Treasured Eve (Midori)

[Lanji Romano]

Lanji stood at the entrance hall of the Academy for the first time not wearing any form of armor or weaponry. Such was the deep trust that he had that Midori would take care of things as he shifted himself for a moment. He looked a tad uncomfortable but, he was making an effort for her since he really did care for her and she preferred him without his armor anyways. That was a tricky thing for him since he was so used to putting it on it was a habit he was going to have to work around for now. His hair was tied back into a ponytail and he wore a brown-leather jacket well-suited for travel. A dark blue t-shirt was under the jacket and wearing dark blue jeans on his person as well. To go with all of this Lanji was wearing a sturdy pair of boots having a backpack that held the stuff that he needed for the night while they went out. There was something more relaxed about the knight as he waited for her his eyes closed at the moment. The hall was quiet during this hour where many were eating or in their rooms.

The light cascaded in golden shafts angling through the massive windows of the entrance hall and Lanji stood in one of them for that moment looking like the angel that Midori had described. The light making him appear ethereal and golden like he had just descended from the heavens themselves. His weathered face having that distant look as he had his hands in his pockets standing like some Roman sculpture. He looked devastating in the light since it was falling on him just right as he unconsciously tossed his hair back. He was waiting for her and her alone nobody else. He was hers and he would never betray her; the mere thought of that ever happening was an impossibility in his mind even without the code. The decision they had made together had made him a very happy person. Truly this was going to be a magical knight as he patiently waited for Midori. He didn’t mind waiting. Not with her. He could wait for a thousand years and he would still smile brightly when she came.

Truly God hath placed her on this Earth for a greater purpose and I shalt strive to be by her side for as long as the Almighty grants me breath.

Lanji thought to himself as he was still waiting but, he turned quite a few heads that had never seen how he looked without armor. Many wondered if that truly, was the knight who walked in full plate even in going to classrooms. There was a certain air to Lanji that showed that he had a new cause to go to one that wasn’t vague as religion sometimes was but, was straight and direct. His cause and love to one Midori who he now cherished beyond everything else. Sweet Midori who made every single moment that they shared truly magical. She was a sweet little faerie but, there was an innocence and softness to her that Lanji would always defend even unto his dying breath. His chest stirred at the loving thoughts he had of her. Lanji remembered the beautiful kiss that they had shared during that morning in the training grounds with each other. He remembered how they were both willing to give it all a chance. To take that unified step forward for each other and both wanting to see just how this went.

A soft hoot announced Tacet his faithful owl who flapped into hall on ghost-like wings and landed on his arm. The claws easily gripping on his strong arm but, the grip was one of touch Tacet careful with her talons for him as he stroked the head feathers. He smiled softly in that happy smile that he had as joy filled every corner of his soul.

The soul and heart that now belonged to Midori.

[Midori]

It was time. She was on time of course but she had already taken everything they needed to the spot so they wouldn't have to carry a lot. It was all set up for a wonderful evening. So the rest of the time she had spent getting ready. She didn't know why she wanted to look nice but for some reason today it had felt really important to her. What she wanted most in this world was to make him proud of her. To make him proud to call her his girlfriend or to beam at her when he saw her. To see his eyes light up when she came down that stair case and know that his heart and his eyes were for her only. But not only that but she wanted to look nice for him. For him to know that she took the time out of her day to make sure that she was dressed nicely and looked upon tonight as something special.

She she had picked out a nice dress. One might think it was odd to go out into the night into the forest wearing a dress. But for Midori it wasn't that unusual at all. She could navigate the forest in fine silk and not get so much as a stain on the fabric. But the main thing was that she wore dresses and skirts often in and out of the forest so it would be no different. But this dress was even nicer than before. Silk fabric of a nice medium green hue covered her pale and tattooed body while a lace that was green with golden thread accents played with the light. A rope tied off her waist with tassels at the end and the dress was a V neck that fit her like a glove.

On her feet were the same golden sandles she had worn to prom. They had matched the dress well and she figured why waste good shoes just because her night had not been what she had thought. Though thanks to that she had met Lanji and was now together with him. He was a knight who had come to her in true knight fashion sweeping her not only off her feet but resucing her from a night filled with guilt. He had shown her a wonderful time, a time she would not soon forget. But it was Midori's hair that would also draw attention this day. For she had curled it. Light and large bouncing curls covered her head. Her hair that rich green that was natural hung about two inches shorter for the volume the curls now took. They weren't really tight but loose and cascading around and down her body. She was ready to go and she had one thing she had made for Lanji this afternoon while her summons took all their things to the area.

She exited her room and made her way down the hall. Her heals clicked as she had changed out her normal emerald studs for emerald and green colored hoops. She had a completely different look and it was drawing attention. But she didnt care because there was only one man she had done all this for and his gift was wrapped in soft green tissue paper in her hand. She rounded to the stairs and began her way down. It was on the third step from the top that she saw him waiting for her down below. He looked beautiful but even more was that he wasn't wearing his armor. His tshirt hung on his finely chiseled body perfectly and she smiled softly at all the women turning their heads as he was cast in that perfect light. She however came down the stairs her heels sounding against the cooridor as she locked eyes with him. She knew that she was pretty in the least she could only hope for some kind of reaction from him.

Reaching the bottom of the steps she walked over to him it was clear who she was smitten with. A huge smile on her face that loving look in her emerald eyes she made her way over to Lanji who waited for her in the most beautiful fashion. She stopped just a few feet away from him and smiled up as she reached out to take his hand. She couldn't help but be excited. She was going to share something special with him tonight. But first...

