Thorn crossed his arms across his chest as he arched a brow at Ping. "Haha not very funny you know how I feel for Candy. I don't like being picked on because of it. He then looked at Ping as he heard what he said. "That's why you guard that silver leaf so much isn't it. It came from her. I had wondered why you didn't fall for any of the other girls around here. They seem to flock to you. Trust me most girls don't have that many pots and pans they need fixed on a daily biases. "He said revering to the four girls who always appeared each day at some point with something for Ping to try and fix. He thought on what Candy said and what Ping had said.

"Candy is right the past is the past. The attacks from Evana have stopped recently I believe that Princess of yours has something to do with it. I've gotten word along with the others in command that the King has fallen ill recently. Apparently a beautiful fair maiden is taking over the leadership of Evana at least till the King recovers. My brother and some of the other men said she even came in person to stop the fighting and free our people. She was beautiful and glowed with a beautiful white aura. They said that she was pure through and through and even helped to heal our soldiers. My brother and the others spoke of her kindness and how happy the people of Evana seemed when she was around. With her leading there has even been peace talks. If she is your Lilly then you would be stupid to just forget her and not fight for her. She sounds breathtaking just like my Candy. I would always fight for Candy you should fight for your Lilly. If you truly love her then you should go to her. Don't let fear dictate your actions. She may be happy to see you after so long. I believe in a few days she is to venture here to talk with our governing council and try to start peace talks. I believe my brother has a picture of her that he gave to my father. We can go ask to see it to see if it is your Lilly." Thorn offered more curious about Ping and this Princess."If she really is real I don't know why the people let the King stay in power. She seems to be a better ruler than he is. " He said softly and he looked to Ping.

Lilly had grown in many ways in the past two years. She had become her own person and stayed true to herself. She wore more dresses and acted the part as princess not trying to escape from her palace. When her father was hit by his sudden sickness she became in charge of the kingdom. It forced her to grow up and take on the duties that most her age would never dream of. Because of that she had grown in wisdom and knowledge. Unlike her father she was kind and just and tried her best to be fair all the way around. She had ended the raids with the other kingdoms. She along with her own appointed council where going to make their kingdom something to be proud of again. She took down the walls and barriers around the palace and welcomed the people in. Lilly had learned much about herself and her responsibilities thanks to Ping. Even though she wore jewelry hand crafted by legendary artisans now she still kept her bracelet Ping had made her. Even her people didn't dare take it from her. Honestly it was the only thing she had left to remind her of Ping and the things he had taught her. She had made peace with the past and hoped he found happiness finally even if it was without her.

Lilly had focused on rebuilding her people and making them noble again. She had open trade with other kingdoms and in a few days she would travel to Alphira and start peace trendies with it's governing body. She had even managed to stop a fight and help some of the Alphira soldiers who she found very kind. Each one was a good man. She had became friends with some of them and even welcomed their ideas witch was something that seemed to impress them greatly about her. It was because of them ElvenBow himself had invited her to Alphira. Lilly was nervous to leave her kingdom after all the evil her father had done. But she wanted to give her people hope and be their light for the future. Just in a few days she would take her journy with her trusted warriors and council. Together they would try and reshape Evana's future.

Lagordir listened to Pharom and laughed softly. "I'm sorry, I couldn't resist." he explained and frowned slightly at what Pharom said then, "Yes..." he said quietly and laughed. "W-well you never know, they were probably cooking very hard and broke them?" Lagordir suggested. He couldn't fall for anyone else, his heart belonged to Lilly even if she didn't believe him. "I'm surprised that they do that really, I didn't think I'd be so...sought after when I moved here." Lagordir admitted, scratching the back of his head nervously.

Lagordir smiled and pulled out the silver leaf from his pocket, sighing softly. "Lilly...she's very special to me, she's a great ruler I know she is. She's nothing like her father and I thinks that's a very good thing." he explained. He was saddened to hear that her father had fallen ill, hopefully it wasn't anything too serious. Lilly was probably lonely right now and he was over here with his new friends while she probably cried in her room somewhere. "That sounds like Lilly. She always was very kind to everyone she met. Even to my parents who don't deserve her kindness. Peace sounds wonderful, it would really be appreciated by everyone equally I think." he noted. Peace was something everyone had been looking forward to so if it was actually going to happen he could imagine how happy everyone must be. "Fight for my Lilly?" he repeated and blushed softly as he looked down at the silver leaf in his hand. "I would really love to see that picture if you don't mind. I'm sure this is Lilly we are talking about but I need to make sure. That, and I just want to see her again." he confessed sadly. He was jealous of Thorn, he had the girl he cared about with him at all times. Lagordir did not, the girl he cared about was in another kingdom and she probably had forgotten all about him.

Daphne only nodded at what Thorn was saying. She could tell that Lagordir really liked this Lilly girl though and she hoped that he could see her again. It must be hard to have someone you care about be so far away from where you lived. "I'm sure you'll see her again Lagordir, and I agree with Thorn, she's going to be very happy to see you again." Daphne said and played with her hair as the three of them stood around and talked. Lagordir was a nice guy, she was happy to call him a friend and was more than happy to find him a loving family in the kingdom. She wanted to ask her own parents but she didn't think they had room for him and she didn't want him sleeping on the couch.

