There are 3 messages in this issue.
Topics in this digest:
1. [DL-N] Born with a pearl
From: Katie <wildcat10984@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
2. [DL-N] The Fine Art of Dragon Drool-ing
From: "Tree Deutscher" <treedr@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
3. [DL-N] Death's Door
From: "Tree Deutscher" <treedr@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Message: 1
Date: Thu, 8 Dec 2005 13:18:40 -0800 (PST)
From: Katie <wildcat10984@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
Subject: [DL-N] Born with a pearl
Day 9
Late afternoon.
Jocko had heard what had happen in the caves that little Dizzi
had found, he and Bazil went to go have a look see. The guards were
gone... others would be here soon. Once at the mouth, Jocko had a
funny feeling. A cold wind was blowing out and something didn't smell
right. First thing that popped into his mind was the 'other' cave
that Breezy had taken him too. That's all they needed is for one of
those dead things to be in there. He rolled his eyes, to have a nest
of them... when they were alive. That's right 'when' they were alive.
[When what was alive...who's dead?]
*Nothing you need to worry about.* He said as he took a step toward
the mouth.
[Want to go in?]
*Yeah and have Breezy rip me a new one?*
[A new what?] The little dragon looked up his with his golden eye.
He rubbed his temple. *Never mind.* He looked up just as a tail
disappeared into the mouth. *Bazil!*
[Come on its nice and cool in here.]
Jocko stepped in after him. *I can't see and I know damn well you
can't either. Now come on.*
[Please... can we go in?] He begged.
*No.. maybe later ok?*
[You just won't go in cause I don't see with one eye.] He huffed and
turned around.
*No its not... I can' t see either. I don't know what's down there
and all I need is for us to get stuck down there and get hurt.*
[Fine....] He grumbled then made a roar bark that echoed though the
tunnel. He turned his tail thumping up and down. [Some one is in
there!] He charged back in.
*No.. its a echo...Bazil.. come back here.* He ran back in after the
little dragon. Soon visibly was gone. *Bazil?* Jocko placed his hand on
the wall so he could go in one direction.
[Why is there no like in here?] Bazil calmly asked.
*Cause the sun can't shine though rock.* Now lets go back. He reached
out to the little dragon but felt nothing.
[Oh...]
Jocko could hear the little browns tail swishing back and forth on
the ground. A random roar barks that echoed in the cave and in his
mind as Arrr.
[Could books be in here?]
*Wh..at.. no, well maybe but books can't hurt you.*
[I'm not sure... that book that I defeated that was attacking you
sounded mean.]
*Oh...* Again he rubbed his temples.
[Something smells funny in here.]
*Its a old cave things are going to smell old and moldy.*
[Do you think will find treasure?]
*No.* He was becoming a bit agitated. Finial he was able to grab hold
of the little brown swing tail. *Home... you know how much trouble
were going to be in if we get caught.* He started to turn back. Then
heard a low hissing. *That you?*
[No...]
He let Bazil turn around and placed his hand on the back of his head
and they started out. *Ready to go home now?*
[Yes...]
They headed out, Jocko had kept his hand on the wall so he pretty
much knew which way to go. The hissing continued and other noises
started to come up, and Jocko could have sworn something touched him.
He could see the light then Bazil made his Bark roar and then he saw
two bodies and they way they were standing they didn't look happy.
"What are you two doing in there?' One of them asked heatedly.
Jocko looked down at Bazil. "He ran in...though something was in
there that he might want."
The guard narrowed his eyes at him.
"I swear."
"We should take you to the holding cell but since its fallen in, we
may just tell Breezy."
"Oh thank you so much." He and Bazil ran off. He smile... Breezy
would understand, she wouldn't mind.
Day 10
Morning
With a stretch and a yawn little Bazil got up. His wings
opening as much as they can. The little brown looked down at his
rider, who was still sound asleep. The bump on his head a little blue
and bumped up. He looked over at the place that his rider set his
things. He turned his head so he could see things better. He wondered
what the round thing on the table was. He pocked it with his claw and
pushed it off. Once it hit the floor it flew open. It had two circles
and two sticks. He looked at his rider again, wanting to ask what this
thing was... he placed his foot on it and started push down on it.
With out opening his eyes Jocko addressed him. *Bazil what are you
doing?*
[What is this...?] He quickly took his foot off and picked them up.
*My Glasses....*
[What are they for?]
He rolled over so his back was facing him. *So I can see.*
He hopped on his rider pushing him down into the bed. [What do you
mean...so you can see?]