"I have something for you." she said softly. She placed the tissue wrapped gift in his hand and closed his fingers around it. Inside was a white hankerchief that was made of the finest cotton that was made. On the corner in sparkling green embrodery were his initials. LR elegantly crafted as if by machine and not by hand. Behind the letters was a sword in the ground and a white owl perched on the hilt. She hoped he liked it. She had worked hard on it since that night at prom and had wanted to give it to him at some special time they had together and now was then. She figured as a knight he should carry, like the old books said, a gift from his lady at home.

[Lanji Romano]

Click. Click. Click. Click.

Lanji turned his head from Tacet and turned his gaze to the steps to see the owner of that sound. To see if it was indeed his heart as he paused for a moment Tacet on his shoulder almost regally for that moment. Truly Lanji was the knight that she so envisioned even without his armor there was that air to him that could not be mistaken for what he was. He turned that slow little turn and his eyes settled on perfection itself as Midori gracefully strode down the stairs his breath catching in his throat. His heartbeat accelerating as he saw Midori walking towards him looking so beautiful and so pure that it made him want to treasure Midori. There was just something to her that he couldn’t just ignore in that moment. Something to her that called to him like nothing has ever called to him before. She was beautiful. The shafts of golden evening light raining down upon her as if God himself blessed her in that very moment.

Her hair was a mass of curls evergreen curls rather then the usual straightness that had obviously taken time and effort. They just tumbled upon her delicate shoulders and each time she moved or took a step they just bounced ever so slightly. The sandals were the golden ones from prom night that she had worn but, he hadn’t noticed as much as he did now in the way that it went so perfectly with her dress. He finally exhaled after what felt like an eternity as he noticed the dress as well. She looked so delicate and so wonderful in that beautiful dress that just hugged her perfectly. The golden tasseled belt just perfectly going with the green and gold dress that she was wearing at this moment; Midori had put in a lot of effort for him. He could see that in this very moment as he stood there his eyes only for her. His sapphire ones locked with her emerald ones as she approached him on what he now felt like was an incredibly long distance. With a movement Tacet pushed off his arm and flapped silently to a rafter a couple of pure white feathers slowly falling down.

She’s so beautiful truly she carries it in a way that would make even the foulest of hearts reconsider their alignment.

The feathers came between them for a moment before fluttering out of the way of their views. She stopped a few feet in front of him looking up at him with that shy little smile that she carried off so perfectly. Yet she paused for a moment and then came forward the rest of the way her soft voice in his ears. He felt a tissue-wrapped item placed in his hand and his fingers were curled around it. He looked down at her and gave a warm smile as he kissed her forehead gently and then carefully un-wrapped the delicate tissue with a soft touch. The tissue fell away revealing the handkerchief that was there. His fingers touched the soft cotton carefully and gently yet it was already in his eyes. That slightly tear-filled gaze that showed he was proud and honored to have such a gift. A gift that he would carry with him even when he went out into battle as a sort of good luck charm and a reminder of who he fought for so he could come back home and hold her in his strong arms once more again.

“Thank you, this gift is a priceless one my sweet Midori, I shalt wear it with pride and happiness knowing it is from thee. Whenever I touch it and thou art not nearby I shalt think of thee and this moment when you made me such a cherished gift,” Lanji said softly as he tied the handkerchief around his neck. One corner settling perfectly as he pulled her close to him and kissed her lightly on the lips. A light little kiss of affection and warmth before he broke the kiss gently and stared into her eyes. His fingers itching to run through her hair and he indulged himself for a brief moment. “Thou art truly looking wonderful this very eve and I wish I had dressed up a little more for thee so that I might match the soft beauty that you haft created. Even angels would be challenged in matching the beauty and grace that thou hast on thine person at all moments it seems. The light of the warm sun makes thee glow but, only adds to thine beauty rather then challenging it for it is no rival.”

He gave another warm smile as he nodded in the direction of the doorway.

“Shall we go then for the treasured eve that we haft promised one another?” He asked.

[Midori]

Anticipation hit her. Her stomach seemed to be filled with butterflies and lightning bugs that shimmered and flew around in her stomach. She waited for him to open the gift. He kissed her forehead softly and she blushed gently. He was so sweet. Always so kind he knew how to make the simplist of touches mean more than ever. Even a kiss on the forehead told her so much. He was happy to see her and happy to be here with her. His face when she had walked down the stairs had been priceless. It had been one of awe and she would never forget the way his eyes looked her over while she walked down the staircase. She smiled up at him in the beautiful light that cast down now on the both of them. Staring up at him because he truly was, at this moment the only thing in her world.

Slowly he opened the paper and pulled the hankerchief out. It seemed that his eyes shimmered with the tears he would not shed. That had touched her. She blushed softly as she let her hands drop to her sides. He was so perfect and many times lately at night she had wondered just what it was she had done that had made him take an interest. Surely just crying in a fancy dress hadn't sold her his heart. But no matter what it was that had made him turn to her for his heart she would never let him down. She was proud to be the keeper of his heart and she was going to cherish this wonderful gift with everything she had.

He confirmed that he liked the gift by thanking her. Telling her he would take it with him always when he left. Using it to remember and think about her more clearly and this exact moment when she had presented him with such a gift. She smiled softly at him and blushed again saying nothing at this moment. She watched her eyes a bit wider as they too became tear filled as he actually took the hankerchief and tied it around his neck. The little owl, sword, and monogram, laying just right on him. She smiled softly and reached up her delicate fingers touching the embroidery. He pulled her in for a soft gentle kiss one that she returned fully. He even reached back and ran his hand through her luscious curls that she had put in just for him and just for this night.

She chuckled softly when he told her he wished he had dressed better for her. She had no idea why. Really if he saw himself in a mirror there was no way he couldn't see the beauty and the wonderful Greek God like physique that he had. She reached up and kissed the tip of his nose lovingly as she cupped his cheek gently.

"Do not fret dear knight. For you must have forgotten to look in the mirror in your room. Else you would see what a find catch and handsome man you are not to mention that the outfit is perfect." she said with another soft smile.

