{Day 17 Mid Afternoon}

<Snip>

"Have a seat Breezy. Now, Mentorn, why don't you tell us what you already know about this...."
<End Snip>

Mentorn hesitated a closed look coming to his face, the big blue-green eyes narrowed as she watched the rider's whole demeanor change. Amusement filled the little Wingleader, the man was a player in the truest since of the word owing allegiance to no one. The little information they had on him was testament to that. But Breezy knew that he had softened some since his time in Norwall, he'd actually made friends, which his type usually didn't do. Of course getting any major information out of him would be like pulling teeth, but the little woman would happy for the tidbits she knew he would give them, at least for the moment.

"You know Mentorn, when we were in the dining hall I could have sworn that there was a flash of recognition when you saw this dagger!" A smug smile came over his face at her tone. Picking up the ornate weapon the little redhead pulled it from it's brass and gold colored sheath. "There's just something about the symbols, they're so familiar but I just can't quite place them. What about you Galen?" she asked, her face full of innocence.

The soldier looked at her in surprise, opening his mouth as if to say something he clamped his lips shut and looked expectantly at the younger man on the other side of the desk.

Picking her fingernail absently with the sharp knife, a flashback from another place struck her at that moment. The little nose crinkled up with a knowing grin, giving Breezy an almost elfin appearance. Covertly she glanced up at the soldier and winked, "Maybe we should just talk to Kaymann or maybe Cat!"

The rider stared at the two sitting across the desk from him, his eyes calculating, finally a sigh escaped the tall rider and he slid into the chair. "Alright!" 



{Day 17 Med-Center-Early Evening}

<Snip>

"Well," said Lilliana," he should be thankful to have such a sweet niece like you." She patted Dizzi on the
head

<End Snip>

Lilliana smiled at the little girl, lifting her up on to the examination table. Giving Dizzi a sucker she smiled, "Let me see now young lady, looks like there might be a little bit of the stinger still in there." The gray haired woman produced a small needle and before the little girl could ask if it was going to hurt the healer said, "There we go, all done!"

Dizzi's mouth fell open slightly then broke into a smile as Lilliana put on some ointment followed by a bandage. "Just like new, and you were such a good girl! Now off with you, your Uncle is waiting! Those flowers should cheer him right up!"

The little girl hugged the woman and was out the door in a flash.

[..] a little while later

The Head Healer busied herself around her , she had been wanting to talk to both Amy and Link privately. Ever since Amy had confided in her Lilliana had been worried about the couple. Finally Amy took Dizzi home for the night promising to return in a little while. 

Seeing the perfect opportunity the Healer walked into the room shutting the door behind her. Link looked at her slightly puzzled.

"Link, I've been wanting to talk to you and I guess there is really no delicate way to put this. Have you and Amy discussed having a family of your own?" Lilliana asked gently.

The tall man looked warily at the older woman as if not sure how to answer.

"I'm not sure how you individually feel about this. But I've checked both your medical records and I can't find any medical reason that could stop you from becoming parents. Now because of the circumstances your Mother has graciously voluntered some of her extra time here and we've talk a bit. Hopefully any external problems have been taken care of?" she asked probing gently.

Link just stared at the woman obviously slightly uncomfortable with the Healer's line of questioning.

"I now I sound like I'm prying Link, but there are certain things you need to be aware of. As far as I know Amy is not on any form of birth control. Now there is a problem with this."

"Amy will make a wonderful mother!" Link answered defensively finally rising to the bait.

"I agree totally, Amy is a wonderful caring young woman, but......." Lilliana let the sentence drop then continued, "Belle is older and has yet to mate. She seems perfectly healthy and that means she can rise at any time and theres no quarantee that your Cloud will be the winner."

Lilliana's face remained impassive as the young man's eyes darkened and his mouth fell open as the reality of her words sunk in. Nothing like dumping a bucket of ice water on someone to get their attention the woman thought. 

"Have you even considered this possibility?" the Healer asked in a serious tone.

