Summary: Nicolette "Niki" Colte is sent to Romania as part of the "International Magical Creatures Communication Act". Her connection with the Wyld makes her ideal for the task of communication with the Dragons at the Malkerk Reserve for Dragons. While there, she meets Charlie Weasley and together they uncover an extermination plot which will change the world.
Join Niki and Charlie in this tale of love, adventure and dragons!
Prologue Pronunciations Wyld = Wild ============================================= December 14, 1999 Haven California, USA. Chancellor’s Office, Department of International Relations, Consealium of Magic. I sat dumbfounded, staring in utter shock at Chancellor Christianson, who leaned casually against his polished oak desk. He had finished speaking and waited for me to process. The silver emblem of his office glinted in the candle light as he shifted impatiently. I swallowed and continued staring rather blankly ahead; I couldn't believe my ears, he wanted to send me half way around the world on my first assignment. I knew when I joined the Wardens as an Empathic Translator I would probably be asked to do interviews and whatnot in some out of the way places, after all, not all of the Consealium citizens lived in populated areas. This though, was a bit more then out of the way. A Unicorn herd deep in the Blackhawk’s I could handle, even the elusive Emeren who roamed the plains of Kansas and Oklahoma and never stayed in one place for more than a few days, were closer then Romania! Why, by all the Goddesses, would they pick me? Yes, I’m one of the most versatile translators the department has, but I’m no diplomat, in fact, I stay as far away from politics as I possibly can. My mouth tends to get me into trouble, I’m strongly opinionated and flat out won’t lie even if it’s to save face. This doesn’t make me too popular around the office, but it’s very well known, if you want an honest, in your face, no holds barred opinion, ask Niki. I had been so lost in my thoughts that I had completely missed the Chancellor’s next statement and had to sheepishly ask him to repeat it. "I said, and pay attention this time, I know this is rather sudden, but, you have done so well in your translations, that we feel you would be an excellent addition to the Dragon Program. You show a maturity when dealing with your clients that we didn't expect from one so young. Most of our translators, especially the empathic ones, train for at least a decade after leaving basic apprenticeship. Your scores after only two years of post study and internship have earned you the fast tracked spot on the International Team and qualified you for the Dragon Program." He pushed himself off the desk with the last word and beckoned me to follow him. Rising quickly from my seat I followed. He led me down the corridor and down two flights of stairs to the Haven Warden Headquarters. We stopped outside the Warden Commander's Office and he pointed to a seat. "Sit and wait for me, your godfather still needs a bit of convincing. It would help if you looked more happy about this Nicolette, it really is a wonderful opportunity." With that he turned, walking straight passed the Commander’s baffled assistant, strode into the office and shut the door. "Niki, honey, are you ok?" A very confused looking Gina turned to me and asked. "And why's the Chancellor here? He's supposed to be in L.A. at a meeting." I tried very hard to smile convincingly, but I don't think I quite made it. "I'm all right Gina, just a little overwhelmed at the moment." I swallowed and continued, "He's here because of me actually, I got a promotion, I think. At the very least, I'm being reassigned. International Relations wants me for some project in Romania.” “That’s wonderful honey! Your parents would be so proud!” Gina gushed and jumped up from her chair to run around her desk and practically lift me from the chair in a huge hug. I’ve always liked Gina, she’s been my godfather’s assistant since he was made Commander ten years ago. She was a great friend of my mothers and she used to work for my father as well, so I’ve known her almost my whole life. She hugged me now as my mother would, holding me tightly and sniffling a little. I smiled sadly and hugged her back, “Thanks Gina, but, I think, I need a minute to process, I'll be in the break room." I extricated myself and headed down the hall. Turning the corner I ran straight into my supervisor, Warden Matthew Darren. "Sorry sir, I didn't see you", I mumbled as I shifted to move passed him. "No problem Colte. Are you alright? You look flustered." He asked as he extended an arm across the hallway to stop me. "I'll be fine Sir, thank