She couldn't help but fall for this man. It wasn't just his courtly guestures or his good looks but the whole nine yards. The way he looked at her and held her. The way he appreciated the little things and actually wanted to know more about her and her culture. The way he took care of her but not in a belittling sort of way. No, he seemed to just fit into her life in that perfect way that made everything work right.

"Please let us start our evening. I fear I could stare into your eyes all night but we would never arrive at our destination." she said wtih a bright smile.

Gently she took his hand and led him out of the front door of the academy. The cool crisp air hit them and she was glad she had prepared for that. Right now it wasn't bothersome but tonight it would be fairly cold and so she had thought ahead for that. It wasn't long before they reached the city via teleport. The bustling city seemed to never have a quiet moment really. But right now she didn't care about the businesses or places that were open or closed but merely getting to their destination and having the night of her life with Lanji. She took him through the city and finally they arrived at a small path that went into the forest. She pulled him on it gently.

"It's this way." she said with a smile. "I'll stay with you so I won't lose you." she said with another smile and a wink as she led him into the forest.

Truly they only stayed on the path for half a mile. The winding trail went through the whole forest but she didn't care that wasn't where they were going. Finally they reached a game trail and she pulled him gently onto it. It was not very wide and so she had to let go of his hand and lead him through. She was so excited to be back in the forest even though she had only just left this was her home and she shined when she was in it. She turned around walking backwards as she smiled brightly at him and giggled. She stopped for a second and slipped off her shoes. Sinking her feet down into the underbrush she smiled brightly.

It was twenty minutes later when they broke into a clearing. It was huge but completely covered in shade. Small shafts of golden sunlight glowed down into the clearing almost as if it was created by Tolkien and not nature. Trees and vines hung everywhere providing cover to the haven below. Looking down a nice sized pond with fish swimming in the perfectly clear water that was fed by a small stream. Frogs jumped from lilly pad to lilly pad singing their songs of the day as they feasted. In front of the pond was their camp set up. Two sleeping bags lay down for cushion and tons of blankets, five to be exact made of the finest animal fur lay on top ready for them to retire for the evening. A small campfire with blue flames, faerie flames, burned in a small circle of stones. It was beautiful and romantic all at the same time it took nothing away from the beauty that nature had created for them this night.

The leaves were so green they seemed to shimmer and glow. There was rustling here and there from animals in the area. The bunnies that she spent time with here one black and one white one came up and nuzzled into her legs. She giggled and picked up the white one putting it in Lanji's arms and picked up the black one for herself.

"Yours is Zeus and this is Hera." she said with a smiled as she knelt down on the furs close by on their 'bed' and pet the bunny listening to it's story.

"She says that she's happy I brougth a friend that has a true heart. You see rabbits can see to the internal thoughts and the internal heart and soul of a person just as cats can. They are wise but often over looked as stupid. But Hera here seems to like you and Zues too as comfy as he seems in your lap." she smiled at him.

"This place, is much like my home. I'm going to build a saehoe in that large tree over across the lake. It's kind of like a tree house or something I think is how to describe it. Then it will really be like my home away from home. I would really like to do that. But I brought you here to share this special place with me because, Lanji, you mean a lot to me. So welcome, welcome to my grove."

[Lanji Romano]

The tear-filled eyes that Midori had were heart-warming showing that he indeed made a gesture that touched her by putting on such a fine handkerchief. Easy little gestures that they always made to each other not require some momentous amount of money like others seemed to think. Just simple little gestures and movements that showed that they truly did care for one another rather then just consider this a fling, rather instead both Lanji and Midori thought of this as something more. To Lanji that was a very important aspect else a relationship would never work no matter how close the people were. If they put forth no effort then what was the point in getting together in the first place? Words are words and actions speak a whole lot more and have a more lasting impact on a person then a mere set of words. It was why Lanji and Midori got along so well. They did not require some vast flowery speech of words to get through nay tis the simple gestures that they were both warmed to each time.

Tis a gift that I shalt cherish from the sweet one for the rest of mine existence no matter where I go I shalt carry this holding the sweet memory of her. The effort and thought that she put into this for me taking it seriously for each moment; truly am I touched by this gesture.

He heard her speak of how much she had admired him and it was his turn to give a small blush himself. She spoke words that could easily make a person vain but, in that moment he was rather content with them. It showed that Midori liked him as he was and did not have to make an effort to change for her. Although putting for an effort was something that he would do anyways despite her words to look better for her. After all if you put forth nothing in a relationship then it truly showed that you did not care. It was the belief in this that made Lanji try for each step that they took in this. Each step that he and sweet Midori took down the path further into the forest of love that would bind them together; that thought was an intoxicating one. He shifted for a moment finding his hand in her soft and delicate ones with her he himself chortling a bit at her last comment. So she could find herself lost in his gaze? Ah now that was a thought he would store for another time when he took the chance to pick up a pen and write poetry for her. Or at least try to it had been awhile since he had written in creativity.

“Then I shalt strive to avert mine gaze from time to time it wouldn’t do to have thee lost in my gaze and forget the plans of this eve,” another attempt at humor for her. He had given a similar crack this morning when she commented about his smile if he recalled correctly.

He found his step with hers as they walked to the teleporter that led them to the bustling city of Babylos the city of magic. Not to be confused with the legendary city of Babylon whose wickedness was struck down by the almighty several times in the pathway of history. Lanji continued walking with Midori the city oddly silent at this hour but, at the same time he did not mind at all. He felt the chilling nip here and there of the air and as they reached the edge he heard her comment. He chuckled again a rich and throat chuckle. So she did not want to have him lost? Tis a good thing that she knew how to navigate a forest much better then him.