Link's face grew dark and he shook his head in both directions at once. 

Pursing her lips, "Well it's something you need to be aware of and talk to Amy about, and soon! Unfortunately mating flights are one of the hazards of being joined to a dragon!"

Staring at the wall as if lost in thought, he finally looked at the older woman, "Is there any way to know when?"

Lilliana shook her head with a sigh, "Not really! I know of women that after years of being joined and going through several mating flights are far more sensitive to their dragons. If they pay close enough attention they might have a little warning, but that usually takes a while for that connection to form. Amy hasn't been joined long enough for that and since Belle has never risen, there's really no way of knowing. Honestly......your guess is as good as mine!"

Patting the young man on the shoulder, "Link, I know it will be hard but you need to talk to Amy, I think you two have some decisions to make! Now! Enough of imparting my worldly wisdom," the Healer chuckled lightly, "I have rounds to finish!"

A gentle knock sounded and the door opened slowly. Amy peeked in, "Is everything ok!"

Lilliana winked at Link who glared back at her obviously not happy with the information he had just received.

"Everything is just fine!" the gray-haired woman said cheerfully heading for the door. "Now if you'll excuse me I have some work to finish!"


{NRPG: Here ya go Max that should give Link something to think about!<G>}


{Day 18 Early Morning on the Green as the twins and Rei leave}

Lilliana frowned as she watched the dragons blink out of sight. Something niggled at the back of her mind as she absently turned away. It could be days, weeks even months before they found a cure for whatever this mysterious illness was. She had been documenting everything since her arrival and coupled with Nash's notes and she was still no closer to a diagnosis. Some of what was happening just wasn't making sense, this wasn't running like any normal sickness she had ever seen. Rei was the carrier of that she was sure, and it was contagious, thankfully though it appeared not to be airborne. It seemed to spread at random. Passing it by touch didn't make any sense either as several of the riders had never touched each other and had been kept isolated. It was definitely a dilemna that her whole being ached to solve.

Breezy and Jeneve watched the woman walk away her shoulders slumped in defeat.

<Snip>

Tears glistening in her eyes from the emotion of the farewell, Jeneve turned to Breezy. 

"This is bad, isn't it..." she said, in a soft voice.
<End Snip>

The two women talked a bit......

<Snip>

"We need more riders," Jeneve said, looking thoughtful. "I think you and I had better have that meeting with our searcher soon rather than later."

<End Snip>

Breezy listened to Jeneve's concerns. The young Warrenlady looked like the whole world was setting on her shoulders at the moment and the Sr. Wingleader's heart went out to the young women.

<Snip>

"And Malani still just a baby."

<End Snip>

The redhead sighed inwardly, Malani being a baby was the least of Jeneve's problems, at least as far as Breezy was concerned remembering Coo's first flight, and the inner scars that it left even now. Fortunately she had been lucky the last few times. She and Coo had been together 12 years now and the older the sea-green dragon became the more predictable she was. It was just a matter paying attention to the signs and getting out of the way before Coo flew. Riding out the dragon lust alone was damn tough, but the alternate was far worse in Breezy's mind and it's something that she could never quie bring herself to accept. Now that it had been brought up Breezy felt it was her responsibility to prepare Jeneve for what was to come. If that was possible. Explaining the birds and the bees was one thing, but unbridled dragon lust was an entirely different situation. Jeneve was so innocent and even if she wanted to she would never be able to avoid Malani's rising. Breezy was warren born and had seen more mating flights then she cared to admit and a Queen's drive to mate was strong, far stronger than a normal female like Coo. There would be no choices for Jeneve, Breezy thought sadly, looking pensively at the tall blonde.

Putting these thoughts aside she looked at the young woman, "With M'lent down like he is, I think it would be best if we sent for a temporary replacement. M'lent being the Head Searcher he can bring the replacement up to speed on the routine here, easy enough. If we take precautions I don't think there will be a problem, the last thing we need is two sick searchers. He could probably even draft up something if Nash doesn't want to take any chances."

