There are 2 messages in this issue.
Topics in this digest:
1. [DL-W] A Brand New Day
From: lady_elf@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
2. [WEB] In Need of a Drink
From: Christopher Ackney <christopher.ackney@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
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Message: 1
Date: Tue, 22 Mar 2005 17:44:24 -0500
From: lady_elf@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
[DL-W] A Brand New Day
Day 16 - Dining hall - Breakfast
Xanthia was dressed nicely, her hair braided with a lot more care than
she
usually gave it giving her a very professional look save for the one
errant
strand of hair that sprung loose and wafted in lazy defiance about her
temple. She couldn't help but smile as she looked at her family
gathered
around the table for breakfast. Dru'Kar, Merissa, Oberon, and Alina.
It was a distinct, though subtle, change from the distraught little
thing
she was the night before when she'd talked with Merissa. But the young
healer had turned back to her roots, and after having eaten dinner and
spent some time with Dru'Kar and the children, she had gone out to the
ledge. Sitting beside her trusted dragon and wrapped in a bear skin,
she
stared into the stars and meditated deeply on matters at hand:
Dru'Kar, the Bear Nomad Guardian who she'd fallen in love with. Yes,
she
knew in her heart it was possible to love and be in love with more than
one
person and she knew her own heart was big enough as she'd done it
before.
But she wondered what were his feelings for her? Was she his charge, or
were there some deeper feelings blossoming in the man's heart as well?
Th'rin, her first love, the father of her daughter Alina and the child
she'd recently lost, a man who was her best friend and her lover yet
now
said that he didn't consider her his mate. Xanthia knew from talking
with
Dru'Kar that in Bear Nomad culture it was common for best friends to be
parents and love each other in that way yet not be in love. Was it
possible
that she and Th'rin could evolve to that point?
As well as their relation****p, her thoughts went toward concern over
how
mentally troubled he seemed to be. Merissa was right, Th'rin was not
himself and it was not just affecting family but the med center as
well.
The more she thought about it, the more she, too, feared for Th'rin's
sanity.
The children. The child she just lost, her precious daughter Alina, and
her
nephew Oberon who was more like a son to her.
Merissa, who was like a sister to her. Never before had she felt so
close
to another woman.
Corra, who'd betrayed her and stolen her heritage from her; a
complicated
woman if ever there was one.
The med center, where everything was in a state of flux with never
knowing
if or when Th'rin was going to be there.
An, who had become her friend but was now caught up in the drama of her
own
heritage, with balls with princes and dinners with earls. Xanthia
hadn't
seen much of her friend in recent days except in passing, and thought
on
her friend with great concern.
All this and more spun through the young healer's head during the
night.
When she awoke in the morning, still on the ledge, she felt a renewed
determination. While she didn't know where things were going with
Th'rin,
she was going to make the best of what life did offer her. From this
day
forward, Xanthia decided, she would focus on the med center, the
children,
Merissa, and Dru'Kar. If Th'rin wanted to be a part of her life, or any
of
their lives, that was up to him.
Much as she love Dru'Kar, she still felt a lot of love for Th'rin, but
she
was not going to waste any more time wi****ng, waiting, or lamenting.
Maybe some things could be figured out in the family meeting that
Merissa
proposed, and that was Xanthia's sincere hope. But today she was
focusing
on the here and now, not what was. There was too much pain in that,
pain
that must be avoided to be able to keep on living and loving and being
a
productive member of the family and the warren.
"You seem to be feeling better," Merissa commented.
"It's nice to have the family together for a meal." Xanthia said.
"Well,
most of us anyway," she added quietly on seeing Merissa's gaze drift to
Th'rin's vacant chair as well.
"Yes," Merissa agreed, "It is."
The five of them ate and talked of their upcoming day through the meal.
Dru'Kar was congratulated again on Ursa's first flight, and the giant
man
beamed with parental pride for his young dragon. As well there was some
discussion of the ball which would be held that evening..
*This is nice,* Xanthia thought contently to herself.
After breakfast, Xanthia began to gather her things.
"Off to the med center already?" Merissa asked, noting the medical
satchel
the healer held in her hand.
"Yes. I.... Um..." Xanthia hesitated, not wanting to ruin the moment
for
anyone, least of all Merissa, "I have to take care of some paperwork in
the
office, and there are many patients to be seen."
"Th'rin usually handles the paperwork," Merissa said.
"Will he be in the office today?" Xanthia asked, honestly curious.
Merissa fell silent for a moment. Nothing more needed said.
Xanthia nodded and awkwardly began, "Yes, well... I'm sure he'll
forgive my
stepping in and doing what needs done. Can't let the med center fall
apart
now, can we?" She cast a reassuring smile at Merissa.
"You're right," Merissa agreed. "Just take care not to overtax
yourself."
