Day 10

Over Triylar

 (snip)

Seconds later they were in the air over Triylar and just before T'rell
gave the order to teleport, he remembered the strange dragons that had
been spotted earlier.

(end snip)

Orders were given for some of the team to stay behind while the rest
teleported back to the Warren with Lord Gossimer and the ransom.

 The Jr. Queen was irritated which seemed to be how she was a lot
lately.  At first it didn't worry Mari, but Reggie was becoming short
tempered with no only her but other dragons around the Warren.  It was no
way for a Queen to act.

< Part of the Elite Squad are returning with Lord Gossimer. >  Reggie
replied sounding more bored than pleased. 

 * Only part of the squad? *  Mari queried, suddenly filled with alarm.

< Starfire and his rider are returning. So don't get all emotional. >

 * But what of the rest of the team? *  Mari still being concerned.

 < T'rell ordered some to stay behind.  Something about some unknown
dragons.  Nothing to worry about really. >

 * Oh I hope it's nothing to worry about. *

 < Will you stop moping around?  The only thing you should be concerned
about is me! >  the dragon snapped.

 * You?  Are you not feeling well, Love? *

 < Of course I'm well! > again the Queen snapped.  < You're just paying
too much attention to other things.  Starfire’s rider for one.  And
now all this attention to this landbound *LORD* and his family and this
devotion to the Warren.  What about devotion to me! >

 * Love, you know I'm as devoted to you as I am myself.  You are my
partner. *

 < Yes, we'll just see how devoted you are.  The Elite Squad is landing.
>

 * We must go and greet them.  See if there's anything we can do to help.
*

 < Exactly as I thought. >  scoffed the Jr. Queen.

 Reggie lay down, refusing to go with her rider to greet the BCS.  She
looked over the squad searching for Jason.  When she found him and their
eyes met, she could tell things had not been easy for her lover.  Then
she noticed the blood on his sleeve.

 * Why hadn't you told me he was injured? *  Her thoughts went to her
Queen.

 < Why did I need to tell you, have you developed a problem with your
eyes. > again the Queen's tone was harsh.

 Mari hurried to Starfire, helping Jason slide off the blue dragon.

 "You're hurt." she said as she swallowed hard, having gotten blood on
her hands as she assisted him off his dragon.

 "Just a scratch really." he said trying to not let the extent of his
injury show.

 "I may not be a healer, but you've lost a lot of blood for just a
scratch," she said. 

 "I'll be alright dear," he said pulling her to him and kissing her.  As
he did this his knees buckled.  Mari assisted in lowering him to the
ground.  Calling for a stretcher, T'rell approached the two to see what
the problem was.

 "Jason, are you okay?" he asked, a concerned look on his face. Jason
struggled to his feet and shook his head.

 "Not particularly," he grimaced. "That bitch gave me something to
remember her by."

 "Looks like you're not having the best day," T'rell replied with half a
smile. "Come by my office later when you're stitched up and we can talk
about it, okay?"

 "Whatever," Jason muttered, laying back on the stretcher that was
offered and in the process, passing out.

 ****

 (Sometime later)

 "So what happened?"

 "We got screwed over," Jason said shortly, muttering an oath as he
dropped into a chair opposite T'rell's desk. "They knew exactly when we
were coming and how to hit us. In the end, we were made to look like
fools."

 "I wont argue with you there," T'rell said with a sigh. "It wasn't the
best example of what the squad could do. Still, I have my doubts as to
this being connected to the kidnapping." Jason shook his head.

 "Me to. Why would they steal the money we were going to give to them
anyway?" Jason shifted his bandaged arm, grimacing in the process.

 "Looks like you and Allora had some adventures of your own," T'rell
observed. "Allora's came out worse off than you though. Lucky her dragon
had enough sense to get her back to the warren."

 "How is she?" Jason asked, a concerned look on his face. "She copped a
nasty kick to the ribs and she wasn't moving all that well the last I saw
of her."

 "She'll be okay," T'rell assured him. "A few ribs broken and a little
internal bleeding, but the med staff seem to think she'll be fine. Now,"
T'rell leant forward over the desk, "care to tell me what happened to you
two?"

 After he'd finished filling in T'rell with all the pertinent details,
Jason left the wingleader and found Marialla waiting for him outside.

 "Why the worried look?" he asked her with a grin, taking her hand in
his. "It's not that bad you know."

 "I know," Marialla replied, resting her head on his shoulder as they
walked down the hallway, "but I was still worried about you. And now."

 "Now what?" Jason stopped and turned to her. "Is something else
bothering you?"

 "Yes," she confessed with a sigh. "Reggie's been acting very strangely
lately, saying that I don't pay enough attention to her. It's not like
her at all."