“Then I shalt strive not to lose sight of me t’would be a perilous thing to lose me for the eve while I am lost in the mighty woods where I am so woefully under prepared.” Lanji countered in an almost playful tone as he looked around appreciating the beauty of the forest. The rich and clean scents that were in the air that just seemed to revitalize the night as he wanted to close and eyes and listen. Listen to the sounds of the night like he used to when he was at a younger age. He saw her pause and that cute giggle made him smile and run his fingers through her hair again. He almost blinked when she removed her shoes but, remembered that unlike him she was blessed by the forest and it would not hurt her. Where as he would have many years no doubt to strive with before the forest accepted him as openly as the forest did with Midori. It was something that he would have to keep in mind and ask about later as they were now on a game trail. Lanji had rough senses of direction but, even now he was hopelessly lost following the winding trials and trusting Midori’s direction and memory. This was here element not his.

Soon they were led in a clearing and it would feel as if a novelist had come and designed every aspect. Perhaps Tolkien or Eddings or any of the other great fantasy writers that he occasionally read books from. Creativity was not a bad thing to have even in one such as Lanji since it improved the mind. He looked around almost agape at the beauty of this clearing and suddenly felt that this was a place that should be considered hallowed. There was no tainting to this place it was pure and even Lanji questioned his own inner purity and worthiness at seeing such a place. Dying shafts of golden sunlight still flooded into the clearing showing a beautiful pond where he eyed the fish for a moment. If he ever came back here he would make a mental note to sit down and do some serious fishing. It was a habit that he had when he was younger and the site of the fish jumping right then made his fingers itch for a moment. It was near this pond that their camp was set up and situated.

Soft fur blankets and beautiful glimmering leafs provided a bed that could not be duplicated by manmade hands. Two sleeping bags were situated in it as well as he found himself watching and still amazed by it all. She was not kidding when she said that this place was precious to her. He could see why. Everything about it was perfect in such a natural and wonderful way. He blinked when he found a white rabbit in his arms which he quickly shifted his hands and carefully held the delicate creature taking care not to drop it. With one hand he unlaced his boots and shed them feeling that he would not need them and sat down on the furs. Carefully he removed his socks as well as he saw her listening to the rabbit. Hera and Zues. How appropriate for their names it seemed. He saw Midori listening to the black rabbit that she was petting as he now settled more comfortably. He felt a nudged in his other hand and looked down at the white one which he carefully began to pet. Truly a marvelous thing to behold that the animals were so open and trusting here that they would allow even trusted strangers to touch.

“Then I thank them for the welcome and any other beings of the forest that give me welcome and have not yet come out. I am glad I am perceived as a friend of this place rather then an enemy. More importantly I am glad that thou art allowing me to see thine grove and be mesmerized in its beauty. Truly thou hast created a place that would rival even the legendary Vatican City in all its beauty. I am honored to be here,” he said with a smile as he continued running his fingers through the soft fur of the rabbit. Still he shifted himself ever so slightly and kissed Midori’s cheek.

“For though our time haft been short thou art important to me Midori and I would gladly lay my life on the line if it meant I could keep thee safe from all that would harm thee be it natural or unnatural,” he murmured as he was beside her now and gave her a warm smile.

"This place is truly wonderful tell me about the groves. I am aware that there is a hallowness to them like one would expect from a church but, I am not sure how it works. My knowledge of the natural world is quite limited," he admitted as he looked around for a couple of moments and found another question. "Out of questionable curiosity would a person be allowed to fish here or is that out of bounds?"

"Also what is our plan for the eve?” he asked as he ran his fingers through the warm fur of the rabbit again and gently sat down Zues occaisonally running his fingers through the soft fur. He however also shifted closer to Midori until she was beside him and slipped one arm around her delicate waist and pulled her closer to him. The chirps and sounds of the evening reaching his ears but, he was more interested in Midori.

[Midori]

The grove was where many magical things could happen. Where so much in so little a time could be accomplished. Her in this grove however he was right. A special hollowness had come to this place. It showed that nature too could create a place that was like this. A place so sacred and untouched that it held that quality that churches sought to find and other places could only wish they had. For the only real sanctuaries existed in nature but if you told that to a Vatican Knight he would most likely disagree. She thought about it for a few moments. How she would answer that question because it was definatly not going to be the easiest to explain.

"Well, lets see. I will try to explain. A grove is created in nature alone. A human created grove cannot be hallowed or any such thing. I think it is as if God himself or which ever Diety is the one you pray to creates these places. Almost like a haven or a sacred place for those to go that seek guidance. But mainly the grove is for those that live in the forests. We live in the groves because we do not sacrifice of the forest to make our homes. Yes, we hunt but the cycle of life is different than the senseless slaughter of trees. The groves are much like this one which is why I feel so very at home while I'm here. Because this is exactly like my home." she said softly.

Zues the little bunny hopped off and she let Hera go with him. She lay back on the furs her green hair splayed around her as she sat her shoes to the side and sighed softly looking up at the sky through the trees. It was dense covered here but still she could see the sky if she looked hard enough. She remembered him asking her about if he could fish and she chuckled.

"And yes, of course you can fish. The cycle of life will forever go on turning and changing. It isn't something you can stop nor is it something you should prevent. So please, if you would like to next time we come bring your fishing pole. that is find with me and I would actually like to see you catch something. And then I can show you the way I fish." she chuckled as she looked up at him.

She pulled his arm so he would lay down with her and when he did so she placed his arm on her stomach. She closed her eyes her green eyelashes lay gently against her pale cheeks. She kissed the back of his hand gently by bringing it up to her lips from her stomach. She was definatly falling for him. He as what meant the most to her and all she wanted to do these days was spend time with him. she had been gone a week and it was hard to think about ever leaving him alone that long again. No, she couldn't. She didn't want to either. He had been on her mind the entire time she was gone.

