{Day 17 Early Evening - Med Center}

Breezy peaked around the curtain. Sighing, a half-hearted smile came to her face. The archer was a pathetic sight, he looked so tired and just plain worn out, which wasn't surprising concidering the circumstances. The little redhead hoped things would change soon as her eyes moved to the unconscious woman in the bed.

"Brought you a visitor!"

Landon looked up at her with red-rimmed eyes showing little emotion as Kalena stepped from behind the Sr. Wingleader. Leaving the small group together, Breezy headed out of the Med Center feeling much better.



{Day 17 About Dusk - Med Center}

Nash looked at Landon, "Those are her orders, she said you either take a breather for a few minutes now that Kalena is here, or she will have you dragged out the door, dragon or not."

The assistant looked on helplessly as the rider shook his head. Looking at the sleeping dragons the older man decided that facing the large blue dragon would be much easier than facing the Head Healer. Jasmine's last outburst had drained them all, fortunately her sister had managed to calm the wild woman and both women and dragons were all resting somewhat peacefully. At least for the moment. The young man was a different story.

The archer looked close to a breakdown and Nash was in concurrence with the Boss that he definitely needed a bit of fresh air. "Please Landon!" Nash urged gently, "Everyone's quiet at the moment, Vladiggor is here, anything happens you'll know instantly. Just take a short walk, stretch your legs a bit, get some fresh air, you're not going to be any good to her like this!"

It was obvious a war was raging inside the young man and after looking at the sleeping group for several minutes he finally nodded. With shoulders slumped Landon slipped out the side door. Nash hadn't realized he'd been holding his breath until he exhaled sharply.

Sliding the curtain back in place he headed back down the hall.

[a few minutes later]

The sun's setting glow slowly cloaked the Med-Center in darkness. Aides began making the rounds turning down the flames on the oil lamps leaving the building in a dim light.

Lilliana was just beginning her nightly rounds when Nash appeared and reported that the Archer had stepped out for a few minutes. Pleased ,she thanked her assistant and continued on her way as she peeked in doors and behind curtains to check on each of her charges. Coming to Jasmine's corner she stepped around the curtain staring at the young woman. The frequency of her delusions seemed to be lessening and the Healer was hoping it was a good sign. 

She smiled slightly seeing Kalena dozing in the chair, she was glad that the tiny woman had chosen to come. Of course from the look on her face when she arrived Lilliana doubted that Breezy had really given her much of a choice though. 

It's actually a good thing she came in when she did, several of the wounds the tiny woman had received were already showing signs of infection. But physical wounds were an easy fix, the abuse Kalena had received would be forever etched in the small woman's mind. Lilliana had treated enough rape victims to know that the telltale bruises only told part of the story . Hopefully together the two sisters could defeat the monsters of their minds.

At least Jasmine was showing a difference. Her last bout had been especially bad and had almost done them in. She had grown delusional to the point that Lilliana was afraid they would have to restrain her again but Kalena's gentle voice had the calming affect on the wild girl that they were hoping for.

Closing the curtain quietly the Head Healer continued on her rounds.

[..] a few minutes later

Jasmine yawned softly, the blue eyes slowly opening. *Where am I!* she thought, at first disoriented. Staring at the ceiling Momma's face came to mind. Lifting herself up on one elbow she looked around expecting to see the blue-green dragon. 

Reality came flooding in like a giant wave as the young woman realized where she was. She was in the Med center in Norwall in the exact same place Momma had been before she......Jasmine let the thought drop as sadness threatened to engulf her.

Yawning again, she stretched and looked around her. The area was lit only by a small lamp on the far wall outside the curtain, her eyes adjusted and Jasmine smiled seeing the two dragons curled up together. Even though she had grown a lot Vandira was still small in comparison to the much larger Vlad. The big blue dragon was wrapped around the smaller green hatchling protectively, as they dreamed their dragon dreams. Looking around for Landon a frown came to her face as the man was no where in sight. 

A soft noise behind her alerted Jasmine to another presence and wincing slightly she leaned back to see Kalena sleeping in a chair next to the bed. Sighing to herself Jasmine leaned back on the pillow and her mind wandered to the last thing she could really remember. 

