Joyful Reunions - mostly

[Deleted]

Nraith chuckled as Rikki almost fell off and Ktal holding a little tighter to her. He heard her call out to Ash and watched as Ash froze as they landed behind the group.

Nraith heard Ktal's words but would address that later. He too would have to learn to forgive. He knew the woman had been brought down hard off her high place and she had learned a hard lesson. Perhaps Ktal would see it, perhaps he would have to be shown it. Only time would tell.

Jraith had felt his friend close by and gave Reldai's hand a squeeze and a grin, watching as Ash froze, then feeling the ground shake with the landing of Nraith watched him turn around slowly. Jraith and Reldai also turned, as did most of the group, then Jraith let out a laugh as he watched Ash bolt into a run and scream

"RIIIKKKIII!!!!!"

Nraith also laughed, a deep chuckle coming from him at the scene before him.

::Did you feel him?:: Nraith was speaking of Gelithron being near the village,

Jraith nod ::Yes I did, he did not come this way, thankfully. But there is other trouble ahead. Hunters. I don't know what they are hunting though I think they may be after dragons or they are raiders. They hid when they realized I was flying overhead.::

Nraith nods slowly ::When we leave we will fly that way and take a look. I will let you know what I see::

the two stopped their communications for a few to watch the joyful reunion of Ash and Rikki. Jraith could feel the anger that Ktal had towards Sahira, and himself wondered if Rikki had forgiven him yet.

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[Rikki]

"Ash!" Rikki jumped from Nraith and ran towards Ash. She left the others in the back of her mind as she ran to him. Laughing, she reached him, spun him around, and dropped to the ground with him. Hugging each other tightly, they whispered their own private words to each other.

"I missed you, Rikki" Ash said with a greater hug. "I missed you too, Ashy" she replied as she touseled him to the ground. They rolled around as she tickled him before sitting with their arms about each other.

"Why did you leave?" Ash asked pouting as she shook her head. "I had to Ash...but guess what, I get to ride a dragon." He looked at her with wide eyes then replied. "So did Reldai." Rikki frowned glancing back to look at Reldai and Je'raith as they stood some distance away.

"Reldai did?" she asked, flash of anger sweeping through her as her gaze rested on Je'raith. "With???" she asked in a low tone. She'd known exactly how Ktal had felt with Sahira, knowing the feeling only too well. And with Je'raith too.

[Deleted]

Je'raith could taste her anger still and her displeasure at the news Ash had just given her. He took a breath and gave Reldai's hand a squeeze. She would feel the hurt he felt. He looked to Nraith, her look had answered his question. There was one thing she didn't understand. He came because he knew Aer'alyn was here, he came because he knew she would be a match for him. If they had sent the ones they wanted to.. the village, Nraith and Aer'alyn would have been destroyed. He would not speak of it unless she asked.

He pushed the hurt away, he didn't bury it and didnt deny it, but it would not affect how he lived. If she wanted to stew and rot in bitterness that was for her to suffer for and Nraith to deal with. a smile set up on his lips as he looked away from Rikki to Nraith.

Nraith chuckled, but he knew Je'raith was regretful for what happened, but he also knew the outcome would have been very different if it had not been him that had come. He would show Rikki the truth.

He could also feel the bond developing between Je'raith and Reldai ::Well my friend, You have done a first for Dragonkind.::

Je'raith laughed opening, but remained in silent communication ::Yes I know. But its good and we are both happy. I will not let Rikki's displeasure, disapproval or bitterness change that:: he grinned openly, though he didn't look at Rikki, he wasn't going rub it in but he knew that because he was happy it would get under her skin even more. She would see them holding hands, it was more than just Dragon and Rider, she was more than just a rider to him.

Nraith chuckled, still in his dragon form, did not reply to his friend, but he would know his approval, he'd chosen well a mate in Reldai. They were a good match.

[Rikki]

Pushing Je'raith and his actions from her mind, she smiled down at Ash, hugging him closely again. "We were in a cave, and it was dark and gloomy..." she spoke lightly, trying to make it a game for Ash, but knew the dark and gloomy would haunt her in ways she'd never reveal to Ash.

