NPRG:  Warning.  This kind of turned into a novella, but I had a lot to 
get done before getting to the next day where some already are.  Also, 
there's a bit of sizzle in it, especially towards the end.  :)


	"Wynn."

	His name escaped from her lips in a rush of air while her body 
was still trembling from the pleasure he'd brought her.  His arms held 
her tightly while she trembled from its intensity.  She could feel his  
heart pounding in rhythm with her own.  He said nothing, but his 
fingers brushed her wet hair from her eyes as he kissed her forehead.  
She felt as if she could remain standing in that warm pool of water 
forever.

	Then Alicynth spoke to her, telling her of the refused tithe.  
Evelle's eyes met Wynn's and saw their grim look.

	"You know?" she whispered.

	He nodded.  "Malekith told me."

	"The dragons *have* to be fed," she told him, taking his hand as 
they walked reluctantly out of the water.  There was nothing she 
wanted more than to stay there with him, but if Christalla was calling 
her, she'd have to go.

	"They *will* be fed, Wynn replied, a note of steel in his voice 
that matched the determination in his eyes, and the resolute stance of 
his body.

	"Wynn," she said softly, combing her hair into place as it slowly 
dried under the still warm sun, "I've found my apartment.  That's where 
Alicynth and I went flying today.  Is there really a need now for you to 
find one?"

	He looked up at that to find her eyes locked on him filled with 
deep emotion.  He finished closing the clasp of his new leather belt.  
Was she saying what he thought?

	"You want me to share your apartment, Evelle?"

	"Our apartment, Wynn."  She came up to him and moved into 
his arms.  "It's very large and the antechamber is big enough for 
Alicynth and Malekith, however much they grow."  She looked up into 
his eyes as he held her.  "I want to wake up next to you."

	He put his arm protectively around her shoulders as they 
started walking back to the warren.  Alicynth and Malekith walked 
together behind them.  The dragons were very much more satisfied 
with their humans' behavior.

	*They have gotten over being silly* Alicynth told the ebony 
dragon at her side.

	*Finally* Malekith agreed.  *I can't think why it took them so 
long*

	*Evelle said something about caring so much and not wanting 
to push.  I didn't understand such nonsense, so I put it out of my mind.  
Silly humans*

	*Very silly humans.  But wonderful humans, especially Wynn*

	*Yes, wonderful.  Especially Evelle*

	The two humans who were being so objectively appraised by 
their dragons continued their walk hand in hand.

	"This has all happened pretty fast for us, hasn't it?"

	"Has it?" A small smile curled Evelle's lips.  "Has it really?"

	He smiled at that, too, think back to his talk earlier with S'brogh, 
and even earlier than that, to when he'd first seen her in the lake, and 
before that, when he'd stopped thinking of her as S'brogh's pesky little 
sister.

	"I've thought for a long time that you were the one, Wynn," she 
continued.  "It's why I just knew you'd find your dragon.  I felt sure that 
I was meant to be a dragonrider, and that meant you had to be one, 
too.  I never lost faith in it."

	"No, only I did," he answered ruefully.

	"None of that now."  She stopped and pulled him close to her 
for another kiss.  "It's all in the past.  We've just begun our future."

	What she didn't tell him was they she felt he was destined for 
greatness.  Sometimes, in her dreams, she saw the merest glimpse of 
what was to come and she had seen him hailed a hero.  But he'd 
never believe it, not yet, and besides, it might have been only her own 
dreams of what she thought him to be.  Their future would unfold itself 
for them together.

	He smiled down at her, marveling at how well her body fit in his 
arms.  "Funny, that's just what S'brogh said."  He told her that he'd 
seen her brother earlier and that they'd made it up.  Evelle hugged him 
even tighter.

	"I guess I'd just be taking up some space that someone else 
could use," he said, a slight sheepish smile crossing his face.

	"You're saying yes?"  They were just at the entrance to the 
warren's main area now.

	"I want to be with you, Evelle.  I just can't believe you want to be 
with me."

	She turned her head in the direction from where they'd just 
come.  "My reaction back there should have left no doubt in your 
mind," she told him as her body quivered in remembrance.  "Thank 
you for making it so perfect."

	"There's more where that came from, m'lady."

	"I certainly hope so.  If," she grinned, "you can catch me."

	They stopped to rub their dragons with oil before Evelle went to 
see Christalla, and arranged to meet in the Dining Hall for dinner.

			***************************************

Scene:  Christalla's Office

	The DragonLady looked a little tired when Evelle came into her 
office.  She'd dealt with a myriad of problems of different degrees of 
severity all day.  She was looking forward to handing some of it over to 
her young apprentice.

