From: "Mint" <mint@saqnet.co.uk>

[Hilda]

Day 6 -evening


>"I don't think I'm scared of him because I think he's going to hurt me
>physically. I think it's more, well, I'm scared of losing him. Because I'm
>so, well, inexperienced!"
>
>Cat's lips twisted into a wry grin. "And that sounds pathetic coming from
>someone like me, doesn't it!"

"Someone like you?"  Hilda asked gently.  "Someone innocent even though
she's probably seen enough wickedness and evil to make the average
person's hair stand on end?  Someone who had the cheek to brave the
Warrenlady in her den and demand a job ..."

Cat blushed and opened her mouth to protest.

"Don't even think of denying it."  Hilda chuckled quietly.  "Dragons
gossip."

"I knew they liked to discuss things."  Cat said sheepishly.  "But I
didn't think that would get around.  Everyone must think I'm really
pushy."

"Yep!  Real pushy."  Hilda grinned and squeezed her shoulder.  "And we
wouldn't want you any other way.  It's part of who you are Cat.  And
part of why K'lvin likes you so much. He can't push you around the way
he could some of the Landbound girls he used to date.  You're not meek
and mild and you give back as good as you get.  K'lvin's never had
anyone that stood up to him the way you do.  He likes your spunky
attitude to life and the flippant way you thumb your nose at authority.
Don't ever apologise for who you are!"

"But I don't know what to do next."  Cat told Hilda.  "I've never even
wanted a relationship before."

"I'm probably not the best person in the world to give lessons in how
to conduct a love affair."  Hilda sighed quietly as they walked along
the corridor and out into the night.  "Because apart from when
Lonnisgrave has won mating flights I've never wanted to get involved
with anyone. If I were you I'd explain how you feel about your
inexperience to K'lvin ..."

"I can't!"  Cat squeaked in a panicky voice.

"I could do it for you."  Hilda offered. 

"NO!"  

Cat's voice was loud in the quiet of the evening, and a few heads
turned at the sound.

"No."  Cat repeated in a quieter voice.  "Promise me that you won't say
anything to him.  Please."

"But ..."  Hilda began

"Please."  Cat pleaded.  "If you say anything then I'll have to leave
here and I really don't want to do that.  I LIKE it here.  Please
promise me."

The pair were paused outside the doors to the dining hall, and had to
move aside as Antwin and Talli left the hall.  

"OK I promise."  Hilda told her with a shrug.  "But I still think that
talking to K'lvin would help.  He can't know how worried you feel if
you
don't tell him."

"Thank you."  Cat's voice was filled with relief.  "Now shall we get
something to eat?"

"Come on then."  

Hilda pushed open the door to the hall and slipped through before Cat
could say any more. 

*I could talk with Firegem for her and he could tell his rider.* 
Lonnisgrave told her suddenly.  *She didn't extract a promise from me.*

*How'd you know what we were talking about?*  Hilda asked him surprise.
 
*Her mind leaks when she gets upset.*  Lonnisgrave explained to his
rider.  *And she was very upset when she thought you might say
something.  So - should I say something to Firegem?*

*Well.*  Hilda thought for just a second before giving her consent to
what her dragon was suggesting.  *But if anyone asks I didn't know a
thing about it.  OK?*

*OK.*  Lonnisgrave agreed.

As the door swung shut behind them Hilda could have sworn she heard a
rumble of draconic laughter above the lively music coming from
Aurianna's fiddle.

----------
[Naomi]

Day 6/7 -  sometime after midnight. 
Up on the crater rim.


>>	"Be my guest."  she told him quietly as she stood up.  "I was
>>just leaving anyway."
>
>	"Fine," S'ron muttered, sitting down on a rocky outcropping. 

The hint and despair in his voice echoed her own feelings so closely
that she paused for a moment, unsure if she'd heard correctly.  Was it
just her own forlorn hopes she heard there, she wondered.


