He ran into the Keep, the words he and Shey exchanged swimming in his head. Love. He actually had said it. He was grinning from ear to ear. His only thought... getting his belongings and getting back to her. He was looking forward to this, even if he didn't know what awaited them... him.

"Al..." Azure began, but he interrupted. "Not now Azure, I've got to get going."

"Alex, Stop!"

"Not now I said!" As soon as he finished his words, he heard the slam and lock of the door. "Open it Azure."

"I will. In a moment. Be careful Alex. Watch over Shey, and remember, if you need me..." She trailed off.

"Don't worry my friend. I shall guard her with my life." he paused and took a deep breath. "I love her Azure."

"I know silly cub. I've known since the day you first talked about her. Now, here are your things." She said as they appeared right near his foot. "Get going, and may Gaia keep you safe." He started to head out the door but stopped. Dropping his bag, he turned and ran to her, giving the large dragon the best hug one could give one her size. "Don't worry, I'll be home before you know it, now, take me to her, please."

The mist surrounded Alex as he went out the door. He walked with it for what seemed like forever then felt it leave him. The smell of the fire found his nostrils. The mist had left him, and still unsure of the encampment, he called for her. "Shey?" He stood and waited for her to come to him. "Alex!" She said his name as she approached him. Alex smiled and held out his arms, feeling her there, he wrapped them around her, savoring the moment. "I've a fire, come." She gave him a quick kiss before taking his hand and leading him to the fire. "I'll join you in a moment. I'm going to put your things away. I'll show you where they are later."

He wondered if her thoughts were the same as his. Sharing space with her. Having her there next to him. This would be a new experience for him.

Alex's adventure had just begun.

"Shey? What is that sound" Sheyleig was growing accustomed to questions like this, it brought a smile to her lips every time.

"Its a pair of cardinals in the trees Alex. The male is chittering to the female almost like hes scolding her. It looks like all their fledgelings have flown away and the mother bird is distressed." Another soft smile the foxling going on to discribe more.

"The trees here seem to be mostly pitch pines and evergreens. They come to within a couple feet of the road. Here and there are little patches of late wildflowers among the tree roots. Behind the trees the sun is setting. The clouds are tinged a deep flame orange with shades of pink and violet swirled in."

"It sounds lovely Shey, but not as lovely as you" Alex smiled reaching out to take the foxlings arm.

Sheyleigh blushed a shade of pink the rival any found in the sky directing the horses off the road on a barely seen path. She started singing softly in the multi-tonal language of the shadowfox, a soft soothing song of love sounding much like a harmonious purring.

Soon the campground where they would spend their first night on the road came into view and Sheyleigh slowed the horses.

Sheyleigh worried over the night before as she broke camp that morning. Poor alex looked so tired and ill, and she had this dreadfull feeling that it would only get worse and there was nothing she could do to help him.

Once the suplies were packed away she moved to where Alex rested by the fire and whispered in his ear "Are you ready to continue on my love? We should be heading out if we want to reach the next camp before dark."

Alex nodded tiredly and Shey helped hin to his feet. "Why dont you ride in the back and rest untill we stop for noon meal?" Alex agreed quietly having no intention of doing more than just lieing sleepless on the bunk. He just did not wish to distress Shey more than he could tell she already was.

Once Alex was settled again on the bunk Shey wiggled trough the half door to the drivers bench and took her place on the bench seat nudging the sturdy horses into motion. Not knowing what else to do for him she asks the cart horses softly " Well my lovlies... what do we do with him?"

The horses, being horses and unconcerned had no answers for her.

Even though it wasn't that cool of an autumn, Alex was wearing a warm muslin shirt under his vest, and Shey noticed that his hands were almost cold as she helped him onto the wagon. He sat quiet for a few long moments. "I think my link with my mother goes deeper than even she knows."

"Alex, please, I don't understand."

"Mother can't be very far away from the fires of Azure Keep. I think..." he paused, not quite believing it himself. "I think I share that link as well."

"You're scaring me love." Shey's voice sharing the same emotion. "What will happen?"

