I know, I know. This is pretty late and I know. But research papers are annoying! And it's better than never, right?...

It's divided into four parts: Horace/Cassandra, Will/Alyss, Gilan/Jenny, and then Halt/Pauline. There are four short chapters but they'll all be posted more or less one after the other.

So, a belated Valentine's Day present for my readers, because I love all of you and your reviews :). They make my day so here: smile a little and let me make yours. Unless you hate fluff and love...in which case you should leave.

Enjoy!

There was a lot of love in the country of Araluen. It was peaceful, and her people caring. But even the couples who were the closest had some trouble when it came to the important day for the celebration of life and love. On that St. Valentine's Day, it had been a time for revelations and admittance. Though our characters had a little trouble managing it.

We start in the Castle Araluen, as large as it was important. Here, the princess was feeling unappreciated by her Champion, who in turn had, like always, not a very good understanding of why she was so upset...

.:.:.:.

Cassandra was annoyed.

Not that anyone could tell; it wouldn't do for the princess to be seen glowering at all who crossed her path. So she put on an elegant smile and swept through the halls towards her father's office. She knocked politely, and he bid her to enter.

As he looked up a smile spread across Duncan's face. "Cassie," he greeted her warmly. "Happy St. Valentine's." He gestured for her to sit. She remained standing, however, her hands clasped tightly.

"You too, Dad." She smiled at him and continued in a carefully casual voice. "Have you seen Horace today?"

Duncan raised his eyebrows at her. "He's probably training, Cass," the king pointed out gently, suddenly having an idea of what was wrong with his daughter.

Cassandra nodded. "Of course." She frowned for a moment, then her face was in a smile again. "I think I'll go visit him." And with that she turned abruptly and left, her mood clearly a little off, no matter how hard she tried to stay neutral.

Duncan shook his head after her but didn't try to interfere; she was capable of handling herself. Though he didn't certainly didn't envy the knight once Cassie got a hold of him.

Cassandra bumped into the man she was looking for as she rounded a corner on her way outside.

"Sorry!" Horace started, and then saw who he had bumped into and an apologetic smile crossed his face. "My bad, Cassie. I'm kind of in a hurry..." he trailed off as he noticed her hard scowl. "Um, Cassie?"

Cassandra drew herself up and smiled a little coolly. "It's alright, Horace. I was just looking for you." When Horace opened his mouth to interrupt she just continued, "Today is St. Valentine's Day."

Horace looked a little confused. "Really?" he asked, oblivious to Cassie's growing annoyance. "Huh. I didn't notice. Why's that important?" As Cassandra glared daggers at him Horace started to feel a little uncomfortable. What had he done wrong? "Cass?" he asked tentatively.

Cassandra whacked him hard on his arm. "Hey!" Horace protested. It hadn't really hurt, but he couldn't have been more confused. "What did I do?"

"Today's a day of love, Horace!" Cassandra burst out. "Does that mean anything to you?"

Horace had a feeling that it probably should, but didn't answer fast enough. Cassandra made a frustrated noise and stormed away, abandoning her decision not to glower at those she passed. Horace hesitated, wanting to go after her, but he was already late in training the new recruits. He turned with a sigh, deciding that he would talk to her later.

"Alright, good!" Horace was pleased with the progress these three young men were making. They had been nervous at first, knowing that the knight teaching them was famous around the country yet not much older than any of them. Horace had quickly put them at ease, however. He was good at that. Well, except when it came to Cassandra, he remembered. He still didn't know what had happened.

It was now late afternoon, and he called for a break. It had been a long day, and Horace still hadn't spoken to Cassandra. He took small sips from his water pouch, a little ways from the other three and able to hear their conversation.

"Lisa wanted me to hire musicians to play at dinner," one of them was saying in an exasperated tone. "She's never been this romantic before."

"Women," another remarked, though a slight fondness could be heard in his voice. "They think that there's only today to prove that we love them."

And that was when Horace had a sudden and disbelieving revelation.

"She wants me to show my love for her?" he asked aloud incredulously. "Doesn't she already know?"

The boys turned to look at him, startled that he had been listening. "Uh," one of them said uncertainly. "That's really the purpose of today." He shifted awkwardly. "To let the ones you love really know that you care."

Horace started to smile. "Well, if that's what she wants," he mused. Then he paused, glancing at the three young people that were staring at him, a little dumbfounded. He made a decision and said, "I want you to keep practicing with each other. When you think you've gotten the hang of it then you may leave." And with those orders he turned and hurried away, excitement bubbling up.

He had a plan.

Horace took a deep breath, readying himself. He raised a fist and knocked firmly on the door, adjusting the bouquet of flowers in his other hand.

Cassandra opened the door, looking a little moody. Then she saw Horace and started to shut the door. "Cassie, wait!" Horace protested, catching the door with his free hand. Cassandra glared and opened her mouth to snap at him but then noticed the roses in his hand. Her expression turned to one of confusion and she stopped trying to crush Horace's hand.

"What?" she said suspiciously.

"I know you got upset with me," he started. "I didn't really understand then, but now I think I do. Will you come with me?"

Cassandra hesitated. But she saw his pleading eyes and how he had dressed up so handsomely and found she couldn't refuse. "Just let me get ready," she said quietly, daring to hope that he had planned something special for the two. Horace just grinned and stepped back, waiting for her to come out again.

It wasn't long, considering that she managed to look absolutely breathtaking. She was wearing one of her beautiful evening gowns, and Horace held out his arm for her to take. She did, leaning against him slightly.

He led her quickly to a secluded part of the enormous castle gardens, placing her in the middle of the open grass while he quickly put down the flowers. The sun was just setting, and their shadows were long. Horace returned grinning, and Cassandra felt herself fidget with anticipation. He clapped his hands, and from behind a pillar came a young man holding a lyre. His eyes seemed to be twinkling in a knowing manner. He propped up one foot on a nearby bench and flexed his fingers.

The musician started to play a slow melody, the soft music filling the air and surrounding the two lovers. Horace bowed to Cassie, holding out his hand. "May I have this dance?" he asked, his voice serious but a small smile playing on his mouth.

Cassandra couldn't help but giggle at his formality. She returned it, however, with a deep curtsey. "I would love to."

Horace held her close as they danced, and then he started to speak:

"Cassie, I realize now that all you wanted was for me to show that I loved you. So, I did." He leaned his head down against hers, his voice soft. "But it doesn't have to be this one day for you to know that. I will always love you, and if you ever start to doubt that," he smiled at her. "Then I wouldn't mind doing this for you."

Cassandra felt herself choke with tears. Of course he loved her, and she shouldn't have made him prove it.

"Thank you Horace," Cassandra whispered as they swayed to the music.

Horace just grinned back, feeling rightfully proud of himself. Cassandra's eyes twinkled with laughter at his simple happiness.

They stayed that way for some time, long after the musician had tired and snuck away, deciding the knight and princess were much too focused on being wrapped in each other's arms than notice him.

.:.:.:.

..and so, the royalty was taken care of. However, in the distant fief or Redmont, a Ranger was having just as much trouble telling a courier how he felt...