There are 3 messages in this issue.
Topics in this digest:
1. [VAMPIRE] - Strange Brew
From: "carys murray" <carysmurray@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
2. [VAMPIRE] - A Safe Haven
From: "carys murray" <carysmurray@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
3. [DL-N] Two boys in the hand are worth.....?
From: "Tree Deutscher" <treedr@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 1
Date: Tue, 26 Apr 2005 10:04:49 -0700
From: "carys murray" <carysmurray@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
Subject: [VAMPIRE] - Strange Brew
Day 17
Past Midnight
Where..where am I?" Josie asked, eyes blinking in the light.
"You are fine, beloved. You are safe." Armande's voice carried to her,
and
she felt a cool hand on her cheek.
"You have had a rough evening beloved."
Her eyes adjusted to the light, and she saw that they sat in a caf=E9,
though
they seemed to be the only customers.
"Drink" He said softly, directing her hands to encompass a warm cup of
coffee.
"It should give you some of your strength back."
Josie nodded obediently and clasped onto the warm cup. She closed her
eyes
for a moment, to enjoy the warmth the cup gave her. She slowly gingerly
raised the cup to her lips and sipped slowly. Once the warm liquid was
in
her mouth she held it there, for just a moment, and then released it to
slowly slide down her throat.
After savoring the moment, she sipped the rich liquid and opened her
eyes to
find him watching her. She blushed deeply, for this was the second
time
this night that someone had watched her as she got lost in the
sensations
and near ecstasy of the moment.
"You are walking a fine line, Josette." Armande said. "The spirits you
encountered, they sought to take your life. IF we had not performed
the
ritual, you may not have survived."
Josie looked up into his dark liquid pools and saw a mixture of concern
and
anger there. Still rather shaky, she slowly put the cup down and sighed
softly.
"I was scared this time Armande." She whispered. "I was lost and could
not
find my way." She looked back up into his eyes again.
"But you were there, I felt you." Her voice strengthening with that
thought.
She had felt him..or at least that place he had taken her to; or
perhaps he
created for her. What ever it was, it was because of that, that
somehow she
ended up..she looked around again still not recognizing where it was
she had
ended up.
"Drink, Beloved." Armande said softly, nodding.
As she did so, Armande continued.
"The one's who mostly likely did this will not care about the police
investigation. In fact, they might even enjoy the cat and mouse game
they
play. But you, you are a threat to them. You have an ability few
understand, and they fear that. Come, finish up, and I shall take you
to
where it is safe."
Hearing his soft words resonating of safety and comfort Josie nodded
and
continued to sip the coffee he had provided her. Shaken to the core,
she let
the warmth of the drink slide down her throat, and she did as he had
shown
her the night before of following the warmth as it spread out through
her.
Looking within and following the warmth as it rushed forward through
her
veins; she felt the strange mixed sensations of the night before. She
quickly found the place he had taken her to and found it an empowerment
she
had not known before.
Hearing his words of safety as she reached the haven he had created for
her
she sighed deeply. She liked it here, and she hoped with each visit,
it
would be easier for her to find it when she would need it the most.
When she finished the coffee, she placed the cup down and looked up to
find
his eyes gazing into hers. She was not sure how to explain, but as he
had
promised the time before, nothing seemed to matter; only that she was
with
him.
Gone were the thoughts that had just tumbled across her mind.
Everything
forgotten, only the sensations and feelings of warmth and safety were
left
behind.
"I am ready." She whispered.
Armande nodded, and stood up, offering his hand to her. Leading her
out of
the caf=E9, Josie saw that she was a few blocks away from the crime
scene.
Armande however, turned her the other way.
Josie felt a sudden onslaught of sensations, and she clung to Armande
tightly.
She was not sure what it was, or why this was happening.
Feeling her stiffen, he wrapped his arms around her and quickened his
pace.
On the corner was a black, old-fashioned car, though it looked to be in
pristine condition.
"We have a lot to discuss, Josette, but we should leave this area. The
spirits may prove too much distraction for you." He opened the
passenger
door for her and stepped to one side.
Josie slipped into the car and was astonished at the lush interior.