"I won't. Dru'Kar will make sure of that." Xanthia chuckled even as the
large man urged Oberon to collect his books so he could escort boy
chieftain school.
<<NRPG: TAG Arlene and Keeper!>>
***
**Med Center**
"Hey Xanthia!" Ari greeted the blue eyed little healer as she came
through
the door.
"Ari!" Xanthia was surprised to see her friend. "I thought you would be
breakfasting with some earl or another this morning."
"Ah yes, I be a busy thing lately, but I had to see some of me
patients,"
the young dragonhealer replied cheerily.
"Good day, ladies," Corra said stiffly Ari and Xanthia as she gathered
her
things to leave now that the day ****ft was here. "It's been a long
night"
"Come now, Let me get you some tea," Elsa said to Corra, wrapping an
arm
about her as they left.
"That would be nice," Corra replied. She always felt so much more
relaxed
after drinking Elsa's tea.
Xanthia and Ari. eyed the two curiously as they left. The older healer
and
the aid had seemed to grow quite close lately. Xanthia shrugged it off,
imagining that the old woman probably was just looking for someone else
to
mother, though it appeared that Elsa was the one mothering Corra in
this
instance.
"Ah well, at least she has someone now," Xanthia sighed as she watched
the
two walk away together.
"But" Xanthia added to switch herself to more pleasant thoughts, "It's
a
brand new day and I have a med center and patients to take care of, and
we
have a ball to look forward to tonight."
<<TAG Carys!>>
*****
NRPG: Just a little something to keep things rolling. More in the
works,
but this will do for now. ;>
SUMMARY:
Day 16, Morning: Xanthia awakes on the ledge where she'd fallen asleep
while meditating the night before. She greets the day with a new
attitude
and determination and enjoys breakfast at the dining hall with Merissa,
Dru'Kar, Oberon, and Alina. Th'rin's absence at the breakfast table
causes
an uncomfortable moment or two for Xanthia and Merissa. After
breakfast,
she goes to work at the med center, working morning ****ft to pick up
the
slack. She runs into Ari at the med center and the two observe Elsa and
Corra leaving together. Xanthia mentions looking forward to that
night's
upcoming ball.
*****
Respectfully Submitted by
Morgan Allgood
The heart and soul of Xanthia and Maxima et al.
lady_elf@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Amazon.com Wish List http://www.amazon.com/o/registry/AT4JWDUFRAML
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Message: 2
Date: Tue, 22 Mar 2005 16:22:40 -0800
From: Christopher Ackney <christopher.ackney@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
Subject: [WEB] In Need of a Drink
Scene: At the ball
Alorian moved away, but Alex's sights were fixed on Kayn. It was time
to
have words, enough of this *****-footing around.
Alex tried to make his way through a crowd of guests that suddenly
appeared
before him. Grumbling, he ****fted and ****mmied until he was through
them.
But Kayn was gone.
Alex cursed inwardly, a snarl on his lips. He needed a drink.
His mood dark, he made no niceties this time to make his way through
the
group of guests, much to their shocked protestations. "Whiskey,
straight
up." He said to the barman.
As he raised the drink to his lips, he happened to glance down the bar
to
the woman next to him, and nearly choked on the alcohol as it burned
down
his throat. Of all the ...
He tried to put on a cocky smile, but the effect was spoiled a bit by
the
mild coughing brought on by the drink. "Evening, Blaze."
Blaze turned her head, blue eyes meeting Alex's, widening slightly in
surprise at seeing him here after all this time. Then a sultry smile
curved
her lush lips as she raised her own glass to take a slow sip.
Interesting,
just when she was most annoyed with her current toy, one of her more
interesting past toys makes an appearance.
"Good evening darling." she purred softly. "Been keeping well?"
It took a moment for Alex to recover. Gods, but she was looking good.
He put his drink down on the bar, to get a moment to regain his
composure.
"Well enough, I suppose. I guess I should have thought you'd be at an
event
like this. Never one to miss the lime-light, are you?"
Blaze smiled, turning to face him, leaning against the bar. "I can't
help it
if my presence is necessary at these little to-dos." she said. "But do
tell
darling, what brings you here?" Marcus was for the time being,
dismissed in
her mind. He'd pushed the envelope a little too far this evening, and
as far
as she was concerned, he could find his own way home. She might have
something far more interesting than some pretty boy that was thinking a
little too highly of himself.
Alex shrugged. "Ah, you know how it is, I'm so much in demand,
especially
for these high society social occasions." After the initial surprise,
he
slowly began to recover his nonchalant attitude. "Couldn't resist
saying no
and breaking the girl's heart." He glanced out to the main floor, and
then
back to Blaze.
And if Alorian could exchange 'meaningful glances' with that Kayn
fellow,
then Alex could feel little guilt over chatting up an old flame. "And
you?
No escort? I find that impossible to believe."
Blaze's smile froze, her blue eyes fla****ng dark for a moment with
sudden
anger.
