Most of the Citadel’s citizens were awaiting them in the food court.  People mixed and introduced themselves, and several tours were conducted.  About midday, Allistor asked Andrea to switch out the three people remaining at the Silo, so the others could join and meet the groups. A moment later, Nigel announced that the repairs to the citadel were complete.

They spent the entire day just mingling and eating, discussing foraging and crafting, telling stories and forming new friendships.  A few trade deals were struck, crafters agreeing to share materials or work together in creating something.

Allistor, having been abandoned by Fuzzy who went to romp around with the children, spent most of the day with Amanda.   She spent some time checking on citizens who asked for it, and he gave her a personal tour of the Citadel.  Then he took her to the Silo and showed her the dragon eggs.  She used her Internal Analysis ability and scanned one of them.

“It’s a baby dragon alright.  High concentration of those magic atomic critters swirling around in there.  I’d say the baby is about eighty percent formed.  But I don’t know how long it’ll be till they hatch.”

“We’ve got books in the library that might tell us.  Let’s head back and have dinner with everyone, then we can hit the books.  I think Ramon’s already been up there all day.” He grinned.   Ramon had been ecstatic when Allistor had escorted him into the library.  He’d hurried from shelf to shelf calling out titles and laughing like a kid in a candy store.

As they were taking the lift back up to ground level, Amanda asked.  “You’re going back out, aren’t you?  To find more people and claim more Strongholds.”

Allistor nodded.  “I was thinking tomorrow.  That’s why I wanted a little quality time with you.  I… really did miss you.”

She bumped him with her hip.  “Missed you too, goofball.  I mean, there are better-looking men at the Warren.  But none of them has a face-eating pet bear.  I mean, that’s what I’ve always dreamed of in a man.”

“And I thought you were only into me for my big… muscles.”

“Those too.  I figure that’s what Helen sees in you, too.” She made a pouty face.

“It’s not like that with us.  She’s a good friend.  We work and fight well together.   But I made it clear I’m interested in being with you.”  He held out a hand, and she entwined her fingers with his.  He winked at her, adding, “If you play your cards right, you could end up being Lady Amanda!”

“Oh!  What an honor!” She rolled her eyes at him.   They reached the surface and walked back to the teleport pad.  Two minutes later they were joining the others in the food court.