He shifted a bit so his arm wasn't pushing into his gut. *I can't
read or see very far with out them.*
[Is there Glasses that can fix my eye?]
Jocko sighed. *No, see...* he opened his eyes and looked at him.
*Your eye is gone....there is nothing there. You see my eyes... the
little black ball with a bit of color around them?*
Bazil turned his head and looked closely at him, he was only a inch
away from his riders face. [Yes.]
*Well you only have one.... the other eye is well.... like a white
pearl. There is no black ball with color around it.*
[Oh...] He dropped the glasses on the bed.
*Buts its ok... your pearl makes you special.*
[I'm different... I have seen some of the others and they all have
black balls with color around them.]
*Yes but....* Jocko had to think, he was kinda of use to this with
his little sister. She would come home crying saying some kids made
fun of her cause she a book worm. *they don't have their own pearl.
Look at it that way. To get a pearl you either have to have lots of
money or be lucky to have one. But you, well , you were born with
one!* He finished as he put on his glasses, he was already up might as
well get moving.
Bazil looked at him and smiling at him the only way a dragon can.
Eating area
Mid afternoon
Jocko turned away from the little dragons eating. At least a couple
of times he twitched at the sound of a bone crunching. Some others
joined him, but he didn't make eye contact he was busy. It looked like
he was reading, but hidden in the book was notes he had taken from the
scrolls and was trying to sort the little bit he had out.
*What could this mean....what happen back then.....* He thought to
himself and took the writing utensil he had and started to scratch
stuff out and add more.
[What dose what mean? And when?]
Jocko slammed the book shut and looked up. Bits of blood dripped on
his hands and the font of the book. *Bazil don't do that!* He said as
he pushed the book back in his book bag. He looked deep into the white
eye. *Are you full?*
[Are you kidding.... I would like more!]
Grumbling Jocko got up and grabbed the bucket. When he came back with
food he looked down at the little brown and smiled. The little guy was
so cute. He set the bucket down and let him eat. He really didn't mind
him being nosey its good for the young mind. But 'sneaking' up like
that, well his heart was in his throat when Bazil spoke up. He started
to pet the little dragons tail as he sat there and watched everyone
else feed there little ones. Jocko wondered if there was more in the
cave, he wondered if he would be allowed to go back and bring back the
skeleton. I would secretly make studying them easer and maybe it would
make the scrolls make more since. He decided he would go and ask...
what harm was there in asking.
Once Bazil was done eating he and the little brown went up to her
office. Jocko hard that someone new had come into the warren and
thought maybe she would be busy... but he knocked, and waited.
[Do you think she'll let us go?] Bazil asked as he looked around,
this was new to him. Everything was much cleaner then his riders room.
*I don't know.* He waited for a replay from with in.
Tag: Tree, or Carina... if Jack is around.
Submitted by
Katie
Aka
Jocko and Bazil
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Message: 2
Date: Thu, 8 Dec 2005 19:28:54 -0800
From: "Tree Deutscher" <treedr@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
Subject: [DL-N] The Fine Art of Dragon Drool-ing
Day 10 Mid Afternoon
Breezy was reading through the damage reports, which appeared endless.
Repairs were going well though, but something was up with the dragons.
They had been acting rather strangely since the news of D'lion's death
and, were being rather hush hush about it. In fact Coo was quite curt
in her answers to any questions.
Rising, she went to the small window and looked out across the green.
Deeva and Dev stood side by side and Breezy tilted her head curiously
to follow their gaze. Whatever was going on was taking place atop the
crest where Rosalena had been lain to rest, which reminded her she
needed to get the preparations going for yet another funeral.
The redhead pursed her lips in a sad frown as she saw one of the
dragons fly off with a huge rock. Watching for several minutes it soon
became obvious that the flaming crimson queen was directing the strange
operation.
*Coo, what the heck is going on? I know Deeva is in on this, so you'd
better fess up!*
[One must never question their queen Sister!] came the answer in a
rather snippy tone.
Breezy's eyes widened in surprise and she sputtered a grin. Coo, not
ever question the queen? That would be a first! With a chuckling roll
of her eyes the Wingleader went back to her desk. Dragons loved to
gossip and were normally very verbal, so secrets amongst the human's
were rarely secret. But, when the dragons went quiet, not even the
threat of death or at the least pulling their tails until their
eyeballs popped out could get them to talk. With a little sigh she took
a sip of cold coffee. Oh well, there was no doubt she would find out
soon enough.
