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"I would, but he is unconscious and I am too weak to carry him." The truth was that Katrina surprised herslef in that she could still carry herself. She looked up at the orderly with a touch of concern for her father seeping into her eyes.
"If you can get someone to take him to his quarters..." She didn't finish the sentenece, looking back down at the figure on the cave floor protectively. After seeing him tended to, she would have to check on her aunt...only they could she truely rest.

The guard, standing formally at attention, informed the king that all his guest were being attended to.
(guard) "...And your family members have been shown to their rooms, although the head orderly put the in different rooms due to the hectic situation. She said she would rectify it in the morning. She didn't want to disturb their rest, your higness." The man said with a rigid bow. "Is there anything else I can do for you?"


How is father? Katrina asked over the bond, he opal dragon having been in contact with her larger sire.
He is fine, Katrina, as are most, if not all those who participated in the bond. Cedric isnt happy that we had even this small amount of aid, he wanted to do it almost on his own. I wouldnt be surprised if he sleeps well into the next day...though knowing him, he won't." Drxisisleige responded. "We should both go to sleep as well, there is nothing more you can do with the castle's nurses taking after the bonded."
Katrina nodded to herself, barely summoning up enough energy to make it to her bed. It seemed to be a feeling she had beomce accostumed to. Falling to the large, oak-framed bed, she neglected the well-made clothes she had been given and reminded herself to get a good set of working gear to travel around in. Frills and skirts just weren't always what Katrina wanted...but right now....she just...wanted to drift.......off.....



She awoke the next morning efore Drxisisliege had and dragged herself from her bed. First things first, she would get dressed into some cloths that werent dirty and wrinkled...then she would find some breakfeast. Stretching out with a series of loud cracks, Katrina worked the stiffness from her joints and coasted to her wardrobe. Undoing the fasteners of the dress, she slid it off and through it over the partition. She changed her small clothes and began rummaging through her new wardrobe for something comfortable to wear.

Katrina had paused in her process of studying to observe some of the new clothes she had been given. At this particular moment, she had donned a beautiful dress appropriate for a leisurely stroll in the garden, or at least thats what the maid had said. Not wanting to offend the woman, Katrina had tried it on and delayed taking it off so she could examine it more honsetly once the maid had left. She held her hair up and away from the form fitting shoulder and body of the dress, trailing the outline of her figure until it got to her waist. At that point it suddenly puffed out and fell to the ground in a myriad of lacey folds that were supposed to be flattering to her graceful carriage. Here and there tufts of candy pink adorned the fine woven light blue cloth. She was so feminized it made her sick. She had seen wedding dresses back home that were barbian rags compared to this. She had...

A knock on the door drew her attention, and it was urgent enough that she hastened to the door, pulling the dress up so she had more freedom of movement. The heavy wooden door drew back on its well-oiled hinges revealing Katrina and her lacey grandeur. Seeing Harlan and then thinking of the dress, Katrina blushed and her situation as Harlan had rarely seen her in anything but work clothes and the occasional plain dress borrowed from a few of the servants who matched her size.

"I was just trying on some clothes the servants had got me. They said it was improper for me to keep borrowing from them..." an akward pause "..oh, please come in." She moved out of the way, taking the oppertunity to practically hide behind the door and compose herself.

Katrina stared at the paper a moment, letting Harlan step back from it before pulling the paper open before her to read. It waqs as if seeing it all in the letter helped make it real for her. She shook her head...

"I really don't know what to deal with first, but I think perhaps you'll need to explain the significance of Unicorns." Katrina said with unease "Because if we have slaves running from Feretris south, someone is going to come after them. That means its only a matter of time before Feretris uses it as an excuse for all out war." Katrina knew well that Feretris benefited greatly from the driving motivation of national conquest, which fit so well with the slavery that was the foundation of Feretris. "War with Feretris will only compound any issues the dragons are having. People will see them as just another force trying to take control. We don't need the added difficulty of 'Unicorns'." Whatever that problem may be, she added in her private thoughts.

