She sits in the castle, staring out through the heavy mist. She knows he is there, waiting, her Knight, waiting for the mists of uncertainty to be lifted by the glorious sunshine of their love.

He has carried the memory of her words in his heart, the promises they made still fresh in his mind. His faith has never wavered, his belief in her forever firm, but her? Has she too kept faith in their love? Or God forbid! has doubts dulled the memory of his vows?

Her hands clasped tightly, knuckles white, apprehension making her tremble as the leaves tremble in the soft breeze. Heart beating until it feels its going to burst through her chest, yet so filled with love, with need, with the sheer joy of his homecoming, she begins to smile tentatively as the sun breaks through the mist.

AH! the mist is clearing, and the castle is no longer  hidden to him, he looks up, his head high, reigns lightly clasped in his hand, and he sees her, there, in the window. Gently he nudges the white stallion as he steps lightly toward the castle. Slowly approaching he can see her better, see the smile, then the wave or her hand, then she is gone, Oh God, where did she go?

She has seen him clearly, his smile, seen him nudge the huge stallion to a faster pace as he nears the castle. Jumping up so fast her chair topples to the floor she races through the halls, down the stairs and out the door to meet him.

He sees her run out the castle door and urges his mount to a full run, galloping to meet her. Before the mighty stallion can come to a sliding halt, he is out of the saddle and has her in his arms. 

Laughing, happy tears rolling down their cheeks, kissing, dancing across the dew moistened green carpet, they know, yes they know, neither forgot their vows. Neither had cause to doubt the others love.

Gently he picks her up, her arms wrapped around his neck, he mounts his stallion and they ride slowly toward the castle. Knowing their time of separation has passed, from this day forward, their days will be shared with each other and their love, fed, nurtured, allowed to grow and sustain them through the years.

Yes, The Knight, and his faithful Maiden have endured the trials of time.