Flame Song emerged from the kitchen in human form again and sat down next to Aidan. They sat for a long time staring into the fire together. Flame Song idly reached out and poked at the burning logs with her finger. Aidan remembered his panic the first time he’d seen her do that, but as always the fire did her no harm.

“You know, you saved my life three times the other day. It was the fire immunity I got from you, though I forgot about it, that let me live through that fire. And then you brought me inside before the sun could touch me, and gave me the blood I needed to heal. I don’t know what I’d do if you were gone.”

“I don’t know what I’d do without you either, Aidan.”

There was another long comfortable silence. Flame Song looked over at Aidan. The firelight created dancing shadows over his face. He would never be able to go out in daylight again, she knew. She sighed. If only… and then thought again of Lavasida. Both vampires by that name had gone out in daylight without a second thought. How had they done it?

“Aidan, will you miss the sunlight?”

He sighed. “Yes. I’ve always loved the night, but I’ll miss the day a great deal.”

“I was just thinking. There has to be a way to sun-proof vampires. Haven’t you seen Lavasida often enough by daylight?”

“I… yes! Yes I have. He has an amulet that the Tara gave him. It protects him from sunlight."

“Well then, I’d say that’s definitely our next order of business. We need to send to Tara for an amulet for you.”

“Flame Song, what would I ever do without you?”

“I don’t know." She laughed softly and leaned closer to Aidan. "What would you do with me for that matter?” She kissed his cheek and whispered, “I put the baby down in the spare room tonight. I thought we could use some time alone.”

Aidan got up and drew her to her feet. He kissed her and replied, “You know, I’ve always wanted to sweep you off your feet, and I’ve never been able to manage it.” Then he suddenly did just that, picking up the taller woman without any effort. He kissed her again more deeply and added, “I suppose there are some advantages to being a vampire.”

Flame Song put her arms around his neck and said, “Why don’t we go and see if we can find any more advantages?” Aidan carried her into the bedroom and shut the door behind them.