The three days journey to Kelmskeep passed quietly. Even Eli's normally cheerful demeanor was gone, leaving the whole party silent. It was not a huge change for Sari, who was used to traveling by himself. He kept his focus mainly on the road and keeping them all fed and warm, tasks which didn't necessarily require much conversation.

However, Eli's new mood worried him. The Healer didn't complain, but he also wasn't himself, and it made Sari a little nervous. Sidra was harder to read; she was always serene and calm, and they had erected up walls between them for now, so Sari couldn't even Feel her with his slight Empathy. Sari had been so focused on getting them to their destination that he had missed how much the issues between the three of them had affected their journey.

That is, until Sari realized how cold it was. It was easier for him, the Herald used to traveling on Circuit, but Sidra and Eli were assigned to the Palace. The difference in temperature that the few hundred miles between K'Valdemar Vale and the Palace made was more easily felt by his two companions, who were not used to being exposed to the elements for long periods of time like himself.

The last day was the worst. Sari couldn't help but admire how long they had hidden it, how cold they had felt. It truly wasn't until that day that he realized how bad it was. Sari had ridden ahead to scout out the road ahead, only to come back to find both of them on Jereth. Sidra shivered only a little, trying to stay composed, but Eli was huddled against her back, shuddering violently.

"There's a Waystation ahead," Sari said as he and Auberon approached. "Kelmskeep is still a few hours away, but we can stop there for the night. Warm up." It was rare for a Companion to carry anyone but their Chosen; to see Jereth carrying Eli told Sari just how bad they must be feeling. If it had been up to him, they would have pushed on. Even at the slower pace of Eli's mount, they could make Kelmskeep before sundown, but he couldn't be sure that the others would make it.

Eli made no effort to answer. He stayed huddled against Sidra's back, blowing air into the wool of his mittens to try and warm his hands. Sidra was silent for a moment, but her mouth was scrunched up in a way that Sari knew meant that she was thinking.

"Could we leave Eli's mount at the Waystation," she finally asked.

"And come back for it, you mean?"

Sidra nodded and Sari contemplated the horse for a moment. The mare was from sturdy stock, chosen specifically because her breed was used to living in colder temperatures. Had it been later in the year, Eli probably would have been given a shaggy pony or maybe even a chirra, but the weather mages had predicted the weather would stay warmer for a longer period of time. Still, she would be okay if Sari prepared her properly, and she'd only be alone in the Waystation for a night.

"Would Jereth be okay with the two of you," Sari asked.

Yes, came the answer.

Inwardly, Sari was relieved. The journey that would have taken them a few hours at a horse's pace would take them little over an hour at a Companion's, even one burdened with two riders.

"Let's do it. I'll get her settled in the Waystation. You keep going and we'll catch up." Sari grabbed the mare's reigns and Jereth took off down the road.

Lord Breon was relieved to see them, having expected them a few days ago, but was not surprised when Sidra explained the nature of their delay. He ushered them in quickly, giving them over to the care of his wife, who ordered them straight into hot baths and set about finding them warm clothes. Eli protested that they should wait for Sari, but Sidra could Feel that he was only about fifteen minutes behind. She practically pushed him into the bathing chambers, knowing he was too weak to fight back.

One of the servants helped Sidra into a bathing tub of her own, and she soaked in the warm water until her skin no longer felt numb and her fingers were wrinkled. She had forgotten what it was like to be dirty and cold, and how hard it was to travel in the wilderness. It seemed a lifetime ago since she and Jereth had made their way north out of her father's (both of her fathers') lands in the south. Even then, she could not remember a time when she had felt as cold as now.

Sari arrived about fifteen minutes after she and Eli had, just as she had predicted. He refused a bath, instead tending to the two Companions first. She lowered the heavy shields she had erected between them, sending him a silent word of thanks. It was always something she felt a little guilty about, not having the ability to tend to Jereth's needs on her own, but Sari brushed her thanks aside and continued his work.

Once everyone had been made comfortable, the Lady of the keep settled them all into the kitchen with bowls of hot corn chowder. Sidra sipped hers gratefully; their thoughtful host had given her a mug rather than a bowl and spoon. The warmth of it reinforced the heat from her bath and her body finally began to feel normal again. A stable boy had mixed some hot oat mush for the Companions, and Sidra smiled to herself as she heard Jereth muttering in appreciation.

She could feel Eli recover rapidly. After a few mouthfuls of chowder and thick bread, he began talking animatedly with Lord Breon, who had joined them once Sari had finished changing his clothes. Sidra hardly paid attention, as most of it was local gossip and an account of their uneventful journey. Instead, she was listening around the keep, getting herself acclimated to the noise. It was not like Haven, but it was better than the deafening silence she had endured so far.

She could feel Sari probing her and Eli gently. He had been worried. She wanted to comfort him, but she was not sure it would do any good. Their journey was almost over, but there was work to be done in Errold's Grove. She was not sure comforting him now would do any good when he would only worry again later on.

Still, she was relieved. It was work she could finally do.

Her thoughts turned to the Vale itself. Neither Jereth nor Auberon had heard news from the K'Valdemar in almost two weeks. Rolan had been relaying messages from Karles to them from Haven, but Karles had gone silent. Since none of them were there, they could only speculate as to what had happened, but Jereth had confided in Sidra that Rolan was growing increasingly more worried.

He and Gwena are debating, Jereth said, breaking her out of her thoughts.

Debating what? Sidra asked.

Whether or not one of them should come up here.

It's too late in the year, Sidra pointed out. They're that worried?

Not many things can cut a Companion off from the Grove-born, Jereth answered. It's been two weeks. If they aren't dead…

It can't be an illness. It has to be a spell. Silverfox said in the letter that Firesong thought so before he succumbed. She couldn't help but think of Crim. He had put Jereth in a sleeping spell using blood-path magic when she had been a trainee.

Firesong would have recognized blood-path magic right away, Jereth reminded her.

I know. I was only thinking that it was possible.

We'll know soon enough. For now, let's warm up and get some rest.