*We last left our heroes witnessing Thorn destroy half of Dalin…*
Laurenza: Thorn...? Did you do this?
Thorn: Not bad for a few seconds work, eh?
Laurenza: What made you do this?
Thorn: As a matter of fact, you did.
Laurenza: *Looks taken aback.* Me? What did I do?
Thorn: If what Falos said isn't true, if my location spell is wrong, I shall reverse everything I've done. I would talk to Falos if I were you. Then I'd have a little think of where you should put your trust in future. *Disappears.*

*Laurenza runs back to the castle and talks with Falos, getting filled in on the details.*
Laurenza: Oh no... It's not like that at all. I think I owe everyone an explanation...
Including Thorn.
Thorn's Voice: I'm listening.
Laurenza: I'm sorry I left on such short notice, but I got a message in the night from Vallisto...
*The guys all make sounds of acknowledgement. Thorn however, stays silent.*
Laurenza: Those of you who have joined my ranks recently will not remember him. He told me to meet in the shack in Dalin, alone; if I brought company he wouldn't trust me.
Thorn's Voice: Trust. I remember that...
Laurenza: He said he wanted to join again. That's what we were talking about. Nothing more.
Thorn's Voice: I shall see, my Queen.
Laurenza: I'm sorry if I had any of you worried.
Thorn's Voice: Why would I be worried?
Laurenza: Perhaps I should rephrase that: I'm sorry if I had any of you in a homicidal rage.
Thorn: I wouldn't say I'm all knowing, all seeing, but I can see if you're telling the truth. *Appears in front of her and looks deep into her eyes for a few moments.* It would seem I owe someone an apology and a reversal spell. *Teleports away.*
Laurenza: *Falls into a chair.*
Thorn's Voice: Let the healing powers take effect, let these Magick actions be vanished...
Laurenza: *Sniffs.* Oh man... someone in here really stinks! *Eyes fall on Kuja.*
Kuja: *Scowls.*
Thorn: *Teleports back.* I... I'm... err. *He stops mid-sentence and clutches his head, before collapsing to the ground.*
Laurenza: Thorn! Are you okay? *Nods at Tifanel.*
Tifanel: Up ya come, big guy. *Picks up Thorn and carries him upstairs.*
Laurenza: *Follows.* All that Magicking, he's probably tired.
Tifanel: *Sets him down on a bed.* I bet.
Falos: *Walks in.* Sorry to intrude, but Mr. Vallisto has arrived.
Laurenza: Oh... um... thank you, I'll be right there. *Strokes Thorn's hair.* You get some rest... you need it . Tif, please watch over him. *Walks out.*

*Downstairs, the dining hall is empty all except for Arkun. He is sat back in his chair with his eyes closed. Someone puts a hand on his shoulder.*
Arkun: *Snaps his eyes open.* Who's there?
*A young elf with hair the colour of fire and a large bow strapped to his back stands before him.*
Arkun: Vallisto… *Looks like he's pleased to see him, but quickly assumes a huffy expression.*
Vallisto: Arkun, don't be like that. That crazy Mage would've killed me and eaten my innards if I stayed here any longer. I had to split for a while so he could cool off…
Arkun: *His expression softens a little.* I thought I'd never see you again…
Vallisto: Heh, he couldn't keep me away forever. Not when I've got such a good reason to come back for…

*Time passes uneventfully. One week later, we rejoin the action in the room in which Thorn lies.*
Laurenza: *Walks into the room and sits on the end of the bed.*
Thorn: *As she sits, he begins to stir.*
Laurenza: Thorn...? *Stands up.*
Thorn: Laurenza… Who…?
Laurenza: Thorn! You're awake! You're finally awake!
Thorn: Who…? Who undressed me?
Laurenza: Uhh… *Grins with a sweat drop falling down her head.*
Thorn: That's okay; I'd just hoped it wasn't Tifanel.
Laurenza: *Laughs.* You don't think he's gay, don't you?
Thorn: *Smiles a little.* Of course not…
Laurenza: Ha ha, if he was, why is he here?
Thorn: All the men around, I guess.
Laurenza: *Laughs harder.* It's good to have you back.
Thorn: It's good to see you again. How long was I out?
