<<NRPG: This post jumps way ahead of you all, but since most of it involves
only getting Saul and Shawnee out of the Warren, I hope that you'll bear
with me. There will be things in here that will need to be responded to ..
mostly by Trinale, and I will be around to respond as need be .. so there's
no rush. This will just set up a framework for their leaving of
Whiteriver.>>

Saul & Shawnee
***
<<Day 10 - Afternoon>>

>She nodded, "I know. And I would understand if you wanted to stay .. but I
>can't."

>He stared at her for a moment then nodded slowly. "I was miserable without
>you. I can't be happy if you leave.  So for you .. and for us .. I'll take
>you where ever you want to go."

"Do you mean it Saul?" she looked at him with all the love she was feeling
shining in her eyes.

"I've never meant anything more in my life, Sweet Shawnee. How could I be
happy with out you?" He pulled her close for a moment. Gods he had missed
this closeness .. He never wanted it to end.

"Oh Saul... I never gave up hoping you'd come back. I've missed you so
much." Her lips found his and showed him just how much she'd missed him.
"I'd do anything for you. For us, but I can't go back there."

"Where will we go?" he asked caressing her cheek. "Keldarra? Or perhaps,
Cleft .. lots of new space there?"

"No.. even they to close to her. somewhere where her memory won't haunt us.
I've heard of those new Warrens in the lost lands. Maybe one of them?"

"Hmm," he murmured thoughtfully, "I heard Geode Warren was just recently
attacked .. might not be safe there. But I understand there's a Warren
right on an Ocean. A body of Water a hundred times bigger then Telnor's sea
.."

"The sea?" Shawnee asked, her aqua eyes showing some sign of hope. "Oh
Ojean and Fawna would love that? I'll bet it's beautiful there."

"Probably .. I have a hard time even imagining such an amount of water .."

She grinned teasingly up into his eyes. "And I'll bet there will be some
Inn's around there somewhere where you'll be able to find a game or two of
cards... Just think new blood to ah... play against."

He grinned, "Indeed. Then to Jasra, the Warren by the sea?"

"To Jasra where our new lives awaits us!" she agreed, then frown. "Someone
will have to tell Trinale."

"I'll tell her. I need to speak to several people before we make this move."

"Would you tell her for me that... that.. I'm sorry.. And tell Chance a
Derry...."

"I'm sure they'll understand .." Saul assured her, but truth be told he
wasn't sure they would.

"I feel like a heel... asking you to leave the only family you've ever
known," she told him and dropped her forehead down on his chest.

"You are my family ..  you and Lynnie and now Aarin. How could I be
separated from the three of you .." His face took on a darker look for a
moment, "You know, I understand that there are pockets of non-magic around
there. If a dragon were to fly into one  .. It would not survive.
Teleporting can be very dangerous.

"These pockets... They're dangerous right? Are there anyway to tell where
they are?

"Honestly.." he said with a shrug of his shoulders, "I don't know. We'll
have to take it slow. We'll stop at Telnor first. They were the first to
have contact with the Lost Lands. Surely someone there will be able to
direct us."

"Saul... we can be happy there I just know it. As long as we're together love."

"Yes, we can." He grinned at her, a sparkle in his deep blue eyes, "It's an
adventure!"

"Maybe by then I'll be well enough to show you just how adventurous I can
be?" she grinned and then winked at him. "I've never made love in the sea
before."

"Oh," he groaned, "Those are the kind of adventures I live for!"

"Me too," she replied and leaned forward again to kiss him, ending it when
it started to get to passionate for her. Then groaned because she knew it
would be a while before she could make good on the promise.

"I think the sea is going to have to wait just a little while longer."

He sighed heavily, looking at her with deep longing in his eyes, "Aye .."

She moved to lay on the bed beside him, cuddling as close as she could to
his warmth. "Do you think Ojean and Fawna will hate the idea of leaving?"

"I think Ojean and Fawna will be happy anywhere we go .. as long as we go
together .."

"I know Fawna will be to have you back in her life. She really missed you.
Almost as much as your daughter did."

"Gods .. how could I have been so stupid .." He shook his head, "I honestly
thought she was my friend .. that she cared about me .."