"You know, while I was in the Forest you were all I could think about. I saw your face everywhere. Even some of the faerie noticed a change about me. That I seemed less aloof and more attentive to my duties. But not only that but a change when a woman finally meets a man that fits her. My elder, even noticed. She told me that I had a smile that constantly told of changes in my life." Midori smiled softly as she stroked the back of Lanji's hand gently with her fingers.

She looked over at her blonde headed boyfriend and smiled softly. He was not only handsome but he was kind hearted and she knew that man girls must earn to be with him. And yet somehow that night at prom she had earned her right to be wtih him and she was not going to change that at all.

"As for this evening. We will spend time together. We're going to eat a nice dinner that I made and has been cooking thanks to my trusty summons. Then we will dance. I have that all set up too. After that I thought we might cuddle by the fire and just talk and get to know one another more. Because I want to know all about you." she said softly.

"By the way, I was wanting to ask. How was your life as a child in the Vatican. I mean how did you grow up what was your childhood like?" she asked softly as she turned on her side and looked into his eyes running her hand over his tied back hair gently.

[Lanji Romano]

He listened to her intently as she spoke about the groves giving her the upmost attention his eyes studying her beauty. Memorizing it and comitting it to himself because he already knew that one week was too long a time to be without her. The next time either one of them traveled they were taking the other with them. There was no doubt in his mind about that as he gazed over Midori's soft perfection. There was no flaws about her to him for in his eyes she was indeed perfect. The woman that you would always want to be with no matter what the price was you could always somehow fufill it. Somehow Lanji had met whatever requirements she had for a man and she wanted him at her side. It was a vain thought true but, it seemed so right when put in mention with her.

"One can not doubt that there is a divine influence in this place for it shows in every moment. This is a place where one can come to be healed in thought and mind. Such places can be crafted by man but, only if they art blessed by the almighty afterwords. It requires that the caretaker be pure of heart and mind or teh effect shalt be ruined. Mayhap this is why Zen temples in the country of Japan are so peaceful and revitalizing. It is the value that we put in these places that also decide how much we cherish and care for them. If we can simply name a price then it is already not worth it. For it should be instead one of a kind and individualistic that the effect that the place has can only be created by another unique place." He replied softly as he gazed at the ruslting leaves that were overhead. There was a peacefulness to this place that he could not ignore.

He heard her chuckle and he turned his head to hear that and actually gave a smile when she metioned that they could indeed fish. She wanted to see him fish and in exchange she would show him how to fish something that he was curious over. As far as he could guess she used as little of the advancements of man as she possibly could prefering what nature could gift her with. There was nothing wrong in that at all because it showed a deep and innate trust with the world and what God had placed there for everything. A cycle of life was indeed what navigated the world subtly but, it was how those with intelligent though treated that cycle that ensured the success or failure. Perhaps this was why many empires of man were so quick to fall. They failed to cherish the place.

He found himself pulled towards where she lay and he was beside her his arm over her stomach his hand running along her side. Her scent reaching him as his nose was near her rich hair with those magnificent curls that she had added. He found his hand kissed by her soft lips her fingers caressing the skin. He moved his hand lightly feeling her fingers trace the back of it and slowly he touched and ran it along her side softly. Just gently and subtle little movements only the tips of his fingers touching her feeling the soft fabric under it but, also enjoying touching her in an intimate way. He kissed the top of her forehead gently a soft little kiss as he continued touching her. Soft little touches and he heard her speak on how he was on her mind.

To that he chuckled and gave a soft smile.

"I am glad that I was not the only one so thoroughly distracted without the other there to hold and keep close. For indeed I found it lonesome just as you did. I am glad though that my influence on thee is a good one," he replied as he kissed her cheek lightly and then the soft yielding skin of her neck. He heard her next question this time about his own life and he lay on his back pulling her on top of him one arm wrapped around her delicate waist the fingers running along her side. He closed his eyes for a moment in thought and then opened him. It was a fair question and one that he would be glad to answer.

"Life in the Vatican Order even as a child thou must have patience and discipline and that is taught to thee from the start of it all. As a child thou art placed in a family under a more senior knight. The Cross Defender Aidan Lecroix. I was trained starting as a squire in hopes to aspire to the post of a knight. It was a happy child and always curious though Sir Aidan was most patient with me. He never tired of my questions and my curiosity nay in fact at times he encouraged it. He was a subtle teacher teaching by good example and even commenting anytime I was watching him work his exemplary skill. Though he had trained squires before me something had caught his interest. When I passed the rigorous trials to see if I had the gift of magic he bonded with me like a father would a son." He said softly as he leaned back his other hand moving up and running through her hair gently.

"The learning and training was rigorous and tough Sir Aidan however, was a good and patient teacher always encouraging me, Lady Lecroix treating me as family as well. It was a good home in a way they are adopted parents to me. For it is with them that I grew up and learned the aspects of knighthood rather then my family's estate." he gave a smile at that for a moment and opened his eyes to look at her.

"You know thou art most wonderful to cuddle with, always warm and snuggles just right. I am going to hunt for a way so that I may cuddle thee more often. For I confess that I find it rather addictive," he said with a small grin as he touched her cheek gently.

[Midori]

It was indeed true that she had missed him while she was gone on business. It seemed that when you were apart from one another was when you realized just how much the other meant to you. It was then that she was happy, wrapped in his arms and knowing that there she was safe. But it wasn't because he was a knight. More so that he was the man that held her heart in his hand the one that she would run to when she was scared or upset. The one she would come to when she wanted to be held in his wonderfully strong arms. His touches were always reassuring and she thanked Gaia every night for the fact that her prom night had not gone as planned. It had instead been horrible but with the best ending. After running back to the academy she had instead of being alone found herself in the company of Lanji. Then they grew close and she would never again forget that night.

