Greetings, Laiva!

How is Tryste? Iris misses her pranks on the white dragons. She has even started talking about doing a couple herself, just to break the monotony of the sweep rides.

How's the road to the Eastern Dragon Caves? I hope Gabi is well. Her cough was starting to worry me, and if she is continually out in the cold and wet.... Just make sure she stays healthy, please?

Ame just bounced in here, and she says hi to everybody there. She also says to watch out for some storms coming your way. If you do not heed her warning, she plans to send Ariana to toast you all.

Ugh, I am so tired. I took a late watch last night with Click. He is so weird after dark. Needless to say, I was very tired of random sick jokes by the time our shift was over. Then Narn woke me up at first light this morning to be let out, and I haven't been able to sleep again since.

Well, I guess that I will go down to lunch. I hope it is something good and hot! My stomach cannot take many more watchride rations.

May your winds be fair and warm!

Autumn

P.S. I assure you, this serpent rider took some great persuading to take this letter out in this weather. Do not ask how I bribed him, and please, feed him before he leaves to come back!

Autumn, the love and light of my life,

Very well, so maybe you are not quite what I was looking for in a man. After all, you do fall slightly short of the mark, being female and all. Tryste and I agree on one point: the men (men-dragons, too, seeing as it is Tryste, as well) are brainless. Your letter almost beat Gabi, Lamya and I to the Eastern Dragon Caves, actually. We had only time to set our things down in our new quarters before the leader here called us in about your message.

Gabi is quite well, and would like to tell you several unsavory things for thinking that she would be otherwise. I sometimes think that this is her way of being affectionate. To each her own, I suppose. There has never been anybody quite like Gabi Hope, and I pray that there never will be. Even the Eastern Dragon Caves, as large as they are, could not handle such a personage as our good friend.

We have only been in our new quarters for three hours at most. I have spent most of them napping, but as soon as I have penned my reply completely, I will unpack my belongings and visit with Gabi and Lamya. They are the only people I know that actually accepted the offer to become stunt riders. I hope that you, Eve, Ame, and even maybe that Click fellow will come on the next ride to the East. They are always searching for new stunt riders. Well, all right, I know that you want to become a healer, but can you not learn to stunt fly and heal? With only Gabi and Lamya to talk to, it will be quite lonely here. When we are not training, I mean.

We begin training tomorrow morning. Can you believe it? We just came in from a two-week long journey today (it would have been shorter had we not had to stop at every town and parade our dragons, untrained as they are).

We train for seven hours a day on flying alone. That is two hours before lunch, three after, and two in the evening to practice night flying. When we are not flying, we are working with the grounded harnesses or practicing combat skills. Also, we have lessonwork every morning. Lessonwork! I thought I was done with writing and arithmetic! And now, I cannot even bribe you to do my writing lessons for me. That will take most of the morning—or at least the portion that I am not flying. I am already looking forward to the first rest-day.

In addition, I have to wake early and bathe and prepare Tryste for the day. It is times like these that I rejoice in the fact that she was a runt. There is, after all, less of her to wash. Poor Gabi—Katarina is huge. I suspect that I will be helping Gabi clean her dragon every morning. At least Lamya wakes at the crack of dawn every day to wash Ince anyway. She is lucky that she has an established schedule.

I think I hear Gabi’s footsteps coming towards my new room. I will write more about my schedule and the Eastern Dragon Caves in my next letter. It may take some time because I do not feel that my schedule will allow such a frivolity. Ha! I used the word frivolity! And Instructor Tantella said that none of us ever would!

Write back, please!

Laiva Delencruise
Rank Three, Black Rider (My ending signature, seeing as I joined a new Rank. I will miss the Fighting Eagles, but the five Ranks at the Eastern Dragon Caves are just not as nifty.)

PS – The leader here was none too thrilled that we used a serpent rider to deliver a message. Could you not even convince him to clean that filthy hair of his? I know that you have always had a way with serpent riders (I mean, take a look at Click. Reformed serpent rider if I ever saw one). And you were seeing the prince of the serpent riders for a long time romantically, but…well, either way, I hope you enjoyed meeting the deliverer of this letter. I handpicked him just for you. I am not sure I trust Click’s intentions all the way…no, I am just playing with your mind, but this rider is younger.