"I'm sure... she did in her own way Saul.. but.. I don't think she knows
what real love is. I just can never forgive her for what she did to our
family," she raised up and looked in his eyes. "She's dangerous Saul.. do
you really have to see her when you go back?"

"Yes .. I do .."

"When will you go back Saul?"

"In the morning .. as soon as they let me out of here. I want to get this
over with as soon as possible. "

"You will be careful around her? I know you have to see her, even thought
I'm worried and can't say I'm happy about it.. but be careful!!"

"I will .. Now that I know what she's up to, she can't hurt me.

"I hope not. Not when we have you back. I don't know what we would do
without you."

"You'll never have to find out my love."

"Nor will you, and I'm going to prove that to you everyday for the rest of
our lives!" she promised.

Saul nodded and tried to comfort himself in the arms of his soul mate.
Tomorrow would be a very very long day .. One he was NOT looking forward to.

Saul & Tahsa
***
<<Day 11 - Morning>>

Saul saw the woman looking at a slate her daughter Sammy held out to her.
Of course he knew that Sammy was Shawnee's sister so maybe that was why she
reminded him so much of his mate.  He headed towards them.

Tahsa looked up and smiled when she saw him, then frowned slightly.
"Shawnee's not with you?" she asked him.

He shook his head, "No .. and she's not coming back."

"Do you mind explaining what you mean by that?" the slate dropped from her
hands as she stood up to face him. "What do you mean she's not coming back!
She has to come back! Her family is here."

"It's a long story, but the fact is she's decided to move somewhere else ..
and I'm going with her." Saul's head dropped slightly, "There are too many
bad memories here for her now .. She needs .. WE need a fresh start."

"Move..." Tahsa repeated, looking at him like he'd lost his mind. "But what
about... Maybe you'd better tell us what has happened."

"It's Gwyna .." Saul said, nearly snarling her name, "She's been playing
games .."

Saul relayed the story of his seizure .. and Aarin's near fall on the
cement floor. there was no doubt by the tone of his voice that Gwyna was
going to have a lot of explaining to do.

"So Shawnee was right after all and she was behind your leaving?" Tahsa
nodded as if it explained everything. "So what's going to happen now. where
will you go..... Oh damn... I don't want you to go! I just became a
Grandmother!"

"It's going to be a hard move for everyone, but we have to. I'm leaving it
up to Ojean. He's a dragonrider .. a man. It'll be his choice to stay or
go, but Fawna will of course come with us." His eyes traveled down to Sammy
who was playing quietly a short distance away.

"She's not going to understand... I think she'll be really upset when Fawna
leaves. It'll break her heart, but you have to do what is right for your
family. Oh damn!" She started to cry. In the short time she'd been here
Shawnee and the kids had come to mean the world to her.

"I'm sorry Tahsa. I wish we didn't have to.. but we do."

She looked back over her shoulder, at the leather shop her mate had opened.
His only reason being to be close to his children. And now when it seemed
he was finally going to win them back, this had to happen.

"Will you all come back... I mean for a visit sometime?"

"I will .. most likely. But .." He shook his head, "I doubt Shawnee will ..
and she's not likely to let the kids either .."

"Then.. maybe we could come see you? Just to see how you're settling in ..
and all," she asked hopefully.

He looked at her for a moment before speaking. "Well it's far .. and
dangerous traveling .. even for a dragon.  Though .. if you aren't too
settled in here at Whiteriver .."

She looked up at him. "You mean..." she hoped he did.

"I imagine leatherworkers are needed everywhere .. and you'd have
transportation .. if you were interested?"

Someplace new for them all might give Dontey the chance he needed.
Somewhere far away from the memories of Owlean and the hurt she had caused
them all. And it would mean Sammy and Fawna wouldn't have to be
separated... "We'll go!" she agreed, and then started thinking of all the
reasons she could to convince her mate. Not that she thought he'd need
convincing. "Just tell us what we need to do and how soon we need to be
ready."

"Well I told Shawnee I'd be back to Ralengarde tonight. She's staying at
the Rest for now. I'll take her on to our new home with a few bags .. and
then come back and get the rest of the things tomorrow .. I could spend the
day if you think you'd need." he told her, "But the sooner .. the better .."

