[This is a joint post written by Chris and Dana]

[Day 2 - early afternoon]

[snip of KK's post Hand Gestures]

Eleanora turned to face her students.  "If it's ok with you two?"  They 
nodded and she stood up.  "So, sometime tomorrow we can continue - just let 
me know when."  She turned and looped her arm through Ben'sar's and waved 
before heading off.

[end snip]

'Tonio watched as the couple walked off, leaving him alone with Lia.  He 
turned to her, "I guess that is the end of the lesson.  My apologies, 
milady, for the earlier embarrassment.  I did not intend to shame you.  I 
ask for your forgiveness."

"Oh, it wasn't you," Lia insisted.  "I should have been more careful to make 
the sign properly in the first place."  She was still a little flushed with 
chagrin, but she bravely met ^„Tonio's gaze.  "At least I'll know better next 
time."  She flashed a brief deprecatory smile at him.

"I shall take that as forgiveness, then," he said, grinning broadly.  "You 
mentioned earlier that you were a queenrider, a very honored position.  What 
does it feel like to be joined to such an exquisite creature?"

"I can still hardly believe it."  Lia explained, "We've only been joined a 
very short time.  So far Nephrititi seems...well, like royalty."  The new 
queenrider smiled.  "She's rather...insistent.  But very beautiful.  She has 
the loveliest coloring."

{Yes, I do,} the hatchling queen interrupted.  {I'm very striking, wouldn't 
you say?}

{{Yes, love, you are,}} Lia agreed fondly.  {{Easily the most striking 
dragon in the clutch.}}

{Naturally.} Nephrititi grunted in satisfaction and resumed her meal.

"And what is so unbelievable about that?  Methinks that you were born to be 
bonded to a queen," 'Tonio replied sincerely.

Lia blushed fiercely.  "I would have thought I was the last person destined 
to be a queenrider.  I'm nothing special.  Just the motherless daughter of a 
bard who never expected to end up in a warren joined to a dragon."

'Tonio caught her gaze and held it.  "Do not chide yourself, milady.  You 
are very special, especially if a queen chose you.  Don't let anyone tell 
you different."

{Of course you are,} Nephrititi broke in again.  {I have excellent taste.}

Lia resisted the urge to giggle, but her eyes lit up.  "All right, I won't 
argue.  But I...."  She looked chagrined.  "I guess I was about to argue 
again.  It's just too much to get used to all at once.  I'd rather not talk 
about me, anyway.  It makes me feel awkward.  What about you?"

'Tonio chuckled, "Very well, we shall take the questions elsewhere, even 
though I do enjoy the subject, milady.  What would you ask of me?"

"Oh, I don't know," Lia hesitated.  She wasn't that comfortable asking 
questions, especially of people she didn't really know.  But then again, she 
wouldn't get to know them if she didn't learn more about them, and asking 
questions would help her do that.  "Can you tell me about where you're from? 
  Or your family?"

"To be honest, I don't know where I came from.  I was left on a doorstep.  
The people that owned the home were my family.  They raised me and educated 
me.  I didn't really have any real family to speak of," 'Tonio answered.

"Oh."  Lia frowned and put a hand tentatively out to cover his.  "I'm sorry 
you never knew your parents.  I never knew my mother, but at least I had my 
father.  I've also just learned that Eleanora is my cousin.  Perhaps one day 
you'll find your real family, too."

'Tonio felt the warmth of her hand on his.  "Perhaps I will.  I do consider 
myself lucky that the family they left me with were very kind to me.  Most 
are not so fortunate."

"I'm glad they were good to you.  It would be very sad to grow up unloved.  
My father loved me very much."  Lia's eyes misted slightly.  "I still miss 
him every day."

Pulling out a red silk hankerchief, he held it out.  "Do not cry, milady.  
I'm certain that he is smiling down at you now, proud of your every 
accomplishment."

Dabbing lightly at her moist cheeks, Lia managed a watery smile.  "I think 
he's far prouder of my musical accomplishments than he is of my joining to a 
queen."

Quirking an eyebrow, he considered asking why, but filed the query for a 
later time.  "Ah, so you have musical talent then, milady?  Do you play, or 
is your melodious voice the instrument of choice?"

"Merissa's mother is teaching me to play the lyre," Lia replied softly.  
"And I can sing a little, though not very well.  It's all still very new to 
me.  I spent my whole childhood listening to my father play and sing, but I 
never did any of it myself until I got to Whiteriver."

"Might I hear you sometime soon?  The sound of your voice raised in song 
must be a wondrous thing," 'Tonio replied.

Lia shook her head.  "I'm afraid I don't perform in public.  Just for 
Analise...and for myself.  Playing makes me feel closer to my father."

'Tonio nodded his head.  "I understand.  Some things are best kept to one's 
self."

Smiling faintly, Lia expressed some surprise.  "Most people seem to think 
that if you have some little talent, you're supposed to show it off."

"Not always.  I believe that it is up to the person that has the talent 
whether they want to do something with it.  Does that surprise you that I 
think that?"

"Yes, rather.  I'm glad you understand, though."  Lia flashed another 
tentative smile.  It seemed to be getting easier to do.

