There are 6 messages in this issue.
Topics in this digest:
5. [DL-N]Fire and Ice
From: "Edward L Murray" <elm.murray@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
6. [DL-D] What's the Score?
From: "Arlene" <wondermom@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
Message: 5
Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2006 21:05:11 -0800
From: "Edward L Murray" <elm.murray@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
Subject: [DL-N]Fire and Ice
[Day 11]
Another long day had gone by as Jale sat down to his desk for a moment
to
collect his thoughts. He would make rounds again in a few minutes. The
last
few days had been very busy with the tremors only causing him more
work.
Yet, it was an evening that seemed impossibly long ago now that
returned to
him so readily. Walking hand in hand with Freya and leading her home.
Even
now he could remember the feel of her lips on his as they kissed before
they
parted. The next day was the hatching he was excited for her and
perhaps a
little jealous to share her.
*Ah you shouldn't be jealous* Pearls mind interrupted his thoughts.
*I've
given much advice and encouragement to the hatchlings and Greise has
been
wonderful to hear them out.*
**Sounds great but then you've never had any difficulty getting to know
everyone have you?** Jale rolled his eyes, the night staff seeing that
far
off look knew he must be talking with Pearl.
*Of course how else am I going to help the doctor help his patients*
Pearl
sounded aghast that he would even think such a thing.
**I told you Pearl I'm not a dragon doctor I only know human medicine*
Jale
argued.
*What Dragons aren't good enough? Now you just stop that about not
being a
dragon doctor. Look at all those you have helped so far when the
Dragon
Doctor wasn't around.* Pearl chided.
**As I recall you put them up to it and talked me into helping where I
really wasn't sure. But I tell you I've no real knowledge in such
things,
only what I've picked up here and there. Perhaps I should find a book
or
something but you know at some point they are going to give us walking
papers then what?** Jale replied knowing he had likely already lost
this
argument.
*Oh don't you even start on that my friend, this is our home now
people
already care about you and no one wants to get rid of me besides I'm
just to
damn fun.* Pearl answered laughing at the end.
Jale couldn't help but laugh too which of course brought the attention
of
the entire room for it was very rare to see the doctor laugh. He grew
silent though when he noticed Mia coming over his way. She was a nurse
assigned to the night staff though her figure was large it was only to
hold
a larger heart with in, though she often used her size to threaten him
by
promising to sit on the good doctor if he didn't get some sleep.
"Doctor, it has been a long day some of the staff have put together a
dinner
for you but it has been sent to another place for you to eat. We have
been
told Pearl will take you there." she started to say.
"Mia that is very kind of you but perhaps you can have it brought here
there
is still much to do. I have my rounds and." but a large finger on his
lips
stopped him in his speech.
"Doc Jale I mean no disrespect, but you need time away from here and we
of
you. There is nothing here that can't be handled with the night staff
and we
are all skilled in what we do." She then looked at him hard. "Or I can
have
them put you in bed and hand feed you for if you stay here much longer
you'll be sick for sure and I'll not take no for an answer." Her hands
went
to her hips and Jale knew he wasn't about to budge Mia and she did have
a
point.
"Very well seems if I don't do this I'll have a mutiny, let me." Jale
started.
"Already done Doctor," she handed him a sheet of rotation, meds and
applications to show it was all set up for the night, and watched as
Jale
went through looking for any mistakes.
"I see, very good Mia I guess I'll be taking the night off." **I'm sure
you
had some small part in this as well my friend. ** Jale mentally sent to
Pearl.
*Of course humans can be rather dense at times.* Pearl laughed.
Jale climbed on to Pearls white scales into the white leather saddle
and
prepared for the flight. He never really had the time to fly with his
friend that he loved so dearly and was thankful that Pearl could get
along
without him most of the time.
*I that I can but you do need to find some time to help me clean my
scales.
I've been watching the training and well I think I'm in much need of
care
that you've neglected.* Pearl complained.
Jale was very aware of his short coming on the matter, because Pearl
delighted in sharing all that the younger dragons were learning and
that
they had not. For Pearl was an ancient egg brought back to life the
whole
thing something of a miracle! At some point he new he was going to have
to
rectify that but his duties in the med center didn't leave him much
time.
*You would have the time if you let them do their jobs and not insist
on
doing them yourself all the time.* Pearl chided.
But the flight was over now as they landed on a balcony not far from
the
hatchery. It appeared to be a room at one point in time but the wall
facing
the warren was no longer there leaving an open apartment a place for a
dragon or two to stretch out. This one had a nice fire place roaring
away. A
table with prepared foods and some chilled wine. A love seat
positioned to
look out over the warren and a couple of throw blankets.
