They were eating a late dinner, on the porch. The atmosphere at the table became blissful, like for a moment, the whole three, could forget about all the problems or even difficult task, which still waited for them. John has never felt so alive, before. Everything changed. He left this old, boring life in the castle far behind. Now, the wide, incredible world, filled with wonders, was ahead. Next to him sat wonderful woman, full of secrets and surprises, so very different from these boring ladies, Prince knew. Rose. It seemed, these few days, they spent in Gandalf's shelter, really helped a lot. She smiled much more often, enjoying every moment in the Valley. Moreover, apparently, started to trust John and finally let him accompany her, in the further journey. Probably, he should thank to Gandalf for that. Honestly, the Prince didn't want to leave this place, because was really happy here. The, same as Rose... At last, they had more time to get to know better each other, spend some time together on strolling in the green forest or sitting by the azure, clear lake and soaking feet. Sadly, were supposed to leave tomorrow. Interesting, who will be their guide... Suddenly, the sorcerer's voice broke him away from these musings.

"Rose, that was delicious!"

"Oh, stop... It's nothing special, really..."

"I agree with Gandalf! You are the true master of pan! I truly hope, you will be cooking like that, during our travel..."

"You wish!"

The sorcerer giggled, while Rose tried to make a serious face, but was too amused for this. John looked at the woman with a real pleasure, glad to see her so relaxed and cheerful. He couldn't, not notice she had a beautiful smile.

"Anyway, I'll clean up the dishes now. You, young people, for a moment, can talk without the old man, just above the ear."

"But, I could do it..."

"You've made enough, feeding the two ravenous men, Rose! And you, dear Boy.. I'm quite sure of it, cannot make it properly..."

"Oh, beg your pardon! I cannot?!"

"John, never argue with the sorcerer. There's no point..."

Rose smirked, whilst Gandalf, looked very pleased with himself. He blinked to John, smiled mysteriously and vanished in the doorway, holding stack of platters.

"What an extraordinary man!"

"You don't even know how much... he really helped me, John."

"I'm so happy to hear that, Rose. I've already noticed you feel better..."

"What a pity, we must leave this beautiful place..."

"I've thought the same before. If I could, I would stay here a month or even longer."

Rose cast a quick glance at him, her smile paled a little.

"Well, you could..."

John looked straight into girl's pretty, dark eyes.

"Rose, I've told you, I'm not gonna leave you alone. I really meant it."

"John..."

He was waiting for her usual excuses and ensuring of 'not needing any help' but it waited a surprise for him, as she smiled warmly, then just added.

"...thank you."

"All the pleasure is mine!"

For a while, they sat in silence looking at each other. John to his own surprise, felt somewhat sheepish, so decided to change the subject.

"Rose, do you accidentally know, who will be our guide?"

"Oh... I have no idea. Actually, I thought you know something more...

"Unfortunately, I don't. Anyway, Gandalf mentioned, he will arrive today, so we'll find out, quite soon."

"Speaking of which! Even sooner, than we supposed. Just look, somebody is approaching."

"Well... we do have a sense of time, Rose!"

The silhouette of this man, somehow looked familiar. When he took off the hood, John understood why.

"RORY!"

"John?! It's really you?"

The young man also couldn't hide his rejoicing of seeing the Prince.

"It's really me!"

What a nice surprise. John hoped, they will meet again, however hasn't expected it so shortly.

"Wait, you two know each other?"

"We met once, before. Rory, let me introduce you Rose."

"So you found the woman?!"

"Excuse me, WHAT?!"

"Rose, calmly. We met while I was looking for you. Rory, better watch out! Believe me or not, but she can take care of herself..."

"Yeah and it still doesn't sound good... Forgive me, My Lady. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Rose watched Rory's face for a few seconds, then smiled.

"It's alright then, just... it sounded... hmm odd indeed... is nice to meet you too, Rory"

All of sudden, the doors opened and the Sorcerer emerged, before them, grinning widely.

"My dear boy! Rory, The Last Centurion... It's great to see you!"

"I'm sorry, 'The Last Centurion'?"

"Oh it's a long story, John..."

"Very well said, Dear Boy!"

Gandalf shared a quick gaze with Rory and they both burst into laugh.

"Anyway, sit down and tell what's up? What took you so long? Honestly, I already started to worry about you. Maybe you want to eat something? Rose cooked us a sumptuous meal!"

"Oh stop, or I'll fall into self-admiration..."

Rory looked at Rose with amusement. He surely already started liking her. in fact, how could he not?!

"I'll gladly try it then, actually I'm starving. Sadly, I have a bad news, Gandalf. We won't reach Westland going through the forest. The path is full of spies and very dangerous. That's why I arrived so late. The enemy doesn't sleep..."

"I won't pretend, it doesn't worry me. It seems, we have bigger troubles, than I've expected."

"Gandalf, if it's a problem... Maybe I don't have to go there. Don't bother with me..."

"Rose, it's much more important than you think, the same as you are. We just need to find another way for you to get there."

"Another way?"

"Indeed. I even know which one. I'm sure you'll like it, John."

"What do you mean by that? Because now I'm starting to worry..."

"You don't have to Rose, trust me. However, now please take care of Rory for a while. I must do something. John, come with me, we have to talk. And you Rory, forgive the old man this inhospitality. Later, I will compensate you that."

"No problem. Meanwhile, I'll gladly get to know a little better the famous 'Bad Wolf'"

"Oh, so I am famous?"

"You didn't know?"

"Come John."

So he did, really curious what Gandalf has just came up with.