Author's Note:

Hello everyone, DragonoftheEastblue once again finally with a new chapter. I'm so sorry how long it's taken to get it done but there were a lot of issues. The first one is just trying to find time it write when doing Youtube, while helping my girlfriend, while writing a portfolio to write for a magazine. Second, is that I just kept writing. I'm always worried that the chapter wouldn't be long enough as I normally aim for 6 thousand words. As you can see, it's much longer than that.

Most recently, I've had to deal with massive technical problems that I may or may not fix in the next few months. Damn technology.

Also, fuck lyrics! What ate up a long of important time was properly writing the lyrics to the songs I used in this chapter. Lyrics websites have always been incorrect so I had to word for word check if the lyrics were correct. And a lot of them were not. This will be a constant problem as there will be many songs throughout this story. Yay for me.

So ya that's about it. If you want to ask questions please contact me on my Twitter (DragonofEastblu) or on Facebook (Dragon of the Eastblue). Seriously, for those of you who don't have accounts, I can't answer your questions if you don't have one.

One more thing, I will be reuploading all chapters as I plan to proof read them all to fix all the mistakes I made. Just to update them and reread them which helps me write future chapters.

So Happy belated Day of Erik the Red, Winter Nights, Day of Herman the Cherusci, Winter Finding, my birthday, and if I don't upload another chapter, Happy Halloween!

A Princess Amongst Thieves Chapter 10: Festival of Love and Song

Thanks to the help of Gaara, the party managed to cross the desert far more quickly than they originally planned; easily shaving off 10 days of sweltering travel. The sight of the tree line on the horizon was truly a sight for sore eyes. Even the horses were excited as the smell fresh grass, cool water, and shade from the sun carried over to their dry nostrils by what little breeze the cruel desert offered them.

When they finally reached the forest, the young travelers moved towards the only thing on their mind; water to drink and water to bathe as it would be their first in nearly two weeks. Using Akamaru's keen nose as a guide, they soon found large pools filled with rain water. The boys took one while Hinata took one for herself behind some cover from curious eyes. Even the horses (free from their saddles and bridals) took this opportunity to bathe, whinnying with joy and playing like foals. For once on their journey Naurto was not pushing them like mules so they all took their time to relax; at least for a few hours.

After Hinata felt she had soaked for long enough, she decided it would be in her body's best interest to nap under the shade of a large tree before eating their makeshift meal; which was a combination of breakfast and lunch. However, when she cleared the brush, she came across Shikamaru standing against a tree with his hair down. Still surprised by the fact he was rather handsome this way, she hesitated only slightly before walking to him.

"Is something the matter Mr. Áalihte?" she asked. Shikamaru jumped a little from her question but quickly regain composure.

"No nothing is wrong. I…was just wondering if I could ask a favor of you" he said with some embarrassment.

"A favor of me? What favor do you need?"

The scholar hesitated for a moment before speaking again. "I…wanted to ask you…if you can braid my hair."

Hinata blinked several times at his request. It was certainly now something she was expecting but she couldn't think of a reason to refuse.

"Of course. Have a seat" she said with and open hand. Shikamaru nodded and turned around before falling into a crossed legged sitting position. The princess stood on her knees right behind him and began running her fingers through his hair. As she expected it was full of knots proof that it was never properly looked after.

"I wish I had a comb" she said partially under her breath. "Your hair is full of knots."

"Will this do?" asked the scholar holding up a white comb. It was a pretty little thing with cravings of flowers on both sides. Hinata thanked him for it and began running it through his black hair, removing the knots. As she did, she couldn't help making a comment.

"Not to sound disrespectful, but I find it rather amusing that a man such as you has a comb on hand. Did you conjure it up with magic perhaps?"

Shikamaru remained quiet for a moment before answering. "It was my mother's. It is all I have left of her" he said quietly. Hinata stopped combing realizing herself overstepping a line.

"I am sorry…I did not mean to bring back thee any unpleasant memories" she said softly before resuming her combing. There were a few moments of silence before she spoke up again. "I have also lost my mother" she said keeping her eyes on the scholar's black hair passing through the teeth of the comb. This made Shikamaru look partially over his shoulder with a pensive look. "She died giving birth to my sister. I was only 6 then. When I think of my mother I am unable to completely remember her face. If it were not for the family portraits I would have no idea what she looked like. But from what I can remember, she had soft hands and would sing to me when she combed my hair."

With those words in the mind of the mage, the princess began singing softly. It was the song she had sung on the second day of her journey home, the same song she had known all her life. Her voice was soft and smooth; calming Shikamaru in a way had not felt in years. It pierced his very soul like the bugle of an elk in the cool mist of a morning, so mysterious and beautiful you cannot believe it is of this world. Hinata's fingers guided the strands of hair through and out of the teeth of the comb with grace, without missing a beat in her song. It was as if the song and the combing were one and the same, perfectly married together like the sun and the moon. Whether the girl was conscious of this or not, Shikamaru did not know, but he knew this, he had ever felt such spirit in years. While he was lost in his thoughts and feelings, Hinata had finished both her song and her combing.

"There we are. Now all that is left is to braid it" she said with a smile placing the comb to the left of Shikamaru.

"Thank you" said the scholar quietly, as if he did not want her to hear.

"You are very welcome" she replied happy he was grateful for her help. "There is no need for thee to be embarrassed by this, if it means such importance to you. Does it symbolize something?"

Immediately Shikamaru could sense the same curiosity Temari had back in Meşek and couldn't help producing a small smile. Of course he had noticed the princess' natural curiosity and decided to tell her.

"Braiding ones hair gives honor and dignity to the owner of that hair. Braiding hair is a spiritual act bringing in the paths of good and evil. It is also the symbolism of strength. While you can pull out a single hair with ease, you cannot pull a braid off your head; just as one arrow can be snapped in two, a bundle cannot be" he explained in an almost ghostly voice filled with wisdom. Hinata listened with curious ears, amazed by the level of importance of hair.

"That is amazing" she breathed now beginning to braid his hair (with extra caution). "The closest notion my people have to hair is wearing those ridiculous white wigs. I always thought it was for balding men but even the young ones do it! It makes far too little sense to me."

Shikamaru snorted at her remark, understanding what she was talking about and felt the same way about the fad.

"I must ask…why do you not cut it?"

The scholar remained silent for a few moments before uttering words that the princess had not expected. "We only cut our hair when there is a death in our family…and I have not cut my hair in over 10 years."

Once again Hinata was taken aback by the intensity of the symbolism of something as mundane as cutting hair. Though her knowledge of the outside world and other cultures was very limited due to her upbringing, she had never heard such a race of people to believe in such mysticism. It was truly something to marvel, even though she could not yet fully comprehend it all. She couldn't help staring into his onyx hair, wondering if it could tell secrets or tales that held the key to understanding. But she could see nothing. After all, it was all but hair. Shikamaru then remembered something. He reached into his vest and retrieved something that he kept in his fist.

"Could you braid these into my hair?" he asked opening his hand. When Hinata looked down into his palm, she could see that they were several colorful crystal beads bound together a thin cut of leather. The princess nodded with a smile and did so, talking care to have the beads on display, instead of them being blocked by his hair. When the braid was complete, Shikamaru turned to face the princess allowing her to see her work from both sides.

"It is rather odd seeing you like this, but it does suit you" Hinata said with a smile. Shikamaru nodded without showing too much gratitude before heading back to the others. Hinata watched him go for a moment before her curiously got the better of her.

"You really love her, don't you?" she asked softly.

The scholar halted and remained quiet without turning to face her. "Yes".

Hinata couldn't help smiling at that. "Ever since we left Meşek, I wondered how it was possible for two people who barely had any time to get to know each other, fall completely in love. I wanted to ask, but now I can see that your feelings for Princess Temari unquestionably genuine. I am happy for you Mr. Áalihte."

Shikamaru stared at the young princess for a few moments without giving her any kind of response. For a second Hinata had thought she had said something that offended him, but felt relieved when he gave her a silent bow of thanks.

"You miss her don't you?"

The scholar sighed. "For the first time in my life, I want to say in one place. I have always been on the move, traveling from one land to another. I have also never longed for anyone in a very long time. To say that I miss her would be an insult for the feelings that we share."

