NRPG: Well, to start things, I need to make a correction to Justin's last post (a long story, but I had thought I put it in a different folder than where I had finally found it, so it didn't get read for too long a time, sorry Justin.)

The Wraiths in Dragonlands are not the same as the threads from Pern. Wraiths are more like their name describes, a sort of translucent white fog that travels close to the ground, though they can easily catch the air and 'fly' which makes things dangerous for dragons.

This post will be in a couple of sections. The shorter part will describe some of the battle, but I won't tie things up quickly, to allow others to do as they will. The second, longer part will be set slightly ahead in the timeline, being the events that describe Wynn's and Evelle's departure from Jasra. Yes, a sad event, but I just won't be able to do the Warren justice. Now on with the show ...

Scene: The sky over Jasra Warren.

Wynn pulled Malekith up high. It had been a long time since he had last fought Wraiths, and most of the riders here hadn't ever seen one, much less fight one. <Inform Thoseth that Lori is to take her four-squad east to the ranch. We can't afford to lose our herd.>

<Sent.> The small black dragon replied, lazily flying over the battlefield. <Fern says that she and her rider are in trouble, and the new dragon too.>

<Which new ...? Never mind, take us there, and call Eolanth to us too.>

The black bunched up it's wings and rocketed towards the endangered pair of riders. The ghostly white tendrils threatened the dragons and riders. Fern faired better, her spraying acid tearing big holes in the mindless wraith. Sheava's shards seemed to be far less effective, and the new creature confused the slender dragon. Malekith's blue flame struck a reaching tendril, turning it to a fine powder before it had a chance to ensnare Peren.

"Pull back!" Wynn yelled over, noticing a purple dragon converging upon them out of the corner of his eye. "I need you two back near the medical tent."

"Anything to get out of here!" Samika called back, and with defensive bursts, the dragons pulled back to the Warren.

Scene: The Hatching Ground, some days later.

It had come. Finally it was time.

Evelle's smile was wide as she patted Alicynth affectionately. She had been through this with her dragon once before, but this was just as amazing and wonderful as the first. The eggs quivered before them in the sand, the young Hatchlings straining to free themselves.

A shadow crossed over them briefly, and Evelle looked up to see a black dragon slowly spiral down towards them. With a gentle backdraft, the dragon landed nearby. Wynn slid off Malekith's back and rushed over to his mate's side.

Evelle smiled as she hugged him. "Just in time, love."

Wynn gave her a short kiss in reply, then looked about them. "Everyone looks pretty excited."

Indeed, the gathering crowd was very excited. The loss of Jasra's previous Queen had been a terrible loss. When Evelle had first come, the Warren was reluctant to believe in her. They didn't want to risk getting their hopes raised again only to be dashed upon the ground.

But Evelle proved the skeptical wrong. With a lot of hard work and sleepless nights, she turned the Warren around and made it productive again. Evelle's parents, Kelara and V'redan, proved to be a big help as well. Experienced teachers and dragon-riders were far and few between at Jasra. They also proved to be valuable support for Evelle. Wynn had been fairly busy putting together an effective Wing to be of much help in that regard. Except for their diplomatic missions to the nearby landborn cities, the two had little time together.

But now Evelle was performing her most important duty, the most sacred of any Warren. She and her Queen were providing another generation of dragons, adding half-again as many dragons to the small Warren.

Music and the delicious odour of freshly cooked food wafted up to the hatching grounds. When word from Alicynth came out that the eggs were soon to hatch, the Warrenfolk excitedly set about preparing for celebration. Here it was, finally, definitive proof that their Warren would begin to thrive.

Malekith nuzzled Alicynth affectionately, the black dragon once again the proud father. Wynn knew that his dragon would be preoccupied for a long time. Evelle disengaged from their mutual embrace to talk with Wade, who sat next to Z'charai. This was the first time she had seen anything like this, and the wonder showed on her face. Z'charai seemed to enjoy her amazement, and explaining what was going on to her.

Wynn gazed out over the gathering, settling on the eager Searchlings at the base of the hatching ground. He found it hard to believe that he was once that young and innocent. His face clouded briefly as he remembered the numerous disappointments he had then. Years of not Joining to a hatchling brought him to his dourest. He had even become jealous and resentful of his 'brother' S'brogh who had joined much earlier in life. And then, the worst happened. He had not been chosen to sit with the group of Searchlings one year. His dreams of becoming a dragon-rider were dashed. Christalla had been kind about it all, and wished she knew why no dragon had Joined with him, despite his still strong aura. Wynn had merely shrugged and mumbled a thanks, then went back to his work at the coal yard.

And Malekith, then not much larger than a small child, weakly crawled from the hatching grounds, searching Keldarra until, shivering with cold and hunger, the young dragon found his rider.

<I would do anything for you, my rider.> Malekith broke in gently.

Wynn smiled over at his dragon, his blue eyes meeting the dragon's own. Yes, the two were quite a match for each other. <And I for you, my dragon.>

Wynn continued to look over the expectant crowd when he heard the first gasps of glee erupt. A loud crack followed as the first egg burst open, spewing forth a dark blue, black striped hatchling. Cheers erupted around him as the young hatchling struggling out towards the gathered Searchlings.

