Washed Away

All right ya'll, sorry it has taken me such a long time to get this up. I've been having some problems with my computer and with my interent and with time in general. Anyway... I have another chapter ready, so I'm posting two this time and you all can be happy for at elast a little while.

Disclaimer: And before I get into any trouble, for the last time (I WISH!)- DINOTOPIA NO IS MINE!

She groaned and blinked as the sunlight blazed intosleep foggedeyes. After a few moment she realized that she was lying in a bed in some sort of dormitory. There were beds lining the wall the length of the hall on both sides, all empty and neatly made. She took a deep breath and winced, pressing hand to her side. It hurt really bad to breathe, and even worse if she took a deep breath.

Where was she?

Panic filled her.

Who was she?

She didn't remember anything. She buried her face in her hands, trying to calm herself and keep from crying at the same time. She didn't move again until a voice beside her startled her.

"Ahh... You're finally awake. Good. Good."

The creature standing before her was enough to make her believe that she had fallen back asleep once more. He... It... whatever it was, placed a tray on the bedside table. "Well, I'm sure that your hungry, after being washed ashore and sleeping for the last few days.Why don't you eat while I go get the matriarch? She said she wanted to meet youas soon asyou woke up."

With that it turned away, leaving her with a tray of food and enough confusion to make her head hurt again. She might not be able to remember anything, but she did remember that. Or at least, what that was supposed to be. And that was not supposed to be here. And it defiantly was not supposed to be here talking to her or bringing her breakfast.

Her hand brushed a bandage wrapped around her head. Okay. She was seeing things. That was all that was happening. But the food smelled real enough, and her stomach was defiantly complaining that it knew that it had missed more than a few meals. She reached out and tentatively lifted a piece of fruit. It smelled all right. She took a bite, gobbled down the rest of the slice, and proceeded to make inroads on the rest of the meal.

> > > > > > > > > > > > > > >

Mariann glanced up from the students and hatchlings gathered at her feet as Zippo entered the room. He waved to her and then took a place along the back wall, indicating that he was in no hurry, and that she should carry in with what she was doing. She nodded.

"And that is how the sunstones came once more to the surface of Dinotopia from the world beneath."

The children "ohh" and "awed", the hatchlings chirped in excitement, retelling their favorite parts of the story to no one in particular, as young ones do. Mariann laughed as they scampered away, most likely outside to play.

"The dolphinback is awake, Matriarch."

Mariann sighed. "Don't call me that Zip. "

"But.."

"I know it's proper, but you are my friend. Call me by my name, please?" She asked, touching one of his forearms softly. "I'm still not quite used to the whole idea yet."

No one had been expecting the sudden illness of the former Matriarch, Mariann's mother Rosemary. Though her mother was on the mend, she was still weak, and many doubted that she would ever have the strength to resume her duties as the matriarch of Dinotopia.

"Yes Mariann. Of course."

"How does she seem like she's doing?"

The dino considered his answer. "I'm not quite sure. She seemed quite confused and surprised when she saw me. If nothing else her appetite has not been hurt. She was eating quite rapidly when I left.

Mariann chuckled. " That is always a good sign. Come on, let us go and see what we can learn of this newcomer."

All right. Another chapter is at an end. So go read the second one. Right after you get done reviewing this one for, right?

brandishes flamethrower

Because if you don't... I might have to try out one of my new toys on you...