The smell of food woke Alex. "Shey?" He called out as he felt around the wagon. He still wasn't sure of the layout and moved with caution. "Shey?" He called again. "Just a minute Alex I'll..." THUD! "Never mind Shey, I seem to have found the way out myself." He groaned as he dusted himself off a bit.

"Are you hurt" She asked as she helped him dust off and stand.

"Only if you count my pride." He chuckled trying to ease her concern. "Hurt? No. Hungry? Yes." She led him to the fire and breakfast. Neither of them said much while they ate. Alex could sense that Shey was a bit nervous about her meeting Azure. He didn't know what he could tell her that would ease her mind.

He set his empty plate down, and let out a long breath. "Well. Are you ready?" He heard her fork drop onto her plate. "Now?" She squeaked out. "No time like the present, besides, the sooner you meet her, the sooner you'll relax." He held out his hand to her. She took his in hers. "Do you think she'll like me?" He lifted her hand to his lips. "No," He said quietly. "She'll love you." He put a hand to his heart and whispered. "Azure, take us home." Their bodies became engulfed by a blue mist as the encampment faded away, and Azure Rose Keep began to form. Alex heard Shey gasp, and he knew that the Keep was in full view.

He didn't need her to lead him, he knew the way and led her. As they approached the large wooden doors, they opened. Shey looked around for somebody as they crossed the threshold, but there wasn't anyone but the two of them. She was in Alex's domain now, and he knew his way. He led her into the large living room. There were a couple of overstuffed chairs and a large couch of the same. In front of the couch was a beautifuly hand crafted wooden table, and there were side tables of the same between the couch and the chairs. The furniture sat a distance away from the fireplace. Shey let out another gasp as she caught sight of the flames. Instead of the yellow, red and orange, they were lavender and blue. In front of the hearth were pillows.

"Welcome to Azure Rose Keep, m'lady." She jumped. The voice was everywhere, yet there was no one there. "I am Azure.'' As she said her name, the dragon began to take shape. And the she spoke so that only Shey could hear. "I have not seen your kind in many, many years. We dragons had thought your race had disapeared into legend." Shey's eyes were wide as she was not expecting that. "Oh Alex, she's positively enchanting." She said taking Shey's hand. Alex could feel the heat crawl up his face. "Alex, where are your manners? Aren't you going to ask her to sit?" Alex opened his mouth to protest but thought better of it. Shey was gone from his side and was being ushered to the couch by Azure. He heard her giggle, but heard no voices and wondered what stories Azure was telling her. "Alex, get your kitty behind over here! No manners I tell you. I guess that's my fault. Just us two here." Azure flicker her hand and a tray began to form on the table. The goblets frothing over with mist instead of foam. "It's a drink that I make. It's called dragons breath, and it's good for calming the nerves. Gave it to Mary before she married Gato..." Azure let out a soft sigh in rememberance. "So, you are going to take my cub here for awhile?" Shey nearly dropped her drink. "Yes, I mean, if that's alright with you."

It was times like this that Alex wished he could see. He wanted to see her face as she talked to Azure, but he could only imagine. "Alex is a grown man and it is his decision. Personally, I am glad that he is getting out in the world. Seeing things beyond the Keep. Now, if you two will excuse me, I have some last minute things for Alex to take." Azure gave a gracefull bow and she was gone.

Shey moved closer to Alex and took both of his hands in hers. "Alex, she is a jewel. You are very lucky to have her." Azure's words still echoed in her mind. He stood still holding her hands. "Come, I will show you the gardens of Azure Rose." He smiled and led the way through the large rooms and one room actually melding into the beginnings of the gardens. Shey gasped at the beauty before her. There was a stone path, and on either side were lavender and blue roses. One could heard the soft flowing water from the fountain, but Shey could not see it yet. There were several ponds with lillies, archways with yet more roses. "Alex..." she said with breathy voice. "It's absolutely beautiful." He smiled and puffed up a bit with pride. "Thank you. This is where I love to come and just sit and think."

"I can see why. It's so peaceful and serene." Hearing birds, she looked up. "And even have birds for snacking."

"No." he said holding up a hand. "These are not for eating. The Keep is a sanctuary of sorts. It's hard to explain, but everything here is joined. Did you notice the flames in the fireplace? If they die, Azure Rose Keep will die..." he paused, "And so will my mother." Shey didn't understand, but felt that this was not the time or place to ask questions. Perhaps on the trip. "Alex, " she said taking his arm, "Let's go to the inn." He smiled and nodded. Shey felt the mist before it began to form around them and before the Keep faded from sight, she could have sworn she heard Azure. "You too are now joined with Azure Rose Keep." Shey shuddered. "Are you cold?" Alex asked. "No, I thought I heard... nothing. Just an overactive imagination." She said giving his arm a squeeze as the inn came into view, but she was asking herself.

Was that really Azure she heard, and what did she mean?