Empathy for her flooded over him. Feeling her feelings, his voice trembled as he spoke. "Mother can't be far away from the flames of Azure Rose for very long or she'll die." He heard her gasp. "The farther we get, the weaker I get." His hand found her hair and he stroked it comforting her. "Don't worry my sweet, I do not think that I will die, but if I cannot summon Azure's help, I'll need yours."

"Of course. You know I'll help..." He held up his hand.

"You don't understand Shey. I'll need you to give me something. I'll need you to give me some of your life force." Alex felt the sudden jolt of the wagon stopping, and could only feel her staring at him in disbelief.

Alex pondered her question for a moment before answering. "I don't know how much I'll be affected going off world because I've never been. I know that Mother wouldn't be able to. I'm going to need to see if I can contact Azure before we do go off world and see if she can help me."

Alex wished he could see her face, to see her eyes. He knew she was worried and not just about him either. She had important things on her mind. More important than his problems.

"As for giving me some of your life force, that's not difficult, and if we did it at night before we retired, you should be fine by morn."

"Alex," she said softly holding his hands. "Just how is this done?"

"Remember when I healed your leg? I gave you some of my life force. That's how I can heal." Alex took a deep breath. "But I can also take away someone elses life force. I can be a weapon, but I prefer to use it for good. I can take life force of, lets say, an enemy, and give it to someone who needs it." Alex sat quietly before continuing, waiting for Shey to speak.

"It's a lot to ask, love..."

"I can understand if you don't want to do it." Alex interrupted. Shey put her fingers over his lips. "What I was saying my love, is it is a lot to ask, but I will do it for you. I just want to know the details."

"At the last stop before going off world, I will attempt to contact Azure. If that fails, then we will go with the the alternate." He takes her in his arms, holding her against him. She can hear the rhymic beating of his heart. "I'm sorry my sweet." He whispered. "Sorry for putting you through this. If I had known..."

"Shhh my love." Shey snuggled against him. "I'm not taking us to a ball." They both chuckled. "Then onward my sweet!" Alex pointed forward and smiled, but even his smile betrayed his worry.

Alex took a deep breath as he held out his hand to Shey. "Then it is here that I must try and contact Azure."

"And if you can't?"

"Then I will hold out as long as I can before asking your help." He lowered his head, embarrassed. "Perhaps I shouldn't have come with you. If anything were to happen to you, I... I..."

Shey took Alex's face in her hands and gently lifted it looking into his blank eyes. "Alex, love, don't be so hard on yourself. You didn't know this would happen, and besides, it was I that asked you, remember?" She brushed a kiss against his lips. "I wanted you here with me." She took his hand. "Now, what can I do to help you in contacting Azure?"

"I'll need a fire."

"Alright, I'll get one going. Anything else?"

He smiled gently. "Just you being there with me."

"I already planned that. Now let me go get the fire going. I'll come get you when I'm finished."

Alex nodded and leanded against the door. He was scared. He could not deny that fact. Soon the smell of the fire reached him and he felt the soft touch of Shey. "The fire's all ready." She said as she took his hand and led him to the fire pit. Alex sat in silence. She sat across from him seeing him through the flames.

"He crossed his arms over his chest hi right hand over his heart, and closing his eyes, he began the call to his dragon companion. "Azure, please, I need your help. If you can hear me please answer."

Shey felt her breath catch at the sight before her. Alex's body glowed blue and the voice she heard was not that of Azure and she was afraid for him.

"Alex."

"Mother? But how?" Shey eyes widened. His mother? She thought to herself.

"Azure told me of your plans and I know why you have summoned us. I will do what I can to help you."

"What do I do?"

"You must enter the flames." Alex nodded and stood up. As he took a step towards the fire Shey screamed. "ALEX! NO!"

"Do not fear for my son, little foxling. He will be safe, I promise."

Shey shivered. Something, or was it someone touched her cheek. Her attention turned back to Alex just in time to see the flames begin to engulf him. She held back the urge to pull him out. She stood in wonderment as the orange and yellow flames turned blue and lavender. The flames seemed to be caressing him. An urn of sorts appeared in his hands.

