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Day 1
Late Afternoon.
Medical Center

The purple queen raised her head and called forth a joyful greeting to her
former warren mate as the platinum queen passed overhead.  <My rider!
Wintermoon and her rider have returned!>

Merissa had stopped in to check on the other injured riders since she was at
the medical center, but all thoughts fled as she got her dragon's message.
She stood there, wondering what she could possible say to Oldreth when they
saw each other again.  She had no idea if Oldreth blamed her in anyway for
what happened when he had been at the warren before, but Merissa certainly
blamed herself.  If she had only realized about those tunnels!  If she had
warned everyone about Drak!  Then that little girl wouldn't have died, and
Oldreth wouldn't have sought vengeance on Drak... and now that Oldreth was
back, would she have to open up that can of worms again?

"Merissa?  Warrenlady?"  The voice behind her startled her back into
awareness.

"Katla?  Sorry.. I just heard that Oldreth has returned.  How's Kanler... is
he... any better?"

"He's about the same...."  came the response from the Alpha Wingsecond.

"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that... I was going to go visit him...."

"He's sleeping right now, maybe later?"  Katla tried to smile, but her heart
wasn't in it.

Merissa just nodded, "OK, later.  And if you need anything, Katla -- or need
me to do anything...?"  Merissa left her offer hanging.  She hugged her
friend and moved on.

Tarv'renon was stirring this time when Merissa popped her head back in
again.  His eyes snapped open and he let out a sharp cry.  Merissa rushed to
his side and called out his name.

"Tarv? Tarv!  It's Merissa....  Tarv!"

****
TAG: Morgie.. how's his mental health?

****
After visiting everyone in the med center, Merissa realized she couldn't
avoid him forever... and just as she was about to ask Chrysthal where the
giant barbarian was, he walked into the med center with Xanthia!

"Oldreth!"  She breathed out his name.  He looked bigger than life.  Merissa
didn't even notice when Xanthia hurried off to the lab with the blood
samples, so focussed was she on the man before her.  All mental preparations
fled as she stared up at him.

"Merissa... how... are you?"  Oldreth waited, still as a stone, not sure how
the woman would react to his being back.  Were her memories as painful and
tormented, as his were?

The fear and pain flashed momentarily across her face, as her dark eyes grew
wider -- but then, just like the sun bursting through a thunderstorm, joy
appeared as she smiled warmly, "I'm.. fine...," she answered softly.

Oldreth covered the distance between them in two long strides.  He gathered
her petite form into his arms and crushed her warm lips to his, kissing her
with all the release of emotions that he had been holding back for months.

****
TAG:  Anyone want to comment?  ::EG::  TAG: Rob!
****
Evening
Merissa's Office

Merissa was overjoyed to hear that the cause of the illnesses seemed to have
been found.  Mercury.  Where in the lands had that come from?  It was
obvious that not only did they need to treat all those in the Warren that
had been poisoned, but they needed to find the source to prevent continued
poisoning!  Could it have been deliberate?

She knew that Th'rin would have his hands full testing and treating
everyone, and with Xanthia so close to being due, she couldn't be helping
him too much.  Merissa gasped in fear... what if the mercury affected the
baby?  She would have to ask Th'rin about it, she decided.  She shook her
head, "What am I thinking?  It's none of my business!  Xanthia and Th'rin
are healers, they've surely thought of it."  She sighed and looked at the
wing rosters.  J'red had submitted the patrol schedule for Beta Wing... but
where was the updated one for Alpha?  Derry was just not pulling his
weight -- not since the Cult... not since Trinale.  And now Katla was so
worried about Kanler's injuries she had forgotten it as well.  Something
would have to be done, and soon.  Whiteriver needed fully functioning Wings!
She resolved to move J'red up to Wingleader temporarily.  Who could fill the
Wingsecond position?  She scanned through the rosters and reports.  Then she
smiled.   She hoped he would agree.

Just as she jotted a note to herself her doorway was darkened by a familiar
form.  "Staying in your office all night?"  Th'rin asked.

Merissa, started, wondering if he'd overheard her mumbling to herself, but
then smiled as she saw the look in his warm gray eyes.  "Sorry, Th'rin...
Did I forget?  Were we meeting for dinner or something?"  Merissa asked,
attempting to sound *normal*.

"No, but now that you mentioned it... Dinner sounds like a great idea!"  The
healer grinned in relief.  "Let me take you away from all of this."  He
swept his arm out.  Merissa's eyes followed the gesture and a frown creased
her forehead as she saw the stacks upon stacks of paperwork that cluttered
up her small office.  Poor Eleanora.  There was no way the girl could keep
up with all of it.. nor could Merissa for that matter.  Sadly, she knew that
Oldreth wasn't much help in the paperwork area, for all she knew he still
could barely read his name!  And Lia was now too sick to even get out of
bed.  A'Rillia... she hadn't even met the new rider yet, but she prayed that
she might be a competent junior-queenrider.  She desperately needed one!

"Yes, Th'rin... dinner does sound like a good idea... but I really don't
want to eat at the dining hall... and I'm not really up to cooking anything
tonight..."  Merissa sighed.