She was already working out in her mind how to get things moving. If they
only had one day to pack then she wanted to make sure they took the best
goods with them. they could do it and be ready when he came back for them.
She knew they could.

"It took us three wagons to move all of our stuff here," she began talking
out loud as she led him back inside the shop to tell her mate the news.
"But that was with all the furniture.. but if we leave that.. I'm sure we
can get something new in our new home... then maybe we could get by with
two dragons.... You coming Saul? We got work to do and my mate to tell."

"Well actually, I have some unfinished business to attend to. Can I catch
up with you after?" His face darkened, "This won't take long .."

"Oh sure that's fine," she was all smiles now. "This kind of work is better
left to us women anyway.... you go on. I'll see that Dontey is told.. and
Saul.. I'm happy everything worked out between you two. she loves you, you
know. Never stopped."

"She's my life. I don't know how I let myself get so side-tracked."

"You can't blame yourself," she reached out to touch his arm. "If it wasn't
for her giving you the drugs... "

"I should never have trusted her in the first place. Shawnee was right all
along .. I thought she was just being jealous .. "

"No... well maybe a little, But she has a forgiving heart."

"She does .." he smiled, "Good thing cause I need a lot of forgiving..."

Tahsa smiled. "Well she loves you so you can't be all that bad. Now go on
with you and get done what you need to while I go start packing us up for
the move."

Tahsa
***

Tahsa stayed where she was after talking to Saul, just long enough to
notice the arrival of Ojean and Fawna on Teewith. Then saw Fawna wave to
her and hurry over to her sister as Ojean came towards her.

"Saul's back," the boy commented. "But Tee says Shawnee's not with him. Is
something wrong?"

Tahsa shifted her stance to walk along side of him and placed her hand on
his shoulder to lead him away from the girls so they could talk.

She really wanted to tell him, but kept her mouth shut, knowing Saul wanted
to be the one to talk to them. Before they found out from someone else. She
approved of the bearded riders decision to let the boy chose for himself,
and hoped he'd make the right one.

"Saul will tell you about that later, but right now are you busy? Does
Trinale have anything for you to do?"

"No I've got some time off," he told her, liking her all the more now that
he knew she was his step-mother. Not that she could ever replace Shawnee or
make him forget that it was his sister who'd always been there for them
while they were growing up. But Tahsa was a good person.. and Dontey, now
that he knew what Owlean had done to him... Well it would be worth the
chance to get to know him.

"I need to talk to Dontey about something important and was wondering if
you would sort of keep your eyes on your sisters for a little while," she
grinned and ruffled her fingers though his dark blond hair. "That is if
it's not beneath the dignity of a dragonrider such as yourself to
baby-sit."

He clicked his tongue in the way boys do when being embarrassed by a
parent, but smiled good-naturedly back at her.

"Okay. But only for a little while. And *only* if you promise not to tell
anyone I'm doing it," he teased. "Or everyone will be after me to watch
their kids!!"

"Deal," Tahsa winked and hugged him close. "Mum's the word. Trust me!"

Tahsa wasted no time after he agreed to watch the girls and headed back
inside the leather shop, stopping only long enough to close and lock the
door behind her. Then put up the *closed* sign, before turning back to her
mate.

"You closed the shop?" he commented and his lips turned up in a smile.

"Yes I did," Tahsa replied with a grin of her own.

"The kids?" her mate asked as he laid down the bag he'd just finished and
came around the counter to reach for her. But when he would have pulled her
close, she held up her hands to stop him.

"No time for that right now my love," she told him. "We got some talking to
do."

"Talking?" he grinned and reached for her again, thinking it a game she was
playing.

"Stop that. I said talk," she chided him mildly but the grin remain on her
lovely face. "You were saying last night that you wished you had a way to
bring you and your kids closer. Right?"

"Right," he agreed wondering what ideas were rolling around her in head.

"Well the fates have just landed the perfect opportunity into your lap."

"Oh have they now?" he asked.

"Yes they have," her grin faded and was replace with a serious look that
got his curiosity up. "Perhaps we better fine a seat. I got quite a story
to tell you."

Dontey followed her in back where they both sat at the kitchen table. Then
Tahsa repeated the story that Saul had told her, and by the time she had
finished telling him Gwyna's part in it all, Dontey was ready to go after
the woman himself.

