[So, what would you like me to teach you today?] Flerrion asked.

Graimor glared at Flerrion and especially at Troy.  How could she set him up 
like this?  Clearly she didnât appreciate him.  Queen or not, he expected 
better.  Inspiration struck.

 [Why donât you show me some mountain landings?  I thought I saw a spot that 
would be a good practice area.]

[Didnât you learn those at Geode?]

[Sure, but they were different mountains.]

[Oh. OK. follow me then.]

They winged toward the mountains and the spot that Graimor had spotted 
earlier.  It looked pristine white with snow, but growing up in the 
mountains, Graimor knew the signs that the snow melting was under way.  
Underneath that snow was a lot of slush - and maybe even mud.  Graimor tried 
to conceal a smile.  

[Why donât you try landing here?]

Flerrion looked down.  Looked like a good spot - flat, well covered in snow.

[Watch and learn, then.]

Flerrion dropped gracefully to his landing spot, only to discover the mud 
puddle the snow had concealed.  With the force of his landing, the mud 
splashed up, leaving him dirty, dripping and annoyed.

[Yaaahhooooo!!!]

Graimor dove in in a high speed landing, wings fully fanned for greater 
effect.  He slid past Flerrion, spraying him further with mud and wet snow.  
With a parting chuckle, Graimor headed back to the warren, leaving behind a 
spluttering Flerrion.

Now it was time for part two - Viktroy.

*********
Mânaten stood in line, his mouth beginning to water with the wonderful smells 
the kitchen put out.  Cooking here was a lot better than at Geode - and it 
hadnât been bad there.  A tall dark-haired woman fell into line behind him.  
Ah yes, the trainee - the one who hadnât let go of his hand - Sharees, wasnât 
it?  A lovely thing.

ăAre you enjoying training?ä

She looked a little startled, but then smiled.  ăYes.  Chamelle is wonderful 
- and weâre finally flying!ä

ăItâs something else, isnât it?ä  Mânaten treated her to a friendly smile.  
ăCare to join me for lunch?ä

Her face fell.  ăActually I was getting something to go.  Iâm trying to get 
the saddles finished by the end of the week and Iâm so close now.ä

ăSaddles?ä

ăOh, didnât you know? I make saddles for all the new riders.ä

ăNo, I didnât know, but in that case I wonât keep you.  Perhaps I will stop 
by and check things out.ä

ăIâd like that.ä

Sharees smiled and left the hall carrying her lunch.

Mânaten took his food to a table and sat down.  He was nearly finished when a 
soft voice interrupted him.

ăIs this seat taken?ä

He looked up into the eyes of the woman he had smiled at earlier - part of 
the noble entourage.  He rose smoothly to his feet.

ăWhy no, my lady.  Please, Iâd be honored if you would join me.ä

She smiled at him - a full bore, take-no-prisoners kind of smile.  Oh, he 
thought, this one knows what sheâs doing.  He smiled broadly in return.  This 
could get exciting.

ăYou have the advantage of me, Iâm afraid.  You seem to know who I am, but I 
donât know your name.ä

ăI am Mânaten, Graimorâs rider.  And all I know of you is that you is that 
you arrived with the others from Lynsche.ä

ăYou knew enough to use my title.ä  

Mânaten smiled, gazing into her eyes.  What a lovely color they were, he 
mused.

ăHow could anyone doubt that you were every inch a lady?ä

She smiled back at him.  ăI hope Iâm not keeping you from your duties?ä

ăI could have no more important duty than escorting you.ä

He rose to his feet and offered her his arm.  ăElite Squad Leader Mânaten at 
your service, lady.  May I show you about this warren?ä

She favored him with another of her dazzling smiles and he felt his knees 
weaken.  She slipped her hand gently onto his arm.  Damn, but she smelled 
good!

ăI would be delighted, Mânaten.ä

__________________________________________________________________

Katrina

I know its short, but I left plenty of tags.  Bridget, have fun!!