Cold cloudy days didn't seem to even faze Alissa who simply wore a warm dress and cloak instead of staying inside. So, even as the days turned cold Alissa and Radu still ventured out into the woods. Of course, there weren't any cute fuzzy animals or dazzling flowers for Alissa to sketch but she was perfectly happy drawing the trees and the multi-colored leaves that had fallen from the towering trees On this particular outing Alissa was climbing up the tree.

"Why don't you use your wings very much?" Radu questioned as he watched Alissa climb onto the top branch of the tree.

"I was never a very strong flyer,"

"Oh,"

Alissa found a nice spot among the leaves and settled onto the branch. Radu simply watched while Alissa sketched. He found it endearing how she stuck her tongue to the side while she worked. Radu found a place to sit where he could get a good view of Alissa as she worked. The two were so involved in what they were doing that they failed to notice the person creeping up on them. In his hand, he held a stake which he was going to use to kill Radu. The hunter didn't understand why he had to do the dirty work but a hefty paycheck meant he could buy a new car and that was enough. What he did not account for was Radu's lightning reflex's. Soon, vampire and the hunter were locked in a fight. Alissa seeing this jumped down from the tree her hands ablaze with red hot magic. The hunter recoiled in fear as Alissa advanced on him.

She raised her hands and fired which sent the hunter flying right out of the woods. With the threat gone Alissa raced to her fallen friend. She dropped to her knees in concern. Outwardly, Radu seemed perfectly fine. Alissa laid a hand on his arm causing him to stir. He sat up before Alissa helped him to his feet.

"You saved me?"

"Well, of course I did you are after all one of the kindest creatures I have ever known,"

"Alissa?"

"Yeah?"

"May I kiss you?"

Alissa nodded happily.

xxxxxx

A few months later.

"Marry me?" Radu asked dropping to one knee.

"Yes,"