The World of Drakonia--Dragons and Riders

Shiloh smiled at Erik, knowing he was trying hard to make things up to her. And, he was right, she hated lying around and she hated that she had to rely on someone else for her needs.

"Yes, I would love to join you for dinner, thank you." That was when her stomach growled and none too quietly. She blushed, looking down at the horrible gown she was wearing.

As she swung her long legs over the side of the bed, she moved wrong and the pain in her shoulder brought a small cry to her lips. As she sat there, breathing through it, she noticed that Erik was immediately by her side, Sampson sitting behind her, watching Erik intently.

"Sorry, I moved wrong. How long did the doc say I was going to be like this?"

With Erik's help, she made it to the table in his room, Sampson trotting beside them. As he got her seated, her stomach growled again when she smelled the stew and fresh bread.

"How is RainStorm doing? Is he being treated well, has he settled down?" She waited while Erik fixed her a bowl of the stew, setting it down before her along with some sliced bread. Taking a bite of the stew, she closed her eyes, savoring the taste. She hadn't realized just how hungry she was until then.

She watched Erik while he ate, noticing how tired he still looked. She told herself to make sure that once they were done, and he helped her to the bathroom, she would make it a point to be tired so that he too, would get some more rest.

While Erik was not the type of man to pamper any woman, he wasn’t the type that liked to see a woman in pain either. So when Shiloh cried out in pain, he was across the room with just a few strides of his long legs and giving her a worried look. When she reassured him she was OK, he didn’t really believe her but decided to let it go all the same.

“The next few days, at least. All depends on how well they cleaned the poison out of the wound and how well the poultice helps with the healing process.”

When she got to her feet, she swayed slightly and Erik seriously considered just carrying her to the table but that wouldn’t have been any good for her. She had to regain her strength back and doing the basic things for her wasn’t going to help her in the least.

When he made sure her food was prepared for her he finally sat down across from her and took a few bites of his own food. Knowing how hungry she really was brought a small sense of relief to him. If she had an appetite, that was a good sign. It was if she lost it things were about to take a turn for the worse.

While Erik was a fighter to the truest sense of the word, that didn’t mean he wasn’t without manners. He ate wit the correct utensils and made sure he swallowed his food before he talked. When she asked all those questions in one breath, he couldn’t help but chuckle. Setting his spoon down, he chewed on his food then swallowed it down with a sip of the wine.

”You realize you asked those questions in one breath, right?”

When he saw the look on her face as well as the color brighten in her cheeks, he leaned his head back and laughed then settled a mirthful, blue gaze to her shocked, gray one.

”It’s OK, Shiloh. I’d be doing the same thing if the shoe were on the other foot. But rest easy. RainStorm, while not all that happy about his housing arrangements, is doing just fine. In fact, I brushed him down myself before I went back to get you from the infirmary. I’m sure he would love to see his mistress but I can’t take the chance of taking you out in broad daylight to see him.”

Seeing the look change on her face, he merely gave her a conspirators wink before he took another good bite of the stew and bread. The rest of the dinner was relatively quiet and when the food was done, he helped her walk over to a long couch to sit down and set her glass of wine down on the table next to her. Leaving the table as it was for now, he joined her by sitting in an oversized, cushioned chair off to her right with his own glass of wine that had been refilled.

”I’ve taken the liberty of ordering a bath for you. I figured you’d like to have one. I know a bath felt damn good to me after I had to lay around all day. I’ve also asked Mrs. Winston to send one of the house maids over to assist you in getting in and out of the tub. I’ll tend to your wound to make sure it’s healing correctly.”

Seeing the sudden easiness that gathered in her eyes, he quickly clarified.

”As part of my duties when your care has been turned over to the rider is to inspect the wound made by a Lizonian to insure it’s healing correctly. We all know what to look for as it could mean the difference between life and death for us in the field. In time, you’ll know as well.”

He looked down for a moment and took a sip of wine before he looked back to her again.

”I’d feel much better if you allowed yourself to be fitted with some armor. It would help protect you in situations like this in the future and it would certainly set my mind at ease. Since you’ll be on the ground, it will be you they fire at first. Mina and I usually come in to wipe out the area but only after you’ve confirmed their presence. You don’t have to say one way or the other right now. Just…consider it.”

Taking a deep breath, he smiled again.

”So tell me….since you’re my aid now, what skills do you have? Do you shoot a bow? I see you carry a blade and you know how to use it but is there anything else you know?”

Shiloh's eyes looked confused at the mention of a bow. "I should have my mother's crossbow with me." Panic filled her eyes when she realized that all she had was her sword and dagger.