Hinata couldn't help giving him a gentle smile. His words were both sad and sweet, words that she felt were taken straight out of the romantic stories she had read as a child; of princes of princesses falling in love. She was happy for him, but secretly was envious of not experiencing a living fairy tale romance. A quick flash of her blond savior appeared in her mind causing her to blush, but quickly threw the thought out of her thoughts.

"Fear not Mr. Áalihte. Without a doubt I know you will see her again" she said to cheer him up.

Shikamaru scoffed. "In a year if I am lucky. And knowing the adventures that Wichashayadapi takes me upon, only the spirits know when we would return to the great sands of Meşek."

"Come now Shikamaru!" shouted Naruto with zeal as he suddenly emerged from the brush surprising Hinata. "This is not the time to full of sadness and regret."

The princess glared at the blond for being so insensitive to his friend's feelings. However, she was confused as a smirk appeared on the scholar's face.

"Yes you are right" agreed the golden eyed mage rising to his feet to join with the rest of the party. Still confused, Hinata followed the two men to the camp wondering if she had been wrong about the romance between Shikamaru and Princess Temari. Her confusion only grew when she noticed that the others, minus Sasuke, were equally as existed.

"What is going on?" she asked.

"Oh you'll know soon enough love" replied Naruto throwing a burlap sack into the back of the covered wagon. "Let us save the details for a surprise shall we?"

As anyone could have foreseen, Hinata bugged him the whole way there.

xXx

"Welcome to the town of Andantino del Unicorno" said Naruto with gusto and his arm outstretched. "A town of music and storytelling."

Before the young travels was the most lively and vibrant city for miles. Hundreds if not thousands of men, women, and children flooded the city streets leaving little room for horses, wagons, and carts to traverse. Countless shops placed shoulder to shoulder up and down the streets were filled with merchants selling food, clothes, masks, jewelry, and other trinkets that were just out of range for Hinata to identify. The sights, sounds, and smells of the town over whelmed her senses even more so than when she visited Festung and Meşek. Her eyes danced across the building that surrounded her which themselves were pieces of art. Much different than the buildings in the two previous towns she visited, these were made of polished stone with arches and white borders. The roofs were covered with brown porcelain tiles, which alongside the white stone walls gave the town a strangely mesmerizing look and appeal. Was it due to the fact the architecture of her homeland was completely different than other lands, or was it because of how magical the architecture looked to her? Regardless, she knew that she was very interested in the town of Andantino del Unicorno.

"We've come to this town to take part in the 'Festa di Amore e Canto' (Festival of Love and Song). An annual festival dedicated to the art and beauty of song, music, and poetry" explained Naruto with clear excitement. "Sadly we had missed the Festa last year BUT, we plan to make up for lost time this year."

As the blond thief spoke, he noticed immediately that Princess Hinata was very excited and a happy smile was plastered on her face. In return he couldn't help smiling back.

"Excited love?" he asked.

"I haven't been to festival in years" she replied with both delight and sigh of nostalgia. "The last time I attended something like this was when I visited my uncle all those years ago."

"Do you enjoy music?"

"I most certainly do."

Naruto grinned. "Then you my dear princess are going to absolutely adore tomorrow."

This caught her attention. "What happens tomorrow?"

"Let's leave that a surprise shall we love?" said the blond taping his nose with his left index finger. Pouting that she would have to wait, Hinata agreed.

The group finally managed to make it through the packed city streets and placed their horses and wagon in one of the local stables; a great stroke of luck as they would be full this far into the pre-festival preparations. As per usual, the majority of the party had their own plans when arriving at a new town. And a town that was right about to enter one of its largest festivals of the year was an opportune moment that none of them could pass up. Choji was on the hunt for fresh produce along with festival foods to savor. Sasuke was interested in new weapons and Shikamaru wanted new books. Kiba as always was interested in one thing and one thing only; women. Festivals were about celebration, and what came with celebrating were copious amounts of alcohol; his second most favored activity. With such a packaging of his most cherished pastimes, how could he refuse himself? This once again left Naruto and Hinata alone.

"Well then" began the young mage, "Unless you have other plans, would you like to join me on a little errand?"

"I don't see why not" she replied with a smile "Lead the way."

"Indeed I shall" he chimed twisting round and began walking up the street.

Hinata couldn't help smiling once again at his fanfare. After travelling with him for long and their past adventure to the spell casting shop, she was egger to learn more about magic. More importantly, and more than she would like to admit, want to learn more about her mysterious savior. As they walked together, Naruto adjusted his grip on a small wooden case that he carried on his left side. It was made of a dark oak with old rusted hinges and a matching rusted latch on the front. On top of the box itself was an insignia of some kind but had faded away long ago making it impossible to identify. Hinata could not help gazing at it, not only curious of its contents, but why she had not noticed it before. She meant to ask of it, but the allure of the town had her complete attention. It was so much for her to take in all at once, but her appetite to experience the new and the interesting was as overpowering as ever.

What stood out the most to her, was not the different architecture or the countless shops that dotted the streets, but the language spoken by the villagers. It was yet another language she had never heard of, though it was similar to the Latino that she had been taught as a child. It was beautiful; both romantic and poetic.

"What tongue are they speaking?" she asked Naruto.

"It's Italiano, the language of love and song" answered the blond. "And that my dear is the reason why we are here."

The young mange stopped walking and turned to his left. Hinata did the same to see before them was a fairly large shop with a large sign hung wide across the entire front. Not only was the sign itself boasting superb craftsmanship, but many musical instruments had been carved in the wood causing them to be half protruding from the large pillars of dark rich spruce that were connected to the ends of the sign. The name that was carved with care and painted with gold onto the sign was "Stradivarius".

"A music shop" said Hinata softly. Naruto grinned and stepped forward entering the shop causing a bell to chime. Hinata quickly followed him intrigued in what the music shop had to offer, and what business did her escort have here.

"Buon pomeriggio, c' è qualcuno? (Good afternoon is there anyone here?)" called the thief.

"Aspetta sto arrivando (Hold on I'm coming)" came a voice from the back of the shop, clearly that of an elderly man.

As the pair waited, Hinata took the time to look around the shop and was not disappointed by what it contained. The entire shop was made out of fine polished wood; a mix of dark spruce, light spruce, willow, maple, and oak. The way the sunlight sawn through the windows and bounced off the wood made the shop glow like the rising sun on an autumn morning. The number of carvings that enveloped the wood was mind-blowing, and continued to astonish the princess when she saw the incredible amount of detail. Musical notes, woodwinds, brass, string, percussion, bows and arrows, poetic versus in Latino, and finally, and most stunning, was a carving of a handsome clean-shaven man that was located above the large oak desk that was ten feet from the door. He had long locks of hair, a cloak that was wrapped around his neck and his outstretched left arm…and not much else. She blushed as his manhood was on display along with his nude athletic body. Why was such a thing engraved there in the first place?

Before she could ask any questions, the sound of footsteps could be heard on the second floor causing both Naruto and herself to look up. Descending the winding staircase was a short elderly man with little hair left on his head and half-moon spectacles on his face. He wore a brown farsetto (doublet) with an orange cioppa underneath, orange leggings with leather shoes, and a leather belt studded with silver flowers. A single large leather kidney pouch was attached to it, resting on his left hip with a stiletto dagger behind it making him look dignified even in his old age. He walked calmly from the bottom of the staircase to the desk where, due to his height, near completely vanished behind it, leaving only the very top of his bald head to appear in-between every stride. He then began to rise up to eye level, presumably thanks to a small stair or soap box, to face his customers properly. When he did face the couple, Hinata was able to see his long and rather sharp nose protruding between a pair of perfect grey eyebrows that rested just above his spectacles.

"Adesso, che cosa hai bisogno ragazzo? (Now then, what do you need my boy?)" he asked.

Naruto lifted up the wooden case and placed it on the oak desk. " Messere, volevo sapere se fosse possibile se voi poteste riparare il mio violino (Sir, I wanted to know if it were possible for you to repair my violin)" he replied politely.

The old man placed his hands on the case and snapped the latches unanimously revealing a handsome violin resting delicately but securely in velvet silk.

"Ora, questo è un bel pezzo di artigianato (Now this is a handsome piece of craftsmanship)" said the elderly man with a smile lifting the instrument with care to inspect it. "Posso chiedere dove avete acquistato questo bel strumento? (May I ask where you acquired this fine instrument?)"