<Snip>
[Do you think she'll let us go?] Bazil asked as he looked around, this
was new to him. Everything was much cleaner then his riders room.
*I don't know.* He waited for a reply from with in.
<End>
"Door's open!" Breezy called absently. Casually looking up the first
thing she saw was a scaly snout that grew into a spiked head with an
all white eye. Her eyes widened until it dawned on her who it was. The
loud snort that erupted from the hatchling sounded almost like a 'Wow'
bringing a chuckle from the woman.
"Okay little guy where's your rider?"
"Right here!" Jocko answered sticking his head around the door with a
big grin.
"YOU..are just the person I wanted to see!" Breezy exclaimed in a tone
that made the young man pause. Basil was undeterred by her manner
though and immediately began to explore. Like a huge puppy his snout
nudged and pushed everything he saw.
Breezy's lips twitched in amusement at the frantic look on Jocko's face
as he tried to contain the curious dragon. Restrictions had never been
put on the hatchlings and they were free to roam wherever as long as
they didn't get too rambunctious, and were still of course little
enough to do it. These first few days were very important to the
bonding, so it was encouraged that the newly joined be with their
dragons as much as possible, at least until the door jams started
feeling the strain or someone got stepped on.
Shifting through her papers Breezy found the report she was looking
for. "I see that you two have been exploring!" She stated solemnly
waving the report at him then dropping it on her desk.
The young man's cheeks grew a faint pink, "I didn't think you would
mind." He answered contritely.
"Actually I don't, but...."
Jocko's eyes widened torn between talking to the Wingleader and keeping
his dragonette out of trouble when the petite woman suddenly jumped up.
"HEY YOU! Get your nose out of there young man!" Breezy quipped with a
laugh jumping up to pull Basil's head out of a cupboard. Pushing past
the little head spikes to retrieve a bag of cookies stashed there, she
waggled a finger at the scaly terrorist. "Listen buddy, the cookies are
mine! Sharing I do is with people that say please!" The hatchling's
long tongue snaked around her fingers and Breezy erupted in squealing
giggles. "Eeeeewwwww ick! Quit!" Wiping her sopping wet hand on her
pants the redhead backed away trying to protect the bag from the raspy
tongue, at least long enough to open it. "Rule #1 Bags are not good
dragon food!" She scolded with a grin as Basil unceremoniously backed
her into the corner his sharp baby fangs tugging on the bag. "Alright
already! I'll give you one! Or two! Aw hell, just take the whole bag
now that ya slobbered on them!" Laughing she managed to untangled
herself from the pushy hatchling long enough to open the bag and dump
the contents in a pile on the floor.
By the horrified look and glazed eyes on the young scribe's face Breezy
was sure Basil was getting quite a scolding on his manners. Squatting
down she patted the little dragon affectionately as he gobbled up the
sweet treats. "You know what little guy, as nosy as you are I do
believe you're going to make your riders life quite interesting."
"And speaking of nosy!" She exclaimed rising to her feet "As I said, I
don't mind your exploring, in fact I encourage it. I have a feeling the
sooner we can get these scrolls translated the better off we'll be!
BUT...." She said again. "Absolutely no exploring any of the caves even
the Whispering Cave until the repairs are complete, and then only if
you have someone with you! Take Jack, whatever, but NO ONE goes in any
of them alone now!" Wiping her hand on her pants again she sat back at
her desk. "And you make sure you let me know if you get a wild hair to
explore. Cave-ins are dangerous under any circumstances so I don't want
anyone taking chances! Just have Basil send Cool a message but I expect
to be kept informed. Last thing I need is anoth...is that clear?" She
had been going to say she didn't need another funeral to plan but it
was a grim reminder of their loss.
Relief showed on the young man's face as he nodded vigorously.
A set of large claws appeared on the side of her desk and Basil lifted
himself enough to drop a half-eaten cookie on the desk. Using his snout
and tongue he nudged the cookie towards her the process of course
covering it in dragon drool.
Breezy arched a brow, doing her best to a straight face, "For me! How
kind of you to share!" She smirked pertly. "That's really very sweet
Basil." Leaning over to look at the floor where only a few seconds
before lay a pile of almost 5 dozen cookies the Sr. Wingleader smiled.
There wasn't so much as a crumb left.
Her big blue eyes twinkled merrily as Breezy leaned towards the young
male, "You know little piglet," She half-whispered, "If you get a belly
ache, I don't want to hear about it!"
Breezy managed to half dodge the wangling large pink tongue that
threatened to lick her from head to toe almost falling over backward in
the process.
