His strength came back to him quickly, as he knew it would. Leaving the older male's dead carcass behind, he took to the air in search of his Queen. He did not have long to wait. The Female had witnessed the confrontation in midair, and knew that She may be won by the intruder should her current Mate fall. Taking to the air Herself to discover the outcome, She saw the younger male launch into the air toward Her. Maybe, if She was lucky, this male would prove to be better suited as a mate than the others before him had been. They approached each other cautiously at first, sizing one another up. Once both were satisfied that the other's intentions were not hostile, they began to circle each other in the ritualistic mating dance that their kind had instinctively done for untold centuries. Eventually, they would lock their back talons and begin a long fall toward the ground below, each testing the other's trust that they would be able to let go at the last second and recover. If this male proved that he was indeed worthy, she would lead him back to her mountain lair, where they would continue the ritual in private. This is picture 3 of 10 in the series. Look for number 4 tomorrow. Full Series and Story Text can be viewed at: http://wraith3d-creations.tripod.com/index.html Credits for items used will be posted after last entry of series..