It had been two days since Darrkon's meeting with M'lent at the
Traveler's Rest.  He still found it odd that a searcher would be
looking for dragonriders at the bar, but M'lent explained to him
that dragon affinity was not determined by a persons whereabouts,
or even a person's character, which was obvious to Darrkon due to
his past experiences with wild and rogue riders.  M'lent took him
on a brief tour of the warren showing him the living quartes, the
hatching grounds (where he had met and become...intrigued by Soliel),
as well as the feeding grounds which Callindeth was now exploring.
He decided to see what his friend thought of the warren and his 
fellow dragons.

<So, what do you think Calindeth?>

<They're all FAT!>

<Who...the dragons?>  He was a bit surprised, he expected Calindeth
to attack the structure of the warren, or the people who lived there,
but not his own kind.

<Well them too.  But I was referring to the cattle.  They're just
dumb, fat animals.  There's no challenge in catching them.  Not like
the catches in the wild.>  Calindeth decided not to tell his rider
his real feelings, no good could come of it.

Darrkon felt that his dragon was being petty and decided to call him
on it now, <I can't speak for the cattle, but I'm sure these dragons
are great warriors.  Of course you'd be leaner, think of the life
we've led.  But I'd bet they could teach you a thing or two about air
combat.  Not that you're a poor fighter, but I'm sure I've missed
some important points in your training.  Maybe you could talk to
M'lents dragon Ebony.  Even if we don't join the warren, I'm sure the
training would help us in the wild.>

<You're really pushing it you know.  This is your wish, I'll learn to
fight in a wing if need be but I'm not interested in associating with
these dragons.  They're so sheltered, what could they know of real
hardships?>

<More than you know my friend.  They're a community, think of how it
must feel to lose a dragon companion.  For you and I it's simple, one
dies and the other does as well and no one suffers.  Every time a dragon
or rider dies here, the entire unit suffers.  That is what kept me
away for so long.  I wasn't sure if I could deal with it.  Don't
judge these people TOO harshly, or their dragons...of course we won't
trust them easily either.>

<I suppose you're right, I'll try but don't blame me if I stay set in
my ways.>

Darrkon smiled, though he knew no one would see it <I won't friend, I
never do.  I think I'll get some rest now.  Don't eat too much.>

<Sleep well.>

As Darrkon removed his mask his thoughts once again turned to Soliel.
But this time they focused on something that had been bothering him.
Who was the frail man he saw wandering in the shadows when he left her?
He decided to check on her tommorow, just to ease his mind.