"Hey Eva" he yelled, breaking into a grin. He bounded up to her and swept her into his arms, spinning her round and around.

"Shhh" she admonished, blushing but laughing. "Amelia might hear". Why did he make her seem so shy and giggly? All her poise just ebbed away when he held her.

"Nah, she's with the others helping with Chibi and Grougal"

Eva allowed herself to relax in his arms and indulged herself in their kiss. Reluctantly, she pulled away. "Pinpin, we need to talk"

"Talk? About what?" Tristepin was alarmed. Was this a good thing or not?

"Us"

"Er… us?" He wondered what he'd done wrong lately and his face screwed up trying to remember if he'd upset her in any way.

"Just us" she replied, smiling and linking her arm in his, pulling him gently towards the forest. "Did I ever tell you how cute you look when you're trying to think?"

He grinned as he allowed himself to bend to her will.

The couple settled themselves down on the grass beneath Pinpin's memorial, an arm around each other's shoulders. Eva often spent time here in quiet reflection and people knew to keep their distance. Here they should be safe from eavesdroppers.

"I used to come here a lot when you were away," said Eva, softly.

"I know," smiled Pinpin, "writing or drawing in your book. I used to watch you, before I learned how to contact you."

"I thought I was going crazy with grief," Eva confessed, blushing. "I missed you so much, I couldn't think straight."

"You? You are so much in control of yourself usually." He regarded her astonished.

"I've lost so much in my past, although losing you was far worse." She confided. "I couldn't eat, sleep or think about anyone else. Just the times we had together." She paused, reflecting. She looked into his eyes. "I'm so sorry I called you names. I found you irritating, and you added to my responsibilities. I wasn't sure if I had to protect Amelia or you from yourself at times. You seemed so stupid, so impulsive." She sighed. "I was wrong, I know that now. There is none with greater ability than you for laying your life on the line for others." She flushed, afraid she'd said too much.

"It's just what I do for those I care about." He said softly. "Perhaps I do need some protection from myself sometimes. Your presence makes me stop and think before I act these days. Iops act first, think later. You make me think first sometimes." He grinned "Not always though!"

She chuckled. "You're probably right. I'm not sure when things changed. One day I realised I was looking at you differently. With grudging admiration, I think. You were so impetuous, but I had glimpsed something …. noble, maybe, in your actions." She felt his arm tighten around her shoulder. She didn't look at him, allowing herself to continue. "I had a dream that you saved me three times, and then asked me to marry you. I couldn't break free of the dream until…." She hesitated, breathing deeply. "… Until I saw…. Trinity." She hid her face in her hands. Oh Cra… it still hurts so deep.

"Eva?" he whispered, placing his hand on hers. "Tell me … talk to me. I can listen good."

Eva began hesitantly, unaccustomed to talking about herself. Pinpin, true to his word, listened intently without interrupting, holding her tenderly when the tale slowed, allowing her time to gather composure again.

"Where is Trinity now?" he asked finally, wiping a tear tenderly from her eye with his finger.

"I don't know. I'm not sure which family took her. I have resigned myself to the possibility I shall never see her again."

"You and me are born to adventure. We should search for her after we find Yugo's family – just you and I."

"There's no-one you would like to find?" asked Eva.

"I know where my family are… not that they care." He answered, bitterly. "Although one day I'd like to return and show them what I've made of my life. To shout it – HEY, LOOK AT ME. Look what I have, hear what we've done and become. A hero, a legend, a Shushu Knight - somebody! Meet my wife …my children, my future…."

He continued to explain, to share at last with someone else who cared enough. "…and then I met you." He concluded. "You see, we are very alike, you and me. Lots of hurt, self-reliance, and great defences put there to guard us against pain. Only when we drop our guard and open our hearts, can we truly love and be loved." . Astounded, she kissed him.

"That was the most beautiful thing you've ever said," she gasped. "But my guard has to be up, to do my duty and protect…" She stopped because he'd pressed a finger to her lips.

"You can drop that guard when you are with me. My deepest wish is to protect you always. Let me share your duties. Amelia is your duty, Yugo will be mine. Ruel can take care of himself. He's been capable of that for years. There will be a day when we are not required to protect them. Amelia won't need you forever. Yugo will find his family. What then for us?" He paused. "You've trusted in me to share your past, I've shown you trust by sharing mine. What I am is yours. Who I am is yours. All I can do I will do for you. I can offer no more than my love, and my life."

"Can two broken hearts make a whole?" she asked, slipping her arms around his neck. "Because I'm willing to join mine to yours, if it will work."