"Take these with you my son. It contains the Azure Rose flames. Only a flicker of flame is needed."

"Thank you Mother." Alex's voice was soft.

"I will remain here at the Keep until you return. And Alex?"

"Yes Mother?"

"She's lovely." Shey felt the heat rise to her cheeks. "I love you Alex."

"I love you too, Mother." With that, the flames died out leaving Alex standing in the middle of the pit holding the urn.

Alex quietly ate his breakfast. He could feel Shey's frustration over what his mother had said. Keeping his head down, as if looking at his plate he let out a long sigh before speaking.

"What's bothering you?"

"Nothing." She said flatly.

"Shey, you know I feel what you feel, and ever since my conversation with my Mother, you've been upset."

"Lovely. She said I'm... lovely."

"And what's wrong with that?"

"It demeaning."

Alex was a bit shocked at her words. "I think you're lovely, and I can't see you. I guess I'll toss that word from my vocabulary." He reaches into his shirt and takes out an imaginary book and quill, then begins his imaginary writing. "Strike lovely from dictionary." He tucks the imaginary things away. "There, is that better?"

"Alex, that's not what I meant."

"Isn't it? Mother doesn't know you. She didn't know that words would upset you so. She only said what she saw of you. What you look like. If she had known, she wouldn't have used it, and it wasn't like she had a lot of time to get to know you. Perhaps her choice of words aren't the best sometimes, but I think she's done pretty damn good considering when she came to Rhydin she was a trained assassin and didn't give a damn who her target was! With Azure's help, and Father's love, she became a good wife, mother and friend." His hurt was obvious. He was protective of his family. Setting his plate down, hands in his lap, he took a deep calming breath. "She likes you, Shey. It was a... compliment."

He sat there without a sound, waiting. Waiting for what, he didn't know.

Alex paced back and forth. You're an idiot Alex. He kept saying to himself. He heard her crying. Hurting her hurt him and he paced faster. Without thinking, he changed into his tiger form. The large orange cat pacing back and forth at the back of the wagon. He knew better than to aproach her right now. That was the one thing that he had learned on the very few times his parents had fought. Wait before knocking. But how long? He didn't have any idea. This was the only fight he'd had with a woman, not counting his sisters, but then again, do they count?

He wondered what the others thought. A large tiger pacing at the wagon. He hoped they didn't think he was going to harm her, but when he was upset or overly nervous, he paced and when he paced, he turned into a tiger.

Oh Shey, I'm so sorry, I never meant to hurt you. He thought to himself. He stopped his pacing and curled up and waited. Waited for either the nerve to knock on the door, or for her to open it.

Yes, he would wait.

Hearing the door the tiger lifted his head. He wasn't quite sure how to approach her, but he just couldn't lie there. Slowly he stood, and quietly padding over to her, he gently laid his head in her lap. He waited for her to touch him before making another move. He felt her hand stroke his head and closing his eyes he stayed there for a few moments. As his form changed back to human, his hand reached and touched her face.

"I'm sorry Shey." He whispered before taking her into his arms and knowing they didn't have long before the real journey began, he just held her.

He didn't know what lay ahead, for him, for her, for them. The one thing he did know was it wasn't going to be a pleasure visit. He could sense that from Shey. With his strength restored he would be there for her. His worry was how long this would last.

He wouldn't worry about that now, for now he just wanted to relish that quiet moment with Shey in his arms.

Alex too was worried about the flames of Azure Rose. He wondered if they were from the Keep itself, or if they were actually from his mother. If they were hers, he wondered how weak she would become, if any. His mind was racing. He didn't want to jepordize Shey or his mother.

He sat on the bed and grabbed a pillow, hugging it close. Shey's scent was strong. He held it tighter as if protecting it... her.

He thought about her family. What would they think of him? He was blind. Alex was beginning to understand how Shey felt meeting his mother, even though it wasn't completely in the flesh and just an image.

His stomach growled. He patted it trying to calm its screaming down. He hadn't been eating very much and his stomach was letting him know it was unhappy and hungry.

As he chuckled to himself, he felt the lurch of the wagon and heard Shey call to him.