Landon shot at her, no Landon wasn't shooting at her, he was shooting at K'Laren, but why? K'Laren was her friend, maybe Landon didn't realize that though. She would have to tell him it was ok, but where was he. A sad feeling came over her as the man with the blue flames came to mind. K'Laren's words came to haunt the young woman and tears pricked at the back of her eyes. She didn't want to think the worst but Landon wasn't here, so.....

Growing uncomfortable Jasmine moved and a slight twinge in her back caught her by surprise. Inhaling sharply, she wondered why her back hurt too, awkwardly she fingered the bandage that was in place. Just then her stomach rumbled in protest, silently she moved holding in an exclamation of pain as she bent to slid off the bed.

Still slightly groggy from the pain killers she had been given Jasmine staggered slightly. Peeking around the curtain she found the center strangely quiet. Looking back at the sleeping group, Jasmine smiled then made her way carefully out of the building. 

Breathing in the night air the young woman's senses took in every detail. Everything seemed so different, yet nothing had really changed. *The evening sky is so pretty* she thought looking up at the riot of brilliant colors. The pink's, red's and oranges swirled together making it look like the heavens were on fire. Jasmine knew this was a good sign when the sky looked like it was burning, it meant that tomorrow would be a good day for hunting. Staggering slightly she yelped in pain then all of a sudden the young woman realized she was no where near the dining hall, but on the green.

"How did that happen?" she muttered to herself. A light breeze hit her making her shiver, the long reddish hair now a mass of tangles swirled lightly in concert with the flimsy hospital gown she wore. She didn't like these things Jasmine thought to herself tugging at the see through material, remembering the last time she'd had to wear one. She debated on taking it off, even though there was very few people out now Landon and Kalena had both told her before she had to keep her clothes on. Where were her clothes anyway?

Staring at the cliff's Jasmine saw her favorite place and if she wasn't so sore......she discovered if she stood and moved a certain way it didn't hurt so much.

A load roaring split the evening air, loud yelling followed and Jasmine turned slowly. She wasn't sure what was going on or what to do. It sounded like Vlad making all that noise, but it seemed so far away. 

Why had they brought her back here, Kalena said she belonged here now that Momma was gone, but she wasn't sure why, it seemed to Jasmine that she never did anything right. K'Laren had to be right when he said she didn't belong here. But she wanted to be with Landon and he had finally come, was it for her though or because Kalena got lost. Seems he would have come sooner. She wished he'd just go away with her outside then there wouldn't be so many things to think about. Jasmine rubbed her forehead, too many thoughts made her head hurt.

Unable to sort through the questions plaguing her mind her feet carried her without thought. Her eyes kept scanning the edge of the crater, a longing came over her to climb up to the ledge, she always felt better up there. Touching the bandages lightly Jasmine decided if she was really careful she just might beable to make it.

Footsteps running up to her from behind startled the young woman, inhaling sharply Jasmine instantly knew who it was. Her lips quivered, maybe he had come to send her away.

"Jasmine!" Landon said softly.

Turning, pain from her wounds registered on her face as a small gasp escaped her lips. Looking everywhere but at the man she answered, "I guess I was really bad, huh!"

Jasmine didn't see the corner of his mouth turn up slightly at her words. 

"Jasm......" was all he got out before she put up her hand to silence him.

Her head bowed, she began to shuffle her feet slightly. Glancing up at him through long lashes she quickly looked back down at her bare feet. Her small hands clinched in fists and finally she spoke, "La...Landon," she said chewing her lips unsure what to say. Jasmine was so afraid he would laugh at her or worse leave her if she told him how she felt.

"Landon," she said again blinking back the tears. Managing to bring her eyes at least to his chest she took a deep breath sniffing slightly, "I was bad and I know you...you think I'm a baby! But I..I couldn't ever do that to you, not ever!"

"Aw Jazz!" He said gently reaching out to brush a stray lock of hair from her face. 

Shaking her head and placing her head on his chest she glanced up at him. Blinking to fight back the tears, her voice was that of a child as she said, "Landon, I know you don't think I'm special! K'Laren told me you didn't or you would've come sooner! It's ok though..."

Dropping her hand she took a deep breath, bowing her head she began mumbling.

"Jasmine, look at me!" he said liftly her chin gently so she had to face him. Staring into his deep green eyes Jasmine could no longer stop the flow of tears. 

He whole body began to tremble as she tried to find the right words. Placing her hand back up over his heart, she found comfort in the warmth of the gentle rhythm. The lower lip came out quivering with emotion, her words rushed out in choked sobs, "La..Landon, you are my heart! It's really ok, i..if you..you don't feel the same...bu...but... I..I think you're special and just wanna be by you!"