"Certamente. E 'stato un regalo dell' mio mastro. Ha realizzato lui stesso, anche il minerale estratto e fuso per i pioli e ponte. Cresciuto le pecore per le stringhe e il cavallo i cui capelli è stato utilizzato per l'arco (Certainly. It was a gift from my master. He crafted it himself, even mined the ore and smelted it for the pegs and bridge. Raised the sheep for the strings and the horse whose hair was used for the bow)" Naruto said with pride. "Il mio maestro prende sempre molta cura nel suo lavoro (My master always takes great care in his work)."

"Il tuo maestro è stato benedetto da Apollo lui stesso ragazzo mio. Sarebbe un onore per riparare un tale capolavoro (Your master was blessed by Apollo himself my boy. It would be an honor to repair such a masterpiece)" said the old man with a wide smile that stretched from ear to ear. "Dovrò farlo riparare nel giro di un'ora. Si prega di restituire poi (I shall have it repaired within the hour. Please return then)."

"Non vedo l'ora, Liutaio. Ci vediamo allora, Ciao (I look forward to it Luthier. See you then, goodbye)" said the blond politely before bowing to which the shop owner returned. And with that, the couple left the shop.

"You can play the violin?" asked Hinata surprised after a few moments.

"Of course" replied Naruto was a confident grin. "I play the violin, the piano, the guitar, the lute, the organ, the ocarina, the lyre, and I can sing. And what of you love? What instruments do you play?"

Hinata was amazing by his range of musical talent but quickly overcame her amazement to answer his question. "I can play the piano and harp myself" she said rather sheepishly, clearly not so confident in her skills.

"Oh? Would it be possible to hear you play a little concert?"

"Oh no no, it would be dreadful I assure you" she said quickly not making eye contact with him.

"My dear if it is you playing then it will sound magnificent" he reassured.

Hinata could not help blushing from his kind words but did her best to hide it, along with a small smile that grew on her face.

"Now then, we must find our cohorts as to make camp before nightfall" he said beginning to walk briskly with the princess right behind him. "There will be no inns available this late into the festival so we must make do with the woods surrounding the town."

Hinata nodded understanding his reasoning and kept an eye open for any of her escorts. But her eyes soon widened when they reached the town square. It was packed to the brim with people shouting, singing, and calling so loud that she could barely hear herself think. How on earth were they supposed to find the others in this mess?

"Did you find what you were looking for Sasuke?" said Naruto causing Hinata to look at him. To her astonishment the silk covered mage stood right before them with a long burlap sack hung over his shoulder.

"It was quite productive" he replied calmly.

As the men began to talk, Hinata was still amazed that they were able to find someone that quickly. And that it would be Sasuke, the most silent of the group as the first they found was something she did not expect. Her amazement did dissipate rather quickly however, as she learned she was having a great deal of trouble hearing the conversation they were having. The boisterousness of the crown was swallowing their words causing her to frown and strain her ears in a poor effort to make heads of tails of their discussion. But strangely, she was able to hear Sasuke with crystal clarity. How was that possible? Wouldn't he be just as difficult to hear as Naruto?

"I will locate the others for you sir and report as soon as possible" said Sasuke before bowing to both his boss and to Hinata, and vanishing in a blink of an eye.

Naruto began to walk out of the town square and began heading to the outskirts of town with Hinata doing her best to keep up.

"How was I able to hear Sasuke and not you?" she asked bluntly.

"You didn't" said Naruto with a smile "Sasuke can't speak."

Hinata just looked at him as if he had lost his mind. "Now you are just playing me like a fool" she said in dismay.

"I am not" replied the blond with an overly thick coating of denial. It was clear he was enjoying seeing her completely confused. "Sasuke denies himself earthly pleasures which includes speech, thus, he speaks to us telepathically."

Hinata's eyes widened with understanding. "That does explain why he did not join you in that brothel" her eyes immediately glared at him "but that is cheating."

Naruto laughed. "Sasuke agrees with you. After all, I was the one who cast the spell that gave him telepathy."

"What?"

"I'll explain. When I first met him a few years ago, he was looking for work in a small village. I tried to get what skills he had to offer but he won't speak to me. Curiosity got the better of me so I gave him the ability to speak to others with his mind. He wasn't happy about that which made it difficult to make him my right hand man" he said smiling.

Hinata's mouth hung open with shock. "You forcefully made him talk to you and then you forced him to join your crew?" she echoed in disbelief.

"Pretty much" Naruto replied looking at the princess with a smile of pure innocence.

The young couple stared at each other for what felt like an eternity. "Are you shocked?" he asked.

"No" she said flatly looking away "At this point I expect nothing less from you."

This caused Naruto to burst out laughing and wrap his right arm around the young woman's shoulders, pulling her in tightly. "I just love ya Hinata!" he laughed.

His actions along with him calling her by her name, which even after all this time was a rarity, caused her to blush immediately. Sadly the blond did not notice her blush as he asked her if she would like to join him in selecting a camp site for the evening. It would pass the time until his violin would be repaired. Still feeling warmth in her cheeks, she agreed and followed the blond.

xXx

After the pair found a suitable location for camp, the rest of the party arrived with their spoils and bedding. Choji had found a treasure-trove of culinary delights such as spices and rich produce; some of which he planned to use for their dinner. Shikamaru had found a few new tomes to add to his collection, along with something else that he did not share with the others. Sasuke curiously enough had been searching for a new set of dress clothes for the festival, as his older set had been damaged long ago. Kiba on the other hand had been searching for a date for the following evening but turned up empty handed.

While Choji cooked their meal, Naruto slipped away to retrieve his violin from the old luthier. Coincidentally, Shikamaru also left the camp to take care of "private affairs", once again sharing no information with the others. On their return, the group tucked into a wonderful meal made by their cook; Rigatoni with fresh sage in a pork tomato sauce which was cooked in a pot with tender pork still on the bone. Once again Hinata was amazed by Choji's culinary skills and by what other cultures in the world had to offer in the art of preparing food.

When they had finished their meal and the cleaning had been done, the young thieves began to draw out many musical instruments.

"You can all play?" asked Hinata in surprise. Naruto had drawn his violin which looked as good as new, and an ocarina. Sasuke had produced a guitar and a lyre while Shikamaru held several flutes and handed Choji a drum. Lastly, Kiba had an accordion, a wooden flute, and another instrument Hinata had never seen before called a bagpipe.

"Of course we can love" said the blond with pride. "Would you like to critic us as we practice for tomorrow?"

Hinata smiled seeing once again the wild look in his eyes. She straightened herself and rested her hands one over the other on her lap, waiting for the group to play.

"Right then lads, since our own poor Kiba has failed to charm a sweet lass. Shall we begin with a song to ease his pain? What say you Kiba? Shall we taste the spice of life?" said Naruto strongly.

His words made the tracker perk up like a hound that picked up the scent of pork rind. "I'd be very grateful sir" he replied with a wild grin preparing to play his accordion. "Let's sing ye bastards! Come in efter mah accordion wee jimmies. 'n' huv a go tae keep up. (Let's sing you bastards! Come in after my accordion boys. And try to keep up.) (a/n: I hope I got the Scottish right)

(a/n: Normal lyrics are sung by Naruto, bolded are sung by the entire group minus Hinata, Kiba's lines are marked with a K.)

When the moon shines, on the cow shed
And we're rollin' in the hay.
All the cows are out there grazing,
And the milk is on its way.

I am a cider drinker
I drinks it all of the day
I am a cider drinker
It soothes all me troubles away
Oh arr oh arr aay
Oh arr oh arr aay.

It's so cosy in the kitchen
With the smell of rabbit stew.
When the breeze blows 'cross the farmyard
You can smell the cow sheds too.
K: (Oh, I've never smelt nothing like it in all me life!)

When those combine wheels stops turning
And a hard day's work is done.
There's a pub around the corner
It's the place we have our fun.
K: (Arr, we'll have some fun 'n' all.)

I am a cider drinker
I drinks it all of the day
I am a cider drinker
It soothes all me troubles away
Oh arr oh arr aay
Oh arr oh arr aay.
K: (Come on, get a couple of pints down 'ere then!)

Now dear old Mabel
When she's able
We takes a stroll down Lover's Lane
And we'll sink a pint of Scrumpy
Then we'll play old nature's game.
K: (Ha ha, proper job!)