"My....escort..." she cleared her throat softly, composing herself. "Is
assuming things he really should know better than to." she finished.
Alex gave out a short laugh. "Glad to see that I'm not the only one to
have
done that." He smirked at her dark glare. "Oh, come now, Blaze, you
know
you're rough on your toys."
He signalled the bartender for fresh drinks for the both of them.
"Rough? Hardly." Blaze raised an eyebrow at Alex, but gladly accepted
the
fresh drink he ordered, moving a little closer. "One does not expect a
male
model who's greatest accomplishment is having his image plastered all
over
the city in his underwear, who's age is higher than his IQ, to suddenly
decide that he's destined for greater things than what he is. Flavour
of the
month."
"Sounds like the month is up." He sipped his drink, and smiled to
himself as
it went down more smoothly. "I never did find out why you haven't
hooked up
with someone with more substance. You know, find someone who you can
have a
conversation with."
"I thought I did....once." Blaze purred before taking a sip of her
fresh
drink.
Alex gave a sly grin. Surprising as this meeting was, he was even more
surprised that it brought back more good memories than bad. There was
something of a predator is Blaze, and it still appealed to him. "So I
spoiled you for relation****ps, hm?" He shrugged and winked at her.
"Well, I
guess once you've had the best ..."
"You've not changed." Blaze allowed herself a small smile as she looked
Alex
in the eye. Marcus was long forgotten now, having vented her annoyance
about
him, she no longer cared. "And I'm glad. I'd have been
most....disappointed
if you had. So tell me, did you arrive with someone?"
Alex glanced back to the crowds. Then cocked a grin back to Blaze.
"Yeah,
she's been a good friend off and on the last while. You may remember
her,
Alorian Miller? She's gone and gotten in over her head, so I'm with her
to
make sure she keeps out of trouble."
"Mmmm." Blaze murmured, only slightly interested in Alex's
ex-girlfriend.
"And so you're playing the White Knight, ready to swoop in to rescue
the
maiden fair?" she teased him. "How very gallant of you darling."
Alex grinned and shrugged. "Well, you know, someone has to be the hero
in
these stories. Besides, it was time for me to do something different.
Can't
play cor****ate lackey every day of the year."
He downed the rest of his drink and put the glass back down on the bar.
"Say, how about we take one more for the road, and you can introduce me
to
all your high-powered pals. Maybe one of them will be willing to pay me
big
bucks to just sit around and do nothing."
Blaze laughed, reaching over to caress Alex's cheek, the tips of her
fingers
just barely bru****ng his skin. "Well, I can introduce you, but it seems
a
high salary for no work has gone the way of horses for trans****tation
darling." she smiled at him as she signalled the bartender for fresh
drinks
this time. "But let's not turn this little reunion into a business
meeting.
I'd be most upset if you did."
"Fine by me, I hate talking business." He accepted the drink from the
bartender, then held out his arm Blaze. "I can play the gentleman when
needed." He said to her raised eyebrow. "Come on, let's see who's at
this
****n-dig."
A guest brushed past Alex, and he paused. Something didn't feel right
all of
a sudden. He glanced over at the passing guest, a well-dressed man with
a
cane. It took a couple of moments for him to recognize the sensation.
Wyrm
taint.
"Christ." He growled. How could he have missed it before?
No time now. And he couldn't leave Blaze here with that thing wondering
around. "Come on, stay close." He said urgently, taking her by the arm
and
pulling her into the crowd. Now he just had to find Alorian.
To say she was surprised was an understatement. That Alex's demeanor
suddenly changed from the guarded flirting to protective in a flash was
unexpected. "What is it Alex?" Blaze practically demanded of him as
soon as
the crowd closed in around them. Not that she minded 'staying close',
but
she did hate being kept in the dark.
Alex pulled up short as he nearly collided with a waiter. "Now's not
the
time. Let's just say that someone who's not very nice is in the crowd."
Then
he saw her.
"Alorian!" He called out, as calmly as he could. No sense in panicking
the
crowd, not that they would believe him anyway. He glanced back over his
shoulder, but had lost track of tainted person. Not surprising. 'Damn
vampires' he thought, taking Blaze's arm gently but firmly, and
bringing her
up to Alorian.
"Evening, darling." He said with a fake smile. "Alorian Miller, I'd
like you
to meet an old friend of mine, Miss Blaze Winthrop. Blaze, Alorian.
Good,
we're all met, now let's get the hell out of here."
He took Alorian in his other hand and began towards the exit. A silence
descended upon the gala, stopping Alex in his tracks.
"Crap."
NRPG: Things are just about to get hectic. I have a follow up post
coming up
soon, and then you can all scramble about as you please. :)
Jointly submitted:
Teri, aka Blaze Winthrop, Immortal
and
Chris, aka Alex, Ragabash Shadow Lord
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