Laiva, my most amusing friend,

Tell Gabi that I shall send her some nice blend of herbs for that cough of hers I know she has. Shame on her for thinking a Healer cannot percieve the beginnings of the Coughing Sickness. Even an Apprentice Healer such as myself.

Stunt flying could be fun. I would know the best way to mix up a concoction upside-down a-dragonback. Okay, enough sarcasm. Perhaps the Eastern Dragoncaves will need a Healer soon. And if they don't, who ever refuses a Healer, especially accompanied by three eager dragon riders? I would, however, take the shortest route, and not allow them to make us parade around. That is the introverted side of me talking, but it's my strongest side. My outgoing, people side still needs lots of work. And I would not allow them to make me start training the day after. Have you no say at all in your schedule?

However, I am not sure I would mind such busy days. Here it is just read Healing books and stand watches. They hardly have anything left to teach us about our dragons, and nobody likes lessonwork anymore. For instance, most of the younger riders absolutely despise the history class because of the way they've twisted it around. I would like to learn some more math science, though. 'Twas quite interesting.

Luckily, Click is very entertaining. He is slowly coming out of the shadows and into sunlight more often. And his jokes are quite improving. I think his dragon's jovial nature is really helping. Not to mention that he seems to like me, and Iam not doing anything to stop that kind of attention from him.

Tell Eve that Ame misses her tremendously, and so do I. Both of your presences are sorely missed in our late night gatherings. The last one we had went until after moonset, and all we did was lay around and talk!

Well, must be off to the medical cave. There is one man there who has a kind of magical disease - we're still trying to figure out if it is something he picked up during some magical fights in the war, or if it is something else entirely.

Autumn

Fighting Eagles, Blue Water pattern

P.S. My, that silver rider was fine! Unfortunately, too young and reckless for me. I hope you enjoy my messenger. *giggles insanely* Yes, he might have cost more, but I'm sure it was worth the look on your face!

P.S.S. Princes are nice, but not as nice as swordsmen.

Autumn, the person who sees through everything, including letters,

How in dragon's name did you know about Gabi's cough? She threatened me with bodily harm unless I wrote that she was fine in my last correspondence. But you knew that, did you not? Perhaps you know both of us a little too well. She thanks you for the herb-blend--well, "thank" might be a little strong. Her answer was something akin to, "Always was nosy." But as far as I know, she has taken the herbs.

I do not know that you would enjoy stunt flying so much. The Healers have to do a lot more than just the fighters, and we have so many more injured here than at the Western Dragon Caves. I nearly joined the ranks of injured or dead yesterday. The strap on my harness snapped right off--I got a taste of flying, minus the dragon. Luckily, Gabi checked my fall before I fell any farther than twenty feet.

Still, I am in serious trouble.

They have grounded Tryste and I until tomorrow, so that I can work with the grounded harness. Although I began to suspect sabotage, even Gabi insists that I just tied my harness wrong. When I am allowed to fly again, I will double check my fastenings, and even triple-check, if you so insist. Ending up in a pile on the ground after proving to my family that I am not a failure is just not on my agenda.

Yes, if you do come here, do NOT act as an ambassador. If I ever have to do that again, Tryste and I are going into exile. She agrees with me whole-heartedly.

Speaking of coming here, I found out some good news. Most of the caverns are trying to switch to stunt-flying, and the Western Dragon Caves are even considering it. I know that Click is against the idea of switching from rank-fighting to stunt-flying, but it truly is more effective. Would we have lost Sebras to Wyndreth if we had known how to fly Stunt? I think so.

Anyway, the good news is that all of the other sets of Caves are considering sending representatives here to train in the basics of stunt-flying in order to start adapting the style to rank-fighting.

Just what is this about you and Click? Autumn, I know that you will hate me for this, but remember about getting involved. Dragon riding romances work out so very little. Remember the disaster with Kebran?

But I disgress. You are a big girl now, and certainly do not need me fretting like a maternal dragon.

I have no idea when I will be able to write again. We have already been here nearly a month, and I have held your letter in my jacket for a week. Right now I am trying to pen this under the light of a solitary candle, outside the Elder's Cavern. Gabi is here with me, reading over my shoulder. We are going to be evaluated, in addition to my being grounded.