He gazed into her earnest emerald eyes and smiled with contentment. "Consider them fixed, " he said softly, then kissing her tenderly. "As long as you are with me, nothing will harm us. I promise." He pulled her gently down onto the grass beside him. "Right now, I think we need somewhere really private, somewhere far away and safe from prying eyes. Or something really distracting!"

Eva giggled. "I think you may have a point" she grinned, sitting up. "Ahem! Maybe a readjustment of your cape? "

He flashed a cheeky grin at her and stood up. He wrapped his cape around his body with a flourish. "Your wish granted, now what about my wish?"

"There's nowhere we can be truly alone," she sighed. "We cannot risk being discovered by youngsters, or any of our friends. I couldn't bear the teasing." She thought for a moment. "I think I should talk to Amelia's father."

His mouth gaped. "I'm not too sure…" he blustered. . "The king…."

"Where has your Iopishness gone, Sir Tristepin?" she giggled, catching his arm, ready to run.

He loped alongside her, his mind racing.

"Don't worry. We can go together if you wish." Eva said.

He ran alongside her, still thinking but broke into a grin. He looked for all the world like a peki bounding along. All he needed was floppy ears and a waggy tail!

Eva reduced her pace as she neared the village, allowing Pinpin to catch his breath. She knew where to find the King at this time of day, and she was not wrong.

"May we speak with you?" she asked of him. The King nodded at them both. He'd expected she'd talk to him eventually, and knew what was likely to be on her mind. He dismissed his aides and invited them to sit down. Eva explained the situation quietly and precisely.

"I anticipated this request. Ruel and I have discussed your growing attachment to each other," said the King, "and I'm pleased you ask before any indiscretions. You have matured well, Eva, and will soon be free from your position of bodyguard to Amelia. She's showing great promise as a Sadida Princess, and a great deal is due to you as her mentor. Her commitment to the kingdom was made very clear with her defence against Nox. Perhaps I may ask for a little less of your protection, Eva? Allow her freer reign to develop her skills further. I forget she approaches 16." He paused for a moment. Eva bowed her head in acknowledgement.

"I made some assurances to your father, Eva, when he bought you here. I raised you like a daughter, and you hold a space in my heart reserved for my family. I promised to keep you from harm, to nurture you to maturity and assist you in any way that I could when you came of an age to make your own choices regarding your future. That time fast approaches, Evangelyne. This kingdom will be your home for as long as you wish, and you are free to choose your own opportunities. You are both born adventurers and I doubt the kingdom will hold you down for long. Here you will find peace and harmony, a place to rest before setting off again to new horizons."

"And Amelia?" Eva asked.

"I shall offer Amelia similar options." The King stated simply. "She has the spirit of adventure from her mother, and I will not attempt to clip her wings. Amand has no wish to adventure, so he will always remain here and the Kingdom will pass to him some day. I hope by then Amelia will wish to assist him, but as long as she is happy, I will be content with her choice." The King stood up and crossed to a closet. He removed two parcels from inside and gave one to Eva.

"The other is for Amelia." he said. Eva turned the parcel in her hands. "Open it" he commanded, "I think these may provide a solution for everyone. At least, Ruel seemed to think so."

Eva broke the parcel open to reveal a large leather bag made from black and tan leather. "A haven bag?" She looked up quizzically.

"Thank you." Pinpin grinned at the King, instantly considering the uses. "I think this could solve quite a few problems for us. Amelia too. No more moaning about stony banks or wet grass."

"You two deserve some private space and time for your relationship to develop. I just hope that you will be sensible and cautious." An awkward silence descended for a few seconds, as the King failed to find the right words. Tristepin nodded slowly, understanding the King's thoughts.

"I will take no risks with my Evangelyne." He stated, firmly. "I promise you there will be no difficult situations developing yet … I hope for a family many years in our future, after we are wed – now is not the time. Iop strike me down, if I tell an untruth!" He struck his chest with both fists, and then flung out his arms as if waiting for the Iop god to disagree. There was no bolt of lightning, no loud clap of thunder. The King chuckled softly into his beard.

"Tristepin, I believe you to be as honourable as you say. I can rest easy knowing Eva will be safe with you. I hope you both find the happiness you deserve." The King smiled kindly at them both, and winked. "I shall talk to Amelia later, and give her the other parcel. Eva, you will decide the best use for them on your travels."

"Thank you," Eva said at last, and hugged the King. He wrapped his large arm around her and drew Tristepin toward him with another arm, and hugged them both, before bidding them leave.

He watched as they left, Pinpin slipping his arm around Eva's slender waist as he opened the door for her. He couldn't think of a better partner for Eva now. Amand was just not man enough yet for someone like Evangelyne.