Jocko jumped forward and wrapping his arms around Basil's neck quickly
dragged the baby dragon towards the door. "We'll talk to you later
Breezy and thanks!"
The little redhead chuckled as she wiped her wet cheek with her sleeve.
"You two stay out of trouble, AND I want no more reports, ya here!"
"No problem!" Came the faint reply as she heard Basil scampering down
the hallway.
Glancing at the gooey puddle of brown chunks on her desk the Wingleader
wrinkled up her nose, "And you could of taken this cookie with ya too!"
She yelled out with a laugh.
Respectfully submitted by,
Tree Deutscher
AKA
Breezy & Coo
***Summary***
Day 10 Mid Afternoon -
* Staring out her office window Breezy notices the dragons are up to
something, then receiving a cryptic comment from Coo returns to her
reports.
* Jocko and Basil arrive and Breezy is amused by the hatchling as he
explores her office at least until he gets into her cookies and the tug
of war is on, but Breezy gives in and Basil gets his prize. Breezy
tells Jocko the caves are off limits for a day or too and then never
alone.
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Message: 3
Date: Thu, 8 Dec 2005 21:22:13 -0800
From: "Tree Deutscher" <treedr@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
Subject: [DL-N] Death's Door
Day 10
As word spread about the yellow dragon and his rider, the usual
mourning of the dragons began with their soulful keening filling the
morning air. But this time, there was something different in their sad
song. D'lion's death had been a senseless one and it appeared to affect
them more so then normal. Once again they were at death's door, and
there was a restless about the dragons for most of the day and it was
reflected in the tasks and training
[..] Mid Afternoon
The circumstances surrounding the deaths of D'lion and Dargis' was not
overly common and a human type funeral for a dragon was definitely
something rare, but not today. Not one to do things in a small way
Deeva immediately took control of the situation. Those dragons not on
patrol, or tasked to help the human work crews were sent to where
Rosalena's pyre had been to clear a spot big enough to hold a dragon
and its rider. She had instantly liked the big yellow male with his
gentle manner and the faint sweet smell of flowers that clung to him.
After conferring with her rider and finding out how valued D'lion's
rider was, she wanted to make sure that their passing to the Great
Beyond would long be remembered.
The humans below, busy with their own tasks would occasionally lift
their eyes upward to watch curiously at the odd procession of dragons
flying in and about the pinnacle.
Huge stones were carried away and clouds of dust appeared as the
dragons appeared to fidget around up there almost as if they were
making a nest of some short. Despite their human's questions the
dragons remained mute about their tasks. It was later in the evening
when tinder was flown in and placed upon the summit that had been
created and the residents began to realize what it was.
It was late when Breezy headed to her apartment, hoping upon hope that
Galen would be there and not asleep as usual. Of course he had been
after her again about overworking, but even a few hours in his arms was
worth it in her opinion. It was a moonless night but she was still able
to see the top of the crater and her eyes widened in surprise to find
the dragons still up there.
Day 11 Early Morning
Blossom along with a few of the other dragons not only cleaned out the
garden and warren of every last flower, they flew beyond the crater rim
collecting all the wild blooms they could find and even 'robbed' a few
of the village gardens of their more precious blossoms. Soon the
crudely built pyre was covered with a huge mound of brightly colored
flowers that was visible for miles.
It was mid morning when all was to the crimson Queen's satisfaction,
assured by her rider that the bodies had been prepared properly,
telepathic dragon calls were given, and a somewhat pensive Malani
appeared at the mouth of the cave along with her hatchlings. Solemnly
the little ones followed their Mother to the edge of the green while
Deeva and Blossom landed nearby. The two jr. queens moved to stand next
to Malani forming a regal line, with the little ones lining up in front
of them. The warren's newest and littlest queen stood proudly between
her mother's front legs.
No spoken order was given as the dragons landed on the green to pick up
their riders in a formation that the humans had never seen before, nor
understood its significance. Even the riders themselves were at a loss,
as the dragons remained strangely quiet except to give their bondmates
the call to mount up. As the last rider strapped in the dragons moved
as one to face their colorful creation.
Behind the Med Center the Mini Wing waited for the order to begin the
riders still a bit bewildered by the orders from their dragons.
Experienced in low flying formations they had been selected to carry
the litters of man and dragon. Despite the sadness that hung over the
warren Breezy could feel the excitement mounting in Coo. It had been a
long while since they had flown together and she knew the iridescent
female was itching to spread her wings. To honor a fallen friend made
the coming flight all the more meaningful.
