Well I am glad you guys like the story so far, hope you continue to like it as I write some more chapters well please R&R this chapter. Here's Chapter 21!

Chapter 21: The return

Dante and Elli laughed together as they swayed on the ship; they were getting close to Mineral Town now. It was the 27th of Spring; he had so much to catch up on, what was going on with Cliff? How was the town going? What were the Harvest Sprites up to? Was Kai coming this Summer? What was happening with his farm?

Dante realized that the last time he was on a boat coming to this town he had no questions involving any friends or himself, now he had all these questions, now he had a home. As the boat drew closer to the docks Dante could see Fable with Cliff and Ann. Dante was glad to see them. Fable looked really happy to have him back, she waited eagerly for the boat to get closer. Dante wanted to jump into the water and swim ashore; he wanted to be there with his friends. Dante saw that Cliff was sitting on top of a brown horse about the size of Night.

As the boat docked Dante ran down the gangplank and he ran straight to Fable and hugged her, he had missed her terribly. Next he stood and hugged Cliff as Cliff got off the horse, the man had done so much for him, Cliff was his best friend, and the Goddess knew they were they best out there. Elli ran and hugged Ann, they were happy to see each other again. Night came down the gangplank and stood near Dante, it eyed the other stallion up and down, it seemed the other stallion did the same, after a few moments Night went and stood by the other stallion and they whinnied and neighed as if having a conversation.

"The whole town has heard that Elli has been found and that you are coming back, all those relieved faces, you should have seen them" Said Cliff in between hugs with Dante.

"Really, I'm glad, we have a lot to catch up on I can tell" Dante said looking from Ann to Cliff, Cliff nodded his agreement as if reading Dante's mind "But for now, lets just go back home, all of us" said Dante. Cliff smiled at that too, a rather confused one, but Cliff hadn't had a home since leaving his city; Dante knew what to do about that.

Dante got onto Night's back and pulled Elli up onto the saddle behind him, Cliff did the same with Ann. Both women hugged the rider of the horse they were on, they smiled as if one big happy family. Dante and Cliff rode the two horses in the direction towards Oakhurst farm. On the way Dante started to tell Cliff what had happened and starting asking question about what had happened with him and where the horse came from.

"Well this is my horse, Dusk" Said Cliff proudly as he patted the stallions neck.

"Dusk aye, looks like it could match Night in strength. They are built very similar too, they should get along well" Said Dante patting Night's neck.

"Oh it's quite possible, that Dan fellow left it here, probably couldn't find it after he let it go in the race" Said Cliff, Dante agreed, Dan had never been a good rider, he had taught Dante the basics, which was all he knew.

"Hmm, where do you keep it Cliff?" Said Dante quizzically. Cliff looked a little embarrassed; Dante could guess what was coming next.

"Well Dante, I was kinda hoping I could keep it in your stables with Night, they would be good buddies and while I work with you it will give me a companion and an easier way around the farm" Cliff sounded hurried and he really did look quite worried Dante might say no.

"Well that fits in perfect with my plan, you see what I was thinking was tha-" was as far as Dante got before they reached Oakhurst. What had stopped him was the sound of cheers and the banners that said: "Welcome home!" and "Glad your both back" The entire town was having a celebration, they had set up a feast, there was food courtesy of Ann and Chef he was sure. There were decorations and music and all, Dante and Cliff rode the horses to the centre of the ring of villagers. The photographer came to the centre and told him and the others to smile, Ann and Elli stood on the backs of the stallions and linked arms as if performing in a circus. Dante put his arm around Cliff, and Cliff did the same. Fable sat in front on the two horses that stood head high and proud.

SNAP

The photographer went to walk off but Dante called out to him.

"Yo, lets get a picture of the entire town, that's one for the library and one for me" Dante laughed as soon the entire town wanted a copy. They all got together, he put his arm around Elli and Cliff put his arm around Ann. Somewhere in the distance a voice called to wait for the picture, Dante recognized it. Through the group came Kai who put his arm around Pupori. Gary put his arm around Mary. Soon everyone was ready to have the picture taken. Dante told the photographer to set the timer; Dante wanted him in it too.

SNAP

The photographer said he had to go and get the photos developed early, so he left the celebration. Dante laughed and went to find all the Sprites. He found them all sitting together, well the five he had left behind anyway. Dante tipped his cap to them and Aqua and Bold appeared. The Sprites were glad to have their brothers back, but Dante had to interrupt for a minute.

