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Day 2 ^… morning


	Another day, another set of problems to unravel.  There was 
something to be said for the human condition and how it always 
managed to complicate the simplest matters.

	**This coming from one of its members.** came the cool voice 
of DeMarco from within `Tonio's head.

	"And I am just as prone to such complications, my good 
friend.  Nobody can really render themselves exempt from human 
society and its foibles," `Tonio said as he rolled out of bed, moving 
to the shower.

	**That's rather fatalistic.  You imply that you have no 
control.**

	Running his hand under the water, the Knight found the 
temperature satisfactory and stepped in, letting the water run over 
his well-muscled frame.  <Well, we really don't DeMarco.  We only 
have a small amount of control, but that little bit can make all the 
difference in the world.  The Order and I simply help others to 
become aware of that and how to use it to make the most of their 
lives.>

	**So, whom are you going to help today, good Knight.**

	The water was refreshing and `Tonio reluctantly exited the 
cascade of moisture, grabbing a towel and stepping out to dry off, 
<Well, I will take some time to visit with Eriu and see how she is 
fairing.   Then there is Xanthia matter, which is rather delicate to 
say the least.  After that, I have become aware of another who may be 
in need of a boost in confidence.>

	**A busy day to be certain, `Tonio.**

	"Yes, and that's not including a meeting with the Warrenlady 
herself," `Tonio said as he put on a flowing white shirt, black 
breeches, and a red sash, "Her tone was most business-like when she 
requested my presence, so it likely does not concern Xanthia."

	**You seem to be awfully concerned with that one's 
welfare, `Tonio.**

	`Tonio sat down on the bed and pulled on black calf length 
boots, "Xanthia has the most to lose out of this, I think.  Plus, her 
seeming innocence will not serve to protect her, should something 
untoward happen.  The woman displays a startling intellect, yet has 
moments in which her confusion is lamentable at best.  Most curious."

	**She intrigues you, doesn't she.**

	"I would be lying if I said no.  She intrigues me as a human 
being though, not as a curiosity, which is a condition that I believe 
places me in the minority," quipped the man as he moved into the 
dragon's quarters.

	The crimson dragon swiveled his head to fix `Tonio with a 
stare, **I'm not sure I completely understand, but I pray that you 
are wrong."

[..]

<Dining Hall ^… late morning>

	`Tonio thanked the serving lady for his breakfast as he took 
his plate in search of company.   He saw the man called Latnem eating 
and he smiled to himself as he strode over, "Might I sit with you, 
Latnem?"
	The man gestured for him to sit, unable to speak around the 
mouthful of food in his mouth.  `Tonio nodded his head and moved to 
take a seat opposite him, placing the plate down and waiting for the 
mind healer to finish chewing.

	"Good morning `Tonio, what may I do for you today?"

	The Knight surveyed his food before meeting the gaze of 
Latnem, "To enjoy your company as well as to discuss certain matters 
that we both have a vested interest in."

	Latnem cocked his head, "You are speaking of Xanthia, aren't 
you."

	"That I am, good sir.  As you have been working with her 
extensively, I figured that I would speak with you," he said plainly, 
taking a bite of eggs.

	"Having trouble figuring Xanthia out, `Tonio?"

	He swallowed and regarded the man again.  He felt as though 
he was mentally fencing with the man, "Yes, but my guess is that 
Xanthia was as much of a mystery to you then as she is to me now.  
Knowing her as you do now, as well as being aware of the situation 
she has been placed in, there must be some sort of way that this can 
be resolved with as little emotional trauma as possible."

	Latnem pondered for a moment, "You speak of the matter as 
though you have dealt with it many times, `Tonio."

	The Knight sighed, "I have, but I believe that I will require 
your aid, as well as you needing mine.  Between the two of us, an 
amenable solution can be reached.  Partners for the greater 
good?" `Tonio offered, extending his hand outward.

<Tag, Morgie!>


[..]

<Medical Center ^… mid morning>

	`Tonio sat in quiet repose, holding his fellow Knight's hand 
in his.  She was resting peacefully, but she still bore signs of the 
illness.  He had heard that the illness had something to do with 
mercury and that they were working on something, but nothing had been 
resolved as of yet.  Glancing over, he watched as Xanthia and Th'rin 
began rounds, tending to the ill.  An unfamiliar face caught his 
attention as his gaze flickered over the beds.  With a reassuring 
squeeze, he placed Eriu's hand down by her side and rose to walk 
where the new face was.

	The man looked to be badly shaken, but he was conscious.  
Smiling, he sat down by him, "Good morning sir.  You appear to be new 
to the warren."

