>Tanya ignored her dragon's amused tone and went to stand in front of the
dragonrider.  Not knowing what else to say, or how to introduce herself, a
stranger, she got down to the point.  "I was riding Poldera outside the
warren and found this dragon and its rider.  He seemed to be heading this
way so I brought him with me.  The dragon is named Reekor, and the rider is...."

><The rider's name is Pa'gan.>

>"Pa'gan," Tanya finished.

The man Saul turned to the wild rider, who was just getting off the black
dragon.  As Pa'gan dismounted there were several whispers and murmers from
the few folks gathered around. Wether it was just a new person, his height,
his dress, or just the fact that a wild rider appeared out of no where.
"Pa'gan," Saul said in greeting, "why don't you join us for dinner and you
can tells us what brings you to our fair warren?"

Pa'gan nodded.  As Saul turned to the dining hall, Tanya noticed Pa'gan go
back to Reekor.  He seemed to be making a decision of some kind because he
kept reaching for something, then pausing.  Finally, he followed after Saul
and Tanya, who didn't want to miss out on any action, followed closely after
them.

As they were going towards the dining hall, a little child came out of the
surrounding crowd and, before Tanya or anyone could stop her, ran into
Pa'gan's shin, then stopped and stared up at the giant man.  The crowd held
their breath in anticipation, making Tanya a little cross.  Did they really
think that, just because of his size, this man would hurt an innocent child?

>However there was an audible sigh of relief as  Pa'gan's large hand softly
carressed the child's hair and all he said was "Careful little one". As he
continued to look at the wide eyed child a lone tear escaped his left eye
and slowly trailed its way down his face.

Tanya watched this display thoughtfully.  She had known that nothing
untoward would happen, but the tear in the large man's eye moved her
uncharacteristically.  She got a firm clamp on her feelings, and neutrally
stared after the big man as he straightened.

>       Straightening to his full heighth once more he continued to follow
Saul into the dining room, even though he had to duck to get into the door.
Saul showed him (and Tanya) to a table after getting food. Pa'gan had loaded
a plate and bowl up with a large amount and assortment of food, many of
which he had never seen before.

They got to the table and sat down, amid murmurs from the surrounding folk.
Tanya could hear the incredulous whispers from her seat, just beside the
newcomer, and scowled all around.  Catching the eyes of many of the
gossipers, she quieted them with a look she had learned from her aunt
Melanie.  Satisfied after a moment, she turned back to Saul and the newcomer.

>       "So Pa'gan," Saul began "What brings you here?"

While the two were talking, Tanya asked Poldera *Pol, how's Reekor doing?*

<Oh, he's fine!  He was ravenous though; almost couldn't make it to the
feeding grounds! He's eating right now.>  There was a note of admiration in
her dragon's voice.  <My, but he sure is a healthy eater.>

Tanya smiled inwardly at her dragon's observation.  Healthy eater? she
thought.  Sometimes, the differences in dragon/human preferences were a bit
amusing.

>       "My family are dead, killed by the return of the wraiths. Reekor and
I have been alone for some time and we decided that the life we were leading
was not right. We both need family and friends or else life is not worth
living." Pa'gan said respectfully but immeadiately returned to eating one
dish he found especially tasty.

Tanya felt herself tense involuntarilary, and saw Saul doing the same.
Wraiths?  This far out of the wastes?  She exchanged a glance with Saul, but
he didn't seem quite as surprised as Tanya, making her wonder.  What exactly
did he know.....?

"Wraiths, you say?" Saul said, his voice not quite as jovial as before; more
businesslike now.  Tanya could hear the buzzing of conversation around her,
but this time she didn't do anything to stop it.  I wonder how long this
will take to travel around the warren, she thought dryly.

"Yes.  My whole tribe was wiped out by wraiths.  Me and Reekor, as far as I
know, are the only survivors."

"Did you see the actual attack?" Saul asked, curious.

"No, me and Reekor were.....away at the time."  Tanya saw a quick flash of
sadness and regret flicker through his eyes as he said the statement.
Tanya, before she knew exactly what she was doing, reached out and took the
man's hand in a comforting gesture. Her hand was engulfed by the large
hands, but the touch was gentle, as was the gaze turned her way.

"I'm sorry to put you through so much pain," Saul said, seeing the pain in
Pa'gan's eyes, "but we need to know these things.  Are you sure you didn't
see anything that day?"



NRPG:  Tag Keeper.  Whatever you want to do with the conversation.  I hope I
didn't take TOO many liberties with your characters.  
Sarah
Lyonnia/Dianthus *Telnor Warren*
Tanya/Poldera *Whiteriver Warren*
Isolinde/Faile *Cleft Warren*
Laris *Telnor Warren*

Cynedra/Jakob*the dog*/Louie*the ferret*