"Oh no. Maybe it's with my gear in the stables." She breathed deeply, calming herself, sipping the wine. "My mother was an aid, to your commander. She died a few years ago to a Lizonian attack." She took another sip, "My father handed her sword and crossbow over to me before I left to find you. I am an expert bowswoman and pretty good with the sword and dagger." She takes another sip, beginning to feel even more relaxed.

"I am a Celtonian and the chiefs daughter. I have no siblings and plenty of cousins." She smiles, thinking about her youngest cousin, Teigan. He was 6 years old and kept the whole clan on their toes.

"As for the armor, when I'm healed, I would greatly appreciate being fitted, especially after what has happened." She turned thoughtful, taking another sip, "Erik, the Lizonian that bit me, he was different. His skin had a red hue to it instead of the bluish-green, his head was more squared, and his eyes," she shivered thinking about his eyes, "they were gold with a rimmed with a wide, red circle. I've never seen anything like him before. And the toxin in his saliva worked much more quickly than normal. I was down within minutes and my arm and shoulder started burning almost immediately."

Erik was relieved to hear she was skilled with the bow. It would certainly be better for her and him as well knowing she could fire off shots at a distance instead of having to engage the Lizonians hand to hand. Taking a sip of the wine, he swallowed it down and nodded.

”I’m glad to hear that. We’ll check your equipment in the stable later. It’s far better to fire off shots at a distance than it is to engage hand to hand, as you have discovered. They are like a pack of rabid dogs when you got too close. As you fend off one, three more are behind you getting ready to take a swipe at you with those damn tails of theirs or bite a chunk out of your hide. We never try to engage with them in tight quarters. If you ever do have to face them at close range, draw them out in an open area. They can’t hide then.”

When he heard her heritage and the fact her mother was Kryton’s own aid, things began to make sense. Kryton had never gone mad when any of the other aids had been injured or attacked. Erik thought he was over reacting but now he knew why.

”I’ll make sure the blacksmith knows your coming so he can be prepared to fit you with some armor. And thank you for agreeing to it. It makes the difference between life and death. Trust me. I can testify to that first hand.”

When he heard the description of the Lizonian, he didn’t seem all that surprised and nodded again as he took another sip of his wine then furrowed his brow.

”We’ve seen them before. They are an evolved form of the Lizonians. They are quite deadly indeed. You’re even luckier than you think. Most people don’t survive their attacks. Their poison works extremely fast. We can’t figure out if they are evolving naturally or….if they’re getting help from an outside source. If it’s from an outside source, we’ve got trouble. If it’s naturally then we can control it. Only problem with both of those scenarios is the fact we don’t know where their lair is located. And it’s not like they leave a well marked trail for us to follow.”

"My mother found out before she died that they are not naturally evolved. When she was attacked, a sorcerer was with them and he was controlling the red-hued ones more than the others." She looked down at Sampson, rememberin the day she'd found her mother lying in a pool of her own blood, just outside their village.

Kryton had just dropped off Eleanor, close to her village. They'd gone on patrol early, for her vacation was starting that very day. He'd left her close enough to the village, so he thought, but she never made it home. A group of Lizoninans had been waiting, hidden well with a sorcerer's aid.

When Shiloh had felt that something was amiss, she went out, searching for what it was that had made her uneasy. She'd found her mother, lying in a pool of blood, her body all but shredded. With her last breath she told Shiloh about the sorcerer and how he'd called the red Lizoninans his greatest creations. Then, she'd died.

Kryton and his dragon, having heard the commotion after dropping Eleanor off, rushed back only to find Shiloh holding his aid, her mother, dead in her arms. The young girl was hysterical and Kryton had had a hell of time getting her to let go of her mother and get them back to the village.

Shiloh didn't realize that she had tears running down her cheeks as she told Erik what had happened to her mother and how she knew that the red Lizonians had been created.

Wiping her cheeks, she smiled at him, "We never found their lair either, and father and I searched for days. I haven't seen Kryton since then. I think he feels responsible for Mother's death, even though it's not his fault."

She takes another sip of her wine, finishing it when she hears a knock at the door. It's the maid from the aids' building, having arrived to help Shiloh with her bath.

It couldn’t have been better timing when the house maid knocked. Erik stood up then helped Shiloh up. Walking to the door and opening it, he instructed the woman to help Shiloh with her bath and make sure she had something else to wear but the over sized nightgown. After he walked Shiloh back into the bedroom of her dorm, he left her in the capable hands of the house maid. Before he left the room, he leaned down and gave the woman a hard look and lowered his voice so that only she could hear him.

”I’ll know if she exerted herself so make sure she doesn’t. I’ll not have her left in any other condition than she is now. Are we clear?”

The young woman swallowed visibly and nodded. Erik gave one of his charming smiles and then left Shiloh’s room, closing the adjoining door behind him and gathered up the things he needed to take back to the kitchen but left the bottle of wine where it sat.