Thorn smiled softly as he heard what Ping said. "Then come on I'll lead the way. I'm sure they would be happy to see us all any how. You know that Candy's father is always happy to see us along with Tony. Besides you might be able to give some insight to ELvenBow and the others to help them with Lilly. " He said as he lead the way to the office. He knocked on the door before entering his father's offical office at the government building. The guards bowed and open the door for him and the others allowing them him. His father was there with Candy's father and Tony they looked to have been just chatting. All of them where pleasantly surprised.
"My son this is a surprised how can I help you today?" Elvenbow asked as he looked to Thorn.
"Hello father sorry for disturbing you. We where hoping to see the picture of the Princess that brother gave you. I believe that Lagordir may be able to help you get some insight on the Princess. You see he and her where close before he came. "He said as his father seemed to understand what he meant by it. The man looked over to Lagordir as he saw the emotions written on his face. "By all means here is the picture." His father said handing it to Lagordir. "Is this the lady you remember? She seems to be very fair and beautiful like young Candy here. If she is your childhood friend maybe you would like to be our ambassador to her here. You know this place well enough and our values. I'm sure she would love to see you and to learn about how you have turned out. We where debating on who should show her around and escort her but you would be perfect. We need to know what things she likes we want to make her a room but we aren't sure where to put her or what her taste are. We have heard that she would be willing to stay in a stable if no room was found for her. However for someone that humble I believe we can do much better than that. I am impressed with her to be so young she seems to truly be a wise and kind ruler. But if she had you as a friend I'm sure that is the reason why." He said as he smiled softly at Lagordir.

Daphne followed Thorn over to his father's office. "Thorn is right, if this really is the girl you speak of, you might be able to help out in how to welcome her into this kingdom." Daphne agreed. It was her first time ever being inside the office, but once inside she smiled and waved at Tony and her father, both of which smiled back at her. She watched as Lagordir was handed the picture of the princess and wondered how he was going to react to it since he hadn't seen her in such a long time.

Lagordir looked over at the three men and smiled weakly, "Thank-you." he said as he took the picture and stared at it. "That's her..." he said quietly and smiled sadly, "I recognize that face anywhere." Lagordir added. She grew into a beautiful young lady. Longbow was right, she was as lovely as Candy was. Listening to what Longbow was saying, Lagordir was surprised. "T-The ambassador?" he repeated and looked at Longbow. He did know this lace well, and he knew what the people were like her. "I..." he started and thought about it for a moment. "I would be honored to be her guide." he answered politely and nodded. "W-well she likes the simple things. She doesn't seem like the kind of princess that wants expensive things. I..I made her a few things. They weren't the best but she loved them." he explained. "She loves flowers, roses specifically." Lagordir added and looked back down at the picture, "Yes, she was always a kind hearted person and very wise as well. She made an entire classroom fall silent at her speech on the importance of literature." he informed.

Longbow just smiled as he chuckled looking to Thorn. " And you said you wouldn't make a good member on the council. I'd say you did a fine job in pointing out one of our flaws. You found us the right person for the job. Lagordir because of your knowledge of the Princess we will allow you to pick her houses and how it should be decorated. I am sure the locals will have no issues helping you with your supplies. Maybe Candy here can help you pick a place for the Princess and her people. There are many people here who can supply roses. It might be wise for you three to stay close to the Princess while she is here. She may be a ruler but she is still a child. I'm sure she would enjoy less aged company." He said as he smiled at each of the children. "If you need ideas of where to put the Princess and her people. I would suggest the old mansion near the lake. I believe there is gardens there and it would be in a safe location. It is close to the school and to each of you." He suggested looking to Candy's father and brother. "Well I believe we will leave the Princess in the children's hands to handle. I believe that means we can go home since our business is done. They say out of the mouth of babes. I didn't expect our work to be taken from us so soon. " He said as he stood and gently patted Thorns back. " I expect you home before sun up. You know your mother worries about you." He said to Thorn as he looked to Candy's father. " Shall we leave the children to their work?"

Thorn looked to Ping and Candy as he shook his head hearing what his father said. " Remind me next time to keep my mouth shut. It looks like we get to do the councils job now. At least we have Ping on our side. I'm sure that means the Princess will be very pleased with everything. " He said as he looked to Candy and smiled at her." Besides we have Candy to help and the locals so it shouldn't take to long." He said as he smiled to Ping. "Besides you have me and Candy to help you Ping. You might even have time to work on something for her."

Lagordir nodded at what Longbow said. This wasn't going to be an easy task but if he was in charge of getting a nice place for the princess and the people she brought with her, he wanted to make sure the place was decorated perfectly. "We'll do our best sir." he assured. He did hope that Candy could help him out and maybe even Pahharom would help him out if he could. "I promise we'll stay close to her, we'll show her around and keep her safe too." Lagordir promised. The mansion by the lake? He was going to have to go and take a look at it, but it already sounded like a really nice place to live in. Hopefully it was nice enough for the princess. He watched as the adults got up and started heading home, smiling nervously as they did.

Daphne's father nodded as he stood up. "Yes I think we should leave them now to work. They have quite a lot to get done so they shouldn't waste any time." he said and looked at Tony. "Come on Tony I'm sure your mother is waiting for us." he said and looked at Candy, "Don't stay out too late Candy." he said instructed and looked at Ping. "You either Lagordir, I'm sure your parents wouldn't want you out too late." he commented softly. Tony just waved as he followed his father and Longbow out of there. "Well then, looks like we have a lot of work to do. We better get started." Daphne noted seriously, they couldn't waste any time. Looking at Thorn and Lagordir she smiled, "Come on you two it can't be that bad. Between the three of us I'm sure we can get it all done before the princess gets here. And I'm sure Lagordir will have some time to make her a little something too." Daphne said happily.

Time Skip

Thorn shook his head not liking the attire he was forced to wear. He looked at himself in one of the mirrors of the mansion not sure what to make of himself. He didn't normally dress so formally. However he had to admit he cleaned up nicely. He only planned on dressing so for weddings and for Candy. He let out a sigh as he thought about Candy. He truly was in trouble because of her. She was the one person that he would do anything for even if he didn't like it. He knew if she said she liked him dressed like this he would try and dress like this every day for her. He truly loved her and knew that if she wasn't as kind as she was he would be in serious trouble. Thankfully the one he loved was kind and beautiful. She wasn't spiteful and greedy like some he had met. He felt nervous for Ping as he stood there waiting for the Princess to arrive any moment. He wondered what Candy chose to wear. He himself was in a formal tux of shorts. He looked more like his father and brother dressed like this. But it was for a good cause. He just hoped that Ping would get the ending he deserved with the Princess.



