Saiyuri watched as Maira sat quietly in her tipped back chair reading the note that had arrived for her earlier in the day. If her lip chewing were any hint then the letter couldn't hold good news. Saiyuri had been watching her friend closely for nearly ten minutes before she finally blurted, "Well? What's it say?" The Rathnaiti so startled her friend that Maira's chair tipped backwards and she landed on the dirt floor with a loud thump. Saiyuri quickly raced to Maira's side, "I'm so sorry," she said as she helped the red-haired woman up. Maira just dusted herself off absently as she took one last look at the now crumpled letter. Before Maira said anything she looked into Saiyuri's face, a burden clearly plain on her own. The young woman cleared her throat but looked away. Saiyuri was about to reach her hand out to the woman when finally she spoke. The words that came from Maira's voice were quiet and strained, they sounded like she was miles away. "I have to go home."

Saiyuri, not understanding her friend's meaning looked around at the building they were standing in, wasn't this her home? The Rathnaiti wanted to ask what Maira meant but didn't want to stop the words that so obviously caused her pain to speak.

"My brother has been killed in a Clan War, they need me to lead." At this point Maira's shoulders began to shake with what could have been anything; anger, fear, loss or even hatred. "My Clan hasn't learned their stupidity yet and now they wish me to lead them in it." Maira threw the balled up piece of parchment onto the floor and stormed off to her sleeping area where she started stuffing clothing and traveling equipment into various packs.

Saiyuri stood in open mouthed awe at the woman before her. She had never seen gentle hearted Maira so openly express her anger. Quietly Saiyuri offered, "I can take you there, save you a trip." She hoped that even if Maira didn't accept the offer to Travel that she would at least feel comforted by it.

Maira paused her packing and looked up to meet Saiyuri's gaze. The honest compassion in the Saiyuri's black eyes brought tears to her own. The fires that had been burning in the green specks of her own grey eyes slowly dimmed and she sat down heavily on the side of her bed feeling defeated. "I came all this way to get away from them Saiyuri yet they still managed to find me. All I wanted was to lead a happy life and forget them and their hatred." The tears were now streaming down Maira's round rosy cheeks. "I don't want to go back, I really don't."

"So why are you packing?" Saiyuri asked, frustrated at not understanding Maira's reasoning. Maira just pointed towards the crumpled up not on the ground, sobs wracking her body even harder. Saiyuri did as she was told and went to retrieve the note for Maira. When she made to hand it to the woman she refused it, "You read it." Again Saiyuri did as she was told, not wanting to upset her friend any further. As she tried to smooth out the now thoroughly crumpled piece of paper she kept looking at Maira, she was not okay at all.

Once the paper was flattened sufficiently Saiyuri looked down and began to read. Nothing in particular jumped out at her right away; it just said what Maira had already told her. It wasn't until Saiyuri's gaze fell upon the last paragraph that she understood her friend's pain. Written right there in black and white was a very nasty threat:

If you do not arrive within three weeks of receiving this letter your son will lose his arms. If after four weeks you still do not arrive he will lose his legs. Finally if you take more than six weeks to arrive your son will lose his life but not until you are here to witness it. If you wish your son to live you better find a quick means of travel.

The sound that escaped Saiyuri's lips when she finished reading the letter was a combination of a falcon's scream and a leopard's growl of rage. Maira had never heard that sound that from her friend and was a little scared of what she would see when she looked up. The sight that greeted Maira's tear ridden eyes would have been enough to make her cringe if she hadn't known who the woman's rage was truly directed at. Maira looking at her friend helplessly stated simply, "Now you see why I must go."

Saiyuri's lips were pressed together in a small thin line as she tried to control her rage. At the sound of her friend's grief stricken voice a sudden thought came to her, "You have a son?" Up until this point Saiyuri had thought of Maira as she was, alone and childless. Then speaking very quietly she asked, "Why did you never tell me? We could have gone and gotten him long before this."