More eggs hatched as the first Joining occurred. "Lorileth! Her name is Lorileth!" A jubilent young girl exclaimed, encircling her arms around the small dragon, tears of join streaming down her face.

* * *

Wynn saw the arrow streak by; knew immediately that danger was nearby, and yet his body did not react. He was still smiling over an enthusiastic young hatchling tumbling into it's newfound rider, sending both sprawling into the sand. He desperately wanted to act, to shout, to do anything but this infernal smiling. The moment lasted forever, and dread had long set in. Then he heard the arrow strike, a surprisingly hollow sound as the arrow embedded itself into flesh.

The spell broke, and Wynn turned to Evelle. She stared down at her own chest, a confused look on her face as it took a moment to fully comprehend what just happened. She crumpled to the ground as Wynn reached out for her. "Evelle!"

He fell to his knees beside her, shakily brushing hair from her white face. "Evelle?"

Her eyes blinked open. "Wynn?" She focussed on him briefly. "Wynn, it hurts." Tears streaked down her pale cheeks. She reached up, grasping at air.

Wynn took her hand into his own. "Help is coming, love."

Wynn suddenly found himself in the air, a powerful arm throwing him to the side. Alicynth, roaring, picked up Evelle and launched herself into the air. "Alicynth! No!" Wynn screamed, pushing himself upright.

"So cold ..." Evelle muttered, twitching slightly in Alicynth's clawed hands, "so ... cold."

<Do not worry, my sweet, I shall take you somewhere safe.>

The the two, Queen and Queenrider, disappeared.

* * *

She was gone.

Totally, utterly gone.

Wynn stared disbelievingly up into the air. Around him, dragon's began to keen. The loss of one of their own was immediately felt. The cries echoed eerily throughout the mountains, a sound of such distress that one could not help but be moved by it. Even more terrifying, however, were the pitious cries of the Hatchlings. Just hatched into a new life, and already experiencing the death of the one closest to them. Unconsciously, Wynn joined the chorus, a string of denials shouted at the empty air where his life had been just moments ago.

His life, and his future.

* * *

"Wynn?" The blanket about his shoulders did little to warm him. His hand accepted the mug of hot tea, but he himself did not seem to acknowledge it. Lori's heart ached for him. How she wanted to just hold him and make everything just go away. "Are you okay?" She asked, not knowing what else to say.

A number of his wingmates had brought him here, out from the crowds, and from the memory of what had occurred. The mess hall was now empty except for them. Wynn gave a short, humourless laugh. "Okay?" He asked sarcastically, still staring off into space. "Why would I ever be okay?"

"Wynn?" Wade said gently, kneeling before him in an attempt to get him to focus on her. "This is such a terrible thing. I just wish we could put things back to right." She sighed heavily. "We'll all miss here greatly."

Z'charai nodded from across the table. "She was all our friend. I don't know what we'll do without her."

Wynn shook his head. "She was my friend too." His voice was quiet, quivering with emotion. "She was our great and illustrious Warrenlady as well. But she was my mate." His voice turned to anger, finger pointing to his chest. "She was carrying _my_ child, and then 'poof', both are gone. Just like that." Another cold laugh. "And you know what the craziest thing is? All I can remember is that arrow streaking by, and all I could do was laugh at some damn kid and dragon wrestling in the sand. I couldn't protect her. I couldn't even tell her that she was in danger until it was too late."

"There was nothing you could do." Lori laid a conforting hand on his shoulder. "Nothing anybody could have done."

He shook her hand off, boiling out of the chair as he shouted. "Shut the hell up!" The mug of tea shattered against one wall, followed by gasps from a number of the gathered riders. Lori took a step back. She had never seen such anger in Wynn before. "Just shut up and get the hell out of here." He looked to all of them. "All of you!"

"Wynn ..." Samika began.

"No!" He held up a hand. Then his voice became suddenly steady. "Fine, you don't want to leave? Then I will."

He stalked from the room, leaving behind a number of speechless riders.

* * *

One more hill and he should be safe. The turmoil he had caused should be more than distracting enough for him to get away. That dragon killing itslef was an added bonus, and a big help. He had heard that the death of a dragon caused great pain in others nearby, and by the sounds echoing from the mountain walls, he would certainly have to agree with that. The wailing meant something, and it gave him the time he needed to get out of there.

He clamoured down the hill, sailing gleefully downhill. The thought of all that gold being offered for the girl's death made all the trouble of tracking her out here well worth it. The thought also distracted him until he fell howling to the ground, clutching his thigh.

A long pointed dagger pierced through his leg. "Damn." He muttered to himself, scanning around quickly for his assailant. From behind a small gathering of trees, a woman stepped out wearing a brown and black body suit. She had short cut brown hair, and darker brown eyes. She signaled him that she too was a member of the assassin's guild.

"Going to kill me and claim the reward yourself, eh?" He grimaced, playing up the pain he was in. He gave a brief glance to his leg to assess the damage, then leveled his eyes with hers. "You're breaking the Rules by attacking me. They'll find out, y'know."

"Like you, I'm doing what I've been assigned." She closed in on him cautiously.

