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Darlea was trying to help her mother with the preparations for the 
banquet. It had been called spur of the moment due to the victory at 
Ralengarde. And Sheltie, her mother was rushing to make everything just 
right.

ãDarlea, my girl, I know you would love to help me.  But you are a 
candidate for one of those eggs out there. You need to be out impressing 
the DragonLady!ä

ãMama, thatâs silly,ä The young girl laughed. ãItâs the dragon in the 
egg I must impress, not the DragonLady.ä She fell into a fit of 
laughing.

Her laughter was contagious and soon even work stressed Sheltie was 
laughing, ãPlease, Darlea, Iâll never get anything done with you 
laughing like a maniac in here.ä

ãOkay, deary...ä laughed Darlea, ãIâll get out of your hair and try and 
impress the DragonLady as well. Just please, donât overwork yourself. I 
want to be able to celebrate with you as well, once my dragon hatches.ä 
The 15 year old girl practically danced out of the kitchen toward the 
banquet hall.

Sheltie watched her go. Her darling child just couldnât be disappointed. 
 One of those eggs had to be for her.

*****

Darlea wandered into the banquet hall. There were people everywhere. 
Dragonfolk and Landbound alike. Having grown up in the Warren she was 
familiar with a lot of the guests. Those she didnât know, she watched 
with interest. 

Any strangers who happened to catch this happy girlâs eye, was treated 
to a beautiful smile and a wave. Several of the Searchlings eyed her 
suspiciously.  She walked up to a couple of the younger Searchling who 
was sitting by herself.

ãHi!ä she said cheerfully.

The girl gave her a brief look and turned away.

Not to be dissuaded, Darlea walked to the other side of the girl. ãMy 
name is Darlea. I know your a Searchling. Are you far from home?ä

The girl nodded.

ãDonât be sad. Iâll be your friend. I know a lot of people here. Would 
like to meet someone?ä

The girl shook her head, ãIâm a little scared. I really donât want 
people to know that, so Iâm avoiding them.ä

ãWhatâs your name?ä

ãSalinda.ä

ãIâm really happy to meet you, Salinda. I can understand your being 
scared. Iâm sure itâs hard to be in a strange place all alone.ä

Salinda nodded. ãYes, a little.ä Darlea almost caught a hint of a smile.

ãWell, Iâm going to be out there on the hatching grounds with you, you 
know. And once your dragon is hatched, sheâll be there with you as 
well.ä

Suddenly there were shouts of excitement, ãTheyâre hatching! Hurry!!ä

Darlea gave Salinda a reassuring smile. She took her hand and together 
they ran out to meet the new dragons.

--Darlea
(AKA Kristen)

NRPG: I didnât include any characters already in play, cause Iâm not 
real familiar with them all. But Iâll work on that. Darlea is very 
friendly--and sure of herself:)

I also only sent this to Susan and the newsgroup, cause I don't have all 
the addresses:)