Darlea
***

>D'nar took a deep breath, calming himself down. "We are just upset because
we thought you were more responsible then to get pregnant right now. But,"
he said turning a warning eye toward Keldarra's head cook, "We will support
the two of you and the baby."

Darlea met Almiron's dark eyes as they both looked at each other. They had
of course discussed it because of Almiron's gift, but nothing was definite.

<Makayla!>

<I just want everyone to be as happy as we are, Darlea-pet.>

"Daddy," she said insistently, "I am not pregnant, I assure you." 

<You could be ..> She heard Makayla remind her.

"You're not?" he asked in confusion, "But Porthios said that .."

Darlea shook her head. "It's just that Makayla's got it in her head that
she want's a hatchling, that's all."

Sheltie breathed a sigh of relief, "Thank the gods!"

Darlea turned to her, "I think you owe Almiron an apology."

Sheltie looked at the young man, her dismay obvious in her eyes. But she
stood tall as she spoke, "I .. I am sorry .."

D'nar looked at her in amazement and smiled softly when her eyes flickered
his way.

She frowned, "I'm willing to admit when I'm wrong."

***
<<Later that night>>

The small blonde woman stood in front of the emerald green dragon a frown
on her face. <I thought we'd gotten past this gossip thing!>

<It was only Porthios ..> the dragon said, her head drooping a bit.

<Makayla ..> Darlea moaned in frustration, <You know it's not even true.
It's only your wishful thinking. And look at the mess you caused because of
it.>

<Darshan wants it too. As does your mate.> Makayla reminded her. <And you
very well could be. Even Darshan thinks so.>

Darlea frowned. She'd just spent the last 30 minutes, after taking her
father back to Marrid, listening to him tell her how proud he was that she
was smart enough to wait until she was ready for such things. Meaning until
she was older. He'd talked about the responsibility that a baby brings ..
and how she should enjoy her youth before taking that step.

Coming from the tall blonde man it had made a lot of sense. He mentioned
things to her that she'd never even thought of. Important things .. like
night-time feedings, and diapers .. and crying ..

<Darlea-pet .. why does it make you sad now?>  Makayla asked. <You liked
the thought before?>

Darlea shrugged, <I don't know. My father just gave me some things to think
about I guess.>

She smiled sadly at the dragon and gently caressed her head, <I'm not
really mad at you, Makayla ..> She slid down to the ground leaning again
the dragon.

<Maybe we should go find Darshan and his rider ..> the small green dragon.

<In a minute, deary. I just want to sit for a minute.>

Regards,
Darlea & Makayla
***
NRPG: Just thought I'd throw something out for Darlea since it's been far
to long since I've written. 

Kristen

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       \oo/     Kristen Gant
        ~~      (AKA: Darlea & Makayla, Keldarra Warren, Courier
                      Waylene & Aura, Marrid Warren, Warrenlady
                      Meena & Vonn, Norwall Warren, Wingleader
                      Kalewyn & Sabbith, Telnor Warren, Dragonrider
                      Saul & Fayloth, Whiteriver Warren, Searcher
                      Merybelle Barmen, City of Ralengarde, Innkeeper
                      Ce'lot & Britche, Xylain Warren, Wingleader
                http://homepage.interaccess.com/~sgant/Kris/kris.htm
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