Chapter 2- Another Meeting

Milori flew off through the glass doors of the palace and continued to fly until he reached the library where his friend, Dewey the Keeper lived. Upon entering the massive doors, he pulled them open and flew inside, and made his way to the large desk in the middle of the room. Gingerly Milori walked around, over, and even under the huge piles of books in the room, and upon reaching the desk pushed aside the huge novel that Dewey was currently working on.

"Now hold on a min-" Dewey began in his thick accent, but upon realizing who it was, broke into a huge grin.

"Why Milori! A pleasure to see ya!"

Milori chuckled and said, "Likewise."

"So what brings you here to my library? Need a book on love?" He softly teased, enjoying the dark crimson blush that made its way into Milori's sculpted cheeks.

Apart from a few other sparrow men who happened to be some of Milori's closest friends, he was the only other one who knew about his romance with Clarion. And although he thought it very dangerous as well, he was happy for them both. Dewey had met Clarion a few times before at royal meetings, when she was with Amaryllis. From what he had seen, she was a very intelligent, strong-willed, and beautiful young woman, the perfect match for Milori.

"Ah, no I don't need a book on love, although I must thank you for the kind offer."

"No problem!" Dewey said chuckling. "So what do you need?"

Milori narrowed his gaze upon the plump, much shorter sparrow man.

"Can't a friend stop in just to say hi?"

Dewey gave a small smile and replied, "Of course they can. But you usually have an ulterior motive rather than small talk. But I'll take that 'Hi' anyway."

Milori shook his head with a smile, his silvery-platinum locks reflecting the sunlight of the windows, adding to the aura of white light that always faintly surrounded him.

"Oh alright you're right, I might need a small favor…" Milori began, a tad sheepishly.

"Of course I'll help you. Whatcha need?"

Milori scratched his head, unsure of where to begin. Then he decided to best place to start would be the beginning.

"Well somehow my mother managed to wriggle the truth out of me, that I was seeing Clarion, that I love her." At this Dewey's eyebrows rose in shock, and he added,

"Well if your mother is anything like Queen Amaryllis…"

Milori instantly caught Dewey's drift, and hastened to add,

"Oh no she's nothing like Her Majesty; she said that I could continue to see Clarion, as long as we were careful about crossing the border. You can tell she's not a hundred percent on board with it though."

"Well that's good for you two. Now what was it you needed again? Sorry to rush ya but I need to finish that book o' mine before I send it off to the Pixie Hollow library."

"Oh right, forgive me. Well anyway, as you know, Clarion's been to the Winter Woods twice, and never too deep inside. I just wanted her to see more of it. And I was thinking maybe we could, I don't know, possibly meet in your library…?"

Upon seeing Dewey's shocked expression, Milori stepped closer to him and pleaded,

"Please Dewey? I know it's asking a lot, but it would be a huge help. We've been together for years now and I wanted to possibly show her more of the woods."

Dewey walked back to his desk and drummed his fingers on his desk, lost in thought. Finally he looked up and called to Fiona, his cat.

"Fiona move those books over there please…no more to your left…a little more…yes that'll do. Now take that other stack and put them over there."

"Dewey? What are you doing?" Confusion etching itself on Milori's face.

"Well if you want the princess to be comfortable while she's here I'll have ta make room. Don't ya think?"

Milori beamed and ruffled his friend's hair.

"Thank you so much Dewey!" He turned to make his way out of the library but was stopped by Dewey.

"Wait Milori, I'll only do this on one condition."

"What's that?" Milori inquired, his brow furrowing.

"That I get to meet your special friend again." Dewey replied, smirking slightly.

Milori laughed, a deep, rumbling sound that was very pleasant to the ear.

"You have my word," He said in mock seriousness, a hand over his heart. "That you will meet the future queen of Pixie Hollow yet again."

Then grinning widely he flew happily out the door.

"I mean it!" Dewey called out to his back, laughing as well.

Meanwhile, back in Pixie Hollow, Clarion had also been preparing for the coronation. Finally after numerous lessons, followed by more, she had finally finished, and was on her way to her room when she was stopped by a messenger fairy.

"A letter for her highness, Princess Clarion."

Clarion looked momentarily surprised, but upon spying the tiny snowflake in the right corner, a sign that it was from Milori, eagerly accepted it and made her way to her room. With the room door shut, she ran to her bureau and ripped open the envelope. A letter in masculine hand writing fluttered out and Clarion snatched it up. Scanning it she beamed with delight at its contents,

"My dearest Clarion,

I've gone a week without seeing you, and I can't go any longer without you in my arms…"

Here Clarion could practically hear her lover's rich, warm chuckle. With a smile she continued to read.

