-Four years later-
Mason shifted in his saddle. He was on his way to Redmont Fief. It was at least a four hour ride, and the Prince of Araluen was getting tired. However, he was more than happy to make the journey. Just thinking about his reasonings made his stomach turn over, half from anticipation, half of nervousness. Mason's horse clopped its hooves along the cobblestone path of Redmont fief. But instead of going straight in to the town, Mason took a side path that led west, and into the forest. He had taken the path once or twice, just enough times to know where he was going. The prince's horse panted, no doubt exhausted. Mason patted the horse's neck.
"Don't worry, boy," he said. "Almost there." The horse whinnied in response to its master's voice, and plodded on. A few minutes longer, and the outline of a cabin appeared through the canopy of the trees. Mason's stomach turned over again, and not for the first time, he was glad he hadn't eaten any breakfast. Smoke was billowing from the chimney, giving off the warm welcome anyone visiting the Treaty family. Mason swallowed, and urged his horse forward.

Mason reached the front door of the Treaty family's house, and reined his horse next to the stable . Most of the time, Shelby stayed at Castle Araluen, but that week she was visiting her parents on a spring break. Ranger Will's horse nickered a greeting, reassuring the residents in the house a friend was near. Mason dismounted his horse, and patted his horse's head. It neighed lovingly, and Mason gave him an apple.
"I'll be back to take care of you soon," he promised, and he could have sworn the horse nodded. Mason brushed off his cloak, took a deep breath, and knocked on the door.

Alyss opened the door. Her face lightened when she recognized her visitor.
"Well, hello Prince Mason," she said, wiping her hands on her apron. She must have been cooking. "Can I help you?"
"Uh, yes, Lady Alyss," Mason said, and cleared his throat. "Is Ranger Will here?" Alyss smiled a little.
"Yes he is," she replied. "He's behind the house shooting arrows." Mason nodded his thanks.
"I'll talk to you later, Lady Alyss." And with that, the prince dashed off. Alyss raised an eyebrow.
"Strange boy, that one."

Mason jogged to the back of the house where, sure enough, Ranger Will was shooting arrows on his practice range. Several targets were set up, most paces apart. Mason marveled at the accuracy the Ranger possessed. All the arrows were within millimeters of each other. Mason had never seen such aim, save from Ranger Halt. He then understood Shelby's uncanny talent. Mason cleared his throat. Will turned at the sound. He smiled.
"Hello, Mason!" Will said cheerfully. "How can I help you?"
"Is Shelby here?" the prince asked.
"I believe she's out in the fields," Will replied. Mason nodded.
"I have time," he muttered under his breath. Will tilted his head to one side. Mason shifted back and forth on his feet. Will still gripping his massive longbow didn't exactly give Mason much confidence. The prince swallowed and took a deep breath.
"Ranger Will?" he asked.
"Yes?" Will said, his voice disguising his smile well. Mason did his best to keep his words from coming out all out once.
"I came here requesting your blessing," he said, forcing his voice to be steady. "To marry your daughter." Will raised an eyebrow.
"Isn't it a little old fashioned to ask my permission?" he asked.
"Maybe," Mason admitted. "But I hold you in high respect, Ranger Will. I want your permission first." A slow smile crept on Will's features.
"Any young man that comes to me first has my respect," Will laughed. "You have my blessing," he said. Mason laughed nervously.
"I'm glad," he said, unsure of what to say next.
"She's out in the field," Will reminded him. Mason nodded once.
"Right," the prince said. He turned to run off, but turned back around. "Thank you," he said belatedly. Will smiled at him, and waved at him to go. Mason nodded again, and ran off.

Just as Ranger Will had said, Shelby was standing in the wheat field, brushing her horse's mane. Why she had her horse with her, Mason couldn't hazard a guess, but he didn't really care. As he grew closer, he could hear her singing.
"Hearts unfold like flowers before thee, opening to the sun above," Shelby's soprano voice rang pleasantly through the air. When Mason was a few paces away, Shelby turned. Her face brightened.
"Hello, Mason," she said sweetly, kissing his cheek gently as he stood next to her. "What are you doing here?"
"I missed you," Mason said with a smile, making Shelby laugh.
"I haven't been gone a week yet!" she protested.
"I know," Mason said. He hesitated. Shelby crossed her arms in mock impatience. "I sense you have something to say." Mason cleared his throat for what seemed like the hundredth time just that morning.
"Something to ask, actually," he said. He took her hand and looked her in the eye. All of his nervousness was replaced with his love. "I just spoke with you father, and I have his permission," the prince said, and kneeled to the ground. "Lady Shelby Treaty of Redmont Fief," he said. "Will you marry me?" Shelby's initial expression was a little surprise, but it quickly was replaced with excitement and endearment.
"Of course," she said gracefully. Mason stood again, and kissed his fiancé.
"I'm glad," he said, again making Shelby laugh.
"Me too," she said, Mason just knew that the recent events had just begun a new chapter in his young life, and one no one would soon forget.

I was laughing like a maniac while I was writing this. For some reason, I find this hysterical. XD

But it any case, I would like to thank my loyal readers and reviewers. You're kind words inspire me to keep writing, and I'm so happy I got in contact with some amazing people through this story. It is amazing to me (and very exciting) how you all have some favorite characters that came from deep in my mind. Lol. Anyway, thank you so much for your support. I appreciate those who want me to write a second story, but I want to focus on some original stories for awhile. A follow up fic isn't out of the question, but it won't be any time soon. Again, thank you for taking time to be a reader of my story, and many thanks to John Flanagan for sharing his wonderful original story with us. Of course, his story isn't mine, only my characters, and blah blah blah. I just realized how much I'm rambling. Anyways, thanks again. Until next time,

-Destiny.