*This was more than she could bear.  She tried to destroy her flower, not wanting to live longer than you.  This basically killed her before she got a chance to do anything.* she said.  The trees began towailin sadness.  The one they loved more than rain was slowly dying from the despair brought upon her.  *And it was that Chapter of Souls person who told her as well.  We know her meant no harm to tell her, but being as young as she is, itjs heartbreaking.*

Tieral remained silent for a few minutes, caught up in hiw own thoughts. "There must be something I can do," he said to himself and he walked to the cave entrance, "There must be some way to live long. There just has to be."

*There is a way, but only Goldenscale can achieve it.  It would take a year to find, and we planned on telling Goldenscale after the Spring Festival.  And only Goldenscale can go about finding it.* the willow replied.  She used her name many times to emphasis that no one can go with her.

*Is there no possible way for someone esle togo,* he asked, *Could there at least be a way for someone to help her?*

The willow sighed.  *I know you just want to protect her, but this is something she has to do alone.  There are dangers in it, but I know she can live through them.  If she can survive getting a knife jabbed into her side, she can live through any danger.  And nature is always looking out for her.  For you and several others, the year while she's gone will be long, but think of how sweet the years will be after that.  She is a strong soul.* the willow said with confidence.  *I will reach the minds of the council to tell them of the quest Goldenscale must embark on.  Remember, she does this for the both of you.* she said.

*It's not that I want to protect her. I just don't want her to be alone,* he said as he made his way to the main cave, *The council will understand her leaving to do this kind of thing. I'll make sure they know.*

*She will never be alone.  Not with the memories of all the ones that care for her here.  And she will be accompanied by us trees.  You never find a place without us.* she said reassuringly.

*I know that you the trees will always be there with her, but sometimes one needs another to be with. Memories will only do so much before they begin to wear thin,* he said, *Memories are like word. They loose their meaning after so long. Sometimes, the disappear after being used so many times. They simply fade into the past where they become another image in one's mind. I don't want that to happen to either of us.*

*You both have something to remember each other by, don't you!?  You gave her a flower and she gave you a crystal.  Though the crystal was given to you because you are her protector and you gave her that flower to show your love, use those to remember each other.  Use the crystals you both have to project each others images to each other. Think outside your box.* she said.

"How can I think outside the box when there's no box to think in," he asked to himself. *The rose I made for Goldenscale will fade by this time next month, never mind next year. I made a a spur of the moment idea. If I had known it would need to last that long, I would have made it earlier and with more preperation,* he said stopping at the snow barrier, *I'll think of something that will last before she leaves. I wont let the memory fade."

*By now, she probably put a spell on it to keep it living for all eternity.  But that's the way she is.* the willow said with a chuckle.

*The flower itself isn't made of matter. It's made out of energy. That's why it was golden in color. Once it runs out of energy, it will disappear,* he said, *The spell will only keep the shape it was in once it disappears."

*You sure?* shesaid.  She was sure Goldenscale would have found that out and fixed that.

*The flower's very existance is tied to the amount of energy i put into making it when I conjured it. I gave it enough energy to make it last until I had enough silver to buy something that would last. I was planning on going to the smith and having him make a set of simple gold rings to go on her horns, but now I don't think I have enough time,* he said as he made his way to the council building, *Not unless i work myself night and day."

*Come to my tree.  I have something I want to give you.* she stated.