Disclaimer: I don't own Tamora Pierce.

I sighed as I looked out off into the distance. The water was gently pushing the boat down the river, down towards home. The sun was setting and still there was work to be done. I'd hoped there would be time to see my man, my Tomlin but if my gut was right, I didn't think I would.

Looking up, I saw that we were about to dock. Scanning my eyes along the land I was glad to see familiar sights and sounds as I stood up to take my leave.

"Hey Miss!" yelled a young runner. I recognized him from My Lord Gershom's house.

"Yes?" my eyes scanning his appearance taking in everything from the scuff marks on his boots to the small scar on his chin.

"I'm ta give ya a message, Ma'am," handing a scrap piece of paper to me the boy, ran as soon as his job was done.

Reading the contents I left at a brisk pace making my way to the appointed location.

Entering the residence of Lord Gershom's I made my way to the library where I was told to wait. I had just walked into the room when the man himself walked in. "My Lord."

"Sit, we don't have much time."

Taking a seat, I handed the reports to him as I quickly summarised what had been going on, making sure I didn't leave out any important details. His eyes scanned the pages quickly taking in everything that had been written.

"Why isn't Cooper here with you?" his eyes were sharp as he gazed into my face.

"My Lord, Cooper and I both thought that it would be better if she stayed. She could keep getting information and still keep an eye out on 'certain people.'" I gave him a look which he nodded in understanding. "The more information we have the better and I know she is capable of succeeding, she maybe a first year dog but she's smart."

He nodded in agreement. "I know what you mean Goodwin but still…"

I sighed. "It was her idea and her reasoning's are logical; otherwise I'd have bought her back with me. You know me Milord, if I didn't think she could do it, I wouldn't have left her there."

He nodded again as he rose. "I trust you Clary. It's just even though she's old enough to do this, I just worry sometimes," giving me a half smile he said. "Just don't tell her that."

I smiled in return. "I know Milord. I worry about her too sometimes. If it's not one thing, its another but she's stubborn and she'll hold on. After all that's what being a dog is all about. If anyone can do it she can, just don't tell her I said that." I said looking away and out the window. To be perfectly honest I was worried about her but I wouldn't tell Milord that. The sooner we got back to Port Caynn the better. "Shall we go Milord?"

"You're right, let's get moving. I have people already in place to leave. I'll fill you in on the details as we travel.

Hoping things were as I left them in Port Caynn, I followed but knowing Cooper, well she was a terrier and once she had the scent she would keep on going to the end. I only hoped I would get there in time to be able to keep an eye on her.

"I'm getting too old for this," I murmured as we went to meet up with the rest of group.

A/N: This is my first TP fic so I hope its ok. I'm not completely happy with it but I hope its ok. My main idea was to show how Goodwin felt about Beka. I may re-write it later. Anyway, comments/reviews are welcomed.

Thanks for reading,

Fantasy