Thorin
***

Thorin stood over the woman, "Minty ?" he asked.

Her eyelids fluttered and she looked up at him, "Who .. where am I?"

"This is Whiteriver Warren. And I'm Thorin. You collapsed in the dining hall."

She nodded her face still pale, "I .. I remember."

"You'll be all right, but you shouldn't put so much strain on yourself." He
said gently admonishing her, "It's not good for your baby."

<<NRPG: Les, feel free to change this however you want :} I didn't know if
you'd want others in the room etc.. and if I'm wrong, you can change
Thorin's diagnosis :}>>

***

Thorin stepped out of the Marrid riders room. He froze as he saw Merissa
standing there waiting for him. "Merissa .."

"How is she?"

"She'll be okay," he said. Then added with a bit of surprise. "You're still
here."

"I wanted to talk to you, if that's okay."

He nodded. She was finally going to tell him that she couldn't see him any
more. He'd been waiting for this ever since the party last night, when
she'd danced with J'red. "Come on, we'll go in the lab. It'll be quiet in
there."

She nodded and followed him. When they arrived he shut the door behind them
and turned to her, "Merissa .."

"Th'rin .." she said at the same time.

"I'm sorry," he said, "Go ahead."

She  moved closer to him grabbing his hand in hers. "I wanted to apologize
for last night .."

"You don't have to. You didn't do anything wrong." He said.

"Yes I do," she said softly bowing her head.

He shook his head. He had to do this .. he'd let it lie far too long. "No
Merissa. You don't have to say anything. I know that I don't deserve to
love you. I wish I could stop, but I can't. I love you more then I ever
could anyone else." He stared into her shocked eyes and frowned, knowing
that was probably the last thing she wanted to hear. But he had nothing
left to lose. He had to tell her. "Don't worry, I know you don't want me
anymore and I understand why. I just wanted you to know."

"You what?" she whispered.

"I love you, Merissa," he repeated.

<<NRPG: Hmm, wonder what Merissa is thinking right now :}>>

Merybelle
***

Mery quickly declined a lunch invitation from Saul's pretty young lover,
before Byrin could accept the offer. She really wanted to get away from
Whiteriver as quickly as she could. She knew Byrin would have liked to stay
longer, and she was sorry to do this to him, but it was for the best. She
watched as Shawnee took her siblings by the hand leaving Saul to say his
good-byes to his son.

His son ? Yipes! As she stood looking at the two of them the resemblance
was impossible to ignore. "You can come back and visit any time," she heard
Saul offer.

Byrin's face lit up, "Really?"

Saul nodded, "As long as it's okay with your mother." He looked to Mery,
and once again she found her heart pounding as he deep blue eyes stared
into hers.

"We'll see. Sometime maybe."

Saul smiled happily at the boy, "See." He then put a hand on the lads
shoulder and pulled him a short distance away. Mery watched them, then
turned to see Shawnee sending her siblings into the dining hall. She took a
deep breath and headed over to the woman.

"You're in love with him. Aren't you?" She asked, though she already knew
the answer.

>"With all my heart," Shawnee told her, meeting the woman's eyes. She could
read concern there, but none of the malice she had felt from the woman the
first time their eyes had met across the dining hall.

>Merybelle looked away first, but didn't say anything as her eyes went back
to watch her son. A sad smile crossed the woman's lips as she watched the
man and boy shake hands and then after a moments hesitation, Saul reached
out and hugged the boy to him. 

"I hope he treats you well," she said and walked toward her son. "Let's go
get packed, Byrin."

Byrin reluctantly said good-bye to Saul and Shawnee as he turned to follow
his mother.

Saul (late afternoon)
***

<Saul, T'jellan is organizing the wing. Three little girls are missing?>
Fayloth said to his rider as Saul oiled his left rear leg. A particularly
itchy spot that the boys had missed earlier.

Saul jumped up, screwing the lid back on the jar of oil and stowing it in
his saddle pack. <Let's go, Fayloth.>

<Saul ..> Fayloth broached his rider hesitantly as he launched into the
air.<I think that I should tell you that one of the girls missing is the
Warrenlady's sister.>

<Lorilei?> Saul asked and got confirmation from Fayloth just as the dragon
landed in his place in the wing, only paces from L'rian. Saul could see the
strain in his partner's face. He flashed the man a supportive smile and
waited for the order to begin the search. They had to find her .. and soon.

Merybelle
***

"What do you mean we're not going anywhere!" Mery stormed. "We paid for a
ride back to Farway!"

"I'm sorry ma'am. But until those children are found no one leaves the
warren."

The driver turned away leaving Mery fuming. She turned to see Byrin trying
to hide his excitement. She sighed, "Well, you've got your way tonight."

"I'm really sorry mom .. honest," Byrin said.

She smiled at him, "I know, dear. I suppose one more night for you to visit
your father isn't such a bad idea."

