The cool spring water flowed around his body and soothed his body as a sense of freedom overcame him. Oh how to be free in the world, no worries or taxes, or even problems, but freedom to travel the world, and live his own life.

Danthal thought of himself as a clever individual, yet also a kind and generous individual. He loved the woods, just about as much as he loved adventuring. Danthal used to live in a village up in the Cando region above the region of fire and next to the region or water. Danthal washed off his body, and wiped away the grime that had accumulated over the three days of travel. The water turned almost brownish with the grime from his body. Danthal looked to the sky, yet another thing he wished he could be in when the fiery red and orange sun set. He also wanted to see the clouds in their new hue, and to see the sun part from its old day and head to its new one. Danthal kept looking up into the clouds as if seeking an answer to just about anything that came to mind. Then as if something was watching him, Danthal jerked his head in all directions feeling not so alone as he thought the moment before. He darted his eyes back and forth through the trees searching... But found nothing. No sounds came to his ears, and no movement came to his eyes.

Danthal thought perhaps it would be best to get out and get dressed. So without wasting time he rose from the water and quickly went to shore, getting his clothes from the bank and putting on the clothes. He looked around to see just trees and bushes around.

"Hmmm... must have been my imagination." Thought Danthal. Danthal strapped on his sword to his belt and looked for a prospective place to camp nearby. Finding a suitable spot near a big tree and with just enough room for a small cooking fire, Danthal set up his camp. Grabbing kindling for a fire, and also finding leaves and branches to make a lean-to for shelter, Danthal searched through the woods. Once preparing all the needs and necessities he started a small fire and built his lean-to. Not a sturdy thing if a storm was to come along, but it would do for one night.

Danthal then set about looking for actual logs but came up with a few, just enough to cook a Gandar. A Gandar was a small furry creature sort of grayish yet brown in certain spots. It was food nonetheless. Danthal took a stick from nearby, stuck the creature upon it, and then set it up on a stand he made. Danthal used a forked branch to support the stick with the Gandar cooking.

So now he had food. Danthal looked around to make sure he was alone and safe then grabbed his blanket from his traveler's sack and put it down underneath the tree by the small fire. He then threw on a couple more logs and lay down on his blanket looking up into the now dark sky. The stars shone down through the night sky, but there was no moon out and no sign of anything bad. This might be a good sign. Danthal was about to go to sleep, but felt almost as if he were being watched. He looked down past his feet and saw nothing. He quickly looked up into the tree and saw nothing but branches. "Geeze, must be my imagination again," Thought Danthal a little more unsure. Danthal looked around once again to find everything quite normal. He lay back again and closed his eyes, not letting anything bother him anymore and not worrying at all. At night he thought he heard a soft voice in his ear saying soothing, kind words to him... about him. But in the morning he thought it was all just a dream, a sign of something to come.

Danthal looked around his small encampment, just to be sure nothing came near him at night, and found 2 sets of 5 claw marks on the ground near where he laid at night.

"Hmmm...peculiar, but what could it be?" Danthal thought to himself. Danthal looked at them at several different angles and decided as long as it did not harm him he could think It would be harmless.

Danthal rose to his feet and searched for more kindling to restart the fire. He located several pieces of wood from a nearby tree with dry lower branches. He stuck the kindling onto the now dead fire and began to flick some life into the ashen embers using his flint to spark the dry wood. Danthal looked around for some fruit bushes so that he may have something to eat for breakfast but couldn't find any bushes. He heard a sort of chattering sound from a nearby patch of. Looking through the bush a small furry rodent of some sort leapt from the bushes. Danthal fell backward in alarm as the squirrel lifted from the ground and caught hold of the next tree nearby, and climbed up in a swift pace. Danthal spat a curse word in the direction of the squirrel and then turned to scavenging up some food for the day. A near five minutes after searching around for berry bushes and fruit trees he stumbled upon a leaf with an assortment of fruits laid upon it. Danthal looked around searching for who this load of fruit belonged to but came up in a leg full of scratches and an ever since grown hunger. Danthal gave up the search and went back to his camp. He scooped up the leaf and began eating the variety of fruits laid upon it. It was definitely a better meal than berries in the morning. Danthal took the leaf when done and threw it into the bushes, and then turned and packed his belongings to travel onward.

