(Phaedra)

"I want to stay here," she told her, her voice not quiet steady. "I want to
be a part of this life and forget the other even exists. But how can I when
there are those who suffered while trying to protect me and keep me alive
until the day I was old enough to take back what was mine by right of birth?"
Ghost asked.

"You're a dragonrider, now. It is not unheard of to be in charge of landbound
and yet be a rider. Rare, but it can happen," Phaedra replied.

Yes, but what will I do? There's no way I can handle the responsibility,
not and be here as well. It's too much."

"First, I think, you need to be concerned with Lord Bridgett. Mc'key
tells me he's not far away. The showdown will come soon, and you will
have to decide where you stand. As far as I'm concerned, if you wish to 
stay here you have every right. You are a rider, and the Contract backs
me up, no matter what your position in the landbound society. It's true,
compromises have been made for political necessity, but it doesn't 
have to be that way. There will always be a home for you here."

"I just don't know what to do...no, wait, I have an idea."

"I'd be interested in hearing it, child," Phaedra replied.

NRPG: I'd be interested in hearing it too, Barb...I left Mc'key and 
Ghost alone because I have no idea what you're planning. Go ahead
and take it :)

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

(V'dar)

"So, there's the queen rider. I suppose you're a little more relaxed, now?"
V'dar asked.

Inagua pushed past him. "I can't deal with this now, V'dar. I need to see
Phaedra."

"Fat chance," he said, grabbing her arm. "Phaedra's a little busy. Bridgett's
forces are practically at our doorstep. Now is not the time."

"And you are not the one to tell me where to go," Inagua snapped. "I'll talk 
to you later. Maybe."

"No."

"What? How dare you?!" Inagua ripped her arm out of his grasp.

"I dare, because I know what shape you're in. You won't get anywhere
with bruises on your face and liquor on your breath. She won't take you
seriously."

"What do you mean?"

"Don't act coy with me. I've been drunk enough times to know the signs."

"It's none of your business- I told you that last night."

"Maybe not, but I'm making it my business, today. I've had it up to here with
your attitude, your secrets, your angst...I want to know just what in the
hell you've been up to. What is this damned secret that you've been keeping
from the rest of the world? Your eyes show it even if your mouth denies it.
You drink yourself to distraction to run away from it-"

V'dar stopped as Inagua's hand snaked out, slapped him hard. He grabbed
her wrist, squeezed until she gasped in pain. "I don't need a brat attitude,
either. I'm not your father, or your confessor, or even family. I'm 
simply responsible for you, and I have no desire to see a queen rider destroy 
herself and her dragon. I'll have the truth, and I won't quit. Now, shall I 
hear it from you, or should I go into town and see what trouble you've 
caused?"

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

(Phaedra)

It was time.

They were less than a hour away, according to the reports. What were they
going to do that wouldn't kill some, hurt others and ruin the fragile 
peace between Hold and Warren? it was wrong, this thing. They should
be concentrating on eradicating wraiths, not warring amongst themselves.
Phaedra sighed as she contemplated the day ahead.

It was not promising. 

At least, Lord Bridgett would regret it, she thought with a rueful smile.

______________________________




Allen Veazey
wolf@dbtech.net
	
	"I'm not really bad, I'm just drawn that way."
			--Jessica Rabbit