 "Come to think of it, Star mentioned that she wasn't acting normally,"
Jason mused. "You sure this isn't related to the fact that she'll be
laying soon?" Marialla shrugged.

 "I don't know. It might be, but I can't be sure. Besides," she gave
Jason a playful poke, "this is the first time, so how would I know
otherwise?" Jason smirked.

 "I guess you're right. Still, if you're worried about her, why not speak
to Jayleigh? She'd know if this was normal or not."

 "I think I will," Marialla said with a nod.

 *****************

 Reggie had been snuggled up with Thornguard since he returned with his
injured rider.  They'd slept in the sun for a bit, but Thornguard was
restless and kept the young Queen awake on and off.  She was getting more
and more irritated by the situation.

< Isn't snuggling with two females enough for you? >  she barked at him. 
< You'd think just snuggling with a Queen would be enough, but then you
have this other female here too and you still manage to keep me awake. >

 Starfire was nearby and approached Reggie, having had enough of her
negativity.

 < His rider is injured!  Leave him alone, > he stated to the irate
Queen.

 < You have a lot of nerve, dragon, speaking to your Queen this way, >
she said, being quite infuriated.

 He turned to walk away from her, really being more sick of than upset
about her attitude of late.  < If you presented yourself as a Queen...>
he thought not really meaning to send his thought to the young Queen as
he turned away.

 Regenta was outraged, sending a small stream of fire at the tail of the
blue.

 Starfire yelped, flicking his injured tail around behind his body as he
turned and snarled involuntarily at the irate queen, retaliatory flame
threatening to flow forth. However, the sapphire dragon managed to get
his emotions under control and stood his ground, glaring at the queen
defiantly.

 < So, > he sneered, not wanting to take this tone with her, but not
knowing what else to do, < that's how a queen acts is it? Gets irritated
when one of her clutchmates is sick, then shoots flame at anyone that
tries to speak? You're not acting like a queen at all, more like a spoilt
dragon that doesn't care for others! >

 < Why you. > Regenta growled, advancing on the slightly smaller dragon
until Fluffy got up and stood beside his friend.

 < You leave Star alone! If you want to be grumpy, go somewhere else! >
Regenta stared at both of them, willing them to step down. After a few
moments, it was clear they would not and Regenta turned away with a
sniff.

 < Fair enough. Since you don't respect your queen any more, you can keep
to yourselves. I've got better things to do that don't involve any of
you! > With that she leapt into the air, beating her wings powerfully as
she gained enough height to clear the crater.

 ****************

 Jason being more tired than sore after the days events decided that
spending some time with Mari would be a time he could relax and enjoy
himself.  He also wanted to get Mari's mind off of her concerns with her
Queen.  He knew that pregnant human females occasionally became emotional
while they were pregnant, so why wouldn't dragons be the same way.  But
then again, Star voiced his opinion and he usually had good instincts
about such things.

 Mari had cooked for him.  She was still an artist in the kitchen, even
though she didn't have the time she had before joining with Reggie. 
Jason sat and watched her prepare the pheasant, rice and vegetable dish. 
Having that in the oven Mari began to prepare a chocolate cake for
desert. 

 She poured the batter into the pans and managed to have a little on her
hand as she tried to brush some flour off her cheek, smearing the batter
there. Jason grinned, knowing just how to handle this situation.

 He leaned into her and lightly licked the batter off her cheek.
Marialla, concentrating on the task in front of her, wasn't exactly
expecting it and squeaked, jumping right into Jason's arms.

 "Hey!" she said, a half-annoyed look on her face. "I'm trying to cook
here and you have to."

 "Well," Jason murmured, "you were so busy I thought I'd come over and
liven things up a bit." Mari smirked at him.

 "Now who has the one track mind mister," she said, pushing him away
lightly as she quickly put the pans into the oven. "Now," she turned and
slipped her arms around his waist, "we have an hour or so before that's
ready. What was that you mentioned about livening things up?"

 "Oh," Jason said with a smile, "I had a few ideas." He leaned in and
kissed her, their tongues intertwining as he picked her up lightly and
walked over to the couch, lying back with her on top of him.

 "Mmmm," Marialla sighed contentedly as she snuggled up against him, his
fingers tracing patterns on her back. "I like your ideas."

 Just then, their fun was interrupted by the yelp of a dragon and a
shocked gasp from Jason, both of them sitting bolt upright on the couch
as they heard and felt the exchange between their dragons.

 * Star, are you okay? * Jason sent anxiously.

