Mc'Key and Ghost were left alone by Lord Oboe, the older man twinkling
mischievously at the sight of their young love. Key held her in his arms,
not wanting to begin the next part of the conversation.

Almost as if she could read his mind, Ghost said

"When do you have to go?" She looked at him, almost like a child, so
innocent and full of sadness.

"I have to go back straight away," he said. "I wanted to stay, but being in
charge of Beta means that I can't stay away from the warren. I'm so
sorry..." he began.

"I know," she interrupted. "I know we feel the same way. I just thought you
might be able to stay for a little while."

"I'll come back to see you in a couple of days," he said. "I can still
visit, but I can't stay for long."

He could see the sadness in his soul reflected in her dark eyes. He could
also see what could happen to the warren if there were any attacks. With the
Wingleader injured and himself absent, things would get very serious.
Phaedra had been generous in allowing him to escort her here, yet he
couldn't help feeling very bad indeed.

"I'll come out and see you off," she began.

"No." She looked hurt. "I'm sorry, but I don't think I could handle looking
back as I flew away from you." He tried a smile and almost managed it, "I've
got an image to protect, you know."

"Oh Key!" She threw herself against him, holding him tight. It was all he
could do not to cry, even though the parting would be short.

"We'll be together soon, and when we are, I won't let anything come between
us."

With that, he kissed her then said "You better get ready for the Lord's
lunch. The sooner you convince them, the sooner we can get back together."

"I'll be as quick as possible. Maybe quicker," she joked, but could not hide
the sadness.

"I'll be back in a couple of days. Take care, my love."

They kissed, gently.

"I'll be waiting for you, thinking of you," she said.

Mc'Key turned to leave but could not depart without looking round at her,
one more time.

---------------------------------------------

Out on the landing field, he said his goodbyes to Lord Oboe. Norik was
absent.

"You better take good care of her." he said. "At least I know she's safe in
Norik's hands."

"Indeed young man. The landbound owe you a debt of thanks. If you ever need
anything, just ask."

"Just get her back to me, soon and safe."

And with the promise from Lord Oboe secured, Mc'Key made one of the longest,
hardest flights he ever had to make.

---------------------------------------------

Back at the warren, he felt strangely alone. He had never felt so isolated
before, but with the one who occupied his thoughts so constantly gone from
his side, he could not help but miss her terribly.

*I shall have to occupy myself as much as I can. I hope you're in the mood
for a few battle drills and some extra training.*

The dragon groaned.

<I hoped I might get some time to play, now the excitement is over!>

*You will, Vas. I'm sure I can amuse myself in other ways.*

And with that, he decided to go to see Phaedra, to tell her all had gone
well.

NRPG:

Breaks your heart, don't it!!

Respectfully submitted,

FCO Lt.(jg) Olivier Patru, USS ORION NCC-1997, Starfleet.
Special Agent-2 Jim Reaper, X-Files Division, FBI.
Ar'Aman Bowright and Darar, Daere Warren, DragonLands.
Mc'Key and Vasleth, Geode Warren, DragonLands.

aka Peter Shillan.