In all truthfulness, Arven would've been content to continue stealing these moments behind the backs of Dove's over-strict parents, for the rebellious approach was far more of an adventure. But his feelings for Dove were not fleeting, and he was acutely aware that if her parents were to discover her secret then she might be in dire trouble. He did not want to risk her forest being taken away from her.

"We will do this however you wish to do it", he reassured her gently. "But yes, no doubt your parents will be involved. And no doubt they won't approve", he added, with a wry gesture down at his tall, ruffian self.

He was nowhere near as weather-beaten as he'd been when first they'd met, but he was evidently not of her social standing.