"Yes.  He wanted it to be a surprise for me, but I'm going to be gone when they hatch so he told me earlier.  I hope to be able to come back sometime, spiritually of course, to see everyone and see my new siblings.  And then there's my Alekai." she said as she got down from her branch and limped over to Tieral to take Alekai in her arms.

"You'll have to explain Alekai to me in the morning for now, I'm going to head to my own home. I'll see you back home Ricken," Clair said, rubbing against Ricken before leaving.

Still leaning against the wal, Tieral had fallen alseep and was back in his normal form.

"Goodnight Goldenscale." Ricken said before following Clair out thee door.  

Goldenscale cradled Alekai in her arms before sitting next to Tieral and falling asleep herself.

"So, you ready for your reward dear," Clair asked, slowing down so that she was beside Ricken.

"I wonder.." he said with a smile.  He then took her hand in his, his other hand carrying his ever present mage book.

"You wont have to for long," she said, kissing Ricken, "I'm so glad you came back. I don't think I could have held out much longer."

"Me either.  After being with them for so long, you start to forget what your previous life was and who you are." he said with a frown.  "But thankfully, all I had to do was remember your and I had my purpose once again."

"Well, enough about the past, it is behind us now. It is time to think of the future now that we have each other again," she said, opening the door to their home, "I've saved myself for you, and I think it's an apropriate reward for earning your badge."

"Hmmm...  Are you positive about that, Clair?" he asked.  He obviously wanted to make sure that she was sure about her choice.

"Yes, I'm sure. I've had several years to think this over, and I decided long ago that I'd hold out for this moment," she said, nodding, "As I said so many years ago, once I've made up my mind, I will stick to that decision no matter what."

"And in that way, you are like Goldenscale.  Both of you are stubborn when it comes to decisions." he said with a laugh.  He then kissed her.  "How I missed being here with you.  You seem to liven up everything." 

(We'll fade to black soon)

"Some things never change," she said, chuckling, "Well, I'm ready whenever you are dear."

(I was thinking the same thing...)

"Alright.  It seems you won't change your mind..." he said, chuckling.  He then kissed her.

"You know me, once decided, never changed," she said leading Ricken to the bed.

The next morning, Tieral woke and started making breakfast before walking over to Goldenscale and nudging her. "Alright, time to wake up sleepy head," he said, chuckling as Alekai slipped from Goldenscale's arms and landing on his back, "That goes for you too little guy."

"But I don't want to wake up just yet," Alekai protested, flipping over and standing up, "I was have such a nice dream."

Goldenscale continued to sleep, her breath soft.  She had draped her wings over her body as she slept to conserve her body heat, even though the temperatures in her home were warmer than that of the cave.  

Ricken woke up with a yawn.  He then looked over at Clair and smiled.  He got out of bed and began to make breakfast for the both of them.