Lowering her head unable to look at him, her shoulders shook from the tears she was unable to control.

Before Jasmine knew what was happening she was gently scooped up in Landon's arms. The pain in her body was nothing compared to the pain in her heart at the moment.

Burying her face into his vest Jasmine was sure she had messed up again. Landon hadn't even said anything at all. Her heart sank with each step he took. 

She heard Breezy's and K'tarr's voices and Landon spoke, "She'll be okay, I just need to get her back to the Med Center."

Doors slammed open and Vandira came at a run Vlad not far behind. Stopping short of the man and his delicate burden the little green dragon hopped from one foot to the other.

[JAZZ-A-MEAN! OH I'M SO GLAD YOU'RE AWAKE!] Vandira's shouts virbrated through Jasmine's mind.

*Hi Vandi! I missed you to, I think!*

[Jazz-a-mean if you ever think about running away again. I think I'm gonna bite you first!] the hatchling scolded. [Vlad says this was not a good thing we did!]

Jasmine's thoughts were sad as she answered her green friend, *It doesn't really matter anymore, Vandi!*

[Jazz-a-meannn, what's wrong you're so sad! Oh don't be sad! I don't think I can take anymore sad! It hurts too much!] the small dragon pleaded. Feeling her rider's dejection she immediately turned on Vlad wanting to know what his rider had done to upset hers.

"Well young lady!" came Lilliana's sharp voice. "And just what do you think you were doing running off like that. You gave everyone quite a scare!"

Holding tightly to Landon's vest she peered over her arm at the gray-haired woman. "I was hungry!" Jasmine stated flatly.

Landon began to chuckle and it soon turned to weary laughter as he very carefully laid her on the bed. His laughter brought smiles to the others. Not understanding the laughter Jasmine's lip come out and her eyes teared up again as she tried to turn away wincing from a sharp stab of pain.

Kalena leaned close brushing Jasmine's hair out of her face, "Jasmine, it's ok! Really we're just happy that you are well enough to be hungry."

The tear-filled blue eyes looked up at her warily, "Oh!" came the tiny reply.

The Head Healer immediately scooted everyone out of the way so she could examine Jasmine to make sure her handiwork was still in tact. Giving the young woman the ok, Lilliana turned to Landon.

"Now you young man.......!" she said in a firm tone looking directly at Landon. "There is no reason for you not to get out of here and get some rest!"

A strangled sound escaped Jasmine and a deep scowl etched her face, surprisingly though she remained silent. 

"Jasmine, I don't think you understand!" Lilliana explained firmly, recognizing the stubborn look on the young woman's face. "Landon has been here the whole time with you, he is very tired and needs to get some rest!"

The blue eyes brightened as she looked at the older woman then to the man, "He has?"

"Yes! He has!" the older woman said an inkling of a smile coming to her face. "And he needs to get some rest."

A brief flash of consternation crossed Jasmine's face as she edged herself over on the bed then patted the mattress, "He can rest with me!" she stated as if the matter was closed.

Lilliana glanced at the man who was now sporting a slightly amused expression to the very smug look on the face of one large blue dragon.

Rubbing her chin lightly the older woman said, "Now Jasmine, Landon not only needs his rest but I'm sure he would like to maybe get a shower and freshen up a bit too! Kalena is here now!"

"Landon can stay too!" Jasmine answered breathlessly, her face a picture of total innocence as she shook her head vigorously, "It's okay, he really doesn't smell that bad!" 

The Healer quickly remembered what it was like to verbally spar with this woman/child and the older woman had to turn away to hide the grin that threatened.

Taking a deep breath to keep her face straight Lilliana answered, "I'll tell you what, I will allow Landon to stay for a few more minutes at least until you fall asleep, would that be okay!"

Jasmine nodded quickly, a huge grin coming to her face and the look that told the older woman that there was no way she planned on going to sleep with that kind of option.

But two can play at that game the gray-haired woman thought as she smiled back, "Also you need to be good and take some medicine for me."

A sour look came over the pretty features, but the look she received from the older woman made Jasmine sigh deeply then nod.

"Landon is going to come with me for a minute, he can bring you the medicine!" 

