There are 2 messages in this issue.
Topics in this digest:
1. [DL-N] Fantastus Interruptus
From: Chris Weeda <weeda@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
2. [DL-W] Stepping Up To the Plate (JP)
From: "Arlene" <wondermom@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
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Message: 1
Date: Mon, 25 Apr 2005 12:55:02 -0700 (PDT)
From: Chris Weeda <weeda@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
Subject: [DL-N] Fantastus Interruptus
<Day 8 =E2?" morning>
Dargis woke to find himself nose to nostril with his dragon, the
reptile=E2?Ts heavy breathing ruffling his hair. Moving his head back
away from the yellow beast so as not to disturb his rest, Dargis
extracted himself from between D=E2?Tlion=E2?Ts claws. He vaguely
remembered having fallen asleep against the dragon, so how he ended up
where he awoke was anyone=E2?Ts guess.
Moving from the dragon=E2?Ts sandpit he moved into his living quarters
proper, stretching to get out the kinks from having slept awkwardly the
night before. Feely a bit grimy he considered keeping his leathers on
to go to the communal bathing area. It was a way to conserve water and
also a place for encounters. Between shift changes and other errands
having to be run, there were rarely more than four or five people of
mixed genders there. It allowed for a balance between privacy and
exhibitionism, although most people entering in never gave a couple a
second look, unless they were thinking about joining in which didn=E2?Tt
happen as often, but was a definite possibility as well.
It was only a brief thought and Dargis discarded it. He wasn=E2?Tt
quite ready for a chance encounter there. Not yet at least. Instead
he opted to use his own personal bath, stripping yesterday=E2?Ts
leathers off, letting the air flow over his bare skin. Walking over to
the bathtub he began filling it with cool water he had brought up in
buckets the day before. Once the tub was filled he slipped in, bracing
himself against the coolness of the water. He sighed as the water
embraced him as he slipped out of reality=E2?=A6
=E2?=A6he reached for the soap and began to lather it up as she slid into
the bathtub, a smile on her face. His eyes played along the lines of
her curvaceous form, his hands still holding the soap. She turned her
back to him, inviting him to wash her back. Sitting up, he moved his
hands up and down her back, lathering it up with soap. Inhaling deeply
she leaned back against him, her back now pressed firmly against his
chest, her head leaning back onto his shoulder, submitting herself to
him as his hands slipped around to cup her breasts, marveling at their
fullness=E2?=A6
=E2?=A6she turned around to face him, pushing him back so that she could
straddle him. Her smile widened as she moved herself down upon
him=E2?=A6.
**HATCHING!**
Dargis coughed and choked as the sudden mental message from D=E2?Tlion
forced his head under the water, completely destroying the mental
images that had been flashing through his head. He had lost track of
time and was unsure how much time had past.
<Hatching?>
**Yes, the eggs are hatching. We have to be there. Hurry up and get
dressed!**
[=2E.]
Dargis worked in the garden, pruning and clipping, finding the best
flowers for the ensuing hatching party. The hatching itself had been
full of surprises. The pairings of humans and their dragons was always
fascinating to bear witness to, and this time had been no exception.
Now the training would begin for those fortunate enough to have been
bonded, although after the first week, they might begin to question
just how lucky they were.
Continuing to gather blooms, he paid no attention to the shadow
darkening his light as someone approached..
<Tag!>
Submitted by
Dargis and D=E2?Tlion
AKA Chris Weeda
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Message: 2
Date: Tue, 26 Apr 2005 00:25:02 -0400
From: "Arlene" <wondermom@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
Subject: [DL-W] Stepping Up To the Plate (JP)
Day 16
Afternoon
[SNIP]
J'red found himself judging her with a more critical eye, but could
find
nothing wrong. She was beautiful. He found himself admiring her as
she
walked slowly, yet gracefully, in the unfamiliar dress and pumps.
But to his surprise, she was not being escorted by Prince Reolden. He
quickly shut his mouth which had dropped open in surprise. A flash
jealousy raced through him, and he felt his face getting hot. What
was
Sheldon doing escorting Ari?
[END SNIP]
Ari felt her heart drop into her stomach as all eyes turned towards
them. She felt Sheldon's intake of breath and his tightening of her
arm.. letting her know that everything would be alright.
Ari tried to remember all the lessons she had gone through and somehow
they ended up at her place of honor. Ari smiled graciously as Sheldon
helped her take her seat and he then lifted her hand softly to his lips
and caught her gaze. Looking over her hand he winked. "Everything
will
be fine." He whispered conspiringly.
Sheldon then nodded to her and hid his smirk at the look on the Earl's
face. He smiled and nodded to J'red who seemed out of sorts; looking
around he spotted Izzy. They smiled at one another and he went to join
her.