Jeneve brightened, "That would be a good idea!"

"I'll send a rider out right away!" the Sr. Wingleader answered solemly.

[..] Across the green at the same moment

Questions swirled through the older woman's mind and there was only one option, she had to go to Tinobal herself. She had to be in on the testing, she was a healer this was what it was all about and Lilliana knew one way or another she had to see this through. That way if a cure was found she could make sure that Norwall received it immediately. 

Nash had more than proven himself many times over so there was no doubt the Med-Center would be in good hands. Lilliana could even see if they might have a temporary replacement so that wouldn't leave the Center short handed. Of course since the battle, there had been an amazing amount of volunteers that had popped up which had been a tremendous help.

With her patients taken care of, Jasmine awake, and Naomi still weak but stable for the moment, Lilliana could find no reason not to go. As for transportation the Healer was sure there would be no problem with her daughter taking her. Hilda's interest in Clainn's sister had been obvious. Doing an about face she hurried back to Breezy and Jeneve who were just about to enter the offices.

Explaining herself she finally said, "I hope you understand my need to see this through!"

Jeneve smiled gently looking a little bit unsteady at the healer's abrupt announcement, "I do hate to see you go, but I understand and if you can help to find the cure for this malady, it's all to the better for Norwall. I'll draw up a letter right away!"



{Day 18 Late Morning - Med Center}

Breezy was standing behind Galen and didn't see Jasmine grab for the dagger, so the large man stepping backwards took her by surprise and she couldn't get out of the way in time. Ending up in a heap on the floor the redhead didn't think anything of it when she reached out to take the offered hand until they actually made contact. A jolt went through the short woman as the realization it was more then friendly feelings she was having for this man. Stifling a gasp she hesitated almost flinching. A flash of a hazy kiss filled her mind for an instant and Breezy was sure it had to be real, this was why Galen was acting so strange around her. She had gotten drunk, acted foolish and probably thrown herself at him and now he was just trying to be nice. Releasing his hand Breezy sighed to herself. Well obviously she had screwed things up royally.

Jasmine giggled as she saw Galen step on the little lady. Cocking her head to the side she watched the man and woman then shook her head in frustration. These human's were like the rest, they did one thing, but felt another. It just didn't make sense. But the trainer had her dagger and she wanted it.

<Snip>

She eyed him suspiscously, but took the weapon and returned to her bed. "Jasmine," Galen continued, "where did you find your prizes?"


She clutched them tighter and Galen did his best to keep his voice non-threatening. "No one will take them from you. They're yours ... we just want to know where you found them."

<End Snip>

Breezy watched the exchange between Galen and Jasmine, she tried to read the expressions on the young woman's face. Unfortunately Jasmine's mentality was caught somewhere between a child and a woman and that made it difficult to figure out just exactly what the wild woman was thinking. 

<Snip>
He glanced at Breezy and motioned her back for a second. "She doesn't trust me at all."
<End Snip>

Breezy stifled a smile at Galen's observations.

<Snip>
"You are kind of scary you know."

"Thanks a lot. Landon will probably have better success ... but with two weapons now, I'd really like to know where they came from and ..."

"We'll have to send Mentorn off. I'll speak to Jeneve about it, but we'd better get him going soon."
<End Snip>

Jasmine listened to the two people talk, her acute hearing picking up their soft conversation. It wasn't that Galen was so scary it was that she only really ever saw him in the training classes and for some reason he was always asking her questions that he already knew the answers to. This never made any sense to her why he did that. Unless, Jasmine's eyes narrowed, unless he was trying to trick her to.

Breezy could feel Jasmine scrutiny and noticed the wary look that came to her eyes. Taking a deep breath the Wingleader stepped forward and sat on the bed next to the young woman. 

The little redhead forced herself to relax knowing that Jasmine would be able to sense her tenseness. She hadn't dealt much with the young woman, but from what she'd seen and heard about Jasmine it was best to be prepared for anything.