"Damned if you do, damned if you don't, eh?" He gave a cruel laugh, ending with a bit of a cough. He got to his feet slowly, favouring his injured leg. "I won't go easily, whatever the case."

She unsheathed a slim sword, beginning to circle him. Grunting, he pulled free his own sword and pivoted on his good leg, keeping himself faced towards his advesary.

The fight was over more quickly than he had expected. He was breathing hard, staring at the woman. His eyes glazed over, and he fell wordlessly to the ground. He had returned the favour, though, and she stood unsteadily, blood running down her right leg from a large gash.

"Don't even think of running." A voice called to her, and she whipped around. Red-gold wings beat casually through the air. She took a step back, eyes travelling to the young woman on the dragon's back, lance at the ready.

"Best look behind you." Piper smiled.

Glancing over her shoulder, she saw a blue dragon land gracefully just a few feet away. Aleipha gave the woman a challenging look. She knew she had no hope against the two dragons and their riders, so did the only thing she could.

She dropped her sword, and awaited them to take her into custody.

* * *

"Why did you have her killed?!?" Wynn yelled, closing in on the woman before being restrained by Z'charai.

"And I told you before, I didn't."

Wynn pulled back. "Two dragonriders whom I trust with my life say that you killed a man before they captured you. Despite his obvious disadvantage, you slaughtered him. Why, if not an assassin yourself?"

The woman was tied to a chair, hands behind her. She was impressed by the thoroughness of their search of her, much better than most landbound cities she worked in. She held herself straight and uncowed. "It was part of my assignment."

"And what was that assignment?" Z'charai asked.

"I will tell only him." She gave a nod to Wynn.

Z'charai's eyes opened wide. "Are you crazy? He'll kill you if we leave." He hadn't wanted Wynn to be here, but he also didn't want to face the Wingleader's wrath. He had hoped that he and G'mit could keep Wynn in check if things got out of hand.

She gave a sly smile. "He could try." Her smile quickly disappeared. "If you wish to know anything more from me, then only one person will hear it. And that is Wynn."

"Leave." Wynn growled.

"But ..."

"Leave!" Wynn shouted, pointing to the door.

Z'charai and G'mit glanced at each other, and then both looked to the woman. She gave a short nod. Shrugging, Z'charai led his friend fromt he room.

Wynn closed the distance, pushing his arm against her neck, forcing her face up to meet his. "You had better tell me everything I want to know." He seethed.

"If you choke me ..." She said hoarsely. "You'll know nothing."

Snearing, Wynn pulled back, releasing his hold.

The woman stretched her neck. "I do not know all the answers, but this is what I can say. Your beloved was targeted during the war last year. Numerous ... entities ... wanted her removed for various reasons. I, however, was employed to protect her from such an untimely demise."

"Didn't do a good enough job, did you?"

This time her gaze went cold. She was unused to failure. "I am but one."

Silence hung heavy between the two. "I was also empowered to take whatever measures were necessary to ensure Evelle's safety. And failing that, to ensure that the killer did not get away with their own life."

"So the man you killed ... he was the assassin?"

"Yes."

"Then who are you?"

"You can consider me a mercenary if you like. I do what it takes to succeed."

"And do you have a name? I don't appreciate you knowing who I am only." Wynn began to pace, unspent energy trembling within him.

"You can know me as Mara, if you like." She said after a moment's contemplation.

Wynn stared at one wall. He wanted so much to snap Mara's slender neck, but what is she was indeed telling the truth, and she had been hired to help protect Evelle. He wouldn't be able to live with himself then. But there was no evidence either way. Neither she nor the man she killed had carried an incriminating bow.

"We may be in a position to help each other." She said after a long silence.

He looked over her shoulder at her. She was still very confident, not appearing the least bit concerned at being captured as she was. "My job is complete, though the outcome was a failure. My elders won't take kindly to that, nor the fact that I've gone against others of our kind. We are not allowed to interfere with one another, and I have done so many times."

"And what can you offer me? You can't bring Evelle back to me."

"No, I can't. But I do know the ones who put the reward up for her death. I can lead you to them."

Wynn eyed her wordlessly. Revenge. A chance to redeem his love's useless death.

Mara gave a small smile.

Scene: Warrenlady's office

"Wynn, you can't be serious?" Samika exclaimed wide-eyed.

"I am." He was here to take whatever personal items remained here. "I can't stay here, not like this. I have to do this."

"No, you don't." Lucky said, stepping up beside Samika. "She could be lying to you, and you could be dead as soon as you leave." He eyed Mara as she leaned up against the door, a smile still playing on her lips.

"It would be better than me wallowing around here. I need to resolve this in any way I can."

"But we need you here, Wynn. We've just lost our Warrenlady, and now our Wingleader is leaving too?" Samika explained.

"D'glis, Piper and Aleipha have gone to the other Warrens to spread the news. I'm sure the Dragonlady and the Council will decide what to do soon ..."

"Son." The room fell silent.

Wynn swallowed hard, and turned to face his father. Traven looked very much like his son, despite the beard and years difference in age. He stood in the doorway, a neutral expression on his face.

"I have to go, Father."

"If you must, you must." The others began to object, but Traven held up his hands for silence. "But I want you to think through what you are doing. None of this will bring Evelle back. None of it. You would be doing her a grave disservice if you became less of who you are."