Jale walked in a bit wondering if he was in the right place for the
table
was set for two. He heard laughing and some thudding coming from the
stairs
near the open door at the back of the apartment as though perhaps the
real
guest were arriving. But that laughter he knew and couldn't help but
wait.
Peering through the door way was a very young dragon with dark eyes
framed
with gray scales. At one time Jale would have fled in fear but now he
simply smiled at the dragon for a moment as the person laughing came to
the
door way now.
Jale found it hard to breathe for a moment as Freya stood there before
him
her long steel gray hair outlining her face that had been in Jale's
dreams
so many times of late. Though Freya was busy learning to be a dragon
rider
she still came to the med center and Jale made time to talk with her
but it
wasn't a place to be alone with her. Jale had also found a new hobby in
finding ways to delight her when she came in he would have a flower or
a
favorite sweet for her. Now that they were alone he was nearly tongue
tied.
*Say hello that's always a good ice breaker* Pearl laughed.
"Evening Freya, I didn't know I would have a guest, but I can't think
of
anyone more I would like to spend an evening with. Jale managed to say.
The
doctor then bowed to the gray scale hatchling. "A good evening to you
as
well Griese, Pearl has told me what a delight you are and think you for
coming as well." Jale then offered Freya a seat at the table.
"Thank Jale, I was not aware of this but I am glad to see you." Freya
smiled
and took the offered seat.
"Seems perhaps the med staff thought we both needed time away from the
office." Jale laughed slightly and took a seat near Freya.
Much of the evening was spent in ideal chat as Freya talked about the
training with the hatchlings and Jale talked about the bits and pieces
of
gossip he heard in the med center. When the meal was done they both set
on
the love seat looking out over the warren. It felt strange to Jale to
have
any ideal time at all and for the first time in a long time he felt at
peace.
Griese lay near Pearl as he wrapped protectively around the younger
dragon.
Oddly enough Jale realized Pearl was for once not intruding on his
thoughts.
The white dragon meant more then life to Jale, but the small form of
Freya
some how felt right and a different bond was building there he thought
to
himself.
Looking up in the sky he gauged the time to be near midnight. A part of
him
was torn between going back to the office, his own bed or just sitting
here
though the night. "Boom, boom, boom!" The night before him exploded
the
first sounds game from the med center others followed close by. The
Ground
heaved up nearly tossing him and Freya out into the warren.
"What's going.." Jale started to ask.
*The med center just blew up* Pearl told Jale. *Fires are breaking out
everywhere*
"What? What is happening," Freya shouted.
Jale looked her way, though he was sure she was putting on a brave
front,
"Pearl says the med." his voice caught and he had to fight back tears.
"The
med center blew up and is on fire." Clenching his fist he continued.
"The
fires are spreading."
*I need to help* Pearl said.
Jale tried to calm himself and think. The pain in his gut and mind
threatened to overwhelm him but he pushed it away. He would morn later
when
he knew who he could save and who not. The med center was no more
though so
he was going to have to set up somewhere else.
Looking out on the warren he saw the open space of the green and
decided he
would set up there but would need some supplies. **Pearl I need you to
send
a message to who ever is in charge, tell them I'm safe and will set up
a
medical recovery there on the green. I will need what ever emergency
med
supplies we have in the quartermasters' office if possible. I'll need
water
sheets and tents set up quickly.**
"Freya I'm going to set up a med center there I'll need a nurse are you
ok
with that?" Jale asked.
She nodded, her hands clenched a moment, and then she turned to Griese.
With
that far away look he knew she was communicating with Griese. The two
looked
at Pearl who nodded.
"What?" Jale started.
*I'm going to carry the three of you to the green. Then I must head
off to
help steam the fire. This is something I can do.* Pearl replied.
Jale nodded and quickly helped Freya with Griese who seemed eager to
ride on
Pearl. Freya set in his dragon saddle while he set behind her his arms
around her to help support the hatchling. It was awkward and there were
a
couple times in the flight down Jale was sure they would lose one or
all of
them.
Landing on the green Jale took in the sight around him a once peaceful
place
looked as though hell rose up to swallow it. Several people came
running his
way as Jale took command, telling people where to place a tent a table
and
some make shift supplies.
*I've got to go help* Pearl said and he was gone.
**Before you go I need a bed of Ice** Jale thought desperately.
The white dragon Took a deep breathe and blew out a bed of crushed ice.
