.

"We were both young when I first saw you,
I close my eyes and the flashback starts,
I'm standing there, on a balcony in summer air.

See the lights, see the party, the ball gowns,
See you make your way through the crowd,
And say, 'Hello'.
Little did I know..."

Italy, 1110

No One's POV

Elijah rode into the De Luca manor, one of his best suits cleaned and pressed, presenting a much calmer front than he felt; after all, he was about to ask Lord Leonardo for his blessing and approval to marry Arabella.

"Lord Elijah." A servant greets, taking Elijah's horse as he clatters into the front courtyard. "Are you here for Lady Arabella? I'm afraid to inform you she is at the market."

"Not this afternoon. Is Lord Leonardo here?" Elijah dismounts, straightening his cuffs and smoothing any wrinkles that may have occurred on his ride over from his mansion, then taking out a wine flask from his saddle bag; a small gift to show his appreciation for Lord Leonardo.

"Yes, Lord De Luca is in the stables. He is just returning from a hunt. Shall I get him, my lord?"

Elijah hesitates for a moment, debating on the best course of action.

"No, I shall meet him in the stables." Elijah decides, he would have preferred to speak in the house, but not wanting to rush Lord De Luca if he was in the stables with his horses; Elijah knew he often liked to spend time brushing out his own horse after a long ride.

"Shall I put this in the house for you then, my lord?" The servant asks, indicating to the gift Elijah had brought for Lord Leonard.

"Yes, thank you." Elijah nods, then directing himself to the stables.

"Ah, Lord Elijah! Hello!" Leonardo greets, spinning around from where he was brushing out his stallion affectionately, his voice somewhat booming.

"Hello Lord Leonardo." Elijah greets, nodding respectfully.

"What brings you out here? Arabella is at the market I believe."

"Yes, I was informed. I wished to speak with you, if you have the time." Elijah speaks, taking a breath and steeling his nerves.

"I am just about finished here. What is it you wish to speak about?" Leonardo asks, patting his stallion, gaze turning curious.

"I would like permission to marry your daughter, my lord." Elijah speaks firmly, standing firm.

Leonardo immediately turns, his gaze unflinching as he looks at Elijah.

"And what makes you so certain that it's my permission you need, Lord Elijah?" Leonardo easily fires back, tone somewhat light, deceptively so.

"I care about Arabella-" Elijah immediately goes to defend, speech somewhat rehearsed to what he would say to Lord Leonardo to the reasons he should be able to marry his mate, not that it helped his nerves; he felt like a blundering moron, worse than a sheep stumbling over a cliff.

"Now listen here." Leonard cuts off, all good nature tone gone, instead the fire and love of a father protecting his daughter to his last breathe. "My daughter is the light of my life, but I don't make her do anything. I care for her to the ends of the world, and I want what's best for her. A life for her after I am long gone. Many men have desired her. Have asked for her hand and I have turned them away because they won't care for her, put her first, and give her the ability to grow, to live, to be herself. Are you that man, Lord Elijah?"

"Yes." Elijah holds fast. "She is my world, I will give her the world. I will protect her, provide for her. I would not ask for her to ever change. I love her for everything she is. I respect her and I respect you, Lord Leonardo."

"I give you permission to ask her to marry you." Leonardo finally answers after what seems to be the longest few moments of Elijah's long eternity, his gaze searching Elijah's and evidentially finding Elijah acceptable in his eyes.

"Romeo, take me somewhere we can be alone.
I'll be waiting, all that's left to do is run.
You'll be the prince and I'll be the princess,
It's a love story, baby, just say 'Yes'…"

.

Hey look at this! An update!

Thank you xoxi for actually giving me inspiration, or rather a small, but not an annoying, nudge to get writing! ;) Because you love this story so much, I sat down & actually WROTE! Woo hoo! That is SOOO rare, you don't even understand... More often than not that happens & nothing happens... We'll see how far I get!

Polkadottedgiraffe11

Love Story ~ Taylor Swift