She felt him stroking her waist gently and she smiled. It was at times like these that she really was happy she had met him. Because the two of them together seemed to find so many things to talk about and so many topics to discuss. They cuddled, definatly but they weren't the kind of couple, like she had seen, that were all over each other. Instead she and he touched gently and spoke often. Allowing kisses and more intimate touches to be saved for special times and that made them all the more special than before. It was then he began to answer her question about his life and growing up.

To live with a completely different family rather than his own might have been hard. But leave it to the optimistic Lanji to find true happiness even then. For outside his real family he had found a place where he truly belonged. Learning easily and being the eager child he was with a lot of questions. She was happy that his childhood was so loving and caring. So many people had backgrounds that were sad and filled with pain. She hated knowing how much pain some people had gone through before finding the academy but now that they were here it was more like a safe haven than anything. He told her of the family he stayed with and how they took him and his insatiable appetite for information and knowledge readily. Feeding it and stroking it helping it develop into the man that she had now fallen in love with. Of course she hadn't admitted love. No she wasn't sure he was ready to hear that and so she kept it to herself budding in her heart growing like a garden.

"I would love to meet then. Lady and Master Lecroix. I bet they are the most lovely people. Do you think we could take a trip one day to visit. I bet they would love to see you again and I would love to meet the people that helped cultivate you into this man right next to me." she said with a soft smile and a loving look in her eyes.

He suddenly picked her up and pulled her on top of him. She smiled and settled down not wishing to move. She could hear his heart beat in his chest as her thick mass of soft green curls lay all around them and the furs. She really did have thick hair and a lot of it. Truly, it looked thin upon first glance but when you ran your hands through it you would see just how much of it there really was. And the furs were soft and warm but Lanji was even more so. She sighed softly and lay there nuzzling into his neck gently.

"Ahh, well I am not the only one guilty of cuddling proficiently." she chuckled softly as she nuzzled in just a bit more. "Is there anything you want to ask me? About being a faerie I mean, usually I'm bombarded by questions but you really haven't asked any. So.. I was wondering if you had any at all. I would answer them of course." she said softly. "If you don't that's fine. Just wanted to ask dont be afraid to ask me anything. I'm not afraid of telling you about my life."

[Lanji Romano]

Lanji saw her listening attentively to anything that he said and liked that about Midori. She would always listen no matter what the topic was she gave him her upmost attention making him feel that he was the only thing in her world. A feeling that he definantly liked to have when it was coming from her as he again found his gaze trialing over her. Memorizing her smile, the way her hair tumbled down, the warmth of her touch, the sparkle in her eyes. Anything and everything that was associated with Midori, he was remembering and putting it in his mind for safe-keeping. Promising to himself to never forget a single thing that was associated with Midori. For she was the one that he could confess to when his confidence was shot. She was the one that he could go to when he sought the wisdom of another. She was the one that he could go to when he wanted to see a different view of the world on something he was going over.

Her name was Midori of the Forest of Light. It was she he knew could be given everything and anything from him and she would never take advantage of it. It was she who he wanted to share his life with and who even wanted to see the Lecroix family.

He blinked in surprise but, it was a happy surprise.

"Then I would be honored to take thee with me on my next visit to them, mayhap we can surprise them and drop by on a weekend when they would least expect us. Then we can have a warm evening with them as it is nearing the winter holidays," he said with a smile at her as he kissed her forehead one of his hands already working through her thick mass of hair the fingers tanlged in it. Midori had thick hair and he loved it since he could always tangle his fingers into it. There was not a thing wrong with it as he found her nuzzling into his neck. He gave a small smile at that she nuzzling him like a kitten would nuzzle you. So affectionately that it always made you stop what you were doing just so you could give the cute mass the attention it desired. He knew Midori enjoyed his attentions and he was always willing to satisfy her craving of it. He heard her question and gave a smile.

"Nay tis not that I am afraid tis the fact that I wanted to get to know thee and spend time with me before I asked questions. I didn't want to appear rude or too forward in asking for information that is considered private. For I indeed have many questions about thee. The first would be how were thou born? The second would be what was your childhood like and were you aware of the destiny that you had ahead of thee? And the third and final question for now is what do you consider important as far as ideals go?" He asked with a sparkling curiosity in his eyes to show that he was indeed that same curious child that had now matured into the knight and man that she cherished. His fingers lay motionless against her for now as he held her close to him. As if never wanting to let go and stay frozen in this moment.

Midori had given him a new light that warmed him every day now and gave him a new thing to dedicate himself to. To improve himself and drive further till he was worthy of being perhaps her fiance' or who knows even her husband. He was training himself with more vigor and the desire to improve himself became a burning drive which he took to with his usual optimism and flare. He knew that each day was a test of his devotion to her now and how much he did indeed love her. Love? Was it really love? Yes it was though he was not sure how to admit that to her yet. Right now he did not want to make anything uncomfortable and spoil the mood and atmosphere that she had set with this place. That they were currrently enjoying ever since they reached this magical grove.

[Midori]

It seemed that the had finally found his curiosity. He was that same little boy now that had been begging questions from his adoptive parents. This was even better the spark in his eyes were amazing. She chuckled softly as he began to bombard her with questions and she smiled thinking about it. In truth her life was indeed intriguing yet lonely. Lonely until now that was. She nuzzled into him a little more and began her answer.

"Lets see then. Question one if I recall was how I was born. What happens is every one hundred years a flower sprouts in a small glade in the forest. In the forest of light the glade is called Sacred Heart. There the flower sprouts in the center amid the undergrowth and thus begins it's growth period. Now the next princess is created as soon as the older one takes her rightful place at the throne, but she does not develop until she is ready. Ready to be trained. And so there inside the bud the faerie begins to grow. It isn't long before the flower blooms and a Watcher is on staff. He takes the infant in for the first two years of life." she said softly. "It's beautiful so I'm told, to watch the flower bloom. To see the infant inside that has since the beginning of time been female."