"I found a stone, it's purple and sparkles with the sun. I bet you will find it in my things. Want to find it?" she grinned at him, the grin faltering as she catches the gaze of Reldai. Her glance flickered down to the handhold Reldai shared with Je'raith. Her eyes hardened and she forced herself to look away to concentrate on Ash. "Go on, I brought it for you." She smiled at him again, trying to hide the hurt pain she felt inside. She was trying so hard.......

Reldai waited until Ash ran to rummage through Rikki's things before she squeezed Je'raiths hand, kissed him quickly and walked to Rikki.

Rikk's gaze turned to Ash, she didn't notice Reldai until the lady touched her shoulder. "Rikki, come talk to me." Reldai knelt level with Rikki, held her hand out and drew her up.

Taking the younger woman around the waist, Reldai walked with her. She knew Rikki was still angry at Je'raith, Sahira and many others. "I will not try to tell you to not be angry. Anger is something each of us must deal with and learn to grow in that dealing."

She turned to face Rikki, seeing Je'raith over the girls shoulder. "I understand you are now a dragon rider. Nraith and you now have a bond. How do you feel about that?"

Rikki was taken aback by the question. She did not think Reldai would pass over her anger and focus on something so good. "It's wonderful, the best thing in the world..." she frowned as she said that. Was it the best thing in the world? Being with Ash was the best thing, wasn't it?

A slightly panicked look crossed her eyes before Reldai took her hands. "My dear Rikki. I know what you mean. I have felt that too." Her gentle admonishment was not lost on Rikki. Though she didn't say it, Rikki knew Reldai was disappointed in her. "But he....tried..."

"I know my darling girl. But he also saved us. And he continues to protect us. Have you not done things you regretted and want to make amends?"

Rikki nodded as Reldai gently brushed her fingers lightly across Rikki's cheek. "Yes..but..he's..." she began.

"He is. And you are you. Do you not love Nraith? The other young man too?" Rikki shook her head, "Well, no he..just..." Her eyes darted from where Je'raith stood to Nraith and Ktal. "He .. ... I..... . ." Her eyes filled with tears as Reldai hugged her closely.

"I know Rikki, it is hard to grow up." She let the younger woman cry on her shoulder for a few moments before looking into her eyes. "My heart feels complete now...you understand this....I know you do. You are like a daughter to me. Learn to let go Rikki. You don't have to fight all the time. Sometimes it's ok to lose. Sometimes you gain everything when you give yourself."

Rikki nodded through her tears and felt Reldai's arms tighten around her again. Realizing again as she clung to Reldai how much she'd missed in a mothers guidance and care.

[Deleted]

He held that kiss for just a moment longer, smiled and let her go. He watched as she walked to Rikki, then not wanting to pry he went to speak to a couple of the men that they were travelling with. While this was a time of joyful reunions, they also needed to be ready.

Speaking softly with the men, instructing them to be ready. They spoke for a few minutes, talking back and forth about what to possibly expect and what to do. He would be there and able to shift in a moment, but he hoped it would not come to that. If they were raiders, it could be trouble. But had a few tricks under a few of his scales and would draw on them if need be.

As they spoke he looked over and watched Nraith shift and move to him and join them, also giving tips.

"We can stay and help if you wish. It would be a good test for Rikki." Nraith grinned a little, he glanced back to see Rikki in Reldai's arms, he could feel the pain and turmoil and could only offer comfort through the link and bond they now shared.

"No Nraith, it's not necessary. There were only a handful, and you know that's only a snack for some of us" he winks at Nraith, the men with them laughing at his words making both dragons chuckle. He too saw Rikki with Reldai, "You chose well Jezraith" he looked to Nraith at his words, smiling, "Thank you. I think you have to, just maybe a little more work than mine. She is a good young woman."

One of the men nodded, "yes, she is, but she will have a tough time growing up. She's been left without proper guidance for too long and she's been permitted to run free at her brother's expence"

Nraith and Jezraith nod softly, Nraith speaks though, "yes, and that has stopped. She is young and has a good heart, but she will be no longer be permitted to run free and no more will Ash suffer as he has." his words were like a promise. The other men smiled, nodding to him. They all clasped arm in arm, then the two men went off to prepare the others.