Danthal kicked dirt onto the small campfire to douse the licking flames. The flames dwindled to nothing each kick of dirt. Danthal hefted up his pack and slung it over his shoulders. It was nearing 10:00 and Danthal knew where ever he ended up he would be staying for a while. The day streaked by, it would almost seem, as Danthal walked onward. Soon Danthal stumbled across a protruding root as his mind drifted to thoughts of Beautiful lands and fair waterfalls. He stumbled forward into a bush, which held little of his own weight before it fell under him. He fell through the bush and into a sort of slope of a hill. It sloped down at a very much of a slight decline. He tumbled head over feet down the Hill, his arm was caught in a branch from a nearby bush as he tumbled by, and it wretched his arm incredibly hard. Pain lanced up his arm as he heard a slight popping sound. He rolled further down the hill unable to control his forward motion. Then he Blacked out as his head smashed into a rock as he rolled by.

His unconscious thoughts were of wolves or some other beast of the woods coming out and feeding on his motionless body. To his great surprise he woke and found that he was utterly alone, just as the sun was setting on the western horizon. Danthal went to get up but his wretched arm caused extreme pain to lance up his arm again! He fell back onto his back and looked upward to the darkening sky. Now what was he to do, he thought to himself. He tried yet again to rise to his feet and managed to kneel. He rose slowly to his feet which felt sore from the tumble down the hill. He walked off to the edge of the hill and stared up at the edge, which showed little sign of him falling over the brink.

"Damn!" was all he could say at the moment.

Looking up he saw something come down the side of the hill. Big brown and hairy, yet not like a Beaor or Wild hoggart. Danthal backed up to a tree nearby and stared forward, hoping that whatever the thing was it wouldn't notice him. Danthal grabbed up a 4 foot long stick, as a sort of defense if it became necessary. The light was quickly disappearing, and Danthal had no clue now where the furred creature went to. Danthal looked around the side of the tree and didn't see anything. Not even a sign of something nearby. Danthal relaxed a little seeming as the creature wasn't nearby. Then with a sudden shock through his bones, a loud and blood curdling howl leapt up into the night sky. Danthal quickly jerked his body back behind the tree, just as a rustling was heard from a nearby bush. Danthal's grip on the stick tightened till his knuckles turned white with fear. The light was all but gone now and Danthal could barely see 10 feet in front of himself. A low toned growl was heard from near a tree, no it was from near his tree!!! Danthal stood as steady as his legs would permit and held his pathetic excuse for a weapon at ready. Slinking out of the darkness like some snake from a hole under a rock came the furry creature. It looked absolutely horrendous, with big fangs and gold shining eyes. Its fur was laid about it like a carpet, and just beyond the light Danthal could make out a reptilian tail.

The creature crept closer snarling now, its fangs bared. Suddenly the thing leapt from its position toward him. Danthal stuck the stick up futilely trying to block the huge beast, but he knew this creature was too big to be batted down. Just inches from Danthal's throat the beast let out a yelp, and fell backwards. With a brief flurry from some wing and a tail, the creature fell backward yet again with another yelp. The action of what was going to be his demise went deeper into the darkness of the night. There was a couple more yelps, and one roar followed by a great shriek! The shriek sent a chill up Danthal's spine. That beast out there was really a horrid creature! Soon afterward was followed the sound of crunching, possibly that of bones, and a long low slurp. Well what ever it was, it was full and wouldn't bother him for the rest of the night. Danthal kept the stick nearby and slouched against the tree.

Soon enough Danthal heard a rustling sound from the bushes.

"No, it couldn't be done and ready for more!" thought Danthal horrified. Out of the bush Danthal caught glimpse of a sleek shiny body move towards him. It had a reptilian gait to it as it walked closer, becoming more visible through the tree foliage. Danthal looked at this new menace as it crept closer, his heart began to beat quicker than before, and his breathing became more labored. There was a slight hiss heard from the thing as it came into the moonlight, its scales reflecting the pale moon light quite magnificently. Danthal looked the serpentine creature up and down, not sure of what he could do to escape in his predicament. The reptilian monster came right up to Danthal and looked straight into his eyes. Great yellowish eyes, with a big pupil, and great fangs and teeth which reeked of flesh and bowels. Danthal took one smell of the putrid breath of this thing. The thing licked outward, caught Danthal's chin and continued up to lick at its own snout. Danthal felt his stomach about to spew forth his innards, but he held it in hoping if he didn't aggravate this thing it wouldn't end his life.

To his surprise the thing didn't even make a threatening gesture, but looked straight into Danthal's eyes. It almost seemed this thing was peering into his very soul itself. Danthal felt repulsed by this thing and tried to wither away from it, but the thing moved its tail behind him and held him there, unable to retreat. Danthal almost feared what might happen that he suddenly felt unsure of its reason for not disemboweling him right on the spot. After a few more seconds of this reptile looking at him, the thing backed off and allowed Danthal to retreat back to the tree. The reptilian creature watched every one of his moves, not attacking, not attempting to keep him here, but just watching. Danthal limped back to the tree and held the stick down to hold himself up. The reptilian creature took on a curious look, and then stood erect, standing about 5'6", still staring at him. Danthal calmed down some more, then the reptilian creature took a step closer to him causing Danthal to tense up again.

