>	D'gerrit realized he was a bit late arriving at Naomi's office, 
>but it couldn't be helped.  He knocked three times, quietly, and waited.  
>Naomi's young voice said 'come in,' and he heard her mutter something 
>else.  A foul imprecation, perhaps?
>
>> She rose as D'gerrit entered, and gestured him to a seat across form her.
>> 
>> "Thank you for your time D'gerrit."  her tone was ironic  "We have a lot to
>> discuss this morning.  I hope you don't mind Lacey being present?   This
>> will be good training for when she eventually become s Warrenlady
herself...."
>
>	D'gerrit turned to face the younger girl, the one who had opposed 
>him yesterday regarding Harkon's succession.  He was shocked at the 
>mocking tone that Naomi chose to use, and the presumption of inviting an 
>outsider, even a relative, into a Leadership meeting.


Naomi saw the shock D'gerrit felt at Lacey's presence, and said


"This will be good practice for Lacey.  I'm sure you recall that I often sat
with Jaquel while she discussed Warren business.  I found it very boring at
the time... but I now see the wisdom of her words."  she smiled gently at
D'gerrit "Do you have any objection to Lacey being here?"

>	<Perhaps they are afraid of you, D'gerrit.  Naomi likely wants 
>a witness to anything said.>
>	
>	<That is possible, Orobos.  I realize that the child likely 
>thinks I am simply obnoxious.  Wait until she begins working personally 
>with a few of the truly obnoxious members of this Warren!>
>
>	D'gerrit cleared his throat slightly.  'My apologies on my 
>lateness, Lady.'  He was intentionally formal, deferential even, as if to 
>spurn an intended insult.  'I assure you I prize puncutality, but I 
>discovered only a short while ago that my office was broken into last 
>night.'  He cocked his head to one side.  'I had to secure my papers and 
>have the lock changed, for the safety of the Warren, of course.  Nothing 
>was missing, but a few papers were shuffled about.  I don't expect it to 
>happen again.'
>	Naomi spared her sister a quick glance.  This was certainly a new 
>development!  Was he making up the whole story?  And was he, with his 
>simple words, casting blame, or ...?
>


"I see.  I will speak to the dragons about possible prowlers in the Warren.
Though I can't see how they would have got past the patrol sweeps."  Naomi
said   "Have you any idea when the break-in occurred?  It was very late when
I retired for the night, and I know the patrols were alert... I was stopped
no less than three times."


D'gerrit shook his head  "Doubtless we will apprehend the culprit, and as
nothing is missing it's really not worth bothering with." 


>
>	D'gerrit had a seat, relaxed slightly.  Naomi obviously 
>considered her words carefully.  "I have spoken with the healers, and 
>they say that Jaquel has obviously been suffering from lapses of memory 
>and attention.  Therefore, it is best that I assume her duties as well.  
>I know she would rather it had been later, but her long delay in the 
>matter of moving the cloth-dying operations resulted in several 
>hospitalizations.  Our people need to feel safe here."  D'gerrit simply 
>nodded.

"Jaquel's reluctance to let go the reins of power has caused much confusion
in the Warren in the last few months.  I was loath to humiliate her by
calling a meeting of the other Warrenladies, but that course of action had
almost been forced on me."  Naomi gazed at D'gerrit steadily  "The Warren
has been best served by this turn of events I feel... although I am
personally sad to see Jaquel brought to such a state.  She did much to shape
my thinking."


>
>	When a short pause ensued, he stated simply, 'My first priority 
>has always been the Warren.  All else -- even I -- am secondary to the 
>good of our people and dragons.'  Naomi simply nodded, while Lacy 
>listened without comment.
>
>	"Good.  Here is the list of riders and dragons I was considering 
>transferring to the new Beta wing under you and Orobos.  I was wondering 
>if you had any other suggestions."
>	
>	D'gerrit accepted the paper, nodding, perusing it, comparing it to 
>noates he had brought along.  'I see ... Soliel and Firen?  Ah, another new 
>pair.  Yes, I told you that I had nominated K'lestide as my Wingsecond, along 
>with Redspann.  I was also going to add As'Tarth and Moonstone, Z'drash and 
>Rubyclaw, mmm, who else ... T'rella and Lapis Lazuli, M'narrin and 
>Rhavigrat, V'tann and Lorgebb, D'rothe and Throth ... those were my only 
>requests.  Along with any volunteers to my wing.'  He handed his paper to 
>Naomi, who accepted it and looked it over, struggling to recall all of the 
>names.  "I'll have to think on this, but I do not see any immediate problems."
>
>	D'gerrit nodded.  'Good.  I'll speak to T'grat about helping on 
>relief patrol shifts with the few definite members, and we can expand our 
>patrols once we've a more definite membership.'
>
>	"Yes.  It might be well for you to have a talk with a few of the 
>new riders, tell them what to expect and when training will begin."  She 
>gazed directly at D'gerrit.
>	
>	He lowered his gaze.  'I know you aren't very fond of me, and 
>that my methods are much different than yours, but I hope that we can 
>work together well.  These people need good leadership, they expect it.  
>I wish you luck.'  His clear gaze met hers.


Naomi blinked and nodded a bit, lowering her lashes to shield her eyes and
the clear purpose that burnt there.


"I appreciate the sentiment D'gerrit.  Just as I appreciate your
co-operation and support.  I'm sure in time my leadership will be accepted
and I will do everything in my power to govern this Warren that we both love
wisely


>
>	After a few more minor issues were discussed, D'gerrit bowed 
>deeply and departed.


After D'gerrit had gone, Naomi turned to Lacey and asked;


"Did you get the same impression that I did, Lacey?  Was D'gerrit trying to
side-track us with this 'break-in'?...."


Submitted by

Naomi & Amethyst


NRPG  I repeat Josh... Naomi is not stupid or hasty.  She will not let
D'gerrit see her how much she distrusts him. 

Kat... Anything to add?
-- 
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