J'red felt himself relax slightly as he saw Sheldon join the junior
queenrider. As much as he hated to admit it, Sheldon and Issabol
really
did look good together. In fact, J'red realized that Sheldon seemed to
be turning up at very opportune times. He grudgingly had to admit that
Sheldon wasn't such a bad guy, after all. Yet... he still felt a stab
of jealousy that Ari had asked him to escort her to the luncheon. What
message was she trying to send with that?
Well, it had certainly put Reginald off, and that made J'red smile.
Just the thought of Reginald made his bile rise. That lecherous slime
was here for Ari, but was currently sleazing J'red's little sister. If
he wasn't so angry at Jennifer, he might have taken a stronger stand.
Obviously their father found it amusing, and didn't seem in the least
worried about her reputation.
As J'red contemplated all of this, his feet were taking him toward the
table where Ari sat. He found himself standing beside her, gazing down
at her, unable to keep his glance from taking in the plunging neckline.
Ari turned as she heard someone approach and was surprised to see it
was
J'red. She caught the softening of his features and she smiled at him,
more from habit and the way she felt when he was close.
He did cut a fine figure and looked so handsome in his formal attire.
Remembering the recent lessons from Mistress Meriwen she rose with a
dignity she did not feel and turned to formally greet him.
"Come and sit with me, Commander Fowler." She asked softly hoping he
would join her. She felt as if she was a fish in a bowl sitting up
alone on the dais. Where was Reolden?
She smiled and offered J'red a chair in which to sit and snuck a quick
peek at Sheldon. He smiled at her and nodded, and she turned back and
smiled warmly at J'red, while also trying to see if perhaps Reolden had
arrived.
"Thank you, m'lady. I would be honored to join you... until your
cousin
is able to attend you." J'red was happy to join Ari and was delighted
she'd asked. Perhaps Reolden had spoken to her, as well? He held her
chair for her as she reseated herself. He was just starting to feel
better when he saw the quick exchange of glances between Sheldon and
Ari. The identical appearance of their faces at the moment of the
exchanged look was quite remarkable. J'red felt puzzled, wondering
what
had prompted that simultaneous glance. It wasn't as if they were
communicating via dragons, as he had just heard from Firefly that Azhy
was out of the warren.
Which reminded him as he asked, "Firefly just told me that Reolden and
Trendal left this morning... with Azhy?"
Ari looked up startled. "He did?" she asked before she could think of
something better to say. "I...I..I thought he and Firefly were
attending Lyraene." She whispered nervously.
"Perhaps Az was showin off some of his special huntin spots." She
offered now trying to hide just how worried she was. She took a deep
breath and tried to act as if nothing was amiss. Altho, she was
certainly most curious as to where Az had taken her cousin.
Most important of all; why were they late? She blanched as she
wondered..would Azhy have told of their plans?
J'red could see that he had upset her with his revelation. When would
he learn to keep his mouth closed about things that didn't concern him?
Yet, where had they gone and why hadn't they told Ari where they were
going? "Yes, I'm sure that must be it. Or perhaps Reolden just felt
the need for some alone time and Azhy agreed to accompany them since he
is more familiar with the area?"
Ari warmly smiled and nodded with his suggestion. "Aye tis the
answer."
She took a sigh of relief and wondered why she had ever doubted Azhy.
She knew he was not pleased with her decision, but she would not be
locked away in a place with people she did not belong with. No, altho
her heart ached at the possibility of never seeing J'red again, she
knew
she could not stay here.
"I hope they return soon." She confided to J'red. "I feel so out of
place up here..." She looked over and saw him looking at her. She
smiled again and reached out and touched his arm.
"I be glad ya came ta join me." She said in earnest. "I don't feel so
alone."
J'red felt a thrill rush through him at the intimacy of her touch. It
felt as if it had been an eternity since her soft hand had touched his
skin. He felt a heat spread out from her touch and it melted away any
doubts he still had. "I'll always be here for you, Ari," he asserted.
"You don't ever have to feel alone."
She smiled and blushed softly as she heard his words, and wondered if
he
too felt that bolt of electricity rush through her as their skin
touched.
She felt her heart tighten in her chest as she realized he meant as
friends. Which was not bad, it was she knew she wanted and needed more.
She missed their talks and how he could make her laugh and forget the
troubling things that plagued her.
She looked up to gaze at him once more and her attention was distracted
for a moment when out of the corner of her eye she saw a menacing glare
from the one she had been told was the Earl of Ravencroft.
He had such a distasteful look and air about him.She wondered if he
could curdle the milk in his own stomach. He looked as if he suffered
from several ailments of his stomach and colon.
Ari looked back to J'red and saw that his attention had been drawn to
the back of the gathering. She saw him begin to rise and hearing the
voice of her cousin, began to rise.