Tears welled up in Wynn's eyes, but he fought them back. He cleared his throat, cinching up the bag he carried. "I am going now. Farewell."

Scene: Many days later, at Keldarra

"Christalla! Christalla!" Briana came running up the steps. "Christalla!"

"What is it?" Christalla asked, an amused look on her face. To be that young again, with all that energy.

"It's Wynn. He's back!"

Christalla's eyes opened wide. "Wynn? Take me to him."

The two made their way to the Warren Green, where indeed Malekith sat, surrounded by a number of the Warren dragon. Wynn himself was mobbed by a number of Warrenfolk and Riders alike.

"Wynn! It is good to see you again." The others parted respectfully for the Dragonlady. Wynn looked older now, his face and clothes scruffy, his eyes darker than she last remembered them. His smile seemed more wistful and pained than she had hoped it would be.

"Dragonlady, may I speak with you?"

The others seemed disappointed, wanting to give Wynn their condolences, and to catch up on events with him. Christalla nodded. "Of course Wynn. Please, follow me."

She took him back to her office, and closed the door behind her. "How are you doing? We haven't heard from you in a long time."

"I'm alive. But I ... have a request of you." He avoided her gaze, instead distracting himself by looking around her office.

"Anything."

He licked his lips. "I ... I need somewhere to stay. But I can't go back to Jasra, not right now."

Christalla gave a smile. "Of course you can stay with us. Though there have been a few changes, but I believe your old quarters are still empty."

He looked relieved. "Thank you, Dragonlady." He said in a quiet voice.

Christalla looked at him with concern. "Why so formal, Wynn? Are you sure everything is okay?"

He suddenly sank to his knees, weeping. "She's gone. My Evelle is gone." 

Tears streaked down his face, his body shaking as he cried. Christalla knelt down beside him and held him to her. He shook in her arms as he cried into her chest, and she tried to soothe him as best she could. He had held it in all this time. All that grief. She held him tight, and let him begin on the road to accepting the loss.

NRPG: Well, there it is. If he hasn't already done so, John should be getting in touch with you people at Jasra soon. It has been fun, but I just wish I could have been a more active member than being on the fringe. John, I pass Jasra on to you, take good care of it for me.

Keldarra: Well, I'm back. But I have no idea what's going on and who is where, so I've tried to leave it as open as I can. Wynn won't talk about what he has been up to (mainly because I haven't yet decided on that myself :) But he would like to get to know all his old friends again. He's just accepting the loss now, so he won't be all that much fun to be around. Mostly he will be melancholic, but may become bitter and angry at the slightest provacation.

/> Malekith and his boy Wynn 

/< 

O[\\\\\\(O):::<============================================- 

\< 

\> aka Christopher Ackney,

loviatar@interlog.com



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<P>NRPG: Well, to start things, I need to make a correction to Justin's =
last=20
post (a long story, but I had thought I put it in a different folder =
than where=20
I had finally found it, so it didn't get read for too long a time, sorry =

Justin.)</P>
<P>The Wraiths in Dragonlands are not the same as the threads from Pern. =
Wraiths=20
are more like their name describes, a sort of translucent white fog that =
travels=20
close to the ground, though they can easily catch the air and 'fly' =
which makes=20
things dangerous for dragons.</P>
<P>This post will be in a couple of sections. The shorter part will =
describe=20
some of the battle, but I won't tie things up quickly, to allow others =
to do as=20
they will. The second, longer part will be set slightly ahead in the =
timeline,=20
being the events that describe Wynn's and Evelle's departure from Jasra. =
Yes, a=20
sad event, but I just won't be able to do the Warren justice. Now on =
with the=20
show ...</P>
<P>Scene: The sky over Jasra Warren.</P>
<P>Wynn pulled Malekith up high. It had been a long time since he had =
last=20
fought Wraiths, and most of the riders here hadn't ever seen one, much =
less=20
fight one. <Inform Thoseth that Lori is to take her four-squad east =
to the=20
ranch. We can't afford to lose our herd.></P>
<P><Sent.> The small black dragon replied, lazily flying over the=20
battlefield. <Fern says that she and her rider are in trouble, and =
the new=20
dragon too.></P>
<P><Which new ...? Never mind, take us there, and call Eolanth to us=20
too.></P>
<P>The black bunched up it's wings and rocketed towards the endangered =
pair of=20
riders. The ghostly white tendrils threatened the dragons and riders. =
Fern=20
faired better, her spraying acid tearing big holes in the mindless =
wraith.=20
Sheava's shards seemed to be far less effective, and the new creature =
confused=20
the slender dragon. Malekith's blue flame struck a reaching tendril, =
turning it=20
to a fine powder before it had a chance to ensnare Peren.</P>
<P>"Pull back!" Wynn yelled over, noticing a purple dragon =
converging=20
upon them out of the corner of his eye. "I need you two back near =
the=20
medical tent."</P>
<P>"Anything to get out of here!" Samika called back, and with =

