Search and Rescue Team

As Quibaz stood on the hatching dunes, he tried to think about the last time he even had a flitter coin to his name. It had to have been a long time before her and Luvina had been chosen for the S and R Team. It would be good to have a few coins to start off on as a Dragoneer.   Glancing about the dunes, he spotted a man with a bulging purse. He grinned wryly just as he heard a cry echo in his ears, Q'baz, don't. Luvina would be so upset if she knew what you were thinking. Am I distraction enough to keep you from thinking of stealing ever again?   Quibaz, now Q'baz, whipped around and smiled when he saw the little red hatchling piering up at him, "Of course, Cixoth! You're the perfect distraction" Q'baz exclaimed, as he knelt and hugged the little red and lead him off the dunes to get something to eat. ***

"Q'baz! Qui! When do I get to met Luvina? You're thinking about her an awful lot," Cixoth crooned as he paced about in the Fledgling barracks.   "I am not!" Q'baz protested. "Besides, I don't know where she went. Casero wouldn't tell me. He wouldn't tell her. Hopefully, she's somewhere nice." ***   Luvina looked about. It was dark, and V'lok had just left her here. She moved slowly forward and broke into light. Suddenly, she was faced with the glowing eyes of several dragons. She leaped back, afraid. Suddenly, a comforting voice entered her head.

Luvina, don't be afraid. They are simply seeing if you would be good enough for their children, the voice crooned.   Luvina swallowed the lump in her throat and smiled weakly.   She'll be fine.   I don't like her.   She looks weird.   Why is she wearing a dancer's dress?   Several thoughts echoed in Luvina's head. She looked from each dragon, trying to see which voice came from which, but she couldn't tell. Suddenly, a woman with raven black hair stepped out from the shadows. As she started towards Luvina, Luvina spotted the pure white streak down her ebony locks.   "Come with me, and I'll explain everything," she said as she escourted Luvina off the dunes. ***   Cixoth flapped his wings swiftly, "Q'baz! Look! I'm flying!" Cixoth shouted as he leaped off the ground.   "Cix! Stop," Q'baz exclaimed, catching his struggling hatchling in his arms. "You're not suppose to fly. It'll strain your muscles. Don't you listen during lessons?"   "Nope!" Cixoth exclaimed proudly. "Can we go swimming?"   "Only if you promise not to try that again," Q'baz laughed as Cixoth piered into his eyes.   "Promise," Cixoth crooned. "Come on!"   Cixoth dashed outside and splashed into the water as Q'baz pulled on his bathing suit. Kira fluttered over and landed on his shoulder. She crooned happily as he stroked her muzzle.   "I've got you and Cixoth," Q'baz sighed. "All I need now is Luvina..."   Kira crooned in agreement as Q'baz rushed after Cixoth. ***   Luvina watched the sunset from the window of the bonder's area. She had run into several others from Verita Island, but none of them seemed interested in talking. They were busy rehersing for something. Sighing, Luvina's thoughts drifted off into dreams of what she would do when she was finally a true Dragoneer.

***   Q'baz laughed as his newly promoted Cixoth crooned, pushing him up towards the front of the class.   We have to listen, Q'baz, Cixoth thought to him. And we have to listen good.   "Well," Q'baz corrected.   "What was that, Q'baz?" C'leb asked.   "Nothing, sir," Q'baz said, glancing at the ground. Now, look what you did!   Well, you shouldn't have corrected me! Cixoth exclaimed, nipping at the tip of his wing. Besides, Your mind's wandering. Concentrate!   Shut up! Q'baz exclaimed, causing himself to miss what the lesson was. Continue...