The tears that had been pouring from Maira's eyes slowed and finally stopped. "The one condition on them letting me leave was that my son had to stay. At the time it seemed a reasonable enough plan. I was young and not ready for kids, his father had raped me to try and have a son that his own mate couldn't provide. As much as I hated his father I figured that my son would have the same personality so I wanted to have nothing to do with him. I planned to leave shortly after my son's birth but then things kept delaying me and before I knew it I was sixteen and my son was three. He was a bright cheerful little boy who obviously took after me and I wanted him to come with me. The deal had already been struck though and when my son's step mother finally gave me reason to leave, I was broken hearted. I didn't want to leave my son with that awful man but maybe his mate would treat my little boy well enough. Apparently he's still alive but he won't be if I don't hurry."

While Maira had been talking Saiyuri made her way over to sit on the bed next to her friend, her arms and wings were both wrapped comfortingly around the woman. "We'll leave today then," she managed to say without the rage showing. "Lets get some lunch and then we'll be on our way."

Maira nodded slowly and with Saiyuri's help she managed to get herself off the bed and to their table where she just sat staring at nothing. Saiyuri quickly sent to Lorishel that she and Maira would be leaving soon but they needed lunch first, if she could please find someone to bring them food she would really appreciate it. Lorishel, like always, was more than happy to go find somebody to harass. Saiyuri shook her head in amazement. The dragonet's body was growing quickly but her personality hadn't changed since the day she was hatched.

Thinking of her own dragon caused Saiyuri to remember some of Maira's, two in particular that might be helpful on their trip. Seeing as how the two dragons were from a race not of Dai'Wadeeya Saiyuri wasn't entirely sure she would be able to communicate with them directly but she gave it a try. Seluna, Nessa, dears can you come to mine and Maira's quarters please. Saiyuri was rewarded with a mental acknowledgement from both and she smiled, very relieved.

Lorishel, Torishel, Seluna and Nessa all arrived at the house that the two women lived in at the same time. The Pyry'Lorccan twins, though growing, were still much smaller than the full grown Striirecean pair. Lorishel sent to Saiyuri about their arrival and when Saiyuri opened the door, only expecting to see one dragonet she was very surprised at the sight of four dragonesses waiting for her. The twins were still small enough to enter the house so Saiyuri moved aside long enough for them to take the lunch baskets they were carrying in to Maira. Once they were through, Saiyuri quickly went outside and shut the door behind her. She wanted to explain the situation to the two Striirecean's before she just volunteered them for the journey.

Strangely enough Maira had apparently hidden the existence of her son from even her two bonds and they were furious that someone would threaten their chosen's "hatchling". Even though most bonds would have been upset with their chosen for hiding something both dragonesses understood that sometimes not all can be shared. The fact that their chosen did indeed have a "hatchling" and that he was being threatened was more than enough to convince them that, they would most certainly be going with the two women. Satisfied that she and Maira would have two very powerful allies along for the trip put Saiyuri very much at ease. Before she went back in to eat and pack she instructed the two to be ready when she called.

Once the dragonesses had agreed to Saiyuri's plan and they waddled off to find their own food Saiyuri turned back towards the door and went inside. The sight of Maira laughing at the twins antics was totally unexpected however which caused Saiyuri to nearly shut the door on her own tail.

"Well I sure am glad that you're feeling better Maira," Saiyuri said with a small laugh. She had to admit, the twins were very entertaining when they put their minds to it. Right at that moment they were trying to balance the empty baskets on their muzzles, it wasn't working very well and more often then not they wound up wearing them.

Shaking her head Saiyuri made her way over to the table, taking a seat across from Maira. She sat there for a while nibbling at some of the food the twins had brought. She couldn't think of how to tell Maira that she had gotten Seluna and Nessa to agree to come with them. Finally, giving up on subtlety Saiyuri just came out with it, "Seluna and Nessa will be coming with us Maira."