Soon the order was given and in unison the five lifted off with Breezy
and Coo bringing up the rear. Climbing skyward they circled the warren
in perfect formation gathering the speed they would need. Four of the
dragons broke off and swooped downward skimming low to the ground until
they reached the makeshift frame holding D'lion's litter. Large claws
wrapped around the extended logs to carry it upward to the lofty
heights, Breezy and Coo followed picking up the litter holding the body
of the beloved Gardener.
After a final fly over of the warren each body was gently lowered onto
on the fragrant mound. The five then flew upward in an ever widening
circle as Devareaux appeared on a low ledge that was often used by the
Wingleaders.
Jeneve stood nearby clinging to Lord Marquel's arm for support. The
tortured sadness reflected in her pale eyes was felt by all and tears
flowed freely through the crowd. A soft fife began to play and nodding
to the Warrenlady the male queenrider began.
"Yesterday we lost two faithful friends. It was a senseless tragedy,
there was no rhyme or reason to their deaths. Yet, Dargis and D'lion
died doing what they loved best, and that was tending their wonderful
garden. The garden that Dargis created for all of us to share. They
have gifted us with a legacy that will long be remembered." Pausing for
a moment Dev continued, ""Deeva and I have only known Dargis and D'lion
a short time in comparison too many of you. But in that short
acquaintance we found them both to be the kindest, gentlest and most
innocent souls we have ever met. Unmarred by the harsh realities Dargis
always had a kind word or a flower for everyone he met. I had not
realized until yesterday just how many lives they had actually
touched." Bowing his head he took a breath then looked up his deep
baritone rippling across the warren. "They were truly a very special
gift to this warren, not only by their unique friendliness, but by
their skills, bravery and devotion that they showed time and again to
the people of Norwall. Accompanied by his trusted soulmate D'lion,
Dargis's loving attention to his beloved garden and every single bloom
in it is a testament to this young man's quiet strength, they will both
be sorely missed!"
As if one, both Dev and Deeva bowed their heads and all the dragons
followed suite for a moment of silence. Slowly the crimson beauty
raised her head and the dragons on the green surprising their riders,
began to take to the air.
Thankfully the winds were not strong but at the higher elevation it
would take a lot to keep the wood burning. As hundreds of dragons
filled the sky, the Mini Wing tightened their circle around the
brightly hued mound. The dragons flew haphazardly bringing gasps came
from the onlookers below, sure that there would be a mid air collision.
Then one by one each dragon broke from the group to dive for the pyre,
their final salute, a blast of flame igniting the tinder.
To the riders aloft, their dragon's movements were puzzling, but not to
the onlookers below. A gasp of awe rose from the crater floor as what
first seemed to be some seriously erratic flying began to take shape.
.....
The telepathic link between the dragons was abuzz with activity as
commands from below and each other were given. They soared through the
deep clear morning sky diving and weaving past each other until like a
chorus line of dancers the last one flew into place.
Dev glanced over at his queen and gave her a gentle smile. Leave it up
to his lady to do the impossible. His gaze lifted skyward to take in
the glorious tribute.
As the flames of the pyre rose higher it became the center of a huge
dazzling "dragon' flower.
Visuals from the dragons below were relayed to those aloft and of
course shared with the riders. Breezy wiped away a few escaped tears.
She would miss Dargis. She would miss his easy smile and his 'unknown'
mentor Nate. He was just a gentle young man with no great aspirations
other then to make people happy with his flowers. He had touched so
many lives without them even really realizing it, until now. The image
of the formation filled her mind and she smiled. A fitting end for a
simple gardener.
{Tag's for anybody}
Respectfully submitted by,
Tree Deutscher
AKA
Breezy & Coo and Dev & Deeva
***Summary***
Day 10
Morning
* As news of Dargis and D'lion's deaths spread the dragons begin their
usual mourning. But the humans realize something is different this
time.
Mid Afternoon
* Deeva takes control of the dragons and they begin a strange task
Late Evening
* As the dragons continue their odd quest it begins to become
recognizable
Late Night
* Heading back to her office in the dark Breezy can still see the
dragons circling aloft
Day 11
Early Morning
* Blossom with a few other dragons gather every flower they can find
and add them to the crude funeral pyre
Mid Morning
* Deeva is satisfied that everything is ready and gives the signal to
start the funeral for Dargis and D'lion. The Mini Wing air lifts the
bodies to the mound of flowers then as Dev speaks the rest of the
dragons fly aloft forming a beautiful formation as tribute for their
fallen friend.
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