She was
surprised for somehow she had always envisioned Armande more in an old
world
way, of candle light and horse drawn carriages.
He had the old world look and charm, the manners and speech, and to see
him
in such a different setting made her wonder once more of this man
beside
her, this man who stepped into her world, and had forever changed her
and
it.
Josie smiled as she watched Armande get into the car. She turned to
look
out the window as they drove off into the night. She had no clue to
where
he would take her...but she did not care...she was safe with him.
"It has been some time since I had last driven, and I find that I am
out of
practice. So please forgive me if the ride is not as smooth as it
should
be." Armande said as he started the car. Despite his words, he pulled
out
smoothly.
NRPG - Character Development and moving the story along. More to Come.
[SUMMARY]
Josie awakens to find herself with Armande in some sort of caf=E9. He
offers
her a special cup of coffee and bids her to drink. She does so and
they
talk of what had just happened and her close brush with death.
Armande states he wishes to take her some place safer to finish their
talk
and Josie agrees.
Respectfully Submitted by
Carys Murray
Aka Josie
&
Chris Ackney
Aka
Armande, Elder in the Tremere Clan
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 2
Date: Tue, 26 Apr 2005 10:56:49 -0700
From: "carys murray" <carysmurray@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
Subject: [VAMPIRE] - A Safe Haven
Day 17
2am
They rode in silence as Armande took them out of the city. The number
of
buildings slowly dwindled until all that was left was brush and trees.
He
turned off the main road, driving along a tree lined lane; that
suddenly
opened into a large courtyard. Dominating the view was a large,
three-story
mansion, complete with veranda and balconies.
Josie stepped from the car and gasped at the beauty before her. She
had not
seen such an old estate kept in this good repair in ages. The estate
she
grew up on, although not in her family..had a run down almost abandoned
air
about it.
He slowed to a stop in front of the main doors. "It has been in the
family
for many years, now." He said to her. "Though I fear I will be the
last of
my line to own it."
Josie nodded and wondered just how bad he had fallen on hard times. It
was
hard to maintain the upkeep of a place such as this. And harder still
to
get registered.
Altho once that happened, most of the time you ended up losing the
flavor of
it, since tours began...and the owners slowly get pushed to the side
and
long forgotten.
"It's a beautiful home." She ventured softly. "Similar to the one I
was
raised at" She turned to face him..to study his features as best she
could
in the shadowed moonlight.
"It does not carry with it a haunted spirit." She replied with a soft
smile.
"It has a welcoming presence." She took a deep breath and smiled.
All
the smells of home; but she felt safe here. She did not feel as if
someone
watched her.
"I am glad ya brought me here." She volunteered.
Armande gave a small smile. "I had hoped you would like it. Please,
come
inside." He offered, opening the door and allowing her to enter first.
"I have fond memories of this place from when I was young." Armande
continued, following Josie inside and closing the door behind him. He
paused for a moment, leaning over the open top of an old-fashioned oil
lamp.
Speaking under his breath, he blew into the lamp, and a flame was
ignited.
"My family wasn't one to progress with the times, I'm afraid." He
lifted
the lamp and led her into a comfortable living room. "It has been a
long
time since I was last here, 20 years, perhaps."
Again he paused as he placed the lamp down on a table beside the door.
He
walked easily across the room, despite the dimness, and knelt down
before a
fireplace. Moments later, a fire blazed forth, lighting the room.
"Come." He said, motioning for her to sit down with him near the fire.
Josie stood and watched as he made his way across the room, slowly
bringing
soft light with him. Opening up the room to its soft flickering light;
letting the shadows free to dance upon the walls in silent joy of their
freedom.
She took in the beauty of the room, and got lost in the simplicity of
it's
charm and was secretly glad it was not done as many in that ornate
opulence
that so many of the older homes wore.
She went to him as he called to her, and sitting next to him on the
floor
before the large fireplace she rested on her heels with her hands in
her
lap. She felt such a strong sense of safety, long gone was her inner
warning system.
She sat beside him for a time, enjoying the silence between them. It
was a
comfortable silence, and she felt no need for incessant chatter. She
felt
his gaze upon her and she turned her head to gaze upon him.
