[DL-N] He's All Alone!
by
Tree Deutscher <treedr@yelmtel.com>
*Breezy*
<<Day 18 Jeneve's Office Mid Afternoon after the introduction with Chime>>
Breezy was in the warrenlady's office with Jeneve and Naomi. The Sr. Wingleader was reading over some notes that Jeneve had given her concerning the festivities, Naomi and Jeneve were chatting amicably when a loud knock erupted the silence.
A somber K'tarr entered the office, but noticably brightened when he saw Naomi.
Breezy watched the tattooed rider closely not sure how much he knew yet of Ka'Laren's visit or Kalena's imminent departure. She really hoped that it wouldn't set him off too badly. The spikey redhead knew he was feeling bad enough as it was.
Coo pooped into her head sounding very excited. [Sister! Sister! Qualis has been telling me about his bravery and how he saved his rider during the battle! From his rider's own clutchmate no less! It's very impressive, I must say!]
*Huh!* the little redhead thought absently trying to concentrate on the paper in her hand.
[I'm sending you the images! It's very exciting! I think it's a good trick we could work on! It might come in handy!]
Breezy's eyes grew huge, her head snapping around to stare at the braided rider. Slightly rattled by the images she received the Sr. Wingleader snipped at the dragon, *If you think I'm jumping off your back in mid air so you can catch me, you have lost your flipping mind!!!*
[Well!] Came a snort [No need to get nasty about it! It was just a suggestion!] Came the curt answer. There was silence and then a sigh, [His color is very striking, don't you think?]
*Huh! Who! What are you....* Breezy asked, trying to listen to both conversations and read at the same time.
[Oh, why Qualis of course! You need to pay more attention, he's definitely gaining in snuggle points and he told me he would never flame my tail like that blue buffoon Vladiggor did!]
Breezy crossed her eyes almost gagging at the sickening sweet tone of Coo's words.
"Breezy are you okay!" Jeneve asked a bit of concern in her voice.
The redhead shook her head slightly sqinching her eyes to dispell the images her dragon was sending her. Through clenched teeth she said, "Dragons can be so irritating at times!" Giving the two women a tight smile, she glanced over at K'tarr throwing him a sour look.
A loud snort filled her mind and Coo went silent just about the time Landon walked in.
The archer looked around the room at the occupants looking more than a little curious by the summons. Greeting Naomi he then looked at Jeneve, "You wanted to see me?" he asked respectfully, glancing briefly at K'tarr and Breezy.
The Wingleader's looked on as the two Queenriders gave the archer the news of his promotion to Beta Wingleader.
{Tag: Carina & maybe Les?}
There was barely time for congratulations when there was another tap on the door and Kalena entered.
Breezy was more into watching the Alpha Wingleader than anything. She could tell by the look on his face that he wasn't going to deal with this well at all. She knew he cared deeply for Kalena and when he slipped out of the office the little redhead sighed sadly. K'tarr was so riddled with guilt Breezy knew there was little anyone could do to help take away his pain.
Shaking the tiny woman's hand, Breezy had meant it when she'd told Kalena that she hoped the smaller woman would return. The Sr. Wingleader felt bad that they had never been able to mend the rift between them. But sadly some things just weren't meant to be.
After Kalena left, Naomi, Jeneve and Breezy talked over a few more plans for the festivities then the Sr. Wingleader excused herself. A plan had been formulating in her mind on how to deal with Jasmine. Besides chocolate, the wild girl seemed to have a weakness for sharp pointy things and that was right up her alley. Maybe if she shared some of her toys with Jasmine, the young woman might return the gesture.
Calling Coo who begrudingly left her snuggle spot with the large red and blue male, Breezy was shortly at her cliffside apartment.
[He's very handsome don't you think!] gushed the greenish dragon.
*Mmmm-huh* Breezy answered obviously distracted as she dragged out a beat up old trunk.
The multi-colored dragon stuck her head around the corner peeking into Breezy's small living area.
[Helloooo are you paying attention to me! What are you doing in there?]
A load groan erupted from the dragon as her rider swung a small axe in the air. [Quit playing with your toys and talk to me!]
