[Derry]

Trinale felt arms go around her from behind. It was Derry. "Oh Derry, why
did I do it? Why did I offend them so badly that Pa'gan had to leave. Now
he's dead and its all my fault!" she turned into his arms and buried her
head on his shoulder.

"You didn't know, Trinale. You couldn't have helped it. You are not
responsible for the way Pa'gan acted."  Derry did not add that so far as he 
could tell, neither Pa'gan nor Aradia had spent much time trying to 
understand Warren -- or Landbound -- culture, simply assuming that it was 
Trinale's duty to compromise to their ways.  The only understanding seemed 
to be required of Trinale.

She suddenly pulled from his arms. "Derry, Aradia needs those things. Will
you go with me to their apartment to get them?"

Derry nodded. "You know I will. Or I can get them for you if you don't
want to go."

"No, I need to do what I can to help." Trinale called for Cricket, who
slowly landed before them. Derry and Trinale climbed aboard and headed for
the high apartment. They landed and walked inside, trying to quickly find
what Aradia needed, without disturbing too much.

"Lets go, Derry" Trinale said "I feel like I am intruding." 

They left as quickly as they had come and headed for the med center. After
dismounting, Trinale came to a halt.

"I don't want to face her again, Derry....could you...." Trinale started
then Merissa walked out the door. "Merissa!"

Merissa approached them. "What can I do for you, Trinale?"

"I hate to ask, but could you be the warrens representative in helping
Aradia...and take her these?" Trinale held out the items gathered from the
apartment. "I don't think she wants to see me right now." Trinales voice
trailed off. "Please Merissa?"

Merissa nodded and took the items. She then quickly gave Trinale a hug.
"It will be alright." She then turned and walked into the med center.

"No" Trinale whispered, almost to herself "It will never be alright
again."

Derry placed a comforting hand on Trinale's shoulder, as a man with deep 
blue eyes approached.  He looked familiar -- he had come out with Trinale 
when they had found the girls.

<It is Fayloth's rider.>  Levka told him helpfully.

So... this was the man who -- he stopped that.  It was a mating flight, and 
neither Saul nor Trinale had had a choice in the matter.

"Trinale .." said Saul softly.

She looked up at him, "I just wanted to make things better. I just wanted
to understand .." Trinale sobbed lightly.  Derry stood back.

"I know, little flower," he said. He took her face  gently in his hands,
"She's gotta grieve in her own way."

Trinale nodded, her eyes dark and sad.  Saul looked at him over her head, 
and Derry returned his gaze with idle langour.

Trinale saw his gaze, "Saul, have you met Derry?"

Saul shook his head and held out his hand, "No I don't think I have."

"This is Derric Vaddon, son of Lord Jerlyn. Now rider to Levka."

Saul searched his memory, "That's the Lord with all the beautiful horses,
isn't it?"

Derry smiled, "Yes it is. Some winners too."

Saul nodded with a smile, "Yes, I've won a few coins on his horses as I
recall." Then the smile faded from his face, "You're not a gambler and a
womanizer, are you?"

Trinale groaned, but Saul ignored her, keeping his eyes on the handsome
young man beside her.

For the first time that day, Derry felt the urge to laugh, and gave into it.

"What?"  Saul did not look amused.

"Saul of Whiteriver, asking if another man is a womanizer or a gambler?"  
Derry's laughter redoubled.  "Are you, perchance, asking if I would trifle 
with Trinale's affections?"

Looking affronted, Saul nodded before he could catch himself.

Derry stifled his laughter... or tried to.  "I have known women, yes.  I 
play cards -- but never for more than I can afford, and generally for small 
stakes.  But I have never slept around because it was an interesting 
passtime, or trifled with the affections of a woman, noble born or not...  
As for Trinale...  I wouldn't trifle with her in any way at all.  I care too 
much."

[Tag, Kris, Kat]

----
Respectfully Submitted,
Jill E. Flansburg
Derry and Levka

Assistant Director, X-Files                Rhiannon, WarrenLady  *Xylian*
Sterling A. Kincaid, TL, ECHO, X-Files     Elswyth and Aedra   *Keldarra*
Damien Cunningham, UD DELTA, X-Files       Katla and Satinka *Whiteriver*
Xan X. Xavier, T1, X-Files                 Zera and Mazel-to-be *Norwall*

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
			Vasaris, the Fuzzy Dragon
Jill E. Flansburg		    |		vasaris@az.com
CS HMC 1994			    |		jflansbu@muddcs.cs.hmc.edu
History, WWU 199?		    |		vasaris@divcom.umop-ap.com
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=