"I have had a chance to look through the journal of your mother's. She
must
have been a fascinating woman, and knowledgeable too." Too
knowledgeable, in
fact. Armande had been shocked at just how much information she had
gathered
from him during their time together. If the Tremere elders were to find
the
journal, he would soon be facing the sun.
"I was wondering just how much she told you, beyond what she wrote
down. Or;
perhaps; if she had any other writings?"
Josie chuckled softly and nodded. "Funny ya should mention that." She
replied in soft even tones. "I have her journals, the last one I am
still
workin on. She wrote some in cryptic code, and I think I have figured
most
of it out, it is the one.." Josie stopped as she noticed his over
intent
gaze.
"I had hoped ta see you again." She confessed. "I was gonna ask if you
could help me with it. I think it might be the clue as to why she
died. It
calls ta me." She said feeling slightly foolish to have admitted it.
She did not want him to think her a loon, or one of those who claimed
to
walk on the ethereal plane. She gazed at him, studied his features and
found he too walked behind a 'mask'. She wondered if he was as lonely
as
she was at times.
"As for her tellin me anything...I was so young when she died. I only
remember a few hazy images...her scent...and of course how she opened
her
trunk, and how sacred it was ta her. Almost like her power source."
Josie drifted back in her memories to see if there was anything else
she
could share with him. It seemed so important...and somehow they were
bound
together by her mother.
Armande reached out and took Josie's hand, savoring their warmth.
"Josette, there is something I need to ask of you. I need to know how
serious you are in pursuing this. Of trying to find out what happened
to
your mother, your dedication to learning to refine your skills with
magic.
You have a definite talent, with which I believe I can help you
develop.
But, if this is something you do not want, or you are not willing to
follow
my direction, then it may be best that we stop now."
He turned his gaze to the fire. "I.I was betrayed before, a loss that
still
pains me to this day. I would very much like for you to fill that void
within me."
Josie sat gazing into his soulful eyes and caught the deep hidden pain
behind them. She sat as if stunned as he confessed to her his greatest
fear,
and she wondered just who this person was. She closed her eyes for a
moment
to will back the tears that once again appeared and dared to leap from
her.
Collecting her thoughts, and searching deep within she pondered. What
did
she really want? Perhaps if she could but name it, to put into order
that
which she had struggled to bring to light for so long.
Right now she had a trunk full of mysteries that did not add up. Her
memories and terrors interfered at times with her work. She loved her
job..for so many reasons. None of them really had to do with the noble
dedication in getting the bad guy.
Josie hated secrets. She loved to dig deeper and find the true cause of
the
events and what triggered them. It did help of course to have that
added
gift of walking through the scene and seeing what really happened. Not
that
the dead never lied.or tried to plead their case as to why..
Josie pulled herself out of her reverie and looked at the man sitting
next
to her.
She studied his profile as he stared off into the fire, his cold hand
still
holding hers tightly, as if he was afraid to let her go.
"I am sorry that you were betrayed and hurt so deeply." She finally
said.
"As, to what I want...I don't know anymore Armande."
Hearing his name he looked back at her. Studying her as the soft
firelight
flickered and danced casting a surreal glow about her.
He waited as he sensed she needed to talk out her confusion, and he did
not
wish to prevent her from coming to her answer. He had not realized how
important her answer was going to be.
Josie looked up as saw him looking at her. "To be honest; I only began
to
dabble with this ta find the truth behind her life..and ta her death.
That
and ta quell the nightmares that have haunted me..." she stopped to
smile
softly at him squeezing his hand tenderly. "Until you; you gave me
that
gift the other night, a night of no hauntings."
"I thought if only I could understand her..ta walk in her steps and see
the
hidden clues that would lead me ta being able ta lay her ta rest."
Josie
turned from him and looked into the fire. She allowed herself to be
pulled
into the dance of the flames on the logs.
"I only found more lies, betrayals, and secrets. I carry these secrets
now..and they weigh heavy upon me."
Armande hearing the despair in her voice; reached up to caress her
cheek and
brush away the hair that had fallen across her features.
"What do you wish beloved?" he whispered softly.
