NRPG  I'm trying to tie up some loose threads, so I'm jumping around a lot!

*******************
RPG

<Minty & Sky>


"I'm sorry I don't know why I'm telling you all this.  I'm Sky by the 
way.  You're the new wing second for Gamma aren't you?"  


"I'm Araminta.... well Minty really.  I know what it's like to need someone
to talk to.  I'm sorry about your father....." Minty apologised to the girl
"I -do- know what it's like!  I'm supposed to go see my Da, and tell him
about David and me, but I'm really dreading it! "


"Oh in that case...." Sky turned to go, but Minty stopped her


"I really would rather put it off as long as possible.... he's not the
easiest man to talk to.  Would you like some company?  We could explore the
warren if you'd like or go swimming.  I'm sure that Kirimith won't mind
taking two the lake......"  Minty offered


"Really?  Ride on your dragon?  Would you mind?"  Sky's eyes shone with
pleasure at the offer


"I'm sure Kiri won't mind.  C'mon...I'll introduce you to her.  You'll be a
candidate when Alicynth's eggs hatch won't you?" 


"Well I hope to be....."  Sky's voice was hesitant


"You'll do just fine!  I wasn't even supposed to be here when I Joined with
Kirimith...." the two girls reached Kirimith, who opened one eye lazily.
"Kiri this is Sky.... will you take us to the lake?"


Stretching lazily, Kirimith dipped her head to look at Sky, then said;


*Does she know how to oil properly?  It will be good to have attention from
two humans.....*


Minty giggled, and explained what Kirimith had said, and Sky laughed as
Minty helped her onto Kirimith's back.


"It'll be good practice for when I have my own dragon......"  she said


<NRPG  Glory... I assumed at 13 she'd still be wide-eyed with wonder.  Over
to you>

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

<After the meeting between Guy and David>


David stalked away from Guy without a backward glance...... so didn't see
V'rdeen approach the older man.


"I believe you and I could help each other."  V'rdeen's voice was silky, as
he drew Guy away from the crowd that had gathered.  


"How?  You're just another dragonrider!"  Guy started angrily  "You're no
better than David!"


"Don't ever make that mistake, old man!  I have much more to offer you than
that Wraithspawn can.  I might be in a position to make an offer for your
daughters.... er shall we say.... favours?..... Yes!  Her favours.
Interested?"  V'rdeen asked pointedly


"How much?"  Guy's eyes were wary, but eager  


"Shall we talk over a mug of ale?"  V'rdeen replied, quietly   *Oh I'll get
even with you yet Minty* he thought as he ushered Guy away......


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

<The apartment, before dinner with David's parents>


David's preoccupation worried Minty, as she put it down to his having second
thoughts about introducing her to his parents.  She was relieved when she
learned the truth.... but also very wary......


"Your father tracked me down today outside the dining hall.  We had an
arguments..."


Minty turned white when David told her what had happened


"I should have known this afternoon that something like this would happen!
I'm sorry love."  she said contritely  "I spoke to him about us today.... I
knew he was dead set against it, and I should have tried to explain a bit
more to him.  But the Wraiths attacked and I was needed, and you got back
before I did."


"Et's alright, and no harm done."  David held her close, soothing her fears


"You don't know him as well as I do David.  You humiliated him in front of
others...."


"He'll not do anything.  I promise ye...." David assured her. 


Minty wasn't convinced.  She -knew- Guy, knew how badly he harboured a
grudge! Knew that he would wait his opportunity to get his revenge.....


"Just promise me you'll take care.  Please love?"  she begged, shivering at
his unconcern.......


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

<Dinner and after>



Minty's shyness almost had her paralysed.  


Ames was such a playful figure however he very soon put her at her ease,
teasing and laughing as if he'd known her all her life. A few times she saw
David wince at something his father said, and laughed quietly.  It felt good
to be in a family.... especially this family.The star of the evening was
definitely Robyn.  She kept Minty giggling with tales of David's younger
days, and had David blushing most of the evening.  Everyone made her feel so
welcome.... even Khi... who Minty had been most afraid to meet.


Seated on Kaylin for the short flight back to their apartment, Minty sighed
and snuggled close.


"Your family is so friendly!  I look forward to seeing them again, love"
she said as he helped her dismount  "Robyn is a darling.  She'll break a few
hearts when she's older!"


"An t'others?"  he asked quietly  "Not quite t' ogres you thought them....
hmmm?  An what did ye an Khi find to talk about all t' time?  I was
beginning t'worry about ye!"


"Oh this and that!"  Minty started, and then collapsed into giggles  "If you
really must know she was offering to help with our first-born!  It took me
forever to convince her we'd not be starting our own family -just- yet!"


"Torture!....."  David groaned  "Et's a conspiracy!"


Minty laughed and slipped her arms around him, kissing him deeply,
seductively. "She had some other advice to offer too!"  she whispered
silkily  "I have a way to cheer you up and make you feel sooooo much
better!......"


<..>


In the afterglow of their lovemaking, breathing and heartbeats returning to
normal, Minty sighed contentedly.  Propped on an elbow the better to study
his face, she finally asked the question that had been nagging at her all
evening..... ever since Lowery had mentioned her.....


"Who's Laura?......"
 

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

<V'rdeen again.  This should occur sometime after Wynn talks to him>


Minty was just leaving the record room when V'rdeen caught her.


"You and I have some unfinished business, girl"  he sneered, pinning her
against the wall  "You weren't very friendly last time we were together, but
that will change....  If I were you I'd go talk with Guy...."


"This has nothing to do with my father!"  Minty tried to control the quaver
in her voice "Why don't you just leave me alone.  I already told Evelle
about you.... I'll report your behaviour again if you don't leave me alone!"


"I had a feeling it was you!"  his tone was vicious  "Well don't think it
will work this time.... they won't listen to you when I tell them how you've
led me on!"


"I've done nothing to encourage you.... you know I haven't!"  her tears
spilled over "I've tried to get you to leave me alone..... "


"Bet you didn't tell David what happened?" he grinned at her gasp of shock
"No...didn't think you had!  I just have to say you didn't know how to break
off your affair with David, and as I've got Guy's blessing they'll believe
me over you!"  His look was triumphant.


Stunned at his words, she could think of no answer.  As he walked away she
collapsed in terrified sobs.....  If only she'd told David the first time!
Evelle's words haunted her;


"I won't tell David.  That's your job.  I just advise you to have faith in 
him.  It's not good for mates to keep these kinds of secrets, Minty.  Trust 
David........"


<NRPG Glory, Kristen?  One of you want to jump in here and find her crying?>


Submitted by

Araminta, Kirimith's rider


NRPG


Justin.... next post Minty will tell David about V'rdeen.


-- 
Les

the voice and soul of

Timi Caplain  CMO    USS Javelin
T'beth  Counsellor     USS Magellan 
Lillith the Mage          Broken Lands
Minty, Kirimith's rider  Dragon Lands