Lilly was dressed in a beautiful white and silver gown that her people had made. They adorn her with beautiful items making her look more like a goddess than a girl. She felt uncomfortable with the adornment. However she had enough respect to accept their gifts and wear them proudly. She still wore her bracelet that Ping had made for her years ago on her left arm. It was hidden by some of the other bracelets that some of the women had given her. She sat on the back of her black and white steed. Most didn't like the idea of her riding a horse to the meeting but she reminded them that she wasn't a normal princess nor ruler. She had the best warriors with her and feared nothing. She wore a beautiful black cape with hood. In the middle of the large group she rode. She was flanked on every side by her warriors and council.


Lilly enjoyed the beautiful of the landscape as they rode something she was sure she couldn't do in a carriage. She felt the butterflies in her stomach grow in intensity as they neared Alphira. It was as beautiful as she always heard. She was surprised at the warm welcome that they received from the people of the beautiful Kingdom. It touched her heart to see the humans there and none of them baring any ill will. Lilly was escorted to the mansion she and her group where to call home for the next few weeks. She dismounted her horse once they where there and went with the others to put her horse in the stables. She didn't care if they others objected her people knew she prided herself in doing things herself. Once she was done she waited outside the house till LongBow himself and the Council invited her in.


Longbow lead Lilly to the main room as he greeted her and her people. "We are pleased to have you. I hope that your journey was well. I hope that you don't mind we have already made arraignments for you Princess to have your own personal escort to show you around here. I believe that the ambassador even has dinner prepared for you and your people. If you give him a moment or two I'm sure he will appear and introduce himself to you. " Longbow said as he introduce himself to the rest of the members of her party. He and the council took Lilly's party members and headed out of the house to show them around the main city. They left Lilly alone by herself in the main room.

Daphne had curled her hair and was wearing a lovely pink dress with long sleeves made of white lace along with a white lace collar. She was currently making sure that the flower arrangements were nicely put together while Ping looked over everything else. She was very excited to be meeting this princess he had talked so much about and wondered what she would think of this place when she did see it. "Lagordir, do you think the princess will like this?" she asked as she continued arranging the roses together in different vases throughout the mansion. Daphne wondered what Thorn was doing and what he had chose to wear for such an important event.

Lagordir looked over at the roses and smiled, "Lilly is going to love this I'm sure. You don't have to worry about it Candy, she's easy to please from what I can remember." he assured and made sure the floors were swept and the windows and mirrors were all clean he had made the silver leaf she had given him into a necklace and was wearing it but kept it hidden underneath his shirt. His hair was still up in a ponytail after working on something for her early in the morning. He had showered and changed into nicer clothes but decided to keep his hair up since he thought it looked pretty nice. Besides, his father the blacksmith tended to have his hair up in a short ponytail too. He just wanted to be like his new dad was all. "I think we have everything ready don't you think Candy? Perhaps we should go say hi to the princess and show here around." Lagordir suggested.

Thorn open the door and saw a girl in a black hooded cape in the middle of the room. He gently closed the door as he went around through the other rooms trying to find Candy and Ping. He looked around as he soon found them both and smiled. "Wow Candy your breath taking." He said as he walked up to her and gently reached for hand bowing to her as he did so and kissing her hand gently before raising back to normal. He gently placed her hand on his arm as he smiled at her. He could stare at Candy like this forever however he turned as he looked to Ping. " Your lady is in the entrance room. The elders have taken the rest of her party out for the night. I hope your ready. Don't worry Candy and I will be with you if you like. " He said as he smiled at Ping then to Candy. " Our dinner is ready in the garden." He said softly .


Lilly looked around the beautiful room as she gently removed her hood. She smiled as she removed her cape gently folding it. She walked over to one of the chairs and placed it there as she looked around the room. She felt nervous. She tried not to chew her lip as she waited to meet her escort. She thought this a little odd for Longbow. He was suppose to be a really impressive man however he just left her here in this mansion alone. She thought it was really odd that he and the other elders took her own elders out leaving her behind. She wondered if he had something up his sleeve.

Daphne nodded, "I made sure the roses were put in their proper spots throughout the mansion." she informed and looked up when she heard Thorn's voice. Upon seeing him, a small blush appeared on her face. "Hello Thorn, you look very handsome." she said sweetly and smiled at the kiss on her hand. He always knew how to make her smile, he didn't even have to try hard. "You're so sweet." she noted and gently rested her hand on his arm. "She's already here?!" she gasped and grinned, she was really excited to meet the princess that Lagordir had talked so much about. "She must really be looking forward to seeing you Lagordir." she added, seeing how nervous Lagordir looked.

Lagordir was surprised to hear that Lilly had already arrived, he didn't expect her to get here so fast but at the same time he was happy. Yes he was nervous, but he wanted to see her so badly that he ignored his nervousness. "Thank-you Candy, the flowers look perfect and you're right. She probably is looking forward to seeing me again after such a long time." he said and looked at Pharom, "Dinner in the garden?" he repeated and smiled, "Sounds very nice." he said and looked at the both of them. "Well then we should go say hello." Lagordir suggested and started walking out of there and towards the entrance room. When he got there, he looked back to make sure that both Candy and Pharom were following him then took a deep breath and let it out slowly as he opened the door. Looking at the girl in the center of the room, he smiled since he knew it was Lilly. Lagordir smiled as he approached her, "Princess Lilly, it's very nice to see you again." he said softly.