As the man and woman disappeared Jasmine looked at her sister. A thin smile came to Kalena's face but her eyes reflected the sadness and this worried Jasmine. "I'm glad you're ok Jasmine! We were very worried about you!"

"Kalena?" Jasmine asked softly, "Are you ok? You scared me! I couldn't feel you, but I can now and you feel so sad!"

Jasmine watched her sister inhale deeply and the feelings Kalena emitted puzzled the young woman.

"I am sad Jasmine! But I can't really explain it! I've been doing some thinking and I'm going to go away for awhile! I need to talk to Naomi about it!"

"What!" Jasmine said her voice rising, "You can't go away!" 

"It's very important that I see an old friend of mine! I'll stay here with you tonite, but I think I will be leaving in the morning!"

Kalena's tone had a strange finality to it and Jasmine's mouth hung open in shock and confusion. But..but.."



[..] meanwhile in another part of the med center

"Now that she is awake and functional, this should work just fine. It's hard to say how long the sleeping draught will take, she seems highly resistant to a lot of the meds we have given her." Lilliana said handing Landon the small cup of liquid. "It takes about 15 minutes to affect a *normal* person so I am guessing to double that time with Jasmine. Once it starts to take affect though, she'll go down pretty fast, at least that's the way it should work."

Landon nodded taking the offered cup.

"And you Torch Boy," Lilliana scowled at the man, "Once she's out, I expect you gone, get some rest and be back here in the morning. I don't plan on dealing with her if she wakes up and you aren't here!"

Landon snickered taking his leave of the woman.

[..]

"It'll be ok Jasmine, you have your friends here and Landon, you'll be okay!"

Jasmine stared at the tiny woman before her, it was then she understood what was puzzling her. It wasn't Kalena but a stranger she was looking at. The blue eyes flashed, her face flushed in anger, the bad ones had done this to Kalena, "I'm glad I kilt 'em!"

Landon entered as the two women stared at each other. "Am I interrupting something!"

Kalena spoke first, "No, not at all! I'll leave you two alone for a bit!"

Panic filled Jasmine's eyes, "Yo..You're coming back?"

"Of course, I told you I would! You talk to Landon for a bit! I'll be back" Kalena answered gently as if she was talking to a child.

Jasmine sighed watching her sister leave, looking at Landon her face brightened, then her nose curled up when she saw the cup in his hand.

Landon, looking like death warmed over, shuffled into the room, "It's to help you feel better, Jasmine. You're still hurt and need some more time to recover."

Moving over to the bed, he held the cup out, swaying a little unsteadily. 

"Landon!" Jasmine exclaimed in concern taking the cup. Not thinking she downed the liquid quickly then dropped the cup to the side of the bed. Pulling back the covers she said, "Sit down, you look so tired!"

Jasmine smiled at him patting the mattress. A frown creased her brow as he half smiled and pulled the covers back up and went to sit. But Jasmine was faster and jerked them away from beneath him, then pushed him back on the pillow with her free hand. Ignoring the soreness of her wounds she leaned against him pulling herself close and kissed him lightly.

"Hi!" she said with a grin staring into his green eyes. Caressing his lips with her own she whispered "I missed you so much!"

The lack of sleep heightened Landon's senses and he murmured happily, "I missed you too. I wasn't sure if you were going to make it there, especially after I saw...." the image of her body being jerked by the impact of his arrow and Ka'Laren's knife brought him up short.

Burying her face in his neck, "I know you weren't really shooting at me! But K'Laren really is my friend. It's ok, he would never hurt me and he really wouldn't a hurt Kalena either. I think K'Laren was just afraid she would try to take me away and he would be alone! It didn't really hurt much though, not like it does now! Well, it doesn't really hurt, it's just kinda sore, but that's ok, I know you didn't mean it!" Taking a breath she continued, "I don't know why my back hurts so much and there's a bandage too! I forgot to ask the Healer lady about it."

All the while she was talking Jasmine's hand was unconsciously stroking Landon's chin feeling the light stubble there, her fingers began randomly moving in circles across his neck and downwards to his chest.

A surge of conflict raced through Landon's consciousness as he thought of what to say next. She truly believed that Ka'Laren was her friend, but he couldn't think of a way to tell her how she had been manipulated by the man. That in addition to the lack of sleep as well as the doting affection only further scrambled his already addled brain, "I'll tell you about it later. Right now I just want to hold you close."

