The sun began to rise and it forced Abyss to join with Jared once again. He shivered, in more than just the cold, as the banshee oozed into his scales. He was now black again, but his eyes were gold.

Hmm, still nice I think. She said, his scales tingling.

Abyss, please don't start…I know you are glad that I have accepted you for what you are, but you can't just try and start a relationship that deep a few days after meeting.

I can't? The question caught Jared off guard. I'm sorry if I was a little…strange… yesterday, but it seems like your smell is gone now. I don't really mean anything, but I still think you are a handsome dragon.

What do you mean my smell is gone? Jared sniffed the air, but only smelled the trees.

When I first met you, you had a smell around you that I couldn't resist. It made me want to…you know. I said some things I shouldn't have, and I'm sorry. It's gone so we should be fine from now on. Jared sighed, feeling just a little disappointed about it.

The sun came over the horizon just then, and a sparkle on a sandstone hill caught his eye. Telling Kathryn to hold on to him he took off, flapping upwards to the top of the hill.

He landed, whistling as he saw the spire made of pure diamond, and he wondered how it was made. Kat, thinking it could be dangerous, stayed on his back and admired it from afar.

"We should go, Jar. It is really interesting, but we can't take it with us, and the Ra'zac come first." He didn't listen, instead peering closely at the spire. It looked like it might have been hollow, as if to store something, but there was nothing in it. He saw writing on the side and squinted.

Does anyone here know how to read? He asked.

"No."

Never needed to. Abyss said. Touch the spire and I can tell what it is. Jared pressed his claws to the crystal. Hmm…it was made by magic, very strong magic, too. I can't tell what it was made for, but whatever was inside it must have been removed by magic. Otherwise it would have stayed there for all eternity. Jared sighed and took off, the sunlight glinting on his onyx scales. He looked back and saw Kat shifting so her legs wouldn't be rubbed raw.

Don't worry, I just want to make up a little lost time, we won't be up here long. Jared said and Kat nodded. Abyss, I want to know what you meant earlier.

You're still going on about that? Abyss chuckled in his mind. What, are you disappointed?

I'm just wondering what that was about…I had a scent that made you want me? It sounds like pheromones.

Phero-what? Abyss asked in confusion.

Smells that animals use to attract mates and mark territory. I think that what you smelled was the pheromones given off by my body. Jared explained. You were not prepared for it and you couldn't resist it. I didn't feel the same about you when we met because you have no scent, but my guess is that you were… He stopped abruptly.

Go on. Abyss prodded. Jared gulped.

You were in heat when we met, and it stopped last night. Abyss was silent for a moment.

How can I be a part of mating seasons when I'm not even truly alive? The question dug into her mind so much that it was felt in his from their bond. I can't reproduce…I think.

Let's just try and put it behind us, Abyss. We're still friends, right?

As long as we live we shall be friends, because you accepted me where no other living being would. Abyss shivered in his scales. That is something I can never forget.

I knew you weren't evil, Abyss, no matter what any other creature says. They were silent while he dipped downward, landing again on a dusty road.

"Does anyone know where we are?" Kat asked. Jared felt Abyss thinking deeply.

We are a few leagues from Dras-Leona. She said.

"How in the name of the lost world do you know that?" Kat cried, hitting Jared on his neck in an attempt to hit Abyss.

You think I know how my power works? I just know. We are heading south, which, if I remember correctly, will soon lead us to Surda. Jared sighed and began walking along the road. From there we continue south to the border of Alagaesia, and then…

And then what?

I don't know. As far as I remember no one does. Abyss shivered in his scales again.

Why do you keep doing that?

I don't know, just keep walking. You're the horse and we are the riders…just get to where we need to go and you can have your oat-bag. Jared growled.

If I have to I will force you off of me and into the sun. Jared threatened. He felt horrible fear from her and she went quiet for some time. It was nearly noon before she spoke again.

Jared, I need to tell you something. She said quietly.

What is it? Jared asked, worried.

I have been thinking about our relationship for the past few ours, and I realize something. I love you. Jared was quiet. I'm not really sure why, but I feel connected with you by the threads of fate, and I have a feeling that we are meant to be together.

I Know what you mean, but that can't be possible. Jared said reluctantly. I am a dragon, and you are-

A dragon. You have been trying to convince me of that, and know I know its true. Banshees cannot feel love for anyone, but I feel it for you. I am a dragon.

I don't know what to say…Jared licked his lips, a human gesture he had picked up from his adopted father.

Then don't say anything. Accept it for how it is and let life continue. That is what you taught me, but you need it more. Jared shook his head. Alright, I get it, you don't want to talk right now.

Jared tried to remember why he had first let Abyss join them, abut found he could not. What had it been that he had felt then? A short line came into his mind and he listened to it.

Love is a violent thing, and if you don't hold onto yourself you can lose your identity in it. Jared heeded the words, thinking about what he was going to do.

Abyss, I love you too. Jared sighed, knowing he had chosen the right way.