"I know how you feel love," she told him. Meaning every word. "But I do
believe that the right falls to Saul in this matter. I'm sure that as the
injured party he does have a greater right to ah... confront her?"

Dontey sat back. Shocked by what she had told him. Thoughts of his ex-mate
filled his head. Not pretty ones either. He was glad she was gone. This
sounded to much like something she would do that he wished he had known and
could have saved his daughter from the heartache.

He signed deeply, thinking that in the end after everything he'd worked
for, this was going to cause him to lose his children all over again. Now
when things finally seemed to be about to work out for them all.

"Don't worry my love," Tahsa knew him so well by now that she understood
his sigh. "We haven't lost them and this could work out even better by
bring you closer to them."

"I don't see how," he looked sadly up at her. "With them leaving here, I'll
never get closer to them. Or maybe see them again if what you say about
Shawnee not wanting to come back here is true."

"What's to say..." she said slowly making sure she had his full attention.
"That we can't just go with them? I mean we picked up and moved everything
once before when we came here to Whiteriver. Why can't we pack up and
follow them to Jasra too? With your skills I'm sure you can find work
anywhere."

"Move.. but..."

"Yes love of my life. Move. Why not? There's nothing really holding us here
now. Why not? Saul has even promised the help of two or three dragons to
help move our stuff if we can get things ready before tomorrow afternoon."

"You've talked to him about this already?"

She nodded her head. "Just before coming in here to talk to you. It was his
suggestion actually. I always knew he was a smart man. Thought it might be
easier for Shawnee to adjust to a new home if she had her *family* around
her."

"I'll bet you reminded him that as the children's Gramma...." he chuckled
as she swatted his arm.

He knew her so well.

"And what is so wrong abut a Gramma wanting to be closer to her
grandchildren?" she asked.

"He does realize that you'll likely end up spoiling them, doesn't he?"

"No more then you will my love." she replied sweetly.

"What about the kids? Do they know yet?"

"Saul wanted to tell them himself," she told him. "Fawna is going but he
wanted to give Ojean a chance to decide for himself if he wants to go or
not."

She could tell her mate didn't agree with that, and his words confirmed it.
"What's there to decide? He's just a boy. Only 13. Of course he'll have to
go with us."

Tahsa reached across the table and placed her hand over his. "Love.. he's a
man by Warren standards. He's a dragonrider and needs to make the choice on
his own. But I know him and I know he'll make the right choice. Don't
worry."

"Well you have a point there," he agreed then stood and stretched. "Okay!
Where do we start! Get a move on it. Don't just sit there. We got us some
packing to do woman."

Saul & Gwyna
***
<<Day 11 - Late Morning>>

Saul climbed on Fayloth's back, <We're going to Gwyna's now, ol' boy. I
need you to call to Satinka and fill her in on what's happened.>

<Are you sure?>

<Yes, if there's anyone I want backing me up in this, it's Katla! Tell her
to stay back until I'm ready. I have something I need to say first.>

<I will tell Satinka, Saul. What about Cricket?>

<Not yet ..> Saul told him.

Fayloth landed on Gwyna's ledge, merely grunting at Bethina, who ignored
him anyway.

"Saul?" Gwyna stepped out into the main room, "I've been so worried?"

Saul took immediate not of the mug she had in her hand. She moved to hand
it to him, and he took it, but did not drink. "I'm sorry Gwyna. We stayed
in Ralengarde overnight."

"We?" she asked, a look of disdain coming over her face. He'd seen that
look before, but never really looked at it. Now .. knowing all, he could
see she was worried. "And what were you doing in Ralengarde?"

"Merybelle's wedding. I told you .."

"Oh .. I guess I forgot." She looked at the mug he was still holding but
had not yet drunk from. "You must be starving .."

He shook his head, "No actually I'm not."

"No?"

He shook his head and smiled, "No." He held out the mug to here, "You can
have this."

She backed up, "Oh Saul, you know I don't drink coffee. No that's for you."

He threw the mug across the room, his face hardening, "Are you trying to
kill me! Is that it?"

"What?" she asked, backing up again.

