>[Derry]
>
>Dressed in riding leathers, he went down to the Green to wait for his
>patrol partner, the problem of the chain-of-command still nagging at
>him.  He saw Firefly land and waved at Jar-- J'red.
>
>"How are you doing?" he asked as they mounted up for patrol.


****
NRPG:  Not much to write since the patrol was "uneventful" :(
****
J'red smiled at his partner, brushing his hair back from his eyes, and with
a murmured "finem," had Firefly take to the air following Derry's lead.

They winked out momentarily and the grey enveloped them, to be suddenly
replaced by the green trees around Farway.  The sleepy town looked
completely normal, and they circled out checking the fields along their
patrol route.  Both riders were not particularly vigilant, as their thoughts
drifted to the wraith attack.

<Levka says his rider is worried about our wing, with Devonni and his rider
gone and Grunth's rider injured...> Firefly interjected.

J'red mused <I was thinking along the same lines.  We won't be organized in
case of another attack.>

<Levka's rider is going to talk with Trinale about it when we get back.>

<Yes, I suppose she'll want to bring in a new wing-leader.  I hope it isn't
that arrogant Jael!>

****
Returning to the warren J'red noticed that Derry didn't dismount.  "What's
up?  Heading out again?"

"Yes, I think I'll check in at home..."

"Probably a good idea.  I should check in at home, too, I guess.  They
weren't directly on the path of the wraiths but there might have been some
damage in that area."  J'red remarked.

The two partners bade farewell and each teleported to their former homes.

****
J'red was greeted by a squeal from his sister Jennifer who first saw the red
dragon as Firefly appeared over Lord Fowler's estates.

"Aren't you getting a bit old for that?"  J'red good naturedly teased his
little sister as she flung herself into his arms.

"We're already preparing for the next hatching-party!"  Jennifer exclaimed
excitedly.  Lord Fowler always through tremendous parties for the warren
hatchings, to which he invited all the young people from his lands (and
surrounding lands) to attend -- with the excuse of making the searcher's job
easier, but in truth because Lord Fowler loved parties.

J'red visited with his family for the remainder of the afternoon.  Jason was
growing into a fine young man and looked to J'red that he would make a
passable Lord when his time came.  Jennifer was as excitable and inquisitive
as ever.  She asked after her friend Lorilei and J'red promised to have them
all to the Warren for a visit soon.

"Perhaps I'll send the girl up with the wagons of supplies I've promised for
the repairs to the Warren."  Lord Fowler stated, as he pretended to think it
over.

Jennifer jumped up and down... "Oh, please, Da!  Please, please, please?"

J'red grinned, "Of course I could just take her back with me now and send
her home with the wagons..."

Jennifer squealed, going from her brother to her father, pleading.  The two
laughed at her antics.

"Yes, take her with you!  So I can have some peace!"  And in a flash
Jennifer was running to gather up a few things to take to Whiteriver.

****
As they prepared to leave, Lord Fowler instructed his son to tell Trinale
that help was coming soon, and that along with the supplies he'd be sending
some of his best workmen to aid in clearing out the debris from the wraith
attack.  "And try not to have too much fun,"  Lord Fowler winked at his son,
and turning a stern gaze to his daughter emphatically stated, "And you are
*not* to leave the warren without an escort, we certainly don't want a
repeat of your last adventure!"

Jennifer nodded and her brother helped her climb aboard Firefly's back.  In
a second they were winging over Whiteriver.

"We had better see Trinale and let her know you are here."

"And Lorilei!"  Jennifer exclaimed.

"Yes, and Lorilei."

They walked together to Trinale's office.
****
Tag Kat
NRPG:  Is Jennifer invited to Ojean's birthday party?  I assume that Lorilei
would be going?  Tag: Barb.
I'll write a separate post on Merissa later.  Just wanted to get this out
since we are moving onto the next day.

Submitted by
Arlene Jacobs
J'red and Firefly