Darrkon left the chamber a bit embarrassed.  Had it not been for
his mask he was sure the warrenlady would have seen how flushed he
became.  Calindeth who was silent through the entire meeting spoke.

<You did well Darrkon.  You should be proud.>

<Did I?.  Now that he was away from the office Darrkon began having
doubts in himself, something he was very unaccustomed to.  <This is
worse than I thought.  I'm not sure I can do this.  Dealing with 
people, dealing with women is just too hard.  You know what happened 
with the warrenlady she threw me off, and the woman on the hatching
grounds.  I can't focus and that's dangerous.>

<I noticed.  But you recovered well, with the warrenlady at least.>

Darrkon relaxed, <Thanks friend.>

A few moments of silence passed until Calindeth spoke again.  When
he did his voice had a hint of mischief to it <Darrkon...>

<Yes?>  He answered unsuspecting.

<The warrenlady...she has a full grown queen you know.>

<And...?>

<And metallic queens, like hers, rise more often than other females.>

<So...!>  Darrkon didn't like where this was going but he decided to
play it out.

<You know about the link between dragon and rider, but there's also
a link between two riders when their dragon are mating.>

<How do you know?  You've never mated before.  And it doesn't matter
I don't want to hear anymore of this.>  He did admit to himself that
a similar thought had crossed his mind.

Calindeth didn't stop either <I'm just saying that I'm sure I could
catch her next time she rises...If you want me to.>

<Shut up!>  Darrkon had no intention of discussing this, especially
because he knew he could be talked into it.  He was almost successful
at clearing his thoughs, then he heard a tiny voice calling his name.
He turned around to see Lacey walking rapidly to catch up with him.
He stopped to let her catch up. "Hello again Lacey.  Do you need
something?"

"No.  Naomi said you could look around the warren so I thought I'd
show you around.  I know M'lent gave you a tour, but he's always busy
so he couldn't show you everything.  So do you want me to show you
around?"

Darrkon reasoned that if he had to deal with females the best way to
start would be with a kid.  The only thing he had to worry about would
be his use of language.  "Sure Lacey."  He said suddenly feeling better,
"I hope to call this place my home.  I might as well know my way around."

As he and Lacey started off Calindeth spoke to him again.  <Good use the
girl as a way in.>

<SHUT UP!!>  He said to Calindeth alone.  Someday he'd have to talk to
him abuot what he called a sense of humor.



<NRPG>
Ok Kat here's your chance for a convo with Darrkon.  One note he doesn't
discuss his mask  or the reason for it, or his mother's death.  Every-
thing else is open.