J'red without thinking took her hand in his and helped her rise as the
Prince walked in.
He appeared to have brought a visitor and guest and many wondered who
it
was.
"Excuse my tardiness!" Reolden called out. "I hope I have not kept you
waiting!"
Merissa beamed as she saw Reolden approaching with his guest. She
quickly glanced toward the head table to see if Ari had noticed, but
she
couldn't quite make her out through the crowd. Coming forward she
extended her hand to the newcomer, "You must be Edric! I'm Merissa,
the
Warrenlady. Welcome to WhiteRiver Warren. I am so happy you have
decided to join us in celebrating your daughter's birthday!" She
briefly met Reolden's eye and caught his wink, "Ah, I see that the dear
Lady Cecily was unable to attend? I do hope she is well?"
Edric quietly bowed his head and smiled softly, his soft brown eyes
smiling as he took in the setting for the luncheon. He tried not to
appear nervous as he looked around for his sweet child.
"Aye M'lady, she be feelin a wee bit poorly." His rich soft tones
danced
around his speech. "I see ya done up rightly nice fer my child." He
praised. Reolden smiled and placed his hand on his Uncle's shoulder.
"Yes, Sir Ed.."
"I be Edric." He interjected over Reolden's formal introductions. "No
offense given.." He cast a glance at the Prince, "I never did cotton ta
titles and pomp." Edric then smiled charmingly and took Merissa's hand
and gently brought it to his lips and brushed the ridge of her knuckles
ever so slightly and caught her eye and winked.
"Not that I don't enjoy da rewards of such be'avior."
Merissa's eyes crinkled in amusement and a faint blush brought color to
her cheeks. "I assure you, I completely agree. But, please, you must
be anxious to see Ari. Right this way...."
The warrenlady preceded them up the path toward the head table. All
eyes were fastened intently on the small party, and as the crowd parted
the guest of honor and the newly arrived visitor finally caught sight
of
each other. J'red was yanked forward as Ari forgot to let go of his
hand and pulled him along in her headlong rush to greet the man who
accompanied the prince and warrenlady.
"Da!" Ari exclaimed with a sudden rush of joy that she had not felt in
some time. "Oh DA!" she cried and hurled herself into his open arms.
The joy evident on his face as he clasped her tightly and swung her
around as they laughed and for a single moment lost in their reunion.
J'red releasing her hand as he saw her begin to lunge. He stood to the
side and watched the endearing display of open affection. He smiled
and
found himself looking back to his own father and watched the various
emotions cross his features. J'red then took a peek at Jennifer as she
stood like stone with her face set in that sneering look she wore on
her
face.
Her distain was evident, and was..the Earl's. In fact J'red thought the
two of them looked like a match set of gargoyles lurking over the
party.
With that thought, he chuckled and returned his gaze back to the scene
that warmed his heart.
The joy upon Ari's face mixed with her laughter caused J'red's heart to
race and beat faster. This was how he always wanted to see her, full of
joy and happiness and surrounded with those who cared for her.
Reginald on the other hand was sickened with displeasure at his bride's
base and common behavior. To see that man here, to think he had the
gall
to even show his face, after all the trouble he had caused.
Reginald stewed silently as he glared at the scene before him and when
his eyes met Reolden's, he knew that this reunion had been planned to
try to keep her here. Reginald would not give Reolden the pleasure of
thinking he won this round.
All Reolden had done was help him work the last bit of the abduction.
It
would be too easy really, and now with her father here..he tried to
contain his mirth, that old decrepit self appointed bodyguard would
step
down and away, and Reginald would slip in and snatch her away.
Jennifer saw the look of distaste on Reginald's face and murmured under
her breath, "How could she display herself in such a way? Has she no
self-control? No decorum?" She felt a rush of sympathy for Reolden,
whom she imagined to be mortified by his cousin's over-enthusiastic
greeting of her father.
Reolden stood and smiled sneaking a glance at Merissa as they were
invited to watch the happy reunion of father and daughter. It made him
happy to know, to feel he had brought her such great joy and happiness.
He nonchalantly perused the crowd and watched their reactions. He felt
himself grin wider when his eyes caught the smoldering ire of
Reginald's
gaze. Reolden held back a good deep laugh, for it looked as though
Reginald might burst into flames before everyone's eyes.
Hamn Fowler overheard the hissed comments of his daughter. It irked
him
that she would be so cold and his booming voice broke over the crowd as
he made sure everyone heard his remarks, "Now isn't that just the most
heartwarming thing, Jennifer? I think Ari's father is almost as lucky
as I am when it comes to having such a loving daughter!" Hamn's meaty
arm encircled his daughter and gave her an ebullient embrace.
