There are 2 messages in this issue.
Topics in this digest:
1. [DL-W] - Holding On and Letting Go
From: "carys murray" <carysmurray@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
2. [DL-N] The Day Goes On
From: "Tree Deutscher" <treedr@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 1
Date: Sat, 17 Sep 2005 12:33:06 -0700
From: "carys murray" <carysmurray@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
Subject: [DL-W] - Holding On and Letting Go
Day 17
Early Morning
Ari smiled lovingly at J'red as he held her while he spun her around
the
room. Her heart was light and felt as if her face would break she
could not
stop smiling. She loved the feeling of spinning around in his arms...it
was
almost as if she were flying.
Flying free the wind ruffling her hair as it kissed her cheeks before
passing by. She felt the strong arms of her lover holding her.only now
they
were on dragonback and she smiled and nestled in the embrace.
She leaned back and closed her eyes once more to take in the wondrous
feelings that coursed through her.
<*Little One, I hate to disturb this nice fuzzy moment.but...YOU are
late...
AGAIN*>
*Late!* Ari's eyes flew open to find herself in a dark room...in bed
with..she smiled and tried to snuggle deeper next to J'red and return
to the
nice dream she was having.
<*Little one...*> the voice in her head ****ged her again. <*perhaps
you are
right...I don't think you need to bother with Ash'chenon and his
lesson...*>
Ari's eyes flew open again as she lurched forward. She turned to see
if she
had disturbed him; she had not. She smiled and slipped from their bed,
grabbing the clothes she had worn last night.
She went out into the other room and looked about and realized she had
no
regular clothes and put the beautiful dress back on. She did like the
feeling of it against her skin and wondered if she would ever wear such
a
dress again.
She looked around his well ordered and neat quarters and found the
place he
kept paperwork. She scribbled a quick note to let him know where she
had
gone and hinted she would love to meet up later in the day.
She placed it in a conspicuous place, took one look around the room to
make
sure she did not forget anything..and slipped out to join Azhy.
Firefly was
also there and she went and nuzzled with him.
*Mornin dear one.* she whispered softly and nuzzled his snout. *Please
let
J'red know I love him, but I need ta begin my mornin rounds?*
<I shall> Firefly responded and returned her nuzzling. She grinned and
kissed his snout and hopped on the back of Azhy and launched off the
ledge
to begin her day.
After a quick stop at her place and a change of clothes..more suitable
for
her day, Azhy dropped her off on the Green and as she made her way to
the
Dining Hall, Azhy caught a glimpse of Nightwind and the two were off
for a
spot of hunting.
Ari slipped into the Dining Hall and made sure Jael and any of his
buddies
were not around and grabbed a fresh muffin and a mug of rich warm
coffee and
slipped out the side door and headed for the medical center.
She made her morning rounds and checked all her patients, and made sure
they
were resting fine. Most were in for minor ailments and treatments, and
so
her case load was light.
Her next stop was the hatching sands and she chatted briefly with the
Queen
and both agreed the eggs would soon be hatching. Both felt it would go
well
and neither one voiced their concerns.
With that quick business done, Ari headed for Ash's place to begin her
training with him and perhaps speak with him over the previous nights
encounter with Reginald. Ari was still walking on clouds with the
knowledge
she was indeed free. She knew that swearing the oath to both Merissa
and
the DragonLady, she was free from anything the King would demand.
The King was not what was bothering her. Reginald and her mother were.
Ari
just knew that once she had her training session with Ash, he would
help her
see where to put this bit of business and help her move on to what she
wanted and give her the proper steps to begin her new life on her new
path.
As she reached Ash's place...she noticed he was not waiting for her as
he
always did. The place looked dark and empty. She closed her eyes and
reached out for Wyndamenth and got only a faint reading.
She relaxed and took a deep breath. Perhaps they had gone for an early
morning ride and he too wished to find his focus. She had not seen him
about much these last few days. She had been rather wrapped up in the
drama
of the ball and all.
She felt bad for Ash had always been there for her, and offered her a
way
out of the mess she was in. He had given her training that she had
indeed
used and she longed for more.