Pearl had the knack of doing many things with his breathe of cold, but
it
was the first time Jale had ever asked it of Pearl. With a nod Pearl
leaped
to the air and was off toward the nearest fire.
Jale only had a moment to spare for Pearl as he watched his friend
Breathe
on the fire turning back the flames with sheets of cool ice freezing
what
ever was in its path. Though Jale knew one dragon was not enough for
all the
fire he knew those in charge would get a message to him of where they
needed
his cold breathe the most. He made a silent prayer to who ever would
listen
that Pearl remain safe.
The screams of victims brought him back to the nightmare he knew was
only
just beginning. With a quick scan he measured each one, from minor
burns to
those with no possible hope, other then that of helping to die. Some
folks
said it made a doctor feel like god to Jale it only underscored his
failure
to not be able to prevent death.
At first Jale used his immediate med bag but it didn't last long and so
he
had to improvise. The loss of the med center meant for many of the burn
victims he would not be able to take their pain away nor would he be
able to
prevent much of the scaring that would happen.
>From the quartermasters' emergency kits which were brought to him, he had
Freya sort out what they needed and instructed her to have others do
the
same in making ointments. He didn't think he had enough herbs and
leaves to
treat all the victims but he would spread them out the best he could.
The
screams of pain he could do little for but he found some herbs for the
more
seriously burned victims to ease some of the pain though they were not
likely to live come morning.
At first Jale only saw patients before him but as the night wore on, he
saw
acquaintances, friends and co-workers it was difficult to stay
objective.
Not all of the wounded where burn victims some bore broken bones, smoke
congestion, and abrasions.
Jale pushed his feelings aside once again. He had grown to close to
these
people and only bad things happened to those he cared about. The
dragons
were right he was cursed and now he brought that curse to the warren.
People
would die and it was his fault. It was the med center that started the
explosions. His post of course it was like a sign a warning. The doctor
moved from patient to patient like one of the dead as the pain wailed
up
inside him and he began to build up walls to close him self off from
the
world.
It was in that moment he looked up to see Freya locking eyes with him.
It
was only a brief moment but it was enough. His face felt wet as a tear
rolled down his cheek, the refection of pain in her eyes told him she
too
felt some guilt but she had faith in him to help right what could be
righted.
Jale turned back to his work no longer feeling self conscience but
instead
he felt determined more then ever to help his patients. Powers willing
more
would see day light then not. It was ok to morn but not ok to let it
become
you. There was yet life to embrace and a strange smile cracked his face
as
he looked up at Freya tending another.
Submitted by Edward Murray
AKA Jale rider of Pearl
Summary
Jale and Freya find themselves alone for once enjoying each others
company
and a fine dinner when the med center blows up and interrupts their
night of
possible romance. Jale quickly sets up a new med center and fights his
self
esteem. Pearl his sent off to help the others with his Cold Breathe.
OOC feel free to use Pearl to help fight the fires, you'll have use the
dragons to relay messages to him. His cold breathe can put out fires
but it
will tiring him after awhile but likely Pearl will try to keep going
until
all the fires are out. Pearl needs water from time to time to keep up
his
Cold Breathe much like other dragons need coal to keep breathing fire.
[This message contained attachments]
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________________________________________________________________________
Message: 6
Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2006 01:53:17 -0500
From: "Arlene" <wondermom@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
Subject: [DL-D] What's the Score?
Day 1
Dawn
Outside Triylar
Wraiths... age old enemies of the dragons, and the thing dragonriders
had sworn to protect the landbound from, but this morning, as the sun
rose over the city of Triylar, Evadne sat upon Radella, cheering for
the
wraiths as they drove the Wyverns from the bowels of the earth where
they had taken up residence under that once great city.
Wraiths consumed anything organic that they came into contact with,
expanding and dividing as they did so. But it had long been noted that
the wraiths appeared drawn to the dragons, abandoning their prey and
swarming their enemy whenever one was near.
Evadne witnessed that like the dragons, the wyverns seemed to be
preferred targets for the wraiths, though not enough so that the
population of Triylar was safe from the devastation that the wraiths
were causing.
It was heart-wrenching to watch as wraiths found a house with an
opening, as they swarmed the building, sinking into the cracks, to
disappear inside, only to have even more emerge moments later.
Evadne looked over at her patrol partner and saw that S'than had
noticed
it as well.
[SNIP]
The sight of what he was seeing nearly made S'than's stomach queasy
with
sickness. From the look of Evadne and her paling skin she was having
some of
the same problems. It was maddening to watch and not be able to help.