"Well, ta be honest.I enjoy my job. I like what I do, and I don't want
ta
have to give it up." She replied. "Although I find that my dabbling has
opened up new paths for me...I started it for one reason, but wish ta
learn
more."
She turned to face him. "I was gonna ask if ya would help me with the
last
journal, for she wrote it in code..and she wrote much of the days
before her
death...I hesitate showin ya becoz..well..it speaks of your Uncle..and
her
betrayal of him..and I do not wish ta hurt ya further on that subject.
I
know you seek peace for him as well."
"I don't wish ta lose ya either." She softly confessed. "I have
enjoyed our
special times together." She closed her eyes once more, to try to
focus on
what he was asking of her.
"Tell me what my options are Armande. Be honest with me..Tell me what
I
need ta give up, what I will gain, and can I keep what I want with what
ya
offer?"
"It all depends on you. If you wish to keep your position with the
police,
then of course you may do so. However, there will need to be some
sacrifices, as learning will take time and effort. If you wish to keep
your
job, then you will have little time afterwards for other activities
beyond
this. But even so, there is not hurry for this, no time limit that we
must
make. Some lessons will come too quickly; others may take weeks or
months
to learn."
He reached out and touched her cheek. "As to what you will gain.I
won't try
to dazzle you with thoughts of gaining insights into the universe. I
have
been at this for a very long time, and I know that there is still more
to
learn than I thought possible. But the ability is within you. A
talent
very few have these days. I believe that in following this path you
will
find a satisfaction that you may find missing in your life at this
moment."
Josie smiled as he spoke in his warm soft tones. She enjoyed the way
his
tones and words danced around her and captivated her. Right now all
she
wanted was to stay here. Before the warm fire..away from the hustle
and
bustle of the bright lights of the city.
Josie did not really wish to give up anything. But..if she had too,
she
knew that she could not give up the magic that she had discovered. Not
with
what she knew...not with what her mother taught her from the grave.
"I would like to continue learning Armande." She whispered softly. "I
have
found I enjoy it...much to the distress of others." She took a deep
breath.
"I also need your help..with the last of her little books. But ..I..."
she
faltered as she willed herself to speak of it.
"What is it Josette?" Armande gently and carefully prodded her.
Josie lifted her eyes to look deep within his. "I do not wish ta bring
ya
anymore hurt or pain...and some of what is in there..speaks of her
betrayal
ta your Uncle." She took another deep breath.
"I need ya ta know, I am not like her Armande. I will not betray ya."
Armande fell silent, and peered into her eyes. After an eternity, he
gave a
slight smile. "I believe you, beloved." He leaned towards her, and was
pleased to see a slight flush to her cheeks.
"Truth; sometimes brings pain; that is true. But I feel it best to
know the
truth. Secrets can destroy all that is precious." He felt a slight
pang of
guilt, for he had not been entirely truthful with Josie. But it was
too
soon for her to know. "I will help you, if you wish it."
Armande leaned in even closer to her, a hand stroking her cheek. "You
are
very beautiful Josette, a vision from my dreams." He said quietly,
listening to her heartbeat quicken.
Josie leaned into his hand as it caressed her warm cheek. The contrast
of
his smooth cool touch to her fevered skin as the heat radiated out from
the
fireplace. She closed her eyes for a moment to take in the moment, and
tried to still the rapid pounding of her heart. She did not understand
how
just being near him caused such delicious sensations that washed over
her
and seem to take over her senses.
He leaned closer, his lips almost touching hers. "I have been alone
for
such a long time, beloved." He whispered.
Josie hearing his soft confession willed her eyes to open. His face so
close.his lips so close to hers..dare she? Giving in to her body and
her
sudden need she leaned towards him to close the gap between them.
The soft cool silkiness of his lips on hers sent rivers of hot passion
coursing through her entire being.. she was caught up in a euphoric
rapture
that seem to suspend everything around her as she allowed herself to
accept
his offer.
Slowly feeling his arms wrap around her in an embrace Josie surrendered
and
allowed herself to find the sanctuary that he was offering.
"The hour grows late beloved...I have kept you too long...you need your
rest." Armande whispered softly in her ear. "Stay with me?"
NRPG-Second portion of the character development. Moving the story
along.
