Darlea
***

Darlea had returned to the Warren just in time to watch Aethnod catch
Krithis in a mating flight. As Makayla landed, Darlea smiled to see Kyven
and Reetsada together. It was good to see, bringing a little hope after
such a long tragedy for them and their family.

<Makayla, ask Malekith where Wynn is. I have to talk to him.>

With the help of the two dragons it didn't take her any time at all to find
the Gamma wingleader. She walked up behind him, calling out to him, "Wynn?"

He turned and grinned at her. "Hi Darlea."

"I need to talk to you for a minute."

"Sure, what is it?"

"I have to resign from the wing."

He smiled, "I figured it wouldn't be too long."

She grinned, "Well, I really appreciate your patience with me while I was
running errands for Christalla. But she's officially asked me to be her
courier." Darlea chuckled, "I can't refuse the Dragonlady."

"Somehow I doubt you want to."

"No I don't." she said, happily.

***

<Darlea-pet! Darshan's rider's been hurt!> Darlea looked up from her cup of
tea. 

"What's wrong?" said her mother. It was a very rare occasion when Sheltie
got a chance to spend an evening with her daughter, and so was instantly
worried when Darlea's face paled.

"Almiron's been hurt."

"Again," Sheltie sighed. "He always seems to be in the middle of things,
doesn't he."

"Mama!"

"I'm sorry," she said. "I know he's had a hard time lately. And I'm really
sorry about Salinda's decision, but he seems to bring a lot of trouble on
himself. I can't believe he was able to break up M'tan and Aleta. They were
such a sweet couple."

"That was *not* Almiron's fault."

"Deary, I don't think you see him the way he truly is."

"You and I are never going to agree on this. But I really need to go make
sure he's okay."

"Darlea, please don't go." Sheltie begged. "There's probably very little
you can do for him right now. You are not a healer, dear."

"I know. But maybe just my being there might help."

She headed out of the room and back through the storage rooms behind the
kitchen. <Where is he, Makayla.>

<They took him to the med center. Paranth and Starleanna's riders were also
injured.>

<Are they all in the med center?

<No, just Starleanna's rider and Almiron.>

<Thank you love.>

She headed to the med center, pausing briefly at the door, before taking a
deep breath and going in. She remembered the last time she'd seen Almiron
being taken into the med center .. he'd looked horrible. Biting her lip she
found someone to tell her what was going on.

"Mila's in with him now," she was told, "It would be best if you'd wait out
here until she comes out."

Darlea frowned but found a chair and sat down, watching for Mila to appear.

***

"Darlea?"

She had been drifting off when Mila appeared. She looked up at the older
woman's call, "Mila, how is he?"

"Almiron is sleeping now."

"And Briana?" she asked.

"She'll be fine as well."

"Good, can I go see Almiron for a minute."

Mila nodded, "But only for a few minutes."

"Thank you." She said turning toward Almiron's room. She walked in, and
smiled, thinking he didn't look as bad as she had imagined. She reached out
to touch his hand. It was cool to her touch and she worried that he would
get cold. She picked up a second blanket, and covered him gently. 

For some reason, something felt very wrong when she looked at him. His face
was pale, yet there was something that didn't seem right. She was at a loss
to explain it. He moaned lightly in his sleep and she pulled the blanket up
to his chin.

Taking a seat, she watched him, until Mila came back in. "Go on home,
Darlea. He's just going to sleep tonight."

She nodded, "Thanks for letting me sit for a minute."

"Of course, dear."

She stood and started out of the room. Then she turned to Mila, "Mila? Are
you sure he's going to be okay?"

"You know, Almiron. He always bounces back."

Darlea smiled lightly and left.

***
<The next day shortly after Almiron wakes>

Darlea made her way once again to the med center after hearing from Makayla
that Almiron was awake.

She saw Kyven coming out of his room and called out, "Kyven, how is he?
Makayla says he's awake."

"He is."

Darlea breathed deeply and smiled, "I'm so glad. I was worried. Something
seemed wrong last night, even though he looked really peaceful. Can I go
see him."

Kyven nodded, and Darlea hurried into his room. She immediately noticed the
look on his face. "Almiron?"

She headed over to him and lightly touched his hand. He looked at her
wide-eyed and grabbed her hand desperately. He clung to it briefly, then
flung it away from him, and looked away.

Darlea frowned, "What's wrong?" 

Regards,
Darlea & Makayla

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Kristen Gant
(AKA: Darlea & Makayla,  Waylene & Aura, Meena & Vonn, 
Kalewyn & Sabbith, Saul & Fayloth)
http://homepage.interaccess.com/~sgant/Kris/kris.htm