She smiled softly as she thought about it. Her flower had been blue and pink if she remembered right. Blue petals and soft pink core that mixed beautifully and created such a beautiful picture and scene.

"After two years the princess is on her own. And yes, we are born knowing we are royal. For we are the only ones born of the Flower anymore. The others have much more human births. But the thing that seems to keep the peace is that royalty does not breed royalty instead breeds more faerie that are not royal. The flower provides the next ruler. And so at two the princess is cast out to be on her own. You may think it is rather crude but it is a right of passage of sorts and none have ever failed. Including myself. And so then they grow up from that time for a while. At my age, you leave the forest. Leave to find out what is in the world, how the other creatures and races live. And that is my stage currently. I'm out here, learning about the races and the magic I have." she explained.

"As for ideals. Well that is mostly noble I suppose. I want my race to survive. I want to see them thrive under my rule become a stronger people and see the race flourish. I want them to be as strong as they were in the old times and I would love to see the human faerie relations to be stronger than ever. My own personal ideals would be honor. Not only to I want to honor myself but others as well. I try to put my best into everything and I can only hope that it shows. Shows how much I really enjoy my life and living that life that Mother Gaia has given to me. I want to live my life to the fullest and find love. Raise a family so that the tradition will continue. So the circle of life will continue. It is what I think is most important." she said softly.

He lay there in the glade holding her gently in his arms. She smiled this was exactly where she wanted to be. He was easily her best friend and definatly her boyfriend. This was perfect, just the two of them together spending time and enjoying each other. The prospect of going to visit his family was definatly exciting. She couldn't wait. A whole weekend away with him would be bliss and to meet the family that turned him into such a wonderful man. Surely she would like the chance to thank them for this man and his wonderful ways.

"We shall have to plan that trip soon. Perhaps for the Christmas, I believe you Christians celbrate. For us it is called Night of Life but I would enjoy to see and experience your own customs for such a holiday. I wonder if you would share that with me?" she asked softly as she pulled herself up on her elbow so she could look down at him. Her emerald hair hung down perfectly around her body as she looked into his eyes.

[Lanji Romano]

Her laughter was in some ways an innocent tease he was always loving to hear it no matter when it was. The soft trilling tone that could easily rival a bird's song in it's innocent beauty as her whole body seemed to shake with the laugh. He listened intently as she spoke noting the vast differences between her culture and his own even noticing the trials of old that could be translated to different tasks by his heritage. What many would call crude and hrash it was an accepted thing in the knighthood to go under trials to see if they were worthy of the responsibility. It seemed with her society that the same thing applied. After all nobody was fit to lead if they weren't willing to undergo the trials that they placed in front of their people. And a leader must undergo even harder trials then anyone else to prove that they are worthy of the trust and the power that the masses place into them.

He blinked in surprise when she described her birth but, somehow it made sense with Midori. Why she seemed so innocent and untained. Why nothing about her was wrong and everything so pure. She was not porn to the normal birth carrying the ages old curse that was unlocked by Adam and Eve rather instead the heavens graced her unto this world. Blessing the Earth so that she would grow and become a leader to guide her people and become their protector. For if a leader was not strong then they would ultimately fail in holding the sway of the masses. He gave a smile at her as he listened patiently to her tale not saying anything. He just listened to the life-story of the woman that he loved and a part of him wished he was there to see each and every moment. Wished that he had met her hearlier to provide her a goal to make her tasks more easier.

For he noted one thing about her tale and it made him sad in some ways. She must have been lonely if she had been forced to endure all of that. Not having a family to be raised with any siblings to play with or care for her. Or even an elder family member to run to when she was hurt or needed advice. No she had to endure it all on her own to prove that she was capable of maintaining the pressures of leadership. Lanji wasn't going to question the culture of another that he had never even seen first-hand, but somehow he just didn't want to see Midori endure such things. At least alone anyways. He had no doubt that she was strong she was the type that looked like she could face adversity when the time came. Yet those other times when she was alone without anybody to go to or keep her company during the night he just disagreed with it all togeather. Family was very important to Lanji.

"Noble ideals my sweet Midori and you haft proven that thou art worthy of leading thine people when the time comes. However, thou wilt never be alone anymore for now that thou hast mine heart and soul I shalt always be at thine side." He murmured as he kissed her on the lips in a gently and feather-light kiss for a moment his fingers running through those thick curls that were in her hair. Her hair was so thick with so much volume for him to tangle his fingers into. And it felt like the purest of silk the way his fingers flowed through it.

"Mayhap if I am lucky I shalt have the honor of raising a family with thee so that we may share a bliss that few ever achieve in their lives. Too many people jump the gun in mine opinion it is most sad," Lanji said with a soft smile and took her hand in his raising it up and kissing the back of it.

"I will gladly share the Christmass Weekend with thee and we shalt return to the Academy the day after. I will show you the tradition of giving and sharing that has marked this tradition for ages," he said with another smile at her as he gazed into those forest-like eyes and almost lost himself in them.

"Wilt thou allow me the honor to have thee at my side this holiday?"

[Midori]

It was cool out a nice breeze to keep them cool instead of hot on the warm and thick furs they lay upon. Even though the glade was closed off the breeze breached through the branches and leaves of the surrounding forest and into the clearing where it filtered down. It was a beautiful day as always and the sun was already starting to set. The beautiful orange and pink colors swathed the world in beauty. The night would be a cool one and that was why she had brought all the furs so that they would be warm through the night.

