Part 11: The Changing of Seasons

Soon, it was time for Raina Lynn's Shantel. The Realm was extraordinarily busy, Krisr found. People and dragons streamed in, and each day, the crowds grew worse. On the day of the Shantel, the Realm Centre was filled with creatures of all shapes and sizes. Krisr and Raina Lynn stared out the door of the cabin.

*Gee, think the word is out?* Raina Lynn asked her bondmate, chuckling to herself.

Krisr just shook his head in amazement. "How do they all fit?" He asked aloud.

"Magic," Ramona said sarcastically, coming up behind the two. "Now will you please either leave or close the door? We have to keep these eggs warm!"

Krisr sighed and closed the door. He knew the girl was right. A chill had settled into the air, and winter grew closer with each day. He and Raina retreated to the main table.

"Is that better?" Ramona asked the eggs and the small wyrm. Irtira just snarled and curled up in the middle of the remaining eggs. "I'll take that as a 'yes'."

Ramona moved to sit at the table with Krisr and Raina Lynn. As she crossed her arms under her chin on the table, Krisr's eyes fell upon the bandage on her arm. A few days ago, that vicious little wyrm had bitten her. Indyana had been greatly dismayed, but Ramona had kept insisting that it was her own fault for getting too close. Krisr, for his part, had been paying the eggs and wyrm a wide berth. Suddenly, a long, eerie howl broke the buzz of the crowd, and the Centre fell silent.

*I think that's our cue,* Raina Lynn observed, jumping off the chair and trotting to the door.

"Lead the way, fair lady," he said, grinning. Krisr got up and followed her outside, carefully shutting the door behind him.

He watched as Raina Lynn took her place up front with the other shrapes, suddenly realizing that he was quite nervous. Raina Lynn looked the picture of serenity standing in line, but Krisr thought he felt a slight buzz of unease from her as well.

The Kailan, perched on his customary throne, began calling forward the shrapes, presenting each with a gift. Krisr waited with growing impatience as each one was called. Finally, however, he heard the Kailan project, *Raina Lynn, come forward.*

Raina moved quickly forward and sat in front of the Kailan respectfully.

*You, Raina Lynn,* he began, *have stayed close to your Clan for the first part of your life, but now you seek adventure and fortune. To you I give this Ember Orb. It allows you to breath fire and create flames and heat at will. May it protect you and your bondmate on your journeys.*

Krisr watched as Raina gently took the red orb in her mouth and moved back into line. He shifted impatiently as the last few dragons were called. Finally, it was over, and the Kailan dismissed them. Krisr ran to meet Raina.

*Krisr, look!* She projected happily, and placed the orb into his hand.

It was nearly hot to touch, and inside, glittering sparks seemed to fly about.

"It's beautiful," he said earnestly, unable to think of anything with more wit. Raina Lynn smiled and took the orb back from him.

*Come, we'll go inside and wait for my parents,* Raina said.