defensive bursts, the dragons pulled back to the Warren.</P>
<P>Scene: The Hatching Ground, some days later.</P>
<P>It had come. Finally it was time.</P>
<P>Evelle's smile was wide as she patted Alicynth affectionately. She =
had been=20
through this with her dragon once before, but this was just as amazing =
and=20
wonderful as the first. The eggs quivered before them in the sand, the =
young=20
Hatchlings straining to free themselves.</P>
<P>A shadow crossed over them briefly, and Evelle looked up to see a =
black=20
dragon slowly spiral down towards them. With a gentle backdraft, the =
dragon=20
landed nearby. Wynn slid off Malekith's back and rushed over to his =
mate's=20
side.</P>
<P>Evelle smiled as she hugged him. "Just in time, love."</P>
<P>Wynn gave her a short kiss in reply, then looked about them. =
"Everyone=20
looks pretty excited."</P>
<P>Indeed, the gathering crowd was very excited. The loss of Jasra's =
previous=20
Queen had been a terrible loss. When Evelle had first come, the Warren =
was=20
reluctant to believe in her. They didn't want to risk getting their =
hopes raised=20
again only to be dashed upon the ground.</P>
<P>But Evelle proved the skeptical wrong. With a lot of hard work and =
sleepless=20
nights, she turned the Warren around and made it productive again. =
Evelle's=20
parents, Kelara and V'redan, proved to be a big help as well. =
Experienced=20
teachers and dragon-riders were far and few between at Jasra. They also =
proved=20
to be valuable support for Evelle. Wynn had been fairly busy putting =
together an=20
effective Wing to be of much help in that regard. Except for their =
diplomatic=20
missions to the nearby landborn cities, the two had little time =
together.</P>
<P>But now Evelle was performing her most important duty, the most =
sacred of any=20
Warren. She and her Queen were providing another generation of dragons, =
adding=20
half-again as many dragons to the small Warren.</P>
<P>Music and the delicious odour of freshly cooked food wafted up to the =

hatching grounds. When word from Alicynth came out that the eggs were =
soon to=20
hatch, the Warrenfolk excitedly set about preparing for celebration. =
Here it=20
was, finally, definitive proof that their Warren would begin to =
thrive.</P>
<P>Malekith nuzzled Alicynth affectionately, the black dragon once again =
the=20
proud father. Wynn knew that his dragon would be preoccupied for a long =
time.=20
Evelle disengaged from their mutual embrace to talk with Wade, who sat =
next to=20
Z'charai. This was the first time she had seen anything like this, and =
the=20
wonder showed on her face. Z'charai seemed to enjoy her amazement, and=20
explaining what was going on to her.</P>
<P>Wynn gazed out over the gathering, settling on the eager Searchlings =
at the=20
base of the hatching ground. He found it hard to believe that he was =
once that=20
young and innocent. His face clouded briefly as he remembered the =
numerous=20
disappointments he had then. Years of not Joining to a hatchling brought =
him to=20
his dourest. He had even become jealous and resentful of his 'brother' =
S'brogh=20
who had joined much earlier in life. And then, the worst happened. He =
had not=20
been chosen to sit with the group of Searchlings one year. His dreams of =

becoming a dragon-rider were dashed. Christalla had been kind about it =
all, and=20
wished she knew why no dragon had Joined with him, despite his still =
strong=20
aura. Wynn had merely shrugged and mumbled a thanks, then went back to =
his work=20
at the coal yard.</P>
<P>And Malekith, then not much larger than a small child, weakly crawled =
from=20
the hatching grounds, searching Keldarra until, shivering with cold and =
hunger,=20
the young dragon found his rider.</P>
<P><I would do anything for you, my rider.> Malekith broke in =
gently.</P>
<P>Wynn smiled over at his dragon, his blue eyes meeting the dragon's =
own. Yes,=20
the two were quite a match for each other. <And I for you, my =
dragon.></P>
<P>Wynn continued to look over the expectant crowd when he heard the =
first gasps=20
of glee erupt. A loud crack followed as the first egg burst open, =
spewing forth=20
a dark blue, black striped hatchling. Cheers erupted around him as the =
young=20
hatchling struggling out towards the gathered Searchlings.</P>
<P>More eggs hatched as the first Joining occurred. "Lorileth! Her =
name is=20
Lorileth!" A jubilent young girl exclaimed, encircling her arms =
around the=20
small dragon, tears of join streaming down her face.</P>
<P>* * *</P>
<P>Wynn saw the arrow streak by; knew immediately that danger was =
nearby, and=20
yet his body did not react. He was still smiling over an enthusiastic =
young=20
hatchling tumbling into it's newfound rider, sending both sprawling into =
the=20
sand. He desperately wanted to act, to shout, to do anything but this =
infernal=20
smiling. The moment lasted forever, and dread had long set in. Then he =
heard the=20
arrow strike, a surprisingly hollow sound as the arrow embedded itself =
into=20
flesh.</P>
<P>The spell broke, and Wynn turned to Evelle. She stared down at her =
own chest,=20
a confused look on her face as it took a moment to fully comprehend what =
just=20
happened. She crumpled to the ground as Wynn reached out for her.=20
"Evelle!"</P>
<P>He fell to his knees beside her, shakily brushing hair from her white =
face.=20
"Evelle?"</P>
<P>Her eyes blinked open. "Wynn?" She focussed on him briefly. =

