The further north they rode the colder the winds blew. Snow began to fall ever so softly coating them in the thinnest layer of white ice. Everyone had to change into their coats and warmest clothing. It had been a week since they left Granny's house and nearly three since Belle and Killian left the town. And still, Belle had not allowed Killian nor Ruby to break past her barrier wall she had mentally created. She didn't trust them for a second.

Ruby was now wearing a crimson red cape that enhanced her flawless porcelain skin. When Belle complimented it Ruby informed her it was a family heirloom and the only item of her mother that she possessed. There was a sadness within Ruby when she mentioned her mother and Belle wanted to tell her she understood; but her wall stayed strong.

Unlike Belle, Ruby was not such a natural riding her horse. Every now and then the horse bucked and whinnied, and she could see the panic in Ruby's eyes. It was obvious she had little skill in riding. Killian tried his best to assist her, but it wasn't until Belle placed her hand on the horse's mane and side that Ruby's horse relaxed. Belle knew she couldn't talk to animals and that they didn't understand her but a part of her always felt she had a way with them. Belle brought animals peace and in exchange she felt at peace with herself when she was with animals.

"What did you name my horse?" Ruby said riding closer to Belle and calling to her.

"Excuse me?"

"Killian said you named the horses, what did you name mine?" There was a soft teasing behind her words. Belle shot Killian dagger eyes as if to wonder why he even had to mention her to Ruby. Or how did he even know?

"I hear you sometimes…talking to them I mean." Killian admitted answering her question, riding slightly closer to them to be audible.

"Calypso." Belle said wanting to bite her tongue. She knew it was no use pretending she hadn't named her. Afterall, Killian might just overhear her again.

"I love that name." Ruby smiled pulling Calypso's reigns and causing her to ride a bit faster. Ruby shouted to the heavens with glee and for a second or two Belle wanted to do the same thing. She wanted to ride fast with Ruby and laugh and smile but she couldn't. How could she laugh and smile with someone who clearly was plotting to betray them? It hurt Belle's head to think of how Ruby could be so cruel. Killian was a man and for that reason alone she already didn't trust him. But Ruby…Belle felt in another life they would've been the best of friends.

"Don't mind her, she's a little much at times." Killian brought his horse parallel to Belle's.

"How long have you two been friends?" Belle said deciding to do a little digging in hopes that Killian would spill some intel.

"Uhh- it's hard to put an age to it, but probably since I was 8 and she was 6. We were both just orphaned children when we met."

"You're an orphan?" Belle asked instinctively.

"Yup we both are. My mom died at childbirth and my old man well he sold me as a slave when I was 5."

"Oh- Killian I'm-"

"Don't do that." Killian commanded.

"Do what?" Belle couldn't help but feel confused.

"Don't pity me. I endured it throughout my whole childhood but now as a grown man, I won't take it. I made the best out of a shit situation and well now I'm, here aren't I?"

The truth was Belle didn't pity him. At least not Killian present day. Her heart ached for the little boy who was betrayed by the one person who was supposed to love him the most. His father- his only parent. Much like Killian, Belle too felt a burning disdain for her father. It hurt too much to talk about him, so Belle just swallowed her hurt and continued riding alongside Killian in silence.

"My backside is going numb. How about we stop at the next inn?" Ruby asked loudly bringing her hands onto the saddles of her horse to slowly lift her behind slightly up in the air.

Belle and Killian couldn't help but share a laugh as the two of them watched Ruby in amusement.

"That ok with you?" Killian turned to face Belle.

"Sure, that's fine. I could use a break too." Belle kept her eyes forward towards the green open pasture concluding that the next inn would probably be about another hours ride.

They arrived just before the sun was beginning to go down, which was lucky as Belle was not very fond of riding at night. She had read her fair share of books on the night creatures of the Enchanted Forest and none of the night creatures were described to look very inviting.

"Where is the nearest post office?" Belle asked the innkeeper while Killian and Ruby gathered up the keys for their quarters.

The innkeeper wasn't very friendly, but he gave Belle a general direction on how to arrive to the destination. Killian offered to walk Belle, but she simply shook her head and said she rather be alone. Which was true.

