Once upon a time there was the valiant Sir Scout and his gentle Lady Tammy

It had come to him in a dream, deep in the night when all was still and quiet. As he lay at rest in the Scottish hills, Sir Scout heard his beloved, the gentle Lady Tammy, calling to him, "Sir Scout, my handsome Scout, wherefore art thou for I am in peril and in need of your valiant heart!" Her plea drifted to his ears on the evening wind, across the Scottish moors and valleys penetrating his slumber and rustling his soul.

Sir Scout awoke without hesitation knowing that he must visit the Wizard of Wonderful Things - for the Wizard was the only one that could guide him on his quest to rescue the fair and gentle Lady Tammy - his true love - his destiny.

As dawn broke over the hillside of his beloved Scotland, Sir Scout made his way to the Wizard's cave. From the old Wizard's chest of magic and mystery, Sir Scout received the Mystical Sword of the Mighty Golden Retrievers. Its power would protect he and his Lady against all slayers and evil-doers rendering them helpless to thwart Sir Scout's mission to bring the gentle Lady Tammy to the safety of his paws. On the accompanying shield - the shield of l♥ve - was emblazoned with the image of his fair Lady Tammy to guide him on his journey to Castle Dark; for the Lady Tammy possessed a heart bright with goodness and light.

Sir Scout began his mission in earnest, and without fear, for his was a ♥ of gold. He traveled long and far, strengthened by the Wizard's whisper on the evening wind when he grew weary. Sir Scout's determined vigilance carried him over hills and through valleys, crossing streams and through forests thick with the scent of pine - until he came to Castle Dark. Gazing up at the sinister structure looming before his path, he knew she was in there - his Lady Tammy - hidden deep within the castle walls. In a dungeon? In one of the turrets? Wherever she was, Sir Scout knew that he must bring her to freedom and surround her with the purity of his golden ♥.

He waited a moment, at the foot of the drawbridge, gathering his courage and beckoning strength from deep within his soul. All was black within the castle walls except for one bright light streaming from a window high. Sir Scout's ears perked and strained to hear the Wizard's commands - his hackles stood on end. His eyes glistened with determined focus. He felt no fear. His sword and shield would protect him throughout - his h♥art's desire and love would lead him to her. He entered Castle Dark with stealth and speed. He would find her for there was no other path to follow.

And so it was done.

The two sweethearts departed Castle Dark together - toward a future of golden bliss. Sir Scout could not believe that the Lady Tammy was at his side, more beautiful than ever, softer and sweeter than he had even remembered her to be. 'Twas a dream brought forth by heaven's great angels. The two ran swiftly and surely - one by the side of the other knowing that never again would they part.

They paused in the cool, pre-dawn Scottish mist - Castle Dark behind them - but a memory. Sir Scout lay his sword and shield beside the gentle Lady Tammy. He knew there was no further need of them for goodness and kindness would follow them all the days of their lives.

As the sword left his paw, Sir Scout felt the strong magic of the Wizard pulse through his body once more. The image of Lady Tammy on his shield - the one that had led him to her - had turned into a h♥art full of love and peaceful tranquility. For with the fair maiden at his side, Sir Scout knew that all the days ahead would be filled with joy.

(Heartfelt gratitude and thanks to sweet Ann of Zoolatry for her magical images and lollipop dreams and for her inspiration and contribution to this story line.)

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