Merissa left the meeting, her mind in turmoil.  Were all the noble families
part of this "cult"  -- was it really a cult or just a cover for some
incredibly evil people??  And if it were a dragon-hating cult, how could one
be involved in Gwyna's death?

And Moira -- how had they allowed the girl to risk herself, were they that
desperate?

And the Lady Raine.  Raine was a friend, and deserved better than what she'd
gotten!  But would it be right to have her risk being injured again in such
a way, just to try and find some answers -- wasn't there a better way?

Before she knew it, her feet, of their own accord had taken her to the
hatching cavern, where Chrysthal was preparing the sands for the laying of
her eggs.  She found comfort in the presence of her dragon, letting the
soothing, bell-like tones of her mind voice wash over her.

<You can not worry about all of the dragon riders, you know, > Chrysthal
chimed softly. <They are adults after all, and know of the risks involved.
Moira was willing, and Raine is as well.>

Merissa sighed, resigned, but not happy.  She looked up to see N'lin enter
the cavern.

>He paused in the enterance, letting his eyes adjust before noticing that
his
>dragon was absent.  Merissa, however was there and he went over to say
>hello.
>
>Just as he reached her, Foil winged in, buck in mouth, and placed the beast
>gently at Chrysthal's feet.
>
>"You know," he commented with a wry smile," I think Chrysthal's getting the
>better end of the deal."
>
>"N'lin," she smiled turning to greet him.  "I think you're right.  She
>certainly seems to be enjoying all the attention."
>
>N'lin looked at the queenrider and risked a little emotional brush, enough
>to know that she really was worried about something.
>
>"What's wrong?" he asked with real concern, gently touching her shoulder.

She smilled at him, greatfully, "Do you really want to hear my concerns?"

"Of course."  He replied gently.

And before she knew it she was telling N'lin all that had transpired, "And
Raine insists that she can go back to her brother and his *friend* and find
out what their plans are -- and if we can catch them... then we'll be able
to put a stop to this... terrorism!"

"But you fear for her safety, don't you?"  N'lin saw immediately the truth
to that.

"Yes, Raine is a friend... and she didn't deserve what they did to her, and
I worry they might do more -- worse!  -- especially if they discover that
she was trying to help the warren."

"Merissa...  would you mind if I went along... to watch Raine's back?"
N'lin suggested.

"You?  Would you?"  Merissa's deep dark eyes glistened with tears, and she
tried to blink them away to meet his gaze.

"Yes, Merissa.  I think I could help Raine, and help the warren, as well."

Merissa laughed, with the release of some of the tension, and hugged N'lin,
planting a kiss on his cheek, "Thank you, thank you!"

*****
NRPG: Tag back Bridget, and I'm sorry I missed this in my last post.  But I
think the timing of this post will have to be after N'lin checks on Moira --
because the conversation with Raine was later in the day, right?  Kris, our
official timeline keeper has it written as late afternoon on Day 13.

*****


Respectfully submitted by:
Arlene Jacobs
AKA Merissa junior queenrider of Chrysthal of White River Warren.