Part 1: A Decision

     In a cabin at Bishen Realm, a small gathering is taking place.  A fire crackles in the hearth, despite the fact that it is summer outside.  Near the fire, a basket of eggs sits, but eggs that no chicken could possibly lay.  These eggs are large, and green spotted with yellow or navy spotted with lighter blue.  They are Bishel Dragon eggs.  Near the eggs, a beautiful Moonstone Marine female dragon lounges, watching them with care.  At the other end of the room stands a red Terran dragon and a stout woman with red hair.  They are arguing at the moment; the woman waves her hands about as she tries to reason with the dragon.

     "Pierre, the Realm will find a good home for the egg!  Besides, there are more important things that I need to be doing!"  She says to the dragon, brushing a strand of stray hair away from her forehead.  The dragon looks offended.

     *What could possibly be more important than the future of one of my daughters?*  He demands telepathically, glaring.

     "I'm not saying her future isn't important, but you're forgetting that I have an entire Refuge to run.  Plus, Blazing Star is still missing, and her captors have yet to be located.  The tourist season is in full swing, with new travelers coming in all the time.  I haven't had a decent night's sleep in a month!"

     *We're leaving anyways,* Pierre says pleadingly.

     "I'm going to hunt for poachers, Pierre," the woman says, "not to egg sit."

     *Darling,* the Moonstone female interrupts, gazing at Pierre, *Indyana is right.  Our daughter will have a good home.  The Kailan doesn't give out eggs to just anyone.*

     *This one is different, Clarinet,* Pierre says.  *I need to make sure she gets to the right person.*  Clarinet relents at this.  She herself will be taking their firstborn son away by ship soon.

     "Pierre, if you're that worried, why don't you stay here and make sure the right candidate is found?"  Indyana says.

     *What, and let you go without me?  I don't think so!  Why not bring the egg with us?  I'm sure we'll find the right person for it.*

     "Pierre, what if she hatches?  That's all we'll need... a newborn wyrm along on a poacher hunt!  Can you imagine?"

     At this point, Pierre just stares at Indyana, a worried and pleading look on his face.

     "Don't give me that look!"  Indyana commands.  "No!  That won't work!"  After a moment, however, she growls and her shoulders slump in defeat.  "Fine!  We'll bring the egg!  But if she hatches in the middle of this trip, you are going to spend the entire trip being a nanny, got it?"

     *As you wish,* Pierre says, obviously triumphant.  Indyana, meanwhile, storms out of the cabin, muttering about crazy fathers and their ludicrous notions.  After she has gone, Pierre turns to his mate, Clarinet.  *I told you she wouldn't mind...*  He says, grinning.  Clarinet shakes her head and sighs, but at the same time she smiles.  Her mate has always had this odd relationship with his bondmate... it's something she probably will never understand.

     *Pierre, I really wish you wouldn't take our daughter gallivanting along on this hunt... but I agree that she won't find the right person here at the Realm.  How can you be sure that you'll find the right person where you are going?*

     *I can't... but I believe, Clarinet.  I believe I will... Just as we believe we are doing what is right for our son.*  The two dragons are silent for a moment, a great sadness settling between them.  If Clarinet's visions are true, their son has a rough journey before him.  Finally, Pierre moves to the nest and gently lifts one blue egg from the clutch.

He nestles it safely in a padded pack, which he then straps over his back.  *Don't worry, Clarinet.  I'll be careful with her.*

     *Be careful with yourself too, while you are at it,* Clarinet says, gently nuzzling Pierre.

     *Scout's honor,* Pierre says, an odd expression of his that he has told her means 'I promise'.  *Safe journey.*  He leaves the cabin with his daughter fixed on his back.

         

Background from Absolute Background Textures Archive.  Storyline, characters, text, and graphics created by and copyright © Rachel "Indyana" Gratis, 2002-2005.  Dragons from Bishen Realm.