Thorn smiled as he heard what Candy said. He loved seeing her blush as he grinned. "I'm glad you think so. I don't normally wear such things. However for you I may make a change." He said to Candy as he followed Ping. He could tell that Ping was nervous. He himself was nervous for Ping however he kept calm as he looked to Candy and smiled. "You did a wonderful job. The house is beautiful." He said to her as he watched Ping greet the women in the middle of the room. He felt his heart racing for Ping wondering if the Princess would remember him or if it would take her some time.


Lilly turned as she heard someone open a door and then a voice. She bowed politely as she slowly rose and saw a handsome elf approach her. Lilly's eyes widen as she looked the man over not sure by what he meant. "I'm sorry I am afraid I don't remember you if we have met. You aren't any of the men I remember meeting from Alphira in the meetings at my palace." She said kindly looking worried as she tried to remember who the man was. " I'm very sorry for the life of me I am afraid I don't remember meeting you. Please forgive me I'm afraid I've failed yet again to remember people. " She said as she frowned slightly. "I'm sorry for being such a embarrassment I will try and do better about remembering you for future events. " She said as she bowed out of respect to let Ping know she was sorry.

Lilly looked up as she looked at Candy and Thorn. "Your house is lovely. You really didn't have to do all of this. It's so breath taking." She said softly as she smiled looking at Candy. "You are very lovely no wonder your suitor is so happy to show you off. He reminds me of the birds at my own home. The males puff up their chest if they think another suitor is looking at their beloved mate. I believe yours is doing the same now. I can't blame him you are absolutely gorgeous. I thought it was odd that Longbow left me here alone but now I see he was just being kind. It's nice to have people my own age for a change. I love my elders but it's nice to not have to be prim and proper all the time. If you don't mind I wish to take some of this adornment off. Honestly I'm not into such things but I can't tell the people no." She said softly as she removed all the bracelets except the one Ping made putting them on top of cap along with the large ear rings and rings. Once she was done she wore her crown, necklace, and Pings bracelet. "Thank you that feels so much better. Your people are very kind I honestly wasn't expecting kindness after all the evil my father has done. For that I am eternally sorry. " She said her eyes filling with sadness thinking of what her father had done.

Lilly stood there for a moment as her eyes wondered back to the man with his hair pulled back. She slowly moved closer to him as she walked around him inspecting him. In the back of her mind she felt as if she knew him almost instantly. However she couldn't place him. He wasn't Longbow's son nor any of the elders. He reminded her of someone she knew someone who she had cared for once. The kept inspecting him as she paused her eyes catching the roses. She hurried over to one of the arrangements as she closed her eyes and took in their sent. "How did you know roses are my favorit....." Lilly froze as she cut her eyes to the man who had spoke to her. She looked him over again as she backed away from the roses. " None of the soldiers nor any from alphira know that roses are my favorite flower. Not even most of my own party knows that much about me. " She said as her eyes locked on to Ping as she in circled him again. "The only person who would know such information is Dragon himself. But I'm sure he would never reveal it to anyone even if his life depended on it. " she said as she finally came to a stop in front of Ping. "So the question remains who are you?" She said as she arched a brow staring at him.

"I don't have any close friends that was something I could never achieve. " She said as sadness shown in her eyes again. "The closest I have are my advisers and Dragon. I had a friend once. However after the loss of that one friend I never made any others. I applied myself to my studies and to my duties. I kept to myself because it is safer that way. I became friends with the warriors and the people of my palace in a way. I guess I do have friends but none that are that close. None of them would dare get that close to me because of my father. " She said as she shifted her eyes to Ping staring into his eyes. " If I didn't know better I'd say you remind me of a old friend. Honestly maybe I should just stay in tonight. I wouldn't want to keep you three from your planned fun. " She said as she forced a smile. It pained her to think back to the night when he left. She was doing her best to hide the hurt she still felt and the anger she had at herself for not going with him or trying to stop him.

Lagordir felt his heart break slightly when Lilly said she didn't remember him. "I..I understand it's been a very long time since we last talked. I still remember you though princess.."he started and smiled sadly. Maybe she didn't remember him since he had his hair up and he always had it down around him? Reaching up, he pulled his hair free from the ponytail and looked back at Lilly. "I know you're surprised I still remembered. I made you a golden one...do you remember that?" he asked curiously and pointed the bracelet she wore. "Our friendship bracelet remember?" he said and sighed softly. "Princess I'm sorry I left. I know I said I wouldn't leave because you were the reason I stayed...but I accidentally said I was leaving anyway and when I tried to chase after you my parents wouldn't let me so I snuck out once they fell to sleep and I couldn't find you anymore. I'm sorry I didn't visit like I said I would, I wanted to but I was afraid that if my parents found me that they would kill me." Ping explained and frowned. "I never stopped being your friend Lilly." he said as he pulled the silver leaf from under his shirt and reached into his pocket pulling out a hair brooch for her. "I made a new one, the other one was for practice remember? So I made you a brand new one, exactly the same one but better. You said I should save it and give it to someone special, well I did save it for someone special and now you're finally here." he explained and held out the brooch for her to take if she wanted it. "I understand if you don't want it." he added softly.

"Oh Thorn, I don't want you wearing something if you don't like it. I want you to wear something comfortable, something that you like." she explained and smiled, "Thank-you I really tried hard to make sure everything was perfect." she answered and looked over at Lagordir once they had entered the room. Though she frowned upon hearing what the princess had said about not remembering who he was. She was sure that Lagordir was probably sad but this was bound to happen after not seeing each other for such a long time. Daphne hoped he wasn't too sad though and smiled at the kind words he was telling the princess, he really did care about her.