	"Sit down, Evelle.  We have some things we should talk about.  
Your belt is lovely."

	"Yes, it is," she replied lowering herself into a chair across from 
Christalla.  "Almiron does fine work.  He's a strange one though.  He 
speech is so different and the swords he wears... unusual for a 
leatherworker.  Was he always one, I wonder?"

	"I don't know, but I'd like to keep him here at Keldarra until the 
next hatching."

	Evelle's eyes widened.  She knew Christalla had a feel for 
those who were destined to become dragonriders.

	"I think our folk will give him enough business to keep him at 
the warren.  Several times today I've been asked about my belt.  And I 
spoke with Garran about arranging a barter for toolwork.  Did Minty 
come see you, Christalla?  I've been worried about her.  She needs to 
feel that she's one of us."

	"She did, and she wants to handle things with her father by 
herself.  I agreed, for now, but told her we'd not permit any of our folk 
to be abused.  She says if he can find work, he'll be better."

	"There's always work to be done here," Evelle replied.  "Now, 
more even than usual.  I'll ask her what kind of work he does.  What 
about the tithe, Christalla.  Alicynth said that's what you called me 
here for."

	The DragonLady sighed.  "I did, but as I think about it, we need 
to deal with the Council of Warrens first.  When that's over, I'll want to 
send you to visit some of the cities to persuade them to defy the king 
and send the tithes as usual.  Reolden will go with you, and an 
experienced rider to help with the teleport."

	"The Prince?  Or rather, the former Prince."  Evelle thought 
about it.  "Yes, I can see where he could be helpful.  I can already 
think of some questions to ask him.  I've not had the chance yet to 
meet him.  Is he adjusting well?  The change in his life is perhaps 
greater than for any of the rest of us."

	"M'ressan says he's doing well."  Christalla leaned back in her 
chair anticipating her quiet time with her mate.  They would talk about 
warren business briefly, then put it aside for the night.  For a time they 
could throw off their cares and responsibilities in each other's arms 
and waken the next morning ready for what came.

	"Some things only time can tell us, Evelle, but I've got a good 
feeling about Reolden."

	"May Wynn come with us?"

	Christalla was startled for a moment at Evelle's question.

	"Why would you want Wynn to go on such a trip?"

	She saw Evelle's eyes drop, the raise again to meet hers.

	"Oh.  I see."  Christalla smiled at the young queenrider.  "You 
have chosen already."

	"I chose long ago.  The time wasn't right until now."  She 
giggled.  "Our dragons seem to approve."

	Christalla laughed out loud.  "Ah well then, that's all to the 
good.  We can expect Alicynth to have her first hatching on time."  
Then the DragonLady's eyes narrowed for a moment.

	"Evelle, you aren't asking for Wynn to come with you so that he 
doesn't have to ride to battle?"

	Evelle jumped up, her eyes blazing.  "Of course not!!  I wouldn't 
think of such a thing.  Nor would Wynn permit it."  Tears welled up in 
her eyes that Christalla would think her capable of such a motive.

	"All right, child.  Sit down.  I believe you.  I know how young 
love is and it's my job to make certain you think like a queenrider.  It 
doesn't come overnight and so far, I'm well pleased with you."

	Calmer now, Evelle sat back down.  "I understand, DragonLady 
and I do have worries.  When the wraiths last came, I was only a small 
child and had no real understanding of what it meant.  Even the attack 
two days ago, I didn't know what to expect, and worried only a little 
until the riders returned.  But now I know.

	"The riders of the non-fertile females -- they go to battle with 
their mates and family.  Hard and terrible it is, but they ride together.  
We must stay here and do nothing but wait and worry.  How do we 
stand it?"

	Christalla sighed heavily.  "We, who ride the queens, receive 
many privileges, Evelle, but with them come many burdens, too, as 
you are learning.  The one you ask about is probably the heaviest and 
most bitter one we carry.  There's nothing we can do but bear it.  
Kaeryth helps me as Alicynth will help you.  And now, we can help 
each other through those times."

	Evelle nodded.  She understood and hoped only that she would 
find in herself the strength that Christalla had.  "Is there anything else, 
DragonLady?"

	"No, that's all.  Go and enjoy the good times, Evelle.  Tomorrow 
will be a busy day with the Council meeting and the days ahead seem 
filled with trouble.  Take your joys whenever you can.  They'll 
strengthen you.  As for your question about Wynn going with you to 
the cities, I will think about it.  I hesitate to send three new riders 
through multiple teleports.  We'll see."

	Evelle stood up and hugged Christalla.  There would be many 
more of these talks, she knew, as the DragonLady taught her.  But 
Christalla had her fun side that was always looking for an excuse to 
pop out.  It would make much of the work seem like play.