"I'm getting the impression that nobody has given you this type of attention 
before.  Am I making you uncomfortable?" 'Tonio asked, not wanting to push 
Lia too far.

Flushing slightly, Lia replied, "One or two, and only since I've been at 
Whiteriver.  I'm still not used to attention.  My father was very 
protective," she explained.

"Well, given your beauty, I can understand, 'Tonio said.  "However, if I am 
making you uncomfortable in anyway, please let me know.  I do not wish to 
cause you undue distress, milady."

"It's all right," she hastened to reassure him.  It distressed her to think 
of anyone worrying unduly about her.  "I don't mind that much.  I have to 
get used to it some time."

"It pleases me to hear you say that, milady, for I do enjoy your company," 
'Tonio said, holding her gaze, a sparkle in his eye.

"I haven't said very much.  I'm afraid I'm not the best company," Lia 
demurred.

Tonio squeezed her hand.  "Milady, it is not the quantity, but the quality 
of the conversation.  Saying that, you are excellent company."

The pressure of his hand around hers was both reassuring and unnerving at 
once.  She decided to focus on the part that was reassuring, rather than 
snatch her hand abruptly away and hide it in her lap the way she was almost 
tempted to do.  "Thank you, ^„Tonio.  You are very kind."

Tonio inclined his head.  "Thank you, milady.   Might I be so bold as to ask 
a favor of you?"

"All right," Lia agreed.  "What can I do for you?"

"Thank you for your indulgence, milady.   When you have time, I was 
wondering if you would show me the bazaar."

"I would be happy to do that.  I only hope none of those wretched soldiers 
are still lingering about.  They gave me quite a turn the last time I 
visited the bazaar."  Lia made a wry face at the memory.

'Tonio's eyebrows raised slightly.  "I see.  Well, I have ways of dealing 
with such people, without resorting to violence."

"Good, I'll leave that to you, then."  Lia smiled and rose to her feet.  
"I'd better go pay some attention to Nephrititi before she bites my head 
off," Lia giggled, eyes alight.  "Perhaps I'll see you later and we can walk 
over to the bazaar.

'Tonio grasped her hand and kissed it gently, "It has been a pleasure, 
milady."

Nodding briefly, Lia took her leave, turning just briefly in the doorway to 
look back.  Their eyes met, ^„Tonio having apparently followed her departure. 
  With a brief flicker of a smile, Lia left the dining hall.

****

[late afternoon]

[snip of Arlene's post Wings, Cake and Other Treats]

As she walked across the green, Analise was delighted to spot the auburn 
tresses of her ward among the new trainees, who were tending to their 
hatchlings.

"Adeliannae!  Lia!  Oh, Leee... ah!"  Analise called out.  When the girl 
stopped and turned, Analise hurried up to her.  Pretending breathlessness, 
Analise blurted, "Oh, I've been looking all over for you!  Merissa has an 
urgent task for you to undertake!"  Then bending closer, she whispered to 
the girl about the plans for the surprise wedding.

[end snip]

And thus it was that Lia found herself in the company of ^„Tonio on their way 
to the bazaar to do some unexpected shopping.  It was quite an extensive 
list of items Analise has suggested - well, in Analise's case it was more 
like an order - she pick up.  They would have to visit a good many of the 
shops in the bazaar...which would give ^„Tonio a fairly complete tour at the 
same time.

"I hope you don't mind having to run all these errands with me."  Lia smiled 
uncertainly at ^„Tonio.

"Not at all, milady.  I enjoy spending time in the company of beautiful 
women.  Plus, it will give me a chance to see the quality of goods that are 
offered," 'Tonio said with a grin.

Ignoring his comment about beautiful women, which Lia didn't consider 
herself to number among, she replied, "Some of the craftspeople are quite 
talented and their goods are very fine."

"I shall look forward to seeing what they have to offer," 'Tonio responded, 
making a note to look for something for her while there.

Their first stop was at the flower stall.  Lia breathed in deeply of the 
heady fragrance of the various blooms.  Not knowing what colors the bride 
and groom would prefer, she decided a wide assortment would be best, and she 
began gathering the most colorful blossoms.  Before long she had an armful 
that threatened to overflow her grasp, and she looked helplessly at ^„Tonio 
for assistance.

'Tonio took some of the blooms and looked over them.  "A very nice 
selection, milady.  The couple will be most pleased.  However, may I suggest 
that you add a bit more white, for a stronger sense of tradition?"

Lia nodded, reaching for some exquisite white lilies and roses.  "Will these 
do, do you think?" she wondered.

"Most definitely, milady.  Are they going to arrange these at the warren?" 
he asked, pleased at her selections.

"I'm sure Analise will have very definite ideas about how they should be 
arranged," Lia replied drily.  Turning to the flower-seller, she requested, 
"Will you keep these here for us while we finish our shopping?  We'll be 
back in...oh, probably an hour or so, I should think."

"Be glad to, deary," came the immediate response.  "You two take your time, 
I'll be here until sundown."