He had opened up a new path for her and it was one she wished to
complete
and continue on. She hoped she had not let him down for missing a
training
session. She had caught a glimpse of him at the Ball, and she had
smiled.
She suddenly got an idea and smiled. She would wait for him. He would
return to find her practicing the art he was teaching her, and that way
he
would know she was indeed serious and took this gift offered as serious
as
he did.
Ari set up her practice area in front of his quarters and in the early
morning light she began the ritual of practice and let herself be lost
in
the simplicity of the movements and let her mind flow free and emptied
of
all cluttered thought.
She allowed his teaching to flow through her and her body danced the
movements he had taught her. Yes he would return to find his student
ready
and waiting for the next lesson.
* * * * *
Late Morning
<*Your Highness...the Prince wishes to see you for tea in his quarters
before he must leave..and the Wingleader wishes your presence for a
private
luncheon in his office*>
Azhy formally re****ted her itinerary altho Ari could hear his droll
tone and
even the rolling of his eyes.
*Thank you Az* she replied rolling her own eyes.
<*I heard that*> he quipped in a teasing manner. To feel her heart so
light, to not feel the near craven fear that she had carried these past
days. It felt good to have his heart return to her impish ways.
Ari laughed out loud and did not mind the few funny looks as she walked
along the path towards the guest quarters. She really was going to
miss her
cousin. She wished there was a way to keep in touch with him on a
daily
basis, but he had his life and she had hers...thanks to him...would she
ever
really be able to repay him for all he had done?
She rapped on the door and Amos opened it. He grinned when he saw her
and
then remembering both their places..bowed formally and invited her in.
Ari
teared up, for in his simple way he always had made her feel welcome.
Ari broke protocol and hugged the large man. "Thank ya for everything
Amos." She whispered feeling her tears rise and begin to swim.
The large man said nothing, for to do so, he would loose what little
self
control he had left. He would miss this little one. She brought such
a
breath of fresh air into their well ordered, rather boring life.
Ari broke the embrace and smiled at him. She looked past him and saw
Miss
Meri standing there...she was smiling as well, altho she too had tears
in
her eyes.
"I wish you well my lady" she said as she gathered her up in her arms.
To
hold this one that in her heart had been promised to her so many years
ago.
But, she also knew that it had not been meant to be, and it was not
meant to
be now.
"Thank ya for all ya done for me..for tryin ta make me inta a lady."
Ari
whispered softly her tears now flowing freely.
"It was in you my lady, always has..don't you forget that. You turned
out
far better than any of us could have wished for." Ari snuggled into
the
woman's embrace and held on tight.
Despite their difference of opinions of what was best for her, Ari
loved her
and would miss her terribly. "I shall miss ya something awful ya
know." Ari
confessed.
Meriwen smiled and chuckled warmly. "All ya need to do my lady is send
word
if you are coming our way, and we shall make ready."
Ari stepped back and nodded. It really was hard to let them go. They
had
only been here about a week's time. That was like only 5 to 7 days;
such a
great impact in her life in just a few days.
"Yes dearest Cousin, all you need to do is send word and what ever you
need
we will aide you"
Ari hearing her cousin's voice turned to face the man she had once
feared,
and even loathed slightly. How wrong her mother had been, and she felt
sad
suddenly that her mother had cut them off and chose to live in
isolation.
"Same applies ta any of ya'll." Ari answered. "We be blood Reolden,
and tis
one fact I've learned..ya take care of thy own."
Reolden stepped forward and took her in his arms. He hugged her deeply
and
held her for a moment. He was overjoyed that he had been able to free
her
and give her a chance at the life she wished for.
He also was torn, and for selfish reasons, wished he could take her
with
him. She brought such a simple joy for life with her, and he did not
wish
to lose that.
Reolden released her. He too felt the tears rise. He took her by the
hands
and smiled at her. "I so do not wish to let you go" he whispered softly
and
smiled.
Ari nodded, for she too felt this way. How was she to learn to live
again
with these people that had become such a part of her?
