>"So tell me," R'ven continued, "Danu, your mother, will she be transferring
>here, too?"
>
>The girl's eyes darkened and a little sob escaped her.
>
>"Why whatever is wrong, child?" R'ven asked.
>
>"It's about Mum," Danika sobbed, "There a terrible tragedy happened, not
>long ago, and she was one of many who died. She told me of you and Daere
>warren just before she passed on, and had Solara give Kalindeth the image
>of Daere so we could try to find you."

R'ven's face was saddened. He had liked Danu but they were never going
to be mates. He would have liked to have seen her again; to share the
joy of his daughter with her.

"I'm sorry to hear that, kitten," he said stroking her black hair.
"She was a gentle woman with a warm smile and willing heart. But her
death has brought you here, to me!  For that I am happy but at such a
cost is also saddening." 
Holding Danika close , he waited for her sobs to stop before
continuing.

Pulling away from the man that was her father, Danika wiped her eyes
and smiled, "It's the best birthday present a girl could have. A
father, even if he isn't gift wrapped. Well partially anyway," she
giggled tugging gently on the bandages wrapping his shoulder.

"Your birthday? Why didn't you say?" R'ven's face broke into a huge
grin. "When I get out from here we'll celebrate properly. Wine, food,
dancing. You are old enough to drink? Hell, even if you're not, I
don't care!" 

"Oh Da that is sweet but I'd like to just share this particular
birthday with you," and as an after thought added, "and your mate."

She saw the expression on his face change from joy to pain. The
furrows on his brow deepening .

"Have... have I said something wrong?"

"No... no," he whispered. "So much hope, so much pain, so many
deaths."

They sat silently. Danika finally broke the silence and changed the
subject.

"Mum, spoke about a manipulative old crow called Velara as being
Warren Lady here. I guess that she either retired or has died for
Jayleigh to be in that position now."

She felt R'ven stiffen. 'Oh lords what have I said now?'

The voice of her queen broke her thoughts, <Velara was your father's
mate, so Zenith has told me.>

Horror filled her face, "Oh Da... I'm sorry... I... Oh hell... I
didn't..."

A sad smile filtered across his face, "Hush, child. you weren't to
know. And your mother was right,  'Lara was a manipulative woman, but
she built Daere up to what it is today. And she would have agreed with
you. She was maniuplative, but I loved her."

He wrapped his good arm around the small girl and held her close,
again there was silence. So many questions that needed to be asked and
then answered. 

"Have you taken another mate?" Danika tentivley asked, pulling away
and looking into her father's black eyes.

"Lara and I already had another mate. And your little queen is
cuddling his dragon. You see, Velara and I shared Amadith's rider.
Tair'n is my mate!"


R'ven and Zenith

nrpg:

Morgie there ya go, short I know, so tag :) I couldn't resist the bit
about 'Lara tho' *evil grin*

Allen, R'ven will want to talk to Gerald at somepoint about him
knowing about Gerald knowing about Tai's secret. *evil grin*

Lea