"So if it's possible, will you find a way to meet me at the border once again after dusk? I want so badly to see you again. And I have something to tell you.

I love you so very much, my darling, and I look forward to seeing you again this night.

Love, Milori

With a smile that reached her eyes, Clarion sent word to Milori that she would indeed meet him.

The next few hours were pure torture for her as she waited for dusk to fall. She was unusually silent at dinner, but the queen wrote it off as just a lack of sleep. Clarion lately had been extremely busy with her lessons and everything else leading up to her coronation. But she didn't look tired, quite the opposite actually. Her sapphire eyes shimmered and sparkled, and her skin was fresh, supple, and glowing.

But no matter, it wasn't too important.

Finally though, the sun dived beneath the surface of the sky and Amaryllis retired to her room, bidding her child a good night. Clarion waited until the hall was empty, and then raced upstairs. Locking the door she made her way to her wardrobe. After much debate, she selected a deep sapphire blue strapless dress that reached to her toes. The fabric was soft, and made of Morning Glory petals. The top of her dress was the signature golden yellow of the flower, and like the flower itself, filmy white fabric adorned the sides of the dress, adding to the pleats of the dress. It was a stunning outfit, and hugged her curves in the most flattering way. After she had slipped the gown on, along with a pair of dark blue slippers, Clarion seated herself at her acorn bureau. Picking up her thistle brush, she let her stunning honey-golden hair cascade down her back, and to her tiny waist. She shivered as she felt it brush down her bare back, and proceeded to comb it out. As soon as she was done, she attempted to sweep it up into an up do, but thought better of it. Slowly she let it glide down her back again, realizing with a smile that Milori preferred her hair to hang loose. That made her question what he had said in his letter.

What had he wanted to tell her?

Was it bad news?

Had his parents found out?

Was he forbidden from seeing her?

At that last thought she shuddered, and her eyes widened in fear. Then she shook herself free of such thoughts and chided herself out loud,

"That's ridiculous. You've got to stop worrying Clarion…"

Then standing up from her dresser, she grabbed her silk shawl and flew to her full length mirror adorned with sapphires, and moonstones. It was a gift from Amaryllis on her sixteenth birthday. Surveying her reflection, she frowned and went to her jewelry box. Opening the jeweled lid, her delicate, slender fingers selected a necklace, bracelet, and earring set that was her absolute favorite. It was a gift from Milori, and Clarion valued it more than everything else in her jewelry chest.

Well, not as much as the Frangipani flower necklace.

The tiny, although beautiful, white and gold flower pendant hung on a short, delicate gold string. Like the silver set, this was also a gift from her lover, but unlike the silver, this was more inconspicuous. So Clarion had a much better chance of wearing it more often. Which she did, as frequently as she could.

The jewelry for tonight, however, was simple silver, with blue moonstones and pearls delicately placed in it. It was a beautiful piece of workmanship, and went perfectly with her dress. Clasping the last earring on and adding a dab of berry juice to her lips, she looked at herself once more in the mirror.

The young woman who stared back at her was simply stunning. With her long deep blue gown that exposed her creamy, graceful shoulders, and her thick, luscious hair framing her face, Clarion not only looked like a queen, she looked like a young, gorgeous lover. The rich blue hues of the dress set off her hair, and her lovely eyes, and creeping into her cheeks by the second was a very becoming blush. The silver only added to her natural beauty, and her tiara gracefully topped of the look. With a satisfied nod, Clarion tossed her silk shawl around her shoulders, and flew out the door.

Meanwhile Snowflake, the future Minister of Winter, was making her way to the royal library when the book she was holding slipped from her grasp. Mentally scolding herself she bent to pick it up, and missed seeing the figure a few steps ahead of her, clad in blue, swiftly approaching her way.

Standing up, she instantly regretted it, because she had collided with the other fairy, and both had toppled onto the wooden floor in a heap.

After a second, when her head cleared, Snowflake stood, and peered down at the figure that had bumped into her. Gasping she realized that she bumped into Princess Clarion, and during a string of sincere apologies, she helped the future queen to her feet.

"Your highness! Oh goodness, I'm so terribly sorry, please forgive me, I wasn't watching. Are you alright your highness?"

Clarion smiled and accepted the hand that was offering to pull her up to her feet. Grasping it she hoisted herself up and smoothed down her dress before speaking.

