David slowed his approach towards V'rdeen, not wanting to listen to the 
females words, yet unable to shut out Kaylin and Kirimith's thoughts.  
Minty's face looked like she had conflicting emotions of what fate 
V'rdeen should have, yet even she knew the consequences.  

Suddenly, the three dragons closed around him, blocking off the way 
towards V'rdeen.  David cursed under his breath, shouting out towards 
them all.  "Why d'ye protect him?  After everything he's done, t'all 
o'Keldarra, the hurt and pain he has caused!"  The dragons remained 
unmoving, and Kaylin had the hurt expression of not knowing if he was 
doing right or wrong.  "He hurt the one I love, and ye expect me t'let 
that go?!  Never!"  

'Stop, we can work this out David.' A voice sounded in his mind as a 
hand was placed on his shoulder.  Muscles tenseing, David spun to see 
M'ressans face stareing down at him.  He was worried, probably for 
everyone.  'I know how you feel... But V'rdeen must be dealt with in a 
way that won't hurt Quezarth, and won't tear the warren apart.'  The 
thoughts were soothing, and the older man made sense.  "Please 
stop." He said, outloud.

'He tried to rape my mate, and other women as well.  He has caused 
disruption everywhere he has gone.  He deserves to die!' David thought 
back at M'ressan, as he looked around.  Wynn, Evelle, and Christalla were 
watching him, seeing the white blade gleaming in the afternoon sunlight.  
Minty mouthed the word's 'I love you' to David, as she pleaded for him to 
sheathe his weapon.  He was surrounded, and their words were recognised, 
despite his trying to block them out.  The constant thoughts from the 
dragons were causeing a headache, a pierceing in the back of his skull.  

*Please, David.  V'rdeen will be punished...* Kaylin thought, trying to 
help his rider.

'David, this isn't the right way...' M'ressan sent to him, standing back 
to give the troubled young man some room.  

Slowly, grudgeingly, David lowered his weapon, and spoke to everyone.  
"What I do, I do not for myself, but for Keldarra.  I wish not t'be like 
him, as death es too good a mercy for his likes."  Taking his sword, 
David broke his blade over his knee, tossing the ruined steel to the 
ground at V'rdeens feet.  "A reminder..." David whispered, and walked away, 
pauseing for a moment infront of Wynn.  "By your leave, Wingleader." He 
said, and as Wynn nodded, David bowed to Christalla, and left the 
clearing.  

Briana called after him, "Don't you want to know why he has done all 
this?!" 

David turned, and shook his head, suddenly tired.  "No, for any reason he 
gives is not enough..." 

Minty started to follow, but Darlea lay a hand on her shoulder.  "He 
needs to be alone, and I think V'rdeen has something to tell us."  With a 
last look towards David, they all turned on V'rdeen, who had gathered 
himself, and looked as if he was thinking about what to say.  Then he 
began, telling them all what he had told Briana, and more, about what had 
happened in his life.  They all listened without talking, and gathered 
their own thoughts of what should be done....


David walked off, not really thinking of a destination, but needed to 
work off some energy.  Kaylin landed beside him, and nudged him gently.  
David stroked his dragons head lovingly, and smiled.  'Thank you, my 
friend.' He thought, and Kaylin smiled.

*Let's go home.* Kaylin said, and when David had mounted, he took off for 
the apartment him and Minty shared.  While there, David looked at the 
remaining sword he had, almost lonely without its twin.  'I suppose I 
should forge a new set...' David thought absently, and put the blade back 
in its scabbard.  

*I guess so.* Kaylin said, yawning.  *I'm sure you could make better...*

David laughed, knowing the dragon knew nothing of working metal.  'I'm 
glad I didn't kill V'rdeen, Kay.  I wasn't thinking about what would have 
happened.' He said, taking on a somber tone.  'I'll have to apologise to 
the others.'

*I'm sure they understand, David.*

'But I still must do it.' He said, and wrapped up his blade to take it 
back to the guild.  On his way out, he saw Kirimith fly in with Minty.  
As she dismounted, he walked over and embrassed her.  

"I'm sorry love.  I was just so worried for you." He said, kissing her 
gently.  "I can't stand the thought of anybody ever hurting you."


*************** SUBMITTED BY **********************

		  Justin

NRPG:	Well, David didn't kill him.  Actually, my origional intent was 
        to just beat the living crap out of V'rdeen, but I guess things 
        got swayed.  David, after he makes up with Minty, will go around and 
        apologise to those who were there, starting with Briana.  

      /\     /^---_---^\     /\       "I think, therefore I am.  Yet        
     /  \    > |_\ /_| <    /  \       when my characters think, are they 
    /    \   |         |   /    \      also?"  
   /      \   \  o o  /   /      \    "Dragons exist my friend, for the sheer
  /        \  |\_____/|  /        \    fact that in all cultures they are
 |          \ | \/ \/ | /          |   present, weather separated by land
     ----------       ----------       sea or air."----  Justin Almeida