"You don't have to thank us princess, we enjoyed doing this for you and we wanted to." Daphne answered honestly, blushing at the compliments from the princess. "Thank-you very much, such an honor hearing it from yourself princess, you are very lovely too." she answered and smiled before looking at Thorn. She enjoyed being with him and found it sweet to know that he liked showing her off to everyone as his Candy.

Thorn smiled as he gently lead Candy outside to the back garden. " Let's leave them alone for a little while. I have a feeling they need time alone. Matter of the heart are better left between the two. " He said softly as he loved how beautiful the table setting where. " You really out did yourself here. It's beautiful. It looks so magical." Thorn said as he turned looking into Candy's eyes. "However the most magical part of this setting is you my beautiful Candy." He said softly as he leaned in for the first time and kissed her cheek gently. "I wont say I'm sorry because I'm not." He said simply to her as he smiled and lead her to the table gently pulling out her seat for her. "I have waited along time to do that. " He admitted as he smiled happy to finally be able to kiss her in a romantic setting.


Lilly turned and looked at the man again. She felt the pain again knowing almost instantly who the man was as she heard him speak of the friendship bracelets. Lilly stared at the man with his hair down as she slowly walked back to him and stared into his eyes once again. She stared into them for what felt like forever. Lilly reached out not for the broach instead she reached out for him pulling him to her as she wrapped her arms around his waist and held him close to her. She buried her face in his chest as she cried tears of happiness to finally see him again. She stayed like that for what felt like forever not wanting to have to face him and remembering the pain of that night for either of them. She just wanted to stay like this with her arms around him. She was surprised by the surge of emotion she had as she held him. Her heart still longed for him it was over joyed to have him back.

After a while Lilly finally let go of Ping as she cleared the tears from her eyes and face and tried to compose herself. She looked up and noticed that Thorn and Candy where gone as she blushed. "Oh, I'm sorry it looks like your friends have left. We should join them. If you give me a moment I"ll go freshen up. I wouldn't wont anyone seeing me like this. It's not very lady like." She said more to herself not really wanting to talk about the past because it was still painful for her. She paused as she looked at the roses. " I was wondering if you where going to admit who you where. I knew the moment I saw the roses there was only one person beside Dragon who knew I loved roses so much. I'm happy you are happy here." Lilly said not sure where her feeling laid at this moment for Ping. She smiled softly as she gently took the broach and placed it in her hair replacing the crown with it as she placed the crown down with her other things in the chair. "There what do you think? " She asked Ping as she did a simple spin for him showing off his work. She thought about what he said as she calmed herself and spoke again. " I am sorry for leaving that night. I should have fought for you. I am honestly just happy to see you again. I never stopped caring for you. It's why I never took your bracelet off. I wont lie I tried but I couldn't. " She admitted as she looked to the floor.

Daphne nodded and followed Thorn out to the garden where she breathed in the cool crisp air and looked at Thorn happily. Hearing what he said about the decor of the garden, Daphne smiled. "Thank-you kindly Thorn, I had a lot of fun getting the garden to look like this. I'm happy to hear that you like it." she said softly and widened her eyes at what he said and the kiss he had given her cheek, causing a bright pink blush to appear on her pale face. Daphne was at a loss for words and managed to walk over to the table and sit down. "T-thank you." she said quietly and looked at Thorn. "I never thought I would get a kiss from anyone, I'm very happy that you did that Thorn." she whispered and smiled. "I really like you a lot Thorn, I hope you know that. I...I don't know if it's love, but when I'm around you I'm just very happy. I enjoy spending time with you and I get sad when I don't see you." she explained, taking this chance to talk to him about her feelings.

Lagordir looked over at Lilly and watched her carefully, he didn't want to approach her in care she didn't want to be near him any more for what he had done. When she approached him though, he smiled at her and was surprised when she reached out for him and pulled him towards her. His arms instinctively wrapped around her waist gently as he hugged her close to him and listened to her cry. "Please don't cry princess, I'm sorry for making you cry...I know I should have never left. I should have stayed with you." he whispered and held her protectively in his arms. He missed holding her like this, he just felt bad for making her cry like this. He was just so happy to see her right now, and he was glad that she was able to remember him after so long...with his help of course but she remembered him which was what mattered.

Lagordir smiled at Lilly and wiped away any stray tears he saw. "It's alright Lilly, I'm just happy to see you again, I've always wanted to visit you but I was afraid what my real parents would do if they saw me." he explained and nodded, "Alright Lilly, I'll wait for you." Lagordir said and grinned, "I would never forget that about you Lilly. I wanted you to really like this place and had plenty of roses brought in just for you." he said and blushed, realizing what that would look like but he didn't care. It was true, all the roses were from him to her in a way. "I'm only happy because I have friends and new parents who actually love me, but now I'm even happier that you're here too." he answered and started running his fingers through his hair, "How long will you be staying here princess?" he asked curiously and chuckled when she spun in front of him. "I think you look beautiful Lilly, absolutely perfect." he answered honestly, she really did grow into a beautiful young lady. "I never stopped caring about you either princess, you were always on my mind. I always hoped to see you again one day, I was worried that I'd see you with someone else after I was gone for so long." he admitted and gently raised her chin so that she would be looking at him. "I'm just glad that I can see you again and spend time with you again like we used to." Lagordir said and kissed her forehead.

