Dear Mom,
So I finally found out what left me so confused over the past week. It really bothered me that he had to keep it such a secret for so long.
Natsu asked me to go with him to visit this so-called "legendary" traveling merchant. Honestly, I didn't know much about him until Natsu mentioned that the merchant always has some of the rarest items in the world for sale. I figured it'd be a great chance for me to get some new friends. There are so many keys that I have yet to obtain that I couldn't wait to see what ones this merchant had.
Natsu mentioned that the merchant is at a nearby inn just a few blocks away from the guild. Fortunately, it wasn't too far from my house so I told Natsu that I needed to stop by to grab some extra money (I thought that since this merchant would have a lot of rare items, the items might be really expensive). After a short stop home, we made our way to the inn. While I was rather eager to see this merchant, I noticed Natsu was acting rather nervous for some reason. As soon as I brought up his behavior, he froze before quickly stating that he is hoping that the merchant would have something he really needed.
I wondered what exactly he was needing to get: I wondered if it had to do with calling Leo a while back.
As we reached the inn, a large tent had been set up near the main door. Unlike most tents, this one was rather large and decorated with purple silk fabric. The tent was rather gaudy and stuck out like a sore thumb. What surprised me more was the inside of the tent. Several seemingly endless rows of tables lined up side-by-side across the store. Several magical items rested on every table -each item different from the next. The walls were covered by shelves containing treasures from around the nation. I'd be lying mom if I didn't say this place looked bigger on the inside. I've never seen some of these items before so his reputation was accurate. Despite the numerous items on display throughout the store, very few of them were keys. As I made my way over to the corner where the keys were displayed, I ran into the merchant himself. He gave a wide grin as he greeted both of us. Natsu quickly ran over to him and began to ask him what type of rings he had. I recall blushing heavily as my imagination began to climb mountains.
As soon as the merchant answered Natsu, he looked over at me: my imagination already breaking the atmosphere at that point. What he said next, was completely and I mean completely unexpected...He asked me to summon Leo. I stood shocked...I remembered that he did the same thing with Virgo, but to do it again...hurt.
I lowered my head as my feelings began to well up inside me. Natsu ran over to me, but before he could say anything, Leo appeared asked what was wrong. I told him off and mentioned that Natsu needed him. At first, Leo seemed agitated at Natsu; giving a rather annoyed look at him. Leo spent the next few moments observing his surroundings. Confused with where he was, Leo asked Natsu if this was the person; only to have Natsu confirm his guess.
Meanwhile, surprised by the presence of a spirit, the merchant welcomed Leo into the store and asked what brought him here. Natsu mentioned that he was looking into the Leopard's Wraith ring. Within an instant, the merchant walked over to the spirit and pulled out the requested ring. He gave it to Leo saying that his very presence in his store was enough of a payment. Leo thanked him and turned to Natsu. He told him that he should do "it" soon before things might get out of hand. I remained confused as Natsu gave Leo a nod before the latter returned to the spirit realm.
We left the store shortly after. My hopes remained crushed as we ventured our way to my house. As soon as we reached the front door, Natsu mentioned that he had something to tell me. Honestly, my expectations weren't too high after what unfolded at the merchant's place.
Before saying anything though, Natsu asked me what was wrong. Wanting to lie, I reluctantly told him my feelings. He paused for a second before speaking. He began to remind me of the times we've had together. He brought back the week we spent in the resort, the time he lost to Happy in the fishing contest, Gajeel's proposal to Levi, and the magic we tested: everything was just happy memories the two of us shared together. I couldn't help but smile as those happy memories began to flood my mind. It really has been an amazing two years.
As he finished recalling everything, he looked me in the eyes and asked if I remembered what his second dream was. I told him that I couldn't forget it. He mentioned that he should have done this a little earlier, but he was hoping to find the right thing; thankfully, he did. Within seconds, Natsu knelt down and ignited his right hand. Again, confusion struck me as he stayed there. As I watched, his flame weakened and a circular object became visible in the palm of his hand.
A ring, mom...it was a ring!
Tears of happiness fell down my checks as Natsu's flame died out. He told me the ring was called the Eternal Blaze ring. As I examined the ring, the diamond held a small flame inside it. He told me that he has enjoyed all the time that we've spent together. As he finished, he asked me the question that I have been waiting for.
I told him how much he meant to me. How because of him, I was able to be in Fairy Tail. He was the first person who was willing to put his life on the line when I was in danger. The small things he did for me from my first Sakura festival to that cold day in the mountains. There is just no way I would ever deny Natsu something he deserves so much.
As tears of happiness continued to fall, I embraced Natsu -saying "Yes" several times. I couldn't be happier; finally Natsu and I will be together forever. Moments passed as we stayed in each other's embrace. The world slowly faded away as we celebrated our shared happiness.
Mother, I'm engaged to Natsu! This is definitely the happiest moment of my life! I wish you were here to see it all!
I will write to you again soon! I need to go and plan out our wedding!
Your daughter, Lucy Heartfilia
