to divide and conquer

[Deleted]

Nrath smiled to Rikki, "No, you will not do better Rikki. You must learn self-control otherwise your emotions will destroy others. I am sorry to be harsh, but you must learn. It will not be easy. This is why we stay here for now, why we are cut off from the rest of my kind and why we have shielded Ash's mind." He touched her mind with comfort for the guilt she felt. He wasn't telling her not to feel, but there is a point when you have to step back from your emotions and let your head reason out a reaction.

He stepped away and looked around, motioning for them to join him at the edge of the cliff, below them there can be seen a bear with her cubs

"Rikki, do you see them? They are not sentient like you and I, they react to what goes on around them. They do not rationalize and reason, they react. And they must for that is all they have. You, Rikki, should be better than that. You ARE better than that, but You can not react to everything that happens around you. You must learn to respond to situations and response requires conscious thought."

He turned to Rikki, looking into her eyes, "As a child, reacting as you have is fine, but at some point you learn that such reactions have consequences. Like that which you know now you have been putting Ash through. He has been suffering the consequences of your temper tantrums. It cannot happen any longer. It is time to be a young woman, it is time to grow up."

He watched her for reaction, hoping the words would sink in. She has felt the consequences to her wielding of emotions and now, the learning would begin. And she must learn to forgive, that would be the hardest for her learn, especially in forgiving herself.

"you must start by not being so hard on yourself. I know you feel guilty and you hurt because you hurt Ash and others. Ask for forgiveness, and forgive yourself regardless of whether they forgive you. You did not know to what extent Ash felt your anger, he did not speak of it and likely would not so that he would not hurt you. So start first by forgiving yourself, and then when he wakes speak to him."

He touched her shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze and smiled. She had great abilities with her mind, she would just have to discover them, but he will not teach them without first her learning to control her emotions.

---

As Reldai reached out to caress his cheek, J'raith held her hand there a few moments before pressing a kiss to her palm, smiling, content.

[Rikki]

As Nraith chastised Rikki, she listened and nodded. Her face was pale, tears continued to trail down her cheeks and both Nraith and Ktal could see how tense her jaw was in an effort to hold back her tongue. His words bit as deeply to her as Reldai's disappointed silence had done.

She took a slow shuddering breath, trying to still the trembling in her voice as she spoke, "I'm.... I'm sorr...sorry ...Nraith.... I don't want to....to...be...someone you can't..can.n.n..'t..trust...." She started shaking from the effort of trying to hold herself together.. She turned her tear stained face to Ktal., wiping at her nose before she spoke. "I'm really...sorry... I'...ve... been so .mean...." she kept her gaze down as she spoke.

Ktal, with a glance to Nraith, gently tipped up Rikkis chin, to bring her eyes up to his. "Rikki," he said as he drew her into his arms in a gentle hold. "We'll do it, Rikki...we'll all do it and you'll be ok...and " He tipped her face up again, until she could see the bruise that had marred the side of his face from Gryvon's boot. Her eyes skittered from his to the bruise.

Lightly she let her fingers touch it, "Are you....ok?", she asked still sniffling back tears. Ktal closed his eyes for a moment, breathing in slowly for this was the first concern for him that Rikki had shown. "I am better," he said, peering at Nraith over Rikki's head.

Reldai, meanwhile, had managed to gently settle Ash, and knowing he would be hungry when he awoke assembled a quick stew. She had noticed the looks the villagers had started to give her and knew there would be questions soon.

[Deleted]

Nraith said what needed to be said, he nods softly to Rikki's words, then wrapped her in a gentle hug

"I trust you Rikki. It's those emotions that are the problem" he smiles as he looks into her eyes.

He watched as she turned to Ktal and continued to be the calm she needed right now to get through these moments. They were hard for her, he could feel it, but she was doing it.

His eyes caught the look of Ktal and he smiled, nodding softly. Words were not needed between the two men. He turned away and stepped into the cave once more.