Taking time to catch up on the latest news with his fellow riders, Erik was disappointed to hear no one had seen the mysterious, lone rider since he had yesterday. It still bothered him to no end that the pair was able to elude him and Mina so expertly.

As the sun dipped low in the sky and began to lower behind the mountain ridge to the west, Erik figured he’d been gone long enough and that it was time for him to return to his room. When he entered his room he saw the door between their rooms open. Waling to the doorway he knocked and when he heard Shiloh invite him in, he peeked in to see her sitting on the edge of the bed looking even more beautiful than last he saw her.

She was dressed in regular clothes that were perfectly fitted for her feminine form. For a moment he couldn’t say anything but merely stared at her. Finally shaking himself from his stupor, he quickly recovered and smiled.

”Well….that looks much better. Let’s get that shoulder looked at and then we can make our covert trip to the stables.”

Taking up the healing salve the doctor had provided, Erik sat on the bed next to her and had her turn her back to him. The bed sagged when his extra weight was applied causing her to tip back before he caught her and helped her right herself. Carefully easing the shirt off her shoulder and pushing her hair over the opposite shoulder, Erik furrowed his brows in concentration as he unwrapped her shoulder to inspect it for himself.

What he saw made him wince knowing how much pain she really was in. The Lizonian had bit deep into her flesh tearing muscle and skin. The doctor had done his expert best in making sure the muscles were repaired and the wound closed up but it would be time that would eventually heal everything for her.

Shiloh felt a soothing, cooling sensation on the wound followed by the gentlest of touches as Erik gingerly applied the salve. His large digits, while calloused from using them for rough work, were as gentle as any trained healers. He never spoke a word the entire time he tended to her wound. Even when he used fresh bandages to rewrap the shoulder, he did so with a gentleness that was in contrast to his large form.

When he was done, he slid her shirt back up on her shoulder then gently placed her arm in the sling and stood up. Walking over to the dry sink, he washed his hands then turned as he dried them on the towel and smiled mischievously.

”So? Ready to go see RainStorm? But before you answer, you have to make sure you are quiet as a church mouse AND you don’t even think of trying to ride him. If you can promise me that, we’ll be on our way.”

Shiloh couldn't surpress a shiver when Erik applied the healing balm to her sore shoulder. She was beginning to like this Erik, totally unlike the man she'd first met. He was large and dwarfed her smaller frame, but she felt the gentleness in him and was surprised by it.

She heard his short intake upon seeing her shoulder and knew that it looked bad. She'd never complained though, and that in itself made her proud of herself. She wasn't going to start now, even though no matter how gentle he was, his touch hurt on the wound.

She had to admit that being in normal clothes again made her feel ten times better than before. And, with her long amber hair washed, brushed, and shining, her body once again clean and her teeth brushed, she felt human again. She'd caught Erik's stare when he'd returned and it made her heart jump a little. But, she was his aid, nothing more and she had to remember that. She was here to help him, not start a relationship with him.

Once she was ready, she nodded her head to his demands. "I promise, total quiet and no riding. Agreed." She stood, feeling somewhat stronger since her bath than before. She walked over to the door, waiting for Erik, "Shall we go, I am anxious to see him."

Walking out, making sure that noone saw them, they made their way down to the stables without a hitch. Once inside the stables, RainStorm picked up on Shiloh's scent and whinnied in excitement. She rushed over to him, almost banging her shoulder on the edge of an open stall door.

"Shhhh...RainStorm, be quiet or we'll be in trouble." She rubbed his nose, laying her head against his. Erik would see the bond she had with these animals as even though it was different from what he had with Mina, it was still just as strong.

Erik watched as Shiloh and RainStorm spent their time together. When he was certain the horse was calm enough to leave them alone, he walked to the end of the stall and looked around, keeping an eye out in case someone came by. That was all he needed was to get caught in the stable with his aid who was supposed to be on complete bed rest.

Glancing over his shoulder, he saw the bond Shiloh had with her horse and knew it was no different than the bond he had with Mina. It was strange, really, but someone who didn’t have such a bond with an animal couldn’t understand what it was like. Now, as Erik watched Shiloh, he knew his aid would completely understand and that brought him comfort.

He caught a glimpse of someone approaching the stable and he quickly darted back into the stall and took Shiloh by the hand, gently pulling her down as he knelt in front of RainStorm. Placing his finger over his lips to indicate they should all be very quiet until the person had passed, he waited anxiously.

The person walked into the stable and moved around a stall close to RainStorms and after what seemed like forever, walked back out of the stables once more. Carefully rising to stand up, Erik remained crouched as he looked all around once more. When he was satisfied the coast was clear, stood up to his full height, helping Shiloh stand up as well. Looking down at the young woman, he grinned like a little boy and spoke in a quiet voice so no one could hear him but her.