S'than gripped his sword as though the presence of the blade which lay
useless at his side could some how give him the nerve to fight
impossible
odds.
[END SNIP]
Radella sent waves of comfort to her rider, and passed on the news that
Beta Wing was on its way.
<Beta? Are you sure?> It was Alpha Wing's turn for patrol duty, and
that usually meant that if an incident occurred on their watch that
their own wing would be coming in to support them.
Radella hesitated, but then admitted to Evadne that the warren had been
attacked when the clutch started to hatch. <*But not to worry, my
rider, all is well. They have defeated the wyverns who dared to come
into our home!*>
<But, what of the eggs!?> Evadne felt fear grip her heart.
<*Almost all were saved, including a new queen!*> Radella celebrated.
Evadne felt her heart grow lighter at that news. Another queen would
mean more eggs, and that was what Daere needed -- more dragons and
riders -- to fight their way too numerous enemies.
As Beta Wing arrived and began to drive the wraiths from the city,
flaming and chasing them down, Evadne thought it was a shame that the
dragonriders couldn't just let the wraiths take care of the wyverns.
For
unlike dragons, the wyverns' acid seemed to have little or no affect on
the wraiths and they were helpless as the wraiths swarmed them. But
dragonriders had sworn to protect those people of the city, regardless
of whether or not they had a wyvern infestation living among them.
Beta Wing were doing the best that they could to remove the wraiths,
but
the wyverns were also a problem they needed to stay clear of. It
wasn't
clear which of the two enemies to attack, and it was not going well,
Evadne thought, as she and S'than observed from the sidelines, per
Jason's request.
At first Evadne was put off by Jason's orders, though she knew it was
probably a wise decision, as she and her partner trained with Alpha
Wing
and didn't know the maneuvers of Beta and would probably only get in
their way. Only, Evadne would have preferred to have been in the
battle, rather than watching from the side and feeling useless! If it
had been Alpha that had responded instead of Beta, she and S'than would
have been head to head with the wraiths and wyverns instead of keeping
score.
But then S'than had an idea to take one of the fire canons that the
populace of Triylar was using to defend themselves from the wraiths.
Evadne thought it a reasonable idea and she and Radella went along to
support them, and to offer assistance.
The task didn't seem all that difficult, but they hadn't counted on the
hostility of the citizens of Triylar toward the dragonriders!
S'than and S'laze held off some of the hostiles while Evadne and
Radella
dropped out of the sky to snatch the canon from its pedestal.
[SNIP]
Radella's talons clutched the canon and were moving up ward as S'than
grabbed the saddle and pulled himself in. S'laze stretched her red
wings
wide buffering the crowd of men with who now were bringing up
crossbows.
"Thunk, thunk, thunk, and several arrows bounced off her scales but a
couple
pierced the membrane of her wings making it more difficult to fly. The
pain
cascaded into the pain S'than already had with his arm. Getting into
the
saddle took a lot more work with do to his right one not working
correctly.
*I won't be able to.* S'laze started as several of the beta squad
streaked
the area with fire.
Men in green holding cross bows went up in a blaze of fire. S'than
gulped
hard at the stench of burning flesh. But it was enough to get them
clear. As
they flew away any Wyverns in their path were quickly dealt with but it
had
cost the beta wing.
It became clear to S'than that Triylar would be no more. The city of
his
birth and everything he knew was at an end. The survival of Daere now
would
be to help those people that had left to rebuild.
[END SNIP]
They returned to Daere with their booty, and Evadne jumped down from
Radella and came over to S'than, giving him a celebratory hug. "You
were brilliant!" It was then that she saw the pained expression in his
eyes. "But... what is wrong? We got the canon," She gestured behind
her where their prize was now being examined by several riders.
"It is Triylar... or what is left of her." S'than murmured.
"Yes, it certainly isn't the same city that it used to be..."
"I wonder if it will ever be the same again?"
"Of course it will!" Evadne stated emphatically. "It will be even
better! Just you wait and see!"
S'than smiled sadly, "I wish I had your optimism."
Evadne smiled softly and looked into S'than's sad eyes, "And I wish I
could give you some. But until you can believe it yourself, there
isn't
much I can say, is there?" She glanced over at the canon, "Tell me,
why
did you decide to take one?"
TAG: Eddie.
--
Summary
Day 1
Dawn
Evadne and Radella witness the wraith attack on Triylar and assist
S'than and S'laze in steeling the fire canon.
---
Respectfully submitted by:
Arlene Jacobs
AKA
Evadne and Radella.
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