The look in Maira's eyes surprised Saiyuri, she wasn't angry at all, she was relieved. Her only response was a quick nod of her head. Then changing the subject she asked, "Are you nearly done? I want to get going." Saiyuri wasn't but she grabbed a couple rolls and put them in her pack for later. She could understand completely why Maira wanted to head out right away.

Saiyuri got up and quickly stuffed a few sets of warm weather clothes into her own travel pack while Maira finished getting her own ready. Saiyuri was struggling to get her pack tied shut when she received a soft message, Are we needed yet? It had been Seluna. Yes dear, please meet us out in the fields. Maira and I will be there shortly. the dragoness didn't reply but Saiyuri knew she had understood. Finally Saiyuri looked up from her pack to see if Maira was ready. The woman was staring at something cradled in her hands. Saiyuri slung her pack over one shoulder and then made her way over to see what had caught Maira's attention so completely. In Maira's hands Saiyuri saw what could only be a child's toy. It was worn from many years of handling. "Was that his?" she asked her friend softly. Maira only nodded as she placed it gently into her pack and tied it shut.

Maira looked up, her eyes surprisingly dry, "Are the girls ready to go?" she asked suddenly eager. Saiyuri was a little taken aback at Maira's change in mood but she quickly nodded 'yes'. "Good, let's go then, I can't wait to see those bastards' faces when I show up today." A strange gleam had started in Maira's eyes but Saiyuri just took it for determination. After all, what else could a mother with a child in danger feel to get him away from the danger?

The two women gave their dragonets quick kisses and hugs and then made their way outside to meet the Striirecean pair. Seluna and Nessa bugled a greeting to the two women as they waded through the knee high grass of the fields. A smile sprung to Maira's face at that sound as she quickly turned to Saiyuri, "You picked them for their powers didn't you?"

Saiyuri gave Maira a mischievous grin in answer, "Of course I did silly. Your people worship the moon right? Seluna's moonlight magic would make her very awe inspiring to your people I think. And I asked Nessa to come along just in case we need a miracle. I have plenty of faith in you but it never hurts to be prepared."

Maira laughed merrily and reached for Saiyuri, wrapping her in a fierce embrace, "Thank you," she whispered. When Maira finally released Saiyuri the pair made their way over to the beautiful dragonesses. Seluna's white and silver streaked black hide and Nessa's green, brown and rose marbled hide glowed with health; their stomach's bulging slightly from their recent meals. We are ready, Nessa sent to both women as they crossed the final distance between them.

Riding straps rested in two separate piles near each dragoness. Maira quickly fitted hers to Seluna and when she turned to see if Saiyuri was finished as well she saw her friend struggling to get them untangled. "Here, let me have those," she said as she tried to help the Rathnaiti. Finally, when both dragonesses were fitted with their riding harnesses and the travel packs were clipped on, Maira tried to help Saiyuri mount Seluna. The Rathnaiti woman did her best not to fumble her way up the dragoness' side but her own wings made things a little awkward. After several attempts she just gave up climbing and flew up. When Saiyuri was comfortably settled, her wings folded around her like a cloak and the straps securing her into the saddle she patted Nessa's neck and sent, Alright I'm ready if you are. The power expelled by the dragoness' hind legs was totally amazing to Saiyuri, she herself only need to kick off gently before she could be airborne. Maira has given me directions on where to go so hold on, we go now. Saiyuri barely had a chance to understand the message Nessa sent her before they were thrown into absolute cold and absolute darkness.

Zahir was quietly eating his dinner with his brothers and sisters when the commotion started. At first they all tried to ignore it, but finally when their father went storming out outside to see what was going on the children forgot about their dinners and all ran after him. Many small voices shouted, "What is it Papa?" or "What's going on Daida?"

