As Keladry of Mindelan and Tobeis Boon rode through the woods, conversation was scarce. They were on their way back to New Hope and Neal was still half asleep in his saddle. Though they had known each other for years they were still uncomfortable with casual conversation.

Finally Kel broke the awkward silence, "Who are you looking forward to seeing the most, Tobe?"

Tobe blinked at her, a mischievous grin crossing his face, "Well Gydo, and Loey… and you Lady, who would you be looking forward to seeing the most?"
Kel blushed at the hint, she knew what he was thinking, but he continued, "A certain cousin of Sir Nealan's, I'd imagine."

Smiling broadly now, Kel groaned and thought to herself 'have I been away from the Yamani's that long?'

Kel groaned again flushing furiously as she saw who had ridden up to join them. A very sleepy Neal asked, "What did I miss?" with a yawn, stretching his arms, but he seemed to be far more awake now. 'He must have realized that we'll see Yuki soon.' Kel thought.

"Nothing important, trust me." Said Kel as she shot a glare at Tobe which clearly informed him to keep his mouth shut. He took the hint and was silent.

They talked of uneventful but cheery things, afraid that if they stopped talking Neal would start on philosophy or poetry about Yuki's eyebrows.

As they made camp for the night, the three travelers were in good spirits. They would be reaching New Hope the next day with warm baths and good food. When the three finally split off for sleep Kel unfurled her bedroll furthest from the fire. It was a summer night and things were hot enough as it was.

Kel tossed and turned in her bedroll but sleep never came, she finally got up and decided to take a walk to clear her head. She left Neal and Tobe a note so that if they woke up and found her missing, they wouldn't worry. The further she got away, these troubles dropped off her shoulders.
  
She finally stopped at a slowly gurgling stream; she dipped her hands in and splashed cool water on her face and neck. She had no trouble finding a soft place to sit with the glow of the full moon around her. She leaned back and sighed happily, closing her eyes. She knew better than to fall asleep there, though. As she got up to return to camp a rock struck her down, she was only dimly aware of a large shape approaching her and bending to pick her up before completely blacking out.