>"It was wrong of me to not to give you an answer earlier," he
>said finally, still looking away. "I have said I will be honest with
>you, so I will be."
>
>"S'ron," Naomi started, wanting to hear what he said while at
>the same time afraid of what she might hear.
>
>"I recognise what we might have together, Naomi," he continued, "but to
>tell you the truth, I was afraid of what might happen if we did get
>close." He turned and looked at her, taking in her face as if it was the
>last time he would see it. "There is a lot of blood on my hands and it's
>not something that I would willingly put on anyone else, especially
>you." 

Her heart sang as she took in his first words ... and then she listened
to the rest of what he had to say and her hope dimmed a little.  Was he
saying that he didn't trust her after all?  Did he think his past would
affect the way she might feel about him?  She started to open her mouth
but he forestalled her.

Taking her hand in his he opened his thoughts to her.  Mind to mind he
told her how he felt ... about her and about his past. He showed her
his fear that she might be left alone again if things went wrong and
his past should ever return to haunt him ... and her.  She felt his
shame that she might one day be caught in bloody vengeance for *his*
past dealings with the Assassins guild. 

*None of that matters.*  she began.  

But her thoughts were cut off from him as his mental defences slammed
back into place and she was left reeling that he hadn't even given her
the chance to show him that none of what he'd done could ever matter to
her.  She struggled to find the words that she needed to say to show
him that only what he was NOW was important to her but she couldn't
force the sounds past the lump in her throat.

*Listen to me S'ron.*  Her thoughts beat against his mental shield in
vain.  *The past is past and whatever happens in future we can face
together.*

*Amethyst.  Makron.  Make him listen!*

*He doesn't really want to hear you.*  the white dragon told her
gently. "Not just yet anyway.  He thinks you'll be disgusted with what
he is and what he's done and you'll turn away from him."

>"I'm sorry for disturbing you," S'ron said, after they had both
>stood there in silence for some time. "I'll leave you in peace."

She let him go knowing that he wasn't ready yet to listen to what she
had to say.  He needed to forgive himself for his previous life before
he could let her get close to him.

-----------
[Naomi]

Day 7 - mid morning, after the meeting with K'tarr


"A very interesting life that one has led."  Maeve's words intruded on
Naomi's thoughts.

"So it would seem."  Naomi agreed quietly.  "I wonder how many more
surprises K'tarr has up his sleeve for us."  

*He doesn't wear sleeves.*  Amethyst told her with a chuckle.

Naomi laughed delightedly and then had to explain why to her puzzled
junior.

"Sometimes I wonder if our dragons take anything seriously."  Maeve
told her with a grin.  Then her face became serious as she remembered
what they'd been discussing before the appearance of K'tarr.  "This
Harkon.... how dangerous is he?"

"Very."  Naomi told her succintly.  "His is the hand behind more than
one suspicious death in the last few years. And although we could never
find the proof it's nigh on certain that he had a hand in the fatal
poisoning of our previous wingleader's mate, Greta.  And in the
poisoning of her children too."

"But I understood that the boy was Harkon's grandchild and heir." 
Maeve said, shocked by what she'd just been told.

"Harkon's ambition is boundless and his conscience non-existent." 
Naomi told her.  "Greta died at his hands, and Meena, his daughter,
took her son and fled far away rather than allow her father to gain
influence with him. T'grat took Greta's children for the same reason -
so Harkon couldn't get his grubby hands on them.

"There's a long history between us and Harkon."  Naomi explained. 
"Most of it going back to the fact that we sheltered his daughter when
he disowned her, and then refused to allow him to take his grandson
when he suited him to acknowledge the child's existence.  And he hates
that he's never been able to cow the Warren to his will the way he can
everyone else. "

"But surely he wouldn't be stupid enough to issue an outright challenge
to the Warren?"  Maeve asked her.  "Even with his recent refusal to
tithe he must know he can't get away with breaking the Contract between
the Warrens and the Landbound?" 