"Alex, we need to talk."

"On my way to you." He answered as he climbed into the seat next to her giving her a quick kiss. He sensed a bit of anxiety. "Anything wrong?"

"Don't worry about me too much." he smiled and winked, trying to reassure her. "Father too spoke in revelations and prophecy." he took her hand. "Don't worry, it won't bother me."

"As for me being blind, well, I could always come in as a tiger, but then, that may not be a good thing either. We'll just have to play it by ear, or perhaps, I'll just need to prove myself."

"As for the guards, well, I could always eat them." he chuckled, hoping that his minor attempt at a joke would help her. "This is your world my sweet. You lead and I'll follow. I'll just smile and keep my mouth shut." and adding to himself for the time being. He sensed her nervousness. "It'll be ok. I promise." he whispered.

Alex was scared too. He needed to be strong for her. One question went through his mind. Would his strength hold?

He was glad that they both had eased up a bit. The tension was less thick. He knew that she was still worried about her task ahead of her, and of his safety. He could fight when prevoked, a side of him he hoped that she would see as it wasn't exactally pretty. Going into crinos might be enough to scare them away, he hoped. Then the thought. What would crinos do to his strength? Would have to use the flames? He shuddered shaking off the thought.

"Are you cold love?" Shey's sweet voice touched his ears.

He stood up, right behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist. "Nope, not cold." He couldn't help himself. In his arms was a beautiful woman, her scent branded in his senses. He nipped her shoulder, and hoped he wouldn't get a flying lesson, after all, Shey was the only woman, other than his mother, sisters and a large blue dragon, he'd been with.

He smiled down at her. "There is nothing to forgive. You did nothing wrong, it was I who went off on a tangent." He put a finger under her chin and kissed her gently. "I do know how much I mean to you, for I have the same about you." He said, his voice barely above a whisper as he lightly stroked her wing. "I love you Shey, and I'll be there when you need me."

Past forgotten for now, Alex was content for the first time in a long time. For a brief time it seemed that they were the only two people in the universe, and all that mattered was their love for each other.

He was glad for the break. He wasn't used to being cooped up. He didn't make fires because the fire at Azure Keep was always lit. If it ever went out, well, Alex didn't want to think of that.

He smiled at Shey as she took the wood from him, then the smile faded for a moment as the hair on his neck stood up on end. His ears twitched as he listened. He was hoping it was just his new environment that was doing it.

Either of them really spoke as they ate. Alex picked at his stew, liking the vegetables, but wanting more meat. He wiped his face hoping he wasn't drooling at the thought of fresh kill.

"Is the stew to your liking?" She must have seen him drool.

"Yes, yes, it's fine, quite good." He smiled at her, then he froze. He felt their presence and stood quickly, his stew forgotten as it spilled to the ground. He quickly took his place at her side, whispering. "Friend or foe?"

He stood still awaiting her reply. Ready to change. Ready to protect. Ready to kill.

Alex sniffed the air smelling the roasting meat and wrinkled his nose. "I would prefer raw meat. Fresh and bloody after a kill." Alex winked at Shey before he glanced in the direction of their dinner guests. "Do you think one of these might do?" He poked at the one nearest him and as he poked he changed forms, his hand being replaced by a very large orange and black striped paw. He began sniffing them, his ears picking up Shey's feeble attempt at muffling her giggles. "Come on Shey, I'll only eat one of them."

"Now Alex," Shey tried to be as serious as she could. "We mustn't frighten our guests." Alex took that opportunity to lick one of them.

"But love, he tastes so good."

"Ok! Ok! Perhaps he isn't so frail!" Shey couldn't hold it any longer. She laughed hard. Alex too was laughing even after he made the change back to human. He kissed Shey on the forehead before sitting next to her.

"You must remember love, that I have 13 siblings. One must learn to take it as well as dish it out."

"Now I see Shey," Lennix said. "It was his humor."

"Acutally," Alex spoke, "It was my beautiful eyes." He turned and looked at them with white orbs, a flicker of flame in them that would be mistook for the reflection of the flames in the pit, and he laughed. Shey too joined in after noticing the befuzzled look upon their faces.