But we end up in the duck pond
When the pub is sized to close
With me breeches full o' tadpoles
And the newts between me toes.

I am a cider drinker
I drinks it all of the day
I am a cider drinker
It soothes all me troubles away
Oh arr oh arr aay
Oh arr oh arr aay.
K: (Come on everyone, get up 'ere then!
Ha ha!)

I am a cider drinker
I drinks it all of the day
I am a cider drinker
It soothes all me troubles away
Oh arr oh arr aay
Oh arr oh arr aay
Oh arr oh arr aay
Oh arr oh arr aay!

K: Let cider be the spice of life!

The young men burst out laughing leaving Hinata stranded without any reference to their song and joking.

"Och that steals me back tae th' hame land that it does (Oh that takes me back to the home land that it does)" wheezed Kiba wiping away a tear.

"There he goes speaking that Gàidhlig again" sighed Choji.

"Oi! Don't insult my mother tongue!" the huntsman shot back.

"Tongue my ass" snorted Shikamaru "It's drunken Æglisc."

"Ah will rip yer een oot! (I'll rip your eyes out!)" bellowed Kiba jumping on the scholar, with hoots and hollers from the others.

"So then love, what did you think?" asked Naruto with a smile, paying no attention to his quarreling men. "Be honest now."

The princess remained quiet for a few moments longer before giving the young thief her critique. "It was…beautiful" she said, though she was not able to meet his gaze. "Maybe beautiful is the wrong word…you see…there is a homely simple charm to it. It is not like the music I grew it up with, Classical, Romantic, Baroque. I feel as if I have heard it before, perhaps when I visited my uncle so many years ago."

"A homely simple charm" echoed Naruto cocking his head, "I have never in all my life heard someone other than a drunkard call a tavern drinking song that. Alas, one can only truly enjoy a drinking one when he has drunk his fair share of ale or mead. Now then my lady, how about another song for you to hear? This one is a bit more…magical. This…is the Goblins' Song."

As Naruto began to play on his ocarina, this caused the others to stop their fighting and quickly join in the song.

Hey la la hey la la hey la la hey

La la la la la la

Hey la la hey, la la hey la la hey.

Hey la la hey la la hey la la hey

La la la la la la

Hey la la hey la la hey la la hey.

Hey la la hey la la hey.

Well-hidden in this wood, there's a place I have been.
Behind those oak, a powerful secret lies.
Magical is the atmosphere enveloping everything.
The path leads to a clearing, forgotten by the time.

Hey la la hey la la hey la la hey

La la la la la la

Hey la la hey, la la hey la la hey.

Now we are in the place I've dreamt many times.
All is exactly as it was supposed to be.
Strange creatures are taking part in a primordial rite.
Nothing can stop us,
The Children of the Night.

Take a chance to join this dance
All that is will be revealed
Release your mind and goblins, goblins all around!
Can't you see?
Everything is more clear to me and to you
But don't forget
Goblins, goblins all around.

And we dance in this endless carousel
Can't you feel the mystic
Power rising from the ground?
No more bad thoughts
We can leave the world behind.
Just keep in mind,
Goblins all around.
Goblins all around!

Our most amazing dreams,
Are living through this place.
We dance into the fire,
Leaving our world behind.

We've touched the power,
A vision of forbidden.
These funny creatures are our blood brothers,
Leaving the foolish far from us.

Far from us!

Take a chance to join this dance.
All that is will be revealed
Release your mind and goblins, goblins all around!
Can't you see?
Everything is more clear to me and to you
But don't forget
Goblins, goblins all around

And we dance in this endless carousel
Can't you feel the mystic
Power rising from the ground?
No more bad thoughts
We can leave the world behind.
Just keep in mind,
Goblins all around.

Take a chance to join this dance.
All that is will be revealed
Release your mind and goblins, goblins all around!
Can't you see?
Everything is more clear to me and to you
But don't forget
Goblins, goblins all around.

And we dance in this endless carousel
Can't you feel the mystic power rising from the ground?
No more bad thoughts,
We can leave the world behind.
Just keep in mind,

Goblins all around!

Goblins all around!

Hinata was breath taken. Naruto had not spoken false words, the song was truly one filled with magic. She could not help herself but envision what the lyrics spoke of. Monstrous terrible goblins running about, terrorizing helpless villagers, or surrounding a group of travelers in the dead of night. The drum beats throughout the song gave her chills down her spine, and even more so as Akamaru howled very much like a wolf at the end of it. But what stuck out the most to her and what gave the song such power and emotion to it, were Naruto's vocals. In all her life she had never hear anyone sing in such a manner. It was rough but beautiful as well. When he would shift tones to ghostly strong whisper it would make her feel uneasy and almost afraid of the lyrics. But when he broke out in an opera like cry, he would blow her away completely. Of course without the help of the others and their backing vocals it would not have been so mesmerizing, but the way Naruto took command with his voice, it was truly something magical.

"That was…incredible" she said as she finally managed to breath. "I never heard anyone sing in such a fashion. Such passion, such darkness, such beauty. You are all so talented."

"Did you hear that lads? Show our dear princess some gratitude!" laughed Naruto giving her a large bow, which was mimicked by Kiba and more politely by Choji and Sasuke. Shikamaru simply nodded.

The princess could not help smiling at them, which then gave her the confidence to ask a particular question.

"Mr. Ulvfangson, I must ask you, what is that instrument beside you?"

"Oh, me bagpipe? It's just an instrument from the homeland in the North. There is no other instrument like in the world. Would you like to hear it?"

Hinata nodded as her curiosity was growing with every word.

"Tis a shame though" sighed Kiba "I'm the only one who can play the bagpipes and I wanted to sing this one."

"Don't worry brother" said Naruto placing a hand on his friend's shoulder "I'll do you proud."

Kiba punched his boss in the arm before positioning himself with the instrument and drew in a long breath. He placed the blowstick to his mouth and filled the bag with air while he placed his fingers on the chanter. He then squeezed the bag.

From the bagpipe came a sound that the princess she had never heard before. Though she had to wince at its ear piercing cry, she quickly became mesmerized by it. The sound of the bagpipe was eerie and ghostly; for lack of better terms. Hinata honestly tried to find the right words to describe the instrument but other than labeling it macabre, she had nothing for it. Even more so was while Kiba played the bagpipe, Choji and Shikamaru played the drums as if preparing for war. She did not know how right she was with her interpretation as Naruto began to sing.

Axes flash, broadsword swing,
Shining armour's piercing ring
Horses run with the polished shield,
Fight Those Bastards till They Yield
Midnight mare and blood red roan,
Fight to Keep this Land Your Own
Sound the horn and call the cry,
How Many of Them Can We Make Die!

Follow orders as you're told,
Make Their Yellow Blood Run Cold
Fight until you die or drop,
A Force Like Ours is Hard to Stop
Close your mind to stress and pain,
Fight till You're No Longer Sane
Let not one damn cur pass by,
How Many of Them Can We Make Die!

Guard your women and children well,
Send These Bastards Back to Hel
We'll teach them the ways of war,
They Won't Come Here Any More
Use your shield and use your head,
Fight till Every One is Dead
Raise the flag up to the sky,
How Many of Them Can We Make Die!

Dawn has broke, the time has come,
Move Your Feet to a Marching Drum
We'll win the war and pay the toll,
We'll Fight as One in Heart and Soul
Midnight mare and blood red roan,
Fight to Keep this Land Your Own
Sound the horn and call the cry,
How Many of Them Can We Make Die!

Axes flash, broadsword swing,
Shining armour's piercing ring
Horses run with the polished shield,
Fight Those Bastards till They Yield
Midnight mare and blood red roan,
Fight to Keep this Land Your Own
Sound the horn and call the cry,
How Many of Them Can We Make Die!

How Many of Them Can We Make Die!

How Many of Them Can We Make Die!

"Do not take this the wrong way for it is a beautiful song" began Hinata, "Do all the songs you know have to be about war?"

"No my dear, but war is a very predominant topic with our people" replied Naruto. "Not only because we all come from warrior culture, but because war is a constant on our minds. The second war in south not long ago, the first war in the south some 20 years ago. It is there forever it our songs as a testament to them."

"Think of them as stories" added the scholar. "They document battles past and the men who found and died."

