The Reason

EPILOGUE

Epilogue

Natsu and Grey had left two years ago.

Levy was once again roaming the castle grounds. The rose garden was exploding with blossoms and buds. Levy sighed, thinking back to when she had first came to this place. Back then, it was foreign and looked like it belonged in a horror novel, but now, with everything restored, it belonged in an adventure novel. She was the Princess, guarded by her iron dragon. She giggled to herself.

Lord, it has been sometime since Natsu and Grey went away... I wonder when they'll be back... Also, speaking of iron dragon, where is-

"RWAARRRR!!!!

"AHHHHH!!! GAJEEL, YOU, YOU, YOU-

"Gotcha, gihi!

"Oh, you! I ought to-

"Kiss me, that's what you ought to do shrimp.

"No, you'd like that, and I'm mad at you right now...

"Awww, Levy, don't be all pouty like that-

And, as quick as lightning, Levy reached up and slammed a little smooch on Gajeel's lips.

"I can't stay mad at you, ya big metal brain....

"Gihi, it's cause ya love me.

"Yes, I suppose it is.

"Yeah, anyway, wanna walk with me?

"Yes, yes I do."

Gajeel and Levy walked, hand in hand, around the rose garden. Gajeel began to steer Levy towards the section he had declared off limits months before, and took his hand away from Levy's to cover her eyes better.

"I have a special surprise for ya, shrimp, and I made this off limits so that you woudn't come over here, even though I know you tried your hardest to peek...

"How did-

"Pantherlily always steered you away and immediately reported back to me, as I had told him to do. Remember when I told you I wanted to go out and ride horses? Or when I needed help with a rathy rowdy villager?

"What about when we read together? Was that why we did that so often?

"Yes and no. I wanted to keep you occupied so you couldn't spoil the surprise for yourself, and I really wanted to get farther along in all of those books. Truth be told, I really enjoy those long afternoons and evenings in that library.

Levy giggled at this statement. She blushed, memories of certain nights cascading into her head, nights that involved the light of the fire, some sweet wine, and love poems that were spoken between two people.

"How much further, Gajeel?

"Well, hold on a moment, keep your eyes covered please.

"Oh, alright. Since you said please, but you know how much suspense kills me.

"I know, but just give me a few more moments."

Levy could hear the sound of ripping, and a piece of cloth was wrapped gently around her eyes.

"Alright, we're going to be going up some stairs and a ramp, so please follow my lead my lady.

Again, Levy giggled.

"Yes, sir knight, but I must ask you, why keep such a large portion of the castle away from me?

"Well, allow me to remove the blindfold and you'll see."

Gajeel took off the blindfold, and Levy took a step back and gasped. Before her eyes lay a small pond with a winding creek. A gazebo had been built in the middle of the pond. It was a pearly white, with small chandeliers hanging form the cerulean blue ceiling. The bridge that led to the gazebo had a lamp on every post, and each lamp looked like a lotus flower. As dusk fell, the little lamps were lit one by one by Gajeel. He continued to lead her down towards the gazebo, and laughed each time he looked at her awestruck face. She continued to soak in all the details that had been made to make this place look like it come from a fantastical romance novel. Weeping willows were placed at the beginning of the bridge behind them, and as they came upon the gazebo, Levy took notice of the seats. In the middle there was a hanging chair, perfect for reading or afternoon naps. The short walls had benches built against them, and they were covered with silky black cushions that had silver tassels on them. All around them floated the scent of blossoming lilies, honey suckles, and roses. As Levy continued to look around, Gajeel got down on one knee and took out a small, purple velveteen box. As Levy turned around, Gajeel opened the small box.