*Huh!* Breezy said turning to see her soulmate watching her *Oh, yes, he's very handsome! For a dragon that is! A bit too many scales for my taste though!* She added receiving a snicker from her green friend.
Holding up the small battle axe, the armor piercing spike at the end gleamed in the lamplight. Starring at the weapon Breezy chewed her lip, then shook her head setting the axe to one side. Pulling out an assortment of different weapons none seemed to fit the bill, then her eyes fell on a unique looking sword.
Coo hissed as she saw the weapon that Breezy pulled out. [The Dragons Bane! What a disgusting name for a sword, and he made it to kill dragons! I should have ate that old man when I had the chance!*]
Breezy chuckled, her voice filled with amusement, *He didn't like you much either, Sister! And it was made for Wilder's Hon,* then adding a little sarcastically, *not sweet dragons like you of course! Also eating his favorite milk cow didn't win you any points.*
The sea-green dragon snorted sending a cloud of steam into the room.
Breezy waved the warm mist away *Do you mind!* Swinging the sword gracefully she sighed in contentment. It had taken a long time to learn to wield this piece properly. It had to be carried differently then a normal sword which made it harder to draw from it's scabbard quickly. The blade was just a bit long for her, almost dragging the ground. But the four, three inchs spikes protruding from the circular hand guard and the three one inch spikes along the aft end of the hilt made it a weapon to be reckoned with regardless of who carried it. After much practice and stabbing herself with the spikes more times then she cared to admit Breezy had finally mastered the unique weapon. And it was just the thing to entice the wild child into a little show and tell.
Digging out her favorite hunting knives, one was smaller than the other and she carried them both in one sheath specifically made for that purpose.
[Are you through yet?] Coo asked impatiently.
*Yeah, just another minute!* Very people knew that like Jasmine, Breezy had a love for 'sharp pointy things'. She had collected quite an assortment of such things in her extensive travels over the years. Time, patience and several self inflicted wounds had taught her to use each one with precision. Of course she didn't bring them out that often because people had a tendency to ask to many questions. Questions she usually didn't feel like answering. Grabbing a pair of her plain Sais, the ones she usually worked out with, Breezy slide them into her boots. "This should get her attention," the little redhead murmured to herself.
[I should say so! You look you are ready to start a fight!]
"Well I have a feeling it could come down to a battle of wills!"Breezy snickered at her play on words.
Mounting the green dragon the two dropped off the ledge towards the green.
Fortunately Olin appeared out of nowhere as had become his custom and Breezy asked the boy to locate Galen and ask him to meet her at the Med-Center.
<<Day 18 Early Evening>>
Breezy saw Cyrus, Alex and Kalena ascend skyward, "I hope you find what you're looking for Kalena," she whispered before turning away. Finding out the location of the other two wingleaders she headed for the training area.
Catching K'tarr's eye the Alpha Wingleader motioned to someone, then walked towards her. His face remained expressionless but his eyes locked onto the hilt of the odd weapon sticking up over her shoulder.
"K'tarr, I am so sorry about Kalena, I wish there was something I could do to make things right. But I can't! I know it's going to difficult for you, but right now I need to know I can count on you!" she said quietly making the statement sound more like a question.
The painted rider crossed his arms and looked down at the small woman. "Why do you look like you have something very serious in mind?" He asked avoiding her questioning gaze.
A smile came over Breezy's face, "Well actually you could say I'm going fishing and I need you to come along."
The bigger redhead arched his eyebrow and waited for her to continue.
"K'tarr, Jasmine has stumbled onto something big! Galen and I couldn't get anywhere with her today. She trusts you and Landon, he's already with her. I was hoping between the two of you that maybe you can get something out of her!"
Looking at the little redhead with a calculating gaze he nodded.
"C'mon I'll explain on the way," Breezy said hoping to prepare the man for what he would hear, she was pretty sure he wasn't going to like it, "but we need to stop at the dining hall first I have to pick something up."
{Tag: Wil if you want to add anything}
*Jasmine*
The young woman had snuck out of the med center just in time to see Kalena fly skyward then blink out of sight. First Momma and now Kalena why did everyone leave her. Jasmine bowed her head a terrible longing filling her heart. Even Landon hadn't come to see her today. She knew he had been mad this morning and Jasmine was sure that's why he left, but he never came back. The young woman sighed he was probably mad cause she fell asleep and...