	The man feebly nodded, "Yes, I arrived yesterday."

	This must have been the medical emergency, thought `Tonio as 
he recalled last day's events, "Ah, I see.  My name is `Tonio.  Who 
might you be?"

<Tag, James!>


[..]

<Dining Hall ^… noon>
	
	The dining hall was at it's busiest today, with serving 
girls, dragonriders, and all sorts of folks bustling about being fed 
or doing the feeding.  An excellent opportunity for people watching.  
Searching the area, he found a single woman who appeared to be trying 
to meld into the wall, making her a definite target for the Knight.  
She sat at the far end of a long table which was unoccupied by 
anybody else.  Taking a seat at the far end, he began eating, waiting 
until he was certain she was watching him before turning to meet her 
gaze, "Ah, I beg your pardon milady.  I'm afraid that I did not see 
you sitting there."

	The young woman regarded him steadily and `Tonio 
continued, "Would it be permissible for me to join you, milady?"

<Tag, Bridget!>

[..]

<Warrenlady's office>

	Having finished his meal, he set about to the Warrenlady's 
office for his appointment.  He strode in to the adminstrative center 
and directly into her office, closing the door behind him, "I am here 
for my appointment, milady."

	Merissa rose from her desk, a mixed look on her face, one 
that `Tonio was tempted to ask about, but already knew the answer 
to.  Matters of the heart were the one's that caused the most joy, as 
well as the most pain.  However, a little voice within him sounded, 
it is better to experience these things that to never experience them 
at all, "You are punctual as well, `Tonio.  One would think you are 
the pinnacle of perfection."

	"You are too kind, milady.  However, I do believe you 
summoned me here on business.  After that, I would be more than happy 
to listen to any personal business you may wish to speak of."

<Tag, Arle!>

[..]

<The Green ^… early afternoon>

	The day was proving to turn out exactly as he expected ^… and 
he was on schedule, at least as far as he could say.  A dark red 
dragon and a yellow dragon landed on the Green and `Tonio 
smiled, "Right on time."

	He approached the pair and watched as a dainty, dark haired 
rider dismounted, "Good afternoon, milady Lisha."

	The woman momentarily froze before taking in `Tonio and 
smiling, "Good afternoon, sir `Tonio."

	`Tonio laughed lightly, "Well met, milady.  Might I speak 
with you?"

<Tag again, Morgie!  How does Lisha react?>


[..]

<late afternoon>

**'Tonio, they are almost here!**

`Tonio's eyes widened unmistakably and his hand gestures stopped.  
His tutor, Eleanora, noticed the motion, <Is there something wrong?>  
she signed.  `Tonio preferred to speak silently when learning, it 
helped to absorb it better.

<Possibly.  Would you like to help?>

"Of course, `Tonio," she spoke aloud.

He smiled in response, "Good.  Now I know you can work a crowd, 
correct?  You have the mannerisms of a bard, at least from what I can 
tell."

The young woman blushed slightly, "Yes."

"Good," he said.  Standing up, he helped Eleanora to her feet, "I 
will need you to help placate a crowd of people who aren't 
particularly fond of dragonriders, in particular myself."

Eleanora seemed a bit taken aback but `Tonio smiled at her, "Don't 
worry, if it looks like anything bad is going to happen to you, I'll 
help protect you."

"Then why can't you do it," Eleanora said.

`Tonio sighed, "Well, I'm afraid that the mob would just want to kill 
me on sight.  All I need is for you to calm the mob so that they 
won't want to overrun the camp in search of me."

<DeMarco, please tell Chrysthal to inform everybody else that there's 
going to be a slight commotion in front of the warren but that 
nothing is to be done.  I want to let Eleanora help me out and that 
any further assistance should not be given unless specifically 
requested by myself.>

**Big risk, `Tonio.**

<Know, I know Galvin.  He may not like the riders, but his honor 
would prevent him from attacking a person who has not wronged him.>

**As you wish `Tonio.**

Eleanora mentally prepared as `Tonio led her along to the 
Watchdragon's Peak, where the sounds of loud voices moved ever 
closer, "Okay, that is them.  Work the crowd, lessen their anger.  
The more of them leave, the better.  Their leader is a young man by 
the name of Galvin who wants to challenge me to a duel.  If he wants 
to pass, let him.  Anybody else should not be allowed in.  Sound 
simple enough?"


<Tag, KK!>


Submitted by
`Tonio and DeMarco
AKA Chris Weeda


NRPG:  Okay, so I guess day 37 turned into day 1, which I already 
wrote, so I'm moving on to day 2 which I filled with all sorts of 
tags and other interesting things.  Have fun folks!




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