"It's quite alright Snowflake, it was my fault, I wasn't watching. I'm the one who is need of your forgiveness. And please, call me Ree."

Snowflake smiled, the corners of her light green eyes crinkling up.

"As you wish Ree. Now you will permit me to ask, where are you going dressed up at such an hour? It's after dark."

Clarion looked around nervously, and although they were quite alone, pulled her into a dark corridor. Trembling slightly, she whispered,

"Can you keep a secret?"

Snowflake frowned slightly, unsure of her reply. She of course was very loyal to Clarion, being the future Minister of Winter, but secrets weren't her thing. But then again, her desperately curious nature was dying to know where the future queen of Pixie Hollow was going at this hour, and dressed so splendidly as well. So, dropping her voice to a whisper, she answered,

"You can trust me Ree. Whatever it is…?"

Clarion looked around briefly before replying,

"Well you see, for the past five years, I've been seeing Milori-"

With a shocked look on her face, Snowflake asked worriedly,

"Isn't he a winter fairy? In fact, isn't he the future Lord of Winter?"

Clarion nodded quickly, and in a hushed tone continued her story.

"Yes he is. And I'm going out to meet him tonight…" She finished with a gesture to her outfit.

Snowflake pulled her out of the corridor and bathed in the light from the scones on the wall, took in the princess's appearance. She did indeed look breath-taking. Tilting her head to one side, Snowflake reached up and straightened Ree's tiara, as it had come askew when they had fallen down in the hallway. Then she asked her,

"Do you always go out through the main doors? I mean, aren't you afraid that you might arouse Her Majesty?"

Clarion swallowed heavily. Waking up her mother was something that always haunted her. Especially when she felt so guilty at times for deceiving her.

"It's one of my greatest fears." She answered fearfully, though honestly. At least she could be honest about that.

Suddenly Snowflake smiled, and grabbed Clarion's hand. Beckoning to her to follow, she led Clarion down a very rarely used passageway, and making their way through the winding corridors, they stopped at a door. Quickly and quietly she pushed it upon and gestured to Clarion to step outside. With a gasp Clarion realized that she was standing outside, directly underneath the window of the current Minister of Winter. This meant that she could see the entire Winter Wood from where she stood. With the sudden realization that Snowflake had helped her to escape the tree without the fear of anyone else seeing her, Clarion was about to whirl around and ask Snowflake why she had done what she had done for her, but the future Minister beat her to it.

"First of all, please call me Snow. All my friends call me Snow," With a shy smile she conveyed to Clarion that she hoped they could become friends. So she was very much relieved when Clarion smiled back, and replied,

"Snow it is then," Clarion responded lightly, smiling.

"And second, I don't know why I helped you. I suppose it was that you decided to take me into your confidence, and I felt the need the help you. I hope you don't mind…"

"Of course not," Clarion said, placing a hand on Snowflake's shoulder.

"I'm glad you helped me, and now I'm a little closer to the Winter Wood than I was before, thank you."

Beaming Snowflake whispered a thank you, and then realized something.

"Why Ree, if you don't hurry, you'll be late!"

Gasping, Clarion realized that Snowflake was right. Dusk was falling quickly and she needed to hurry or she'd keep Milori waiting. Securing her shawl she flew a little ways ahead, turned around, and grasped her new-found friend in a hug. Although Snowflake was surprised, she returned the hug with gratitude and smiled even wider.

"Thank you Snow." Clarion murmured gently, before flying off into the night.

"You're welcome!" Snowflake called aloud, before flying back inside.

"There you are! I was worried my darling."

Milori stepped up to Clarion, wrapping his muscular arms around her dainty body. Embracing her he pressed his lips to hers, savoring the warm feeling. Clarion had wrapped her arms around her lover's neck and kissed him back. They stayed like this, bathed in the moonlight, enjoying the feel of being in each other's arms. Until a reluctant Milori pulled away, but when he did, he took in the figure standing before him. Clarion was beautiful, graceful, and was gently smiling up at his face.

"I want to show you something," he said softly.

Then reaching behind him, Milori pulled out something from a dark green leaf satchel. In his hands he had grasped a deep blue cloak. Trimmed with pure white fur around the hem and hood, and held together with a snowflake clasp, it was absolutely beautiful.

"Oh Milori," Clarion breathed, "It's beautiful...But why are you...?"

Before she could finish though, Milori had tenderly thrown the cloak around her shoulder, his firm hands lightly pressed on her slender shoulders lingering ever so slightly, and a moment later he regretfully moved them down while he attempted to clasp the cloak in place.