"Jasmine," Breezy said gently, "Galen and I very much like your......dragon's tooth and sword. They are very pretty and we thought you might tell us where you got them........so we can get ones too." The last part of the sentence came out in an almost childlike manner and the tone seemed to relax the wild woman.

Breezy almost laughed at the faces Jasmine made in the next instant. The young woman took on a look of a child that had gotten caught with her hand in the cookie jar.

"Welllll......." Jasmine hesitated chewing her bottom lip. Her one toe wiggled against the floor making the bed shake and Breezy sat patiently holding her breath in anticipation.

"Well," Jasmine sighed, "I found them by the human with no skin! I didn't think it needed them anymore! There was..." Jasmine's mouth fell open, "My necklace too! Where is it! I put it in Vandi's pouch! I didn't want it to get lost when I went to find Kalena!" Looking around the small area the young woman became visibly upset.

Seeing the nightstand next to the bed Breezy leaned over flipping open the drawer, "Maybe it's in here.". Inside were Jasmines clothes folded neatly. Moving the clothes she was rewarded and The Wingleader grinned there lay the soft leather pouch tucked away underneath. Pulling out the rather full pouch Breezy held it up, "Is this it!"

Jasmine's eyes lit up snatching it from Breezy's hand. Immediately she began digging into the leather bag. 

"Hold this!" Jasmine commanded her face filled with a deep concentration as she felt around inside the bag then began dropping odd items into the Wingleader's out stretched hand.

The big blue-green eyes bulged slightly when Breezy realized what was being dropping into her hand. "Jasmine," The little redhead said sharply, "What is this!" Breezy's eyes scrunched up as she stared at the offensive items, a strangle sound escaped her as she asked, "Why do you keep dead bugs and worms in there?"

Jasmine still peering into the bag, looked up at the Wingleader, "When they get dry enough you eat them!" She said matter of factly looking at the smaller woman as if she was dumb.

"Like this one here!" Jasmine grabbed a worm from Breezy's palm snapping it in two. "It's pretty ready!"

Breezy almost gagged and quickly grabbed Jasmine's hand for fear that the girl would actually eat the worm she now held. "Uh, no-no, why don't you save it til later!"

Jasmine shrugged and dropped the worm back into the redhead's hand. Breezy inhaled sharply looking away with a frown, her lip curling up distastely at the small pile now in her hand. Somewhere in the back of her mind she heard a soft snicker and was sure it was Galen enjoying her discomfort.

Sticks, bones and rocks were added to the collection in Breezy's hands then finally, "I got it!" Jasmine exclaimed, excitement filling her voice. The pouch swung around Jasmines hand as she seemed to grapple with whatever was inside. 

Finally clasping something in a small cloth she held out the pouch to Breezy who quickly dumped the contents of her palms back in the pouch. With a sharp glare to the grinning trainer the short redhead rubbed her hand vigorously on her pants as she sat next to the young woman. Jasmine's blue eyes gleamed with excitement as she gently unfolded the cloth. 

"It's looks kinda like a necklace Kalena has but different! It didn't fit my neck very well," she said shaking her head. "But Ka'Laren says I'm supposed to wear it on my head and it's for people like me, cause he says I'm special!" Jasmine beamed at the couple as she pulled the cloth away. 

Neither Galen nor Breezy could stifle their loud gasps as Jasmine held up the jeweled tiara. 

"Oh my!" the small redhead uttered breathlessly. "Jasmine where ever did you get that!"

Breezy's hands itched to touch the beautiful piece, a cloud dropped over the wild women's eyes at her question. "It's mine I found it!" Jasmine snapped, clutching her treasure to her, sure they were going to try and take it away. "It's a secret! I can't tell, I promised!"

Breezy glanced up at Galen whose face was a mixture of awe, shock and something else she couldn't quite put her finger on. "But Jasmine maybe it w......."

"NO!" Jasmine shouted grabbing her sword and dagger sliding them and the tiara under the covers next to her so she could protect them. "Kalena says you never tell secrets and you never break promises!"