"Jasmine, what are you doing out here?"
"Landon!" Jasmine squealed hugging him fiercely. "I..I thought you were mad at me when you didn't come back, and Kalena left too Landon, just like Momma! Why did she have to go?"
"No, I'm not mad Jasmine, why would you think that? I just had things to do. And don't worry, Kalena just went to visit a friend."
"I thought you were mad because I fell asleep and we didn't....."
Landon pulled her close hugging her tightly. Jasmine relaxed when he chuckled and kissed her on the nose, "No, I'm not mad at you!"
Sliding her arms up around his neck she pressed against him whispering in his ear, "I promise I won't fall asleep tonite!"
His green eyes widened slightly. "I think we need to get you back inside. It's getting chilly out! Besides I have some news to tell you!" Sliding his arm around her waist he led the young woman back into the building.
[..] a short while later
Landon and Jasmine were sitting on the bed talking when K'tarr and Breezy appeared. The small Wingleader was carrying a plate of brownies and young woman's eyes lit up when she saw the treat. Reaching for a a brownie Jasmine's eyes grew huge, her mouth falling open to form an O.
Jasmine walked around the shorter woman her fingers reaching out to touch, yet pulling away as she looked at Breezy's adornments. "Wh...where did you get your sword and what are these?" Jasmine asked pointing at the Sais. "Ca..can I..." she asked nodding her head at Breezy.
Breezy smiled, "I got the sword from a friend. And why don't you have a brownie first, Jasmine, while they're still warm."
The redhead winked at the two men as Jasmine slowly nodded and helped herself to the chocolate confection. Remembering her manners she reluctantly offered the plate to the others.
"Jasmine did you show Landon your treasure?" Breezy asked.
A cloud came over Jasmine's face, "No!" she answered quickly. Then pointing at Breezy's knife Jasmine spoke obviously trying to change the subject, "I like those, they would be good for hunting!"
Reaching down Breezy pulled out the Sais and twirled them with the skill of a master. Jasmine was on her feet in an instant, "I want to try! Please!" She asked breathlessly, her eyes filled with a childlike wonder.
Jasmine couldn't take her eyes off the twirling weapons and Breezy smiled inwardly. *Gotcha, hook, line and Sinker!* the little Wingleader thought. Snapping them into place with the handles aimed towards Jasmine the young woman reached out to take them.
"Be careful now, they are very sharp! Oh wait a minute!" Breezy said pulling them back slightly. "You know Jasmine you should show Landon and K'tarr what Ka'Laren brought you. I bet they would think they are pretty too!"
Jasmine looked at the two men chewing her lip in hesitation. At her mention of Ka'Laren's name Breezy felt the tension in the room. It hung heavy between the two men and she hoped they wouldn't say anything to upset Jasmine. The little woman held her breath and waited. Galen had yet to arrive and Breezy was worried that he wouldn't show. The trainer needed to be here for this.
"I would like to see Jasmine." K'tarr said stiffly, his deep voice devoid of emotion.
Jasmine looked at the group of people and back to the Sais and her curiosity got the better of her and the childlike enthusiasm which was so much a part of her took over.
Pulling out the tiara Jasmine grinned, "Isn't it pretty!" She exclaimed waving it around in front of the men. "Kalena has a necklace kinda like it, but it didn't fit my neck and Ka'Laren said it went on my head and was for special people like me." Sliding the tiara in place on her head Jasmine reached under the pillows and pulled out the jeweled dagger and sword with a flourish.
Breezy had to stifle the laughter that threatened at the look on the mens faces. It had only been hours before it was her and Galen standing there with their mouths gaping open the same way.
Jasmine's eyes grew wary as Landon reached out. Breezy quickly shifted the Sais to one hand then gingerly pulled the Dragons Bane from the Scabbard. A loud gasp escaped the young woman and she almost threw the dagger and sword at the Beta Wingleader.