Thorn smiled as he heard what Candy had to say. He was quiet for a while as he thought about the right words to say. " Daphne I have told you my feelings for you. I love you and you should know that I always wish to kiss you. Just as I always wish to hold you. However I am also raised correctly that I know how to treat a lady such as yourself. Your are special to me and your my love. For my kind we only find such a love once in a life time. I feel the same way about you. I don't ever like you sad. I always want to be with you. You make me a better person by just knowing you. I believe in your own way you love me and that is what matters. You show how much you love me each day you spend time with me. When you take my hand in class or when you confide in me. When it's my name you call out when you've had a bad dream and no others. And the fact that you could have chosen anyone else instead you have stayed with me. And you have no issue with me expressing how I feel about you to others nor to you. You are the first person I think of when I wake and the last person I think of when I sleep. Even in my dreams you are always there. The day I asked you to be my Candy I thought you understood it was me confessing my feelings for you. However I have learned over the years that humans and Elves are different in some areas. When I asked you that to my kind it was like asking you to be my girlfriend my significant other. If I must do so again I will." He said to Candy as he gently took her hand softly caressing her cheek with his other hand as he gazed into her beautiful eyes. " Daphne 'Candy' Thompson will you be my girlfriend. Will you give me the honor of being the protector of your heart and your dreams. And the one who gets to give you your first and last kiss goodnight?" He said to Candy as he stared into her beautiful eyes.

Lilly blushed as she softly moved some of his hair from his face. " You really have become handsome yourself. I'm surprised you don't have suitors knocking down your door for dates. And when did I become Princess? I thought I was just Lilly to you. Or I hoped I was." She said softly as she blushed at her thoughts of him. "You really waited for me? I am here for several weeks the time is not set in stone. As for your parents I'm afraid they fell ill with my father. I am afraid I don't know what became of them after they left to try and find you. I assume they are dead. No I'm sure they are Dragon wouldn't tell me what happen to them but he said he put them to rest. I'm sure he gave them a good resting place. " She said softly trying not to dampen the mood.

Lilly gently leaned up and kissed Ping lovingly on the lips as she closed her eyes and did so. She blushed brightly knowing that this was uncalled for, however it was the only thing she had thought of for sometime. She let the kiss fade as she returned to her spot smiling as she blushed brightly. " So I wasn't wrong kissing you would be like a dream. " She said as she peered up at him. " We never talked about our feelings that night and maybe we should have to prevent the mistakes we felt we made. If I could turn back I would have stayed with you and tried not to get upset. I would have ran away with you. I know that makes me a bad leader but no one ever asked me what I wanted. If they had I would have told them you. I'm just happy to see you are alive and well. I was worried I would find you again but as a prisoner. I'm glad that instead I find you happy and free. I know you have a wonderful life here and I don't want to ruin any of it for you. But I still love you Lagordir. I just want you to know that. " Lilly said as she smiled softly and blushed even brighter.

Daphne sat there. listening to what Thorn had to say to her about what she had just said. A smile formed on her face and the blush never left her face hearing what he said. Every single thing he said was so sweet that it was bringing tears to her eyes. Thorn was a real sweetheart and she was always happy to be his and that he was hers. "Oh Thorn, those were the sweetest things I've ever heard." she said quietly and nodded at his sweet request. "Of course I will Thorn, I'll always be your Candy and you'll always be my hero that will protect me from anything." She answered and gazed back into his eyes lovingly but that wasn't enough, she wanted to be in his arms again and so go up from her chair and walked over to him then wrapped his arms around her like he always did and smiled as her fingers ran through his hair. "You make me the happiest girl in the world Thorn." she said sweetly.

Lagordir chuckled and shrugged. "I only have eyes for you Lilly, you're the only girl who I want my heart to belong to. Even if girls do come to me with excuses for me to fix their pots and pans, I just do that...nothing more because the only person I could ever love is standing right here in front of me." he explained and smiled, "You are Lilly to me." he reassured and nodded at her question. "All the time, every day I hoped to see you again someday and I was patient for that day to come, and it finally did." He answered and was surprised to learn that his real parents were dead. "Well...at least they are no longer in pain.." he said plainly. He didn't know how to feel about this. He loved his parents but after all that they did to him, he wasn't so sure anymore.

Lagordir's eyes widened in surprise when he felt Lilly's lips on his own, closing his eyes he returned the kiss and blushed brightly when the kiss was over. He couldn't believe that it had actually happened, he didn't think they'd kiss until much later but this was good too. "I...w-well, I did not expect that. S-so you always thought kissing me would be like a dream so decided to see if that was true or not?" he asked and smiled, still blushing. "Well kissing you was like a dream come true Lilly." he admitted. Listening to her next words, he knew that she was right. "It's okay Lilly, you ran because I hurt you and I understand. I didn't mean to hurt you and I still did, you only did was was natural. Hey, if me being a prisoner meant I'd be able to see you then I'd become a prisoner just to be able to see you one more time." Lagordir commented and gently tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, "I still love you too Lilly, always will." he replied lovingly.

Thorn was surprised at Candy's actions. However he happily held her close to him as he loved feeling her run her fingers through his hair. He smiled hearing what she said. "You have always made me the happiest man in the world Candy and I'm sure you always will. Thank you my beautiful Candy." He said as he leaned in and kissed her passionately for the first time. He closed his eyes as he enjoyed the kiss. He was sad when the kiss faded however he was content for just holding her as he gazed into her beautiful eyes. " You know we might end up eating at home. I'm sure that your mother wouldn't mind and neither would Lady. That way I can have you all to myself. Besides I have to tuck you in as part of my new duties. " He said as she smiled at her lovingly. " I have a feeling that we may not be the only ones wishing to just be in each others arms for a while." He said softly knowing that Ping might be feeling the same way at this point if his night was going anywhere near as good as Thorns was.


