teven had decided to give up and go home when he met a wise old sage. “What is troubling you my son?” asked the sage.
So Steven told him his tale; he spoke of his friend, and the knight, the minstrel, and the elf, the limner, and the alchemist. “And now,” continued Steven, “I am going home.”
The sage stroked his beard thoughtfully. “Young Steven,” he said, “you have been deceived into believing that the most precious gift is something you can purchase or find. That is not so. The most precious and unique gift is that which only you can give her, and further more, that which you can give to only one person. Look instead within for the answer.” With that the old sage departed.
Steven rushed to the palace, full of excitement. When he arrived he demanded to see the princess, for he had brought her the most precious gift. Reluctantly, the palace guards let him in and brought him before the princess.