You might be seeing the two of us sooner than you think. I do not know why they are dragging Gabi down with me, but I might be getting relocated. And I do not think there are any openings at the Southern Dragon Caves...

There is somebody coming, so I must end this letter now.

Your friend in Tail, Tooth, and Scale,

Laiva Delencruise

Black Lieutenant, Rank Three

PS - I do not know how you will get this, but Gabi has a plan. Beware...

PPS - Princes, swordsmen, bah! I am happy without a man!

PPPS - I am a Lieutenant now!!

Laiva, the person who obviously enjoys danger and unnecessary risks,

You just better triple-check those harnesses and fastenings next time. And get Gabi to check them. And do not let anyone else near them!!! What would I ever do without you?! You cannot die, you know that! And please thank Gabi profusely for me for catching you.

So now who is the maternal dragon? I'll stop. Anyway, if you suspect sabotage, who could it be? Are there old members of the Revolution hiding out there? Or is there a new threat? Please watch out for yourself, and for Gabi and Eve. And tell them I asked them to watch out for you. (Ok, maybe I am not done acting like a maternal dragon, but what else can I do, so far away from the action?!)

If situations heat up, I am going to transfer to your caves. I know they always need Healers. Ame and Click will come with me - Ame says she would like to learn stunt after all, and to play in the waves of the Golden Sea. Click wants to check the Dimtri Forests for some better sword handles, and staffs. The Western Forest wood just doesn't satisfy him. He found a weapons book in the library last week and has been buried in it ever since. Luckily, Fleno reminds him to get up once in awhile and feed the both of them.

I haven't heard anything about these caves switching to stunt. The old-timers are still closeted in the Scroll room, trying to find out exactly what happened with the war, and what they should do about it now. I wish I could just scream to them that reading old dusty scrolls won't do anything to help!!

Guess what! I saw Fred yesterday!! He had torn a ligament in his wing, and I volunteered to heal him. Not many people like going near such a strange dragon. They seem to think he despises all humans as he did Relyt. Luckily, I know better. He is such a wonderful personality. He was very happy to see me, not just finally get his wing healed. He wants to know everything about all of us. He hopes that maybe he can see you, Gabi, and Eve again. I was thinking that if we do end up coming to E.D.C., we'll smuggle him out of here somehow. He might meet somebody new to take care of him.

Click is fun. As I have said, he has been buried in a book lately, but when he comes out to eat and stand his watches, we enjoy each other's company. No romance in sight...yet. Iris teases Fleno all the time. She has even got Narn to wreak a little havoc in their quarters from time to time. Both of their reactions are hilarious. And, though Kebrin was fun to be around, and he did protect me from Jekk, we just could not connect. Hence, disaster. Click had his own disasters, but I have not heard the stories yet. Trinity says she knows most of them, and I think she might be in some of them.

I hope your evaluation was not for relocation. You need to stay in one spot for awhile! Don't you feel out of breath, considering you haven't been in one place for more than two months....ever? But, I suppose that is a trader's lot in life. Say hi to Gabi for me, and I hope you two can out of trouble for once! Watch out for Elders, and be courteous around them!

Congratulations on becoming a Lieutenant!! Please use your power for good, not evil.

Your friend,

Autumn

Healer Apprentice of W.D.C.

Fighting Eagles, Blue

P.S. This unicorn was my hardest case to heal so far. He is so thankful, and so ready to be out of the caves. He said all he needs right now is a really good gallop, and that distance to the E.D.C. was perfect. What could I say? Make sure his front right leg is not bleeding, and check his eyes. If they are at all cloudy or runny, take him immediately to your Healing caves. They should know what to do. He can bring your reply back to me, if you write within a day. He says that should be enough time to rest.

Autumn, who tries and fails to be my second mother (I still love you, though, worry not),

I am terribly afraid that I missed sending the letter back by the Unicorn. Apparently, he was claimed by a rider on the way to the Eastern Dragon Caves and only barely convinced the jerk to drop the letter off. Some unicorn riders are really piggish. I am just glad that Jen and Hestin did not fall into that category. We would never have beat Wyndreth had we not had the help of the Unicorn Brigade.