"Holdin on and lettin go.be the arts the soul must know" she whispered
in
reply. She felt the tears rise again, the tightness in her chest
squeeze
the air from her lungs.
Reolden nodded as he whispered the rhyme along with her. He smiled and
pressed a small trinket in her palm
"It is fitting that you should wear this." He said as he pressed their
foreheads together. "It is the ring our great-grandmother wore. That
was
her favorite saying, and I was asked to find one worthy of wearing it."
Reolden pulled back and smiled.
"I can find no one more worthy." He whispered and kissed her cheek.
Ari felt the tears flow as he picked up the tiny band of green stones
and
placed it on her right finger.
Meriwen stepped forward at the moment with the tea tray and they all
went
into the room and sat to enjoy their last time together.
* * * * *
Noon
Ari walked slowly towards J'red's office and contemplated her new path.
SO
many changes in such a short time; she looked back over the events and
marveled she had come away with so many blessings and gifts. She was
truly
blessed, and she felt stronger and more sure of herself.
She smiled at the day and her surroundings, as if she was seeing them
once
again fresh with new eyes. She wondered if Ash had returned, and so
she
detoured and stopped by his place.
It was still dark and empty and she hoped he was alright. She knew
that Wyn
was doin well and growing stronger...perhaps he had taken this day to
find
his balance and see if his new path was in sight.
Ari knew that Ash had much to work through. She knew the rumors and
heard
some of the whispers. But she had touched his heart..she had seen
within
his soul...she knew his measure.
She was sad that she was not able to share her thanks for his aide and
help,
but she knew he would return and they would pick up her lessons. She
made a
quick run through and checked on her patients.
She heard some whisperings of the new of Corra's death and it now
seemed the
other one..Elsa! Elsa was missing. Ari frowned on that news, and
pondered
its possible meaning. She hoped that perhaps she had gone to visit her
son..the one she talked about in such glowing terms.
Ari slipped into the Queen-riders offices and walked down the hall with
a
lightness to her step. The door was slightly ajar and Ari squared her
shoulders and hoped she looked presentable. She rapped lightly on the
door
and hearing J'red voice inviting her in she stepped into the office and
smiled as he turned to see who it was.
His face said all that was needed. No words were necessary. One step
and he
took her in his arms and held her close. Ari nestled within his
embrace.
"How has your day gone?" He asked. He was still in awe that she was
his.
Altho they had not truly spoken about it, they had been too busy last
night
with other things.
"I said my farewells to some of our guests." She answered, feeling her
emotions rise and tighten her chest and throat again.
J'red smiled and nodded and kissed the top of her head and squeezed her
tightly to show his sup****t.
"Well, I have ordered us some lunch, and it should be here soon." He
offered. Ari nodded and with another knock on the door, they stepped
back
from each other as the food was delivered.
They laughed and munched, giggled and talked of many things. It was a
cheery part of Ari's day and she knew that J'red too enjoyed it as
well.
Ari helped clear up the mess and offered to return the dishes to the
Dining
Hall so he could go to the meeting with Merissa and the Jr.
Queenriders.
She kissed him at the door and headed out to finish up her list of
chores,
duties and errands.
* * * * * *
Late Afternoon
Ari stood on the Green next to J'red watching the farewell of her
cousin and
his entourage. She felt her emotions rise once again as she saw him
turn
and make his way to her.
[SNIP]
Reolden then made his way to where Ari stood next to J'red.
He shook J'red's hand before turning to his cousin.
[END SNIP]
"Be well Ari." He said softly clasping both her hands, admiring the
tiny
delicate band of green stones on her right hand. "Remember."
Ari felt the tears begin to flow and she nodded. "Holdin on and Lettin
go."
She whispered.
Reolden smiled and stepped forward and embraced her for a moment and
then
kissed her cheek.
"I promise we shall see each other soon." He vowed.
He stepped back and nodded to J'red. He was happy to know she would be
well
cared for and protected and she would be happy. That was all that
mattered.
Reolden stepped to Trindal and got settled in. He waved to all and
with one
leap and graceful flapping of wings they were air born and in a wink of
an
eye they were gone from sight.
