A Certain Kind of Female

~ TARKYN ~

It occurred to Tarkyn that there was a reflection of Elreth in his mate—a strange similarity between them. And it was that odd combination of strength and innocence that El had always embodied, even when she was a child.

But even though he was amused for a moment by the parallels between them, he was equally uneasy.

Females that were too alike would either become sisters, or enemies.

He prayed the Creator would guard them against the latter.

"El," he said, "thank you for giving this all your thoughts. Thank you for trying to understand. I know it's hard. You won't lose me in this. My heart hasn't changed. It's only expanding to make room for my mate. But it's also showing me a great deal.