By the way, I am triple-checking my harnesses each and every day. In fact, Tryste makes me rise early so that I arrive at the equipment room before everybody else to check that my gear has not been sabotaged. Since we are still in training, we do not get our own equipment. We own practically nothing, either. We all wear the training clothing they gave us--cloth shirts and hide pants. Our equipment is piled in one room and it is so desperately hard to get a proper harness that fits. But I have managed, now that I arrive at least a half candlemark before everybody else.

Gabi and I have not been relocated, but it was a very near miss. Had Tryste not been a black dragon, we most certainly would have been transferred back to the WDC. I still have no idea why they have chosen to drag Gabi into this mess, but my investigations have all led to clipped wings, as the term goes. There are so many chores to do at night that I fall asleep after the rest of my rank has taken to dreaming, and Tryste wakes me early every morning. Luckily, I have an hour in the afternoon in which to nap. Otherwise, I would probably end up killing something.

Since I took the fall from Tryste, I have been scorned, mocked, and ridiculed. I am on the very edge of sanity, I fear. There is one in my rank, quite older than me, who arrives early every morning with the sole intent of jeering at me. Of course, when we fly, even Tryste cannot block the comments from the other riders and dragons.

Why did we choose to save this society from destroying itself? I have become so accustomed to the open-minded riders in the Fighting Eagles that I have forgotten about the rest of the dragon-riding population. Everybody is spiteful and mean to our group. Lamya just swears that they are jealous that we know how to fly in two formations now, and that we can do so much more a-dragonback than they can. Indeed, that is true. Yesterday we were doing some rather amusing stunts involving harness drops, and our group was the only one that was able to pull it off with any success. No, my harness did not snap.

I do not mean to worry you, but I sense something in the other riders' hostility to Gabi, Eve, and I. Lamya manages to avoid the hostility because she is in charge and everybody knows that Fenella would not flicker a scale at the idea of clawing at their wing ligaments and grounding them for quite awhile. The dragons are taught to fear the white dragons here, for they have more power. I know that Fenella would never hurt Tryste, Aurora, or Katarina, thankfully. Everybody is quite jealous of the fact that she recognises Gabi, Eve, and I enough to mind-speak directly to us.

For now, you should remain at the WDC. Things at the EDC are not happy. It is hard to believe that we have been here nearly two months. If anybody else from the WDC comes here, I fear that there will be a mutiny among the older riders. That, and the trainers here swear that my grip on the harness is all wrong. They make fun of me for being "Saddle bred." I told them to put that idea somewhere that is not entirely savory--I am "trader bred" if anything. When they heard that, they left me alone. People still fear traders...

Anyway, you said that you saw Fred? That is something I definitely miss about the EDC. He tore a ligament and nobody bothered to fix it until you came?! Some people drive me mad, I tell you. He is just a red dragon. The fact that Relyt died from his own stupid folly does not mean that Fred has to suffer for it! Ooh, it makes me so angry. Yes, do smuggle him over here. He would love to fly stunt. They have rider-less dragons fly stunt all of the time...

Click is obsessed with a book? That never happens! Very well, so I am being sarcastic. Honestly, you should make "the first move." Draw that boy out of his single-mindedness or something. I have enclosed in this package a knife that I found at a local bazaar for him. I attended on a free day to make sure that my trading habits have not died entirely. I have not completely gone to waste, you will be happy to hear. I was quite lucky to find a pair of thick gloves that would work perfectly well for winter flights. Do you think that Solan will charm them to be warm if I send them out to you? Is he still seeing Ame? I hope so; they are so wonderful together.

Wait, Kebrin protected you from Jekk? You never did tell me that story. I just remember finding a dead wolf on the ground, and then there you were...Unfortunately, you have never wanted to talk about it. But then, none of us want to talk about that battle at all, do we? It still worries me that the seal-changeling that I was fighting escaped death somehow.

But he cannot bother me here.

The security is too strong, and anybody who sees a changeling will kill him on the spot. There are no Revolution supporters here, I promise you. Just mean people.

Anyway, my hour of rest is nearly over, and I must go flying again. After that, I have more chores to do, and then time to sleep...

Fighting strong, flying stronger,

Laiva

Black Lieutenant, Rank Three

PS - Do you think he is cute? People of the EDC seem rather fond of these little guys for delivering mail. I think that he is not to be trusted, but that is just my personal opinion. He reminds me too much of a wolf. Do send him back, though. I am quite taken with his following me around. Perhaps you can think of a good name for him

Solan and Ame are happy lovebirds, so I'm sure he wouldn't mind doing a favor for her friend. Ame says send the gloves on over, and he can send it back with my next letter.