Clarion shyly peered up at him from under her thick lashes, and shivered slightly as the cool fabric cascaded down her back. It was softer than anything she had ever worn before, and to have it on one's skin was almost like running one's hands through water.

Lastly, the young Lord reached inside the cloak, grasped Clarion's thick and stunning hair, and gently pulled it out from inside the cloak.

After he was done and had stepped back, Clarion glanced down at the billowing fabric of the cloak. Entranced, she marveled at the beautifully intricate designs woven in silver thread upon the cloak. But then she noticed that the back was completely woven up, there was no opening for her lovely golden wings! She looked up at the future Lord of Winter, confusion taking over in her deep cerulean eyes.

"But Milori, how can I fly if I can't use my wings?"

"You're not supposed to fly darling." He stated matter-of-factly.

Shocked, with blue eyes widened, Clarion gasped and stepped back at the mischievous glint in the warm brown eyes, and the roguish whisper in her lover's deep English accent.

"You don't mean..." But before Clarion could finish, Milori had stepped forward and swept her up in his strong arms.

"Yes my dear princess Ree, that's exactly what I mean." And grinning he flew off into the night, enjoying how light and airy Clarion felt in his arms, how his hands felt like they were running through silk when he touched her hair, and the feel of her delicate arms around his neck.

"Milori put me down!" Clarion demanded, trying hard not to laugh.

"No," replied the sparrow-man, rather cockily.

"Milori! You tricked me!" Clarion exclaimed.

"Well I am the Master of Tricks," He replied proudly, enjoying Clarion's eye roll.

"Milori…" She began, but was cut-off.

"Darling princess, stay put." Milori commanded, his amber eyes twinkling as he gazed into the stunning blue ones of his princess.

Suddenly stopping mid-air, he called out, a smirk on his face,

"Do you really want me to put you down?"

Clarion tore her gaze away from the handsome face of the winter sparrow man and looked down. Milori had literally stopped in mid-air, and quite a long way above a huge lake that was completely frozen over.

Unable to suppress a giggle, Clarion said "No."

"Well then, we'll be moving on."

Even farther they flew, while Milori explained what happened during his encounter with his mother.

Laughing, Clarion asked him, "So she tricked you, you, the self-proclaimed Master of Tricks?"

His cheeks now a deep crimson red, Milori smiled and then gently landed. Still wrapping his arms around her slender figure, he whispered into her silken hair,

"Shall I carry you the rest of the way Ree?"

"Yes…" Clarion murmured back.

Laughing, he swept her up and flew inside a huge room made of glass and ice.

"Welcome Clarion, to the Library of the Keeper." Reluctantly he set her down, but managed to slip his arm around her waist, all the while enjoying her awestruck gaze.

"Why, I've never seen so many books in one place. Not even in our own library…"

Clarion had met Dewey a few times before, but she had never actually been inside his library.

"Oh!" She exclaimed, startled to hear a noise from behind her.

"Well howdy-do Princess!" The grinning face of the Keeper appeared before her.

"Keeper, a pleasure to see you again!" Clarion replied happily.

"No, no, the pleasure's all mine your highness. And please, call me Dewey; all my friends call me Dewey."

"Very well Dewey," Clarion obliged, then added, "Call me Ree, all my friends call me Ree."

Smiling Dewey nodded. Then turning to Milori he asked,

"Mind if I show her around? You can come too."

"Go ahead."

Milori consented, and with his arm around Clarion, followed Dewey as he gave Clarion the 'Grand Tour'.

Later that evening, after a wonderful dinner, and an adventure past the vast doors of the library, Milori took Clarion for the surprise of the evening.

Over on the lake frozen solid, secure in the arms of the future Lord, Clarion learned how to ice skate.

With her royal blue cape flowing behind her, and their laughter mingling together in the icy night air, reaching up to the pale blue moon, both could forget their troubles if just for one night.

Gazing up into the eyes of each other, two worlds could meet and become one.

And if possible, Clarion and Milori fell in love even more than before.

Was that possible?

With a tender kiss upon Clarion's pink, lovely lips, and the arms of the man she loved gently resting on her waist, and with her hands softly on his broad chest, it did seem possible.

Yes, it was possible.

A/N: THAT WAS 16 PAGES ON WORD. You guys owe me some reviews :)

Anyways….Did you guys like that? Not too sappy I hope? Well tell me what you think in reviews.

Now I'm off to soak my poor fingers.