”Damn that was close. We’d best get you back before we get caught. One close call is one too many.”

Letting Shiloh say her good byes to RainStorm, Erik snuck them back out of the stables and back around the rear of the dorms, up the small stairs in the back and, after checking the hallway, back into his room. Once inside, he quickly escorted her into her personal room and walked over to the doorway that separated them. Leaning against the door jam on his side, he crossed his arms over his chest and his feet at the ankle, grinning again.

”Well now…that was good. We pulled that off without any problems. I think having you as my aid will be quite interesting indeed.”

Shiloh all but held her breath until the person that had entered the stable left. She was as quiet as a church mouse on their way back to her room and breathed a sigh of relief once they were there.

”Well now…that was good. We pulled that off without any problems. I think having you as my aid will be quite interesting indeed.”

Shiloh couldn't help but blush at Erik's statement. "What exactly is that supposed to mean?" She was really beginning to like Erik and was appreciative to his understanding that she needed to be with her animal companions and see for herself that they were okay.

Walking to him, she stood up on her tiptoes and kissed him on the cheek. "Thank you, Erik, for taking me to see RainStorm. It would have been a lot of trouble for you if we'd been caught." She kissed him on the other cheek, "Thank you."

Turning, she made her way over to the bed, trying to hide her exhaustion. She hated being weak, even though she was stronger now than she was the night before. The little excursion to see RainStorm had drained her and her shoulder was aching again. She would be glad when the healing was complete and she would be back to normal. Still, she wouldn't complain, not one whine. Erik blamed himself for her injury, but she knew that she was partly to blame as well for she was the one who had ventured outside the base walls at night.

Sampson trotted over to Erik, nudging his nose against Erik's hand, demanding some attention. As Erik patted the dog's head, Shiloh looked up at him, her gray eyes looking at him with what could be considered affection. She quickly looked away, "Ummm...I'm kind of tired, so is there someone to help me get into my night clothes or are you going to help me?"

The kiss to the cheek was unexpected. Not unwelcome, but definitely unexpected. And when she kissed the other cheek, Erik couldn’t help but give a small smile. Hopefully there was nothing more to her pecks on the cheek than an expression of her gratitude. Not that he would MIND if it were more, but that would make things VERY complicated between them ,not to mention strictly against the rules. Still…..

That thought was still on his mind when he felt Sampson’s cold, wet nose on his hand and he blinked, looking down at the dog. Erik reached down to stroke the dog’s thick fur and was just getting ready to turn in for the night when Shiloh asked about getting ready for bed.

Blinking again, Erik hadn’t thought of that and as he stood there, with a rather stunned look on his face, Shiloh knew exactly what he had forgotten. Still, the man was not to let this detail leave her in her clothes for an uncomfortable rest. Clearing his throat, he tried to explain the best he could without letting his face grow TOO red.

”Oh…I uh….seem to have….well….we, meaning you and I could…..what I mean is….you could…and I could….I mean, it’s not the first time I’ve seen….what I meant to say is…..”

Finally he stopped, took a deep breath, leveled his blue gaze to her gray one and spoke in an even tone.

”There’s no one but me. I’ll help you get into your night gown as opposed to seeing you stay in the confining clothes. I give you my word your honor and dignity would remain fully in tact. IT wouldn’t be the first time I’ve had to help a woman out of her clothes.”

Thinking he handled that very well with the right professionalism, he realized exactly how that last sentence sounded and his face grew three shades of red.

”I’ve had to help other female aids with dressing wounds that required a degree of nudity. I promise, I will conduct myself in the utmost professionalism and not make you feel uncomfortable.”

Shiloh sat patiently as Erik stammered to answer her question, grinning as she watched him turn different shades of red, then finally laughing all out when he embarrassed himself even more with his comment of helping women out of their clothes before. She was laughing so hard, she had tears streaming down her face.

Finally, she stopped laughing, but she still smiled. "If you could get my nightgown from the wardrobe, I would appreciate it. I had the maid get one that would fit me better than that potato sack I was wearing. I would like to try and dress myself."

She watched as he walked over to the wardrobe and pulled out what looked like just a overly long tunic. It was just her size and would show of her curves some. Made of soft material, it was blue in color and would cause her gray eyes to stand out.

She wondered if he would allow her to try to change her own clothes as she didn't think he would be able to help her, not without her laughing so hard she wouldn't be able to stand up. She'd be on the floor laughing at his red face.

The look of relief that crossed Erik’s face was unmistakable. Oh thank the Gods, he thought. With a light gait to his steps, he retrieved the gown from the wardrobe and handed it to her before walking over to his room and closing the door that separated their rooms, calling from the other side.

”Just give a shout if you need my help.”