Saul
***
(over an hour later)

<Tell Dandy, we have to go back.> Saul said, <They aren't here.>

<His rider is refusing.>

Saul understood the man's concern. But it was obvious that Lorilei had not
come her with her friends. <The other search parties may have found her.>

Finally with a bit of coaxing, Dandy had his rider ready to head back and
the two dragons ported back to Whiteriver.

As soon as Dandy's feet touched the ground, his rider was racing across the
green to where his older daughter was talking to another dragon rider. Saul
moved to follow, but Fayloth stopped him, <A new dragon .. young .. female ..>

<Fayloth, I do not have time for your latest conquest ..>

<This is a strange pair though, Saul ..>

The bearded dragonrider turned toward the pair to see the young dragon
clicking at her rider .. who was clicking back at her. There was something
familiar about the rider .. Saul moved closer, as he eyed the rider.

Suddenly it hit him, "Ash'chenon?" Yes a bit older, a bit grayer .. but it
was definitely Ash.

The man smiled "Saul! You rogue! How have you been?"

***
(a short bit later)

"I can't stay and chat longer, Ash. I'm supposed to be meeting someone for
lunch." Saul said.

"Ahh," the newcomer sighed, "Let me guess, slender, tall blonde with blue
eyes.."

Saul laughed, "Close .. she has the most stunning aqua eyes I have ever seen."

Ash laughed, "Oh well, don't let me hold you up. I'm sure you have a busy
schedule."

Saul shrugged, "Not this time."

"What?" Ash asked in mock shock. "Don't tell me Saul of Whiteriver is
settling down."

"Oh no," Saul assured him, "But this one .. she's special."

"So is being mated," Ash said. Then he grinned, "As I have just recently
found out myself."

<<NRPG: I know I don't leave you a lot of room to add stuff, Allen, but
feel free ..>>

****

Saul waited patiently for the currently late Shawnee.  His face lit up as
he spotted her coming toward him. Gods she was beautiful, he thought to
himself as he do often found himself doing these days. As she drew close he
pulled her to him for a quick kiss.

>"Oh aren't they cute. But don't you think it would be more appropriate to
find a bedroom for that instead of forcing the whole Warren to witness it?" 

Saul turned, irritated at the snarly voice and it's nasty intimations. He
was even more annoyed to turn and find K'leev standing a short distance
from the woman who'd spoken. Figures K'leev would be out causing problems.
K'leev was relatively easy to deal with however, so he turned his attention
on the woman beside him.

>"Well you could at least tell me you're happy to see me," the woman smiled
sweetly as Shawnee just stood there staring at her with hatred in her aqua
eyes that were so much like the woman's. 

He didn't even have to scrutinize the woman to see her resemblance to his
Shawnee. Obviously this was the woman who'd left her and the children to
live in squalor.

>"You have got to be kidding!" Shawnee's voice was dripping with contempt.
"You've got some nerve showing up here."

>She felt Saul's hands on her shoulder, and allowed herself to lean against
him for support. "The next coach out of here leaves right after dinner. I
think you should make a point of being on it. Go back to what ever hole you
climbed out of mother. You are NOT wanted here. Not by anyone."

>"But I'm afraid I can't do that just yet daughter," the woman said as if
knowing she had the upper hand. "You see I've come to collect my children.
You remember them don't you? You should. After all you stole them from me
and took them away so I couldn't find them."

>"That's a lie!!" the younger girl snapped. "You left us! Left the three of
us alone in that disgusting town to fend for ourselves while you took off
with the latest man in your life..."

>"Is that what you told these nice people?" Owlean did a good imitation of
looking shocked by her daughters angry words. "What other lies have you
told them about me?"

>"Watch your mouth girlie," K'leev snapped at her, even as his eyes raked
over her body. "Show your mother a little respect. You're just lucky she
doesn't want to have you arrested for what you did to her. Now go get her
children. Don't you think you've hurt her long enough?"

"K'leev!!! That'll be enough.!" Saul's angry voice cut across the others.
He did not like the looks he was giving Shawnee anymore then his nasty tone.

>"Saul please do something!" Shawnee begged tuning to meet his eyes.  "You
can't let her take them away from me!! You saw the way we had to live after
she left us. Fawna almost died because of her. You can't let that happen
again!!"

>The other man gave a short laugh and sneered back at Saul. "You're a fool
Saul for falling for the little tramps lies. I though better of you...
Maybe if you hadn't been so hot to get in her pants, you would have seen
her for what she was. Was it worth it? Huh Saul... was she that good in the
sack?"

"Not that you'd ever get the chance to find out," Saul growled moving
toward the larger man. "Does Racine know where you are? Or are you
flaunting your matehood in her face yet again!"

K'leev face reddened and he grabbed Saul by the collar ..

Merybelle
***

Mery and her son were just entering the dinning hall when a large angry man
grabbed at Saul. Byrin gasped and Mery grabbed his arm, afraid he might do
something foolish. She watched as Shawnee moved to beat on the man's arm

Suddenly a boisterous trumpeting startled her. She watched as sparkling
silver dragon  shot into the air, a multitude of colored dragon hot on her
tail. Her eyes flashed back to Saul being released as both men suddenly
turned and headed out the door, brushing past her without a second glance
in her direction.