He stepped toward her, "Oh you mean you didn't know that the DRUGS you were
giving me were dangerous! How stupid of me to think that you might research
it BEFORE you gave it to me."

"Saul .. I .. I don't know what you're talking about," She stuttered. Still
he stalked closer to her. "Please .."

"Well I know, Gwyna I know!"

"What.. what do you know .."

"I know that those drugs you gave me, almost killed me! And nearly caused
me to drop my son!" He shook his head, his eyes glaring at her with hatred
and anger, "Do you know what would happen to a newborn's head on the cement
floor the Traveler's Rest! For that alone, I should kill you!"

"Saul .." She pleaded as he grabbed her wrist and twisted it painfully, "I
.. I swear .. I don't know what .."

"Don't lie to me! Not anymore, Gwyna!"

"I .. I'm not .."

His hand struck her face, making a stinging sound. "I said DON'T lie to me!
I will not stand for any more lies!"

Gwyna was holding her face with her free hand, gently holding the flaming
red mark which now adorned her cheek. Tears had sprung from her eyes at the
pain, "Saul please .." she begged, "I .. I did it because I love you."

"The drugs?" he asked releasing her.

She nodded, "Yes .. yes.. but only to break the spell that Shawnee had on
you. She doesn't deserve you, Saul. She doesn't understand you. How can she
love you. But .. I do. I love more then any woman could .."

"And that makes it okay that you nearly ruined my life because you *loved
me*!!" He shook his head, "You don't love me .. And I certainly do not love
you!"

"Don't say that... I know you love me..." Gwyna said in disbelief. She
shook her head, "It's HER fault! If only she wasn't here... she's blinded
you.... you would have been mine if it wasn't for her..."

"Because of you I almost died!" he roared, "What would you have had to love
then, huh? What! And my son .." Saul's face reddened in fury, as pain
crossed his eyes, "I could kill you for endangering his innocent life with
your poisoned plots!"

"Your son.... you never wanted kids..." she spat. "He was only born because
she tricked you. Getting pregnant to trap you.. I would never do that to
you.... I know you need to be free.... You and I are so much alike..."

"You and I are nothing alike," he growled grabbing her by the collar and
pulling her face to his so she could see the anger flaring in his eyes. "I
would never endanger an innocent child to get something I want! And Gods,
Gwyna! He's my *son*!"

"Saul." A strong voice called from behind the pair. He didn't even have to
turn around to recognize the voice of Katla.

"I'm not done yet, Chance!" Saul spat in Gwyna's face as he warned Katla back.

"I think it's best if you were .." she said gently. "I've called for
Trinale .. soon she won't be able to hurt you or Shawnee again. You don't
have to do this alone."

"She won't ever be able to hurt us again, because we're leaving!" Saul
said angrily, and saw the look of shock cross Gwyna's face. He grunted in
satisfaction. "That's right, Gwyna. I am leaving Whiteriver forever!  And
Shawnee is going with me. The two of US are going together! You failed .."

"No.." Gwyna cried, "It's all her fault!!!! If she hadn't come here none of
this would have happened... don't you see?"

He wrapped his hand around her neck, "I would be nothing without her ..
don't YOU see."

Katla grabbed his arm, "Saul.. stop. She'll get what she deserves.. but
this isn't that way."

"I did it because I love you and hated to see you blinded by her..." Gwyna
sobbed back, "I knew you didn't want to be there.. that she was smothering
you so I did what I did to set you free!!!!"

"You're pathetic .." He hissed , "You don't deserve to walk in her shadow .."

"Don't say that!" she begged "You know it's not true... you know you want
me.... not her ... ME...."

"All I want from you is for you to be gone from my sight!" he told her,
"And I swear to you, Gwyna .. if you ever come anywhere near my family
again .. I swear I will kill you with my bare hands."

"NO! She's the slut! She's the one!" Gwyna squealed. "Saul .. it was her ..
She .. she slept with T'jellan. She's in love with him! Not you! Remember."

At that Katla scoffed loudly, "Still sticking to that story are you?
Remember that little birthmark we discussed. Well it's been identified .."
Katla smiled, "Are you sure you want to stick to that story ..?"

"Birthmark?" Saul asked looking at Katla.

