"No matter. You're still you, and that's all that matters to me," he said, spreading his wings out so that he would float, "Is it just me or is that white crystal glowing?"

The crystal itself was emmiting a low hum and glow as each wave of water hit it.

"What?  Mine?" she asked.

"Yes, the white one," he said swimming over to Goldenscale, "I've been meaning to ask, what is that crystal made of? I've never seen a crystal with so much raw power raiating from it."

"Something called a vital fire.  Vital power is a flame made directly from the soul.  Mayumi made this from her flame." she said touching the crystal.  "Anyone can learn how to use their vital fire, but it will burn their entire bodies if it is touched without protection."

"That must have taken a conciderable amount of energy to make," he said examining the crystal, "There's just so much power locked away in there."

In its reflection on the water's surface, Mayumi's imagecame into focus.

"Wow, that's weird..." Goldenscale said quietly as she looked at the image of Mayumi.  "I should probably be getting back to the cave to check on Mayumi..." she said getting out of the lake.

"Sounds like a good plan.In the sate she's in, it's a good idea to check on her every now and then," he said using his wings to lift himself out of the water and into the air.

Goldnsdcale ran into the trees and into their branches.  She ran towards the cave in a blur, not making any sounds.  Once she got three, she went inside and over to Mayumi.

Most of the color had returned to Mayumi's scales and feathers. "Mother always chose the best times to visit, and the best gifts to give" she said, as she slowly rose from her sleep, "I told you I'd be fine. I'm still a little tired, but I've made it through days feeling worse."

"You're awake." she said giving her a hug.

"Mother is always looking out for me like this. I plan on doing the same for you. That's the main reason i made that crystal for you," she said returning the hug, warmth returning to her, "And don't worry about Tieral. If I'm asleep or focusing, I can see and hear through that crystal since it's an extention of my soul."

"You know?" she said, the blush returning to her face.

"Yes, and I don't mind. I know he's going to protect you with everything he has, even without his love for you," she said with a smile, seeing Tieral start to blush. "I'll only have a problem if you make me a grandmother before I'm fifty," she said with a laugh, "I'm still not going to be going anywhere for the next few days, I've still got a little recovery time remaining."

(I'm going to go into bed...)

"I'll try not to get into trouble." she said, nuzzling Mayumi.

(good idea)

"I know you'll try not to," she said wrapping her wings around.