From: cinci@tbird1.larc.nasa.gov (Debbie Taylor)
Newsgroups: alt.dragons-inn,alt.pub.cloven-shield
Subject: Re: [C&R/Meriden/Jester]:New friends
Date: 2 Jan 93 22:46:54
Organization: NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA
NNTP-Posting-Host: tbird1.larc.nasa.gov
In-reply-to: conner@qucis.queensu.ca's message of Wed, 30 Dec 1992 19:46:06 GMT
X-Md4-Signature: c52636a4467f97711f0418dc468b30be

Hearing the sounds of the scuffle on the stairs,Raven palmed the knife Chalmers
left her. She strained to hear what was happening in the silence that followed.
The sound of multiple footsteps on the stairway, then the landing sent her 
scrambling for the other 3 knives on the table beside the bed.  Ignoring the
pain in her leg, she moved to the farthest corner of the bed and waited,a knife
in each hand.  She took a deep, calming breath as the sound stopped outside the
door to her room.  

"Raven, it's me," Chalmers called through the door, "And I've brought friends."

Releaved to hear Chalmers' voice, Raven let out the breath she'd been holding.
"Friends?"  she asked suspiciously, "What friends?"

"Meriden, Jester and one of your Shadows," was the casual reply. "We're coming 
in ... just hold on to your knives,"  he said as the door began to open.

What is he thinking, she wondered, I'm not exactly dressed to receive company
and he knows it!

Raven hastily pulled the covers up covering her as the door swung open all the
way revealing Chalmers carrying a black clad unconcious figure. Behind him were
the two colorfully dressed men she had seen in the bar that morning. Chalmers
sat his prisoner in one of the chairs by the fire place. Keeping an eye on the
man, he turned back to Raven and the others.  He smiled at her, ignoring the
glare she sent his way.

"Raven, this is Meriden and Jester," each man bowed as his name was called,
"Gentlemen, may I present Raven DeMornay.  Meriden is the one who bound your 
wound this morning.  He says you'll be completely healed by tomorrow morning 
and they both helped capture the Shadow."

"My thanks, gentlemen," Raven flashed both men a brief smile.  "But if you
don't mind waiting outside while I dress, I'd appreciate it."

No ... no problem," Meriden's cheeks redened as he pushed Jester toward
the door.  "We'll be just outside if you need us, Chalmers." he called over
his shoulder as he pulled the door closed behind them.

Raven fell back onto the bed as the door closed, gritting her teeth in pain.
"Raven are you alright?"  Chalmers moved to the bed, his concern obvious.

"I'll be fine, just find me something to wear,"  she spoke quietly, her voice 
laced with pain. 

"Here put this on,"  she opened her eyes when he returned to the bed.  In his
had was one of his tunics. "It'll be more comfortable than your clothes."  He
still looked worried.

She nodded and accepted the tunic.  It was way too big, but as he suggested
much more comfortable as bedwear than her tight clothes.  She rolled up the
sleeves and ran her fingers through her hair.  "Ok, you can let your friends
back in now," she smiled up at him, no longer angry.

He smiled back and opened the door.  Meriden and Jester reentered the room
cautiously.  Behind them the innkeeper entered carrying a tray.  He smiled
at Raven as he sat the tray on the table beside the bed.  "Glad your feeling
better, my lady.  If there's anything else you need, you just let me know."

"It smells wonderful," she returned his smile, "I'm sure this will be fine."
He nodded and with a curious glance at the others, left the room, closing the
door behind him.

Uncovering the tray, Raven realized that she was starving.  She picked up the 
spoon and tasted the soup.  It was wonderful.  Realizing that she was being 
stared at, she looked up at Chalmers.  "Well, what now?" she asked quietly.

:)
Newsgroups: alt.dragons-inn,alt.pub.cloven-shield