you." I must have managed a believable smile this time, because he nodded and let me pass. ==== Entering the break room I found the nearest couch and just sat and thought. Would I really take the job? Could I leave everything behind and move half way round the world for Goddess only knew how long? Was I ready to be alone in a strange place? Being alone here was entirely different. Here, I had friends and my godfather and uncle for company. There, unless they sent someone with me, I'd be starting all over. Maybe a new start wouldn't be so bad though. Goddess knew, I could use one. Making up my mind, I rose from the couch and headed back to my godfather's office. I hoped the Chancellor had convinced him. While I was now willing to go, he'd see the hesitation and uncertainty all over my face; I've never been good at hiding my emotions. As I walked back into the Commander’s Office, the door flew open and a very angry Commander bellowed. “Nicolette Renee Michelle, get in here!” My first name and both middle ones… that was never good. I scurried quickly passed Gina’s desk and into the office. Entering, I sat in the first chair, which conveniently for me happened to be the furthest away from the desk. My godfather was seething, he was so angry he was muttering in French, he only does that when he’s so mad he can’t think straight. . To be honest, I’m a little confused by this outburst, but I’m very glad it’s not directed at me. . His left hand flicked in my direction and a blue folder marked ‘Classified, Warden Commander, Haven,’ floated over to me. I reached out and plucking it from the air, began to read. Closing the folder, I looked up. All my doubts were gone, this was the perfect position for me . I’d get to work directly with Dragons and their handlers. I’d only be needed within the political side if they needed a translator, and unless the Reddo’s failed, that wouldn’t be often. “I understand Commander, when am I leaving?” I asked, a confident smile on my face. Warden Commander Morgan Jeffery’s gaze slowly returned to me. He had been glaring daggers at the Chancellor while I’d been reading. He sighed heavily before speaking. “Is this really what you want, Nika?” His tone was soft and a bit resigned, but his eyes were sad as they rose to meet mine. “It is, Uncle”, I said as I smiled happily back at him. The use of my childhood nickname concerned me greatly, so I projected a wave of love and understanding in his direction. My empathy usually only works on animals, but I’ve known Uncle Morgan my whole life and our connection is stronger than most. I felt him feel me and my smile softened to one of understanding; he was emotionally torn, warring with himself. “It’s alright with me then. Just remember, you can always come home, there will always be a position here for you.” He turned to the Chancellor and continued, “I want weekly updates and I want to see her monthly for a meal at least.” “Uncle, that’s not reasonable, you know how your schedule is and I can only imagine how mine will be. I’ll come home as often as I can, I promise, but don’t force the Chancellor to make a promise he can’t keep.” I quickly interjected. “Fine, but as often as you can.” He ordered. “As often as I can, promise.” I said, rising and going around the desk to hug him. Standing back up, I continued. “So, when am I leaving?” The Chancellor beamed at us both, “Excellent!” He reached into his robe and pulled out another file folder, this one was green and bore the Council Crest on it. “Everything you need to know is in here. You’ll have two weeks of training and orientation. You should leave the day after your training is complete. A dispensation has been made for your floo difficulty, and all officials have been notified.“ He extended his hand and the folder appeared on top of the blue one still in my hands. He then continued, “You will be gating to the Consealium in New York City, where you will meet the New York rep and floo to London. When you’ve reached London, there will most likely be a short delay due to time differences, but once the rest of the team is assembled, you’ll all floo to the Romanian Ministry . Once there, you’ll be informed where to go and how you and one other person will be getting to the Reserve. There is no need to worry. International travel, while taxing, is perfectly safe. We all know how much you detest flooing, but it won’t be for long and you will only have to do it once. When you’re familiar with the terrain, I’ve been assured, if alone, you can gate at will. They prefer apparition to gating, so do some practice within the city and get used to doing it again.