 < Yes, I'm fine, > his dragon replied, his tone confused. < But why did
she do that? Why is she acting like this? >

 < I wish I knew buddy, but we're going to find out. >

 "Please tell Starfire I'm sorry about that," Marialla told Jason, her
face white. "I can't believe Regenta would do a thing like that."

 "Neither do I," Jason replied, "but I do believe we need to do something
about it and soon." Marialla nodded.

 "With Regenta acting like this, maybe we need to see a dragon healer,"
Marialla replied. "Her thoughts don't feel very nice at the moment.
I’m afraid she might act worse if we don't do something right
away."

 "We'll speak to the warrenlady right after dinner," Jason decided.
"She'll know who we should talk to. For the meantime," he wrapped his
arms around her and hugged her close, "try not to worry to much, okay?"

Mari couldn't help but worry, but she leaned back into Jason's arms and
thought deeply about her dragon.  After Somi left Daere, they had been
left without a dragon healer.  She wished that wasn't the case, because
it would be soon to close to the hatching for Reggie to fly.  Whatever
was to be done, it was going to have to happen soon.

Mari sighed.  Jason wrapped his arms around her tightly.  "I thought I
told you not to worry.  He pulled her close kissing her on the back of
the neck.  "Should we go talk to Jayleigh now?"  he asked, trying to get
Mari to relax.

"No," Mari sighed again,  "It can wait until after we eat."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, dear."  Maria said as she slipped out of Jason's arms and headed to
the oven.  "As she opened the oven door, smoke filled the room and the
rancid smell of burnt chocolate.

"I've ruined it all," she said as a tear started trailing down her
cheek. 

Jason came over to Mari, who he knew was more distressed over her dragon
than the cake.  He wrapped his arms around her holding her close.

"Now stop that," he told her, wiping the tears away with a finger. "It's
nothing to cry over, is it? You're just upset...hell, I'm a little
upset."

"I know," Marialla sniffed, "its just that Reggie acting like this is
hurting me."

"Listen," Jason said, guiding her over to the table and sitting her down.
"We'll have dinner and then straight after we'll talk to the warrenlady
about it, okay?"

Dinner conversation was predictably bland, the two of them more concerned
about their respective dragons to really talk about anything interesting.
It spoilt the mood they might have had, but it couldn't be helped. As
they began to clean up afterwards, Jason asked Starfire to speak to
Viktroy.

< She says her rider will be glad to talk to you, > Star informed him a
little later. < Just meet her in her office. >

Their talk with Jayleigh was surprisingly easy, the warrenlady concerned
at the behaviour of the queen dragon and in agreement with Marialla that
something had to be done soon. Since their dragon healer had so recently
left Daere, Jayleigh suggested that they might travel to Telnor warren to
meet with the healer and explain their problem to her. She also, to both
their surprises, suggested with a sly wink that Jason should accompany
the junior queenrider.

"Lord Gossimor won't hold a grudge," she explained, "but it might be a
good idea to be out of sight and out of mind for a while."

*************

Jason could feel Mari's relief as they left Jayleigh's office.  She
couldn't wait to find out what was truly wrong with her Queen. 

"Well I think we should leave after a good night's rest."  Jason said
with a smile being able to see the relief in Mari's face.

With that comment Mari turned with a start.  "In the morning?  No we need
to leave immediately.  It's so important that Reggie gets help.  Right
away.

 Jason could see there'd be no changing Mari's mind and maybe rightly
so.  "Well we will have a few things to do before we leave though.  I'll
have to talk to T'rell.  You'll want to say goodbye to a few people at
least.  I know Allora, Sharees and Realee."

"Well goodbyes aren't really that necessary.  After all we'll only be
gone a few days."  Mari stated.  "It's not like we're leaving for ever."

"Well I guess not.  But I still need to talk to T'rell about not being at
the training for the BCS. And you may at least want to get someone to
water your plants," he grinned at Mari. "Also talking to a certain Dragon
is important.  The mood she's been in lately might make her really not
want to go.  I don't know, but we'd better find out if she's coming with
us."

Mari sighed knowing that Jason could be absolutely right.  She'd become
rather more independent than normal.

* Reggie, * Mari sent her thoughts to the Jr. Queen.

< What!  No I'm not going to apologise to the dried scaled dragon.  He
deserves exactly what I gave to him. >

 * I'm not going to ask you to apologise.  But it will be necessary for
you to get along with him, because he's accompanying us to Telnor. *

< Telnor!  What are we going there for? It's not nearly as nice as Daere.
>

* You need to be seen by a dragon healer.  And they have several there
and none here.  So that's where we're going? *

< I don't need to see a dragon healer.  Maybe Starfire does with his
torched tail, > she stated with a draconic laugh.

