[DL] Jasra: Fresh beginnings
by
"Christopher Ackney" <loviatar@interlog.com>

Scene: Wynn's and Evelle's quarters

 Wynn stood at the mouth of the cave, gazing out over the Warren as the sun
began peeking over the horizon.  He had been neglectful, he knew.  The Wing
was talented, but it still was not a cohesive unit.  And he had been kept
away by every little thing.  Visits to Keldarra to ensure his transition to
Jasra had been a smooth one.  He still felt some guilt over leaving his post
there, until finally M'resan took him aside and told him to start
concentrating on Jasra, or he would surely fail there.  M'resan and
Christalla had finally conspired with Malekith, and with the black's help
and an affectionate kiss from the Dragonlady, they finally sent Wynn back
home.

 Then there were the numerous visits to the surroundings towns to meet with
the local nobles.  Well, they felt numerous to Wynn, at any rate.  Evelle
was bent on re-establishing the Warren's presence among the cities,
negotiating tribute and the amount of protection Jasra was prepared to
offer.  Wynn did little but provide company for Evelle, though they were
pleasant enough trips even without that.  Just time consuming.

 Now Wynn found himself with a daunting task; re-establishing himself as
Wingleader.  Lori had done well in the short times he had been away, but she
seemed to have a stand-offishness about her.  She knew the drills, but there
didn't seem to be much passion behind her commands.  Wynn wasn't sure he
would be able to win the riders' loyalty.

 <Give them time, my rider, they still do not know you.>  Malektih soothed.

 Wynn turned back to his dragon.  "They're all good people.  I just don't
want to see any of them get hurt because I hadn't trained them well enough."

 "Even the best get hurt sometimes, my love."  Wynn turned to look at his
mate, still sleepy but still managing to look radiant.  "Not all the
training in the world will prevent that.  Just training and over-training is
no way to win loyalty, or friendship."

 He came over to her and pulled her into a loose hug.  Winning friendship
sounded even more daunting a task.  Evelle looked up at him.  "Just remember
to have fun once in a while, okay?"

 An idea struck him then, and he half-crushed Evelle in a hug.  "Thanks,
love."  He beamed, kissing her deeply.  "You've given me an excellent idea."

 "Mmm, glad to be of help."  She smiled back, arms loosely wrapped around
her mate.

 "Malekith, have the wing form up on the Green."  Wynn asked, looking over
at his sleek black.

 <So early?>

 "So early?"  Both Malekith and Evelle asked, giving Wynn a weird echoing
effect.

 Wynn smiled again and gave a nod.  Evelle sighed.  "Well, give me a minute
to get dressed so you can take me down to Alicynth."  He rubbed Evelle's
stomach affectionately before letting her go, then turned to get Malekith
ready.

Scene: Fifteen minutes later, on the Practice Green

 The riders and their dragons milled about on the Green.  There were some
grumblings amongst them about having to get up so early, but for the most
part they merely waited.  Soon Malekith was circling above them, spiraling
down slowly before landing before them.  The riders quieted down and
organized themselves as Wynn dismounted.  He stepped forward, eying his
troops in silence.

 "I realize that things have not been easy, adjusting to a new Warren, to a
new Wing.  New friends and enemies.  I haven't been my usual self either,
too many distractions.  But I am first and foremost the Wingleader of Jasra
Warren.  I hope from now on that I can concentrate on being a good leader to
you all, and more importantly, I hope I can be a good friend.  Now I know
that you have all been working hard, but I want to try something a little
different today.  What I have in mind may be a little unorthodox, but I feel
that it's necessary.  First off, today's practice is cancelled.  It seems to
me that with all this water nearby, so little of it is used.  Thus I propose
a water day.  I've arranged with the kitchen staff to prepare a picnic for
everyone, rider and Warrenfolk alike.  Just remember, though, that the extra
salt in the water dries out a dragon's scales, so a few extra oil rubbings
will be needed.  But then, I hear dragons are eternally grateful for such
treatment."  He glanced up at Malekith with a knowing smile. "So, without
further talk, let's enjoy the day."

 Astonished looks were soon followed by whoops of glee, as the wing quickly
dispersed to go enjoy a day at the sea.  Wynn patted Malekith and smiled,
hopefully he didn't seem like such a bad guy now.

 <Just make sure you don't go to the other extreme now.>  Malekith warned.

 "We'll start training again tomorrow.  Though I don't think we'll be up so
early then."  He smiled and swung back up onto the saddle.  "Shall we join
them?"

 <Of course.>  Malekith replied with a mental smile.  <Though Alicynth is
quite jealous at the moment.>

 Wynn chuckled as dragon and rider rose into the air.

 <Come along, little one, let us join in the fun.>  Thoseth turned her head
back to her rider.

 "Fun?  We're dragonriders, we're not supposed to have fun."  Lisell fumed.

 Thoseth gave a questioning look.  <There is a lot for you to learn.>

 <It's all fine and good for you dragons to enjoy yourselves.  But humans
don't know everything by instinct.  We have to train and learn how to fight
effectively.>  Lisell explained.

 <Perhaps you do.  But I know that you cannot learn all the time.  Humans
need to relax just as dragons do.  And things have taken their toll on a
number of riders here.  A time like this will do more good than a grueling
practice session.>

 Lisell remained silent.

 <So, are you coming?>

 <Not right now.>  She replied non-committally.

 <Suit yourself, but I think you should come.>  The blue dragon peered down
at her rider, but Thoseth knew Lisell's stubbornness when she saw it.  With
a mental shrug, the dragon lifted off to join the others.

NRPG: Well, not much, but it's a start.  I've been too long out of touch
with things, so I want to mesh myself back in slowly.  There are a couple of
ongoing plots, I know, so stick this in where it'll fit.  I just want a
chance to get reacquainted with your characters, and thought a relaxing day
off would be a good way to do it.

Christine: Sorry about the bio mix-up ... I did get your updated bio, but I
guess I didn't put it in the file, so I'll fix that up.


              />   Malekith and his boy Wynn
             /<
     O[\\\\\\(O):::<============================================-
             \<
              \>   aka Christopher Ackney,
                       loviatar@interlog.com







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