“ Inwardly I groaned, I detested apparating nearly as much as flooing, but at least I could apparate by myself without splinching or passing out. I put a somewhat sincere smile on my face and nodded my understanding. A sudden thought occurred to me and my smile disappeared as I turned sharply to the Chancellor. “Sir, just how much do they know about me?” I asked, trepidation returning to my voice. “Only the high Ministry officials know your complete resume.” He replied. “Good, and thank you for being discrete.” I breathed a sigh of relief and thanks that it would be my choice to share my story. The last thing I needed was to arrive there with my past laid out before me, I’d be judged and most likely shunned, I’d endured enough of that growing up, I didn’t need it now as an adult. “Of course.” the Chancellor said, rising from his seat, he continued “I’ll leave you two now, Rowan will hound me for being late to another meeting if I don’t leave now.” We both nodded and the Chancellor took his leave. “I need to go too, Uncle, I’ve so much to do!” I said excitedly. He nodded and hugging me once more rose and walked me to the door. “Come see me before you leave?” Smiling, I nodded, “Absolutely!” ==== The next two weeks passed in a blur. I was busy beyond belief and only made it back to see my godfather the day before I was set to leave. We had a wonderful dinner and a going away party for me. I would miss them all, but the call of the unknown was more than I could resist. ======================================================= January 2, 2000 10 miles north of Cassava, Romania Malkerk Reserve for Dragons, Master of Dragons Office. “Oi, Charlie! Get in here!” bellowed the voice of Dragon Master Anton Del Mar. Hurried footsteps could be heard as Charlie rushed into the office. “You wanted me boss?” a breathless Charlie asked. “I did. You’re going to get that Empath and new trainer aren’t you?” he asked. “I am yes. I’ll be leaving straight away.” Charlie replied. Charlie apporated to the Romanian Ministry of Magic’s lobby and clearing security proceeded to the International Floo Office. He approached the desk and signed in. The receptionist looked up with a welcoming smile. “Good morning Mr. Weasley, your party should be here any minute. The Director asks that you wait for the full party to arrive before taking your new staff to the Reserve; he has a few things to go over with all of you. Please have a seat. Can I get you anything?” Charlie smiled and shook his head. “I’m fine thanks. I’m just going to use the loo before they arrive.” “Of course, it’s just down the hall there” the receptionist replied indicating a short corridor to the left of her desk. Charlie smiled his thanks and walked quickly down the hall. Entering the toilet, he closed and locked the door behind him. He stood staring at himself in the mirror for what seemed like ages. Finally, he leaned forward and placed his forehead against the mirrors cool surface. Softly, he spoke to the man in the mirror, “You can do this Charlie. Stop over reacting, she probably doesn’t even remember you.” ~~~ It was dark and the halls were full of smoke, ash and dust from the bits of blasted wall lying here and there clogged the air. He could barely breathe but he had to keep moving, Fred was somewhere to his left, where the wall once was. He couldn’t see him anymore, but he had to be there, had to be alive, he just had to be. He made is way slowly over to the pile of rubble, and dropping to his knees began to levitate the fragmented pieces of wall off the spot where he last saw his little brother. He’d always be his little brother, no matter how old he got. A voice from behind him broke his concentration. He couldn’t believe the words; his most fervent wish had come true. “Your brother’s fine. He’s been moved to the Great Hall.” He whirled around to see the back of a woman quickly moving away. Her hair was black and coiled at the base of her neck. She wore a grey robe with “Warden” written in foot high letters on the back. He called out after her a thank you, but she didn’t acknowledge him, she was too busy shielding someone else’s brother from death. Then, he didn’t know her name, not till the battle was over and she was helping with the wounded did he learn it. She was beautiful. Even covered in soot, dust and other people’s blood, she was beautiful. The sorrow in her eyes took his breath away. She hadn’t known any of the wounded or those who were lost, yet her hands and words never stopped comforting, her Will bent to heal time and time again, and when darkness claimed another life, she held those left behind and cried with them. ~~~~ Knocking brought him from his reverie, “Mr. Weasley, the delegation has arrived.”