"Stories of love, war, pain, family, and adventure" said the blond." Speaking of which, do you have any stories to tell?"

Hinata blinked not expecting to take part but did take a few moments to think of one to share. Compared to the others she had lived a rather boring life and didn't have any adventures to brag about. Then once came to mind.

"I sadly have not lived a life as you have, and the only tales that I know are the ones I have read since I was a child…" she admitted, "But I do recall one story that was told to me as a little girl by my uncle."

"Then do tell love."

The princess nodded and took a breath before she began telling her tale.

Flashback begins

In a large room illuminated by a roaring fire, sat a man who seemed impossibly large in an equally large wooden chair covered in pelts. To his left was a small wooden table where a steaming cup of tea sat sweetening the room with the smell of maple and chestnut. The man sitting before the fire from what the light was revealing appeared to be young with an eye patch over his left eye. He was gazing down at his lap as a rather large tome was in his right hand as his left was resting on the armrest. Without taking his eyes off the page he reached over and brought the cup of tea to his lips.

"Uncle…" came a little voice from the darkness. The young man turned his head to his right to see a little girl no older than 6 or 7 with short indigo hair in a white night gown holding a stuffed wolf.

"What is it my dear?" he asked "Why are you up at this hour?"

"I-I-I couldn't fall asleep" she stuttered looking down at the wooden floor. "C-Could you tell me a story?"

"Of course little one. Go and get your story books."

"No, not one of those, a real story."

"A real story?" he asked raising an eyebrow.

"Yes!" she said a bit louder than she intended making her hug her stuffed toy. "T-Tell me when you were a boy."

"Well then…" said the man placing his book onto the table as he rose from his seat. He lifted his niece with both hands that were so large in comparison and placed her on his knee. "I shall have to take you back with me a long way in time.

It was my thirteenth year, on a cold winter's day, as I walked through the enchanted forest. I heard the sounds of horses and men at arms. I felt compelled to walk on and find the place of these sounds. And when the forest did clear, I was standing on a hill. Before me there was a great plane.
Upon it the armies of the world, standing, waiting. I thought to myself, for whom or for what are they waiting?

Suddenly, a gust of wind came up from the north. There appeared a lone rider, holding a sword of steel. Then from the south came another, bearing a battle axe. From the east came a third, holding a spiked club. And finally, from the west a rider who wielded a great hammer of war. With them came their soldiers of death, followed by an army of immortals. They were few in number, but the look in their eyes told all who beheld them, that they would leave this day only in victory or death.

And there was a great silence. My heart began to pound. Storm clouds filled the sky with darkness, rain came, and four winds blew with such anger that I held fast to a tree." He pulled in his niece as he spoke, though it was unclear if it was for effect or he did it subconsciously.

"I watched the four riders raise their weapons into the air. Without warning, screaming their war cry, they led the attack. Down to the battle they rode. They met the armies of the world with a mighty clash. I could feel the ground shake! The earth drank much blood that day. Each of the four, was into himself a whirlwind of doom!"

For a moment, Hinata was afraid from both the tone of voice her uncle was using, and the look in his eye which was a wild one. The reflection of the fire in his eye made it even more intimidating, but he quickly calmed down which in turned reassured his niece.

"When the smoke did clear, many thousands were dead. There was much blood and gore. Their bodies lay broken and scattered across the battle field, like brown leaves blown by the wind. And I saw the four ride together to the top of the hill, while below them the soldiers of death assembled, all those who would now swear allegiance to them. And the four, spoke the words, of the warriors prayer:

'Gods of war I call you, my sword is by my side.
I seek a life of honor, free from all false pride.
I will crack the whip, with a bold mighty hail.
Cover me with death, if I should ever fail.
Glory, majesty, unity. Hail, hail, hail.'

And as I stood and looked on, I heard the armies of the world hail them without end, and their voices of victory, carried long and far throughout the land.

Well, That's it. Did you like the story?" he asked looking down at Hinata.

"Yeah, it was great!" she replied with a large smile.

"Oh, good, I'm glad, now off to bed with you." The young man lifted Hinata with his right hand so that he was cradling her as he walked out of the study. A little afraid of heights, the young princess clutched onto one of her uncle's giant fingers to secure herself. After a few moments, Hinata looked up at her uncle.

"Uncle?" she asked.

"Yes?"

"Who were those four men?"

"Who were they?" he echoed with a wild grin. "They were the Metal Kings!"

End of Flashback

When Hinata finished her tale, she looked up to see if the others approved. She did not get the reception she expected.

"Everyone knows the story of the Metal Kings" laughed Kiba making Hinata feel a little depressed for not having anything new to share.

"Ah, it is much like the story of the 5 Great War Chiefs: Maȟpíya Lúta, Ma-Ka-Tai-Me-She-Kia-Kiak, Tȟatȟáŋka Íyotȟake, Tȟašúŋke Witkó, and Goyaałé" added Shikamaru.

"Ya, except everyone knows the Metal Kings and no one other than your people know about the Chiefs ya eejit" snapped the tracker.

The scholar just huffed.

"Anyways, you're daft your highness" continued Kiba. "The era that the Metal Kings ruled was over 500 years ago. There is no way your uncle was around when they were alive, even less believable is that he witnessed the 'Odin's Touch'. Na wey lassie, na wey."

"The 'Odin's Touch'?" repeated Hinata confused.

"Aye love. As great as the Dragon of the East is, he is known to be quite the dreamer" joined Naruto.

Hinata huffed at them. "Even if my uncle was not there, I still very much enjoy the story."

"As do I" replied the blond thief. "The words of 'The Warrior's Prayer' are words we believe in and follow as best we can; as our ancestors have for generations. Now then love, would you like to play and or sing for us this fine evening?"

Hinata's eyes widened at the request. "N-No no but thank you very much" she replied with flushed checks. "I am terrible in comparison to you gentlemen."

"Nonsense we'd love to hear you play. Isn't that right lads?"

"Aye o'coorse. Who wouldn't want a bonny young lass sing?" added Kiba.

"I am very flattered sirs but I must decline. I wish to turn in."

"Very well, leave us dreaming. Good night love" said Naruto.

The group all wished each other their evening pleasantries before the young princess laid herself on top of her sleep roll. Even with the sun completely hidden behind the horizon, the night was still warm and she saw no reason to use her canvas sheet. Staring at the stars that dotted the clear night sky, it did not take her long to fall asleep; sounds of music and images of magic filling her head.

xXx

The following day was rather uneventful. And with the festival only beginning at six in the evening, it was not surprising. Nevertheless, Hinata took full advantage of her free time to prepare herself for the festivities. She quickly realized however that she had run into a rather large problem. She wanted to finally wear her new dress but was having a great deal of difficulty getting into it. While most would find it a blessing to have a staff of servants to help with such a task, the young princess learned that is was also a curse. What made matters worse was that the dress she was trying to wear had a corset and thus needed another person to tighten the lacing. One the plus side, she could immediately tell that this dress and corset was not made like the ones she owned at home; this one was actually comfortable to wear.

What was she to do now? Asking the others for help was out of the question as she could never handle the embarrassment of a man attending to her dress. Naruto first came to mind but she knew that he was the worse choice of all. On second thought Kiba would be the worst choice, but she could already hear the kind of remarks the blond thief would make if he asked him for such a favor. She could ask Choji or Sasuke as they, unlike the others, seemed to show some self control. But it was clear that they had no idea how to tie a corset properly. She could instruct them of course but once again felt the embarrassment would reach a level that she couldn't handle. That then left…

"I can help" said a voice.

Hinata quickly looked over her shoulder to see it was none other than the scholar. She immediately covered herself thought she wasn't showing any skin other than what was showing in between the back opening of the corset.

"Mr. Áalihte!" she said probably a bit more harshly than she intended.

"Forgive me, I was not peeking on you. I was just walking back to camp to grab a few things" he said sincerely.

If it was any other man she would not believe it but Shikamaru was different. Even more so, she knew how much he loved Temari and that he would never betray her.

"I believe you sir, but how could you help me?" she asked.

"I do know how to tie a corset your majesty" he said taking a step forward and began to work on the lacing. Hinata jumped a little at his forwardness and could feel her cheeks burning red. Nevertheless, she did her best to hide her embarrassment and remain focused.