"I think our next stop should be at the bakery," Lia suggested.  " I know 
the proprietors.  I'm sure they'll be able to whip up a most delicious cake 
and a few other treats for the wedding guests.  That way there won't be 
quite so much to prepare at the dining hall."

"Then let us be off to the bakery, then.  Lead the way, milady," 'Tonio 
said, offering his arm.

When they reached the door to the Streudels' shop, Lia slipped her arm free 
of ^„Tonio's, just in case Gerry was there.  She didn't want him to get the 
wrong idea.  As always, the delicious aroma of freshly baked goods assailed 
her as she entered the shop.  She wondered if Mrs. Streudel had any apple 
tarts today.

"Hello," Lia called into the back room once she and ^„Tonio had passed 
through the tea shop.  "It's Lia."

"Welcome, Lia."  Jolinda's greeting was as warm as a newly baked muffin.  
"It's wonderful to see you again."  The woman's eyes gazed askance at Lia's 
companion and weren't nearly as cordial when they fell on ^„Tonio.

Tonio met her harsh gaze with his kind eyes.  "It is a pleasure to meet you, 
milady.   The smells that are coming from your shop are truly delectable.  
Lia mentioned during my tour of this bazaar that there were many fine shops 
here, but yours is the finest I have been in by far."

In spite of herself, Jolinda beamed.  Her baking was as much her pride and 
joy as her son Gershom was.  "I have some cherry tarts just due out of the 
oven.  Would you care to sample one?"  She glanced around to include Lia in 
the question.

Lia hid her disappointment that they weren't apple and nodded 
enthusiastically.  "Yes, please, Mrs. Streudel."

Mrs. Streudel disappeared into the back, coming out momentarily with a pair 
of small plates, a warm tart on each.  Handing the plates to Lia and 'Tonio, 
she watched expectantly.

'Tonio lifted the tart to his lips, biting into the pastry.  The taste was 
exquisite, the flaky crust and fruit blending together perfectly.  Chewing 
the bite and swallowing, he smiled at Mrs. Streudel.  "Milady, you have 
outdone yourself.  This is the best I have ever had.  You are a credit to 
your profession."

Meanwhile, Lia perched on one of the chairs near the center table, carefully 
blowing on the steaming tart before sampling it.  As always it was 
scrumptious...even if it wasn't apple.  Lia added her praise to ^„Tonio's.  
"It is wonderful, Mrs. Streudel.  Thank you very much for letting us have 
them."

"You're welcome, dear."  Jolinda flushed with pride at the compliments.  
"You know you're welcome to stop by any time for a tart."

"Thank you."  Lia pushed away her empty plate and rose to her feet.  "We're 
here for more than just a tart, though, there's to be a surprise wedding at 
the warren this evening, and if you can manage it, we'd like to have a cake 
and some other baked goods to serve."

"Certainly we can do that," Jolinda assured Lia, "but I'll have to get right 
to it or the cake will never be done in time."

"Then we'll leave you to it."  Lia smiled at ^„Tonio.  "Shall we continue our 
shopping, then?"

The duo continued making their way through the bazaar, acquiring the items 
needed to make the wedding ceremony a memorable one.  After a couple hours 
of comparing goods, haggling over prices, and paying numerous compliments, 
Lia and 'Tonio finally completed the circuit of shopkeepers, arriving back 
at the flower stall.

"I really think the flowers will add the best touch, don't you, ^„Tonio," Lia 
asked as she smiled at the flower-seller, who recognized the girl and 
reached for the bouquet they had left with her earlier.

As the flower seller retrieved the bouquet, 'Tonio looked at Lia, then 
picked out one of his own, handing it to her.  "For you, milady.  You have 
been wonderful company."
Lia took it and inhaled the sweet scent.  She really did love flowers.  
"Thank you, ^„Tonio.  They're lovely."  Smiling softly, she added, "And I've 
enjoyed your company, too."

'Tonio returned the smile.  "You are too kind, milady.  Perhaps we can do 
this again, when we are not so pressed for time.  Spending an entire day 
tarrying with a woman as lovely as yourself is something I would deeply 
treasure."

By this time Lia was getting use to ^„Tonio's florid sentiments and no longer 
blushed at each one.  Instead she smiled again and nodded her agreement.  "I 
would be glad to come shopping here again with you.  There are always so 
many interesting things to see."

"Excellent, milady.  Shall we be off, then?  I do believe there's a wedding 
to organize," he said, proffering his arm to Lia.

"Yes," Lia agreed, "I'm sure if I'm not back soon, Analise will be fit to be 
tied.  I'm almost surprised she hasn't tracked us down by now wondering 
what's taken us so long."  She suppressed a giggle.

"Well if she asks, we will simply tell her that we wanted to make sure that 
everything we picked out was of the finest quality," such as you, Lia, 
thought 'Tonio inwardly.

"That would certainly appease her," Lia replied.  "And besides, it's true."

Indeed it is, 'Tonio thought again, somewhat surprised at himself.  "It 
certainly is."

Allowing her to take his arm, they proceeded back to the warren.

****


A joint post submitted by:

Dana Zuhlke, aka Lia

and

Chris Weeda, aka ^„Tonio



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