---

J'raith stayed for a few moments with Ash as Reldai went to prepare a stew. He was getting looks as well and it made him chuckle inside, but with nothing to show of it on the surface. He simply smiled to them and continued to stay beside Ash. He would hunt soon, and take a look ahead of them in their travels as he did making sure the way was clear. But for now he would waiting until the group was ready to go.

His thoughts and eyes turned to Reldai, he simply watched her for a few moments, not realizing he was grinning from ear to ear until another of the villagers was looking at him. He waved and smiled as though there was nothing to report. And there wasn't. It really wasn't any of their business.

[Rikki]

Rikki closed her eyes as Ktal had hugged her, then watched as Nraith entered the cavern. As hard as it was, she began to think, perhaps she did not need to be the strong one all the time. Perhaps, she could let them help. That wouldn't mean she was weak, would it? But the feeling that she'd let down Ash kept haunting her. She was not a good sister to him. Yes, she protected him from everyone.....but herself it seemed.

~I'm sorry Ash~, she bit hard on her lip to keep the tears that sprung again to her eyes to fall over. She'd not cry...try not to. Ktal tipped her head up again as he spoke, "Rikki, don't try so hard. It's ok to fail sometimes. We only grow stronger with our mistakes and trials. Now smile," he gave the soft order with a smile on his face. "Remember when we set the snares and caught Tavion's prize hen?" He tapped her chin gently with his fingertip, "and what did you say?" She smiled back, then began to laugh softly at the memory. At her laughter, he hugged her tightly, looking over her head to the distance. What she did not see was how deep was his concern.

[Reldai]

Reldai was dishing up the meal when Sahira neared her. The other woman had known how difficult it was to regain honor and respect. The villagers still tended to give her a wide berth even though Reldai had shown favor to her. She felt she owed Reldai. "Reldai, what is...I mean, are you sure what you are doing with ..with him?" Sahira nodded her head to Je'raith. Reldai smiled, seeming as calm and determined as Sahira had come to known her to be. "Yes, I have no doubts."

Sahira frowned, "but he's....a..he's." She gestured, then sighed and let her hands fall.

"I know," Reldai replied. "But I am happy. This is for me Sahira, surely you understand wanting something for yourself." Reldai spoke and Sahira knew it was directed at how Sahira had led her own village. How she had been selfish and hurt so many. Nycia arrived as Reldai was speaking and gently placed her hand on Reldai's arm. "I've seen you smile more now than many years past. It is good to see."

Reldai smiled at Nycia, loving the woman more. "Thank you Nycia, it is good to know you approve." Reldai said. Nycia, staunchly loyal to Reldai all her life spoke with a look to Sahira. "You do not need anyones approval Reldai. Everyone deserves happiness...no matter who you choose." Reldai hugged her tight then gathered up the bowl. "I am happy. He is a good man. Yes, he is more than a man, but...he is a good man." Nycia smiled at Reldai as the woman nodded respectfully to Sahira and left the other two to give Ash his meal.

Sahira discomfited by the genunine endorsement by Nycia, sighed and settled down by the fire to stare into it. Even when she thought she was going to do something right, she couldn't. It appeared she had much more to learn from Reldai.

Nycia smiled and watched Reldai return to Ash and Je'raith, then walked to the man that had waved at Je'raith earlier. She linked her arms with him, "Lenx, she is happy."

"Good", he replied nodding to Je'raith and giving his own bow of greeting to the other. Before the next night, all Reldai's original villagers would know of her choice and it was clear, as always, they stood behind her. Sahira's on the other hand, maybe not so much.

[Deleted]

Nraith saw the concern and shared it. He could only show her the way, she had to walk with them down the path and no one could force her. However, this was a start. To hear her laugh brought a joy to his own heart and made him smile, but still he was concerned as well for his young rider.

