David's unquestioning acceptance of a possible pregnancy eased Minty's mind
a little. She still wasn't sure if she was ready for the responsibility of
bringing up a child, but if David was there beside anything could be faced.....


She made a big effort to conceal her doubts and scolded David roundly for
the morning's escapade;


"Now what the hell were you thinking about, getting up like that this
morning.  D'ssarian told me all about it, so don't try to deny it!  He spent
half the night putting you back together and you try to ruin it all in 5
minutes.  He's not pleased...."  


David groaned, but accepted her words, seeming to realise she needed a
outlet for her frustration.


"What am I going to do with you love?  Gods.  Two of you to look after!"
she said in a panicked tone, her eyes showing her fear in full measure  "How
will I cope?  I don't even have a mother to advise me.  Da!  I have to tell
him....."


David captured her restless hand in his, and kissed her palm gently, trying
to calm her fears.


"We'll manage!  Calm down love. We don't even know fer certain yet!"  he
said  "One step at a time love.  One step and then t' next gets you where
you're going...."


His words gradually calmed the fears, and they talked for a time of this and
that.  Each careful to stay away from the possibilities raised by a baby in
their lives.....


"It's time to go Araminta."  D'ssarian's voice sounded from the doorway
"He's exhausted, and you should be taking better care of yourself now.  You
two can see each other later when David's had some rest and you've eaten.
Alright?"


Minty wanted to argue but David's eyes were drooping and his words slurring,
so she accepted D'ssarian edict with good grace.


"I'll get something to eat and come back later.  Is that alright love?" she
said, as she kissed his cheek.  


His eyes remained closed, his face grey, but he mumbled  "I love ye." as she
left.


*********


*Do you have time for me now, Minty?*  Kirimith asked sarcastically  *Or
must I join a queue?.....*


*I'm so sorry sweeting!*  Minty was contrite  *I didn't mean to neglect you
so.  There's just been so much going on.*  


Minty shivered in the cool air as she walked towards the Dining Hall, she
hadn't realised just how overcast the weather was!  The bright lights of the
Med Centre made a mockery of night and day.


*Well?  Do you tell me what's going on, or do I just go on guessing?  Kaylin
said David is a little better this morning, but he's asleep just now.....
and dreaming those dreams again apparently!  I have news for you too.....*


*You first Kiri.  I've had a shock this morning and I need time to absorb it
still.  What news do you have?*  Minty's interest was piqued.... 


*Well there's talk among the other dragons.....*  Kirimith started


*Dragons gossiping?*  Minty's mental giggles, caused Kirimith to hiss in
mock outrage *I can just imagine it Kiri.... 'Oh my dear I really must tell
you....'   'I'm shocked my dear, then what happened?...'   I thought better
of you sweeting!*


*Well if you don't want to know....* Kirimith said huffily



*No sweeting, I really do want to know.* she was apologetic  *I could just
see you all huddled together discussing us humans.  Irreverent imagination
is all.  Carry on sweet.*


*No more interruptions then!  There's been talk among the other dragons
about the transfer from Telnor.... Trey's his name.  Seems he did something
considered unforgivable among humans, though I can't see what was so awful
about it....*  Kirimith mused  *Seems he mated with his offspring against
her own wishes.  What -is- so wrong about that Minty?*


*It's not something you could ever understand sweeting.  It's a very human
thing.*  she answered her puzzled dragon  *Does the gossip say why he did
what he did?*


*Something to do with his having been unwell I think.  What will happen to
him Minty?  Some of the others say their riders want him banished.....  *


*That's an awful fate for any rider, no matter what he did!* Minty shivered
*It's not for me to say what happens, sweeting.  But I can't see the
Warrenlady would accept him at Marrid without a good reason... she must have
known.  If she accepts him then I won't judge him.*  Minty fell silent,
thinking. ~There was always someone, somewhere worse off than yourself!~


*You said you'd tell me your news.*


*Oh..er...yes.  Um....How do you feel about babies, Kiri?*  Minty asked in a
rush


*Hatchlings are quite nice.... oh did you mean human hatchlings... babies?
They're small and soft and not very talkative.  But they can be fun to play
with.... and they're always willing to scratch an itch.  Why?*  Kiri was
mystified  


*D'ssarian thinks the fainting spells I've had might be because I'm
pregnant.  How would you feel about having a baby around Kiri?*


*A baby?  For us? Wonderful!!!!!*  Kiri's bugle of joy echoed round the
Warren, and people stopped to look  *Our own hatchling....*


*Hush!  Kiri, stop!  People are staring.*  Minty begged the elated dragon
*It's not definite yet, I have to wait until D'ssarian confirms it.  But you
wouldn't mind?*


*Mind? I don't mind at all!  Does Kaylin know?  David? He is the sire isn't he?*


*KIRIMITH!!  You know I've never mated with anyone else......* Minty's face
turned scarlet at the suggestion  *How could you think otherwise?*


*Just checking.* Kirimith gave a dragon's snort of laughter  *Here, we're at
the Dining place.  Go eat something, and I can go tell some less gossipy
dragon's this news.*


*No-one!  You tell no-one Kiri!  Promise me?*


*No-one at all?  Can't I even share it with one friend?*  the dragon's
wheedling made Minty smile slightly, but she was adamant


*No-one.  Now I'm going to follow D'ssarian's advice, and yours, and eat.
I'll take you down to the lake later for a swim and an oiling.  But no
talking about it!*  she looked at Kirimith sternly, as she pushed open the
door to the Dining Hall.


*Promise.*  Kirimith sulked  *But a baby.  Such wonderful news to tell......*


Minty laughed as she watched the disgruntled dragon take off.  ~If only it
was so easy as Kiri believed.~  Taking a deep breath, she walked into the
crowded Hall....


Submitted by


Araminta, Kirimith's rider


NRPG

All... Minty could do with some company for lunch to take her mind off the
problem.

Lyn... Minty won't condemn Trey without a hearing
 


-- 
Les

the voice and soul of

Timi Caplain  CMO    USS Javelin
T'beth  Counsellor     USS Magellan 
Lillith the Mage          Broken Lands
Minty, Kirimith's rider  Dragon Lands