"A-And may I ask how a man such as yourself would come to acquire knowledge on women's corsets Mr. Áalihte?" she asked so that there would not be an unbearable silence.

"Books" Shikamaru said simply. A most obvious answer. Hinata couldn't help laughing at its obviousness.

"Yes that would be the case wouldn't it? Although Mr. Áalihte, what is the reason for you offering your help?"

"I have to return the favour do I not?" he said matter-of-factly. Though Shikamaru was unable to see the face of the princess, fixed upon it was a warm smile. His kindness once again made her feel safe, much like how Naruto did.

When the scholar finished with the lacing, he took a step back allowing the princess to turn and face him. The dress she wore was a long baby blue and white one. The sleeves were extended and wider at the wrists a little over 2 feet, but with the sleeves from the elbow up stitched to be comfortable but close fitting. Up the middle of the dress from the bottom to the top of the front opening of the corset was a lightly bluish white, as well as the inside of the sleeves and a stripe that around the bicep on both arms. The lacing of the corset was a matching blue on both sides and made the dress caress her perfect hourglass frame. Hinata held her hands before her with her right hand over her left as she waited to her what Shikamaru thought.

"You are very beautiful in that dress your highness" he complimented with a small bow.

Though Hinata's cheeks were already pink from before, they darkened another few shades thanks to his words.

"Thank you very much Mr. Áalihte, though I do believe Princess Temari would be quite jealous if you continue to complement other women."

"She would probably hit me with something yes" he admitted which earned him a few giggles from the young southern woman.

"Do not worry Sir Shikamaru, I will not tell a soul" she swore honestly. "Thank you so much for helping me. You did a wonderful job."

"Is it not too tight? I cannot wrap my mind around how women can wear such things."

"I concur, however for the first time in my life I found that is not tightened around me like sails to a mast" she laughed placing a hand on her stomach. 'Though I'm pretty sure that's because it isn't crushing my breasts like my maids always make me' she thought.

"Shall I walk you to the festival?" Shikamaru said offering his arm.

"You shall, for this rare act of gentlemanliness is one I have never seen from you" Hinata said teasingly taking his arm.

As they walked, Hinata took notice of the scholar's attire which was even more strange than usual. He wore what seemed to be a form of regalia, but not like one she had ever seen before. Though the most predominant colour of his attire was blue, there was a massive rainbow of colours present across the entire regalia. Many thin strings of leather dyed in more colours than she could list were attached to his sleeves at the shoulders and from the waist. His hair, still braided from the previous day rested on his shoulders and chest with added beads and other trinkets and a bare of eagle feathers in the back. Very flashy and not his style in the slightest.

"May I ask what you are wearing?" she asked him.

"These are the dress clothes of my people. I felt it was appropriate for this evening" he replied without looking at her. Hinata wanted to ask him who his people were but thought better of it.

When they finally arrived at the festival, Hinata was blown away. The town was an otherworldly mix of bright lights, smells, and sounds. If she thought it was crowed the day before, she was put in her place now. There were thousands of men, women, and children filling the streets which in turn were making the many venders work at breakneck speed to keep up with their demand. She was feeling slightly over whelmed from it all, but once again her curiosity was pulling her through.

After exploring for a short while, Hinata and Shikamaru arrived to the massive town square which was packed with eager festival goers. They all were anxious for something but she wasn't quite sure what. Whatever it may be, it definitely had something to do with the large stage assembled in the square, which Hinata then realized was cleared.

"If you would excuse me your highness, I must attend a prior engagement" said Shikamaru before disappearing into the crowd. Hinata quickly turned around to stop him as she did not want to be left alone. But her voice was swallowed by the crowd as it immediately kicked to life drawing her attention back to the stage. Atop the stage was and old but handsome man dressed in expensive looking dark blue dress robes weaved with beautiful patterns in gold thread. Matching the patterns where cuts of gold fabric stitched into the open folds of the robes. To top off his attire, the man had a large white collar of white fur dotted with a few black spots and a black Velveteen flat hat on his head. Who was he?

"That would be Duca Bastiano Jacopo. The duke and mayor of Andantino del Unicorno" said Naruto from behind. Hinata quickly looked to her right to see Naruto dressed in a black hooded cloak that barely showed his face. She was going to ask him how yet again he knew what she was going to say but he cut her off. "He is about to give his annual speech to officially open the festival. Allow me to translate."

With his left hand he flicked both his index and middle finger causing a blue light to tail from the tips. As the Duke began to speak, his words began to fade from Italiano into Anglisc.

"Signore e signori, benvenuti al Festival di Love and Song!" he bellowed causing the crowd to cheer. "It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all these evening and introduce our wonderful musicians who will be performing for us. Los Leones de Andalucía (The Lions of Andalucía), Die Söhne der Wölfe von Hessen (The Sons of Wolves of Hesse), As Filhas da Moura Encantada (The Daughters of the Enchanted Moura) from Bracari, our very own Disciples of Apollo!"

Though the crowd had cheered for every musical group thus far, they gave a far more vocal welcome to their home group.

"And finally, after a year of absence, I am very pleased to welcome back Tónlistarmenn Braga (Bragi's Musicians)!"

The crowd burst into thunderous applause and cheers as none other than Hinata's own escort walked onto the stage.

"That's my cue" said Naruto vanishing from behind Hinata, and reappearing on the stage in a ball of fire. He threw off his cloak with his arms spread causing the crowd to applaud once again. He wore a flashy crimson red suit with golden flowers and runes embroidered on the lapels downward to the bottom of the suit and on the overturned sleeves. Underneath he had a white frilled shirt that collected under his collar and a matching crimson waistcoat on top of his shirt. He also wore matching crimson trousers with golden buttons, and red leather shoes. As flashy as he was, he did look handsome in that suit.

"Ladies and Gentlemen of Andantino del Unicorno, it is a wonderful pleasure to see you all again" Naruto began. "Please forgive us for not coming to last year's festival but we were engrossed for most of the year. But now we are here and we are ready to play beautiful music for you this evening. Are you ready?"

The crowd bucked up again causing a smile to spread across his face. "Then let us begin! Take your lovers and partners to the floor for now we must pay our respects to Lo Spirito Della Foresta! (The Spirit of the Forest)."

As the crowd began to shift around allowing dancers to enter the spot light, many began to notice Hinata. Several young men came up to her to ask for a dance, but were, as politely as she could, turned away. Though some left disappointed, some were not as easy to get rid of. This did not go unnoticed by the blond mage and shot them a flash of killing indent to ward them off. And with that, he and his Tónlistarmenn began to play.

Nel timido soffio del vento
Al nuovo sorriso del sol
Si scopre la valle dorata
Incanto d'anima e cor

Sentiero che ormai ti nascondi
Rivela la via che fu
Tra quercia castano ed abete
Al nostro passo silente

(In the timid breath of the wind

And the new smile of the sun

It turns the valley golden

Enchanting the soul and heart

The path that now you hide

Reveals the path that once was

Among oak, chestnut and fir

To our silent passage)

Odori sfumati nel senso

Colori ormai senza età

Tra resine ed erbe inebrianti

Tra ombra e verità

Leggiadra visione di sogno

E di parallela realtà

Trascende l'umana coscienza

Pacando il mio fiero ardore

(The odors feed my senses

Colors become ageless

Among intoxicating resins and herbs

Between shadows and truth

Elegant scenes of dreams

And of parallel realities

Transcends the human consciousness

To calm is my fierce passion)

Or splende in me la tua luce

Nel suo riflesso pace ed amor

Il verde intimo manto

E della roccia il grigio pudore

Incanto e pura energia

Ricolma d'antica saggezza

Io canto la tua meraviglia

Divina e mistica essenza

Incanto e vera magia

Tra neve rugiada e tempesta

Nel sogno mito e leggenda

Lo spirito della foresta

(Now shine your light onto me

In his reflection of peace and love

The green inner mantle

And the grey rock of modesty

Charm and pure energy

Filled with ancient wisdom

I sing of your wonder

Divine and mystical essence

Real magic and enchantment

Between dew and snow storms

In the dream, myth and legend

The spirit of the forest)

Ti amo o madre natura
O vita che data mi fu
Or splendi scintilla infinita
Tra il verde il grigio ed il blu

