
for those living on the lands, as most of the population is living in
the area that is under Lord Fowler's rule," Sheldon answered honestly.
"I was never trained up to inherit the estate. That role was always
the
destiny of my elder brother. I am not sure what my role was to be."
"Sheldon, I'm glad that you've made a home here at the warren, and
joined with a dragon," Reolden stated, "I know your mother must be so
pleased."
Sheldon blinked in surprise, "My mother? Perhaps she might have been
if
she were alive, but I really...."
"What? Your mother is dead, too?" Reolden looked startled. "I am so
sorry, I didn't know. How did that happen?"
"She died when I was just a little boy...." Sheldon began. "I really
don't know how she died. No one would tell me anything."
Reolden frowned, suddenly sensing that something was very wrong.
Hadn't
he seen her at court? It couldn't have been that long ago, certainly
long after Sheldon would have grown beyond a "little boy". She was
some
distant relation to his father, of that much he knew, and his father
had
summoned Gingle to him with specific orders that his wife be in
attendance. It began to dawn on Reolden what Gingle must have done.
He
must have put out that his wife was dead -- at least his youngest son
still believed that she was.
"I don't believe your mother is dead, Sheldon. Or at least she wasn't.
what I mean is... I saw her myself in court with your father only a few
years ago, and she was... very much alive." Reolden frowned as he
recalled that when he had seen the Lady Gingle, she had looked very
pale
and strained. He had thought perhaps she was ill and had inquired
about
her, only to be told that she was not his concern.
Perhaps he should have made more of an effort. But that had been
before
he had joined with Trendal, when he did only what he was told, and
avoided confrontations, so very fearful of his father's rebuke.
"That's just not possible!" Sheldon exclaimed. His mother was dead.
She had been ill, and... they hadn't let him see her... and then they
told him she was dead. But there hadn't been a funeral, had there? He
didn't recall one. Could his father have lied to him about this, too?
And if so... where was his mother?
"I assure you, Sheldon, I saw her with my own eyes."
Sheldon felt his feet moving of their own accord, and the next thing he
knew he was running across the warren. His yellow and purple dragon
loomed before him and he flung himself into Panzeree's saddle.
[Where to?]
[*Anywhere, Panzer... anywhere... but here.*]
Ari glanced up from her treatment of Wydamenth and she watched they
young man running toward the yellow and purple dragon. For a moment it
looked as if she were going to call out to him, or try to stop him.
But
all she could do was watch as the dragon took off.
---
No tag... just character development
---
Afternoon
Warren Green
{SNIP}
The little blonde queenrider then threw her arms about J'red's neck in
glee, "Shyla's flying! She's really flying!"
Caught up in the moment, J'red lifted the small queenrider up and spun
her around as he joined in her laughter, causing Faylen's heart to skip
a beat.
Could this day get any better? First Shyla takes flight, and then being
swept up in J'red's arms. Yes indeed, this was a wonderful day.
"Yes she is!" J'red confirmed, setting her down on the ground. He put
his arm around her shoulders and gave her a friendly squeeze. "That
should ease your mind. Come on, let's go finish those requisitions."
{END SNIP}
Faylen was practically skipping as they returned to the offices,
"Wasn't
she wonderful?" Her eyes sparkled and the grin just wouldn't leave her
face.
"Yes, she was wonderful." J'red returned Faylen's smile, noting how
her
face just glowed with happiness. "And in a week or so you should be
flying with her. I'll have to make sure that Gob gets some additional
help when that time comes. Perhaps, I'll even oversee that part of
your
class's training myself."
If Faylen looked happy before, she looked ecstatic now, "Will you?
Please, train us to fly together? Please? Promise?"
J'red laughed, "Sure, if it is that im****tant to you, I promise."
---
Early Evening
Merissa's Apartment
{SNIP}
"But at least now I know." [Xanthia said.]
"Know what, Xan?" [Merissa asked.]
"Th'rin loves you."
"Well, that's reassuring."
"Not me, never me," Xanthia continued. "I am not his mate, never was.
You are, and only you. You are the love of his life. I'm his best
friend, mother to his child, but nothing more."
"He told you this?!?" Merissa asked, astounded.
"Quite plainly." Xanthia confirmed.
"But surely these were just words in the heat of anger."
"No, no... this was after he calmed down. I asked, because I needed to
know where I stood, and he told me." Xanthia chuckled hollowly, "He
thought I knew."
{END SNIP}
Merissa held Xanthia's petite hands in her own, her dark eyes filling
with tears for her friend's pain.
"How could he say that?" Merissa whispered. "How could he hurt you
like that? And it just isn't true! I know he loves you, Xan. I've
seen it in his eyes. The way he looks at you. How jealous he is of
Dru'Kar."