Jezraith looked to Nraith, "You are taking them to the Library?" he nods in reply, "Yes, it is time they learned of this planet's past and our past, and why many of our kind hate them so much." Jezraith looked to him, "Are you sure that's wise?" Nraith nods softly, "Yes, she and Ktal must see the truth. It is not them that did anything, but they see those that enslaved them before. Some of use remember because we were there, but others remember because of the hate that was passed down from their Kin. Those are the ones that are most dangerous."

Jezraith nods to him, then tilts his head, "Do you feel the one that enters the link on occasion? Do you recognize him? His Voice?" Nraith, nods, "I have felt him briefly. I do not know who it is"

Jezraith smiles to his friend, nodding, "I understand" he knew, but he was off the link for a reason and if any knew who it was and let it out things could get significantly worse. Atleast that is what he got from Nraith's tone. He did not press and pats his friends arm.

"How is Aer'alyn?" concern filled his voice and thoughts, Nraith shrugs, "I don't know. Zyreil has gone to find her. I think she got upset and left" he chuckled, "Really, her and Rikki are more alike than either of them would admit" the two dragons laugh and shake their head.

They found Ash who ran up to Nraith and jumped into his arms, laughing as he caught the boy, "Well hello there young man! It's good to see you too!" he hugged him tight as he whispered in to his ear, "Thank you" Nraith smiled at the boys whisper and hugged him again. He could feel and see that Ash was more relaxed without the intense backlash from his sister's wild emotions.

From Nraith's arms he jumped into Jezraith's arms who barely caught him as he was watching Reldai with a grin, "Whoa there young man!" laughing with Nraith as he hugged the boy who again whispered, "Thank you" Jezraith, nodded, hugged Ash tightly before setting him down.

the two dragons stood there, watching the group, watching the air and keeping their senses on high. It would almost be time for both groups to go.

[Rikki]

Rikki let go and gently pushed Reldai away. Too much emotion was beginning to make her feel uncomfortable and she turned with an apologetic glance to walk a bit in the distance. She needed to be alone.

Reldai watched her and knew that Rikki still had a long road ahead of her. She closed her eyes, sighing softly as she thought of all the chances Rikki's mother had given up. Not only on Rikki but Ash as well. Though she was worried about Rikki, she laughed softly as she felt the happiness in Ash.

Ash was clearly a boy of wonder. Stunted due to his lack of nutrition growing up, he was much smaller and frailer than other boys his age. Though she'd been keeping a close watch on him, she worried about his health. She'd taken to giving him even part of her meals, but he'd not seemed to gain the weight she'd hoped. Her greatest worry now was he would never be healthy and with the seasons changing, she hoped he did not fall ill.

A concerned gaze back to Rikki and she knew, the girl would be hard pressed to be controlled if anything happened to Ash. Letting Rikki take a few moments alone, she turned and headed back to the ..men. Her light gaze dwelled upon Je'raith and she felt a deep swell of emotion sweep through her. Her eyes nearly glowed with the depth of feeling that took her breath.

For a moment, she forgot everything.

Ktal, meanwhile had been listening to the men, though his gaze never left Rikki. After Reldai walked away, he purposefully headed to Rikki. She leaned away from him as he knelt next to her, but the second touch of his hand on her arm brought her eyes to his. He could see the fear in her eyes.

And he recognized it for what it was.

He shook his head, pulling her to him. The faint struggle she gave against him made him smile. Silly, Rikki. He thought to himself. ~You can'not run from yourself Rikki. And we are part of you. Come....~ he tightened his hold on her, knowing if he were left on his own, he'd kill Sahira. But he was not alone now. And Rikki must be protected from her worst enemy. Herself. And the nightmares he saw in her eyes.

[Deleted]

Jezraith watched the scene with Nraith as Reldai and Rikki parted at Rikki's insistance. Nraith smiled to Jezraith, they continued to talk as behind them the men had become prepared and now waited for the time when they would again journey

Jezraith watched Reldai with a smile as she walked over, he could feel her concern for Ash and Rikki, and shared it. He asked Nraith

"Do you know of anyone who could help Ash become stronger, healthier?"