"Well... hmmm...."  Th'rin thought a moment, then snapped his fingers, "I've
just the solution!"

"What?"  Merissa's eyes brightened with curiosity.

He chuckled, "Let me surprise you."

****
TAG: Kris... I've nothing in mind, so feel free to use your imagination! And
yes, Rob, I saw your update about Oldreth's learning to read, but *she*
doesn't know yet ... maybe he can surprise Merissa?  Betty... when is Arri
coming to see Merissa?

****
Day 2
Early Morning
The Ledge Outside Merissa's Apartment

Chrysthal stretched as the new day dawned.  The sun was still hiding behind
the tops of the mountains, but its light spread above them in a glorious
array of colors.  The purple queen sprung from the ledge and soared into the
air to take in the panorama of her Warren.  It was a wonderful day, and all
was well again in her world.  Whiteriver was secure.  There were other
queens in the warren -- adult queens -- and that gave her a feeling of
contentment.  Even if something were to happen to her, at least the warren
would continue!

She drifted along the thermals watching the warren awaken below her.  The
warren's wall that had moments earlier been hidden in shadow was suddenly
illuminated as the sun rose high enough over the peaks.  The gray stone
burst into flower as dragons emerged from their sleeping quarters onto the
ledges, and then the amazing panoply of hues scattered into the wind.  Some
to go hunting, some to start on patrols and others simply to go do what
dragons enjoy the most, sitting in the sun and gossiping.

There was a lot of gossip whistling and murmuring among the dragons of
Whiteriver.  The arrival of two strangers, the return of one thought lost,
the fear-turned-to-hope of those whose riders had been afflicted with the
debilitating human condition which Areena's and Maxima's riders seemed to
now have a diagnosis, and, the most concerning of all, among the dragons --
the difference in the wraiths that some had battled at Cleft and others at
Windtide.  Was this difference related?  Could it be that there was a "queen
wraith" out there somewhere?  Chrysthal scoffed.  Wraiths did not have
queens.  Dragons had Queens.  She rolled and dove back towards the warren as
she felt her rider waking.  Merissa would be looking for her shortly.

****
Morning
Merissa's Apartment

Merissa sat in front of a mirror combing out her long, black hair.  Oberon
was again still asleep when Merissa woke.  The boy's unusual behavior now
had a label, but it still did not lessen Merissa's fears for him. Th'rin
said that he had some ideas of what to do to help "absorb" the mercury --
but again Merissa feared that they needed to find the source of the
contamination.  She just wasn't sure how to do so.  She would have to call a
general meeting and see if others had any suggestions.  But first she had a
few things she needed to take care of.  One was appointing a new Wingsecond
for Beta Wing - and asking J'red to move up to Wingleader while Kanler
healed.  Her heart ached with the thought of the possibility that Kanler
might not heal.  She had lost too many people in her life to lose him, too.

Her musings were disturbed by a warm arm wrapping around her and a gentle
kiss was planted on the nape of her neck.  She knew Th'rin had been working
late and would probably still be sleeping... and she was sure that Tarv was
still in the medical center... so that intimate contact startled her.
Whipping around she saw the boyish grin on Tarv'renon's face

"Ah!  It's you!"  She swatted at him.

"Oh?  And who did you think it was kissing you?"  Tarv asked surprised by
her response.

"I couldn't imagine!"  Merissa blushed, but she could and did imagine a
certain knight who knew the tunnels....  She changed the subject quickly,
"So, Xanthia released you?"

"Well...."  Tarv chuckled.  "I'll go make you some coffee."

Merissa smiled, "Thanks, wait!  Tarv!  Xanthia did release you, right?"

****
TAG: Morgie... is he out against Dr.'s orders?
****
She dressed swiftly while her coffee brewed, then headed for the kitchen.

Her mind was so occupied that she barely acknowledged that Tarv had made her
toast as well, as she sipped on her coffee, and jotted down notes.  She felt
itchy, and wondered why, until she realized the itchiness was coming from
her soul-mate.

<*Oh!  Chrysthal, you need oiling... I've been so neglectful!*>  Her eyes
focussed on the man across from her.  He was just sitting there... staring
at her!  "Tarv?  Uh, thanks for the breakfast... sorry, I can't stay...I
need to take care of Chrysthal before I head over to the office."

"It's okay!  Really... I wanted to paint this morning."

****
TAG again Morgie!

****
Dining Hall

J'red was hurrying as he grabbed some food off the buffet and headed over to
a small empty table, so he didn't notice the girl who had been leaning
forward to gather some dishes that an earlier diner had left behind.  He
reached her just as she straightened and turned around.  The collision was
spectacular and covered poor Zara head to foot.  Several of the diners
turned and clapped which sent Zara running for the kitchens.

J'red was horrified!  He chased after the fleeing girl.  He found her
sobbing and muttering things under her breath as she scrubbed at the front
of her dress.

Grabbing a towel, J'red came to her aid, apologizing profusely.  "I am so
sorry.. I didn't see you.. I was hurrying.. it was all my fault.. Can I make
it up to you?"  He paused as he pulled some gooey substance from her hair.

