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Day 2
Before the Wedding.
Merissa's Apartment.

Merissa had been rather relieved when, as she'd dressed for this evening's
events, a knock had sounded at her outer apartment doors, and Corra had
appeared right at the most opportune moment!

Oberon had just dropped Merissa's powder onto the floor, and was proceeding
to smear rouge all over the dressing table.

"It's my night off, dear,"  Corra had said, as she bundled Oberon into his
pajamas.  "You go and enjoy your festivities.  He's more than welcome to
stay the night with me, so don't worry about a thing!"

Merissa had smiled in relief and thanked her profusely.  They spoke for a
while longer, and Merissa mentioned her conversation with Sarah, the new
schoolmarm.  Not much more was said on the subject, however, as Oberon,
excited with the prospect of staying the night with Corra had returned with
his arms loaded with his favorite possessions and was insisting that he was
ready to go.

Corra ushered him out into the evening, and Merissa was left to finish
dressing in peace.


****
Wedding.
Dining Hall.

Merissa was escorted up onto the dais.  She stood with the happy wedding
couple before her, and Terau, acting as the mediator, since he had been a
Bard for much longer than Analise, Liandra, or obviously Merissa.  He did a
good job and seemed to be enjoying himself.  Merissa was overjoyed at how
smoothly the vows were exchanged and Prince Reolden's presentation of the
former Calarais Lands went.

She looked out at the gathering, feeling a sense of pride and contentment at
finally being able to do some positive actions for the warren.  The new wing
was a good idea and one she was sure would benefit them all.  However, as
she glanced out at the crowd she spotted a very familiar form slipping
towards the rear... Th'rin!  She felt her heart slip as the familiar ache
overcame her.  Where had it gone so wrong?  He was leaving even before she
would be free to go and speak to him!

Sighing she thought to return her attentions to the proceedings, but another
familiar figure slipped out of the dining hall... Tarv'renon!  Where was he
going?  She found that her mind would not remained focussed, though she went
through the motions of the pleasantries and congratulations.

The wedding ceremony finished, Merissa was glad that her mother's capable
management took over, and the festivities began.  The music was superb!  And
to her surprise Lia cornered her and begged her to help her perform the song
that she had taught her.  Merissa could not refuse and so mounted the stage
with the younger junior queenrider.  They performed the duet to the delight
of the crowd, and especially the delight of Lady Lenasha.

Leo took another sip of champagne.  It was far better stuff than he'd ever
get back at the Guildhall - at least until he MADE his mastery level.  He
nodded in appreciation of the duet.  A fine song and reasonably well
performed. His throat tightened briefly seeing Lia performing - she looked
so like his sister, it was a glimpse of what might have been....if only.  He
shuddered to throw off the dark thoughts and noticed Prince Reolden standing
off to one side.  With a smile for his prospects Leo headed straight for the
man.

Prince Reolden moved forward to congratulate Merissa and Lia on their
performance.   Looking up his eyes met those of a young man whom he'd seen
several times during the trials.  The four converged as one.

"Well performed, dear ladies!"  Prince Reolden enthused.

"Why, thank you, my dear Reolden, how kind of you,"  Merissa smiled.

"Not kind, Warrenlady - but only the just truth."  Leo grinned and bowed
deeply to match his florid praise before turning to face the Prince.

"Have you had the pleasure of meeting Leonidas?  He is Eleanora's brother,
and Lia's cousin."  Merissa gave the introductions, "And a fine Bard,
himself."

"Actually, the Prince and I were briefly introduced," Leo murmured with a
faintly sheepish grin.  "Just before Eleanora...um, Cara...."  He shrugged
eloquently. "I somehow doubt the prince remembers me.  But I am honored to
make his acquaintance."  Leo bowed just slightly, but managed somehow to
convey the impression of kneeling just the same.

Prince Reolden was immediately taken by the young man.  "It's a shame we've
met so late in my stay.  I need to be returning to Ralengarde and reporting
all of these momentous occurrences to my father...."

Leo grinned wryly.  "I certainly don't envy you that.  Though he should
perhaps be pleased by the wedding and the new tenancy, shouldn't he? More
productive."  He shrugged to change the subject. "Must be nice to have your
own dragon to fly back on - I have to cadge a ride back to Ralengarde from
my little sister."