Nraith thought a moment, yeah.. he knew of one, but he didn't know if that one would be willing to show himself, unaware that he already had shown himself to Reldai, "I don't know of anyone that I know is still alive." If the Dalhria were around they would be able to help him, this much he remembers, "I will see if I can find anything at the Library. Most of what is there was written by either Dragon or Legend, there may be something. I will check."

Jezraith thought of the Race of Legend a moment, "Where did they go? What ever happened to them?" Nraith smiled, "It was never really written as to where they went after the final war, some stayed in the city and died with their dragon, others left and it is not told where they went."

Jezraith nods, thinking, wondering where they went. They were needed in such a time as this, if they were still strong, could they not sense it? he frowns in thought for a moment, Nraith's voice brings him out, "I'm sure when the time is right, they will emerge as it is told they would. Though I'm sure some of our kind will not welcome their revealed presence back in this world." they thought of Gelithron and his elders.

Jezraith looked to him a moment, "Are there any Kin that are of their line still around?" Nraith nods, "yes, but they do not show it, they hide it and for good reasons. They would be hunted and killed. Most of our kind who are of their line do not realize they are, but when they emerge, all of them will know because they will feel it deep within themselves"

Nraith wonders if the rest who are of those of humans know why they do not feel any kinship to these that now live here. He guessed it would not matter if they did. The hatred ran deep within many of them. He sighs, if only they could see the truth of what they are doing? He hoped the one would not have to die to show them, for if it did happen as such, many would die at the by the talon of her mate.

He shook his head a little to himself, and looked up. "We will prepare to leave soon" to Rikki and Ktal ::We must prepare to leave. The Sun now begins its journey to find rest. We must be at the city when it does::

Jezraith nods to him, "Clean Air, High Thermals Brother!" he nods, "Safe journeys to you my Friend. Well will scout ahead for you and let you know how many and where they are. I still suggest going around Fedrth"
Jezraith nods, "It will take 2 days longer, but I think you are right. I will talk with Reldai about it and we will see."

Fedrth mountain really wasn't a mountain, it was a very large hill. But the humans of old called it a mountain and it was not changed, though in true dragon form - they just called it Fedrth. Upon it were the ruins of a fortress, one of the Fortresses of the Dalhria.

[Rikki]

As if they'd rehearsed it, Rikki and Ktal glanced at Nraith when he spoke to them. She shook her head as he pulled her to her feet and gently wiped the dampness from her face. "There, you don't look like you've been crying an ocean of tears." he gently teased her. The teasing earning a quick flash of irritation in her eyes. He chuckled, yes, she was back to normal. She may get down, but she was never out.

Still with a grasp on her hand, he drew her to the others. Letting go only when she moved to Ash. As they clung tightly to the other, he looked up at Nraith, then Reldai. His concern was visible yet he was unsure how to voice it. Shaking his head with a sigh, he gathered up the mess of Rikki's things. Ash had distributed them quite joyfully in searching for the stone.

"I'm sorry, I have to go Ash. I wish I could take you with me," she whispered to him as she squeezed him tightly. She sat back, ~Ash, are you feeling well?~ He smiled at her, kissing her cheek. ~I am always well when you are with me Rikki.~ It was clear he held nothing but adoration for his older sister. She smiled, brushing off her concern in front of him and kissed him again. "Mind Reldai, help her if you can. I love you more than starlight, Ash."

"I love you more than the oceans," he replied. Their old affection was clearly visible to everyone, almost like a shimmering wave in the air. She hugged him close again, then a quick hug and kiss to Reldai. As she let teh other woman loose, she turned to go to Nraith. In her haste she bumped into Je'raith. Her eyes darted up to his and she muttered a quick apology. A bob of her head and she looked away, nearly running to Ktal in her haste. Ktal, taking her hand, nearly flinched from the shock that ran through him.

~Nraith, we must get away...now!~ he sent to the dragon.

[Deleted]

Both he and Jezraith saw the concern, nodding as they shared it. watching Rikki and Ash say their goodbyes. Nraith was concerned for the deep bond they shared. It was almost unnatural. He had to find out what happened that it became thus.

He shook his head out of thoughts for now.

Jezraith was nearly knocked over when she ran into him, his gaze met hers and within his own eyes there was nothing but warmth and understanding for the young woman, he would harbor no hate for her or anger. He smiled at her quick apology and replied "It's ok."

