David and Araminta watched Darlea get up and and walk from the 
dining commons.  They were alone at the table, and obviously 
embarrassed.  Araminta sat there, seemingly too shy to say anything.  
David smiled warmly.  

"So, are ye feelin' better this night?" He asked, noting on the reactions 
earlier in the day.  "We were all worried about ye."

Araminta blushed deeper, and turned her face away slightly.  "Yes, I am 
better now.  I havn't seen my father though...."  Tears were on the edge 
of her eyes.  David nodded, and put her hand in his.

"I know how much ye care fer him.  I would give me life for me da, 
also."  He said, gently squeezing her hand.  "But here at te' warren, we 
are a family, too."

Araminta nodded and wiped her eyes softly.  David let go of her hand, and 
sat back.  "Now, if I remember hearin, ye da was a metal crafter?"  He 
asked.  "Because if he es, I could probably see t' et that he gets a job."

Minty's eyes lit up and she leaned foreward.  "How?"  she asked 
excitedly.  Having a job would slow his drinking down a bit.....

"Me guild es building a chapter house ere' at te' warren.  And by trade, 
we are Blacksmiths....."  David said with a coy smile.  She was much more 
beautiful when she was happy.  Her eyes seemed to glisten with an inner 
light......

NRPG:  Ok Lesley, there's an opener.  I wonder what Minty is thinking 
right about now...?


*****************   The next Day  *******************

	David awoke late,and as his eyes opened, he saw that the sun was 
pressing well towards noon. Jumping out of bed, he heard Kaylin rustle in 
his den, awaking also.  Throwing on his clothes, he washed up quickly, 
forgetting to tie his hair back.  

'Kay, we're late!  Really late!'  David thought in a frenzy, starting to 
collect the harness and straps to put on Kaylin.

Kaylin yawned and streached, taking his time.  *Do not worry, we will be 
on time.*  He said, testing his wings.  *We have a good hour.*

David sighed and leaned against the cavern wall.  'Me god, I was about t' 
die.  I thought et was later than that.'  

Kaylin chuckled to himself and looked at is rider.  *Your hair is 
puffed..*  The black dragon said as he lay down for the harness.  David 
looked into a nearby mirror and nodded. 

'That's what I get fer wakin up late.'  He thought, and walked into the 
bedroom to brush it out and tie it back.  Finishing, David strapped the 
harnesses onto Kaylin and they flew towards the dining hall.  As David 
entered, Kaylin flew off towards the cattle field.  Grabbing a quick bite 
to eat, David ran towards the training grounds.

'Kay, I'll meet ye on te' green.' He thought.
*Ok.*  Kaylin sent, *But we have a problem.*  He sounded upset.

'What?'  David asked while he reached the training ground.  The others 
watched him as he approached, late was not like him.

*The king isn't sending the tithe.*  Kaylin was definently upset.

'Damn.  But I wouldn't have expected less from 'Es Royal Highness' 
either.  Royalty seems t' like temper tantrums...'  David said as 
M'ressan began the lesson, explaining combat flight.

A while later Kaylin flew in and landed next to David.  They both watched 
the examples carefully when a pulseing message slammed into Davids head.  
He fell to his knees, M'ressan doing the same while the psionic pulse 
echoed through his mind.  All the Dragons around were keening and some 
were taking off with their riders already.  Something to do with Micheal....

As the pain lessened, he watched as dragons of all colors took off from 
thir ledges to go to Micheal's rescue.  David leaned on Kaylins side, 
massageing his temples.  Got, what a headache.  M'ressan dismissed them 
as he ran to Alanth.  Someone suggested that they go and help.  David 
shook his head.  After that, he would be in no shape to go riding, 
espessially into battle......

******************
Submitted by,
		Justin

NRPG:  So, are the youngin's going to fly into battle?  David doesn't see 
the point of it if half the warren is gone also.  (grin)  We'll have to see.



      /\     /^---_---^\     /\       "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