"I wouldn't be too sure of that."  Naomi told her thoughtfully. 
"However until we can prove he means trouble we'll treat him as a guest
and arrange for him and his entourage to spend the night here in
comfort.  Can I leave you to deal with the preparations for a fitting
dinner and appropriate entertainment afterwards?"

Maeve nodded her agreement.  

"I'll go let Uncle know with have company tonight." she said as she
rose.

"And we'd better talk to the guards on duty at the gates too."  Naomi
told her thoughtfully.  "K'tarr seemed certain that this Ka'laren would
be trouble if and when he arrived so extra caution won't go amiss. 
They're to keep a sharp eye out for strangers and note where they go."

"I'll see to that too."  Maeve said as she left the room.

[..]

*Where's S'ron?*  Naomi asked her queen as she oiled the reclining
dragon's supple neck.  

*He and Makron went to check on the caravan.*  Amethyst told her
lazily.  *He should be back soon.  When are you humans going to admit
that you need each other and just get on with the mating?  Shall I tell
Makron you want to see his rider?*

*He needs time, love.*  Naomi told her quietly, sure now that what
Amethyst was saying would eventually happen.  *I can't make him listen
to me so I'll have to wait until he's ready.*

*You know that he's waiting for you to say something to him don't you?*
Amethyst told her.  *Makron tells me that he thinks his rider is being
stubborn but he can't change his mind and get him to talk to you again
first.  He says you have to make the first move or you'll spend the
rest of your sorry lives wanting each other but not talking about
anything important to each other.  Such a waste.*

*Yes love.*  Naomi told her goodnaturedly.  *Now shut up and tell me
where you itch so I can get this oiling finished with before Harkon
gets here.*

[..]

Day 7 - evening

Naomi stood quietly while Harkon strutted and posed, keeping her clam
demeanour with great difficulty.  The man was impossible! and there was
something dark lurking in his eyes that set Naomi's teeth on edge and a
chill premonition of dread scrabbling down her spine.  Only S'ron's
presence behind her in the reception commitee lineup allowed her to act
normally, and once or twice she was grateful for his soft touch on her
waist when she thought she'd be unable to grit her teeth against
Harkon's arrogance for another moment.

"If you'll just come with me."  she said when she'd had enough of the
man's rants about the ingratitude of the warren to last her a lifetime.
 "We've arranged dinner and entertainment for you for the evening.  I
hope you'll excuse the rough and ready nature of the evening ... if
we'd had warning that you intended to pay us a visit I'm sure our cooks
would have done much better."  

She smiled brightly as she slipped her arm through his and led him
towards the dining hall, knowing full well that Uncle would have a
feast fit for the King himself ready to be served.  He wouldn't allow
the Warren's reputation for lavish hospitality to be marred by a small
detail like lack of time.

"What about my guards?"  Harkon demanded.  "I assume you'll make sure
they have the best quarters available."

"M'lent and S'ran will see that your party is settled in guest
quarters." Naomi smiled, though all she really wanted to do was
throttle the man.  "And they can join you as soon as they've assured
themselves that all is in order."

"Well then."  Harkon's smile didn't reach his eyes.  "What are you
waiting for woman?  Let's eat and then we can discuss further the
reason for my visit here."

Flanked by Naomi and Maeve, Harkon strutted into the dining hall.

[..]

*Wraiths!*  Naomi picked up the distant call at about the same time
that Amethyst raised the alarm.

*Where and how many?*  

Naomi demanded of her queen, vaguely aware that S'ron was hurrying from
the hall, and that Alpha wing's riders were following him with discreet
haste.  An image of dark forest and flames blinked briefly in her mind
and then she had to return her full attention to Harkon.

"Where's everyone going?"  Harkon demanded petulantly.

"There's been a wraith attack on one of our patrols."  Naomi told him. 
"The rest of the wing will be flying out to make sure that none of the
creatures escapes to menace the warren or the surrounding towns and
cities."

"Convenient attack wouldn't you say?"  Harkon sneered.  "Just when
we've called your bluff about the supposed protection you provide by
withdrawing the tithe you demand from the towns and cities.  It almost
seems contrived wouldn't you say?"

