Day 9 - evening



All thoughts of Th'rin banished from her mind as she gazed upon the 

gallant rider she'd mated with mere hours before. Before she realized 

what she was doing, Xanthia craned her neck forward and upward. Her 

tongue ran nervously over her lips as they parted just slightly 

before coming in contact with 'Tonio's own. She kissed him deeply, 

running her hands through his hair as she inhaled his intoxicating 

scent.



The Knight met her advance, pulling her closer to him.  He had become 

used to this sort of behavior from previous encounters.  It didn't 

happen too often, but once in awhile things would become confused.  

This one was similar in scope, but it had a couple of unique twists 

that made it more difficult.  Xanthia's mind comprehended things a 

little differently that most people.  It was more fragile, from 

what `Tonio could gather.  That was all he needed to know, for now.



**'Tonio, you have a guest.**



Xanthia leaned further into the kiss, moaning slightly, <I'm assuming 

that it is urgent?>



**The person didn't seem to want to wait.**



The kiss had come to an end and the two were entwined in an intimate 

embrace.  The shuffle of feet coming from the cave entrance startled 

Xanthia and she quickly, but reluctantly withdrew.  `Tonio rose and 

smiled at Xanthia, "It seems that I am a popular fellow today."



A man dressed in a plain tunic and breeches came forward, looking 

at `Tonio and then at Xanthia.  Smiling, he looked back to the 

Knight, "Amazing that you balance your duties so well."



`Tonio smiled, bowing slightly to the man, "I do my best.  You 

obviously know who I am, but I do not know you."



The man smiled, his deep voice booming forth, "Vastil.  I am based 

near Norwall Warren."



"Norwall?  You are far from home Vastil.  What news do you bring to 

me?"



Vastil began, but `Tonio held up his hand, "One moment."



`Tonio walked over to Xanthia, kissing her suddenly and deeply.  

Ending the kiss quickly, he looked into her eyes, "Milady, my comrade 

Vastil here has a few private things he wishes to discuss with me.  I 

will be outside, but you are welcome to stay here as long as you 

like.  I will be back shortly."



<Tag Morgie!  Xanthia has free run of the place.>



	Stepping outside, `Tonio began, "Please continue."



	"First, may I compliment you on your choice of women.  She is 

an absolute beauty," Vastil said.



	"Thank you, Vastil.  Now what has brought you all the way 

from Norwall?" `Tonio probed.



	"A blizzard has struck the area, `Tonio.  I do not think that 

it will last, but I cannot be certain.  Weather is unpredictable.  As 

I was traveling through the snow, I came across a gypsy girl freezing 

to death," Vastil related.



	"Alone?" `Tonio said.



	"Yes, which is very unusual.  I bundled her up and began 

carrying her towards Norwall, which was the nearest population at the 

time.  After about thirty minutes, a dragonrider landed near me.  He 

came to me, clearly recognizing the girl.  Apparently she was of 

importance," Vastil continued.



	"I see.  How does this concern me, Vastil," `Tonio inquired.



	"You are the only Knight to be joined to a dragon.  I believe 

that she may be a candidate for both Joining and for the Knighthood.  

I was hoping that you would be able to help ascertain her 

worthiness.  She is a bit old, but if she was found alone in the 

snow, it is a good possibility she is an outcast of her clan.  She 

probably wouldn't require too much training," Vastil said with a grin.



	`Tonio nodded, "Very well.  When the weather is better, I 

will go there.  Thank you for the information."



	Vastil nodded, "You are welcome `Tonio."



	The two grasped hands and shook before parting ways.



[..]



	The Knight of Passion ventured back into his apartment, his 

mind running over the possibilities of having another recruit that 

was both rider and Knight.  It piqued his interest.  Patting the 

scaly hide of DeMarco as he moved into his living space proper, he 

stuck his head in and looked around.  Xanthia wasn't where she was 

when he left her, "Hello?  Milady?"



<Tag!>



Submitted by

`Tonio and DeMarco

AKA Chris Weeda