The man had no idea what was causing nearly everyone in the clan to run around in a panic but since none of the warriors had weapons in their hands he wasn't worried. He tried to shoo the children back inside the dwelling but only the youngest ones listened. Zahir and his three older sisters all stayed with their father outside. Not wanting to start a scene with his children the man just let them follow him to the main entrance of the cave. Once the man reached the opening he heard the children "ooo" and "ahhh" over the sight outside.

Two unknown dragons were sitting directly outside, each with a rider dismounting from their places on the dragons' shoulders. A sinking feeling entered the man's heart and he quickly told the girls to go fetch their mother.

Zahir was proud that his father hadn't sent him on the errand as well; he was treated more like a man each day. When he looked up at his father with a smile spread across his face Zahir was surprised at what he saw. His father's eyes looked sad as he watched the dragons. Zahir was going to ask his father what was wrong when suddenly his father stepped in front of him, as if to protect or hide him. Zahir had just poked his head around his father when the man flinched at a woman's voice demanding, "I want to see my son Ban'Ryndon ?"

The voice Zahir heard startled him but not nearly as much as it did his father. The boy looked quickly at his father and then ran around the man and wrapped his arms around the woman's leg, holding on for all he was worth tears spilling down his face. Zahir, even though he had only been three when the woman left, remembered his mother's voice. It ran through his dreams almost nightly like a melody to his favorite teaching tune that he couldn't forget. "Maima, Maima, Maima!" cried the boy over and over again into the woman's leg until suddenly the leg was withdrawn and strong but gentle arms encircled him.

Maira and Saiyuri basked a moment in the chaos their arrival had created before they dismounted from Seluna and Nessa. Maira, who had jumped down, waited patiently for Saiyuri's feet to touch the snow before she said firmly, "Stay with the girls, I will come for you soon." Saiyuri nodded her understanding and watched as Maira made her ascent into the entrance of the giant Living Cavern of her Clan. When Maira stopped at the entrance Saiyuri tensed for trouble but suddenly a small red-haired child appeared and attached himself to Maira's leg. Saiyuri gave a loud whoop of excitement at the same time the dragonesses bugled their welcome to the newest "hatchling" in the family.

Maira's tears of joy mingled with the boy's own as she placed kisses all over his face. "My little Zahir, I missed you so very, very much," Maira said breathlessly. Finally she pushed the boy back to arms length to look at him, to make sure he was really there and unharmed. Satisfied she pulled the boy back into her arms and lifted him off the snow. Happy to be with his mother once again Zahir threw his arms and legs around her and listened to her heartbeat as she spoke with his father.

For Zahir's sake Maira tried to make her tone civil when she finally spoke to the man, "Were you really going to let them hurt our son Ban'Ryndon?"

The man wouldn't meet Maira's eyes as he answered softly, "I didn't know until a few hours ago that they had even sent the letter Dai'Maira, let alone that they had planned on hurting Zahir." Quickly the man snuck a look at his son in the woman's arms; it didn't appear that the boy had heard anything. Still worried for his son's safety Ban'Ryndon asked Maira, "Can we please speak about this away from the boy? He really doesn't need to find out about such things since you are here already."

Nodding her head in agreement Maira answered, "Fine but he will stay with my companion at all times that he is not with me to ensure that nothing does happen to him." When Ban'Ryndon agreed Maira turned around and waved to Saiyuri where she waited by the dragonesses. When she saw the woman wave back and start on her way Maira turned back to the man. "Once she has Zahir you are going to take me to the idiot who sent that awful letter."

Ban'Ryndon was at a loss for words, he too was reeling from the threat to his son. He hadn't even hoped to see Maira for eight weeks at which time the boy would have been killed for her tardiness. So for her to come in the same day she had received the letter, the same day he had been told about it, he was equally relieved and scared. She was no longer the placid girl who had left three years prior. Then again, when she had left she had expected her son to be taken care of, not threatened with death. Ban'Ryndon’s musings were suddenly interrupted when the people around him gasped and gave small yelps of fear. When he looked up he could easily see what had caused the people's surprise.