Walking over to the table and pouring himself a glass of wine, he took a few sips to calm himself. What the hell was wrong with him? He’d had dozens of women, old and young, beautiful and….not so beautiful. So why was this woman making him practically do back flips? I was because she was so beautiful and she was in his charge.

He had almost finished the glass of wine when he realized she hadn’t called out to him for help or to let him know she was all done. He’d just downed the rest of the glass and was walking to the door when he heard her voice from the other side. Breathing a sigh of relief, he opened the door and walked in.

And wished she’d had kept the other potato sack like gown.

While what she had on was nothing more than a night gown, the way it showed just enough of her femininity off caught him by surprise. Night gowns weren’t supposed to look THAT good on a woman. Were they?

Quickly recovering he crossed the expanse between them and helped her turn the covers back on the bed. When she slid her feet under them, he pulled the clean linens up to make sure she was well covered then looked down to give her a smile.

”Rest up. Tomorrow we’ll talk some more to see where we go when you get better. I’ll be sure to make sure the house maid stays on until later to help with your night gown an clothes changing issues as well as make sure she’s here in the morning to help.”

Walking back over to his room, he went to pull the door shut but stopped then glanced at her again.

”I’ll leave this open in case you need me for anything.”

Glancing at Sampson he grinned and wished him a pleasant night as well receiving a soft woof in return. Returning to his room, Erik poured himself another glass of wine, this time drinking it a little slower as he picked up a book and read another chapter. When the glass of wine was empty, he decided it was time for his own bath and bed. Like before, he fell into bed and within minutes was asleep.

Shiloh lay there for awhile, thinking about Erik and how he'd looked at her when he'd returned to her room. She didn't know what he'd been gaping at, afterall, she'd been covered to her knees. She smiled, when she realized he'd been looking at her, as a woman. Probably wasn't a good thing as she was his aid, but it still made her feel good.

Settling down, she quickly slipped off to sleep. Not soon thereafter she began dreaming.

She was riding on RainStorm, Sampson keeping up beside them, Erik and Mina were flying above. She was happy, content. There'd been no trouble for days and it was nice. Suddenly, she was on the ground, the red Lizonian's face above her, poisonous spittle dripping onto her face, burning her. She looked over and saw Sampson lying motionless not far from her pain lancing her chest as she knew he was dead. She could hear RainStorm scream in agony. Where was Erik and Mina?

Looking back up, she saw the Lizonian open his mouth, showing all of his sharp teeth as he sank them deep into her shoulder.

Shiloh woke up screaming, causing Sampson to begin barking and growling, looking for whatever it was that made her scream. By the time Erik came in, Shiloh was shaking, tears streaming down her face, her eyes full of horror as she hugged Sampson close to her. Redness was seeping through her bandages on her shoulder from her thrashing around while in the throes of the nightmare.

Bruam awoke, washed and walked up the passageway to the mouth of the cave, where Temeraire was lying looking out over the valley. He slowly walked up and stood beside the dragon’s massive head. “Good morning Temeraire, I trust you have rested well.” he said to Temeraire with his thoughts.

“Yes Braum, quite well indeed. Are we flying today?” Temeraire asked with her mind.

Braum responded that indeed they would be. “I wish to investigate the encampment we saw yesterday. Although I think it wise that we do so without exposing ourselves. So you shall take me to the nearby forest then keep hidden and watch from the mountain ridge to the north. Should I need you I shall call.”

Temeraire gave Braum a concerned look. “Do you think it wise for me to be so far away. There are many dangers that could befall you, before I could arrive. The sorcerers we saw may be near and the Gods only know what evil creatures they have conjured. What guise do you propose to explain your presence?”

“Why I am but a wayward wanderer with but a story of past glories to tell for food.” Braum said with a slight smile. “There is much that can be learned while listening to idle talk over a pot of venison stew and a slice of bread, my winged companion.”

With that said, Braum slipped his booted foot into the stirrups of Temeraire’s saddle, pulled himself up into the saddle and strapped his legs in. He grasped the bent horn of the saddle and said “Aloft my friend ...aloft”

Temerair stepped out onto the ledge, spread her wings and leapt off the cliff. Riding the air currents she slowly flapped her wings and rose high above the clouds. As they flew towards the forest to the north of the encampment, Temeraire and Braum practiced mock battles. Diving , soaring, rolling, banking and various sorts of aerial aerobatics, all preformed with confidence, grace and ease. Braum and Temeraire had indeed become as one over the last few months. They not only seemed to move as one but thought as one as well.. As Temeraire dove, spun, barrel rolled, climbed and looped, Braum practiced his sword play and lace throws, riding free handed as they flew.

As dusk began to fall upon the valley, Temeraire descended through a canyon and along a river, her Talons skimming the surface. She then banked along the canyon walls and shot up and over the rim to land gracefully in a meadow surrounded by trees not far from the encampment.

