Naomi listened to Darrkon talk, about his early life, his ambition to Join
with a dragon, the hardships he had faced, and his need for human contact.
She felt him grow more at ease as he talked, sure of what he could offer...


*He seems sincere in his desire to become part of Warren society.*  she told
Amethyst  "And he's right that he can offer insights into the motivations
and tactics of the bandits and Wilders that we've had problems with before now.*


*But... I hear a but there Naomi.* her dragon pushed her  


*Will he be able to accept orders without questioning them?  What happens
about discipline?  He's lived alone a long time... How will he adjust to
being surrounded by people every minute of every day?  I've lived here all
my life and still I find it hard at times..  Will his dragon fit in here?*


*Calindeth will do what Darrkon asks... although he is not happy about being
in a Warren he loves Darrkon and wants him to be happy.  I think he will
adapt quite quickly here.  And there is the lure of many females here
too....*  Amethyst gave a huff of laughter  *He watches me....*


Naomi could almost see her Queen preening


*I don't think that's a good reason to accept his rider Amethyst.* she
admonished


*But you will accept him.  I hear it in your thoughts.*


*I think he at least deserves a chance here.  I'll talk with S'ran first and
see if there's likely to be many objections to him here...*


"You have represented yourself and your dragon well Darrkon.  But this is
not a decision I can make in haste.  Go back to your quarters and I'll send
someone 
when I have made my decision.  Feel free to..."


The rest of her sentence was interrupted by a knock on the door, and the
entrance of her sister.  Naomi introduced her to Darrkon, although he seemed
ill at ease with her presence.  He made an excuse about Calindeth needing
him, and rose to leave.


"As I was saying. Free feel to explore the Warren.."  She touched his arm as
she escorted him to the door, and was surprised to feel his muscles tense
under her hand.


"I can find my own way out." he stammered as he strode swiftly away.  


She watched him go, wondering at his discomposure.


"Naomi?  Are you listening to me?"  Lacey's voice intruded on her thoughts
and she shook herself slightly


"Sorry, what did you say?"  she asked her sister with a contrite smile  "I
was thinking..."


"I asked what happened with Lord Harkon and Meena?"  Lacey replied


Naomi told her the outcome of the interview with Harkon, and that Meena
seemed to have some kind of plan to thwart her father


"I'm not sure what yet....but it has to be good or she'll have to hand Demee
over to him.  We have a some time, but not much  Oh and I really very proud
of the way you stood up to Harkon and D'gerrit this evening" she said,
giving the girl a hard hug  "And I know that Da would have been proud of you
too."


"I surprised myself too."  Lacey said with a giggle  "And I met M'lent on
the way here.  He's made me promise to go to him for training."


"Why didn't you tell anyone Lacey?  We -need- those who can see the aura!"


"I know that now.  M'lent explained to me."  Lacey told her  "If you don't
need me I though I might show Darrkon round?  I've nothing else to do at the
moment...."


"There's nothing else I need you for tonight.  I have to get the wing
assignments sorted out for the new riders tomorrow, and then I have to talk
with D'gerrit about Beta wing.  I'd like you there for that Lacey....."
Naomi smiled   "Go on... go enjoy yourself for a while."


*************************

Conversation with Vonn and assigning T'grat to help Meena goes here...

**************************


The moon was high in the sky when Naomi finally finished working.  The days
seemed to slip by so quickly with no time for anything but work....


*I would like to finish my swim now Naomi.* Amethyst said  *And you promised
to oil me today.  My hide is becoming quite dry and dull....*


*I'm sorry love, there always seems to be something that gets in the way
nowadays.  I'll oil you when we get home, promise.*


*And my swim?*  the dragon asked  *The moon is bright and there is nothing
else for you to do here tonight.  Besides... if you're not here they will
have to wait until you return won't they? *


*I can't love.*  Naomi sighed and released the pins that held her hair in
place  *I still have to think about the training of the new riders, and what
we'll do if Meena doesn't find her brother's bastard son.*


*There's no reason you can't do that while you swim.  Or can you do only one
thing at a time?*  Amethyst teased her gently


*Ohhhhh... you're so logical sometimes.  I give in... but only for a while.
A quick swim, a bite to eat and then bed. I have to be up early tomorrow.*


She walked out to meet her Queen, a small smile on her lips.


"Persuasive aren't you love?* she said, as she mounted and gave a clear
picture of the mountain lake they usually used  *Let's go....*


Submitted by

Naomi & Amethyst





 
-- 
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