Breezy sighed, her fist flexing unconsciously trying to control the urge to just knock the young woman out and take the items so they could get to the bottom of this. Nodding she said, "Kalena's right Jasmine!" Hesitating a bit she added, "But once in a while keeping certain promises and secrets is not good. The idea is to know the difference."

Seeing the puzzled expression on Jasmine's face Breezy smiled slyly, "Jasmine, Galen and I are going to leave now. We'll come back later to talk more, okay!" 

Jasmine scowled at the pair, Breezy chuckled as the lower lip came out. "I'll tell you what maybe I will stop and see if Uncle has any special treats tucked away."

The young woman's eyes lit up, "Ch..ch.o..lot!" Jasmine said stumbling over the word.

Galen stood memerized by what he had seen, Breezy grabbed his sleeve and half dragged half pushed him out of the curtained area, "If you're thinking what I think you're thinking," she whispered trying not to snicker at the look of awe on his face, "Stitches or not she could still put up one hell of a fight."

Stopping by the office she noticed Nash solemly standing to one side as Lilliana finished adding some of her things into a bag.

"Hilda is waiting, we'll be leaving shortly!" The gray-haired woman said. 

Breezy nodded as she walked towards the entrance of the Med-Center. She explained the Healer's imminent departure to Galen as they emerged from the building. 

The man's arm accidently brushed against hers as they went through the door making Breezy once again all to aware of his presence. Seeing Hilda on the green the Wingleader started in that direction, stopping she turned around and looked at the Trainer.

"Galen!" she said somewhat timidly.

"Yes..." he answered looking at her curiously.

"Um...about the other night.."

"Yes!" he said again, stepping closer expectantly.

"Uh...did we....I mean....did I....." Breezy closed her eyes for an instant, feeling rather foolish. "Ohhh, never mind, it's...it's nothing!"

Turning on her heel the little redhead hurried away towards the waiting woman and dragon.



{Day 18 Noonish on the road outside of Voldora}

<Snip>

K'Tarr straightened out his coat and walked over to the phalanx of armed men.

The noble pushed his way through the armed men.

"Who are you?"

K'Tarr said planted his feet shoulder length apart and tossed his braids back defiantly. "I am K'Tarr, Wingleader of Norwall Warren's Alpha Flight. I am on patrol, these lands are under the protection of Norwall and I bid you welcome."
<End Snip>

A taller younger man stepped through the group of guards putting his hand on the shoulder of the noble, "Father, please is that anyway to welcome a guest."

Smokey gray eyes took in the large tattoed rider, stepping forward he reached out his hand, "Please excuse my father, we've had a few run-in's with ruffians the last few days and he is a bit on edge. I am Lord Tallon Marquel of Ryensmoor." Motioning to the shorter gray haired man next to him he said, "This is my Father, Duke Marquel of Wernham."

Female squeals erupted from behind the armed men. "It's a real dragon! Ouch, quit pushing Dolly I saw it first! It's so big!"

Two young ladies pushed their way through the guards. The young Lord chuckled fondly, "And these are my little sisters Dollyea and Briggette."

"I'm not little!" Dolly said stepping forward brazenly holding up the back of her hand. Her flashing blue eyes raked over the large tattooed man. 

K'tarr's eyes widened slightly as he stared at the girl. Briggette the younger of the two stepped forward, eyeing Qualis the whole time, she said with a grin, "Dolly expects you to kiss her hand, but I'd be careful you might catch something!" 

Ducking her sister's swinging arm she asked, "Sir, your dragon is beautiful may I touch him?" 

Dropping her hand Dolly sidled up to the rider, "Tell me about your tattoos, they are very regal looking!"

"Girls! Girls! Leave the man alone!" came a sharp voice, the crowd of armed men parted respectfully for an older woman.

"K'tarr, this is my Mother Lady Marquel!" Tallon said trying to hide his amusement with the situation.

K'tarr bowed slightly to the woman.