****
TAG: Tamara!  How will she make him make it up to her?
****
Late Morning
Merissa's Office.

Merissa frowned at the oil stain on her skirts.  What had she been thinking,
oiling Chrysthal after she'd already gotten dressed!  She waited for J'red
to arrive.  He was a few minutes late, but it was understandable as she'd
summoned him while he was just getting to the dining hall, so she'd had
Chrysthal tell him that he should eat first.

She fidgeted with the roster, again wondering if her choices would match
that of the soon-to-be Wingleader.  Finally, there was a knock at her door
and the dark-haired son of Lord Fowler poked his head around the corner.
"Are you ready for me?"  J'red asked.

"Yes.. come on in." Merissa pulled out her list, "Look, to get right to the
point, I'm not sure when Kanler will be able to ride again, but I'd like to
promote you to Wingleader.  Which means we need to fill the position of
Wingsecond."

J'red shook his head.  "You want me to be the Wingleader of Beta?  Are you
sure?"

"Yes.  You've shown that you can handle it, J'red."

"Thanks Merissa, I'll attempt not to disappoint you...."  J'red grinned.

Merissa returned the smile, "Now... whom do you recommend?"  Merissa handed
over her long list of possible riders she'd consider and waited to see whom
J'red would recommend.

It was reassuring when J'red's short list mirrored her own.  Then came the
tough discussion of eliminating the candidates by evaluating each person and
their abilities -- and that of their dragons.

Finally a decision was made.  "I'll have him meet me after lunch."  Merissa
sighed, relieved that that was now taken care of.  "Oh, and I have another
thing I wanted to talk to you about... you must have heard by now about the
mercury?"

J'red nodded, "But aren't the healers taking care of it?"

"Well, they are diagnosing and treating those that need treatment... but my
concern is where did that mercury come from?"

"You don't think that someone deliberately...?"

"I don't know... but it could be a possibility, couldn't it?"  Merissa's
dark eyes clouded with fear.

"I hadn't thought of that... yes, I guess it could be... but what if it
isn't?"

"Well, we need to know that, too, don't we?  What if we just keep poisoning
ourselves?"

"How would we find that out?  Do you have any ideas?"  J'red asked.

"I was hoping you would.  Maybe we need a general meeting.  At least I can
announce about the mercury there to those who haven't yet heard... and ask
for suggestions."  Merissa noticed J'red nod and continued, "Fine... we'll
have it before dinner in the dining hall."

"I'll spread the word!"  J'red smiled.  "Don't worry, we'll figure this
out!"

*****
Afternoon
Merissa's office.

<SNIP from Chris's post>
"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 t
hat 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."
<END SNIP>

Merissa's cheeks flushed with the thoughts of the "personal business" she'd
have liked to discuss with the dragonrider... but she swiftly banished those
images and collected her thoughts.  "I was talking with J'red earlier
today."

"The Beta Wingsecond?"  'Tonio clarified.

"Yes.. well, formerly the Wingsecond."  Merissa absently corrected.

"Formerly, milady?"  'Tonio looked concerned.

"Uh.. yes, I asked him to become the Wingleader of Beta due to Kanler's
injuries.  Which leaves the Wingsecond position open."  She gazed intently
at 'Tonio.

"And that is what you wish to discuss with me?"  'Tonio asked, perplexed.

"Yes... we'd like you to be the Wingsecond.  But understand it may only be
temporary..."  Merissa waited for his answer.

****
TAG: Chris!  This is "temporary"  -- I have a feeling 'Tonio will be moving
up again soon [hint hint]

****
Late Afternoon.

Merissa was disturbed by the message that Chrysthal relayed of 'Tonio's
request.  Certainly he couldn't mean that he wanted no assistance?  Well, a
few dragons above keeping watch on the situation couldn't hurt, could they?
Merissa had Chrysthal tell Firefly that she wanted him and his rider and a
few others to keep an eye on the little group approaching the warren.. and
to keep in contact with Cara and DeMarco.  If anything were to happen, at
least help would only be seconds away.

****
TAG All.  If anyone wants to have their character/s join J'red and Firefly,
feel free.  Is anything going to happen?  KK? Chris?
****
Early Evening
Dining Hall

Merissa watched as the dining hall filled up with concerned warren members.
She strode to the small dais, her skirts swirling behind her.  Mounting the
three steps she composed herself before turning to face the crowd.  Her
bardic trained voice rose above the murmur of those assembled, "As you may
have heard, the tests that the Healers at Tinobal suggested have revealed
that there is a mercury contamination which is leading to a number of our
friends and family members getting ill.  Our healers are working right now
to help those affected by this... however, my concern is that we do not know
where this mercury came from... or possibly is still coming from!  Anyone
have any suggestions?"

****
TAG All... feel free to add to this and give suggestions of courses of
action.

****
Respectfully submitted by
Arlene Jacobs
AKA
Merissa, Warrenlady, Rider of Chrysthal of Whiteriver Warren.
J'red, Beta Wingleader, Rider of Firefly of Whiteriver Warren.


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