J'red wrapped his arm around her and they stood for a moment in
silence.
Both hearts were full of gratitude. Ari noticed Merissa too stood for
a
time, before everyone just slipped away, back to their duties and their
life
back to normal.
"I would like to escort you to the carnival this evening." J'red spoke
after
some silence.
Ari smiled and turned to him. "I would like that, I have never been ta
one
before."
"Then I shall remedy that." He replied.
[TAG Arle - time for an adventure]
[Summary]
Early Morning - Ari is awoken from her dream by Azhy reminding her she
is
late. She gets up, leaves a note and slips out to begin her day. Makes
her
quick rounds and heads to Ash's place for her lesson to find him gone.
Late Morning- Ari is informed of her engagements with both her cousin
and
J'red. She goes to the guest quarters and says her goodbyes. Reolden
gifts
her with a ring from their great-grandmother.
Noon - Ari makes her way to J'red's office for their lunch date, they
enjoy
some quiet time alone before their busy afternoon begins.
Late Afternoon - Ari and J'red join in on Reolden's departure and speak
with
him privately for a moment before he leaves. After he is gone J'red
asks
Ari if he could escort her to the Carnival and she agrees, having never
been
to one.
Respectfully Submitted by
Carys Murray
Aka Ari Rider of Azhy and Dragonhealer for WhiteRiver
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 2
Date: Sat, 17 Sep 2005 22:51:24 -0700
From: "Tree Deutscher" <treedr@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
Subject: [DL-N] The Day Goes On
Day 9 Early Morning
Delilah was already in the dining hall helping her Uncle and the lead
baker Margo prepare for the day. The savory smell of pigs already
cooking on the outside spit made her mouth water almost as much as
Margo's delicate pastries. A full mug of hot coffee sat on the table,
wispy tendrils of steam rose from the heavy cup as she scalded goats
milk to a frothy foam before adding it to the darkened brew then
sweetening it with a lump of sugar. She had never been able to drink it
black as many of the others and Jerlin would tease her about having
coffee with her cream and sugar. Her cheeks were flushed as she took a
careful sip then began rolling out dough for biscuits and filling
muffin tins with fruit sweetened batter. A little smile came to her
face as the baker and the cook began their morning ritual of teasing
each other about 'who' was the best at 'what.' Occasionally the two
would have what the Warren fondly called a bake off. But the true
winner of that competition was the residents themselves as word would
spread like wildfire that the cooks were 'on it again' and the dining
hall would quickly fill for some scrumptious taste testing. But this
morning was not to be one of those days as the two prepared foods and
breads for tender stomachs and nagging headaches from the partygoers of
the night before.
"Fill another urn Dixie and get another pot going. We're going to need
it!" Uncle chuckled pulling a pan of toasted bread from the oven.
A squeaky yawn sounded in her head and Delilah jumped looking around
warily. Realizing what it was she glanced over at the Head Cook who was
eyeing her closely. "I don't know if I will ever get used to having
someone in my head all of the time."
"Ahhh, the little one is awake?"
The dark-haired woman nodded carefully cutting out circles in the
rolled out dough. "Barely! But it's kind of weird you know!" She
answered wrinkling up her nose at the man.
Jerlin laughed then waved at Margo, "Woman, my niece has a dragon in
her head!" He beamed with pride.
The baker laughed, "Well, I suppose it's probably better then having a
hangover AND a dragon in the head! She sure is a sweet little thing!"
Delilah sputtered at them both waving a rolling pin at them, "And I
have no doubt that you two will have her spoiled rotten in no time
soon!"
[Rider? I'm awake now and very hungry.] came another tiny yawn. [Momma
says I can come be by her and she will bring me to see you and my new
Uncle but Queen Malani won't let me go. Would you please come feed me?]
....
As was natural, Purity had curled up with the rest of the hatchlings
the night before but not without the security of wrapping her tail
around her Mother's as Coo had slept as close to the nest as possible
to keep watch over her little one. The iridescent female understood the
hatchlings need to be close to each other, but she wasn't about to let
Malani push her away from her own baby. Thankfully Deeva's wise
interference had kept the two new mothers' at bay.