Seeing the painted rider the woman stopped short, "Goodness!" she uttered in shock looking him up and down. Blinking several times, the woman said, "I'm..I'm sorry for being so rude and staring so boldly, but I must confess I've never seen anyone with quite so many....," blushing furiously, she let her sentence drop.

"Mother, K'tarr is a dragonrider for Norwall, a Wingleader no less."

The woman's eyes widened a smile spreading across her face. "You are a defender of the warren! How delightful! Thankfully someone that isn't trying to rob us!" A sigh of relief escaped the woman, " But where are our manners, please do join us for lunch! I'm afraid it's not very grand being that we are on the road, but we would consider it an honor, wouldn't we dear!" Looking at her husband pointedly, the man just smiled and nodded.

{Tag: Wil - Back at ya!<G>} NRPG: A bio will follow for the Marquel's shortly.



{Day 18 Mid-Afternoon}

Breezy was at the blacksmith's working on different designs of armor for the dragons when a guard appeared informing her of a new arrival and the warrenlady's actions. The Sr. Wingleader sighed deeply, leaning towards the guard she said, "You think maybe if I tacked her up on the gate with a sign that says I'm the Warrenlady, I'm up for grabs......." the little redhead made a face chuckling to herself. 

The guard snickered shaking her head. 

"Well I told her to get out more, so I suppose..." Looking pointedly at the guard, "From the reports I'm getting she knows you're still following her!"

"Several of the guards are under cover, but....!" the man said in defense.

"Uh-huh I thought so too," Breezy said cutting him off, "but she still somehow knows! I want your men so far to ground that K'tarr himself isn't aware of them!" Crossing her arms a small smile came to her face, "If you can fool the big guy, then I'll be impressed!"

The guard snorted with a quirky grin. Shaking his head in resignation, he left, hopefully to carry out his orders.

Breezy wondered about this newcomer and made a note to herself to look the woman up later.

Finishing with the blacksmith Breezy headed back to her office via the dining hall. Bribery with food was definitely an art form and she wanted to talk to Uncle about chocolate. Arriving she found that the cook had gone to the market so she grabbed a cup of coffee and headed for her office. 

Walking along talking to people Breezy soon discovered that Jeneve had already been at work. Word of the fun day had spread like wildfire and people were coming up and asking her all sorts of questions.

Her eyes widened slightly when the date of two days hence had already been decided. Sighing the little redhead walked along in amazement watching the bustle of activity.

[Sister, Qualis said that is rider will be returning soon!]

*Good! Tell him I will be in my office and ask Vlad to have his rider also come as soon as they arrive!*

A silence followed and Breezy said, *Coo, what is it?*

[Qualis said that there is a caravan of real royalty nearby and that his rider has invited them to come to the Warren. They should arrive by late tomorrow!]

Breezy had just taken a drink of coffee and spit it out trying to avoid choking, *WHAT?* she mind shouted! "Awww shit!" she said aloud, receiving looks from the passersby.



[..] Day 18 -a few minutes later this would be at the end of Jeneves meeting with Chime.

Breezy pounded on Jeneve's door rather vigorously and barged in before the young blonde barely got the words "Come in" out of her mouth. The Wingleader stopped short seeing the strange woman in the chair. 

"Breezy, I'm so glad you're here!" Jeneve said with a smile. "This is Chime Towner, it seems M'lent searched her awhile back and she is just now coming to Norwall."

"Hi Chime! Welcome to Norwall!" Breezy said a little distracted, trying to look as pleasant as possible considering the news she was about to impart on the already insecure Warrenlady. 

"Breezy is our Senior Wingleader!"

Seeing the usual surprised look on the newcomer's face, Breezy chuckled, "Really I'm a lot older than I look!"

{Tag: Nicole/Carina}

NRPG: If I didn't drop a tag it was probably an answer to one but feel free to expand on anything <G>

Submitted by

Breezy & Coo

Jasmine

and 

The Marquels

aka

Tree Deutscher

treedr@yelmtel.com























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