	Outside again, Evelle was surprised to see the sun had dipped 
low in the sky.  Two hours had passed, and her stomach was telling 
her it was dinner time.  She walked to the Dining Hall where Wynn 
waited outside.

	*Alicynth.  Have you eaten?*

	*Malekith and I are on a hunt, Evelle*  We will find our dinner 
while you have yours*

	Evelle linked her arm through Wynn's.  The Dining Hall was 
busy, noisy and cheerful as usual.  Almiron was strolling about the hall 
with a few samples of his wares.  It was apparent that he would find 
many chances for barter.

	"Oh look, Wynn.  There they are."

	She took his hand and pulled him towards the table where her 
family sat, about to begin their evening meal.  Wynn feelings were 
mixed.  He looked forward to breaking bread with S'brogh, but Evelle's 
parents were there two.  He was nervous to face them on two counts.  
Kalera and V'redan had taken him in when he arrived at Keldarra and 
treated him as one of their own.  But he had withdrawn from them as 
he had from so many.  He knew he must have disappointed them.  
Then, too, there was the matter of the afternoon's activity with Evelle.  
What would he say to her parents?"

	"Evelle, Wynn.  Come join us."  S'brogh was beckoning to them.

	"Kalera, V'redan, I'm sorry that I stayed away for so long," 
Wynn offered hesitantly.

	"Wynn, S'brogh has told us that he calls you brother again, and 
you, him.  Apparently, with even more cause than before," Kalera told 
him, smiling at the sight of Evelle's hand in his.  Wynn had cause to 
blush.

	"We feel naught but joy to have you back in our family once 
more."

	"Thank you, Kalera.  It's brought me joy, too."  He looked fondly 
down at Evelle, then up again, with some nervousness, at V'redan."

	Evelle's father gave his loud, cheery laugh, its boom 
resounding through the dining hall.

	"Don't worry, boy, I'm not going to challenge you with my blade.  
She's been ready for some years now, and we're happy it's you.  
Besides, I'd probably lose anyway.  Word of your skill with sword isn't 
unknown in the warren."

	The tension broken, Evelle and Wynn sat down and helped 
themselves to their portion of the meal.  Conversation was easy and 
happy among them.  Evelle told her family that Wynn and she would 
live together in the apartment she'd chosen.  The announcement was 
met with unreserved approval and some comments by S'brogh.

	"Didn't take her long to get you, did it, Brother?  And, "Don't be 
fooled by that sweet, innocent face.  She'll lead you a merry chase, I'll 
wager.  Hope you've got what it takes to tame her."

	Wynn took it with good nature, allowing as how he'd have his 
chance to retaliate when S'brogh picked his lady, and would make the 
most of it.

	"Evelle, we are so proud of your new status," her mother said.  
"V'redan and I are the talk of our friends, to have produced a 
queenrider.  We've seen your  Alicynth.  She is beautiful, and she 
talks often with Bareuth and Lixanth.  We know you are happy.

	"Aye, and I've brought a little gift, Sister, to celebrate."

	S'brogh reached down and brought up a rather clumsily 
wrapped package.  Her brother wasn't know for his skill with delicate 
handiwork.  Evelle took the package and pulled off the wrapping, 
eager to see what lay inside.  Then she clapped her hands happily.  It 
was a leather bag, made in patches of gold, orange, and brown, with a 
long braided strap that would let her sling it over her shoulder as she 
rode.

	"Oh, thank you, S'brogh.  It's lovely.  Some of Almiron's work, 
no doubt."

	"It is.  He's working on a belt for me, but I thought you would 
need a bag to carry your glass and comb."

	"I can, and I love it.  You *are* a good brother.... sometimes," 
she teased.

	"See?  I told you, Wynn, poor fellow.  Sassy little thing, she is.  
Mayhap you can break her of it."

	"Hush, S'brogh," his mother chided.  "Your own tongue will find 
you trouble more often than not.  Wynn, you are as a son to us.  
V'redan and I hoped to have had more children, but it never 
happened."

	"It's not too late, my dear."  Her father drew his wife close to 
him.

	"No, far from too late, my love," she answered fondly.

	The evening meal was a great success.  When they'd finished 
eating, Kalera and V'redan went to socialize with some of their friends, 
and S'brogh went in search of his own female companionship.  It was 
time for Evelle and Wynn to go to their home.  They went outside and 
called to their dragons.