More to come!
[SUMMARY]
Armande takes Josie back to his family estates and they begin to talk
about
her past, and he questions her on what she remembers of her mother. The
confess some of their feelings and they kiss. Armande asks Josie to
stay
with him.
Respectfully submitted by
Carys Murray
Aka Josie
&
Chris Ackney
Aka
Armande, Elder of the Clan Tremere
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 3
Date: Wed, 27 Apr 2005 03:31:39 -0700
From: "Tree Deutscher" <treedr@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
Subject: [DL-N] Two boys in the hand are worth.....?
Day 6 Mid Evening
<Snip>
[Coo? Can you tell your rider to go see Ranker about his diner server?
We think some thing is wrong.] Kautiv asked less demanding so that
hopefully Breezy will not be mad at his soul mate.
<End Snip>
Breezy was distracted when Coo popped up with Kautiv's request and
nodded absently for a moment. Suddenly her head popped up her eyes
blinking in comprehension. *He must be talking about Delilah! What's
wrong with her?* The redhead demanded.
[Not sure just that his rider wants you!] The expectant mother replied
with an unconcerned yawn.
*Oh that's just great! I bet Ranker did something to upset her! Far be
it from him to act like a gentleman!* the woman quipped charging in the
direction of the jail. In the distance she could see Delilah hurrying
in the direction of the dining hall. Even as far away as she was Breezy
could tell the dark-haired woman was upset.
[=2E.] a few minutes later
"Alright Ranker! What did you do to her?"
Ranker was lying on the cot staring at the ceiling when she'd stormed
in and he lifted his head to arch a brow at her arrival. Seeing the
feisty redhead in a temper brought a mischievous grin to the big man's
face. "Hiya gorgeous. So I see you couldn't stay away?"
"Don't call me that! And you damn well know why I'm here!" Breezy
exclaimed hotly, shaking her finger at the prisoner. "You'd better not
be giving Delilah a hard time or I'll.."
Swinging his legs off the cot he sat up to look at the Sr. Wingleader,
"Just calm your cute little butt down! So she has a name!" Ranker
answered rolling the server's name off his lips with a lazy grin.
"Well, I didn't do nothing to her! She brings me food and then just
sits and stares at me. Now just so you know, I don't have a problem
having a pretty woman join me for dinner but the way she looks at me is
rather weird, and then all of a sudden she unloads on me like there's
no tomorrow!" Leaning back against the wall Ranker crossed his arms and
eyed the little redhead speculatively. "So what's her story anyway?"
Crossing her arms Breezy bowing her head to rub her eyes with a sigh,
debating on how much to tell him. Obviously Ranker must remind the
server of one of her captors and things she wanted to forget. That
would certainly account for her outburst if the big man was truthful
and Coo's relayed message from the man's dragon verified it. Relaxing
somewhat she eyed the man with a somber blue gaze. "Ranker, Delilah was
hurt by some very bad men, she was returned to us only a short while
ago and has been trying to heal the scars that they left. They were
crude, rude and obnoxious men, 'gee kind of like you'!" Breezy smirked
with a perky smile that faded as quickly as it had appeared. "My guess
is you, with your 'gentlemanly manners' remind her of one of them, and
that, is all you need to know!"
Turning to leave the petite woman stopped, "If she comes again do not
upset her! She's got a hard road to recover from and I would take it
very personally if you caused her any anguish."
The big man cocked his head contemplating her words then asked, "So
when's my trial?"
Breezy's eyes turned cold then turned to go again, "As soon as it can
be arranged."
"What about the investigation?" He added without emotion.
The redhead stopped, taking a deep breath through clenched teeth she
turned back, "It's going fine!" She retorted turning away.
"Breezy." Ranker called after her, his deep almost lilting use of her
name grated on the redhead's one last nerve.
"WHAT?" She shouted spinning around to glare at him.
Ranker wore a smug expression and lazily folded his hands too twiddle
his thumbs methodically, "You know what your problem is? I'm innocent
and you can't stand it. You're not being a very good advocate you
know."