Nraith also felt the shock though not as strong as Ktal had, he nods, moving away from the group he shifts to his dragon form

::Get on, time to go::

he glanced to Jezraith. Oh this was going to be a hard hard one on him. Wasn't he too old for this?

Jezraith smiled to his friend ::If you need anything, Just ask:: Nraith smiled, he may just take him up on that offer. But not until this group was at the great waters.

As Ktal and Rikki climbed on he leaps and rose into the air with a few beats of his large wings, circling and rising high. He turned to go east as he would scout for the group.

::Rikki, Ktal, keep an out below, let me know what you see or feel and where:: this would be a good test for both of them. Could Rikki focus on the now and release the emotions that plagued her heart?

[Rikki]

Rikki kept unusually silent as they boarded and Nraith lifted high. Ktal's arms tightened even more around her as he felt her beginning to tremble. Below the noise of wind and wings, he whispered to Rikki, "what do you see Rikki?" encouraging her to do as Nraith had said.

She kept silent and he felt the shaking, knew she was crying. "Dear one, what is wrong..."

She shook her head, he could feel her hands tighten into fierce fists. "Ash...I feel him dying. I've hurt my brother. I've hurt my brother." She never noticed his growing frailty until she'd been away and even then she'd not seen it at the beginning. Such had her joy at seeing him but the last moment, she felt it when she held him. Felt the sickness flow through her as it stayed in him.

"Rikki!" Ktal had gripped her shoulders and shook her hard. "Rikki, do what Nraith wants. Look down...what do you see. Rikki, what do you see?" his words more forceful to draw her from her thoughts.

Distract her, he thought. Shaking never worked with Rikki. She'd just get madder. "Look at me Rikki!" As she turned her face to him, he shifted her body slightly bringing her half against his chest. Without a word, and before she could react. He kissed her.

Silence descended around them.

Even the feel of Nraith under them, the sound of the wind, the slow beat of his wings had become silent.

~~:Rikki:~~ Ktal sent privately to Rikki, her open gaze meeting his as he kept the assault upon her mouth and into her senses. As he released her, she continued to stare at him, her hand having come to rest on his chest as his had on hers. ~~:Yes:~~ she replied as her heart fell into his and his joined hers.

[Deleted]

Nraith was getting irritated by Rikki's outbursts, but he kept that to himself. He could feel her anguish at how she had been affecting him all these years and he knew something would have to be done, but he wasn't sure what. Reldai and Je'raith would take care of Ash. He tried to comfort her when he could hear Ktal trying to distract Rikki from her thoughts and emotions. For now he would cut himself off from her emotions, though not her thoughts and she would still be able to feel him and know when he was near, but he couldn't risk her emotional outbursts affecting him.

Before he could shut off the flow of strong emotion he felt the affect the kiss had on Rikki. It caused him to falter in his flight. He tried to regain height again as the emotional link closed. He felt the change between them and it caused him to grin outwardly. Perhaps this will help her. He wasn't sure what would happen, but she was growing up awfully fast and the results of that could be..

The scene that was taking place on his back was sufficient distraction that he didn't see the rise in water, nor did he see the movement of the earth below or hear the screams a distance behind him.

[Rikki]

~~:Rikki?:~~ Ktal lightly brushed her mind with his touch, his arms tightening around her as Nraith dropped down then lifted higher.

~~:Rikki?:~~

She leaned back against him, ~~:hmmm?:~~

~~:Are you...well?:~~ he sent cautiously as one hand began to lightly caress her arm.

~~:yes...:~~ she sighed softly, seeming to press closer to him though she had not moved.

He waited a moment. "Rikki...." he was growing seriously concerned at her ....compliant behavior.

He felt her smile, then her laughter reached his ear. A moment later her voice spilled gently over the three of them. "I did not know what I needed. But I needed you."

She was still worried about Ash, but knew, for the moment she could do nothing. Instead she did the one thing she knew she could.

".....both of you..." she continued. They could hear the tears in her voice but the sound was of relief and anticipation. Nraith felt her shift upon his back, heard the smile now in her voice as she rested her free hand tightly upon his neck.

"Now....what were we looking for?"