Danthal said in a firm yet nervous voice, "If you're going to kill me then do it, stop playing this game!"

The Reptilian beast cocked its head to the side as if to ask "What are you doing?" then it stepped closer. Danthal looked at it yet again, now not blinded by his fear of the thing. The scales were a deep reddish brown, and its wings were a lighter reddish color. This creature breathed easily, and calmly as it stepped closer now trapping Danthal to the tree. Danthal looked at it as it lowered its head, and moved closer to Danthal's leg. Danthal began thinking that it was playing with its food, and that food was him! Danthal became nervous again, and this creature looked into his eyes again. The smell of death was gone from its breath. It struck out its tongue and swapped it across his chin and right cheek. Now it had gotten a taste of him, great! Thought Danthal. This reptilian creature lowered its head down again. The thing took in a deep breath and then parted its mouth. With a quick nip and a quick tear a large portion of his pantaloons were torn, uncovering his badly bruised leg. Danthal began to think otherwise about this monster. Danthal withdrew from the reptilian creature as best as the tree would allow.

The reptilian creature looked up at Danthal, and gave out a soft purring sound from deep in its throat. The reptilian creature moved its head up to Danthal's chest, still purring. Danthal looked at it as the thing purred a little louder, and then looked shocked as the thing chomped forward and tore away a large portion of his tunic. Danthal tried yet again to retreat, but could not due to the tree, and no obvious route out from the sides. What ever this thing was going to do Danthal could not help but wait and hope. Hope this was not some game before killing him. Though that option seemed unlikely, because why would it try to help him then try to kill him? Danthal watched as the creature moved its head to the side of his body, and it took another bite out of his clothes. He stood there nervous and shaking because of it, with no shirt on and a portion of his pantaloons. The thing kept purring, and moved right down and took a nip at his pantaloons tearing most of it off of him. Danthal had to do something, but what? He could try and run, but this thing could probably catch him quickly. He could try beaming the thing on the head with a stick, but the only thing available would more than likely annoy it. Danthal looked down and saw that just about all of his clothes were scattered across the ground.

"Yikes!!!" thought Danthal. Now something beside feeding was about to happen. Danthal covered his crotch, in an attempt to conceal what was uncovered. The creature looked up and purred, definitely not a good sign. It stood up in front of Danthal still purring. It then reached out a hand and using the back of a claw it stroked his cheek. Danthal looked at its eyes, big orbs set into the things head which looked deep with the ages. The thing then moved closer and wrapped its arms around his shoulders. It moved its snout closer to Danthal's and then it touched lips with him. Then something slick came from her mouth and slipped through Danthal's lips. It felt extremely odd and yet completely compelling. Danthal knew he owed this thing in some way so if this was payment then it was fine with him. Danthal wrapped his arms around its back and embraced it its scale-like skin felt warm to the touch. It then drew its tongue out of his mouth and moved a hand down to his genitals. It began to fondle him and Danthal's body responded the only it could. Danthal began to firm up in its hands. It kissed Danthal again, so Danthal kissed back tasting her tongue with his own. She had a sweet taste and Danthal wanted to savor the moment as long as he could. She withdrew her tongue from his mouth again, and stared into his eyes with passion in her eyes. Danthal knew what she wanted and didn't care. Danthal put his hand on her shoulder and his other hand on the small of her back and gently laid her back onto the soft mossy ground under the tree. She grabbed him by the arms and had him come to rest in between her legs. She leaned forward and kissed Danthal again while positioning him correctly for him to penetrate her. Danthal would not care if he had to spend eternity with this completely passionate and kind creature. She grabbed Danthal around the waist and lowered him down onto her. When his penis came in touch with her body it sank into an opening just above the tail.

Danthal stopped kissing her as pleasure went through his body. She looked at Danthal again as if to say "I'm ready." Danthal pushed himself into her further and began to slowly stroke in and out of her. She grabbed Danthal's head and lowered it down to her own, and began kissing him. Danthal felt a superb amount of pleasure every time he stroked into her. She began to hiss slightly as pleasure too spread through her. Danthal picked up the pace a little, feeling the warmth of her and the many contractions occurring in her. Her vaginal walls squeezed at his penis coaxing him to climax. He stroked into her faster and felt on the edge of climaxing. Her tail was whipping back and forth on the ground, and she was moaning a little bit as well. She arched her back and began to hump forward with his own thrusts. Danthal felt his climax come on strong, as he came inside of her, splashing against her vaginal walls. She clawed into his shoulders as she too reached climax, her vagina clutching Danthal's penis as he gushed into her, then she came. Danthal felt little pain from her claws because the pleasure feeling was too intense. Finally when he stopped coming in her he just laid on her and kissed her again. She stroked his hair using her claws.