Braum dismounted, pulling the hood of his cloak up over his head and wrapping his cloak around himself tighter. “Now go my friend to the mountains and wait for my call.” he said as he moved off towards the encampment.

Temerarie said “You be careful Braum, any trouble and I shall be there within a dragon’s breath.” she then took three steps and leapt into the air flying to the nearby mountains to wait.

After a journey of about five miles, Braum , stooped over and feigning a limp approached the gate of the compound. Raising his gloved fist, Braum pounded on the gate and called “What must a weary traveler do to gain entrance and safety within these walls! Can you not see dusk is at hand? Would you leave an old man to be dinner for the beast that inhabit this forest. Or the Shads that seek to dominate all that cross their paths!” As he once more pounded his fist harder upon the gate.

Miranda and Satin made their way back down the mountain, following the stream. It takes them most of the day to make it down, spotting the dragon and rider again up in the air for a few minutes.

Once down, she heads for the base she'd seen earlier. By the time she reaches the base, she sees the old man banging on the gates. Approaching him on Satin, she dismounts about 20 feet from him, walking Satin and herself over to him. She smiles to him, calling up to the guard. "My horse is exhausted as is this elder. Will you allow us entry?"

One of the guards looks down at the two, studying them intently. Another one coming to the gates, opening a small window, studying them as well. Deciding they were harmless enough, he gives the order to open the gates and allow them entry.

Braum looked at the red haired young woman, standing beside her steed and bowed his head slightly. "Thank you for assisting an old man. It seeems that a pretty young face gets more respect than an old cripped man these days.
Your father young man should have shown you the back of his hand more often. Then perhaps you would have learned to respect your elders." he growled as he passed the gaurd, giving him a dsitainful glance. "Where might a weary travler find food and drink in this ...... this village?" Braum asked as he limped towards the center of the compoud, his face hidden beneath his cloak's hood. Braum's eyes, bright as stars surveyed the fortifications, stable, corral area and the varioyus building within, with a calculating eye. He took note of the apparent soldiers and riders as well as the pavilons for the dragons. Stopping to lean against a post, fiegning fatigure, hesitating only briefly to notice the various beasts being made ready for flight. Then shuffeling on towards the center of the compound and what appeared to be a semi open aired tavern, with tables and benches under a tiled awning and a fire pit in the center surounded by benches. On the benches and scattered about the tables were several people, engaged in convesation, food and drink.

Erik calmed Shiloh down as best he could but in his defense, he wasn’t exactly sure what to do other than just show her he was there to protect her as best he could. Unfortunately, demons that haunt your dreams can’t easily be protected from. Erik knew this first hand all too well.

After he got Shiloh calmed down, as well as Sampson, he tended to her wound once more, making sure he used the utmost case, then waited until she fell asleep again before getting a few more hours of sleep himself. Even then he remained just inside her room in the chair.

He was awakened in the morning by a rather wet slurp to his cheek and when he opened his eyes he was nose to nose with Sampson. With a jerk, he sat up and looked around. His bleary eyes noted Shiloh was already out of bed and dressed, sitting on the side of her bed and looking over at him with a rather amused look on her face.

Running his hand through his hair and scratching his scruffy chin, he yawned and tried to wake himself up as he stood and stretched. Erik forgot that during his haste to get to Shiloh last night, he’d thrown o his trousers and nothing more. Feeling slightly vulnerable, he muttered something about being right back then turned to go back into his room. When he turned Shiloh saw the scars on his back that went from his right shoulder to his left hip. Similar to the ones on his face, three jagged lines, but much bigger.

When he returned a few minutes later he was fully dressed in a fresh set of clothes and he had taken the time to wash his face and run his wet hands through his hair. Peeking his head inside, he gave her a small smile.

”Come on….lets go get something to eat. If you’re strong enough to dress yourself then you’re strong enough to spend a little time in the dining hall.

Erik escorted her down to the dining hall and they shared a light breakfast. After that, he took her to the stables so she could reassure RainStrom everything was well. When she was done, he took her back to her room so she cold catch a little nap since she didn’t get very good sleep last night. He never asked her what her nightmare was about. There was no need to. She’d been through plenty to give her night terrors.

When she got up from her nap, he decided to take her for a walk outside to get her some much needed fresh air. She was Celtonian and used to being outdoors a lot. As he strolled her about, he pointed out different things to her to let her know what was where and who she could stop by to get what supplies from. He took her to the blacksmith’s shop and the burly, thick mustached man wielding the large hammer looked rather intimidating but when Erik introduced her, his eyes twinkled and he gave her a rather warm welcoming. When Erik old him he would eventually bring her by for a fitting, the man studied Shiloh’s form as he furrowed his brows and scratched the underside of his chin. Finally he nodded and told Erik to bring her back in about three days. He’d have a rough set for her to try on so he could custom fit it.