Ah, the Kebrin/Jekk story. I sigh as I write this - I was so naive. Anyway, Kebrin and I had met up on the highest cliff for the sunset, a few days after we found out about the Revolution. Jekk showed up just before he kissed me (I am thankful for that now) and threatened me. Kebrin decided he deserved something for that, and he and Jekk started dueling. In about the middle of the fight, Jekk obviously grew tired with it all, and decided to shoot some green light at me. Kebrin tried to block it but was too late. Next thing I knew, I was a wolf.

P.S. I managed to keep your messenger long enough to pen this note and send it back with him. I absolutely adore him - most wolves can be trusted (I know from personal experience), and he's just so cute! Narn would have a fit, though, if I was to keep him. I dub him....Snuffles.

Autumn, the bounty of sunlight and joy in my otherwise empty and dark life,

Before I begin my letter, let me say that I am pleased that not only you and Click, but Ame and Solan, and then Fred, are all happy right now. In fact, it almost makes me hesitant to put quill to papier and write down the words that will make my grim news final. I have avoided writing to you about it for three days, for fear that putting the entire situation into words will make it real: it really happened.

What happened, I will tell you (before you have a heart-seizure from suspense; I know how impatient you are, dear), is that somebody is out to get one of our crew.

Nearly a fortnight ago, it was I who took the plunge from a harness that I had thought was safe. Three days ago, it was Eve who nearly met her fate early on the side of a cliff face.

Before I go on, let me tell you that Eve is in perfect health, so you do not need to send any noxious herb blends or whatever it is you healers call those foul-smelling potions. My family, who I will have you know, is a full-blooded trading family (with the exception of my brother and I), quite emphatically refers to those things as "poison and nothing but." She is a little shaken, but after three days, she is quite fine and starts all conversations with "I am fine, thanks. Now, what were you saying?"

Gabi is once again the hero. Our yellowrider friend is the most solid person I know. She was there to save me from certain peril, and three days ago, she plucked Eve from the sky as though the crossling weighed little more than a dragon’s scale! I think that Eve’s innate magic may have guided her to Gabi, who happened to be riding watch beneath the troop at the moment.

Lamya and I checked over the harness and every inch of Aurora after Gabi dragged Eve to the Healing Caves. Aside from being a bit off-color, Eve’s dragon was fine, never you worry. Her wing joints were a little stressed (ha! I DID listen to one of your lectures!), so Lamya and I steeped them in one of those fetid brews you always made us make at the beginning of every term. We gave her a proper bath, not one of those hose-down rituals that takes half an instant every morning, and that restored her color somewhat. Lamya was worried that she might have contacted a small fading in her muzzle scales from the incident, but Eve assured us just today that Aurora’s color is almost perfect again.

The only strange thing, Aurora’s color aside, was the fact that the harness tie was snapped clean off. If it had torn naturally, would there not be fuzz along the tear, or at least a jagged pattern. But it was a straight line, as though cut by a very sharp knife...

It is puzzling. The Revolution is dead, our enemies are petty, mean people that would not stoop so low as murder, and we really have done nothing wrong here, yet. The only thing that worries me is that escaped changeling...but Eve can sense a changeling or magical being that is even a day away by flight.

Anyway, I cannot dwell on the fact that somebody wants my blood for an entire letter, can I? The dealer that made Click’s dagger is a swordsmaster in these parts, a man that goes by the name of Dojge. Perhaps Click has heard of him? I am told, and quite indignantly by the person, mind you, that he is simply the best. My boast that Click could beat him in a fight was turned down quite forcefully. If local braggarts speak truth, Dojge could beat Click with only one eye—which he has got, by the way—and one hand tied behind his back. The fact that he could do so without sweating is probably an exaggeration...

Tryste is complaining of a sore foreleg, so I must tend to my little black beauty. I will write more should anything develop. From now on, we all check our harnesses carefully.

Try not to worry too much, and fly hard.

Laiva

PS – That is the LAST time I let you name my pets. For your information, that oaf of an animal that you named "Snuffles" refuses to answer to anything but that and "Toast." As "Toast" is the lesser of two evils, as the term goes, I will call him that from now on. He IS the color of toasted bread...

