Domalith cowered on the sands, her tiny red features crinkled up in the classic expression that would accompany the anguished outcry that lingered unspoken on the surface of the young dragon's mind: "WHY?!" As Sherra came near her, Domalith backed away, keeping tucked as close to the sands as she could, wings tight to her back and tail tucked between her legs like a dog afraid of a repeat beating. Her large gold eyes shimmered, as though she was about to burst into tears.

The little cloudy dragon's actions could not possibly have surprised Head Knight Sherra, as she had witnessed Kitai's rather blunt refusal to accept the lifelong loving bond Domalith had to offer.

Darosa's purple dragoness Lokelanith had quietly entered the hatching sands when the majority of the spectators had exited, and quite literally took the young dragon under her wing. I will take care of Domalith for the time being, Head Knight Sherra. If Ryslen is where you prefer she take residence, please make the arrangements, as I have no familiarity with Ryslen, and Domalith is too upset to have a preference.

Sherra left the two dragons alone, letting Lokelanith be the kind maternal dragoness she had long since proved herself to be.

WHY!? Domalith wailed as she shivered convulsively in Lokelanith's protective arms. Why did she leave me?! Why does she hate me?!

Lokelanith nuzzled the clouded red gently. There is something very wrong with the girl, Domalith. She is very rotten inside, but her sweet innocent exterior fooled you at that moment. It is not your fault. Lokelanith purred reassuringly, but to no avail. Domalith still sobbed there within her arms.

But I love her! What did I do?! I'm a good dragon!

Lokelanith hugged the little dragon tight. Yes, Domalith. You're a good dragon. But Kitai was not a good rider. She is very very evil.

This thought caused Domalith to whimper and hide. How could she have chosen a bad rider? Was she an idiot?

It took them quite some time to convince the small clouded red dragoness that it was not her fault that Kitai had gone insane, and that she was not an imbecile. Yet even with this realization made, Domalith was still quite cowardly. She feared attack, and would submit to the authority of any man, woman, or dragon, especially those larger than her.

As soon as D'lrik had approved her to fly, she'd moved to the great cavern above the lake where Neva' and the bronze Lucifidth lived. Yet the small bronze intimidated her, and it seemed he took every opportunity to antagonize her. Neva' had assured her that it was the brute's way of showing he cared, but Domalith was skeptical.

Did anyone ever tell you your name sounds like "Do Malice"? Lucifidth inquired one day at the lakeshore as some young teens showed how brave they were by scrubbing his metallic hide. A cowardly thing like you couldn't do anything malicious if you tried.

Domalith cowered, unsure of what to make of this new thought Lucifidth offered as painful truth.

You are such a wuss! He exclaimed, throwing water with his great wing at the clouded red fledgling.

NO!!! Domalith exclaimed, throwing her clouded wings over her head and shaking with fear.

Face it, little one. You're no dragon, you're a yellow bellied chicken! Lucifidth laughed.

Shut up! Domalith exclaimed unexpectedly, her eyes flashing. That filthy woman is copulating with HIM!

Domalith's exclamation turned the heads of many dragons nearby. What do you mean, Dom'? Mezireth asked gently.

Domalith swallowed hard, the bile rising in her throat as she forced herself to say it. Kitai is mating with ... Bekirol ... She is in my mind! I can see it... I can hear it... Make it stop! MAKE IT STOP!! Suddenly the anguished writhing of Domalith ceased - the intensity of her own cry had thrown her unconcious there on the beach beside the clear, cool lake in Ryslen's interior.

* * *

When Dom' regained conciousness, the intensity of Kitai's experience was gone, and she could cope with the fact that she was still somewhat connected to her mentally ill rider. While she was clearly unhappy about this development, it was something she would have to live with - and hopefully Kitai would learn to keep her thoughts to herself.

Dom' lay on the sandy beach of Ryslen's private lake with Neva', basking in the wan warmth the early winter sun gave. The "riderless club" often spent time together, idly chatting. This day, Neva' was anticipating her upcoming flight -- her Flurry.

You should fly with me. Neva' said almost abruptly.

I'm hardly white, Neva' Dom' replied calmly, a tinge of regret lacing her mindvoice, perhaps.

Rubbish. Neva' said vehemently. Your wings are clouded with white, and I invited you. You're as good as white!

Thank you, Neva.

* * * Flurry 2002 Flight * * *
* * Flurry 2002 Hatching! * *

When rumors reached Dom' that a Frenzy was being held at her birthplace, she quietly went to find out more for herself. Upon arrival there, she found her sister Clouded Orange Kelritna, who had been protective of her since Wraakth made his appearance. While Dom' hoped that Kitai's evil HyDragon did not put in an appearance, Jinira signed them both up.