He gave Shey's hand a squeeze. "I didn't come to meet her mother, I came to help Shey, and if need be, fight along side of her. I know this isn't a pleasure trip. Do not worry for my safety."

Alex knew that Shey and he would be worrying enough and that these two didn't need to know about the flames.

"I can hold my own in a fight, and am no stranger to war." he told them. "I am as much a part of Shey's world, as she is to mine." The corner of his mouth turned up in a smile.

"My words are not from a love-struck man-cub, but from one of a proud race. The race of Khan, and I will gladly lay down my life for Shey." He sat up straighter, if that was possible, a protective arm about her.

"Do you have a plan?"

"You didn't fail Shey." Alex said as he got up into the wagon. "Everyone assumed that the heirs would be alive, well, and easy to find. It's not a failure, just a miscalculation." He reached for her, kissing her in the forehead before holding her against him. "It's not your fault, my sweet. You had no way of knowing."

"You don't know Mother." she let out a nervous laugh.

"Well, I could always eat her..." Alex said with a laugh.

"ALEX!" Shey swatted him and couldn't help but giggle.

"You know I'm joking. I just wanted to hear you smile." he plopped down on the bed. "So, about a plan. Any ideas?"

Alex took a deep, thoughtful breath before breaking the silence. "As I see it, we have three choices."

"One. We could run back to Azure Rose, always being watchful and looking over our shoulders for perhaps someone that your mother sends after you."

"Two. We can lie. Say the girl is dead. I mean, your cousin has made a new life, right?"

"Or three. We tell your mother the truth." He paused for a moment, stroking her hair before continuing."

"I don't believe in forcing someone to do anything, and that includes positions of status. The more you force someone, the more you push them away. If your cousin is made to come back, it is near certain that she will run away." He lifted her chin, his thumb on her cheek, gently touching the soft skin.

"I love you Shey, and I will support you, and be by your side no matter what you decide." Before she could answer, he kissed her softly, wishing that his kiss could somehow make this go away.

A soft, deep purr emitted from him. "Then write your letter and if possible, we'll leave on the morrow. You might want to tell your mother where you'll be staying." he smiled. "Let her know that you'll be at Azure Rose Keep. She can send messege there." he paused "That is, if you want to come to the Keep with me and stay." He would let her ponder that.

"If you are that worried about me, I could always use Mother's flames before we start back. That would insure that I will be alright. I've been feeling tired. I know I can't hide it from you. I learned that already."

He was worried about her. He wasn't the only one that the venture had taken it's toll on. Truth be known, he was looking forward to getting back to the Keep and into a nice soft bed, and the thought of having Shey there with him made it long for it more.

"It's your move my love. The sooner the better. I too have an uneasy feeling."

Back at Azure Rose Keep there was more than uneasiness. Azure had become increasingly concerned for her long time friend, Mary.

"You grow weaker my friend. The longer Alex is gone..."

"Azure, you talk too much."

"And you still do not listen."

"I don't need you to tell me why I'm growing weak. Don't you think I know? Don't you think I'm worried? Don't you..."

"Mary." Azure's voice was calm, quiet. "You take too much upon yourself. We both know Alex, and we know that he would not use your flames unless he absolutely has to." Mary looked from the blue flames in the fireplace to her friend. "Mary. You did tell him those were your flames, didn't you?"

"In a sense I did. I told them they were my flames from here. Not that they were my flames. If I told him that, do you think he would use them? He's too much like his father. He would die first. We can only pray to Gaia that if he does have to use them that they get back here before..." her voice trailed off, eyes focusing once again on the blue flames.

He smiled to her. He knew the lamp was lit and he wished he could see what she looked like standing there, but he could only imagine it. Imagine the light basking her in it's glow.

"There will be no problem of me holding out. I just don't want you to worry so much, that's all. But, there is a way for me to conserve my energy, and that will be to assume my true form, to stay as a tiger until we're done with the crossing." He reached out and pulled her to him, cradling her against him. "As for the other. No, no one will mind. Azure adores you, Mother likes you as well." He kissed her softly on the top of her head. "And I love you. The decision is yours of course, but I would be honored if you would share the Keep with me." He closed his eyes and listened to her heartbeat, her breathing, his heartbeat, his breathing, and the wonderful rhythm they made together.

