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Day 13, suppertime

With a tight smile, Arri stood in front of the looking glass in her
apartments and adjusted the sleeve of her gown for what felt like the
hundredth time. It had been so long since she had reason to wear anything
like this that it felt more like armour than velvet.

On waking, she had realized that all her dress gowns were back in old Marrid
and probably wandering around under their own power by now, given the waste
sickness.

"You look fine, my lady," came a familiar voice from the door. Turning, she
grinned hugely at Rod'r'k.

"Hello, pet. I feel like a turkey all dressed for the oven," she explained
as she came out with a swish and a curtsey. "I haven't worn anything like
this in years, at least since the last time I played." Her face fell for a
moment at the memory of the harp she had so lovingly handcrafted, lost to
the Wastes.

The healer had been blessedly lucky to find someone in the market with a
dress in her size who could do alterations in a relative hurry. Otherwise
she would never have had a thing to wear to the next rehearsal.

Unfortunately, the nap had not been nearly long enough to ease the hot coal
of irritation in her belly. Can you do figures indeed? How insulting.

"What is the occasion, A'Rillia?" asked Rod, offering an arm to her and
chuckling.

"There isn't one, unless you count having to relearn civilized behaviour in
time for the Hatching.. And we're obviously feeling better, to be so
gallant," she said, smiling at him and running a hand through her
close-cropped hair, but not taking the profferred arm. It had grown back
somewhat, but the few inches of reddish blonde hair was a far cry from the
tumble of waves she was used to. Patience, time healed everything... except
death.

Rod shook his head and dropped his hand back to his side. "Not better, at
least not completely. I was just hoping for a smile. You looked so sad
staring in the mirror."

He stepped closer, extending his hand once again, and then dropping it
awkwardly.  "I wish..."

"You wish what, Rod?" Arri's eyes flashed with concern. "Is something
wrong?"

He smiled sadly.  "I wish that you could see yourself through my eyes.  How
lovely you are, I mean.  I have a feeling you wouldn't believe the words by
themselves."

Arri blushed slightly and nodded. "Thank you, Rod'r'k."

It had been so long since she had heard those words from someone else that
she had no idea what else to say for a moment. There was a brief awkward
silence, then she raised her arm in offering.

"Walk me to my class, then?"

"Of course," he replied, taking the arm.  He seemed stronger and steadier
than when she had seen him last, though his blue eyes still seemed haunted.
"Have your... friends... turned up any information yet?"

With a small shake of her head, Arri sighed. "I haven't heard anything back.
Of course, it is the busy season, but I'll see if I can get word out."

Stepping out the door into the late evening twilight, she carefully paced
herself to match his steps. "Are you settling in well here? You look better
than when we brought you in."

He nodded.  "I'm finding things to do, so I feel less useless.  The worst of
the mess in the egg cave is already fixed, but they could use some residual
clean-up help.  I think I'll head over there once I've escorted you to
wherever it is you're going."

With a smile, the healer winked at Rod. "That sounds like as good of a place
as any. It looks as if you have much of your strength back, so it will help
develop the stamina you need."

"Have you put any thought into what trade you'd like to pursue here? Are you
going to settle in the Warren?"

Roderick shrugged.  "I don't know.  I might return to smithy-work, though
I'm still worried about my guild status there.  Otherwise I could do some
carpentry or something.  With all the new arrivals, there's a furniture
shortage.  I'll think of something.   I don't have any particular reason to
stay *here*, but I don't have anywhere else to be, either..."

"I know that feeling." Arri's eyes drifted away from Rod for a moment and
were filled with sadness. "Lately I don't feel much like I have anywhere to
be either."

Arri shrugged. "I'm sure we can work out something about the Guild issue if
you want. If they need you badly enough, they'll ignore it; however, the
carpentry sounds good - it will be good to have a challenge."

He smiled and nodded, clasping her hand tightly.

"If I haven't said so before.... thank you."

<:I think he likes you,.:> said Daetyn softly in the healer's mind.

<He's thanking me for helping him. Why is that so strange and wonderous, you
silly dragon? Must you make everything into a...>

<:Look at him, Arri,:> snapped the dragon. <:Just look.:>

"...thank you." Arri registered the last two words almost as an echo as she
turned to actually look at Rod'r'k's eyes. The sudden pressure on her hand
wasn't unwelcome. In fact, in light of her feeling so out of place here, it
was comforting.

"Actually, Rod'r'k, thank you," she said softly, squeezing his hand in
return. "I feel a bit of a stranger in a strange land here and your visit
brought a needed and welcome familiar face. I feel less stranded."

"We're al in this alone," he replied with a smile.

Arri paused in front of a door and released Rod's hand. "Thanks for the
escort."

Rod'r'k bowed very slightly and turned to walk away towards the hatching
cavern. The smile on his face as he left made her realize what a devilishly
handsome fellow he must have been before his flight.

The draconic laughter was annoying though. Why must Dae always be so smug
about these things?

"Sarilyn, are you in there? It's A'Rillia." The healer tapped the door
lightly and listened for the sound of movement inside.


==================
NRPG: Jeannette? HELP? I don't know what to do with her at dinner - want to
e-mail me some ideas? I'm in much pain and my brains



Namaste' (We Are All One)
   --Shadowsinger--
=========================
shadowsinger@bigfoot.com
     ICQ #: 3673956

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