Time: Evening of the day of the wraiths
(NRPG: 'the day of the wraiths'-now that is a catchy phrase).

***************
[Dining Hall]

> "So what did she say," said P'ker with a grin refering to Azure?

>"She said it was fine with her, and who am I to argue with her," Katrina
> replied with a smile. "Just name a time," added Katrina.

>"Whenever you're ready," P'ker replied, "Fighting wraiths makes me
>hungry and I could eat right now."

>"But instead of food you've chosen a light ale?"

>P'ker laughed, "There's a variety of grains in beer.  I tend to think of
>it as a liquid cousin to bread."

> Katrina smiled, "You're a bit odd, P'ker."

>"My partner has been telling me that for years."

>The sounds of laughter carried across the room and caught their
>attention.  They both turned to see Cynthia and Trevor walking in the
>door arm-in-arm and laughing together.

>"The mapmaker?" Katrina asked out loud.

>"Is something wrong?"

> "I don't think so.  It's just that I'm surprised to see Trevor and
>Cynthia together like that."

>"So this is a recent development?"

>"Very, I think."

 As Katrina pondered for a moment about the odd developement between
the Warrenlady and the mapmaker Katrina heard footsteps approach. She
looked up and saw Lonnie wander over.

>>"Sorry I'm late," he said and saw her frown. "For dinner... we'd made plans
>>to meet up and eat."

>>"Oh Lonnie I completely forgot about that," the girl said and motioned for
>>him to take a seat. "P'ker and I got to talking and...well..."

>>Forgot about their dinner....

 Katrina bit her lip, brushed the silver patch of hair above her ear and
thought, *Blast it! How could I have been so stupid? How could I have
forgotten? This whole day-nearly getting fried by a wraith, my family
difficulties, and now this to top it off. I should just hole up in my
apartment, or take a long extended vacation somewhere far away the way
things are going.*

>>"Well the plans were only tentative anyway," Lonnie said refusing the chair.
>>"You two go on and finish your conversation. I see my brother over there and
>> need to talk to him."

 Katrina saw Lonnie walk off and knew she should do something. As Katrina
prepared to get up she heard Azure:

 <Don't fret to much my rider. I just spoke to Meritanth. He says his rider
and he are going to visit another.>

 Katrina tried to keep a grin off her face as she thought to herself,*It is
nice to know he has backup.* Katrina then sent:

 <Azure I don't know if that was really appropriate of you to tell me that.>

 <But I just thought it would help you feel better>, came the reply.

 As far as Katrina was concerned it did't matter to her either way. She had
no interest in a relationship with either Lonnie or P'ker at this time.
Katrina's musings were interrupted by  P'ker:

> "If you had other plans, I understand.  We can get together some
>other time."

 Katrina replied,"It is alright P'ker. Go get yourself something to eat. If
you will excuse me a minute I'll be back to eat with you shortly."

 Katrina sure hoped P'ker didn't think she was rude. Katrina just thought
she really should appologize to her partner's brother. Katrina caught Lonnie
just before he left the hall.

 "Lonnie, I'm sorry I messed things up. I've had quite a bit on my mind,
what with nearly getting fried by a wraith today and my family trouble, I
just haven't been totally with it. I'm sorry a forgot the dinner plans. If
you can forgive me, I'd be happy to get together with you tomorrow anytime."

 When Katrina finished talking she thought to herself,*By the egg that
sounded stupid Kat, sincere, but stupid.* Now Katrina really just wanted to
melt into the Dining Hall floor as she waited to see what Lonnie would say.

<Tag Barb if you want to add here>

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Time: Later that evening

 Before Katrina heading back to her apartment she decided to grab a bite
to eat. The dining hall was dim, and noone was around when she entered
and headed for the kitchen.

 Not being familiar with where everything was in the kitchen it took
Katrina some time to find something to eat. She finally made up a
sandwhich, and found some juice. As Katrina headed back towards the
dining area to take her leave she heard voices, but wasn't quite close
enough to hear who was the source behind them. She froze instictivly and
felt her hand move to her dagger belt just in case.

 As Katrina approached the entrance to the dining hall she heard humming.
Katrina peered around the door and in the dim light she saw Trevor and
Cynthia dancing. Katrina rubbed her eyes with the back of her hand
not believe at first what she saw. This was no deception though-the
mapmaker and the Warrenlady were enjoying each others company. Katrina
leaned back within the dining hall entrance and thought,*By the egg, what
a surprise. I never would have imagined those two together.* Katrina
then smiled silently to herself and hoped things would work out between
Trevor and Cynthia. Katrina then considering the current situation turned
around and headed back towards the kitchen to exit from there.

********************
Morning after the wraith attack

 Katrina was inside her apartment working on a jewelry piece. Eventhough
she was a Dragonrider she didn't want to lose her jewelry skills. She
enjoyed working the bits of metal and gem into finished pieces.

 <How was your evening my rider? You never told me about it>, came the
highly inquisitive sound of her dragon's voice.

 <Oh no you don't. I know where you are going with this>, sent Katrina.

 <Why, whatever do you mean>, came Azure's reply with a not-so-innocent
sound to it.

 <You want to know if I have an interest in P'ker or Lonnie. Don't
you deny it now>, sent Katrina.

 <It is hard to get anything by you my rider>.

 Katrina smiled at that comment and replied, <But of course, and if you
really want to know. I have no serious interest in either of P'ker or
Lonnie. So you will just have to find a ledge mate on your own, with little
input from me. I am not looking for anyone now>.

 Azure replied with all seriousness, <Does this have to do with the one you
know as Steven The weapons crafter who you had good feelings for>?

 <We have discussed this before Azure. At the time, I had not joined
for many  hatchings and I was quickly becoming to old to do so. Steven
and I grew close and fond of one another. We had plans un...>, Katrina
trailed off and had a distant look on her face.

 Azure interrupted Katrina's thoughts with a quiet, <Until we joined and
and the one you cared for was worried about the mating flights.>

  Katrina intensely replied, <I miss Steven yes, and the pain is not
gone yet, eventhough it has almost been a year since we seperated. I
really believe it will take me awhile to get over losing him, but my
dragon, I do not regret that you and I joined>.

 Azure seemed to understand and the dragon and her rider shared a moment
of closeness and an exchange of memories, until a familiar sound reached
both of their ears. Katrina ran out of her apartment and joined Azure on
the ledge outside just as Blanchie took to the air with numerous males
after her.

 Katrina heard her dragon's voice, <Go Blanchie, outsmart those silly males>.

 <What do you think this is, a sporting event>, Sent Katrina with a smile
on her face.

 <Well it can be just as entertaining>, came Azure's reply.

 Katrina just shook her head, grinned, and sat down next to her dragon to
watch and see who would succeed today-both in the air and on the ground.

NRPG
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All: Well here is my latest post. I guess I got a little winded with it.
Gee; Brisse and Dan'yar, Lenna and B'rand, maybe Kellie and Turner, and
now Trevor and Cynthia-why am I not surprised it's Valetine's weekend,
and spring is not that far away-(musical notes here),"Romance is in the
warren, la, la,la" <BG>
 Anyhows, as you can see Katrina isn't headed for any serious relationship
at the moment-it doesn't mean she wont spend some time with the men of
Cleft though(Hey get 'Those' thoughts out of your mind).<BG> I have
mentioned Steven before back when Tymor took to the air. I might actually
bring him to Cleft sometime, maybe having something really serious happen
to him, which throws Katrina into emotional turmoil, and then top it off
with Azure having a mating flight. You all will just have to wait and see.<G>

Respectfully,
Kris Berg
Katrina/Azure
Cleft Warren