"He doesn't look at me the way he looks at you." Xanthia said a bit
sourly. "And I'm not sure if jealousy is the same as 'love'."
"No, perhaps not," Merissa sadly agreed. "But... Xanthia, I can never
give Th'rin what you have given him. You've given him a daughter.
I'll
never have children of my own, now, and that is the one thing that
Th'rin wants more than anything in the world -- a family. You are his
family."
"I'm the mother of his daughter," Xanthia stated flatly.
"No, it is more than that, Xan."
"I'm his best friend."
"Xanthia, I'm not sure what is going on with Th'rin, but I wouldn't
take
anything he says right now to heart," Merissa sighed. "He hasn't been
himself. Perhaps he is saying that to 'free' you? Perhaps... he sees
how happy you are when you are with Dru'Kar and he doesn't want you to
feel tied to him?"
"Do you think so?" Xanthia asked. "I am happy when I'm with Dru'Kar.
He's like... family."
Merissa nodded and looked at the neat bandage on Xanthia's hand, "And
he
takes good care of you."
Xanthia nodded and smiled, "He does. He takes good care of me... and
the children."
Merissa smiled, "Yes, I can see that. Are you feeling better now?"
"Yes, I am." Xanthia nodded and hugged Merissa. She felt the soft,
silky material of Merissa's dress. Xanthia blinked, "But... you need
to
go! I'm so sorry!"
"No, this was im****tant. I'm glad we talked. I think we need to have
a
family meeting... you, me, Th'rin... and Dru'kar." Merissa smiled.
"But you should go now. Dru'Kar will be back soon."
"You'll be okay until he returns?" Merissa asked.
"Yes, I will be fine. You go to your dinner."
As Merissa left, she couldn't help but worry about where their little
family was heading.
---
TAG: Morgie, Kris and Keeper.
---
Day 16
Afternoon
Warrenlady's Office
{SNIP}
Ash'chenon could be quiet and unobtrusive, generally, but that did not
keep him from casting anxious looks around as he approached the office
of the Warrenlady. He attracted enough attention, and there was no
reason to let any of it rub off on Eleanora. At least, he hoped not.
Passing through the door, he inclined his head at the Warrenlady,
seated
behind her desk.
"We need to talk, I think. Are you aware of what's going to be
happening later today?"
{END SNIP}
Merissa looked a bit confused, "Well, I believe ... the ball?"
Ash nodded, "The ball. Arideregh's introduction to society. Her
coming
of age party."
"Obviously there is more to it than that, or you wouldn't be here
talking to me about it," Merissa commented.
Ash's lips tightened into a thin smile, "Of course."
Merissa's eyebrow raised, "And...?"
"The king has certain plans for our dear Ari. The young, and not so
young, lords, that are here in attendance, are not here because they
wish to sing 'happy birthday' to Ari. They are here, or more
specifically three of them are here, to take Ari for a wife."
"Three husbands?" Merissa laughed and then sobered, "No, no, I
understand what you mean. There are at least three men here who
believe
they are destined to be married to Ari and... what?... take control of
her lands?"
Ash nodded, "And at least one of them believes that he has been
promised
her... by the king himself."
"But obviously, they must realize that Ari is a dragonrider now, and
not
subject to the king's authority. She doesn't have to marry anyone."
"That will not satisfy these men. They want her lands. They care
nothing about Ari."
"Oh." Merissa frowned. "Then I will make it very clear. It is Ari's
decision. She may remain here at Whiteriver. She may choose to marry
and leave and take up her titles and lands. But... it is her choice."
---
TAG: Allen
---
SUMMARY:
Day 15
Morning
J'red and Reolden leave Reginald stewing on the green and have a quick
breakfast before heading to the warren offices, where Reolden is to
hold
an informal court. J'red goes to work on requisitions with Faylen.
Sheldon arrives and during his conversation with Reolden discovers that
his father may have lied to him on another issue. His mother may not
have died when he was a little boy, but might in fact still be alive.
Distressed, Sheldon runs to his dragon. Ari senses his distress and
watches as Sheldon and Panzeree fly off.
Afternoon
After watching Shyla fly, J'red promises Faylen that he would
personally
oversee their flight training.
Early Evening
Xanthia and Merissa talk about the inconsistencies of Th'rin's emotions
and feelings toward the two of them, and then discuss Dru'Kar's new
found place in their family.
Day 16
Afternoon
Merissa and Ash discuss Ari's coming of age party, and the potential
problems, including the three suitors that have arrived to claim her
hand.