"Thank you all so much for helping, I know you don't usually help out in Spring but this was an emergency. I am very grateful for all of you and would be glad if you all came back to help out around the farm in Summer. Of course the small house I have had built is for you seven, you can all move your stuff in whenever you're ready, I'll help you to get it all, just give me the word" Dante smiled and they all cheered. Staid piped up from the group.

"We have been waiting for you to return so that we can tell you this Dante; we intend to stay permanently, we are sick of being solitary and being used in fairy tales, we are real and you people are really nice, here at the farm we get to do what we all enjoy doing. We like you and Elli and Ann and Cliff, we wouldn't leave you guys for the world!" Staid finished in a chuckle, Dante was so happy he picked them all up with one scoop of his arms; he hugged them all to his chest.

"That would be appreciated very much, when will we get your furniture?" Inquired Dante letting them all go.

"We have already moved it here, Cliff helped us so do not trouble yourself with that" Dante smiled at Staid. All the Sprites got up and walked off to the party, he supposed they would dance on the tables to entertain people.

Dante went into the crowd and found Cliff sitting looking rather glum. Dante had no idea why; well he thought he might have one actually.

"Cliff, about that idea I was saying I had" Dante began; Cliff nodded in acknowledgement and acted as if he wasn't feeling glum.

"Well you said you would be working here permanently. There is a rather large space of land you have no doubt seen; well I was actually thinking that I would get another house built there, with you to help in getting more lumber of course. A house as big as mine, afterwards we can work on getting them second stories. But the house is not for myself, and it's not for Elli if that is what your thinking" Dante knew he looked amused, he was, Cliff looked absolutely and completely lost, why build two houses?

"Cliff you are my best friend, I need your help on the farm and I think if we both work it together with the Sprites then things will work out well. The Sprites are staying in the little house I have had built for them, they are staying permanently. If we all work on the farm both of us will have time for our fiancé's and our future family's" Dante was going to burst with laughter any minute now, Cliff was working his mouth non-stop but no words were coming out. He reminded Dante somewhat of a fish.

"Well I was thinking, if we get a second house built, it should be done in a week maybe. I want you and Ann to stay with Elli and myself in the meanwhile. When the house is built it will belong to yourself and Ann, I am just wondering whether to have it built onto the side of my house so that they are connected and there is more room for everyone, I think that is the more convenient" Dante did burst this time, he laughed as Cliff jumped up and hugged him.

"Dante you have solved all my problems, thank you. I think if the houses were the built so that it is an extension on yours then it works better for everyone, it will be a privilege to live with you on your farm Dante" Said Cliff, tears of joy coming to his eyes.

"Not my farm, our farm" Said Dante, working with Cliff was going to solve his problems as well, and this way they split the income and there is half each. They would never be short of money and both of them would be able to make enough time for their families. Cliff was crying and hugging Dante, Cliff finally belonged, and he knew it.

Dante and Cliff waited until he had gained some self-composure, then they both entered middle of the feasting and announced their plans for the farm and what had happened to them both during Elli's kidnapping. While Dante was telling his story he could see Mary out of the corner of his eye, she was scribbling down notes.

When he was finished the story he went up to Mary and asked if he could help her with her notes. She seemed glad that he wanted to help her; there was a lot of the story she hadn't gotten down. When he was done telling her the story she went of with Gary to dance. Dante searched for Elli, when he found her he caught her by the arm and pulled her into the dance.

"I want to get married with Ann" She said into his ear, Dante's eyes bulged and his heart almost broke. Elli realized his confusion and smiled.

"Not like that you fool! She is getting married on the 26th of summer, we should too. It will be perfect, the trees will be beginning to turn orange, the breeze will be starting to pick up, leaves will be starting to fall. Oh Dante it is perfect, we can have a double wedding" Dante nodded his head in agreement; Cliff was turning out to be the brother he had always wanted to have.

A lot further into the night

When the feast and celebration died down, and Cliff and Ann said they would spend a night at the inn Dante took Elli inside. He looked into her brown eyes; she really had missed and loved him. He was going to give her a coming home present to remember. The cunning grin on his face must have given him away because Elli started giggling like a schoolgirl and blushing the most beautiful shade of pink.

Well that's chapter 21, I have more plans for the story but in you reviews could you please tell me if you think I should continue, it would be good to see what you think, please R&R and take part in the vote. I'm going to post chapter 22 on the 29th, so until then; hope you enjoy!