The banquet was in full swing and the merrymaking was joyous and 
unbridled.  Such festivities provided the outlet needed for combat riders 
to release the stress of fierce combat with the wraiths.  It was one 
reason a banquet always followed a battle.

	Evelle's family was participating with enthusiasm.  Her mother, 
Kalera, and her father, V'redan, were eating and drinking heartily with a 
group of friends of their own generation.  From the hearty laughed she 
heard coming from their table, Evelle knew that ribald stories were being 
exchanged.  The couples would celebrate in another way later that night.

	At this feast, there was an added uncurrent of excitement for the 
imminent hatching, all the more intense since M'ressan had announced the 
expected birth of a new queen.   Evelle's brother, S'brough, was having a 
fine time, dancing with a number of lovely female dragon riders.  He'd 
not yet found his own mate, but was eagerly looking.  She was looking, 
too, but with caution.  It would not do to take a lover until she knew if 
she was to be joined.  If she was, she must find one who was also 
joined.  She would find it hard to bear if she must be separated from a 
lover if both didn't find their dragons as her friend, Darlea's, mother 
had.  

	Evelle noticed her brother talking with the one called Hedda, the 
dragonrider who'd been Warrenless, but had been invited by M'ressan to 
join his wing and then by Chistalla to make Keldarra her home.  Hedda was 
lovely, and from reports, a valiant combat rider.  Evelle wondered what 
has caused her to leave her Warren.  It wasn't something she could ask.  
Such a thing could only be offered by Hedda, herself.

	"How do, m'lady."

	Evelle turned to find the young man she'd seen earlier talking to 
the older one excitedly about being a candidate for the joining.  He 
seemed a little uneasy about approaching her and she smiled to put him at 
his ease.

	"Hello, Sir.  I am Evelle, daughther of Kalera and V'redan.  
Welcome to Keldarra Warren."

	"I thank ye, m'lady Evelle, for yer gracious welcome.  I be David
Swordson, son of Ames Blademaster and Khi Blademistress, member of the
Guild of BladeMasters. An honor 'tis to be at this fine feast." 

	"I heard you say this afternoon that you are a candidate for 
joining.  I wish you well, David Swordson.  May you find your dragon 
at this hatching."

	"And the same for ye I be wishing."

	David's words were smooth, but the delivery of them showed his 
nervousness.  He wondered if he dare ask her to dance, then thought,  
<Ah, it be a party here tonight and likely naught will be much remembered 
on the morrow after the hatching.  And watching me, Da is, to see that I 
do 't.>

	"Would m'lady honor me with a dance about the floor?"  There!  It 
was out.  The worst she could do would be to say no.  She seemed to kind 
to laugh at him.
	
	"Of course, David Swordson."  

	Evelle offered her hand and let him lead her to a reasonably empty
spot on the floor.  He danced well, if somewhat tentatively, and they
talked through the dance.  His hand was firm against her waist making it
easy for her to follow his steps.  She questioned him about his life as a
training BladeMaster and complimeted him on the talent he'd shown in
rising so young to his rank.  She told him of her happy life in the Warren
and of her eagerness to find the dragon she would join with.  She said
nothing of the possibility that it might be the queen. 

	"I thank you for a lovely dance, David.  You should treat some of 
the other girls to the same.  We all are pleased with attention from such 
a fine-looking and fit young man."

	He blushed deeply and cast his eyes down at her compliment, but 
he was pleased.  He bowed deeply to her and thanked her for the dance.

	"I look forward to our next meeting," she told him.  "Now, I see 
someone I must speak with."

	"O' course, m'lady."  She smiled at him, hoping that smile would 
convey that she liked him.
	
	Evelle had noticed Wynn sitting alone.  He didn't seem to be 
enjoying the party.  She had noticed him many times over the years.  They 
had grown up together, he being the same age as her brother and two years 
older than she.  She walked over to his side.

	"Not enjoying the festivities?"  A voice brought his eyes up from 
the ground.  Evelle stood before him, in russet gold from neck to foot.  
Wynn lost his voice at the sight of her, and didn't respond immediately.

	"The ... the fest was good enough.  It was a great victory," he
managed. 

	She smiled.  "Indeed it was.  I just happened to see you by 
yourself and though it odd, with so many people to talk to."

	Wynn nodded slightly and looked down.  "I'm afraid I won't be of 
much company tonight, m'lady.  You should find yourself someone more 
pleasant among all the guests."

	She sighed, realized he'd not heeded her words earlier that he 
not give up hope.  She was going to speak more when the DragonLady called 
for attention.  While her eyes were diverted, Wynn had slipped away.

	"They are starting to hatch!"  

	Evelle caught her breath.  It was time.  For a moment she couldn't
move, then she followed Christalla out of the hall and towards the
hatching grounds.  The DragonLady's announcement had hardly been necessary
for the dragons themselves were loudly trumpeting the event.  It was late
night, but the Hatching Grounds were illuminated by torchlight.  Gasps of
delight were heard as baby dragons of all colors began to wriggle and
squirm their way out of the shells that had kept them safe as they grew. 

	Removing her shoes, Evelle prepared to step onto the warm sand of 
the Hatching Ground.  Already her eyes were moving about, looking for the 
dragon that would be hers.

Evelle
Dragonrider-to-be