*Reggie!  Now stop that.  Star is your friend, and that's no way to talk
about him or treat him.  But we're thinking the little incident with Star
this afternoon is a little out of the ordinary for behaviour and with you
going to lay soon we want to get you to the dragon healer before it's too
late for your return.  So we're going tonight! *

< So you say? >  she yawned and stretched out on the green.  < Maybe if I
feel like it after my nap. >

* No NAP * Mari mind shouted to the point of making the young queen jump.
* Say your farewells, if you like anyone enough to do that.  We're
leaving in two hours! *

 <Hope you enjoy yourself...but I won't be going. >

 Jason could see the frustration building in Mari.  He knew the
conversation wasn't going well with the young queen.

 He wrapped his arms around her and whispered.  "I have things to do
before we leave.  You get some rest.  I'll wake you when we're ready to
go."

 "But she says she's not going.  If I can't convince her, who can?"  Mari
said almost in tears.

 "If you get some rest, maybe Reggie will too, and wake up in a better
mood,” he said as he walked Mari into the entrance of her
apartment.  He led her into the bedroom and gently lifted into bed.  He
gently rubbed her back, hoping it would help her drift off.  Once she was
asleep Jason headed out to talk to T'rell before they left.

 After explaining the situation, T’rell nodded in sympathy and
agreed with Jayleigh’s suggested course of action.

 “It’s best that Regenta gets checked out as soon as
possible,” he told Jason.“ Especially since she’ll be
hatching soon. If things get any more out of hand she could end up doing
more damage to herself and to Marialla than anyone she happens to
singe.”

 “I think Star would disagree with that,” Jason replied with
a faint smile.“ But yes, it’s best that we leave immediately.
I hope me not being here won’t interfere with the Elite Squad to
much?” T’rell shook his head.

 “No, not really. Even though you’re part of the team, the
squad should be able to function with any number of members at any one
time.” T’rell smiled.“ Just make sure you get back
before I find someone to replace you.”

 “We’ll only be gone as long as is necessary,” Jason
replied with a grin. They stood and T’rell shook Jason’s
hand.

 “Take care of Mari,” he told the young rider
seriously.“ With Regenta acting like this, she’ll need your
support more than ever.” Jason nodded.

 “I understand. Don’t worry, I’ll take good care of
her.”

 ****

 * Regenta, we’re leaving now. *

 The queen lifted her head, noticing for the first time the sapphire
dragon standing nearby. She let out a low hiss, her eyes flashing.

 * I thought I made it clear that you should stay away from me?
Can’t you take a hint? * A trickle of flame singed the grass around
Starfire’s claws, but he stood his ground and looked the queen in
the eye.

 * I wasn’t asking you, * he told her calmly, * I was telling you.
The warrenlady has decided that you are going to see the dragonhealer at
Telnor and I am to come with you. * Star stalked over to Regenta and put
his head down so it touched hers, his eyes hardening and his tone growing
sharp. * Now, if you don’t like this, you can take it up with
Viktroy, but she will tell you exactly what I’m telling you now.
You *will* come back to the warren and you *will* come to Telnor, or else
I’ll drag you there myself! *

 The queen was taken back with the other’s attitude, having never
seen Starfire speak or act like this before. She tried to get up the
anger to retort, but for some reason the look in his eye made her back
down.

 * Very well, * she said tightly, turning her head away from his stare. *
We shall go. *

 ****

  Mari was relieved to see her dragon land on the green accompanied by
Starfire. 

  "Star says she's ready to go."  Jason whispered to the young
queenrider.  "Are you?"

  "Yes the sooner the better."  she smiled slightly.

  <Thank you for sicking Star and Victroy on me.>  Reggie said snidely to
her rider.

  *I did no such thing.  If they approached you with this it's only
because they're as concerned as much as I am.*  Mari sighed knowing that
Reggie was going but under protest. *Well the sooner we get going the
sooner we'll be able to get back.*

  Mari climbed upon the back of the Jr. Queen as Jason did the same with
his dragon.  Soon they were both over the skys of Daere.  For some reason
Mari was filled with emotion as she looked at the warren, just seconds
before they teleported and appeared over Telnor.  The watch dragon
immediately made himself known and requested who, and what they were
doing there.  Soon the two from Daere landed on the green of Telnor and
was approached by several people as Mari and Jason slid off the backs of
their dragons.

(Tag Anyone)

Respectfully Submitted by,

Marialla and Regenta

Dianne Eberle

marialla@rockriver.net

and

Jason and Starfire

Michael Turek

mdt02@uow.edu.au

NRPG:  Good bye to friends at Daere and welcome to new friends at
Telnor.  We're finally here.  John and Bridget, you both know the plans
for Reggie...at least some of them. :)  Lets see where we can take this.

 

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