[piosenniel]

The dragon floated upon the water, weary beyond all hope. Her eyes were dull as they looked toward the east, seeing shadow run over the land like dark blood.

'Why do you look to the East, dragon?', asked Levanto, in a voice ragged with grief. 'I have looked there all this day, but she does not return.'

Angara turned from her dark study at his question, and looked at him.

'Where would you have me look, child of Ulmo? To the West? That way is hidden from my eyes, clouded in mists. I can see no hope in that direction.'

'Then has this quest been for naught?', returned the mer-man. 'Our only reward the painful memories of lost companions?'

The words pierced her despair, driving weariness from her, and she looked hard at Levanto. A brief glint of gold flashed from her eyes. 'That irritating elf!' she cried. Her shoulders heaved, and the mer-man thought she might break into tears.

'Irritating?! A poor epitaph for a fallen friend!'

Angara chuckled, rumbling deep within, and slapped the water with her tail.

Levanto looked at the dragon as if she had gone mad and backed away from her.

She clasped him gently in her talons and held him up before her face.

'Say exasperating then, or vexing. It matters not. She knew this might happen and she gave me instructions. Addle-brained Wyrm is what I am for not realizing it!'

Levanto, still caught in her steely grip, stared back at her, frightened now and perplexed.

Angara set him gently in the water. 'These were her words for you: "Do not abandon hope. There will soon come a time when the companions will need aid only you can provide, and you must be there to give it."' The dragon coughed slightly as the mer-man looked at her in disbelief. 'And, oh yes, one other thing. She said to give you this.' A touch, light as sea foam, grazed his cheek, as the dragon bent her head toward him.

Then she lifted into the air, becoming smaller as she rose, and flew back to the ship.

[ August 12, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]