Chapter 7:

Martin and Rose went outside together. Night had fallen and the stars were twinkling in the black sky. There was no moon in the sky.

"Just like our last night together." Rose said looking at the stars.

"Yes. A night that still haunts me."

"Why didn't you come back after the battle?"

"Many reasons. I couldn't face your parents. I swore that I would protect you better than myself, and I failed. Noonvale reminded me of you…"

"No need to go further. I understand now."

Martin smiled at her.

"So your friends had absolutely no idea about us?" Rose asked.

"Not a clue. I wasn't sure how to tell them. Even after this evening."

"I think the story told them."

"Who came up with that last exaggeration?" He had to ask.

"Grumm. He thought the story needed some more romance."

"And quoting me from when you drove off the bees wasn't romantic enough?"

"I saw the look on your friends' face when that happened."

"I saw them too. Gonff looked ready to burst out laughing while Dinny looked like he couldn't believe it. I'm not Mr. Romantic at Redwall."

"Let me guess. Gonff is the Prince of Romance?"

"That isn't really among his list of titles, but I'm sure he'd add it."

"Martin. I was wondering…" Rose started.

"What?"

"Well, if it's not too much trouble, I was wondering if some Noonvalers can go with you to Redwall."

"As I said before, everyone from Noonvale is welcome."

"Well. I meant will it be too much trouble if I went with you? And anyone else who wanted to come?"

"It would be no trouble. If you want to."

"I do."

With that they hugged and shared a kiss very similar to the one Grumm made up.

0000

"And if he falls in love tonight. It can be assumed."

"'is carefree day with uz are 'istory."

"In short our pal is doomed."

Gonff and Dinny had been singing as they watched from the guest lodge.

"You two are something else." Trimp told them.

"Martin ain't going to abandon us." Folgrim told them.

"And besides," Denno added, "I think they were in love long before tonight."

"If anything, Rose will probably join us." Vurg added.

"That would be great. She and Columbine will get along great. You know, besides me, Columbine is the only one who can actually understand our warrior. Between her and Rose, Martin will be one happy warrior." Gonff calmed down from thinking he's loosing a friend.

KNOCK KNOCK

Trimp opened the door to reveal a fairly tired looking Brome.

"Hello." Brome greeted.

"Hello Brome. How can we be of service?" Gonff asked bowing.

"I just thought you'd like to know that the Rosehip Players, Keyla, Grumm, Pallum, and Rose will be joining you tomorrow. The Rosehip Players, Keyla, and Grumm will be returning after a short stay at Redwall. Pallum and Rose will decide after the stay. But, something tells me that Rose will be staying with you." Brome told them as he looked out the window.

"Thank you for letting us know." Trimp told the young mouse.

"You know, this is the happiest I've seen Rose since the Battle of Marshank." Brome informed them.

"Well, then we're even. Because in all the seasons I've known Martin, this is the happiest I've ever seen him." Gonff told Brome.

"Really?"

"I heard a rumor that he's going to hang up his sword once we get back." Trimp told them.

"Burr. Marthen be deserving a life of peaze." Dinny said.

"He does." Brome agreed.

TBC

A/N: I don't own the song "Can You Feel the Love Tonight"