The sun was just beginning to set as Wynn and Evelle strolled 
hand in hand towards the path that led to Lake Sharrell.  It was an 
extraordinarily beautiful sunset with brilliantly colored bands of red, 
orange and purple streaking through the sky.  They caught a glimpse 
S'brogh walking in the opposite direction with a young dragonrider named 
Sybeline and waved.  The other couple gave them a cheerful wave back.

	"Shall we ask them to join us?" Evelle suggested.

	"Not tonight, love.  I'd like to be alone with you for a while," he 
answered and kissed the tip of her nose.  She nodded and squeezed his 
hand.

	"Everything all right now with you and him?"

	"Yes," he answered and her heart leapt.  "We talked a long time 
down at the lagoon.  I don't really understand why he feels the way he 
does, but then he didn't insist upon understanding why I deserted him -- 
and you -- for so long.  He just welcome me back and called me brother 
as if those years of separation had never happened?  How could I do less 
for him?  But, oh Evelle, when he sent me away from the medical center 
like that, I suddenly knew how you both must have felt when I withdrew.  
I'm so sorry, love."

	"Wynn, Wynn.  I don't even think of those times anymore and 
neither should you.  It's like it was another lifetime.  You're close to me 
now, for always, my mate and my love.  As long as I have you and Ali, 
what does it matter what happened before?"

	He nodded and they walked slowly together exploring the land of 
Keldarra and stopping when some special plant or arrangement of rocks 
or scurrying animal caught their attention.  It had been a long day and 
they were in no hurry.

	"The Council went well, I thought," Wynn commented.  "You spoke 
beautifully again, my lovely, but lazy little politician," he teased.

	"It -did- go well, yes.  I'm glad for Waylene that the warrens were 
so generous.  Although," she added thoughtfully, "she may be less 
grateful if everyone is sending her their problem children, as we did with 
Carie."  Evelle shuddered at the memory of Carie and her queen, Fiera, 
returning from battle.

	"I was horrified too when I found out she was there."  He grinned.  
"I can imagine the greeting you gave her."

	I could have THROTTLED her."  Evelle was angry all over again.  
"Fiera could have been gone before she even had a chance to clutch."

	"Well, we were all lucky.  So let's get rid of those little frown line on 
your forehead."  He kissed the offending lines away.

	"Yes, love.  Let's enjoy this divine evening.  Things are peaceful 
tonight here at the warren, and who knows how long that may last.  I have 
a feeling there's more trouble ahead."  Evelle shuddered.

	"What's wrong, darling?"  Wynn put a protective arm around her.

	"I don't know.  I just felt as if someone was walking over my grave."  
She shook it off.  "But that's just silly.  Maybe it's only that I'm going to 
miss David and Minty and all of our friends that are leaving."

	"Yes," he agreed.  "I'll miss them too.  They'll visit I know, but it 
won't be the same.  And it's not going to be easy to replace Minty as a 
wingsecond."

	"No, it's not.  She's come so far; she's a strong young woman now.  
I'm so happy that warren life has worked out so well for her.  She 
deserves her happiness.  Have you decided who you'll name in her place, 
darling?"

	"Not yet.  It's an important decision, Evelle, and I have to consider 
it carefully.  I've got a few riders in mind, but I want to be sure."

	She squeezed his hand, understanding, and didn't ask him who he 
was considering.  Wynn's wingsecond would be almost as close to him as 
Evelle was.  It must be his choice alone.  When he was ready to tell her, 
he would.

	They had reached the lake now.  It's crystal clean waters were 
glistening in the steadily decreasing light.  A slight breeze created gentle 
ripples.  The air was clean and fresh.

	*Ali?* Evelle called.

	*Yes, Evelle?  Malekith and I are out on a hunt.  Do you need us?  
You seem happy.*

	*No, sweet girl.  I was just checking on you.  Wynn and I are at the 
lake.  We'll be here for a while.  Enjoy your hunt.*

	*Of course we will, silly girl.  We'll come for you when you call.  Or 
maybe before.  We like to watch you.*

	*Oh you do, do you?  You know what they say about peeping 
dragons, don't you?*

	*Certainly.  That they have lots of fun watching their silly humans.*

	Evelle laughed and when she heard Wynn laugh, too, she knew he 
was probably having a similar conversation with Malekith.

	"We're just their puppets, aren't we, love?"

	"I don't think there's much doubt about that," he agreed, still 
chuckling.  "And we wouldn't change it for the world."

	They strolled around the lake, enjoying the night and each other.  
Wynn asked what Evelle's plans for the next day were.

	"Well, I've got to do some interviewing myself, love.  I'll need to 
pick a personal courier.  I think I should stay in touch with the nobles.  
Christalla's got her hands full with the warrens.  The tithe negotiations 
were a good start for me, and I'd like to follow that through.  Especially 
with Jaldor staying so stubborn."

	"Not a bad idea," he agreed.  His smiled widened into a teasing 
grin.  "From what I saw, you had Baron Yonial practically eating out of 
your hand."

	"Jealous?" she laughed.  "Mmm, maybe I'll make a personal trip to 
Rivenor instead of sending my courier."

	Wynn stood tall and his face took on a look of mock sternness.

	"Behave yourself, woman, or I'll have to spank that lovely, but lazy 
bottom of yours."

	"You'll have to catch me first!"  Evelle challenged and began to run.  
She led him a very merry chase, then suddenly stopped.

	"Ah, I've got you now, my girl!"  They were both laughing joyfully as 
he spun her around and laid her across his knees to administer proper 
punishment for her misdeeds.

	"Oooh, Wynn," she exclaimed.  "Look at that."

	From her unusual vantage point, Evelle had spotted a series of 
caves carved into the mountain.  "Have you ever been in those?  I've 
never seen them before."

	"No," he said, looking up with interest, although his hand was 
poised only inches from its intended target.  "I've never noticed them 
either."

	"Should we do a little exploring?" asked Evelle eagerly.  "I think it 
might be fun being hidden away in some mysterious caves with you."

Evelle
Queenrider of Alicynth
WarrenLady of Keldarra

NRPG:  Want to go spelunking, Chris?  :)