The tears long lost in the swaying currents stopped coming, replaced by
a numbness that she solemnly embarrassed. After Peren had left that
night, how long ago was that now..., she retreated from the world to the
only place that would comfort her. The sea.

She had come here to the kelp garden, and securing herself to a frawn
cried for many hours. At some point the sobbing was replaced by a quiet
stream of tears. She was inconsolable and hours turned into days and all
blurred into one.

Jismin remained close to her. She had stopped seeking any response from
her rider but continued to talk to her in hopes that she would come out
of this darkness. She brought her rider food, most Wade would not take
it.

As the last glistening shafts of light drifted though the swaying kelp
Jismin swam close bringing food to Wade. That her rider looked directly
at her was a warm welcome, when Wade moved toward her and threw her arms
around her it brought a sigh of relief.

~Wade, my rider, talk to me. Tell me you are all right.~ Jismin pleaded.

~I am. I am worn, but will survive.~ Wade replied.

There was a rush of water as the Dragon spun around joyously underwater
embracing her rider. Wade clung to Jismin, more than just to hang on she
felt her need of Jismin as never before.

~How long have we been here?~ Wade asked.

~It has been many days my rider.~

~I would say it is time we go to our land home.~  she said.

~Yes, indeed. It is time.~ Jismin echoed as she shot out of the water
doing another pirouette in midair. Her wings unfolding with a loud clap,
water spraying in shimmering droplets.

The stars became brighter as they flew. Then in the distance the soft
green glow of their cave was visible. They flew in and it did indeed
feel like home. There was a note on the floor, evidently the wind caught
it and took it from the table.

~What does it say?~ Jismin asked.

~It is from Peren. He was worried about me and wanted me to know that
everything would be all right. He said he would keep checking on me.~
she explained. ~We had better find him and let him know that I am all
right.~

Wade changed clothes while Jismin communicated with some of the other
Dragons of the warren.

~My rider, there are many Dragons and riders that have gone to do battle
with something called Îwraithsâ.~ Jismin hurriedly informed.

~Wraiths? What are Wraiths?~ Wade asked.

~I am not sure, they describe them as being like air.~ came a confused
answer.

Wade decided to try and find someone rather than continue the jumbled
conversation. The shells on her dress jingled as she ran to her Dragon.
She was barely on when the Dragon dove from the caves entrance and made
a wide arch heading for the main buildings of Jasra.

The battles seriousness was obvious by the empty warren. Few people were
on the streets and those rushed by carrying out what ever duties they
had been given.

~Perhaps someone will know what is going on in the healers quarters.~
Wade surmised. Jismin snorted in agreement and with a few wing beats
brought them down in front of the healers compound. Wade dismounted and
paused to stroke Jisminâs forehead.

~Iâll find out what is going on.~ she said trying to reassure herself as
much as Jismin and then quickly turned on her heals and went on her
mission.

The inside of the compound was dimly lit. Normally someone was attending
the front desk, but it was vacant now.

ãHello,ä Wades voice cracked as she tried to speak quietly so as to not
wake any of the patients, ãAnyone here?ä

Silence followed and she took a few tentative steps down the corridor.
She heard a soft thud from behind a closed door and something that
seemed like stifled laughter, almost mad in the glimpse it gave.

She hesitated as she reached for the door suddenly filled with doubts.
Were there wraithâs in Jasra? Could they even be seen?

She waited to hear something more from the occupants of the room but
when no sound followed she decided to go in. Slowly she opened the door
hoping she was not making a mistake.

____________________________
NRPG
Respectfully Submitted
Renee Lewis-Grothe
a.k.a.
Renelle Amandine/CSciO, USS Discovery
Jismin & Wade/Jasra, Dragon Lands


I hope I am not stepping in on someoneâs tag. Thought I better get in
while there was such a great opening to Anthonyâs post. Great post
Anthony! I did not write too much into it so that if I was stepping in
inappropriately I would not do too much damage. Please donât take it
that I donât want to write about the scene.


Take this kiss upon the brow!
And, in parting form you now,
This much let me avow-
You are not wrong, who deem
That my days have been a dream;

Poe