Katla nodded, "The woman who slept with T'jellan in the med center had a
very distinguishable birthmark on her left cheek .." Katla pointed to
Gwyna's hip, "Should we look?"

Saul glared at the trembling woman before them, "No need. Shawnee has no
birthmark .. but I know who does!"

There was a commotion at the ledge as Fayloth and Satinka moved off to make
room for several dragons .. including Levka, who was carrying both Derry
and Trinale. The Warrenlady slid off the dragon's back and headed toward
them. "I want her held her and the apartment searched." The fiery red-head
ordered then frowned at Gwyna, "And if I find proof that what I've been
hearing is true .. God's help you Gwyna, I will see you thrown out of this
warren."

"What?" Gwyna gasped. "You .. You can't .."

"I can," Trinale said calmly, "And I will."

"No .." Gwyna began to sob, "This is my home .. you can't just send me
away. I .. I'm sorry .. please .. I love him. And he loves me and we belong
together!"

Trinale looked at Derry and the other two riders they'd brought with him.
"You'll see to things?"

"I will .."

Trinale nodded and pulled Saul away from the woman, motioning Katla to
follow, "You should have told me what was going on before you confronted
her, Saul."

"I couldn't I had to do it myself."

"And what the devil is this about you and Shawnee leaving?" Katla asked
him. "I hope that was simply an well aimed threat at Gwyna."

Saul shook his head, "I'm sorry,  you weren't supposed to find out that
way. I just sorta lost my head."

"What?" Trinale asked, "What is she talking about."

"Shawnee does not want to return to the warren. She's too upset over what
Gwyna's done. We've agreed to move."

"Saul! You can't!" Trinale gasped.

"I won't be without Shawnee again, little flower."

"Well bring her back. This is her warren to .."

He shook his head, "I've already tried.  Besides, sometimes it's good to
move on. New places.. new people .. a fresh start. That's what we need. She
did ask me to give you  her regrets and her love. But .. we have to do
this."

Saul & Ojean
***
<<Day 11 - Afternoon>>

Fayloth told his bearded rider that Ojean was waiting for him at the ground
level apartment he and Shawnee had once shared. Saul steadied himself and
headed to face the boy.

"Tee told me Fayloth said you wanted to talk to me," the boy said when
rider dismounted. "Is it about why Shawnee's not here?"

Saul nodded, "There have been  something's going on, Ojean, that I'm very
ashamed of. But some of it .. a lot of it was beyond my ability to control
.. and I know I hurt you and your sisters very badly."

"Yes you did," the boy agreed, acting very adult like. But he could only
say what was in his heart. "But let me ask you this Saul. Do you love my
sister?"

"More than anything, Ojee. Which is why I've come to talk to you. You know
Shawnee has never liked Gwyna and Gwyna has done some horrible things.. and
left some very bad memories here for your sister." Saul explained. "Shawnee
does not want to return to Whiteriver."

"I'm not sure I understand," Ojean looked confused. "Where is Shawnee now?
And where will she go if not here?"

"She's at the Rest with the kids .. and with Byrin." Saul looked at the
boy, "She wants to move to another warren, and I've agreed to go with her
and start over. Fawna will of course come with us. But you are a
dragonrider .. you have to make up your own mind. I know Shawnee would not
want to leave you behind. But as a man, the choice is yours."

Ojean was floored. First by the news of their leaving Whiteriver... then
because of the honor they had given him to make up his own mind. He never
would have believed it.

"You mean if I want to I can stay here and keep my job with Trinale?"

Saul nodded, "Yes, you can. You are a dragonrider. This is Teewith's home
as much as yours. The two of you must make this decision together. "

Ojean turned away and started to walk back inside. He needed to find a
chair to sit down on, before his legs gave way. When he looked back up Saul
was seated across from him. "Don't get me wrong. I love it here in
Whiteriver. I really do. It's been the only *real* home we've ever known...
But Shawnee and Fawna... they're my family," he told him. "And now I'm an
Uncle too. I really don't see that there is any other choice I can make but
to go with you .. without my family there's nothing for me here. Count me
in."

"I'm glad, Ojee," Saul grinned, "Your sister would probably never forgive
me for allowing you to stay anyway. And I need you to help me talk to your
littlest sister .."