By the time the dinner hour had rolled around, Erik decided to take her into the small but comfortable tavern they had on site. It wasn’t big by no means but they had some of the best damn food in the whole encampment. Of course that was only because Mrs. Norton used spices unlike the bland food served at the dining hall.

The atmosphere was always warm, soft lit and welcoming. Erik noticed a man sitting in the corner near the fire talking about some fantastical adventures. No doubt a wondering story teller looking for a free meal. Still, the young man furrowed his brow as he looked upon the man. Something about him was vaguely familiar.

Shiloh was embarassed when she woke and saw Erik sleeping in the chair inside her room. She knew she'd woken him when she'd had her nightmare, but she couldn't help but smile at the fact that he'd stayed with her after she'd fallen back to sleep.

Walking around, taking everything in, she was amazed at how big the actual base was. Seeing RainStorm was the highlight of the day and she wished she could go riding. Meeting the blacksmith was rather intimidating at first, but then she saw the twinkle in the big man's eyes and smiled at him.

After lunch and then a much needed nap, she was anxious to get back outside and would occasionally raise her face up to the sun. She loved being outside and she was glad that Erik was thoughtful enough to realize this.

Upon entering the tavern, her stomach gave a rumble and she blushed, wondering if everyone there had heard it. Once she was sat down with Erik, who was looking intently at an older man sitting in the corner, she laid her good hand on his arm, gaining his attention.

"Erik, thank you for staying with me last night. You didn't have to and I'm sure you weren't very comfortable." She wanted to ask about his scars, but refrained, deciding to wait until they knew each other a little better. "And thank you for today. It felt so good to get out and about. I'm hoping that by tomorrow we can start my training and I can get back on RainStorm."

She ordered herself a steak and potatoes adding a second steak to go for Sampson. She looked over at Erik, smiling at him, wishing that it wasn't forbidden for a rider and his aid to date. She understood this rule, but right now, it sucked. Sighing, she began cutting her steak once it arrived, moaning in approvement when she bit into the tender, seasoned meat.

When Shiloh mentioned him staying with her last night, a few curious glances were sent in their direction and Erik glared quickly quelling any words that would be whispered in the tavern about them. While he wished Shiloh hadn’t said that exactly the way she said it, there was no use in crying over spilled milk now. The deed was done and he’d have to deal with the rumors when they eventually surfaced. Of course he’d squash them like pesky insects when they did.

He was so intently studying the man telling the stories in the corner that he was only half listening to what Shiloh was saying. When he heard her say something about getting back on RainStorm tomorrow and starting training, he turned a furrowed brow gaze upon her. He waited for the food they ordered to be set on the table before he addressed her comment.

”I don’t think so, Shiloh. You’re gonna need another day or two at least before you can think of getting on RainStorm. I know your itching to get back to riding but if you damage that shoulder, you’ll never ride again. I think it’s far better to be impatient for the next couple days than be ruined for the rest of your life.”

As he dug into his food, an exact copy of her own meal, he saw the disappointment and frustration in her face. Swallowing down his bite of food and following that with a good drink of ale, he explained as best he could.

”Look…..I know you don’t like sitting around. It sucks. Especially when you’re so used to being up and moving around a lot, but trust me. It’s much better for you to sit it out for now and let your body heal or you’ll never be the same again. It’s far better to stew now than be invalid the rest of your life and have to resort to….story telling like the old man over there. You’ve got your whole life ahead of you and I’d hate to see it ruined by impatient foolishness. I promise…as soon as I can see you move that shoulder without signs of pain, we’ll have you out on RainStorm and training with Mina and me.”

Braum had been listening intently to the young man and his companion, having recognized the young rider as the one he and Temeraire had seen a few days ago. He gave the young man a somewhat amuzed and innocent look then said "There was a time when the Dragon Riders brought peace and order to the lands. When they patroled wide and far. The mear sight of a rider and his dragon brought a feeling of security to th people. When riders and dragons need not hide behind walls and only come out under the cover of darkness."

Two riders approached him one said "And what would you know of Dragon Riders old man? It appears to me you could not manage to ride a mule and have the strength to lift only a pint of ale. And only then if someone else paid for it. So watch your tounge old man or you may find yourself sleeping outside these walls that you have sought safety behind."

Braum bowed his head and said "If I have offended your thin skin then I am truely sorry, young man. I see that your sire failed to teach you a basic lesson of life. That is that not all may be as it appears in this world." Braum them fell silent and slowly ate his meal.

Erik glanced over at the old man and saw he was looking directly at him. Swallowing his food, he set his utensils down and wiped his mouth with his napkin.

