*Belarade*

[in a chamber within Lothar's castle walls]

A cool wind pushed back a red tendril from her face, and Belarade shivered
as her almond shaped eyes raised to glance up at the dark gloomy clouds
hanging overhead.

"There's a storm coming..." Ce'lot's voice startled her..so close to her
ear, and she turned to smile sheepishly at him.

"Yes...it does look that way..."

His hand brushed over her own, which lay on a piece of iron railing -
hemming them in on the small balcony overlooking an untended garden.  Did he
miss the irony of her situation?  Standing there...with his ex-love's dress
on...Coneta's make-up and combs further decorating Belarade's slim form.

Ce'Lot placed his other hand on the opposite side, his arms forming two
barriers on either side as he returned her smile and took a step forward.

"B'Lin..." Belarade sighed and finally looked up at the wingleader.  "He's
standing right over there..."

The blonde man glanced briefly over his shoulder, before nodding and letting
his arms fall, one hand barely brushing over her skirts.

"Yes...I've been well aware of his presence all throughout this trip..."
Ce'Lot said bitterly.

Bella nodded slowly, watching B'Lin from across the room keep one eye on her
and one eye on a young serving girl who was bringing in more fruit.

"Did you get enough to eat....." she asked trying to change the subject and
push all of her urges out of her mind.

"I'm not very hungry...we...should leave soon.."

"It bothers you being here, doesn't it?" Belarade glanced up at him, her
fingers itching to push back a golden lock that had fallen into his face.

"A little..." he smiled somberly at her.  "Too many memories..."

"I'm so sorry..." she lowered her voice as her body leaned into his.  "I'm
sure that it's very difficult....I wish I could do something to make it
easier..."

"As soon as we're back on our way to the warren....that will make it easier
for me.."

Ce'Lot smiled and Bella finally reached up to touch the blonde strand of
hair, tucking it securely back into place.

"I've been worried about you..." he continued as he leaned in some.

"I've been okay..." she assured him, her lips barely brushing over his.

"Bella!"

"Gods..." Ce'Lot mumbled.

"Yes...B'Lin?" Belarade peered around the other dragonrider's shoulder.

"It looks like it's fixing to rain..you might need to come in..." her
brother offered, giving the wingleader a harsh stare.

"Actually....I should see if I could find the Duchess...and tell her that
I'm going to go back with you..." Bella sighed as her hand slipped down to
grab his, squeezing it some before letting it go and moving past him.

Respectfully Submitted,
Belarade and B'Lin

[NRPG:  Just a little short Belarade...with a B'Lin coming hopefully
tomorrow..  I'm trying to think of what kind of trouble he's going to get
into.  I thought that maybe...the rain would keep them at the castle...at
least over night...but it doesn't have to!  Just a suggestion]

~Tracee Taylor-Schneider~
http://www.geocities.com/~_sierra_

When shall they meet?  I cannot tell,
Indeed, when they shall meet again,
Except some day in Paradise;
For this they wait, one waits in pain.
Beyond the sea of death love lies
For ever, yesterday, today
            ~Christina Rossetti "One Day"