Breezy stepped away from the men with Jasmine following, talking a mile a minute. The Sr. Wingleader showed Jasmine the sword and Sais keeping one eye on her and the other on the two men as they huddled together discussing the jewel weapons.
"If you would like to keep the Sais Jasmine you may have them as a gift. I can teach you if you like!"
Jasmine's eyes bulged with excitement. "Landon! Landon!" she shouted in delight. "Breezy says I can have 'em and she's gonna teach me!"
Holding the Sais to her protectively, Jasmine went to the men quickly taking back the sword and dagger and putting them back under the pillow. "Thank you!" She said to Breezy then continued, "I'm so glad Ka'Laren brought them. I thought I was dreaming, but I wasn't! He really came!" The jeweled tiara winked in the lamplight as a frown crossed Jasmine's face and she said fervently, "Kalena says he isn't my friend, but she's wrong! I know she is!"
"He's all alone!" the wild woman sighed softly, "Ka'Laren has a brother, but he said his brother was really mean to him, so he ran away too!"
{Tag: Wil-What does K'tarr think of being the *mean brother*<G> & Ben-Is Galen going to sneak in? & Chris-What does Landon think of all this?}
*The Marquel's*
"Well Father, what do you think!" Tallon asked the Duke. The two men sat around a small campfire enjoying an evening cigar.
The gray haired man looked at his son, a shrewd look coming to his face, "If even half the warren are as dedicated as that young man obviously is, I think this Warren might be an excellent ally to have. I don't like being so far north and on the border. It leaves us open for attack. For years there's never been an actual decision on which Warren Wernham is actually in, if any. I think we've been lucky so far but I doubt that will last forever."
The son nodded. "I'm glad you're starting to see things my way for once. If we were to trade with both Telnor and Norwall it would provide us with a great deal of protection. Staying so reclusive is not a good idea. Ryensmoor is in the same position being on the border."
"Husband, are you and my son plotting again?" came the voice of Lady Marquel as she appeared by the small fire.
Crossing his arms the older man eyed the woman boldly, "As always wife, would you have me any other way!" Moving to make room for the woman he grinned sliding his arm around her waist, kissing her tenderly on the cheek.
Lady Marquel tittered at her husbands attention, then asked about the Warren, "Do you think they all look like that man K'tarr? He was so...he had so many....."
"Tattoos Mother, they're tattoos."
"Well I don't care what they are, he is very different looking!" she exclaimed defensively.
"I think he's handsome!" came a giggle from Dolly and Briggie's tent.
"His dragon is better looking!" came another female voice.
"Girls! Behave yourselves and go to sleep! For once do what your mother says!" The Duke said firmly.
"Yes Father!" they called out in unison then fell quiet.
Tallon watched his parents as they talked, even now after all these years it was obvious they were still deeply in love. Pain stabbed at his heart thinking of his beloved Ryen. Deep in his own thoughts his face became twisted with a mixture of anger and sadness not realizing his parents were watching him.
"Tallon!" his mother said softly, "It doesn't do any good thinking about it! You have to get through this grief you've surrounded yourself with and get on with your life. It's been years since she's been gone!"
"She's right Son!" his father said firmly. "It's time to take another wife, make me a grandparent before I'm to old to enjoy it!"
"I don't want another wife!" the young Lord answered shortly. Rising to his feet he disappeared into the darkness.
Staring off in the direction of Norwall Tallon thought about the visit from the Wingleader. He knew all about the bond between the riders and their dragons, but it was much easier to act like an ignorant noble. It was amazing the wealth of information one could get that way.
This visit to Norwall could be very interesting indeed.
*Delilah*
<<Day 18 Late Night in Delilah's apartment>>
<Snip>
"Delilah
A gift from one woman to another. Something for you to remember me by. I thought after your behaviour this evening that you might have forgotten.
Don't forget again."
<End Snip>
Holding up the unique necklace a wicked grin came to Delilah's face. So the little rat-catcher wanted to play did she, the grin turned to giggles as the green-eyed beauty grabbed her shawl and was back out the door in an instant, the small box in hand.
Submitted by,
Breezy & Coo
and
Jasmine
aka
Tree Deutscher
treedr@yelmtel.com
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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