Laurenza: About a week.
Thorn: The Magick…
Laurenza: I was... a little worried.
Thorn: It happens sometimes. I use too much of my Magick, without giving myself time to rest. It's just… never been that long before.
*There is a knock on the door and Vallisto walks in, without waiting for an answer.*
Vallisto: Aha! Sleeping Beauty has awakened?
Thorn: You're him... the guy.
Vallisto: That's me. You must be... that dude.
Thorn: The one and only. *Holds out his hand.* I'm Thorn.
Vallisto: *Shakes it.* Vallisto.
Thorn: Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll have to get dressed. *His clothes and hair change in an instant.* Done.
Vallisto: Pretty handy, but not useful on the battlefield, no doubt.
Thorn: Wait and see, my friend. Clothes, or lack of them, in Magick came very helpful to me a few weeks ago...
Vallisto: Oh, don't think I'm a stranger to Magick. *Runs a finger down his bowstring and it shines.*
Thorn: I don't doubt that.
Vallisto: But now… *To Laurenza.* If you'll excuse me, ma'am, Tifanel offered to buy me a pint. *Walks out.*
Laurenza: *Watches him go, then turns to Thorn.* You want to go join them?
Thorn: I shouldn't. I'm already too unpopular. Have you seen the village since...? *Sighs.*
Laurenza: Yes. It's all good.
Thorn: Oh... that's nice.
Laurenza: Sure you don't want to go with the boys?
Thorn: No. I have to meditate.
Laurenza: Okay... I'll see you later. *Walks towards door.*
Thorn: No, wait!
Laurenza: Hmm? *Turns around.*
Thorn: Join me.
Laurenza: But I don't know how.
Thorn: It's easy. *Leads her to the bed.* Sit, or lay, and clear your mind. It often helps me to clear my mind, or my mental sight. It could be beneficial to you.
Laurenza: *Sits and closes her eyes.*
Thorn: Clear your mind...
Laurenza: *Thinks of nothing, for quite a while. Her mind floats on a sea of total emptiness, making her feel completely at peace.*
Thorn: *Sounding distant.* Queen Laurenza? You should come back now...
Laurenza: What?
Thorn: Can you hear me?
Laurenza: Yeah.
Thorn: Open your eyes.
Laurenza: *Opens her eyes.*
Thorn: You were at a higher level. Do you feel better?
Laurenza: I guess so.
Thorn: All first-timers are a little confused after they come back, but it does help to regain focus and Magick.
Laurenza: Uhh… good.
*The castle gate bangs signalling the lad's return. Loud drunken singing can be heard.*
Laurenza: Bloody hell...
Thorn: I don't think we're the only ones who should be meditating...
Kuja: *From downstairs.* I am the Fairy Princess!
Thorn: Well... yes.
Laurenza: Future blackmail opportunity, hmm?
Thorn: Definitely.
Tifanel: *Shouts.* I dare ya, take off yer pants.
Thorn: Maybe we should sedate them...
Laurenza: Or murder them...
Thorn: *Gets up and opens the door.*
Laurenza: They're like this every time they drink. Kuja's the worst, one drop of it and he's off his head. *Stands.* We better do something... anything.
*They head towards the loud, drunken voices.*
Vallisto: Lads, whaddaya say we go upstairs and get some nookie?
Thorn: Take a nap... *Casts a spell and everyone falls asleep except for Thorn and Laurenza.*
Laurenza: *Walks towards the pile of sleeping males, picks up Tifanel's hand and places it on Kuja's ass.* Eheheheh…
Thorn: *Laughs a little.*
Laurenza: *Bursts out laughing* Got to... take... a... picture! *Runs to get a camera, and takes a picture.* Heheh... ultimate blackmail!
Thorn: They'll sleep until I wake them up.
Laurenza: But maybe we should move them out of the doorway...
Thorn: Leave it to me.
Laurenza: *Shrugs.* Might as well.
Thorn: *Smiles. He obviously enjoys this. He waves his hands and the sleeping guys zoom along the floor to the walls, as if pulled by invisible ropes.* There, out the way.
Laurenza: *Shakes her head. She doesn't understand him.* Well, that's that.
Thorn: You know, if this scares you...