Ojean groaned. "Are you sure it wouldn't be better if we just gave her
something to make her go to sleep until we get there?" he asked, only half
joking. "Cause you know how upset she's gonna be when she finds out she has
to leave Sammy?"

"Ahh," Saul grinned, "I got that one covered. Sammy and her parents are
going to be joining us at the new warren."

"Come with us? Just like that?" he couldn't believe it. "But what about
their shop?"

That had been one reason he hadn't wanted to leave. So he couldn't have had
the chance to get to know his real father better. But if he was going with
them.....

"Leather workers are welcome everywhere. So setting up a new shop will not
be difficult. And I think Tahsa and Dontey want to stay close to the three
of you. I know they'll be glad you've decided to come with us."

"There was really no other choice. Shawnee has done everything for us so
Fawna and I could have a better life. I want to repay that to her someday
when I can."

"Now...will you tell me what happened? If I'm old enough to be allow to
chose then I'm old enough to know."

Saul looked down and shrugged, "I fell for Gwyna's lies and schemes. I'd
have probably never found out if it hadn't been for the fact that I
overdosed on the drugs she was giving me." He sighed, "I should have
listened to Shawnee's fears about her.. but I didn't"

"She used drugs on you!?!" the boys eyes open wide in shock and surprise.
"But... but .. she could have killed you!"

Saul nodded, "And I had a seizure .. while holding Aarin .. If it hadn't
been for the quick movement of a very kind woman, he might have fallen on
the cement .." Pain edged Saul's eyes, remembering the near tragedy with
his newborn son.

"What will happen to her now?" the boy asked, again looking more adult then
he should have in his anger. "She's not going to be allowed to get away
with it is she?"

"No .. she won't," Saul assured him. "Her fate will be up to Trinale."

"Okay.. so now what? Are you feeling up to facing Fawna?" the boy grinned
wickedly.

Saul nodded, "As ready as I'll ever be .."

"It'll be okay Saul.. She still loves you. You gave her Fay after all and
she still keeps her doll with her all the time."

Saul nodded, "If she's as forgiving as your older sister I ought to be okay .."

"Saul," Ojean looked at himand rolled his eyes. "She's just a kid. Open
your arms and tell her ou love her. Call her your sweet angel and she'll
run to you and start crying and say she loves you too!"

Saul chuckled, "You think it'll be that easy?" He shrugged, "Well all of it
would be true. I do still love her and I feel so horribly bad for hurting
that sweet angel .."

Ojean rolled his eyes again. Stood up and grabbed Saul by the arm and
pulled him towards the door. "Come on. I keep hearing that your some kind
of charmer with the ladies. Well.. use your charm on her."

Saul nodded and mussed the lads hair before heading out to find his sweet
angel. He prayed silently that it would be as easy as Ojean thought it
would be

***

Tahsa was watching though the window when the two dragons landed. She saw
Saul dismount and stand there until Ojean came to stand beside him. Then
saw the boy head towards his sister. Bend down and say something to her,
and saw her turn around to look back at the bearded dragonrider standing
next to the blue dragon.

As she stood there praying things would work out, she saw Fawna turned back
to her brother. Look up and say something to him. Saw him nod his head and
the next thing she saw was the little girl get up and run into the open
arms of the man she had never quit loving. Tahsa smiled to herself and
closed the curtain then went back to packing.

***

Saul hugged the little girl, "Do you want to go see Shawnee tonight? Tell
her the good news?"

"Are you coming to?" she asked clutching his shoulder as if afraid to let
it go.

"Of course, angel. Shawnee's expecting me. I won't let her down again. And
I know she'd be glad to see you two come as well. I know Byrin and his
mother will be able to find you your own room to spend the night in." he
grinned at the child, "Would you like to sleep in a real inn?"

"Can Sammy come too?" she asked. "She might like to sleep in a real inn too."

Saul nodded, "If it's all right with her mother.

"Okay." she grinned and kissed his chin. "Saul... I love you."

"I love you too, angel."

Regards,
Saul & Shawnee, et al
(AKA Barb and Kris)


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       \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
                      Ce'lot & Britche, Xylain Warren, Wingleader
                http://homepage.interaccess.com/~sgant/Kris/kris.htm
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