”Then it’s a good thing the dragons and riders still patrol the sunlit sky so the people of the land can see we still are here for them. While many of us patrol the night sky, it doesn’t mean we’re less brave than the others. It merely means we have taken on the extra challenge of seeking out the enemy under the cover of darkness to prove to them they can’t use that same darkness for their on evil deeds.”

Now Erik realized where he’d seen the man from and stood up, slowly closing the distance between himself and the old man. The tavern grew eerily quiet when Erik approached the old man and stood a few feet away.

”Of course, you wouldn’t know I was a night rider unless you had seen so for yourself, now would you? Tell me…..story teller…..where is your dragon? Is she hiding just on the other side of the mountains there? Should I contact my dragon to see if she can flush her out? But I think the better question for all of us is this: What does a lone dragon rider want pretending to be an old story teller? And why was he so evasive the other morning when he was spotted by a rider on patrol?”

By now several more riders had gotten up from their seats and surrounded the man to make sure he couldn’t get away. Erik stood watching the look on the old mans face. It never changed although his eyes did glance around at the others who now stood around him.

Shiloh knew that Erik was right and she had to use more patience. But, she was an active woman, and there has never been many injuries that could keep her down. This shoulder injury, unfortunately, was not one of them.

"I know Erik and I know that you are right. My father always said that I made a horrible patient and tended to push myself further than I should, like my mother."

She then looked over at the old man who had Erik's interest. She'd never seen him before, but there was something about him that was......bold, almost warrior-like. Now, why would an old man seem warrior-like?

Then Erik rose, confronting the old man, talking about night patrols. As the others rose as well, surrounding the old man, she saw a look cross Erik's face and stared at him when he asked the old man about his own dragon.

Not liking where this was going, Shiloh rose herself, whistling for Sampson to enter the tavern. She may be injured, but her duty was to have Erik's back and she would. She stood behind Erik, not close enough to be a hindrance, but close enough that she would be able to help if needed. What she could do, she didn't know, but she would do something.

Sampson, on the other hand, had no such injuries and sensing that Erik was irritated at the man sitting down, the large dog made his way through various legs and wound up next to the story-teller, teeth bared, growling at him.

"Watch, Sampson!", Shiloh commanded her dog and he didn't move from his spot as he stared at the man, snarling, ready to pounce if he should try to bolt.

Miranda had been sitting quietly on the other side of the room, enjoying her meal when the disturbance caught her attention. Seeing that the old man was at the center of it, she rose from her table, drawing a dagger from it's sheath and holding close against her thigh.

Walking over to the group, she all but shoved her way through the various riders, her green eyes glaring at them. Stopping when she came up to stand next to the sitting man, she looked directly at Erik.

"What is the problem a rider would have with an old story-teller, sir? He is an old man, of no consequence to you and yet you would harrass the poor man. You're supposed to be a rider, not a annoyance to our elders whom should have our respect!"

Braum stood and looked at the young rider, then glanced at the others as they surrounded him. Placing his hand towards the canine the dark haired woman had called Sampson, he said softly "Qe sva ifpesp Sampson, si huven douta pliso thric korth." (Translation: Be at calm Sampson, I wish your master no danger) He then placed his hand on the canine's head and then reached out with his mind to Temeraire and said "Come my winged friend it is time we let ourselves be seen" In a matter of moments a distant Roar grew louder as Braum's dragon circled, rolled and dove straight down at the enclosure, only to flare and back flap her two hundred foot wing span, kicking up a torent of dust and toppeling benches and plates as he lit softly down beside Braum. Standing on her four legs and stretching her neck she glared down at those that surrounded Braum. Braum opened his cloak to reveal the leather uniform of an ancient Dragon Rider, his broad sword sheathed at his side. "I am Braum, this is Temeraire and I chose the guise of a story teller to see what has become of a once noble and couragious band of warriors." he said "You think it only overgrown lizards you fight and have to fear? No! There is a far more powerful foe that awaits you. A foe that has laid dormant and making plans to once again throw these lands into chaos. They are powerful and grow more so by the hour. They wish to place all under their control and to once and for all time grind the Dragon Riders under their heel."

Miranda's eyes grew wide as Braum threw off his cloak, revealing that he too, was a rider. Then they narrowed, her green gaze boring into him. Once he was done speaking, after everyone got over the shock of his dragon landing in a speactacle, beautitul though it was, she stood in front of him, clearly angry.

"How dare you! I do not appreciate being made a fool of, old man!! I was ready to defend you, you imbecile, but you did not need defending!! I also stood for you outside the gates, to gain you entry along with myself!!!!"

Raising her hand, she slapped him across the face, the crack being heard throught the tavern. She was a redhead, after all and had a temper to boot.

Her green eyes still spitting fire at him, she stormed out and headed for the stables to collect Satin, muttering under her breath the whole time about arrogant men.