They kissed for a little bit more, and then Danthal rolled off of her onto the mossy ground. He just lie there and soon dozed off. Danthal woke the next day to find her perched up in the tree above him. She was as still as the tree itself. Danthal rose to his feet, looked around and then looked for someplace to defecate. Danthal went into the bushes and did his business then went back to where he had experienced the best feeling he ever had. He looked up into the tree and didn't see her there.

Danthal shrugged, figuring that he had repaid her for saving his life. He felt something slick touching his right shoulder, and when he looked he saw her there cleaning the blood off of his shoulder. She did likewise to his other shoulder. When she finished Danthal turned around and looked at her again. She purred and then moved her head forward to kiss Danthal. Danthal kissed her again for about five minutes, when finally she broke with him and motioned for him to follow her. Danthal nodded and was lead through the woods to a great cave. Danthal looked at her and asked,

"Do you live here?" she responded by kissing him and purring again. She then grabbed his hand and led him into the cave. It was extremely dark after they got out of the outside light. But further into the cave there was a light coming from the walls themselves. It was a light from thousands of different emeralds lining the walls. It was magnificent sight as there was a greenish light illuminating the whole cave. The cave led deeper into the ground, and soon Danthal found himself standing before a large wooden door. It looked as if it were made a few centuries earlier. She nudged him forward toward the door, so Danthal lifted his hand and opened the door. When he looked through there was a large cathedral sized room, and lining all of its walls was a mysterious glowing water which lit up the place. In the center of the room was a small platform. On the platform was a single round gem which looked of fire and water combined. Danthal walked toward the gem, but then looked back to her. She had the most obvious sign of pleading going on in her face. Danthal looked back to the gem and found there was a parchment laying beside the platform. Danthal picked it up. It was rotting and nearly about to fall apart.

The parchment read: The gem of change can become ones fondest dreams of ones most horrid nightmare. The user of the gem can become one thing only and then the spell is void. Your choice would have to be a wise one for there is no turning back once one has changed. To use this gem you will need to take a hand and place the gem to your breast and think of the thing you wish to become. Once doing this you will need to sprinkle spring water on yourself. The transformation will be complete when you have sufficiently slept, and when you awaken you will be what you desired to be.

Danthal looked to the reptilian creature standing at the door looking at him with what could be described as love....Love? Danthal sighed and took the gem. He walked back to the door and stroked her cheek.

"I hope I do this right," sighed Danthal. She then led him back outside the cave and found a secluded place in the woods near a spring. Danthal looked at her and felt something for her. It was love, he did love her. Danthal made up his mind he was going to go through with it. Danthal looked at her one last time then looked into the spring. She came over and kissed him once again and Danthal thought about being this type of creature, and then he splashed water from the spring onto his body. It sent a chill through him, and something else as well. Danthal then lie down and fell fast asleep as if he were put to sleep. Danthal woke and it was nightfall the sky was clear and the moon was shining down. Danthal felt as if her were alone but a slight hiss from behind where he lie reminded him of who was there with him. Danthal rose up and felt a new power in his body which he almost fell over, because the added power sent him off balance. She strode forward and embraced her new mate. In his eyes she was the most beautiful thing in the world. She pressed her lips to his own and kissed him, it took him into a deep swoon for her. He kissed her back whilst stroking her lower back. Danthal then laid her down onto the ground and stroked her arms and shoulders, while kissing her. She grabbed a hold of his arms and pushed them outward so he was forced to fall torso to torso on her. She hissed slightly and then kissed him again, thrusting her tongue deep into his mouth tasting his saliva. Danthal stroked her some more while lying on her and then positioned himself so he could penetrate her. She withdrew her tongue from him and pulled him up further on herself until his engorged member was lined up with her vagina. Danthal heaved forth and pushed his large member deep into her vagina. He thrust in and out kissing her and stroking her back and shoulders. Moments later her vaginal canal clenched down onto his member and began stroking his member with many contractions. The feeling sent Danthal over the edge and into bliss as he shot pulse and pulse of semen deep into her. The new amount he shot into her amazed him for a millisecond then he was caught in the throes of pleasure. He then rest on her and kissed her again. Both of them both fell deep into a blissful sleep hold each other in arms.

At night when they finally woke they rose to their feet kissed once again and then looked into the starry night. Then in a few good flaps of their wings they soared into the night sky, together...and happy.