Azure came down the stairs from her tower, bringing with her some herbal tea of her own design for Mary. As the reflection of the flames from the great room came into view, Azure called to her friend.

"Mary? I brought you some tea. You must keep up your strength." The dragons voice trailed into silence at what she saw. Mary was still sitting, but slumped over, her breathing was shallow.

"Mother Gaia" Azure whispered. "Mary." She said her friends name softly as she lifted her head. Mary's eyes were wide open and she was cold, so cold to the touch.

"This is one time I wish your mate was here my friend. But since he is not, this will have to do." Azure called upon her own powers and a blue glow surrounded Mary, placing her in stasis until Alex came home, which Azure prayed would be soon.

"MOTHER!" Alex bolted up straight, panting. The brand over his heart glowing a bright blue.

Alex. Azure spoke quietly as she cast her spell, hoping that she could reach him. If you can hear me, listen carefully. The flames are not as you think. She kept it short. Alex would understand if he got the messege. She reached into the stasis field and touched the brand that Mary had, knowing that this was the link between this mother and son.

Gently he moved around Shey and takes the urn with the flames in it. With tears in his eyes he turned around clutching the urn against him. The brand over his heart glowed brighter with the urn next to it.

"Alex." Shey stood and placed a gentle hand on his face. "What is it?"

"The flames." Tears ran down his cheek onto Shey's hand. "They are not Mother's flames from the Keep. They are Mother's flames. She gave part of herself for me, and because of that, I fear for her."

"How do you know this?" Alex could feel her tremble slightly.

"Azure. Somehow she managed to touch me." He didn't know how to explain what he felt. He wrapped his free arm about Shey and just stood there with her.

"Once we start the crossing, I'll change forms to conserve energy." His voice was barely above a whisper.

His voice when he finally spoke was shakey and broken. "I'm sorry Shey. I came with you to help you, and you end up having to take care of and help me." He could feel her wings flutter slightly around him.

His mind was racing with questions. He wondered why Mary would do this, or even yet, why Azure let her. He remembered a time, which now seemed a lifetime ago, when she did this for his father, Gato, and then he tried to help her and ended up almost dead himself, for he could not enter the flames. Alex knew what he needed to do when they got back, and prayed to Gaia for his mothers life.

"I'm so sorry." Were the only words that came to him, and he repeated them. As he did, a shimmer surrounded him as he changed from man to tiger, one large paw wrapped around the urn. He rubbed a large head gently against Shey.

Yes, he would remain in this form till they returned, for tigers don't cry. Or do they?

Alex purred at her words and nuzzled against her. He knew that Shey would get them back to Rhydin and to the Keep come hell or high water. His worry however was not for himself but for his mother. Azure's magic was strong, but Alex knew that she could not heal Mary. Only Alex and his sister Kat could.

Jumbled dreams haunted his sleep. Dreams that made no sense as if he were looking through anothers eyes. There were dreams of his half sister Betsy and a fight. A fight between mother and daughter. A fight between Mary and Betsy. He saw the outcome of the fight. Mary's machete had found home, piercing Betsy's black heart.

How young his mother was. Her hair was brown. He had always seen it gray streaked. This was when she was young. But why would he be dreaming this? He let out a gutteral sound realizing, even in a dream, that Azure had linked him with his mother.

Alex curled tighter, squeezing the urn. Shey carefully removed it from him as she did not want to take the chance of it breaking. For all she knew, this was the link between Mary's life or death.

Blank eyes opened as the tiger let out a long breath, holding out a large paw to Shey. He needed her at that moment more than ever.

Being parted from Alex was killing her. The days were spent in planning sessions with her mother, the nights spent tossing and turning missing him beside her.

Each night she would wake and begin a letter to him.

Dearest Alex,

I love you with all my heart,

She never got further than that, drifting off into tortured nightmares of Alex in pain and helpless, and her unable to help him.