Reolden's eyes narrowed, thoughtfully, "When do you wish to return?  I'm
sure that Trendal can handle us both without effort?"

Leo only barely managed to keep his jaw from scraping the floor.  Cadge a
ride from the PRINCE??? Oh how cool was that? He smiled broadly.  "I'm
supposed to return tomorrow. I'd be delighted to ride with you - and I'm
sure Eleanora will appreciate it.  She has to fly Mom back at sometime too.
Thanks."

"Speaking of Eleanora, I see her over there.  If you two don't mind?  Fine
then, coming Lia?"  Merissa excused themselves and headed off to see the
young courier.

The Prince turned to Leo, "And why the rush to return to Ralengarde?  Aren't
enjoying your visit here with your family?"

Oh, I am.  Though I rather imagine Ru-er, Eleanora would have me leave...or
at least Ben'sar would."  Leo grinned, chuckling softly.  "But I do have to
get back.  I have only a certain amount of leave from the Guildhall.
Besides, there's a bit of a mystery brewing near Keldarra that I need to
look into."

"Mystery?"  The thought of a mystery piqued the Prince's interest.

"Yes, you see we only just discovered that Lia was our cousin.  I mean, Mom
never mentioned that Uncle Leander had kids - she barely mentioned him.
Apparently, though, there is another daughter...only Lia doesn't know about
her and no one seems to know where she is."

"But why does this involve Keldarra?"  Reolden asked.

"That's where they where at the time.  The mother - she died in childbirth -
is buried near there. So, that's where we need to start searching."  Leo
growled softly in anticipated frustration.  "Following a trail that's ten
years gone...stone cold, the bloody thing will b-"  He glanced up guiltily.
"My apologies, your Highness. This is not going to be easy and yet it's so
urgent."

Reolden chuckled, "No, no need to apologize.  If there is anything I can do
to help?  Do you have anything else to go on?"

"Your help is most appreciated.  I don't think there is much more, but if
there is my mother will know it.  Would it be too forward of me to ask you
to meet her?"

"Your mother is here tonight, yes?  I would be delighted to meet her," the
Prince affirmed.

Leo led the prince over to a table where Liandra was sitting in apparently
delightful conversation with Abby.  He waited for a break and then smiled at
both women.  "Mom, Abby, may I introduce you to Prince Reolden?  He's
offered to help us find...um..Adri..Ad.."

"Adrielenne, dear."  Liandra smiled warmly at the young prince.  "It's a
pleasure, your Highness - and thank you.  I'm afraid we'll need quite a bit
of help."

****
TAG: KK take it from here!

****
Eleanora, Lia and Merissa chatted while watching the activities about them.
The double celebration almost seemed a continuation of the previous night's
hatching party!  Though, this night, every time Merissa tried to take a
drink from her wine glass it seemed to have vanished.  How odd!

Along with the detailed instructions that Analise had given the girls about
the wedding preparations, another had been to keep Merissa away from the
booze.

The young women chatted amiably, though Merissa couldn't help notice
Eleanora's eyes kept straying to the corner where her Mom sat chatting.

Exhausted, Merissa finally decided to turn in early and returned to her
empty apartment to shower.

****
Insert the Evening's Activities from "The Tunnels of 'Tonio" and "Wings,
Cakes and Other Treats."

****
'Tonio had vanished into the darkness of the tunnels.  Merissa thought
briefly that those tunnels needed to be mapped and guarded, perhaps finding
where they exited from the warren.  She wondered where else there might be
tunnels... perhaps the VIP quarters?  That would explain how Calarais and
Gingle had managed to escape!  Shaking her head with the realization of all
the pain that the Cult had caused -- and probably could have been stopped if
they'd only found these tunnels sooner -- Merissa's heart ached.

But 'Tonio... Merissa's mind wandered back to the Knight.  He had been
completely right!  Her heart was torn and she needed to settle it.  Pulling
on some clothes, she decided.  She would go talk with Tarv'renon first.
Sort out those emotions.  Then she'd face Th'rin.

****
NRPG:  Thanks to KK for her help with Leonidas.

Respectfully submitted by
Arlene Jacobs
AKA Merissa, Warrenlady, rider of Chrysthal of Whiteriver Warren.