He thought about what to do next, they could stay here, but what would that accomplish and he needed to return to the city library.

He touched their minds, both Ktal and Rikki

::How 'bout a little field trip?::

he grinned, Rikki had only heard of the city, but Ktal likely had not. It was time they saw the truth of this land and the dragons and why they are as they are towards them. It's time the truth started to leak forward. He would begin with his rider and her mate.

[Deleted]

J'raith was near Ash when he woke, smiling he spoke softly

"How are you feeling young Ash? You slept quite well, better than I had ever seen you sleep." There was concern in his voice as Reldai joined them. He had seen the women talking to them and watched Sahira sitting by the fire almost pouting. He watched her a moment then looked to Reldai

It was clear he didn't trust the woman, she seemed to be trying too hard to get favor with Reldai and while he could throw her pretty far he clearly didn't trust her. He didn't say it and did not treat her any different than the others, but caution was used when she was around.

"I will be going to look ahead as we set out. We have been here long enough that we may have attracted attention." He didn' t know, but he could feel someone at the edge of this senses. This one was part of the link, but long enough off of it that he didn't recognize this one. he didn't like that feeling and shared with Reldai

::Someone at the edge of the link. There.. but not long enough to recognize or be known. Watching it seems everything that goes on.::

Nraith was reaching out to J'raith as he heard that thought, he felt it too.

::I am going to take them to the city. We will pass over and stop for a few so Rikki can talk with Ash and so they can connect physically. I think it's important for both of them.;;

J'raith smiled at that and nodded, sharing what he was saying with Reldai, the connection made Nraith chuckle through the link. He figured it out and sent his greetings to her before backing away from the link and closing it for now.

J'raith looked to Ash and Reldai, he would wait until everyone was ready to go, then he would shift and rise onto the thermals.

[Rikki]

(see..now..that is just a purrrr moment...what a face... )

(bic)

"Yes. oh yes!!" Rikki breathed the words excitedly. It was clear she was still emotionally drained but Nraiths words spurred her to a greater alertness. "Where??" she bit at her lip, asking "Ash?"

Unbeknownst to her, her hand had gripped to Ktal's, and he hid a smile that was both pleasure and relief. It seemed in her unguarded and relaxed moments, she may seek him out. He squeezed her hand, bringing her attention to it. Her eyes widened and she immediately released his hand running to Nraith.

"Where?" She wanted to see Ash, but she knew anyplace would be good. She didn't want to face inside the cavern again, for now, she knew she would always be made to face the dark cave within her own self.

[Reldai]

Reldai nodded, glancing up almost involuntarily and scanning the skies. She knew however there was little chance of her seeing anything. She smiled at Ash as he was speaking to Je'raith, handing him the bowl.

"I feel better," Ash said. He knew something was different, but it was not something he could articulate. "Thank you Reldai," he added as he dug into the stew. He was, as all boys, hungry.

Reldai touseled his hair, smiled at Je'raith, and lost a few precious moments looking into his eyes. He was, well, very attractive. But, she had noticed the attractiveness in his heart first....after he'd decided to make amends. He was honorable, she knew and felt completely at ease in his presence.

Nycia ran over, asking as she neared. "Should I get them ready?" Reldai nodded and spoke, "yes, have the fires put out, gather up everthing. Remember," she smiled, "leave things better than we found it." Nycia nodded with a laugh as she began to get everyone set to leave.

Waiting for Ash, Reldai grasped Je'raiths hand and held it in a light embrace. She spoke truth to Sahira.....she was happy. And more.

[Deleted]

Nraith caught how her hand gripped Ktal's and it made him smile, as did the relief that Ktal felt, though Rikki wouldn't know otherwise as she asked of Ash, he nods softly

her reluctance to admit her need and want for Ktal was enough that he almost rolled his eyes as she tugged her hand free of his, to Ktal alone he sent

::she is coming around, but still don't press it. Against her stubbornness you can only fight with patience::

he grinned to Ktal as she came running over.

