[piosenniel]

It was just past first light, and she felt someone shaking her on the shoulder, gently at first, then more insistent.'Wake up! Wake up, Daisy!' came the voice through her sleepy haze.

The thin blanket was pulled from her, and the chill air of the cave made her draw her legs up tight against her. Her eyes opened blearily on a bleak scene and she closed them tight again, one hand feeling desperately for the blanket to draw it up over her head. Such a nice dream she was having! Flying through the water with Bird and Levanto!

Again the blanket was snatched away, and this time she was rolled unceremoniously from her bed to land on the cold floor. 'Bird?' she cried. 'What are you doing? I'm so tired and so cold.'

'We're all tired and cold here.' came a voice she didn't recognize. 'And Bird's not here. I am.'

Daisy sat up and rubbed the sleep from her eyes. A girl, about her age, with large brown eyes was leaning in close to her. She smiled at Daisy and stood now in front of her, offering her a hand up.

'I'm Anemone - Anee, for short. The Elders have asked me to show you around.' She pulled Daisy to her feet. 'But we must hurry! The Captain at the Guard House likes us to be there early. I told him I had found a replacement for the girl who left, and we shouldn't be late. He gets angry when things don't run on his schedule!' She pulled Daisy down the corridor at a rapid pace.

'What about breakfast?' asked Daisy, tucking in her blouse as she went. 'No time for that now.' said Anee, 'And besides, it was hours ago. You'll just have to wait now til lunch.'

They reached the gates to the compound and were escorted across to the Guard House. Daisy pushed her unruly hair into some semblance of order and stood beside Anee as the door to the House was opened. They were admitted by a lean, dour looking man who led them silently down the hall.

Daisy held Anee's hand as they hurried after him. She leaned in close to her and asked. 'About that other girl - the one who left. What happened to her? Where did she go?'

Anee's face clouded, and she turned it away for a moment. 'Not now, Daisy!' she said, turning back, her face blank of all emotion. 'Not now. I will tell you later.'

The man who led them brought them to a door, and opening it, ushered them in without a word. A tall, imposing man stood there, hands behind his back, a cat-like smile playing about his lips as he saw the two enter. 'So, this is to be my new runner?!' He looked at Daisy appraisingly, much as one might a piece of livestock.'Come closer, girl! And let me have a look at you.' He had her turn slowly in place before him. 'Looks healthy enough.' he murmured to himself. 'I hope she lasts longer than the other one.' He glanced toward Anee. 'Show her around will you, then send her back to me. I have a number of messages and orders that need to go out.' He turned his back on both of them, in dismissal.

Anee pulled Daisy from the office and took her down the hall. There was much to be shown and explained, and such a short time to do it.

[ October 05, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]