It had been the wee hours of the morning when the non-queen mother had
woken, her stomach rumbling from hunger. The weeks of being confined in
the cave, worrying over her fragile misshapen egg were over. Her
eggling was alive and well with a rider of her own, and in the days to
come would grow and learn the ways of the warren dragons as so many had
before. Arching her long neck she gently nuzzled the creamy white head
nestled in the colorful pile of sleeping hatchlings. A few little
snouts lifted to nose the sea-green female but immediately fell back
into the blissful sleep of the young. Lifting up to her full height Coo
silently stretched her wings working out the kinks from non-use. Fresh
air and a short flight was exactly what she needed. Sending a message
to Deeva the crimson queen lifted her head to watch the sparkling
female pass as Coo lumbered towards the opening of the cave.
..
After a short flight and sated from a meal of a sleeping cow from the
stockyard Coo settled down on a ledge just outside the hatching cave.
Close enough to get to her little one if needed, but still able to
watch the coming dawn, her favorite time of day.
Large emerald green eyes watched the waking of the warren, the comings
and goings, as the human's prepared for the day. It felt good to be
free of the confines of the hatching cave even if just for a bit. Her
scaly lips curled upward seeing her rider going to the offices, it was
obvious her human was not in a good mood. But then many things had been
bothering the little sister as of late, foremost her relation****p with
her mate. Coo could never begin to understand the workings of the human
mind. Not that she really wanted too either, humans made things way too
complicated when it was really all very simple. A faint cooing rumbled
in her throat as she saw the human hatchling enter the offices.
Hopefully Dizzi one would go see her rider and cheer her up.
....
When she woke the pearly female immediately stretched out her mind,
first to her Mother, and Coo knowing that Purity's rider was already in
the kitchens thought that the tiny dragon should be there too. As much
as she would have liked her baby to stay with her the gleaming female
knew the way of the bond and it was best that hatchling and human be
together as much as possible these first few days.
<Mama, Queen Malani won't let me come, she wants me to stay but I want
to go with my...**OUCH** came the shrill squeak through the dragons
telepathic link <Semajie get off my tail!> Purity squealed as she was
scooped into the heap of hatchlings with Malani's golden tail.
Talking to both Purity and her own rider Coo rose to her feet a surge
of anger at Malani for denying her baby her freedom. A strange roar
coming from the ground vibrated through her as the ledge suddenly
bucked beneath her feet and the sea-green female dropped from the low
ledge spreading her wings at an angle that would lift her upward enough
to skim the ground. It was disorienting as the landscape appeared to
roll strangely, with rocks from the cliff's breaking loose. The mighty
Qualis almost fell of his ledge as it partially broke away beneath his
feet. Luckily his rider managed to get astride before the red and blue
dragon dropped away. Other riders weren't so lucky and were unable to
mount up before their fearful dragons took flight leaving them to seek
safety within their cave apartments.
What seemed like an eternity was in reality only mere seconds but it
was enough to send the warren into chaos as people rushed from their
homes in panic and confusion.
....
Breezy sprinted out of her office and almost ran directly into Jeneve
in the hall. "Are you okay?" The Sr. Wingleader asked grabbing the
Warrenlady by the arm, The tall blonde nodded, "I must get to..."
"The hatchlings!!!" Breezy exclaimed hearing Coo's panicked calls in
her head.
The two women raced from the office and gasped at the chaos outside.
The sky was filled with dragons and people were frantically running
everywhere. Stopping for a brief moment to make sure it had really
stopped Breezy and Jeneve looked around at the pandemonium before them.
As was her habit Selena appeared out of nowhere. with Dev and Tallon
not too far behind. Assuring herself that everyone was okay,
"I'll assemble the Homeguard!" She said with a curt nod.
Breezy nodded then turned to Jeneve, "I'll have K'tarr assemble the
Wings so we can get a head count to make sure no one was injured."
The Warrenlady nodded, "I'll check the dining hall and then meet you at
the hatching cavern." She answered her eyes glazing for a brief moment.
