Dane was aware of two pairs of hands grasping his chest tightly and Ahsid's face cradled in the nook of his neck. She had her eyes tightly closed, breathing heavily. The peryton gave a low pitched call.

"Ahsid, are you scared of heights?"

She mumbled,"No...just afraid to look down. I don't know what to expect."

"I don't think you will be disappointed. Now open your eyes."

Dane was trying his best to keep himself from blushing at the close contact. He had only ever been this close to his younger sister, Eva. No, he shouldn't think of her now! He couldn't have Ahsid know about it. After some further coaxing, Ahsid opened her eyes. Below her, were a few wipsy clouds but beond that, tens of thousands of prickly yellow lights dotted the grounds, creating a magnificent image of the dark being won over by the light. It was a magical moment. Ahsid felt hope within her. The world was so beautiful, how could people give up on it! Dane was deathly quiet. Ahsid knew something was wrong. So, she decided to cheer him up.

"Tell me about yourself."

Dane gave a sideway glance. "I can think of that if you stop crushing me,"said he.

Ahsid coloured up. She had absolutely forgotten how she had been grasping Dane, as if her life depended upon it.

"Sorry,"mumbled she, not being able to look at him, as she quickly brought her hands to herself, placing her palm lightly on his right shoulder for support. Dane was relieved that Ahsid could not see his expressions. He would have never confessed that he had actually liked Ahsid holding her like that. He was too gentlemanly and shy to say it.

"Come on, Baby, faster,"encouraged Dane, tugging on the reins.

Ahsid was looking quizzically at him.

"Baby?"

Dane was a trifle annoyed. "What, the name might be silly but at least it's original. And she likes it,"said Dane, stroking her head and earning a low appreciative groan from her.

Ahsid laughed in delight. "Where are we going?"

"Can you never keep quiet?"

"Can you never answer a single question promptly?"

"Do you?"

Ahsid grumbled. "What do you mean?"

Dane shook his head,"Never mind."

A few minutes after, Baby alighted down. Ahsid gasped. A massive ornate gate stood before them. Dane crossed his index and middle finger in front of the gate and pushed it open. A grating noise of metal was heard as the gate swung back. As soon as he stepped in, a huge mansion came into view. Vast acres of land surrounded the area with miles of nothingness. As they walked further in, Ahsid could help her heart beating wildly against her frame, afraid yet excited to meet the unknown.