Waylene
***
<<Lunchtime>>

Waylene sat down beside Z'lec's bed, "I'm sorry it took so long .."

She studied his face .. but there was no change. The healers had shaved his
face. She ran a finger over his cheek, feeling it's softness. He'd grown a
beard the last time he'd run off .. right after the misunderstanding with
Diana. Now it was gone .. Raynod was gone .. Diana was gone.. "Z'lec, don't
leave me. Please wake up and let me know you're all right .. please .."

Still the man didn't move .. not a flinch .. not a tic .. She sighed and
picked up his hand in hers, "I should know better then to leave .. You know
everything goes to hell so quickly .." She bit at her lip. Lakoda didn't
know for sure whether or not he could hear her .. but it certainly couldn't
hurt. "David's back .. did you know that? I'm sure Minty couldn't be
happier. So many of us feared the worst. I'm sure he can help Traknor with
the wing while .." she bit her tongue, and changed the subject, ".. We have
a new rider from Falagand. We seem to get a lot of those don't we .." a
small chuckle slipped through, ".. B'nair scares her share off .. I imagine
he knows Lakoda and Arri .."

She continued to ramble, watching him for any signs of change.

***

Taking a break from her vigil over the fallen wingleader while the med
center staff bathed him and changed his bandages, Waylene stepped into
Kendal's room. She smiled as the man's head bobbed up at her entrance, "Hi."

"M'lady," he nodded, watching her with his blue-green eyes.

"I wanted to check and see how you're feeling? Ailill's sleeping. They say
she needs it."

Kendal frowned, "She'll be okay?"

"I'm sure she will," Waylene assured him. "The other man .. your father?"
When Kendal nodded she continued, "They're watching him closely too.
They'll do the best they can."

"I'm sorry I got Ailill in danger .. again. I expected Z'lec to come
yelling .. but Ainu told me what happened to his dragon."

Waylene nodded. "Yes, well, Ailill is a trained rider now." She gave a
smile, "I'm sure she's even better trained now having had these adventures
with you." Her face grew serious, "But what I really wanted to talk to you
about is if this is going to have any repercussions to Warren?"

***
<<Later>>

"What do you mean he refused you?" she asked her eyes wide.

Her courier D'zall shrugged, "He wouldn't see me. I left your message, but
I can't guarantee he'll read it."

"I don't understand .."

"I don't either. I chatted with the guards .. they seemed nice enough. But
then Jarvis, his advisor came out and said he refused to see me and to go
away. He didn't want to have anything more to do with dragonriders."

"Well, I'll have to have a chat with Serraphine then I suppose. Maybe she
can shed some light on her fathers reactions.

***
<<that evening>>

"Come in," she called at the knocking on the door.

The man pushed his way through the door and Waylene tried to remember who
he was. Thankfully he was a step ahead of her, obviously used to dealing
with worn out Warrenladies. "Good evening, Lady Waylene. I am G'ord of
Xylian .."

"Oh yes," she smiled, vaguely remembering his visit several months ago.
"How are you doing?" She nodded politely to the woman that followed him in.

"I've been staying at home the last month or so and just beginning my
travels again. I'd like to introduce you to Talitha. She would like to
transfer."

The woman took a step forward, "I've brought a recommendation from
Warrenlady Rhiannon."

She held out the parchment to Waylene who took it and broke the seal and
read the tale of the woman's loss and Rhia's glowing word. She looked up
and smiled at the woman. "We always welcome new riders looking for a new
beginning, Talitha."

"Please, everyone calls me 'Lith."

Waylene nodded, "You are welcome in Marrid, 'Lith." She looked at G'ord,
"How long will you be staying?"

"A couple days." He grinned, "Enough time to gather gossip and make sure
'Lith gets settled in."

"I'm glad. Did you stay in our newly renovated guest apartments last time?"

"Indeed I did m'lady." He turned to the woman beside him. "Marrid was hit
by an earthquake, and so many of the apartments had to be redone. Very well
I might add."

Waylene chuckled. "Well then why don't we get you settled in one of those
and I'll get a listing of the empty apartments. We can help 'Lith find one
for herself tonight."

"That sounds like a great idea," G'ord grinned, "I have some news from the
pocketed lands."

Waylene grinned, "Oh I do look forward to hearing your stories. As I recall
from your last visit, your news is very entertaining."

Regards,
Waylene & Aura
***
NRPG: Just hitting a few other things I wanted to hit :)

Justin I figure D'zall told Jarvis about Aura flying, so we can start his
ploting and planning you already wrote for the next morning if you want.

Lyn, I didn't do anything with Ranon, cause I want you to do that when
you're ready and not feel any push to backpost it :)

For those who didn't know ... Please send Lyn both Birthday Greetings as
today is her birthday and Congratulations on her son Ren Stuart who was
born on Friday! CONGRATULATIONS, Lyn!!!

Kris

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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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