J'red smirked at Jennifer's wince as his sister tried not to let on
that
she was in the least upset by the hug, as she squirmed out of it as
quickly as possible. He caught Reolden's eye and grinned.
After Edric and Ari had finished their greeting, Merissa began making
introductions. As she introduced the junior queenriders, Sheldon
stepped back from Issabol. Edric, however caught sight of the young man
and looked inquisitively at Merissa, who supplied his name.
"Sheldon? Caitli`n's boy?" Edric asked stepping forward to clasp the
young man's hand with a firm handshake. "Ya be lookin more like thy
sweet mother ev'ry day." Studying the quiet and shy young man Edric
smiled fondly. "How be thy mother? I so enjoyed my last visit with
her.." Edric trailed off, noticing that the young man before him paled
and not wishing to cause any more of a scene.withdrew his hand and
glanced at the Warrenlady and smiled.
"Delighted ta be 'ere, M'Lady.my sweet child 'as told me so much of
ya."
Merissa returned the smile, though she, too, had noticed the odd
comment
concerning Sheldon's deceased mother, as Edric had made it sound as if
he had seen her fairly recently, rather than praising someone long
dead.
"As delighted as I am to have you here. Please, won't everyone be
seated? My mother has arranged a musical interlude..." The polite
conversation swirled around them as the other luncheon guests took
their
seats as the warrenlady and junior queenriders escorted the party with
the prince, Ari's father, and Ari back to the main table.
J'red and Sheldon both hesitated as the distinguished guests made their
way to their seats.
As Ari began to walk with her father, she realized that neither J'red
nor Sheldon were following. She turned and caught Sheldon's eye and
smiled and motioned him to follow, she watched him glance at J'red then
back to her. She grinned and nodded towards Issabol and tried to urge
him on with her gestures. Edric felt the slight pull on his arm as Ari
slowed to try to get Sheldon to follow along.
He turned around and smiled at both of the young men who seemed to be
standing still, as if not sure what or where they should go. Edric
watched J'red look up to where his father sat and then back to where
the
rest of the party was headed. Edric's gaze met with Lord Fowler's and
he
tipped his head in greeting. Lord Fowler understanding the simple
gesture smiled and nodded and motioned for J'red to follow the party.
Edric seeing J'red's reluctance slipped from Ari's grasp and held out
his hand to the young man. "I'd be 'onored ta 'ave ya sit with us." He
softly spoke in J'red's direction. "It be a great 'elp ta 'ave one ta
talk with. I be not so good at these 'ere fancy meetin's" he whispered
with a smile and a slight gleam in his eye.
J'red felt a surge of relief, "Thank you, Sir. You do me a great
honor." He stepped forward to follow with more confidence.
Sheldon still hung back, but only for a moment, as Izzy took his arm
with a broad smile and pulled him along with the party.
There were chairs enough, almost as if the size of the guests at the
head table had been predetermined. Merissa winked at Reolden as Th'rin
pulled out her chair before taking a seat on her left. Reolden sat to
her right, with Ari to his right. There was a moment of indecision as
Edric approached the table, but he sat facing Ari, which left a chair
open next to Ari and J'red found himself unable to sit anywhere but
beside the young woman. Faylen, Sheldon and Issabol sat on the side
with Edric, leaving one chair unoccupied for the missing Lady Cecily.
As soon as the guests at the head table had sat, the meal was served.
The dinner music started. Merissa listened with real enjoyment at some
of the more talented of Analise's students. Soon dessert was served
and
it was time for Analise to perform. Merissa turned her chair so she
could see the dais better. She could see a flash of light that was
obviously the reflection of something flickering around on her mother.
Trying not to be obvious, Merissa glanced about trying to find where
the
distraction was coming from, but couldn't see anything.
She accidentally caught the prince's eye and he winked at her. She
smiled in return. She felt, rather than saw, Th'rin stiffen beside
her.
Pretending it didn't bother her, she murmured to Th'rin. "Isn't Mother
playing beautifully?"
[TAG: Kris.]
---
Summary:
Day 16
Afternoon
The Prince arrives with a guest, which delights Ari, and upsets some of
the other "guests" at the luncheon. The head table is seated: Ari,
Reolden, Edric, the queenriders and Th'rin. J'red and Sheldon are
surprised at being included.
As dessert is being served, Analise begins to perform. Merissa turns
to
watch her mother and notices a reflecting light bothering her. Merissa
looks around for the source of the bright reflection. She doesn't find
the source, but she does catch a wink from the prince.
---
Respectfully submitted by:
Carys Murray
AKA
Ari and Azhy
Edric
And
Arlene Jacobs
AKA
Merissa and Chrysthal
J'red and Firefly
Sheldon and Panzeree
Jennifer and Hamn Fowler
Analise, Warren Bard
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