As Saiyuri finally reached the trio, she had to force her way through a gathering crowd. Her height alone gave most reason to move out of her way but when she opened her wings from their cloak-like position on her shoulders, many jumped back in fright. Her black eyes were smoldering hate towards the man Maira was speaking to and when he involuntarily took a step backwards she smiled cruelly.

"What kind of creature are you giving our son to Dai'Maira?" Ban'Ryndon asked in an outright panic. He wanted so desperately to snatch his son from Maira's arms but he was afraid the creature would descend on him and kill him before he even got close.

Maira turned to see that Rathnaiti woman had finally reached them and smacked playfully at her friend, "That's enough Saiyuri, no need to give the bastard a heart attack." When Saiyuri's gaze that was directed at Ban'Ryndon changed from outright hatred to perfectly civil Maira couldn't help but look at him to see his reaction. It was just as she expected; once the Rathnaiti woman was no longer glaring at him Ban'Ryndon could see how truly beautiful the black haired, black eyed woman was.

Zahir had started snoring softly on his mother's shoulder so when Maira went to hand the boy over to Saiyuri she gently kissed his cheek and whispered, "Wake up little man, wake up for Maima." The boy's eyes slowly fluttered open but when they finally focused on his mother's face they glowed with recognition and joy and he quietly asked, "It wasn't a dream huh? You're really here?" Maira nodded in answer before she turned him to face Saiyuri.

Upon seeing Saiyuri the boy's eyes flew open in amazement, "Wow!" he yelled, "What's she?" Saiyuri was glad that the boy wasn't scared of her in fact she was thrilled. So before Maira could answer the boy's question Saiyuri said to him, "I am a Rathnaiti little man. My name is Saiyuri, who are you?"

Looking quickly to his mother and then his father and then back to Saiyuri Zahir said, "I am Zahir. Someday I will be a Ban' like my father and mother but right now I'm still growing." As she spoke Zahir's chest puffed out slightly with pride, he was growing very quickly after all. Then turning back to Maira, Zahir asked her, "May I go play with Saiyuri Maima?"

"Of course my love," Maira said and before the boy could squirm out of her harms Maira placed him carefully into Saiyuri's capable hands. Quickly the Rathnaiti woman wrapped her wings around the boy, only his head poked out of the feathered embrace. "Look Maima, feathers!" he exclaimed as he ran his hands along Saiyuri's silky wings. Maira and Saiyuri both laughed, assured that the boy wouldn't mind his new guardian.

Then, Maira's face grew somber as she remembered the business she now had to face. Leaning in close to Saiyuri's ear Maira whispered, "I am going to talk to those who sent the letter now, if anything happens to me take Zahir away immediately. Take one of the girls and fly away with him to somewhere that they could not reach him, even if that means another world."

Saiyuri didn't want to admit the possibility of anything happening to Maira but she knew that it would be best to have a plan prepared just in case. Understanding Maira's concern for her son and the real risk he could be in Saiyuri just nodded and turned away towards the dragons. "Shall we go see the dragons Zahir?" Maira heard Saiyuri ask her son as she watched the woman take him away from her.

It took all of Maira's strength not to run after them both and make a dash for the dragons but she knew that if she were to do that the Clan's council would most assuredly chase her down and kill her and more than likely her son and Saiyuri as well. More concerned for the lives of her friend and her son Maira finally turned to face Ban’Ryndon, "Don't worry, he will be safe with her," she said in answer to the worried look in Ban'Ryndon's eyes.

"I hope you are right Dai'Maira, she looked down right vicious to me," answered the very uneasy Ban'Ryndon. He watched after the retreating Rathnaiti woman and his son a few moments more and then gruffly asked Maira, "Shall we go now?" Maira just nodded her head, she didn't trust her voice not to betray her fear. Quickly Ban'Ryndon turned and headed back into the cavern making his way directly to where the Clan Council was holding their daily meeting.