"Wynn, it hurts." Tears streaked down her pale cheeks. She =
reached up,=20
grasping at air.</P>
<P>Wynn took her hand into his own. "Help is coming, =
love."</P>
<P>Wynn suddenly found himself in the air, a powerful arm throwing him =
to the=20
side. Alicynth, roaring, picked up Evelle and launched herself into the =
air.=20
"Alicynth! No!" Wynn screamed, pushing himself upright.</P>
<P>"So cold ..." Evelle muttered, twitching slightly in =
Alicynth's=20
clawed hands, "so ... cold."</P>
<P><Do not worry, my sweet, I shall take you somewhere safe.></P>
<P>The the two, Queen and Queenrider, disappeared.</P>
<P>* * *</P>
<P>She was gone.</P>
<P>Totally, utterly gone.</P>
<P>Wynn stared disbelievingly up into the air. Around him, dragon's =
began to=20
keen. The loss of one of their own was immediately felt. The cries =
echoed eerily=20
throughout the mountains, a sound of such distress that one could not =
help but=20
be moved by it. Even more terrifying, however, were the pitious cries of =
the=20
Hatchlings. Just hatched into a new life, and already experiencing the =
death of=20
the one closest to them. Unconsciously, Wynn joined the chorus, a string =
of=20
denials shouted at the empty air where his life had been just moments =
ago.</P>
<P>His life, and his future.</P>
<P>* * *</P>
<P>"Wynn?" The blanket about his shoulders did little to warm =
him. His=20
hand accepted the mug of hot tea, but he himself did not seem to =
acknowledge it.=20
Lori's heart ached for him. How she wanted to just hold him and make =
everything=20
just go away. "Are you okay?" She asked, not knowing what else =
to=20
say.</P>
<P>A number of his wingmates had brought him here, out from the crowds, =
and from=20
the memory of what had occurred. The mess hall was now empty except for =
them.=20
Wynn gave a short, humourless laugh. "Okay?" He asked =
sarcastically,=20
still staring off into space. "Why would I ever be okay?"</P>
<P>"Wynn?" Wade said gently, kneeling before him in an attempt =
to get=20
him to focus on her. "This is such a terrible thing. I just wish we =
could=20
put things back to right." She sighed heavily. "We'll all miss =
here=20
greatly."</P>
<P>Z'charai nodded from across the table. "She was all our friend. =
I don't=20
know what we'll do without her."</P>
<P>Wynn shook his head. "She was my friend too." His voice was =
quiet,=20
quivering with emotion. "She was our great and illustrious =
Warrenlady as=20
well. But she was my mate." His voice turned to anger, finger =
pointing to=20
his chest. "She was carrying _my_ child, and then 'poof', both are =
gone.=20
Just like that." Another cold laugh. "And you know what the =
craziest=20
thing is? All I can remember is that arrow streaking by, and all I could =
do was=20
laugh at some damn kid and dragon wrestling in the sand. I couldn't =
protect her.=20
I couldn't even tell her that she was in danger until it was too =
late."</P>
<P>"There was nothing you could do." Lori laid a conforting =
hand on=20
his shoulder. "Nothing anybody could have done."</P>
<P>He shook her hand off, boiling out of the chair as he shouted. =
"Shut the=20
hell up!" The mug of tea shattered against one wall, followed by =
gasps from=20
a number of the gathered riders. Lori took a step back. She had never =
seen such=20
anger in Wynn before. "Just shut up and get the hell out of =
here." He=20
looked to all of them. "All of you!"</P>
<P>"Wynn ..." Samika began.</P>
<P>"No!" He held up a hand. Then his voice became suddenly =
steady.=20
"Fine, you don't want to leave? Then I will."</P>
<P>He stalked from the room, leaving behind a number of speechless =
riders.</P>
<P>* * *</P>
<P>One more hill and he should be safe. The turmoil he had caused should =
be more=20
than distracting enough for him to get away. That dragon killing itslef =
was an=20
added bonus, and a big help. He had heard that the death of a dragon =
caused=20
great pain in others nearby, and by the sounds echoing from the mountain =
walls,=20
he would certainly have to agree with that. The wailing meant something, =
and it=20
gave him the time he needed to get out of there.</P>
<P>He clamoured down the hill, sailing gleefully downhill. The thought =
of all=20
that gold being offered for the girl's death made all the trouble of =
tracking=20
her out here well worth it. The thought also distracted him until he =
fell=20
howling to the ground, clutching his thigh.</P>
<P>A long pointed dagger pierced through his leg. "Damn." He =
muttered=20
to himself, scanning around quickly for his assailant. From behind a =
small=20
gathering of trees, a woman stepped out wearing a brown and black body =
suit. She=20
had short cut brown hair, and darker brown eyes. She signaled him that =
she too=20
was a member of the assassin's guild.</P>
<P>"Going to kill me and claim the reward yourself, eh?" He =
grimaced,=20
playing up the pain he was in. He gave a brief glance to his leg to =
assess the=20
damage, then leveled his eyes with hers. "You're breaking the Rules =
by=20
attacking me. They'll find out, y'know."</P>
<P>"Like you, I'm doing what I've been assigned." She closed =
in on him=20
cautiously.</P>
<P>"Damned if you do, damned if you don't, eh?" He gave a =
cruel laugh,=20
ending with a bit of a cough. He got to his feet slowly, favouring his =
injured=20
leg. "I won't go easily, whatever the case."</P>
<P>She unsheathed a slim sword, beginning to circle him. Grunting, he =
pulled=20
free his own sword and pivoted on his good leg, keeping himself faced =
towards=20
his advesary.</P>
<P>The fight was over more quickly than he had expected. He was =
breathing hard,=20
staring at the woman. His eyes glazed over, and he fell wordlessly to =
the=20
ground. He had returned the favour, though, and she stood unsteadily, =
blood=20
running down her right leg from a large gash.</P>
<P>"Don't even think of running." A voice called to her, and =
she=20
whipped around. Red-gold wings beat casually through the air. She took a =
step=20
back, eyes travelling to the young woman on the dragon's back, lance at =
the=20
ready.</P>
<P>"Best look behind you." Piper smiled.</P>
<P>Glancing over her shoulder, she saw a blue dragon land gracefully =
just a few=20
feet away. Aleipha gave the woman a challenging look. She knew she had =
no hope=20
against the two dragons and their riders, so did the only thing she =
could.</P>
<P>She dropped her sword, and awaited them to take her into custody.</P>
<P>* * *</P>
<P>"Why did you have her killed?!?" Wynn yelled, closing in on =
the=20
woman before being restrained by Z'charai.</P>
<P>"And I told you before, I didn't."</P>
<P>Wynn pulled back. "Two dragonriders whom I trust with my life =
say that=20
you killed a man before they captured you. Despite his obvious =
disadvantage, you=20
slaughtered him. Why, if not an assassin yourself?"</P>
<P>The woman was tied to a chair, hands behind her. She was impressed by =
the=20
thoroughness of their search of her, much better than most landbound =
cities she=20
worked in. She held herself straight and uncowed. "It was part of =
my=20
assignment."</P>
<P>"And what was that assignment?" Z'charai asked.</P>
<P>"I will tell only him." She gave a nod to Wynn.</P>
<P>Z'charai's eyes opened wide. "Are you crazy? He'll kill you if =
we=20
leave." He hadn't wanted Wynn to be here, but he also didn't want =
to face=20
the Wingleader's wrath. He had hoped that he and G'mit could keep Wynn =
in check=20
if things got out of hand.</P>
<P>She gave a sly smile. "He could try." Her smile quickly=20
disappeared. "If you wish to know anything more from me, then only =
one=20
person will hear it. And that is Wynn."</P>
<P>"Leave." Wynn growled.</P>
<P>"But ..."</P>
<P>"Leave!" Wynn shouted, pointing to the door.</P>
<P>Z'charai and G'mit glanced at each other, and then both looked to the =
woman.=20
She gave a short nod. Shrugging, Z'charai led his friend fromt he =
room.</P>
<P>Wynn closed the distance, pushing his arm against her neck, forcing =
her face=20
up to meet his. "You had better tell me everything I want to =
know." He=20
seethed.</P>
<P>"If you choke me ..." She said hoarsely. "You'll know=20
nothing."</P>
<P>Snearing, Wynn pulled back, releasing his hold.</P>
<P>The woman stretched her neck. "I do not know all the answers, =
but this=20
is what I can say. Your beloved was targeted during the war last year. =
Numerous=20
... entities ... wanted her removed for various reasons. I, however, was =