"If you think we'd lie about something this serious ...."  Maeve began.

"I do."  Harkon told her as he stood up.  "Now if you'll excuse I'll
make sure that you're not using this little diversion you've created as
an excuse for harming any of my people."

"And I don't need an escort."  he told her as she beckoned one of the
serving men over to her. 

Naomi watched him leave and sighed.

"He's very suspicious."  Maeve said as the two queenriders left the
hall together.  "Not a likeable man by any stretch of the imagination."

"He never was."  Naomi told her.  "But there's something else about him
that's bothering me.  Something I can't quite put my finger on."

"I'll make sure that he's watched."  Maeve suggested.  "And then Krith
and I will find ourselves something to do."

Naomi nodded her gratitude for  Maeve's taking some of the burden of
worry from her own slim shoulders.  As Maeve hurried away, Galen came
striding up.  His face was grim as he told her what orders he'd given
Beta wing.  She could hear the frustration in his voice at not being
able to be out there with the others fighting to defend his home, and
she squeezed his shoulder in sympathy at his sigh of discontent.

"There's nothing I can do to help until there are wounded to treat." 
he told her in a harsh voice.  "So I'm at your service until then.  You
need to appoint a new wingleader for Beta if they're not to be
leaderless in a crisis again."

"I know."  Naomi admitted in a soft voice.  "I truly wish I could give
the job to you."

He shook his head and grinned wryly.

"Can't happen."  he told her.  "I know that.  I just wish I could DO
something instead of standing around here waiting for something to
happen."

"Let's hope that it doesn't."  Naomi said with a shudder as she walked
beside him across the green towards the hatching cavern to check on
Amethyst.  "There have been enough tragedies."

[..]

*Are you OK love?*  Naomi sent out as she enteed the tunnel leading to
the hatching sands.

*I'm fine and my eggs are safely buried and well hidden.*  Amethyst
told her with a remarkably calm attitude for a broody queen.  *The
wraiths are far distant.  Who is that with you?*

"It's Galen."  Naomi announced aloud so that Galen wouldn't think he
was being ignored.

Galen inclined his head to the queen and she settled back quietly. 
Naomi took just a few moments to satisfy herself that all was well with
the eggs and then indicated to Galen that she was ready to make her way
to the Med centre so they'd both be on hand to help the healers when
and if there was need.  They'd just reached the entrance to the
hatching chamber again when 3 figures stepped from the shadows into
their path.

"What do you want?"  Galen demanded.  "Stand aside and let us pass."

Galen laid his hand on his sword as he confronted three of the guards
that had accompanied Harkon's party that evening.  He had no time to
draw the blade however as, working as a team, two of the guards grabbed
him.  

Galen was held tightly as the leader advanced on Naomi, a mocking grin
twisting his lips.

"Alone at last."  he told her in a cold voice as he pinned her against
the wall of the tunnel and lowered his head towards her.

"Let me go."  she told him coldly  "You can be sure that I won't let
this behaviour go unreported and unpunished.  Lord Harkon shall hear of
it."

"He already knows."  the laughter that issued from his lips was cold
and full of spite.  "He knowsssssss!"

The last word was a sibilant hiss as he closed the last inch between
them and pressed his lips to hers.  As his rough tongue invaded her
mouth there was a slithering sensation in her throat and something
repellent and vile entered her body.

Her last conscious thought was a cry of terror directed towards
Amethyst and S'ron.

-------------
[Amethyst]

Day 7 - evening

She was torn between the danger she could sense to her eggs and that
which she sensed her rider was in.  Wings sweeping the air in
frustration she rose high on her haunches and screeched a challenge to
the humans that had dared invade her territory, her sanctuary.  

At the same time she sent an urgent mental summons to her rider's
wouldbe mate  ... S'ron.

*Hellspawn!*  the thought covered the distance between them in less
than a heartbeat.  *A Hellspawn has Naomi.*
 

submitted by

Naomi & Amethyst

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