Katrina looked down at her skirt, glad to have something to fuss over as a cover for her real feelings. This new and different culture was a simple journey over the mountains from Feretris, but it seemed a more distant world from it than even Drix's home. Those back home probably thought her dead....and perhaps something had died when she came here, though she was still trying to decide if that was good or bad.
"If it pleases you, King Harlan, I am not yet ready to face my country-women again." Katrina said quietly into the folds of her dress. "I was never one for the politics of Feretris, and your own policial structure is more foriegn to me." Katrina looked up. "I will go and retrieve those who have fled Feretris and bring them here." She said with some certainty returning to her voice. "I am much more suited to that then the circus hoops of national politics."

Having the room to herself, Katrina peeled the dress off and searched for a more workable set of clothes. It consisted of black breaches under knee high leather ridding boots. A green shirt and a leather jerkin covered her torso. Black gloves protected her hands, reaching almost to her elbows. Her stark white hair that marked her father's hieritage was pulled back from her cerulean eyes by a thick leather chord. On her way out of the room she pulled a red scarf and threw it around her neck: the air above the world grew cold and she wished to be ready for it.

Katrina always liked to personal oversee preperations for any expedition. She co-ordinated extra clothing, rations, water...the list went on. She had a rough idea of just what exactly was needed. She didnt know how long they would be out there, but she assumed it may take more than a few scant hours of searching. It was early morning by the time all the supplies were gathered. Katrina had spent the day in what she considered idle luxury; she had no need to sleep. She made her way down the castle corridors to the room adjoining the outer wall. Beyond that were the saddles and the closest open space where three dragons could take off from. With a deep breath, Katrina pushed open the door.

At one end of the small room, a man sat at a round table playing solitaire. The grizlled, rough-shaven face turned towards her as the man paused in his game long enough to regard the new comer. His hair was a grey and his eyes where hazel. He was not a wrinkled old man, but he his weather-worn and toughened hide-like skin attested to he fact that he was not new to the vigours of life. He was dressed, like Katrina, in a simple breaches and jerkin meant to keep the worst of wind and weather from their bodies.
The other person in the room was a stately woman whose age was hidden behind a very well-kept beauty. She carried herself with dignity and seemed to regard the world through warm, but calculating eyes. Her fading red hair was done up in a stylish fashion, that was perhaps as simple as any courtier would dare go. Her long robe-like gown was covered by a cloak and cowl, both were shades of blue. They were thick enough, however, that Katrina could see they were for more than just show. She smiled at Katrina. Immidiately, Katrina recognized this woman's strength was tact and diplomacy.
"Welcome. You must be Katrina." She waited only for a cursory nod before continuing "I am Lana and the sour looking rock in the corner is Arden. Harlan didn't think you would need more than two, but there are always more if you think it neccessary." The last sentence trailed off slightly. Lana was suggesting that Katrina should opt not to ask for additional mounts. Katrina happened to agree with her.
"My bonded" Lana said "have already met, my beautiful green Rh'Delle." Lana looked pointedly over at Arden, coaxing him to mind his manners and at least introduce his on dragon. After a momentary definent stare, Arden when back to his game, grunting "Theddryn. Gold." In response, Lana took a deep breath and hid her displeasure with another smile for Katrina.
"Well, whenever you are ready." Lana said.
"I think everything is ordered. We just need you two to switch and have your dragon's saddled." Katrina replied. Lana nodded, appriciating Katrina's respectful tone. Lana turned and moved to the door at the far end of the room which led outside. Katrina followed her. As she past Arden she barked in a commanding tone.
"Arden. We're leaving."
The man abandoned his game, scooped his cards up in one motion and made for the door on Katrina's heels. But Katrina was no fool. She knew that it was not out of fear or respect that this man followed her orders.

Katrina helped saddle Drxisisliege as the other dragons suited up. Climbing onto her dragons back she gave the signal for everyone to clear the courtyard.
Alright, its a long flight, so conserve your strength, but lets try to get these people back into a warm room as quick as possible. Katrina said to the other dragons, through her own bonded. With the mental command, they all lifted from the ground and with the mighty beating of their leathery wings, the three were carried off into the sky towards their destination. Katrina kept her eyes peeled at first for any glimpse of her father.