Gerald and Kylan exited into the morning sunshine. Gerald was
momentarily dazzled by the sun in his face.

        <So, how did it go?>

        *He's in!*

        <Good.> Random relaxed. <You look happy. What happened?>

        *Would you believe Jayleigh complimented me on my playing? She
wants to hear it sometime.*

        <Everybody wants to hear it. Every dragon I have talked to has 
told me that you really got the humans' attention. I don't understand most 
of it, but the riders are saying you have much improved.>

        *I just had something on my mind, and it had to come out, that's
all. She even listened to my opinion on Kylan, like it actually mattered.
And she kept looking at me like she was shocked.*

        <Maybe because that's the first sign of backbone you've shown to
her.>

        *That's unfair. She seems, different, somehow.*

        <I think responsibility has made her grow. She's spreading her 
wings! 'Troy said she likes to get involved with other humans, not like
Velara.>

        Gerald had to agree. Velara could certainly make her opinion 
known! *When have you had occasion to talk to Viktroy?*

        <Oh, all the time! Although she's usually busy looking after
her rider's hatchling. I talk to everyone!>

        *I bet.* Gerald got a good look at Kylan's dragon. 

        "So that's Cuprus. You mean you actually managed to hide him for
all that time?" Gerald reached up and scratched behind the dragon's eye
ridges; Cuprus rumbled in pleasure and tilted his head towards Gerald's
hand.

        "Well, not all the time..." With traditional harper's embellishment,
Kylan spun a story of villagers chasing him and his dragon with torches.
Gerald was shaking his head by the time Kylan had finished. The prejudice
of the landbound was sometimes incredible, he thought.

        "Have you been given an apartment already? Let's show you what
Daere has to offer." With that, the two riders mounted and the dragons 
winged off towards the weapons training area.

        *It's really a small world, isn't it?*

        <Most certainly. I'm glad they're here, though. I've had a chance
to converse with Cuprus, we could get into LOTS of trouble together.>

        Gerald had heard that mischevious tone in his head before. *You
two had better behave. Speaking of which, where were you last night?
You didn't show at the apartment until late.*

        <None of your business.>

        Gerald grinned. *How do you keep track of them all?*

        <You could do it, too, if you tried. How about that female who
approached you the other day, Salanth's rider...>

        *Kiree. She just wanted some advice.*

        <Uh huh. Out of scores of males, she comes to you with a question.
She's not even in your wing! Ah, sweet Gerald, sometimes you make me 
despair.>

        *What do you mean?*

        <You are grown now, and people are starting to take notice of
you despite your hiding. Now, you are strong and fast. Your mind is quick
and agile. You are arguably the strongest human in the entire warren.
The riders in your wing adore you...>

        Gerald saw it coming. *Now Random...*

        <...and G'ther wants to step down from Wingleader
 to become weaponsmaster for the
warren. You are the Wingsecond. You should take what is offered. Become 
wingleader for Gamma.>

        *I'm really not sure that I'm ready.*

        Random rumbled. <You are my heart and my life. I will stand 
behind you and defend whatever you decide. But you, my heart, are stalling.
It is time you ignored what your father has told you and realize that 
you can grow, can mature. You are your own man now, a DRAGONman, envied
by most, talented...>

        *Please stop, its embarassing.*

        <And I would like to see you come into your own. You have great 
potential, and you are the only one holding yourself back.> Random
snorted. <Think about it.>

        Random voiced a roar as the two dragons landed in the pasture
reserved for outside weapons training. As the two dismounted, Gerald
said, "So, you're going to Alpha wing. You're getting fair warning, 
they'll probably drill you to death. I kind of figured you would go to
Gamma wing with me, but then again maybe that's not a good idea."

        "Why's that?"

        "Think about it-we would be spending all our time harping."

        Smiling, Gerald led Kyrus around the training area. 
 A rush of wings behind them announced the dragons'
departure...


NRPG: Tag, Scott! :)

Bios to come later, but for now:

        Kiree-5'2" , 19yrs. Blonde hair, blue eyes, somewhat timid.
        Dragon-Salanth-light green with silver highlights, one of Random's
favorite cuddling partners.

        G'ther-6', 45 yrs, balding, grey eyes, very stern and strict.
Currently making things rough for Gerald as he wants to step down and
become weaponsmaster for Daere, and wants Gerald to take his place.
        Dragon-Kutath-large dark blue, sometimes a bit pompous.

                        Allen E. Veazey
                        wolf@dbtech.net

     "I have made this letter longer than usual, only because
      I have not had the time to make it shorter."
                --Blaise Pascal, Provincial Letters