	*We are coming*

	The black dragon and the copper one swooped down from the 
sky.  Wynn slung a bag with some of his possessions on Malekith's 
back.  What was left, he would bring tomorrow.  He gave Evelle a 
hand as she swung up on Alicynth's back, then climbed onto Malekith.  
Moments later they were high above the ground and the dragons 
headed straight for the apartment.  Malekith led the way and Evelle 
smiled.

	*You brought him here already, didn't you, my lovely dragon?*

	*But of course.  We knew it would be his home.  I wanted him to 
see it.  You don't mind?*

	*Of course not.*

	*It is a fine, comfortable place* Malekith was telling his own 
rider.  *Lots of room for Alicynth and me.  We approve*

	Wynn laughed.  *Oh, you do.  I guess that settles it, then*

	*Of course* Malekith agreed.  He knew it took a while for the 
Humans to discover who was really in charge of things.

	In the big ante-chamber, Evelle and Wynn removed the 
dragons' saddles, then cleaned and oiled them.  That done, each 
spent a few private minutes alone with their dragons and then said 
goodnight.  They closed the door behind them and were together for 
the first time in their own apartment.  Evelle showed Wynn around the 
large comfortable suite with it's sitting room, large bedroom, and 
kitchen.

	"You like?"

	"I *like* what comes with it."  He pulled her close and pressed 
his mouth hungrily against hers.  Her lips parted in response to his 
fingers finding the places that had stirred her passion the most earlier, 
and her tongue tasted him.  Lips still joined they found their way to the 
bedroom.  I was dominated by the huge feather bed, piled high will 
pillows and comforters.

	"Undress me," she asked him.  His hands eagerly removed 
each piece of clothing, then lingered on the bare skin they'd just 
exposed.  Her breathing increased and small sounds of pleasure 
made their own way out from deep within her.  At this moment, her 
world consisted of his touch, his kiss.

	"Now you, he whispered into her ear.  Evelle nodded and her 
own fingers moved to remove the last of the clothing that stood 
between the union of their longing bodies.  It was Wynn's turn to moan 
as she touched him, fingers light as a feather, their nails tracing light 
patterns down his spine and around to his stomach.

	"Evelle," he whispered into her hair.  "I want..."

	"So do I.  Oh, so do I."

	Picking her up, he put her down gently on the bed.  Arms open 
and legs parted, she welcomed him.  Where their hands had explored 
before, their mouths discovered next.  What he had done for her at the 
lake, she now did for him, bringing him again and again to the crest of 
the wave, then slowing before they came down into its white swirling 
water.  Their bodies joined together and the movement of her hips got 
faster, then slowed, only to hasten again, matching the rhythm of his 
yearning body.

	"No more," he moaned into her mouth.  "I need you.  Now.  
Now, Evelle."

	"Yes now, Wynn, she cried out, then cried out again with him as 
their release finally came.  Then they lay together, still joined, as for a 
long time the afterwaves of pleasure rolled through their bodies.  
When she could speak again, she smiled at him, an impish little gleam 
in her eye.

	"You do that so very well, my love, I wonder how frequently you 
have practiced, and how many girls have felt the pleasure of your 
attention."

	Wynn heard the teasing banter in her voice and responded in 
kind.

	"Who can remember a count that high?  I had but to cast a look 
and they would tumble into my bed.  But you, too, show skills that belie 
you as a modest young maiden."

	"Nay, I say.  I was a pure maiden, innocent in thought and 
deed, till you plucked the flower, Rogue."

	"'Twas a flower ripe for the plucking, you cannot deny, and 
more petals shall I taste this night, whilst you demonstrate those 
talents again."

	"You mean like this?"  They were both laughing with pure 
delight, and then she spoke no more as her mouth was otherwise 
occupied.  It was a night of love and pleasure, any hesitation either 
might have yet felt gone in the privacy of their bedroom.  They slept 
little that night, most of it spent in loving and talking about their new 
lives while they rested in between.  

	In the antechamber, Alicynth and Malekith felt the love and 
passion of their riders and knew that soon they would be doing their 
own mating dance in the skies.

	It wasn't long before the new day would dawn when the lovers 
had exhausted themselves enough to sleep.  Still the sun's first rays 
had barely risen above the horizon when Evelle heard sounds and 
forced one eye open.  Wynn was up and putting away his belongings.  
He and Malekith had already been down to pick up everything he'd not 
brought with him the night before.

	"So, sleepyhead, you're finally awake with half the morning 
gone already.  Time to m
yours."

	"By the gods," Evelle groaned.  "Not only does he get up early 
but he's cheerful in the morning.  What have I done!!!!!

	She rolled over, pulling a comforter up over her head and 
hiding beneath it.  She wondered how long he'd let her stay that way.

Evelle
Queenrider of Alicynth