Vi amo creature dei boschi

Pulsanti di vita e ancor più

Custodi d'astrali pensieri

Che a noi si celano arcani

(I love you, o Mother Nature

And the life that was given to me

Or shine spark endless

Among the green, gray and blue

I love woodland creatures

The key of life and even more

Keepers of the astral thoughts

That we are hidden mysteries)

Or splende in me la tua luce

Nel suo riflesso pace ed amor

Il verde intimo manto

E della roccia il grigio pudore

Incanto e pura energia

Ricolma d'antica saggezza

Io canto la tua meraviglia

Divina e mistica essenza

Incanto e vera magia

Tra neve rugiada e tempesta

Nel sogno mito e leggenda

Lo spirito della foresta

(Now shine your light onto me

In his reflection of peace and love

The green inner mantle

And the grey rock of modesty

Charm and pure energy

Filled with ancient wisdom

I sing of your wonder

Divine and mystical essence

Real magic and enchantment

Between dew and snow storms

In the dream, myth and legend

The spirit of the forest)

Both the crowd and the dancers applauded the young thieves which they graciously accepted. Taking advantage of the energy of the masses, they carried on with several more songs varying from high spirited to slow love songs. Throughout this time many more men approached the young princess to ask for her company to the dance floor. Again and again she politely declined their offers. When it seemed to have calmed down, she took a moment to ask herself why she was turning them down. There was no harm in dancing with one of these handsome and good hearted young men (for the most part). It was clearly a far better environment than the confined and boorish balls she had attended her entire life where dancing was nothing more than a prelude to marriage.

Here however was a much different case. Everyone from the oldest to the youngest had come together to laugh, sing and dance, eat, and drink in celebration. To celebrate life, love, music, and happiness. How different her life was. All she had ever known was a strict and terribly boring existence where one must stand up straight, speak only when spoken to, and mind one's manners or else one could insult an entire lineage. Not only had she dreamed of such places and events, but read of them constantly in her story books that she kept hidden in her room; away from her father who despised such tomes. Her uncle on the other hand would always tell her tales of festivals he had attended in faraway lands and feasts with Dwarves, Elves, Dragons, pirates, and Vikings. Whether they we true accounts she did not know, but believed them all the same. She had dreamed of such things, and now she was taking part of them first hand. Hinata truly considered herself blessed.

As Naruto concluded his final song, he introduced once again the local troop revealing that he and the leader of the Disciples of Apollo were acquainted. After sharing a few words, the group of thieves left the stage to mingle with the crowd who were already offering them food, drink, and company. Surprising to Hinata, Naruto walked straight to her with a confidant grin that only he could pull off without looking smug.

"Good evening your highness" he greeted politely with a bow.

"Good evening Naruto" she said returning his courtesy. "You and the others played beautifully."

"But only if we had played as beautifully as you look, THEN we would have stolen the show."

"Oh you jest!" Hinata cried blushing at his compliment "You are the ones who deserve the flattery."

"I do not jest love, especially when you have nearly every man here trying to dance with you, you have clearly stolen the show. You are absolutely stunning" he assured her with an honest warm smile, and a kiss on her right hand.

Never in all her life, had Hinata blushed as deeply as she did at that very moment. She had been complimented greatly, she had been embarrassed, but this, this was getting the better of her. She prayed that the lights of the festival would cover her burning red cheeks as it would be extremely apparent on her snow white skin. Nevertheless, she did all she could to keep her composure.

"Thank you very much Naruto. You look…handsome in your suit."

"Oh now YOU jest my dear. This really isn't my scene.

"Perhaps…" admitted the princess "But I am having difficulty coming up of a different compliment for you other than 'dashing'."

"Dashing!" laughed the blond "Now we know who is really taking the piss."

"Why don't we ask your admirers?" pointed out the princess as a group of girls who gazing at Naruto. He merely smirked.

"Nevertheless, while this isn't where I fit in most, I do find it rather relaxing. Just to enjoy life in all its splendor would be a welcome calm to the life I've lead since I was a lad. Even though I long to travel over land and sea, and run wild with the wolves and fly with the ravens, a quiet life would be splendid" he said with folded arms looking to the night sky.

The mage's moment of grandeur was cut short however where a soft smooth hand touched his forehead. He looked to see it was Hinata with an almost concerned look on her face.

"Yes?" he asked.

"You are being far too humble. I'm checking if you have fever" she said.

After a momentary pause, Naruto burst out laughing. She was starting to know him well and it amused him to no end. "Thank you for your concern Hinata, but I am alright. I just have my moments of weakness like anyone else. And going back to admirers, you have quite a few yourself."

"Yes…thank you for trying to keep them at bay" she said honestly.

"You noticed?"

"Yes I did. And while I thank you for your concern, there is no need to go as far as giving someone one of your death stares. As you saw I politely turned them down and they left me be."

"True my dear, but someone has to look out for you" Naruto said winking at her. "But, why aren't you dancing with anyone this evening? Isn't this more of your scene? The fancy dress and so forth."

"Oh heavens no! I wish that it was more like this in the South. And do not get me started on the clothing! As beautiful as my dresses are, they are a nightmare to wear" correct Hinata.

"And the one I gave you?" asked the blond gesturing to it.

The princess took a breath before speaking, feeling her cheek warming up once again. "I have never owned such a wonderful garment. It fits perfectly and it truly is beautiful. Thank you so much Naruto."

"Are you sure?" he asked with genuine worry. "I know that finding top quality clothing is difficult in this part of the world-"

"No no! It's wonderful!" interrupted Hinata "Really it is. I cannot thank you enough."

The blond couldn't help smiling at her honesty. But then saw an opportunity that I he could not pass up. "Well then, do tell your highness, why haven't you accepted a dance this fine evening?"

Hinata immediately froze at the question. Not only because she was not expecting it, but due to the fact that she asked that question herself. She had no answer to why she turned down every young man that wanted to dance with her. It wasn't because she did not know how to dance far from it, she had been taught to dance ever since she was young and loved it. So why was she not on the dance floor?

"I…do not know" she answered honestly "I would love nothing more than to dance on such a wonderful evening. And what of yourself?"

"Oh I'm just waiting to ask a certain someone" he said nonchalantly.

This made Hinata freeze. He was waiting for someone?

"Who are you waiting for?" she managed to ask. Naruto look a step forward and caused a red rose to appear with magic and placed it on her right ear.

"You."

"M-Me?" she asked feeling her face burning. Why was she getting as flustered? She was even stuttering in front of him and it made her feel like a child. She was more mature than that!

"Aye love. Since I paid for that dress, am I not entitled to one dance?"

"I suppose so…" she said. Though she was disappointed by his reasoning, Hinata held up her hand to be taken by the blond and walked to the centre of the town square. The troop on stage, the town's favourite, began to play a slow somber ballad. Though it was similar to the music she had grown up with, there was a difference that was very much present. There was more passion and care into both the composition and the lyrics. While she did feel her heart skip a beat when he placed his hand on her waist, she managed to recover fast enough so that she didn't trip over her own feet.

"You dance very well" complimented Hinata.

"As do you" replied Naruto with a smile.

"Where did you learn?"

"My master taught me a long time ago" admitted Naruto. "He was most insistent on that."

Hinata giggled imagining a young Naruto being taught how to dance and how cute he must have looked flustered with learning dance steps.

They danced several more times with varying rhythms with each new song. Due to the nature of the music, Hinata was feeling the strain on her body, but in a good way. If she had been wearing her old dresses, it would have been unbearable. She and Naruto took a break on one of the benches where food and drink were laid out for the festival goers.

"Enjoying yourself love?" asked Naruto not even out of breath.

"Oh I'm alright" assured Hinata breathing a little heavily as a bead of sweat rolled down the side of her face.

"Liquore di Lamponi?" offered the blond with his usual casual suavely behaviour. The princess took the small glass of the cold peony coloured drink and enjoyed its cooling raspberry flavour.

"Thank you" she said placing the glass back onto the table "I haven't had this much fun in years."

"Oh? Your life is that boring is it? You need to get out more" teased Naruto with a cocky grin.

Hinata couldn't help smiling back. Why was his cockiness so amusing to her? She had the misfortune of dealing with cocky aristocrats her entire life and she couldn't stand them. But for some strange reason, it gave him an attractive and likeable charm, though she wouldn't dare admit that to him.

