And so it went that the young man, filled with self loathing and regret, cast himself into isolation at his family's cottage in the wilderness the following autumn. He and his trusted redheaded fur-child abandoned many modern comforts in order for him to focus inwards on what exactly it was that had cast such an inky shade upon his psyche.

Not all was biscuits and bonbons in that time. Going without socialization and modern comforts weighed heavy on his mind, forcing him to substitute Rascal's conversational skills for all that he had lost outside the cottage. Talks were mostly one sided and dull considering that Rascal was not even a year old, stood less than a foot tall and spoke mostly in whimpers, growls and barks. He was a cattle dog after all.

The winter was long and healthy for the two. While they lived apart and had little to no contact, they both began to come into their own. After he left the hillside cottage to move back with family in the North lands that spring, they remained mostly out of touch for another few years.

It wasn't until the two of them crossed paths several years down the road that they would discover how much they had both grown, but somehow managed to remain the same as they had always been.

It was the day of the annual, "Sleighs and Tankards" festival in Crested Butte. The man had since moved back to the valley, but remained cloistered between his work and home for fear of succumbing to the same old sickness; But today, of all days, was a cause for celebration! His brothers were visiting with his eldest brother's bride-to-be in tow! Music, dancing, sleighs and libations to witness the fast-approaching Spring! What a wonderful time to be had!

The group set off from the neighboring village that morning in their most appropriate celebratory garb. They arrived to a spirited gathering of eccentric and lively revelers dressed in all manner of fantastical clothing while sliding down the well groomed track.

The crowd was nearly impenetrable as they drew close to the entrance, when out of nowhere appeared the most beautiful and familiar face from his past.

They locked eyes as she strode by; and in that moment, he knew he had to speak with her. If for nothing else but to clear the air between the two, he must seek an audience with his past love. In the midst of the chaotic and jovial atmosphere, he spotted an opportunity and took a chance. An opportunity that would prove most fortunate for the two - for upon this chance encounter would lay the foundation of a great future together.

Though he abandoned his brothers and future sister-in-law that evening, all involved would be happy to see themselves gain another sister in turn.

They took their time in the interim. They began to date once again, eventually sharing a home before an unexpected proposal on the ski lift where they first met just a couple years later.

Eventually it came time for them strike out on their own. They left the mountainous paradise for the Northern plains to start their adventure together. The year that followed tested all aspects of their relationship, but they persevered. They also adopted another redheaded beastly companion that they called Cedar. She was a cat in dog form.

The loving couple and their furry compatriots quietly returned to the mountains one day the next June and declared their love for one another in a ceremony witnessed only by the two lovely dogs and the obligatory photography-witch to record the memories made.

In many other fairy tales, the narrator would wrap up the ending with a simple, "and they lived happily ever after". Though this is but the prologue of their journey together. More stories will be written of this beautiful couple. Only time will tell what the world has in store for them, but for now, we will leave these lovers in peace to build a life with one another.

***The fairy tale style story started as a joke but was very fun to write. I hope anybody reading it enjoyed it as well.***