"Captain," Dev formally addressed Selena, "I'll go with you, we can
split up the guard and cover more ground that way. We'll need to check
the residents and make sure there are no cave-ins." The tall woman
nodded and the two hurried off.
Now that the ground shaking had stopped the dragons were starting to
land on the green and Breezy caught a sparkly streak out of the corner
of her eye flying straight towards the hatching cave. "I'll check the
trainee barracks on my way!!" The warrenlady nodded and hurried towards
the dining and crafters hall accompanied by Lord Tallon. Breezy broke
into a run heading for the training barracks only to find M'lent and
Galen already there. The look of relief on their faces told her that at
least in one place, all was well.
.....
Malani's worry over Lily spread through the dragons and several hovered
near the mouth of the hatching cave as the humans began to arrive. The
newest queenrider was one of the first into the cavern with a few of
the others in hot pursuit. D'lion and Cloud were sitting in a way that
blocked her view and Breezy almost collided with Delilah as they both
hurried into the cavern on the heels of Dargis and Link. Coo had
managed to get past the upset Malani and Purity was now huddling under
her mother's wing anxiously waiting for her human.
"Dargis," Breezy said touching the gardner's shoulder, "Can you please
check on Mallory and Lily? Link and I will see to the others, that is
if Malani will even let us close. The young man nodded cautiously
moving to stay in the shadows while Breezy glanced up at the tall
courier. "I was looking for Dizzi?" He said his voice tinged with
concern.
Breezy half smiled, "Don't worry she is in my office and hopefully
doing what she was told to do." Silently she hoped that Jeneve would
hurry. The wild look in the golden queen's eyes spelled trouble and it
was obvious Deeva and Coo weren't able to calm her any longer.
{Tag: Carina, Is Malani going to give up the babies to their riders So
Breezy can round 'em up! J ]
[..] Later
The Med Center had been kept busy most of the morning attending to
minor wounds and a few broken bones, but the damage of the ground shake
was thankfully minimal in comparison to what it could be. The Warreners
did what they have always done and that was to band together. Like
well-oiled gears, masons, carpenters, potters, riders and dragons alike
became as one and soon the crater bowl was a hive of activity. The
Vendors tents and stalls that had collapsed were soon were back up with
several new sup****t poles in place. Large wooden troughs were erected
and in them several of the women and children mixed and stirred a
special mud-like mortar in them for filling cracks in the rock walls.
Dragon's roars echoed off the stone as they used their massive strength
to move the heavy rocks that had fallen. Crude scaffoldings hung
suspended along the cliff walls as mason's repaired and re-formed
apartment ledges each worker with a safety tether tied to a dragon
perched atop the rim.
Many worked straight through the noonday meal not wi****ng to slow the
momentum that had been established. Everyone that was able was tasked
and while the laborers, hammered, pounded and troweled, the young
fetched supplies back and forth, while others rolled bandages and
restocked supplies. Extra pigs had been put on to roast and the
trainees doing their best to help whereever were hard pressed to keep
their hungry hatchling's away from the tantalizing aromas. Long tables
began to appear in preparation for the coming meal and the droning hum
that filled the warren was one of companionable purpose.
It was mid-afternoon when the dinner bell rang.
{Tag: Just a little scene setting for anyone that wants to jump in.}
Respectfully submitted by,
Tree Deutscher
AKA
Breezy and Coo
***Summary***
Day 9
Pre - Dawn -
A hungry Coo wakes up and takes a short flight, has a snack then
settles on a ledge outside the hatching cavern to watch the dawn.
Early Morning -
- Delilah helps in the kitchen until Purity wakes up.
- Purity at her Mothers suggestion wants to go by her ride buy Malani
stops her. The earthquake hits as an angry Coo goes to 'rescue' Purity
- Breezy and Jeneve leave the offices and as they view the chaos
Selena, Dev and Tallon show up. They all go different directions to
check on people and damage and meet at the hatching cavern where Breey
runs into Delilah, Dargis and Link.
Mid Afternoon
- The Warreners pull together to help tend the wounded and repair the
damage. In mid afternoon the dinner bell rings
________________________________________________________________________
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