Closing her eyes she took another deep breath and clenched her teeth
together tightly. It was a very slow exhale as she fought to keep from
seriously losing her temper. Damn Jeneve for putting her in this
position. She didn't even like the man, he irritated her too no end
with his arrogant attitude. But her personal feelings didn't matter,
not really. She didn't have to like him to defend him. But there was
something about Ranker ...something that she couldn't quite put her
finger on. Maybe it was because he reminded her a bit of herself when
she was that age. He was a young hotheaded, brassy smart-ass. She'd
herself hadn't been much different, but she had grown a lot wiser over
the years, something she doubted Ranker would ever do mainly because
he'd probably get himself killed first and then she wouldn't have to
worry about defending him. Yet, all the evidence pointed in favor of
his defense. Ranker had admitted to taking a life, but it was in
self-defense so technically the worse he could really be charged for
was using excessive force and Breezy wasn't really sure there was a law
covering that. But the villagers didn't care they were demanding blood
so it was a very sticky situation. And Coo was making it even harder
with her damn moodiness plus she had taken a liking to Kautiv. Dumb
female dragons, they were such pushovers for a juicy buck. Breezy
sighed inwardly and opened her eyes. Come what may she would do what
was asked of her to the best of her ability, if what she'd learned was
true that might make her rather unpopular with the villagers.
"You haven't had your neck stretched yet Ranker, so I'd say at the
moment I'm a pretty damned good advocate! And right now the only one
you've got!" Not giving him a chance to respond the Sr. Wingleader
hurried out leaving the warrior to ponder her words.
Day 8 Early Morning
Tallon watched the proceedings with a detached interest. Hatchings were
always exciting but his attention lie more with the woman seated next
to him. Wisps of pale blonde curled around her cheeks and the look in
her eyes was truly compelling, as her gaze never left the golden
dragon. She had grown so beautiful over the long winter and each time
he looked at her it was as if he was seeing her for the first time and
it took his breath away. They had spent the previous day cloistered in
her office getting reacquainted and discussing the trials of the
ill-fated winter months. It burned him to the core to think how she had
suffered and the decisions she'd been faced with. She was too young,
too innocent to have to deal with such tribulations alone. Despite the
topic, it had been a wonderful time just being in her company. Tallon
had found himself hard pressed to be a 'good boy' and not lock the door
to her office and ravish her on the spot as he found himself falling
deeper under her spell with each passing moment. It had taken all his
will power to 'not' try and be a lover, but a compassionate suitor
instead. She was the epitome of all that was good and he would not
press her. Being the gentleman and walking away from her last night had
been one of the hardest things he'd ever done especially when she had
so sweetly invited him for a nightcap in her quarters.
Feeling the silvery gaze Jeneve turned to glance at Tallon giving him a
warm smile. Returning the smile he marveled at how innocent she was...
well sort of. It had nagged at him the moment he'd found out about
Malani's flight. He knew the ramifications of it and it pricked at his
pride that someone else had taken what he felt was rightfully his.
There had been some rumors of a child from the Captain of his guard,
but so far none of his soldiers had been able to verify this for sure,
only that there had been a recent funeral pyre for some lost residents.
But they'd only been here a short time so he was sure to hear more as
the days wore on. During their conversation yesterday he noticed at
times that she could barely make eye contact when their conversation
touched on more personal things. It was as if a dark cloud hang between
them and he was sure the mating flight that had brought about this
clutch was the reason why.
Tallon's stormy gray eyes scanned the crowed seeking out males in rider
garb wondering who the 'winner' had been. A brief surge of jealousy
flared at the thought of Jeneve with someone else, but the young Lord
bit his lip willing the feeling away. She was not his yet, he had no
claim. Yet he would have liked to think she'd been taken against her
will, that she'd no choice in the matter. In a way she really didn't,
like it or not he knew the ways of the dragons and the flights were a
by-product of the joining and something people learned to live with, so
he really couldn't fault her for her actions. But it still stung his
pride regardless and even though he could understand it at least to a
point, he didn't like it one bit and knew this could put a wedge
between them in the future. If such an occurrence had happened while he
was here he would be hard pressed not to kill any man that touched her.