Lilly smiled as she blushed happy to hear what Ping said. She gently put a finger to his lips to quiet him. "Shh don't say such things. I would never want you as a prisoner. I would rather have you as my friend and more." She said softly as she leaned in removing her finger and kissing him again. This time she wrapped her arms around his neck and simple let the kiss fade to only end up gazing into his eyes. " That's for choosing me and waiting. Any others and you have to earn sir." She said in a playful tone as she gave him a playful wink. "I learned many things while you where away and you have much to make up for we both do. Besides I can't help it if I find you attractive. I don't blame the other girls. If I had known you where alive and lived here I'd be breaking my pots and pans to. The only difference is I would insist on watching you. " She said as she gave him a devilish grin. " Sadly I'm not like most girls you'll meet. I know what I want and I go for it. I have wanted you for a very long time and I'm not going to share. The other ladies can just enjoy the view because I get you to myself." She said as she grinned at him softly kissing his cheek lovingly before pulling away. She smiled as she gazed into his eyes. " I guess after that night I learned to do what you want to do so you have no regrets. So there are something things I am going to do with you now and others later. " She said as she smiled at him. "I lost you once and I'm not doing that again sir. " She said as she smiled and blushed softly.

Daphne smiled, happy to know that she made him happy. That was all she ever wanted, to make him as happy as he made her. A soft gasp was heard from her when Thorn kissed her. She closed her eyes and kissed her back, her heart was fluttering in her chest at that moment but she had a smile on her lips when the kiss ended. "E-eat at home? I thought we were going to eat here?" she asked and shook her head. "No they wouldn't mind at all, they'd love the company I'm sure and yes, you do need to tuck me in." she agreed and nodded, Lagordir and the princess obviously missed each other a lot.

Lagordir blushed and kissed her finger then smirked at her words and kissed her back softly. "More you say? And what falls under that category?" he asked, wrapping his arms around her waist. He loved this, being able to hold her like this without having to fear what people would think or say. Lagordir chuckled and nodded, "Fair enough Lilly, but I think I can easily earn a few more. Just give me a day or two and I'll rack up a lot of points." he answered playfully. He looked down at her lovingly and smiled sadly, "I know I have a lot to make up for, and I will. I promise you that I will." he answered softly then laughed at what she said. "Well then go break some pots and pans and bring them to me, and of course you can stay and watch; I get very lonely working by myself." he answered and noticed the smirk on her face. "What's with the smirk Lilly? What are you planning out in that lovely head of yours?" he asked and nodded. She was right, she wasn't like other girls and he loved that about her. "Nothing wrong with being who you are Lilly, I love you for who you are, and I love that you don't say you're something you're not." he commented and smiled. "Yes, you get me all to yourself and I get you all to myself." he whispered and gave her forehead a soft kiss. Lagordir listened to her as he held her close to him shook his head, his hair falling across his face again. "You're not going to lose me ever Lilly. If we're ever separated again I will find you and I will do everything to get you back in my arms like this. I don't care if I have to walk barefoot across one thousand miles just to get you back, I'll do it." he explained seriously and then smirked, "Though now I want to know of these things you plan on doing with me now and later." he commented.

Thorn smiled as he held onto Candy. He felt his heart pounding as he loved every torturous moment with her. He smiled as he heard her response to his own. " I believe that Ping can handle himself tonight. I have a feeling that he and his princess may not make it out here for quiet sometime. And I personally would like time with my princess alone. But I do know that my Princess needs to eat. I also know that spending time with her Mother and Lady is very important to her. So I can take my Princess home and let her enjoy herself and then after wards I can hold my princess for a while before tucking her in if she lets me." Thorn said as he kissed her forehead softly and smiled at Candy.



Lilly just grinned as she heard him. She laughed softly as she smiled loving having him like this. " If I told you what fun what that be? " She said as she looked at him innocently. " In a day or two you say we will see. So all I have to do is break a pot or two. What if I just hold you hostage in my room what do I get then?" Lilly asked honestly wondering what he would do. However she had a feeling that was enough of her teasing him. " I love you Lagordir and I will always find my way back to you. " She said being serious for a moment as she gazed into his eyes. She gently moved the hair from his face as she laughed softly stroking his cheeks as she did so. She gently leaned in and whispered to him smiling as she did so. " I guess you'll have to learn what things I'm willing to do now and other later. You'll never know till you try. I like you just being you." She said to him as she smiled. "And as I said you have to earn any more kisses from me." She said as she gently pulled back from his face as she smiled at him. " For now I am content of just having you here like this. However I might have to take you up on the pot thing. I mean I can't have anyone else enjoying the view." She said softly as she grinned at him once again.

Daphne chuckled softly and gently stroke Thorn's cheek. "Well you're right, the two of them deserve some time alone. Perhaps the four of us can have dinner here in the garden tomorrow?" Daphne suggested. She was happy for Lagordir to have finally seen the princess again and she hoped all was going well between the two of them. Daphne smiled as she listened to Thorn and giggled, she was no princess but she liked it when he called her one. "So does this mean I am your princess candy?" she asked and nodded, "Of course I will let you do that Thorn." Daphne assured and smiled back at him lovingly. "Perhaps we should at least go and say goodbye, it would seem rather rude not to do so." she pointed out seriously.

Lagordir nodded as he looked down at her and held her close. "Yes that's all you have to do. Now then, if you were to hold me hostage I'm not sure that would be a smart idea. I wouldn't mind it at all Lilly, it just means I get to spend more alone time with you and make up for all the lost time. However, I don't think my parents would appreciate their only son being kidnapped but when they see who the kidnapper is they might not mind either." he answered knowing that was how it would probably go. "I love you too Lilly, and that makes two of us." he said quietly. He didn't want to think about loosing her though, these past two years without her were torture and he couldn't imagine ever going through that again. If he had to go through it again just to see her and be with her, he would do it in a heartbeat. His eyes locked on hers and he blushed when she whispered into his ear and smirked, "Oh really? So it's a hands on guessing game?" he asked and chuckled. "Well then, I'll just have to test my luck at this. Though I wouldn't push you into doing something you're not comfortable with yet. For now I'm just happy being able to hold you close like this and the occasional kiss here and there." Lagordir explained and listened to what she said. He had to ear her kisses? That shouldn't be too hard right? "I'll earn them Lilly, I promise." he said and laughed softly. "Yes, you have to protect what's yours. Otherwise someone will come and steal me away." he started and shook his head, "I"m kidding, I wouldn't let anyone steal me away from you. You're the only girl I want Lilly." he said seriously.