PPS – I do so hope you enjoyed the messenger this time. Eve swears that these fairy creatures are reliable, but do not turn your back. I am STILL trying to get gum sap out of my hair. And do not ask…

Blast that fairy!!! Laiva, if you ever send something as remotely destructive as that...that....THING, I shall personally come and wring your neck. And Eve's, since she suggested it! That flying nuisance RANSACKED my whole room! My Healing potions are everywhere, Narn is missing pieces of fur, Iris is now irritable, and I hardly have ANY paper left!! If you cannot read this because of the ink spots, it is YOUR fault!!!!

P.S. Trinity has been training this falcon for some time now, and she decided to test it with a long flight. She hasn't named it yet, and as you know, I'm horrible with names, so why don't you think up something?

Autumn, who is incredibly amusing when angry,

I am glad that the fairy was such a hit in the Western Dragon Caves. I was thinking about sending a cousin of hers with this letter. Perhaps the original was a little too popular that I will change my plans...

Tell Solan and Click that they are to remain exactly where they are, or they will face not only my wrath, but the wrath of Gabi as well. Lamya figures that we are being watched, so each of the four of us is taking care to not do anything unusual. However, that has not stopped any of us from looking over our shoulders every other second, in fear that we are being watched. Having Solan and Click race to our rescue with those swords of theirs would just blow our cover entirely.

Your news of the bear changeling just makes me worried that Lamya’s theory is correct. Of course, I shall inform the others of your news tomorrow at breakfast. I think that I will burst, waiting for breakfast, because we always break our fast after the morning flights. They are so dull, Autumn. You would not believe it—flying back and forth, high and low, in formation. I can fly in formation with my eyes closed. Unfortunately, I have not managed to figure out how to nap a-dragonback.

It escapes me why somebody would lock up a changeling! Are people not informed that these are magical beings as well? Well, obviously, they would have to be, to go from human to animal as easily as they do. Evading locks is just what they do best. Remember the wolf-changeling that Solan and Eve captured on their way back to camp? The one that escaped? We would all be dead had Gabi not thought to check up on the beast. As it was, she nearly lost an eye for it.

That is actually one of the stories she will tell whenever we gather around to relax after training.

Speaking of training, they have started treating us like genuine human beings again. Tomorrow, most of the rest of the trainees will receive their first wings. Remember our ceremony? We were all so young! I thought my insides would burst with nervousness when they pinned that wing onto my jacket. We were finally qualified to ride watch-flights and to fly with actual Ranks! Little did we all know that this was just their way of giving us extra chores, eh? All of us transfer riders (for there are two from the Southern Caves, did I tell you that yet?) do not have to attend the ceremony, so we have the afternoon off. I am much excited. Tryste looks forward to a LONG bath, and it will give Eve and I a chance to get a second look at Aurora’s wing-joints.

A lot of the younger dragons have that trouble, I have noticed. Yesterday, I saw a blue with wing joints strained so terribly that it was a wonder she could fly. I helped her rider, a tiny thing (almost smaller than Ame, can you believe it?) steep them in one of those mixtures. She was from the same area as Ame, which prompted me to ask if she was half-nymph, too. Not very tactful, I know, but I was curious! Yalia (that was her name, see) said that half-nymphs were cursed with too great a power for her even to see them.

Remind me never to introduce those two. I do not think that Ame would appreciate Yalia saying that nymphs are cursed. But Ame was always defensive of that part of her heritage, whether or not she remembers becoming a half-nymph.

I should probably end this letter, for the morning promises a hard work-out. We are taking the dragons out to Rook’s Point, a mountain top not too far from here, to practice diving in formation from a cliff. It is a rare move, but it apparently proved valuable against the woodland rebellion back in our grandparents’ day. We are studying this in our history lessons.

Unfortunately, I have never met my real grandparents, so it is not like I can ask them about this.

Fighting strong,

Laiva

PS – I promised this messenger that if she delivered the letter, that you would look at her cat. The animal has been running into walls lately, apparently. I suggested a haircut, for how can the cat possibly see through that curtain of hair over her eyes, but her owner was adamant. I guess there might be something wrong with the cat’s eyes…