"Thank you, Naruto..." she said finally "...for all of this. I know you and the others came here on your own accord and I am just traveling with you, but it is still a wonderful experience. So for that, thank you."

Naruto stopping drinking from his tankard to look at Hinata curiously. Her sincerity was genuine as it always was; which was a quality that he had never seen in the nobility. She was in a class all be herself.

"Don't mention it love" he said getting her attention as she raised his tankard to her. "The more the merrier." As he drained the contents of his tankard, he paused before speaking once more. "Hinata...would you like to join me for one last dance?"

The princess looked up at him not expecting him to use her name, which she noticed he was finally using more and more often. When she looked him in the eyes, she noticed there was something there. He always had a wild mysterious look in his deep azure eyes. But this time, they were a little softer. It was almost as if they had some sadness in them. Hinata wasn't sure why there was such a mix of emotions visible in the young man's eyes, but she felt mesmerized by them as she had before and agreed for their last dance allowing him to take her hand.

As they walked towards the centre of the square, the leader of the music troop from the town called Mercutio noticed them and couldn't help grinning. A rival of Naruto's in the art of music making, he couldn't pass up the chance of teasing him a bit. He exchanged words with the rest of his troop and prepared to play. One of the band members began to strum his guitar giving the dancers the chance to feel the rhythm of the song. (a/n: I decided to go with "Florence Tarantella" from Assassin's Creed II by Jesper Kyd).

It was clear that the mage was more familiar with the rhythm of both the song and the style of dancing. Hinata was more used to slower paced ballroom dance but was quickly learning from Naruto's lead. What she didn't realize however, was that she and the blond mage were the only dancers in the square, making them the centre of attention to the other festival goers. Hinata had been so focused on dancing with the blond and maintaining eye contact that she hadn't noticed. Naruto was no better as he too was focused on Hinata to notice what was going on. This was very unlike him, to completely lose focus of his surroundings. And even more so, he didn't care.

The couple danced very close to one another making it look as if more than once they were about to embrace. When they would spin wide of one another, they would pull each other back together with mere inches separating them. This allowed the young woman to experience more than she had before. She could smell Naruto manly scent, his warm breath on her neck when he was behind her, and his touch on her waist as his hand slide back and forth across her hips. It was electrifying and she could feel her heart pounding. She felt a form of freedom that had never felt before. She wasn't held down by the rules of the society she had grown up in. Instead, the young princess of the Southern Kingdom was free to absorb this new world and all it had to offer. Hinata laughed aloud unable to contain her feelings. She absolutely loved it.

This was not a one-sided experience, as Naruto too was feeling new sensations. Hinata was a beautiful young woman and he would admit that without shame. And she had amazing body; that he could admit with even less shame. But there was something bewitching about her that we could not put into words. Her snow white skin, her indigo hair, her pearl eyes, her curvaceous body, her kind and stubborn motherly personality, her smile inducing cuteness. He had no choice. Princess Hinata was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. To complement her beauty, her smile that had been present the entire evening, a smile more radiant than he could describe, matched with the dazzling lights of the festival made her stand out even more. How could someone that beautiful exist in the mortal world? And how did he not notice it to this extend before? Naruto was not alone in this strain of thought.

Unbeknownst to the dancing couple, all the participants of the festival had taken noticed of them and watched them with admiration. They could see the romance blossoming between the young adults as they danced under the stars, twirling across the dance floor like maple seeds spinning in the air. They saw how they looked one another in the eyes and smiled as they held each other tenderly. How could these there two not be in love?

This did not go unnoticed.

From on the side of the crowd, Sasuke, Shikamaru, Kiba, and Choji were watching the young couple with less than pleased looks on their faces.

"You don't think..." began Kiba.

"Impossible" cut off Shikamaru without taking his eyes of his boss. "He's not that stupid."

While they danced, Hinata began to contemplate upon what she was feeling. She felt so safe in his arms; safer than she had ever felt. Why was that? Why did she feel so safe in the arms of a wild outlaw with no fear of danger even when it stared him in the face? Such a reckless and stubborn man that was clearly a heartbreaker. How could anyone feel safe with him?

And yet she did. When she was around him she felt safe and free. When looking him in those beautiful wild azure eyes she felt happiness, a happiness she had never known. It made her think back to what Matsuri had said, that she saw a connection between herself and Naruto. Though she did not know if Naruto was feeling the same way or feeling some kind of connection, she was beginning to feel there was something. Ever since she started this journey alongside this small group of thieves until now, she had a feeling growing in her stomach. A fluttering sensation of butterflies that she had never felt before that made her heart skip, and then pound like a drum. Naruto's smile, his touch, his laugh, the way he told stories, his charisma (as cocky as it was). Everything about him made her happy.

She looked up at his handsome face and peered into his deep blue eyes.

'What are these feelings?' she asked him in her thoughts alone. 'Could it be...?'

What she did not realize was how their faces were not far from one another. Naruto, who was now looking down and into her beautiful pearl eyes, saw the expression on her face. It was a soft longing look that made him feel something in his chest; a feeling that completely foreign to him. The pair began to slowly lean closer as the final note of the violin was played.

Suddenly, a single loud firework shrieked into the sky before exploding into a ball of white light. This caused both the young travelers and the crowd to quickly turn to the night sky. The crowd immediately became excited and moved away from the town square.

"What is going on?" asked Hinata confused.

"Quickly, come with me!" said Naruto taking her hand and pulling her away from the square towards the edge of the town and into the forest. The only ones who did not move where the other thieves, who looked at each other with worry.

"Are you sure?" asked Kiba again clearly not convinced.

"I assure you huntsman" said Sasuke "He is not that foolish."

(a/n: This whole scene is a huge homage to the Pasodoble scene in "The Mask of Zorro", one of my all time favourite movies. It took me a while to find a song that matched the scene in my head without it being sexual, but I think I made the appropriate choice.)

xXx

Naruto lead the princess to a secluded area near the village that overlooked a small clearing with a brook slithering under the stars. On the edge of the bluff was a bench made of stone which appeared to be where Naruto planned to go.

"There are two large firework displays during the festival" explained the blond. "On the first night to bless the festival at sunset, and a second to end the festival. This is the best place to watch them."

He led Hinata around the bench before they both sat upon it, and taking a moment to rest from the dance. Unconsciously they rested on each other's shoulders as the fireworks began to soar into the large night sky. They did not speak for the entire spectacle, but as they watched, they continued to ponder over their previous thoughts and feelings.

'I wish you were here, Uncle' Hinata thought. 'I don't understand what I'm feeling. And what I think I'm feeling, scares me too much to admit. You always told me to be patient and keep a level head, as those are the qualities that make a great ruler. I will try to wait and see if my feelings are true, even though I am torn if they are right or wrong.'

Naruto too was confused by his feelings.

'Freyja my goddess, why did you send your most bewitching daughter to me?' he thought. 'I do not know what you made her do to me, but I thank you for making her so incredible.'

The young couple continued to watch the night sky light up with a beautiful mixture of colours; new feelings in their hearts and new questions left unanswered. However, there would be many more new feelings they would be experiences before getting the answers they sought.

Next Chapter: The Lion of the North

Songs:

"I am a Cider Drinker". Originally by The Wurzels but I prefer the Alestorm cover.

"The Goblin's Song" by Spellblast

"March of Cambreadth" by (at the time) Heather Alexander. She had a sex change I believe and goes by Alexander James Adams now. Probably one of my all time favourite war songs.

"The Warrior's Way" by Manowar. Ya it's a shame that I didn't actually come up with that back-story for Hinata, but ever since I started coming up with this story, this tale stuck out and I felt I needed to include it somehow. Also I am a HUGE fan of Manowar so I just had to get them in here XD.

"Heroes of the Waterfalls' Kingdom Chapter 1: Lo Spirito Della Foresta" by Rhapsody of Fire. Though this band has sadly degraded to an audio book rip-off of The Lord of the Rings and forcing a confused and very old Christopher Lee to narrate it, this is a great song that shows of their skill with medieval instruments and scales. Also, as you could probably tell, I translated the song myself. This song has no official English translation (not even in the lyric booklet) and I am certain is written in a dialect of some kind; which is probably the case as the main band members are from Trieste Italy which dialect shows a slight mix of Slavic and German. I did the best I could while throwing rhyme out the window. I recommend just playing the song off of Youtube.