And he sat to rest, high upon the soaring mountain, to look down upon the world below thru the fluffy clouds. He sat, and thought of his life and his purpose. He thought of the things in the world that he had passed over, to persue his course. She appeared beside him, radiating hope and faith, from her very being. ?The best beloved of all things, in my sight is love.?

The hero looked at her quizzically and replied, ?The best beloved of all things, in my sight is justice. Seldom is there justice in love.?

?There can be no justice without love.? The angel stated in a calming tone. She reached over and lightly traced her fingertips across the hero?s shining sword. ?I bring peace to the world through hope and kindness. I comfort souls and care for human spirit.? Her luminous, eyes held the attention of the hero, they were pained with misunderstanding of the weapon.

?I bring peace to the world by defending those who can not stand by themselves. I see that wrongs are righted and that those in need find help.? His tone was low, and even, as his words trailed off.

Together they sat, high on this mountain peak, each taking soft solace in the nearness of the other. She admiring his strength and passion, he being touched by her grace and desire. The fiery sun moved slowly across the heavenly sky until it tucked itself into the deep, furrowed valley of the mountain below, turning the vastness above them from brilliant orange and pink to the deep purple night, and still they were together. As the cool night blanketed them she spoke, her words melodic and pure. ?Come live with me in the sky. I shall caress your soul and show you love. We shall know truth, for we are the same.?

His dark, piercing eyes brimmed over with tears that began streaming down his cheeks creating furrows like the valley and he answered though it tore his heart. ?Come live with me inside the city walls. I will defend you from harm and champion your spirit, for we are the same.? A million stars twinkled above them in the sparlking, night sky. The hero and the angel sat wondering, if this world offered any place for them. Though, they knew that, in a future time, both would be together, this was true. Meanwhile on the majestic mountain top, within these moments, they were whole. Strength, courage, and justice, grace, compassion and love, all bound by the cords of their hearts. On the mountain they were at peace within themselves, biding their time till together.

As the radiant sun again rose into the limitless sky, the hero took her gentle hand in his and brought it to his quivering lips. ?There is justice to seek below, and I must take my leave of our wonderful dream, for the world without me would perish. But I shall stand for your grace for all my days, and know for the world-- that there is love.

A single, shimmering tear rolled silently down the angel?s cheek and in the smallest whisp of a whisper she promised, ?And there is love to bring to the world below, so I must also take my leave of our dream, for without me the world would perish. But I shall believe in your courage and truth for all my days, and know, for the world - there is justice. Forever by this mountain that pierces the heavenly skies we shall be bound, and alone no more.? Then the angel, disappeared.

Upon this lonely mountain; deeply rooted within the earth, twelve tulips bloom, their faces turned up to the sky and the heavens beyond, in promise of love and justice for the angel.. and her hero. Who will soon be together, never to be parted - again.........