employed to protect her from such an untimely demise."</P>
<P>"Didn't do a good enough job, did you?"</P>
<P>This time her gaze went cold. She was unused to failure. "I am =
but=20
one."</P>
<P>Silence hung heavy between the two. "I was also empowered to =
take=20
whatever measures were necessary to ensure Evelle's safety. And failing =
that, to=20
ensure that the killer did not get away with their own life."</P>
<P>"So the man you killed ... he was the assassin?"</P>
<P>"Yes."</P>
<P>"Then who are you?"</P>
<P>"You can consider me a mercenary if you like. I do what it takes =
to=20
succeed."</P>
<P>"And do you have a name? I don't appreciate you knowing who I am =

only." Wynn began to pace, unspent energy trembling within him.</P>
<P>"You can know me as Mara, if you like." She said after a =
moment's=20
contemplation.</P>
<P>Wynn stared at one wall. He wanted so much to snap Mara's slender =
neck, but=20
what is she was indeed telling the truth, and she had been hired to help =
protect=20
Evelle. He wouldn't be able to live with himself then. But there was no =
evidence=20
either way. Neither she nor the man she killed had carried an =
incriminating=20
bow.</P>
<P>"We may be in a position to help each other." She said =
after a long=20
silence.</P>
<P>He looked over her shoulder at her. She was still very confident, not =