"Saul?" she asked, but was ignored. She turned to see the horrified look on
Shawnee's face and headed over to the girl, "What is it?"

Shawnee looked at her for a moment, then turned away, "The queen is rising
to mate."

Mery followed the girl's eyes, her own eyes widening in shock at the
display in front of her!  A young red-head was dancing on top of a table.
He hips swaying as she seductively teased a horde of drooling men. Her hand
moved to cover Byrin's eyes.

"Mom!" he said shaking her hand away.

"Byrin, go inside."

"But, mom .. it's only a mating flight .." Byrin protested.

"Inside!" Mery repeated. She looked up at Shawnee as Byrin frowned and
headed into the dining hall.

A look of relief crossed Shawnee's face as someone shouted, "Bruteth has
the lead! He's going to catch her!"

"Not again! He won the last queen," someone complained.

Mery couldn't believe the spectacle of the young girl as she swayed in
front of the crowd of men. Then there was a gasp from the crowd, "Did you
see that!"

"Fayloth stole her out from under Bruteth!"

She looked up in the sky to see the brilliant blue of Saul's dragon
entangling the large silver queen. Then she heard a sob from Shawnee and
looked to see her looking at the young red head who'd been dancing on the
table, entangled in Saul's arms. The two locked in a passionate kiss.

"Can't keep him satisfied, eh love," she heard a woman say. She turned to
see an older version of Shawnee looking satisfied toward where Saul was
carrying the girl away.

"What is this?" Mery asked still in shock "That girl's barely out of
diapers! What is he thinking!"

Saul
***

<It's Cricket,> Fayloth told him as Saul felt the desire rising in his
body. <I've been waiting for this chance.> 

Saul felt the dragon's determination. He'd lost out in Cricket's first
mating flight, much to his disappointment. But this time he was determined
to win.  Saul's eyes fell on the his conquest, her silver scales glistening
in the bright sunshine.

The line between rider and dragon continued to blend as Saul drew close to
the woman. His body flushing with uncontrollable carnal desires. He had to
have her .. those pouty lips .. flashing deep blue eyes, set in a silver
head .. red hair swinging playfully over bright green eyes .. lithe body,
winging powerfully just a head of him .. soft curves hidden frustratingly
under a gown far to baggy for his tastes ..

She drew closer .. only a few more feet/inches ....... Now! He thought as
his claws came down on her back, digging into the silver hide as his wing
wrapped around her .. pinning her in a free fall. 

His arms lifted her up off the ground, <You are worthy Fayloth.>

"Saul .." she moaned as her lips found his ..

Her passionate kisses urged him on as he hurried away with his prize,
barely able to control his desires. His eyes lit on a large patch of
concealing bushes .. a place where he could have her to himself .. and he
needed her. He could feel his blue's urgency as  he followed his prize to a
lofty ledge on a nearby peak.

Once safely hidden within the cover of the green leafy bush, Saul wasted no
time in getting rid of that baggy gown, eager to see the soft flesh
underneath it. His lips kissing, his hands caressing as she moaned and
begged, "I'm yours .. take me .."

He did not need to be asked twice.

***
(later as night closes on the Warren)

He woke to a tiny hand playing gently with the dark curly hair on his
chest. He smiled as he caressed her arm, "Thank you, Saul."

He stiffened slightly, "Trinale .."

"Yes," she said, "You remember?" Her voice held a hint of fear and
hesitation. "You're not upset, are you?"

He was .. "No, Of course not, little flower .." he swallowed. Gods .. she
was just a little girl!

"Good. You know these .. well, mating flights .. they always scare me a
little. But I'm not scared of you." She continued to gently caress his
chest ..

"You're okay .. right. I .. I didn't hurt you," he asked.

Her silvery voice tinkled as she laughed, "Of course not. I know you'd
never do anything to hurt me."

He flushed as he remembered the fervency of their love making, "I mean .."

She giggled again, "I know what you mean .. I remember it. And you didn't
hurt me .. neither time."

"Trinale .." he groaned lightly.

"What?"

"It's just .. well, you're just too young."

"Saul! You aren't going to start playing like your my father again are
you?" She said, then smiled, "No after  .. this. Here in those damned bushes."

The bushes! Oh gods! He groaned again.

Regards,
Saul & Fayloth
Thorin & Areena


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  |\  /^~~^\  /|
 -qqQ-\O||O/-Qpp------------------------------------------------------
       \oo/     Kristen Gant
        ~~      (AKA: Darlea & Makayla, Keldarra Warren, Courier
                      Waylene & Aura, Marrid Warren, Warrenlady
                      Meena & Vonn, Norwall Warren, Wingleader
                      Kalewyn & Sabbith, Telnor Warren, Dragonrider
                      Saul & Fayloth, Whiteriver Warren, Searcher
                      Merybelle Barmen, City of Ralengarde, Innkeeper
                http://homepage.interaccess.com/~sgant/Kris/kris.htm
 --d----------b-------------------------------------------------------
        ()
       \()/
        \/