Jasmine snuggled against him reveling in the warmth of his body. Landon made her feel so..so, well she couldn't really describe how he made her feel, except that she couldn't get enough of being close to him. 

[Metoo! I like the way Vlad's rider makes you tingle all over! I just told Vlad that Nostragus' rider didn't make you tingle not nearly this good!]

A loud snort filled the tiny area making Jasmine look questioningly at the large blue dragon. Landon absently began stroking her hair diverting her attention and a delicious warmth spread through her limbs. It almost felt like she was floating for a minute, but Jasmine decided it was because Landon was here and holding her, is why she felt so good.

Rubbing her nose on the prickly facial hair, Jasmine giggled. "It tickles! But I like it!" Pressing her lips to his neck she began to run feathery light kisses across his neck and up across his jaw, teasing the corner of his mouth. Hooking her leg across his body she gingerly pulled herself up on top of him. 

A sweet smile spread across her face as she kissed his nose, then lightly rubbed her cheek against the stubble. Kissing him again she nibbled on his bottom lip, "I missed you! I missed this!"


Her eyes drooped slightly as she traced his lips with her tongue, blinking several times to get rid of the sleepy feeling she was starting to get. The Healer Lady said she could keep Landon till she fell asleep, so Jasmine decided she just wasn't going to go to sleep then Landon could stay with her. The young woman's hands took on a life of their own as they caressed his jaw then moved to trace the blue flames.

Despite his condition, Landon was easily aroused by Jasmine's actions and he began to shift underneath her, his own hands beginning to slide up underneath her gown, "You know we really shouldn't be doing this Jasmine. You haven't fully recovered from your woun...."

His protests were cut off by a kiss from Jasmine, her ministrations beginning in earnest. 

**She's awake isn't she. Might as well take advantage of it.** 

"Might as well, but I'll be gentle," Landon said aloud, sliding his hands further up the gown, his hands finding the fasteners and undoing them.

"Lan...don," she gasped as the strong hands moved across her skin. "I..I want to make love, it's been so long!" her lips trailed across his chest making the man inhale sharply.

A light chuckle come from Landon, "Oh, very long, it's been what, maybe three whole days!"

"It's been forever!" She answered pulling herself up to face him kissing his chin, staring down at him she couldn't help be fascinated by the depths of his deep green eyes. In the pale light they seemed to go on forever, the look he gave her took her breath away.

Adjusting her hips to move against the bulge in his pants a brief flash of pain crossed her blue eyes and she bit her lip to keep from making a sound that might stop the man from what he was doing. "I want you!" she whispered huskily.

Landon felt himself responding immediately to her voice and her movements. Intense desire and longing swept through him as he moved up against her need, "And I do too. Let's try to be gentle, though."

Gentle was the last thing on Jasmine's mind as she pressed against him. Her breath became shallow as the warm hands caressed her hips then moving up across her back, to hesitate momentarily on the bandage. A soft moan escaped her as the hands moved lower gently kneading her soft flesh. Her mind was alive with sensation as desire coursed through Jasmine. Sliding her hand between their bodies she tried to unfasten his pants but found her fingers wouldn't work right.

"Lan..don, I ca.." was all Jasmine got out before Landon claimed her mouth in a passionate kiss. Pulling her close he gently rolled them both on their side. Jasmine immediately began stoking his hardened member through the tight leather. Landon inhaled sharply increasing his own exploration of Jasmine's body as she moved in response to his touch.

Her eyelids droop and Jasmine blinked several times trying to rid herself of this strange feeling that seemed to be affecting her arms and legs. They felt so heavy and she wasn't sure why. "Landon, I feel so strange!" she mumbled rolling away from him onto her back.

[Jazz-a-mean! Jazz-a-mean! What's happening to you?] Vandira asked in a worried tone.

Sliding her arm around his neck she pulled herself up against him. "Land....I..I.." Everything seemed to be getting so far away.

Jasmine's eyelids fluttered and she blinked hard trying to keep them open but the medicine was fast taking affect and the young woman was having difficulty moving. Pressing her lips softly against his she whispered, "I..I..feel...."

Snuggling against his chest Jasmine couldn't fight the feeling any longer, closing her eyes she fell asleep.

<NRPG: Dianne-Hope I did Kalena ok! And Chris if you want to add anything>







Submitted by,

Jasmine & Vandira

aka

Tree Deutscher

and 

Landon & Vladiggor

aka

Chris Weeda










































































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