"Yes, we shall see Ash for a very short time. You will be able to speak to him. I don't think he knows, so don't tell him. Let it be a surprise" he winks at her, as he continues, "And then we are going to the City Ruins, to the Great Library"

He let Zyreil and Galventh, who were below at the waterfall, know that they were leaving the cave, the three of them together.

[Deleted]

J'raith nods to Ash's reply, "Good. I will keep the shield up as long as you let me. Again, you can still communicate with Rikki, it just seems like you two are at opposite ends of a road" He didn't tell him that she was coming, he wanted it to be a surprise.

As Reldai gazed to him he too lost himself for a moment in her eyes, smiling widely. He gladly took her hand with his farthest hand and with the nearest one he wrapped his arm around her shoulder. He would hold her hand while they walked for a short distance before he flew ahead.

He could feel her happiness and more, just as she could feel his.

[Rikki]

Rikki kissed Nraith in her excitement, clasping her hands tightly together in an attempt to rein in her emotions. To go from such depths of hurt to excitement sent her in a tailspin and she fought to do nothing.

Ktal nodded at Nraith, it seemed they were two men against Rikki. His eyebrow arched up slightly as he realized even with the two of them, they' d have their hands full.

***

Reldai sighed with happiness, listening as she was to Nycia's rousting of the group. She knew they would be ready momentarily...and before that moment arrived, she wrapped her arms about Je'raith enjoying his presence and care.

[Deleted]

He turned his head so that her lips met his cheek, chuckling softly, and raising a finger as her excitement level rose quickly, he chuckled softly. His mind touching hers providing an anchor to help keep her steady

"Calm excitement"

Oh he knew that it was going to be a battle, but he had some other tools which he will teach her soon enough, he glanced to Ktal with a grin, yep.. our hands/claws full, most definitely.

"When the fire is out and you are ready I will be outside" his words to Rikki and Ktal as he turned to go outside. Once he was outside he shifts to his dragon form. He felt a slight touch on the link. it felt like.. he shook his dragon head, no - it couldn't be.

he let that thought drift into nothing as he prepared to lift off with two on his back.

---

J'raith watched and waited, feeling her arms go around his waist he pulls her close, his arms encircling her form and holding firmly but gently, one hand rising to move through her hair. He smiled in silent thought, then kissed the top of her head. He so enjoyed these moments for they would ease the ache of when they were apart.

[Rikki]

She quicked tamped out the fire, leaving nothing but a mound of cold earth on what moments before been a steady firey glow. Ktal could see the excitement and grinned at her fairly bouncing in excitement. He let her burn off the energy for a moment then taking her hand led her out to Nraith.

"If you don't calm down, you'll fall off," he said to her as he gathered her up in his arms preparing to assist her onto Nraith.

--------------

Reldai seemed the oppsoite of Rikki. Though her pleasure and happiness was boundless in being with Je'raith, she kept the quietly peaceful aura about her. It was as if all her joy was bottled up inside and she knew that if she let it out, it'd disappear like a vapor on the wind. Still, she asked herself...'was this possible' ? as she had never expected the happiness which she had been gifted.

[Deleted]

Nraith chuckled at Ktal's comment, waited for them to climb on. Once they were on he spread out his wings and was close enough to the edge that he just walked off catching the thermals and rising up above the trees and soon above the mountain that they were on.

He turned and headed north, pinpointing where Reldai and the group were using his communication with Jraith. It would still be a couple of hours before he reached them, and it would be a good flight.

---

Jraith gave her another hug and kiss

``Time to check ahead. I will be back soon``

He smiled, tousled Ash`s hair then moved off to the side as they started out. He shifts and with ease rises into the Air, a look down to Reldai, then he moves on ahead.

As he flies ahead his sense reach out around him, under him, his eyes shifting as he looks around for not only Dragons but others that may attack the villagers.