From: Ismail AbdurRahman <onyxscarab@yahoo.com>


Day 5- Morning

Darrkon and Link had their dragons land just outside
of Fairlight.  The masked dragonrider was curious why
Naomi would pair him with this new arrival.  The man
had been causing a stir in the warren, and that was
the last thing Darrkon needed right now.  People were
just beginning to think of him as responsible, this
would not very likely help his status among the older
dragonriders.

The two men walked to the rebuilt Travelers Rest in
silence.  Darrkon was trying to think of a
conversation opener, and imagined his companion to be
doing the same.  As they opened the tavern door
Darrkon finally spoke, "It's a good thing you decided
to bring one of the warren's riders with you."  His
eyes scanned the proprietors inside of the
establishment.

"Really?" Link replied, as they made their way to a
table in the back of the inn.  He seemed a bit
surprised by this sudden declaration, "Why exactly is
that?"

"I'm sure you noticed the town." Darrkon answered in a
quiet voice, while taking a seat.  "The people here
are still frightened after the attack.  And they're
very mistrustful."

"Even of the dragonriders that protect them?" Link
kept his voice low as well, but the disapproval in his
tone was obvious.

A waitress came to take their order and the men
stopped their conversation.  Darrkon ordered a fruit
juice mixture they had here, Link just asked for a
small plate of fruit.  The men had just finished
breakfasting before they came arrived, and ale this
early...well that was for the drunkards.

When their orders arrived Darrkon continued.  "They do
not distrust the Norwall riders, although their faith
in us has been shaken.  We weren't able to protect
their town.  It has an effect on some people...trust
me.  You, however, are new here.  They would not know
you are from Norwall, or at least a friend of Norwall
if you came alone.  There were rogue riders in the
attack on the warren.  They might have though you were
one who has returned to destroy their homes again."

Link swallowed a bit of apple he had been thoughtfully
chewing on, "That seems a bit paranoid doesn't it?"

"True.  It is."  Darrkon replied, "But look at them. 
They're afraid.  Have you ever had you home destroyed,
or a loved one killed?  Fear, especially rational
fear, feeds paranoia like nothing else."  His gaze
swept across the inn again.  "They know there were
foot soldiers along with the riders.  At a time like
this, everyone is suspicious of everyone.  Unless you
are family or a close friend, you are suspect."

Link took an angry bite from his apple and nodded his
understanding.  Darrkon sensed he may have touched
upon something in his fellow dragonrider.  "It's a sad
day when every dragonrider is looked upon with
suspicion."

Darrkon went on, "I must admit that my presence
doesn't do much other than establish that you are a
friend of Norwall.  Some who come here know parts of
my past.  Others see this, " he tapped his mask, "And
begin to wonder.  M'lent would have served you much
better.  He knows many people here, and his warm smile
and friendly nature can disarm anyone he doesn't.  In
fact, it even disarmed me when I was far more
untrusting than anyone here could ever be."

Darrkon allowed himself to think back to the first
meeting between himself and M'lent.  The older
dragonrider still found much humor in telling the
tale.  Realizing this thread of the conversation was
ended Darrkon asked, "What would you like to do now? 
There are two or three people I could make inquiries
to about your mother."

"Not just yet." Link responded, glancing at the people
who filled the room, "I'd like to wait and see if she
shows."  Waiting.  It still wasn't something Darrkon
did well.  "In the meantime," Link continued, "Why
don't you fill me in on event at the warren before I
arrived."

Darrkon told Link of the events during D'gerritt's
attack on Norwall in detail, leaving out any hint at a
personal relationship with Lacey.  He mentioned the
birth of the new queen, and her eventual sickness.  He
told him of the general lack of activity at the
warren, and in its territories until recently.

"The most important thing to know however, is
Norwall's luck has improved!"  Darrkon concluded. 
This he said somewhat excitedly, but still quietly.

Link looked at him skeptically, "I've heard rumblings
of a cult here, the Deathwalkers.  How can that
possibly be lucky?"

"I've likely heard the same things as you.  People who
worship the wraiths?"  Link nodded, Darrkon continued,
"If it is true, then Norwall is lucky to have a few
crazy, human, wraith worshipers rather than the real
thing running loose.  But more than that.  If somehow
they do prove a threat, the warren has just received
an influx of train and talented riders.  Yourself
among them.  Also Amethyst has just laid a well sized
clutch as Calindeth tells me.  So we can expect more
reinforcements to our numbers soon."

Link didn't seem quite convinced so Darrkon decided to
use a more personal example.  "It is in Norwall's
domain that you begin to close in on your mother, and
it was at Norwall warren that I recently...found what
I was looking for.  I am sure of it Link.  You've
chosen a great time to come to Norwall!  Her luck has
changed."

The two men began discussing generalities in their own
lives.  Although Darrkon never mentioned the loss of
his own mother.  As the day went on they waited,
Link's eyes rarely leaving the door.

(Tag Max!  Anything to add?)

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