Naomi chatted with Meena a while and then excused herself to mingle;


"You know what it's like on these ocassions Meena.  If I don't mingle people
will think I'm getting above myself..."  Naomi laughed, and turned back to
the crowd.


Lacey was drooping in the corner, but S'ran was with her, and Naomi knew
he'd have the sense to pack her off to bed as soon as possible...


*Amethyst, how's Garnet?*  she asked  *It looks like Lacey might need to go
home soon.*


*She'll be fine, she just needed comfort.  It is very hard to watch your
young leave you for new lives.... She knows they must Join with their
riders, but she is very close to them.  As the bonds strengthen she will let
them go.* came the reply  *It doesn't get easier......*


*I know love.  It's much like a human would feel to see their offspring
making a life for themselves that doesn't include their parents.*


The feast seemed to be running down slightly now, she thought.  Probably due
to the lateness of the Hatching.  And many of the participants were yawning
round their ale mugs.  Naomi grinned to herself as she thought of the
hangovers many would have tomorrow... 


In a corner of the room she spotted S'ephan leaning over a young woman, a
young woman she didn't recognise.  One of the newly Joined riders obviously,
and also obviously uncomfortable at S'ephan's nearness.  She made her way to
where the two were sititng, and stood listening to S'ephan's words....


"....and if you like I can show you round tomorrow.  Introduce you to
people... maybe even get you in to see the WarrenLady."


"Why thank you S'ephan."  Naomi interrupted smoothly  "That's very kind of you."


Startled, the man looked round, caught Naomi's amused look and had the grace
to blush slightly.


"er...er... I was just telling..." he stuttered in surprise, fumbling for
the young woman's name  


"Soliel." she offered quietly


"Yes... I was just telling Soliel, here, that I would be happy to show her
round tomorrow....."  he trailed off


"Well thank you again S'ephan, I'm sure you meant it with the best of
intentions?"  Naomi queried, and received a nod  "Now isn't that someone
waving at you over there?...."


Taking the hint, S'ephan excused himself and hurried away.  Naomi studied
the young woman in front of her.  She looked very tired...


"Soliel is it?"  the girl nodded, and Naomi continued  "I'm Naomi..." <*Who
did she Join with Amethyst?*   *Firen*>  "...and you're Firen's new rider.
Yes?"


"Yes, that's right.  Thank you for rescuing me...." she waved ahand int eh
general direction that S'ephan had taken  "He's very nice but I'm just so
tired.  Today has been very long and I'd like to go to bed.  M'lent said he
would come back and show me where the dragonet barracks were...."


"But he never bothered?  That's OK, I'll walk you there, I was getting tired
myself."  Soliel's relief at the offer showed  "Come on... it's late, and
the excitement of Joining is very tiring too."


*Amethyst... meet me outside the dragonets barracks please.  I'm ready for
my bed.*


*Coming.* came the reply


"So.  You know M'lent?"


"Well.. sort of.  I met him for the first time today, and he said I'd make a
good rider, and he brought me here, and then I met Firen....."


"Overwhelming for a first day in your new home."  Naomi said, guiding the
girl towards the dimly lit, but still busy dragonet barracks.  "You need
rest, and things won't be quite so bad in the morning.... ah here we are."


Amethyst's large form waited quietly by the door, and Soliel looked at her
admiringly.


"That's the WarrenLady's Queen isn't it?  M'lent pointed her out to me when
we arrived this afternoon, and said he'd take me to see the WarrenLady
tomorrow sometime."  Soliel answered, drooping now  "What's she like?"


"Well I think she's rather nice."  Naomi said laughing, as M'lent came to
claim his newest searchling  "But the I'm biased....."


"Naomi... thank you for bringing Soliel.  I completely forgot I'd promised
to see her to the barracks." he turned to the girl full of apologies  "I'm
sorry, m'dear.  I got talking and forgot you, but you're here now and that's
all that matters."  


"Come and see me in the morning, Soliel." Naomi said, as she mounted the
patiently waitng dragon  "We can get to know each other better then...."


"I see you met our WarrenLady after all..."  M'lent said as he led Soliel
into the building.


Soliel gave a small gasp of surprise, and M'lent laughed at her astonishment


"She didn't tell you who she was?..... Typical of her! Come on... sleep!  Go
see her tomorrow."


Submitted by


Naomi & Amethyst 

NRPG

Michelle... I'll backpost the meeting in Travellers Rest as soon as I get a
spare minute.  Feel free to have Soliel visit Naomi whenever you like. And
if I haven't played Soliel right then please say....


-- 
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

Naomi, QueenRider to Amethyst, Norwall's WarrenLady,  Dragon Lands