Thorn frowned slightly as he heard the last part of Candy's reasoning. "I dislike it at times when your correct my Princess. And you'll always be my Princess Candy. You strike a hard bargain you know that." He said as he gently kissed her fore head and sighed gently taking her hand in his and headed back to the main house. He knocked on the front door before entering with Candy. He couldn't help but smile seeing the two love birds entangled with one another. It made him looked to Candy fondly as he finally spoke up. "I'm sorry for interrupting but Candy and I will head home and give you two some alone time if you wish." He said as he looked to Candy and smiled at her.

Lilly blushed some at what Ping said. She was going to respond when she heard a knock at the door. She turned as she saw Pings friends there. She blushed even more as she looked back to Ping wondering if he wanted alone time together or if he wanted to spend time with his friends. She turned back as she smiled softly. " You worked so hard I would be more than happy to enjoy dinner with you." She said softly as she still held onto Ping a bit embarrassed at doing so in front of others.

Daphne only smiled at him and giggled, "I'm sorry for being correct at times Thorn. I don't do it on purpose you know." she explained and stood with him and then followed him back to the house. Upon opening the door, she smiled both Lagordir and Lilly holding each other, it really was sweet to see. Looking over at Thorn, Daphne grinned and looked back at the two once Thorn spoke up. "Yes, I must be getting home before it gets too late. I promise the four of us will have dinner in the garden here together tomorrow. We can get to know one another, it will be fun." Daphne suggested happily.

Lagordir looked up when he heard a knock at the door and smiled at both Thorn and Candy. "Well we wouldn't want to get you in any trouble. We apologize for taking so long, we just had a lot of catching up to do is all." he explained and hoped that they weren't upset at them for keeping them waiting, but he guessed that they also enjoyed some alone time themselves. Looking at Lilly, Lagordir smiled and continued to hold onto her; "I would enjoy to have dinner together with you too. But if you really must go then we can wait until tomorrow if that works better for you two." he explained.

Thorn smiled as he looked to Candy." Sadly we should be heading out. I promised not to keep Candy out to late. But tomorrow we can have dinner with you both if you like. I'm sure my father has spoken with your parents Ping so you don't have to worry about being late." He said as he turned and gently lead Candy out of the house and headed home with her. He enjoyed the beautiful night sky as he walked with Candy. "Tonight is a perfect night." He told her as he smiled at her. "It's one of the first nights I don't have to worry about someone trying to kill you or take you from me. I would love for us to stay at peace. It would be wonderful to not live in constant fear. Besides it would make my parents happy. It would mean both their sons would be home and could have other professions besides warriors. Humm...however I'm not sure what path I would choose. " He admitted as he walked with Candy.

Lilly smiled softly as she gently leaned up and kissed Ping on the cheek as Thorn and Candy left. She felt bad to see his friends leave but was happy at the same time to still be in his arms. " If you need to leave I understand. I don't wont you in trouble with your parents. I'd rather be a good influence on you instead of a poor one. " She said softly as she gently caressed his face lovingly and smiled. " You really have turned out handsome. It's funny you wouldn't think two years would make that much difference in feelings nor appearance. " Lilly said as she found it strange how it did though.

Daphne waved at both of them as she walked out with Thorn. She looked up at the sky as they walked hand in hand to her house. Looking at Thorn she smiled and nodded, "I do hope that everyone can stay at peace, I'm sure everyone will be very pleased with that decision." she answered and blushed softly, she didn't think Thorn would notice though since it was starting to get dark out. Frowning, she looked around and stood closer to Thorn since she was afraid of the dark. "Well Thorn, what other things do you like to do besides protect people?" she asked curiously. "Perhaps you could be a guard of sorts and just patrol the kingdom, making sure no crimes are being committed within the kingdom." she added softly.

Lagordir smiled back down at Lilly and shook his head, "I'm not leaving just yet Lilly. I want to spend as much time with you as I can." he answered and gently stroke her cheek with his thumb. "My parents understand that today is an important day so they won't mind, they know I'll be coming home a bit late tonight." Lagordir explained and leaned into her gentle touch. "You are never a bad influence on me.." he whispered and looked at her seriously as he listened to what she said about the two year gap. "Well that's because we haven't seen each other in two years Lilly. If we had seen each other every day, the change wouldn't have been very noticeable I think." Lagordir explained and smiled at her.

Thorn looked to Candy as he saw her frown and gently picked her up in his arms as he started to hurry along to her house. He had forgotten about her not liking the dark. " That I could do. Shame they don't have a job where I could protect you and get paid I would excel at that job. " He said to her as he hurried to her house. Once they where at her door step he gently put her down as he ran the door bell and waited. He was sure that her mother would be happy to have them eat with her and Lady. Candy's father and brother would be out with Lilly's members showing them around. He fixed his tie as he gently held Candy's hand happy that his Candy was still with him and more than happy to be his candy. " I believe we have a unfinished game up stairs. If I win I get a kiss from you and to hold you for a little while before I have to tuck you in bed. If you win what would you like?" He asked as she gave her a playful grin.

Lilly smiled as she blushed hearing his words. "Why don't you show me around this beautiful place. I'm afraid I am rather hunger and I'm sure you are by now. I never expected this but I'm glad this is how things turned out. If I'm dreaming then just let me dream." She said softly as she gently took his hands into her own smiling at him. "I hope that I always stay a good influence. However young men tend to be swayed easily by young ladies." She said as she gave him a soft grin. " I guess I can't tease you as I would like." She said as she sighed in a playful manner.