---
Respectfully submitted by:
Arlene Jacobs
AKA
Merissa and Chrysthal
J'red and Firefly
Sheldon and Panzeree
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Message: 2
Date: Wed, 16 Mar 2005 17:26:27 +1100
From: "Michael Turek" <greywolfe@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
Subject: [WEB] (JP) Interruptions
<snip>
Kayn stood there for a moment, still leaning against the wall with his
hands. Thoughtfully, he traced his tongue over his lips, tasting the
last remnants of her blood that lingered there, before standing up and
straightening his ****rt. Only then did he turn and regard the
intruder, a somewhat wistful look on his face.
"What do you want Alorian? You should know better than to intrude on
someone else's business."
<end snip>
Alorian raised an eyebrow and regarded Kayn thoughtfully for a moment
before answering.
"I thought I understood the intent of your business here tonight. But
perhaps," she moves to him and lifted a finger to brush against the
corner of his lips. It came away with a bit of blood on it. She
glanced up at him. "Perhaps I was mistaken in my understanding."
"Why would you assume that you know my business?" Kayn regarded her
curiously, wondering what reason she had to come looking for him. She
knew very well that it was considered rude to intrude on such an
activity. Polite protocol would have been to wait till they'd finished
what they were doing.
He took her hand and licked the small drop of blood she'd collected
from his lips. He caught her eyes with his and held them for a long
moment, until he could feel her heart begin to beat a little faster.
"My business is my own Alorian," he said in a neutral tone. "It is for
no one to know nor understand. I did not come here just for you, nor
did I come just for any person. Don't make the mistake of thinking
you know what I'm doing." He gave her a quizzical look for a moment
and then chuckled softly. "Or, perhaps, are you a little jealous of
what you just walked in on? Wished it was you perhaps? Tell me little
wolf, just why *did* you walk in on us so deliberately?"
Despite her feeling on the inside, Alorian's voice as well as her
movements were calm and controlled. "I have a job to do. You
offered your help in that job. You told me that there would be
information here. I have yet to see or find any." Carefully she took
a step back from him.
"I am not one to mix business and pleasure. I find, it makes things
messy." Carefully she brushed her hair back over her shoulder and
tilted her head slightly, regarding him. "Do not delude yourself
into thinking that I could *want* anything like that," she motions to
where
he and Fi just were,
"from you." She turned to walk away from him, then turned back half
way and studied him a moment more. "I play your game only to get what
I
need from you, nothing more."
Kayn snorted and leaned back against the wall and regarded her with a
look that bordered on pity and contempt. It was amazing. Either
Alorian was just being deliberately obtuse, or she was more of a
prude than Fionula was.
"Don't act all ignorant with me Alorian," he said softly, his voice
nevertheless carrying an edge to it. "You know very much who and what
you are, yet here you are telling me you don't. Just because you
might not approve of it publicly, doesn't mean that it doesn't get
your blood racing."
He pushed off the wall and began pacing very slowly towards her, never
letting his eyes deviate from hers. He didn't mind playing with
Alorian, but she was beginning to get just a little annoying.
"You don't believe you've learned anything tonight?" He began to
circle her now, his voice still soft but dangerous. "Let me tell you
this my lady; the one you seek is here tonight. He has brought his
friends to play and very soon the game will begin. Are you ready for
it little one? If you have an aversion to blood..." he licked his lips
and grinned nastily, "...you might not like what will occur this
night."
He paused at her shoulder, not looking at her directly but making her
very aware of his presence. "You know Alorian, I wonder if I asked
Alex, would he agree with me or not. You walk with wolves but don't
want
to admit you are one of us. Well, deny it or not, your blood is
just as
wild as ours. If you learn to embrace it, you might be surprised how
much
you enjoy it."
He leaned down and put his lips to her ear, his hot breath on her neck
causing her to ****ver. "By the way, the cat is mine. If you or anyone
else touch her then you'll answer to me. Oh, and if you interrupt my
fun again, I might be tempted to take it out on you."
"Leave Alex out of this. I care nothing for your cat, nor what you do
to her." She turned slightly to face him and locked her gaze on his.
"You think I am some trite and ignorant little girl who knows
nothing. You should be careful of that Kayn." Then she smiled at
him, almost sparking, definitely cold. Before he could say another
work she turned and walked back into the main room and slipped her
way into the crowd. It was only when there were many people between
them that she let herself take a breath.
Kayn watched her leave with cold amusement, admiring her figure as she
went.
"Trite no," he murmured to noone in particular, "but ignorant yes. I
hope
you get what you wish for tonight Allorian." He chuckled softly,
cleaning
himself up before heading back towards the party. He contemplated
searching
for Fi, but decided not to. She'd take a while to settle down, if she
ever
did. And after all, the ball was far from done.
"Soon the main act will start," he thought amusedly. "But I wonder if
the
players are ready for it?"
****
A joint post, submitted by
Allorian aka Rachel
and
Kayn aka Michael
------------------
Heed me:
If thou wouldst dress the dead and play amongst them;
Thou shalt join their ranks.
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