Giving her a sidelong glance he sighed inwardly, even though her
maidenhead had been taken, her innocence of the heart shone like
shining beacon and he found he wanted her even more because of it. He
didn't like comparing her to Ryenne as they were two totally different
women. But Jeneve had the same gentle purity of heart as his dead wife
and it drew him to the beautiful warrenlady in the same way it had done
years ago with Ryenne. The remembrance of his lost wife brought Tallon
a brief stab of pain. Sadly, it was her innocence that had cost her,
her life and that of their unborn child, his only heir at least so far.
Why had she not listened to him?
A squeezing of his hand brought the Lord out of his reverie and Tallon
found pale green eyes staring at him in concern.
"You had such a sad look Tallon is everything okay?" Jeneve questioned
softly.
Dropping his gaze to the dainty hand gripping his tightly he
immediately wrapped his other hand around hers. "I'm fine, it's just
that..well, actually..." he paused for a moment before continuing, "I
haven't been to a hatching since before Ryenne..." He answered giving
her the faintest of smiles.
"Oh Tallon, I'm so sorry I didn't realize! You must be.."
"Just fine!" He instantly brightened. Wrapping his arm around her he
pulled Jeneve into the crook of his arm. Gazing warmly down into eyes
brimming with compassionate Tallon's face split into a huge grin, "My
sweet Jeneve," he chuckled pressing his lips to her pale brow inhaling
the wonderful fragrance of her perfume.. "Life goes on beautiful lady,
and right now I am here with you, and I can't think of any other place
I want to be, or anyone else I want to be with!"
The Warrenlady's adoring smile made his head swim with emotion and he
lowered his head to fully kiss her when the sound of a clearing throat
broke the spell.
"I'm so sorry for interrupting?" the male queenrider asked seating
himself next to Jeneve.
"Dev!" the queenrider exclaimed breathlessly, "Not at all! I was
wondering where you were?"
Ignoring the glare from the other Lord, Devareaux smiled graciously at
the willowy blonde. "Actually I was 'milling' around in the crowd but
it was pointed out that 'officials'" he stressed with a chuckled,
"needed to be in the 'official section' of the bleachers."
His sexy deep baritone brought sighs from a group of young girls
sitting nearby and he rewarded them with a smile to match sending them
into twittering giggles. Turning back to the Warrenlady he smiled,
"Deeva, is enjoying herself immensely and asked me to thank you for
inviting us to stay. She loves hatchings and is doing her best to keep
Malani's spirits up and, irritate her favorite iridescent dragon of
course."
Jeneve laughed softly giving him a huge smile, which then promptly
drooped a little, "I'm really worried about her Dev."
Taking her free hand Dev patted it fondly, "Don't worry Jeneve, Deeva
will help all she can."
The blonde nodded and turned her gaze back to Lord Marquel. "Tallon,
Dev has really been a god send. He's been so helpful since his arrival,
I don't know what I would have done without him."
Fuming at the interruption, Tallon nodded a bit too graciously to Lord
Wellington, Their eyes locked for a moment and a brief battle of wills
ensured until another happy shout came from the sands. Jeneve appeared
oblivious to the tension between the two men as each held her hand.
Even though it hadn't taken long to figure out the other man's measure
Jeneve appeared to be a bit too taken by the cross-joined queenrider.
He didn't like competition in any form and the fact that Wellington was
a fellow noble stuck in his craw more then he cared to admit. Even
though he'd never actually met the youngest Wellington before he knew
of him as the gay blade was quite the hushed topic of conversation at
court. Thankfully he was only visiting and would be gone soon from what
he'd heard.
Just then Jeneve leaned towards the male queenrider, "Dev, there is
something I've been meaning to ask you something and with Tallon as a
witness it's probably as good a time as any."
Both men stared at the Warrenlady curiously and she blushed prettily at
their questioning attention.
Gently squeezing Lord Marquel's hand for support she gazed into Lord
Wellington's handsome face with a gentle sigh. "I would be forever
grateful if you and Deeva would consider staying on with us
permanently?"
Devareaux blinked in surprise, Tallon stifled a choke of irritation as
both men gaped at the beautiful blonde.
"I'm flattered milady, but you already have a new queen on the way, you
have no need of another." Dev questioned, quite pleased by her offer.
