The medical personel at Keldarra certainly knew what they were doing, 
and they seemed to get the job done much better than those at Falagand 
Warren.  Hedda was certain that she wanted to stay here now.  She only 
hoped that it would not cause problems.

 Hedda was allowed to leave the medical area soon after M'ressan had 
visited her, and she took the oppertunity to visit Lannith as she 
recouperated from her own wounds.  Christalla showed up shortly, but 
remained back for a time to allow Hedda and her dragon time alone.  When 
Hedda indicated it was all right, Christalla approched.  

 "I heard you wished to speak with me, Dragonlady?"

 "Yes, I did.  I understand that M'ressan wishes to have you as a member 
of his wing.  I also understand that this could cause problems, as 
Warrenless riders are not looked upon favorably in any Warren."

 Hedda glanced away, giving Christalla the same answer she had given 
M'ressan.  "I did not ask do become Warrenless."

 Christalla was taken by suprise.  "Normally when one throws off the 
Warrens..."

 "These wern't normal circumstances!"  Hedda screamed, causing both 
Christalla and Lannith to recoil in suprise.  <Calm yourself.  The 
Dragonlady meant no harm.> Lannith said in her mind.

 "I am sorry,"  Hedda apologized, looking at the ground.  "I am not 
comfortable talking about it."

 "Maybe we can talk about it sometime soon.  I cannot take the time right 
now, and I apologize for that, but the time of the banquet is drawing 
near.  Would you like to attend?"

 Hedda bowed.  "I would be honored."

***********

 Hedda walked into the Great Hall of Keldarra Warren looking like a 
different person.  She had a cotton dress on that was the same shade as a 
red dragon.  She would have to get a new dress, as this one would show 
the scar as surely as it the bandages across her left shoulder now.  
However, with the short notice, she had simply pulled the dress out of her
saddle pack and found someplace private to change.

 She walked in and was surrounded by people she did not know, a large 
group here, a smaller group there, all having known each other for 
years.  She was a stranger here.  Yet she still felt more belonging here 
than she had at Falagand.  Then she saw a young man she recognized.  She 
approched him.

 "Wynn, I am sorry that I caused you problems this morning."

 He looked away.  "That's all right.  I should have just given your 
dragon the coal and been done with it."

 "No, you did the right thing in questioning me.  For all you knew, I 
was a renegade.  You did not know I would help over Ralengarde."

 "Nevermind that now,"  Wynn said.  "What is done is done."

 "True.  So, are you going to be at the Hatching?"

 "Why?  I'm too old to join."  Wynn replied bitterly.

 Hedda was about to respond when M'ressan pulled her aside.  "I would 
like to talk to you."

 "I wanted to talk to you, also, wingleader.  But you go ahead." 

 "Christalla has approved my request for you to be in my wing.  You may 
fly with us here at Keldarra Warren, if you wish."

 "I am honored, wingleader.  I will stay."

 "I'm glad to hear it.  Now, what were you going to say?"

 Hedda thought for a moment.  The shock of being so quickly adopted into 
a Warren was strong.  Lannith contacted her.  <The apology.>  

 "Oh, yes.  I wanted to apologize for the shoulder wound you recieved.  
It was caused by my mess kit falling and striking you.  If I had been 
more careful about my equipment being secure..."

 M'ressan laughed.  "Nevermind that.  You wanted to be in the heat of 
battle.  It is understood.  I'm only lucky it didn't strike my head, or I 
might have been in trouble."  He dropped his voice, "But for the others 
don't need to know that it was your mess kit that caused my wound.  Okay?"

 Hedda laughed.  "I understand."

 M'ressan then said that he was glad to have her in his wing, and took 
his leave to go talk with some of his comrades.  Hedda looked around the 
room, and found a pair that looked as out of place as she did.  The older 
man was talking to someone younger, his son, probably.  She made her way 
over to them.

 "A fine evening, is it not?"  She said.

 "Aye, 'tis indeed, m'lady."  said the older one.

 "None of the 'm'lady' for me, please.  Save that for the Dragonlady.  
I'm simply Hedda."

 "Ah, a fine name for a fine lass.  I am Ames Blademaster.  This here 
is my son and gaurd, David Swordson."

 "Are ye' a dragonrider?"  David asked.

 "Yes, I am."  Hedda replied.  "Are you one of the candidates for the 
Hatching?"

 "Aye.  And I will hardly be able to sleep a wink until it is time."

 "I can imagine.  I was the same way.  May fortune shine on you when it 
is time."  Hedda said, taking her leave.

 "Thank ye', Hedda." David said back.

 "I hope he gets to join.  He's definately a nice young one.  I'd hate to 
see him disappointed."  Hedda thought.  <True, but there will be some 
that will be.>  Lannith replied.  "Yes, I just hope he's not one."

 Hedda spent the rest of the time before the banquet mingling with 
various other groups, chatting the evening away.  She made many friends 
in the Warren that night, and felt a growing realization.  She was glad 
she was now a member of the Warren, even if it was unofficial for now.

 When it was time for M'ressan to make the toasts, she took a seat, and 
waited.

Hedda,
Rider of Lannith, female red,
unofficial rider for Keldarra Warren

Nathan Terhune

NRPG:  Well, got Hedda to the banquet, and did some socializing.

Justin & Chris A:  Hope I didn't flub the character too badly.  *grin*  
Not really sure of them yet.  

All:  If you wish, you may work Hedda into your banquet posts, as I left 
some of the socilizing she did open.