appearing the least bit concerned at being captured as she was. "My =
job is=20
complete, though the outcome was a failure. My elders won't take kindly =
to that,=20
nor the fact that I've gone against others of our kind. We are not =
allowed to=20
interfere with one another, and I have done so many times."</P>
<P>"And what can you offer me? You can't bring Evelle back to =
me."</P>
<P>"No, I can't. But I do know the ones who put the reward up for =
her=20
death. I can lead you to them."</P>
<P>Wynn eyed her wordlessly. Revenge. A chance to redeem his love's =
useless=20
death.</P>
<P>Mara gave a small smile.</P>
<P>Scene: Warrenlady's office</P>
<P>"Wynn, you can't be serious?" Samika exclaimed =
wide-eyed.</P>
<P>"I am." He was here to take whatever personal items =
remained here.=20
"I can't stay here, not like this. I have to do this."</P>
<P>"No, you don't." Lucky said, stepping up beside Samika. =
"She=20
could be lying to you, and you could be dead as soon as you leave." =
He eyed=20
Mara as she leaned up against the door, a smile still playing on her =
lips.</P>
<P>"It would be better than me wallowing around here. I need to =
resolve=20
this in any way I can."</P>
<P>"But we need you here, Wynn. We've just lost our Warrenlady, and =
now our=20
Wingleader is leaving too?" Samika explained.</P>
<P>"D'glis, Piper and Aleipha have gone to the other Warrens to =
spread the=20
news. I'm sure the Dragonlady and the Council will decide what to do =
soon=20
..."</P>
<P>"Son." The room fell silent.</P>
<P>Wynn swallowed hard, and turned to face his father. Traven looked =
very much=20
like his son, despite the beard and years difference in age. He stood in =
the=20
doorway, a neutral expression on his face.</P>
<P>"I have to go, Father."</P>
<P>"If you must, you must." The others began to object, but =
Traven=20
held up his hands for silence. "But I want you to think through =
what you=20
are doing. None of this will bring Evelle back. None of it. You would be =
doing=20
her a grave disservice if you became less of who you are."</P>
<P>Tears welled up in Wynn's eyes, but he fought them back. He cleared =
his=20
throat, cinching up the bag he carried. "I am going now.=20
Farewell."</P>
<P>Scene: Many days later, at Keldarra</P>
<P>"Christalla! Christalla!" Briana came running up the steps. =

"Christalla!"</P>
<P>"What is it?" Christalla asked, an amused look on her face. =
To be=20
that young again, with all that energy.</P>
<P>"It's Wynn. He's back!"</P>
<P>Christalla's eyes opened wide. "Wynn? Take me to him."</P>
<P>The two made their way to the Warren Green, where indeed Malekith =
sat,=20
surrounded by a number of the Warren dragon. Wynn himself was mobbed by =
a number=20
of Warrenfolk and Riders alike.</P>
<P>"Wynn! It is good to see you again." The others parted =
respectfully=20
for the Dragonlady. Wynn looked older now, his face and clothes scruffy, =
his=20
eyes darker than she last remembered them. His smile seemed more wistful =
and=20
pained than she had hoped it would be.</P>
<P>"Dragonlady, may I speak with you?"</P>
<P>The others seemed disappointed, wanting to give Wynn their =
condolences, and=20
to catch up on events with him. Christalla nodded. "Of course Wynn. =
Please,=20
follow me."</P>
<P>She took him back to her office, and closed the door behind her. =
"How=20
are you doing? We haven't heard from you in a long time."</P>
<P>"I'm alive. But I ... have a request of you." He avoided =
her gaze,=20
instead distracting himself by looking around her office.</P>
<P>"Anything."</P>
<P>He licked his lips. "I ... I need somewhere to stay. But I can't =
go back=20
to Jasra, not right now."</P>
<P>Christalla gave a smile. "Of course you can stay with us. Though =
there=20
have been a few changes, but I believe your old quarters are still=20
empty."</P>
<P>He looked relieved. "Thank you, Dragonlady." He said in a =
quiet=20
voice.</P>
<P>Christalla looked at him with concern. "Why so formal, Wynn? Are =
you=20
sure everything is okay?"</P>
<P>He suddenly sank to his knees, weeping. "She's gone. My Evelle =
is=20
gone." </P>
<P>Tears streaked down his face, his body shaking as he cried. =
Christalla knelt=20
down beside him and held him to her. He shook in her arms as he cried =
into her=20
chest, and she tried to soothe him as best she could. He had held it in =
all this=20
time. All that grief. She held him tight, and let him begin on the road =
to=20
accepting the loss.</P>
<P>NRPG: Well, there it is. If he hasn't already done so, John should be =
getting=20
in touch with you people at Jasra soon. It has been fun, but I just wish =
I could=20
have been a more active member than being on the fringe. John, I pass =
Jasra on=20
to you, take good care of it for me.</P>
<P>Keldarra: Well, I'm back. But I have no idea what's going on and who =
is=20
where, so I've tried to leave it as open as I can. Wynn won't talk about =
what he=20
has been up to (mainly because I haven't yet decided on that myself :) =
But he=20
would like to get to know all his old friends again. He's just accepting =
the=20
loss now, so he won't be all that much fun to be around. Mostly he will =
be=20
melancholic, but may become bitter and angry at the slightest =
provacation.</P>
<P>/> Malekith and his boy Wynn </P>
<P>/< </P>
<P>O[\\\\\\(O):::<=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=
=3D- </P>
<P>\< </P>
<P>\> aka Christopher Ackney,</P>
<P><A =
href=3D"mailto:loviatar@interlog.com">loviatar@interlog.com</A></P>
<P></P></FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>

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