Cupping the male queenrider's hand in hers Jeneve's smile was touched
by a hint of sadness. "Oh on the contrary Dev, after the battle with
Brona and the Dark Riders, and then this horrible winter," a brief
flash of pain flashed across Jeneve's face at the mention of Ka'Laren's
gang, . "our numbers have been greatly diminished. I may not be a
strategist like Breezy, but I can count!"
Dev couldn't help but smile, "True, Norwall is a large warren to be
sure." He answered thoughtfully ignoring the glares from the other
Lord.
"And our Wings have always been much smaller in comparison to some of
the other warrens. With as much territory as we have to cover we really
need to increase our numbers and too also set up more outposts as it
were. Maybe even one at Wernham!" She added with a radiant smile to
Tallon mentioning his ancestral home.
Devareaux grinned, "I am impressed Jeneve, Breezy is right, you are
truly coming into your own."
The blonde blushed, "Thank you Dev, I've had a good teacher. But when I
was recently..uhh, ill and you so graciously stepped in to help take on
some of the load and help Breezy I realized how much I have come to
value your guidance and friendship.
It was Dev's turn to blush as he nodded at the young woman. "As I
yours."
Tallon on the other hand was having a hard time not choking back his
impatience at this 'tender exchange'. He would definitely have to do
something about this turn of events. "Why darling," the gray-eyed man
spoke up, "I'm sure Lord Wellington is kept quite busy between his
family duties at home and his dragon. "
Hearing the underlying tone Dev smiled sardonically at Tallon his
mannerisms immediately leaning towards a mock foppiness. "Why Lord
Marguel, I'm not attached to any unit and I think settling here in
Norwall would be a wonderful idea. Deeva has been prodding me to 'land
somewhere' and I can't think of a better place."
"Wonderful!" Jeneve gushed throwing her arms around the male queenrider
in a huge hug. Suddenly remembering herself she quickly leaned back in
the crook of Tallon's arm and smiled up at him. "Isn't that wonderful
Tallon! With Dev here I could visit your family without worrying! I
would love to see your mother and father again!"
Marquel pursed his lips trying not to frown, maybe the fop had merit
after all. Brushing a lock of blond from her cheek he forced a smile.
"My family would love to see you. Mother simply adores you and has done
nothing but talk about you all winter."
"Really!" Jeneve smiled coyly lowering her long lashes.
"Oh yes and the amount of crates in my quarters are definitely proof
you have my mother's undying devotion."
Jeneve blinked in surprise. "Crates?"
He tweaked her nose with a grin as another shout from the crowd went
up. "Yes crates. Presents for you from the family mostly my Mother."
"Presents for me?" Really?"
The young lord laughed, "Yes for you! I was going to surprise you with
them but obviously I let the cat out of the bag!" Pleased that Jeneve's
attention was finally back on him.
A little grin came to her face as she straightened and stared out
across the sands. Giving him an adorable sidelong glance her grin
broadened. "Presents for me," she whispered in a 'little girl' tone. To
which both men laughed at her lilting tone.
[=2E.] a few minutes later
Coo's head snapped up and whipped around to stare open mouthed at the
flaming red dragon as if the queen had suddenly grown a second head.
[She's got to be kidding!] The draconic babble filled the Sr.
Wingleaders head making Breezy blink in surprise. Turning to look at
her friend she found Devareaux looking at her with a sly smile and the
little redhead grinned back giving him a thumbs up sign before turning
back to the delighted joiners.
Dev's fate was sealed, he was now a resident of Norwall and his fiery
beauty couldn't be happier then if the hatchlings were hers. The fangy
grin from the crimson queen flashed brilliantly his direction bringing
a smile from the young lord.
NRPG: No real tags just moving along, unless you want to add something
Carina.
Respectfully submitted by,
Tree Deutscher
AKA
Breezy, Tallon, Dev & Deeva
***Summary***
Day 6 Afternoon
An unhappy Breezy goes to visit Ranker and gives the man a piece of her
mind,
Day 8 Morning
As the hatching Tallon is enjoying Jeneve's company when they are
interrupted by Dev.
Jeneve asks Dev to stay on permanently much to Tallon's chagrin.
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