"Calm down Goldenscale, you're going to hurt yourself at this rate," Tieral said watching Goldenscale, "What is so wrong as to cause this?"

Goldenscale then curled up around the tree, her mumbling ceasing.  The willow was right, her health was short lived.  No matter, she was going to sleep for a couple of hours.

As the hours passed, Tieral dropped from the tree to stand watch over Goldenscale, listening to every sounds and watching for every movement..

Every once and a while, Goldenscale would snort or make a whine, but other than that, she remained motionless.

"If only I could do something," Tieral thought as he looked up into the willow's branches, "If only I can say how I feel."

*What do you mean, Tieral?* the willow asked. 

"I just can't seem to tell her how I feel. Every time the though comes across my mind, I loose focus and can't communicate," he said, "It's made worse by the fact i can't verbaly speak. All I can do is speak through my mind."

*Then show her with your feelings.  Show her through actions.  Use the crystal, use us.  There are resources around you that you can use.  You'll find a way, I know you will.  If there is anything you need us trees to do, just ask.* the willow said.  Goldenscale rolled on her side and let out a deep breath.  *She'll probably wake up soon.  Knowing her, she doesn't sleep much.*  The willow seemed to make her bark creak as though she was chuckling.

"It's probably for the best that I can't tell her. Here she is, the most beautiful person I've ever met, and I'm charged with protecting her at all costs, even if that means I can't say a word to her. As an enforcer, I'm not supposed to have these feelings for her," he said laying his head down, still watvhing the branches, "The enforcers are supposed to serve the council, noyt fall in love with them."

*Dear Tieral, times have changed.  The council is changing.  Goldenscale has a way with words, she could probably get that to change.  And anyways, everyone is a free spirit.  They should have the chance to love who they wish.  If the council has a problem with that, then they can discuss that with me.*  The willow rustled her leaves.  *And with her you two can communicate.  She can relate to you as well.  There aren't many that can say that.  If you want her chase after her.  I'll deal with the council if they become a problem.*

"I know the council is changing, but my training to become an enforcer has drilled these concepts into my mind. One of the most repeated and enforced rules was 'Have no relation to the part of council who chooses you.' I want to convey my feeling to her, but I have my own mind and position working against me," he said looking over to Goldenscale, "If anyone were to find out how I feel, i could be thrown from the cave, or excecuted for breaking the enforcer code of conduct."

*You underestimate her.  She first off wouldn't let that happen.  And second, she knows we live only once.  Why not spend the time we have here with the ones we care about.  She can get them to see that.  And love can't cloud judgement.  You're still protecting her.  They know she's not powerless.  Take it up with the council, I'll be there backing you up.  If they object, I'll be there.  If they still don't listen, I'll get Goldenscale.  She seems to be able to tweak the strings better than anyone.* she said.  *Life is too unexpected not to live it to the fullest.  See what you can do about it.  If they won't agree, they are idiots.* she said with a louder creak.

"I wish it were that easy. When someone signs up to be an enforcer, they give up the ability to influence the rules and regulations in a public vote. I wouldn't even be able to petition a change in school hours for hatchlings. Going to the cou8ncil over any suggested change in society will most likely be met with excecution on the spot," he said gritting his teeth in frustration, "The rules used to be a lot more relaxed, but someone took things too far and it ended with an enforcer and council member dead. Ever since that one incedent, they forbid any sort of relationship between an enforcer and a council member short of a general friendship."

The willow remained silent for a second before shouting at Goldnscale.  "What in the name of larkspur do you want!" she yelled at the willow.  The willow told her the rule without connecting it to anyone.  Goldenscale blinked.  "What!  The rules say that!  Wha-"  She got up and looked at Tieral.  "I'll be back."  She ran to the council building.  She walked in.  "Are the council members in?" she asked loudly.

*Don't worry.  I brewed a trick...* she said.

"No, but you can call a meeting if you feel it is needed," the person at the front desk said laying down the papers she was sorting, "All you need is to say when it will be held."

Looking a bit confused, Tieral just looked into the willows branches.