He wanted to share with her the meaning and beauty of Christmas. She wanted to know what he did for the holiday. She wanted to be there with him and she wanted to be the girl that he told his family he loved. She was more than excited to go and new that they exchanged gifts and would indeed have to go find something for everyone. She knew that it would be hard to get things for someone that she didn't know at all but for Lanji in her mind it would be even worse. She had no idea what to get him but she knew she was going to try her best to get him something he would really enjoy.

"I would love to share the holidays with you. I would love to really see what your Christmas is all about. I'll bring presents too and we can have a lot of fun. I think anyways." she smiled at him and then sat up and got up standing as she stretched a bit. Her curls fell down around her again and she looked up at the sky.

"Hungry? I've got stew on the campfire ready to eat if you are and then if you want we can wade in the pond or dance or climb a tree and watch the sun finish setting. It's up to you." she said looking at him over her shoulder with a bright smile on her face.

[Lanji Romano]

"Then our holidays haft been planned with joyous occiason. For gifts outside of myself I will help thee and perhaps go in with thee on some gifts so that they art from us rather then myself or thineself. Twill be much fun shopping for it is indeed a magical time of year that only occurs annually rather then all-year round. For indeed half of the fun in the holidays is searching for the right gift to give to someone who means something to thee. It is a time of the year that I haft always looked forward to. Mayhap it is also because I have a weakness for the beautiful white blankets of snowfall." Lanji said with a smile at Midori as he ran his fingers through those lush curls one last time before she pulled away and stood up. She stood with the grace of a cat and he gave a small smile at that. She was indeed fit and trim like him as he slowly stood up as well.

"Let us eat first and then wade in the pond so that we can be pleasantly chilled and have an extra reason to huddle close tonight. Tis true that there is an ulterior reason to it but, as I haft confessed it is most wonderful to have thee cuddle against me. So indeed let us eat I long to taste thine cooking since I do believe I haft not the chance to taste it yet," He said with a smile at her as he slowly walked to where the campfire was feeling an extra warmth wash over him but, nay tis colder then what she felt like against him. For indeed she was a source of warmth that was unique and could never be replaced nor would he ever have the desire to. Midori was everything he had ever wanted in a significant other and she provided the happiness he craved above and beyond the goals he had set. With her he was experiancing a pure nirvana-like happiness that few would ever reach.

He waited for her to serve the meal and he smiled when she came over as he sat on the ground cross-legged.

"Hmmmmm mayhap since we are being so generous to each other we can exchange bites with one another to make it even more interesting."

[Midori]

Midori smiled as she knelt down beside the fire. Two wooden bowls that she had carved long ago sat next to the fire and she picked them up. The stew was boiling rather well in a ceramic pot made of the finest clay and kilned under faerie fire to make it strong and to rid it of impurities. She was trying to give him the full experience and that was what she was doing so far. The furs to lay and sleep upon. The wooden bowls and spoons. Even the ladel for the stew had been carved.

She ladeled out two bowl full of the stew it was thick and hearty. Made with rabbit and dear meat as well as fresh carrots, potatoes and green beans. It was thick and there was no room for bread because of just how thick it was. She sat herself in his lap when he sat down and handed him a steaming bowl of the stew. She kissed him gently and lovingly for some time while the soup cooled. She sat hers down on the ground and slipped her tongue gently in between his lips her hand on his cheek. It was a kiss that probably spoke of other things they could do this eve but she wanted to give him one of those heart stopping kisses.

It was minutes, full minutes later she broke the kiss with a sigh almost a gasp. Her lips stayed close to his her eyes opened and showed desire but she kept herself well within her own restraints.. okay maybe just barely. She wanted him to kiss her again to not let her go just yet. But she knew that if she lived through another kiss like that she was either going to find herself on the ground with leaves in her hair as they got a bit more intimate or she was going to REALLY need that swim in a minute.

"Guess.. we should.. eat.." she whispered staying close but finally just barely starting to move away. He could easily bring her back if he wanted to.

[Lanji Romano]

She really was spoiling him with this whole camping thing she had gone out of the way to make this night perfect. The furs were so soft and cozy and the dishes were made by hand rather then manufactured like the world relied on during this era of mass economy. Mmmmm the stew was rich and hearty the smell was intoxicatingly good as Lanji got a good whiff of it. Dear god the girl could cook. He could cook some simple dishes himself but, what she made far out-classed anything he could do in the kitchen. He was the kind of guy that if you gave directions he would be fine but, anything outside of that and you were looking at burnt dinner or the equivalence that would ruin it in one fell swoop. He found her in his lap and he was rather happy about that with a steaming bowl of stew in his hands as well a double combination of goodness.

Then she kissed him and the stew was no longer a major concern as he moved it and sat it down beside hers. Suddenly everything else became uninteresting as he locked lips with hers. Even more then that it was one of those heart-stopping kisses that just seemed to freeze time itself. Here he was alone with her in the middle of nowhere and they were locking lips like there was no tomorrow to go to. As if everything had to be done in the moment or it would all be lost to the sands of time. He found his lips parted open her tongue in his mouth causing a small groan to usher from his lips. His eyes had slid close during the kiss as he focused only on the intimate moment he was having with her. That deep intimacy that he wanted to explore as he opened his eyes.

He opened his eyes when the kiss broke and he heard her gasp. Now that was a noise that had his attention as he opened his eyes and saw the desire in want that were in hers. He didn't miss it and he considered his optiosn for a few moments as he held those eyes.

When in Rome...

"Mayhap I have a better idea mine heart," Lanji stated in a low tone that was devestatingly sexy as it had a sensual overture. He pulled her back against him and pressed another heated kiss to her lips but, that wasn't all as Lanji leaned forward and shifted laying Midori in the leaves that were under them sure. This freed his hands to slowly caress her sides in stomach in a bolder more intimate fashion for a few moments. His hands gliding up and temptingly caressed her shoulders as he was letting natural reaction take over.