Laurenza: I just thought it was a little weird you liked doing it so much.
Thorn: I'm sorry. *Heads back to bedroom.*
Laurenza: *Quietly.* Some people are just weird... *Louder.* I didn't mean to offend you or anything.
Thorn: *Doesn't hear her.*
Laurenza: *Goes to Thorn's room and pokes her head around the door.* Thorn, I hope I didn't offend you.
Thorn: You didn't.
Laurenza: Good. Well... um... I'm going to go to my room now.
Thorn: Right...
Laurenza: Are you sure there isn't anything wrong?
Thorn: I killed people.
Laurenza: *Walks in.* I didn't think it bothered you.
Thorn: It's not that. Killing is addictive. It changes you, every life you take.
Laurenza: Is that so?
Thorn: It never used to bother me.
Laurenza: *Looks down.* Don't think I'm innocent.
Thorn: I don't.
Laurenza: But dwelling on things you've done in the past can destroy you if you don't move on. You should know that.
Thorn: I know...
Laurenza: Don't worry about it.
Thorn: I've never had to earn people's respect before. I've never been in love before.
Laurenza: But you are... now?
Thorn: Yes.
Laurenza: *Looks away.* You want me... even when you know what a... *It is hard to say, even though she knows it's true.* …What a whore I can be!
Thorn: You said you trusted me, and I trust you more than anything. If you cannot love me and are tempted by the love of another, then so be it. My mission is failed and I will leave forever.
Laurenza: No, Thorn! I'll change my ways! *Takes his hand.* Because this time, I do think it is meant to be.
Thorn: I complete you?
Laurenza: Yes, yes you do.
Thorn: I… I love you.
Laurenza: *Puts her arms around him.* I love you too, Thorn… *Thinks for a moment.* Could it be? Could it be that there is going to be a Dark King...?
Thorn: King?
Laurenza: *Pokes him.* You.
Thorn: Ow. Err... me?
Laurenza: Yes, you, you big dummy! *Laughs.*
Thorn: Oh…
Laurenza: Something wrong... with that?
Thorn: It's the nicest thing anyone has ever suggested to me.
Laurenza: Well, what do you say?
Thorn: It would be an honour.
Laurenza: *Giggles.* Maybe we should wake up the guys and tell them.
Thorn: Ermm... sure. *He wills them to be awake.*
Laurenza: *Goes to them, and tells them the news.*
Kuja: Oh, that's fonderwul. *Rubs head.* Ouch, do I have the biggest headache…
Thorn: I would help you, but I wouldn't want to risk... brain damage.
Kuja: If I weren't so hung over, I'd kick your ass.
Thorn: Okay then… I would help you, but I wouldn't want to risk... ass damage.
Laurenza: Stop it, you two.
Falos: Umm, I'm happy for you and everything, but does that mean we have to leave?
Thorn: Huh?
Falos: All us other guys, 'cos she'll be married and… stuff.
Thorn: As long as the Queen wants you here, you can stay.
Laurenza: I wouldn't turn you guys out on the streets.
Falos: Phew…
Thorn: Don't mention it.
Vallisto: Thorn, you're one damn lucky guy.
Thorn: Thank you, Vallisto.
Tifanel: Heheh, I never thought I'd see the day our Queen settled down.
Arkun: Congratulations to the both of you.
Thorn: Thank you, all.
Laurenza: Heheh, but who is going to be the best man? There's too many to choose from!
Thorn: Falos, I would be obliged if you were to fulfil that position.
Falos: Oh... oh, thank you so much.
Kuja: *Mumbles something that sounds like: 'What? That bloody pansy-boy?'*
Thorn: Falos is the one who has shown me the most respect during my stay at the castle, Kuja.
Kuja: Only because he's so bloody full of cowardice, he won't say a wrong word about anyone.
*Quick as a flash, some hairs from the top of Kuja's head fall to the ground, and a rapier shines in Falos's hand.*
Thorn: Cowardice?
Kuja: I stand corrected.
Thorn: *Nods.*
Falos: Sorry, Kuja.
Kuja: Yeah, whatever.
Falos: Um, as we were saying, I would be honoured to be your best man.
Thorn: Thank you.