When she arrived at the post office, the clerk was nearly about to close up shop. Belle begged him to stay a few more minutes so that she could mail a letter to be sent to Regina. Belle realized that she would be worried sick about her by now.

"Fine… but make it quick."

Belle thanked the man and grabbed her paper parchment and began to write.

My dearest Regina,

I hope this letter finds you in good health. I send to you my sincerest apologies for not writing you sooner and for just now informing you of my ongoing quest. You see, Rumple has been taken by a powerful warlock and he has written to me for my help. I'm his last hope.

I've allied myself with Killian Jones from the very same bar where you met Robin on our last night together. And a friend of his; a woman named Ruby Lucas. I do not trust either of them. I've overheard them speak about me privately and I fear that there is something that I'm being used for. Albeit, I have no other choice as you know I am not skilled in the art of quest. That was much more Rumple's department.

Now I know you hate when I am grim, but my dearest friend, if I do not hear from you again- know that you have been a beacon of light and hope on my quant life. You have taught me many things and we have shared many laughs. I will never forget our best times together.

Until we meet again,

Belle Gold.

By the time Belle finished writing the letter tears began to pool in her eyes. She missed her dearest friend. She hated being apart from Regina and Rumple. They were the only people who understood her truly. Sure, her books and the fresh air brought happiness to her heart but what truly was her reason for living was the two people who meant the most to her in the world. Without them her world was bleak and empty and thinking about living without them pained her. It was a thought too horrible to bear.

After giving the post office clerk her letter, he informed her it would take at least two to three weeks for it to arrive if not more. Apparently, there was a snowstorm settling in a few towns down that would be causing a delay to the postal services. All she could do was pay the man and nod with understanding all though the thought of a delay enraged her.

After returning from the post office she noticed Killian and Ruby sitting in the inn's tavern cracking jokes and having a few cups of ale. She signed knowing damn well they could care less about her mission. As she ran up the steps of the inn to head to her private chamber, Killian noticed her presence and slyly nudged Ruby for her to take note.

"Do you think she's ok?" Killian asked now sporting a look of concern on his face.

"As if you could care." Ruby replied in a haughty tone. "Nor I for that matter." She sipped the remainder of her ale down in one slurp and loudly let the cup fall on the wooden table.

"Don't do that Ruby." Killian lowered his voice watching Belle enter her quarters through the gaps on the balcony wooden railing. He knew she had seen them, and he knew she was rightfully so suspicious of them. Killian Jones was a multitude of things, but a liar was not one of them, therefore this was eating him up inside.

"Do what?" She grinned noting what Killian's eyes were gazing at.

"We are not villains. We are better than that."

"Are we now?" There was a grin plastered on her face but behind it there was a layer of understanding. Ruby knew what Killian was about to begin preaching. She knew him more than she knew herself.

"Look…I know you think me foolish for having a sense of compassion, but it is not her I have a quarrel with. And I think you must remember that as well. What happened to us was vile but…why should we inflict that same pain on someone else?"

Ruby listened half-heartedly. She heard the words Killian was saying but she chose to ignore them. She felt angry and nothing could change that. The more Killian talked the more enraged she felt. She knew he was right, and she knew she should listen it's what she would've wanted.

"Just promise me you won't harm her." Killian declared loudly pulling Ruby out of her own thoughts.

"Fine" Ruby seethed. "I promise."

With the words said Killian found some satisfaction. He needed Ruby to understand that they were better than him. He excused himself to settle their tab and as he walked up the stairs towards the sleeping quarters, he couldn't help but feel the need to check in on Belle. He meant what he said to Ruby about not wishing her any ill will.

After knocking once quietly and getting no answer, Killian was about to turn his back and head towards his own room as the door opened slightly.

"What?" Belle answered harshly only revealing half of her face through the crack in the door.

"I just wanted to make sure everything was ok with you. You looked pretty upset when you returned from the post office. Is anything troubling you?"

"What isn't troubling me?" Belle scoffed. "My husband's being held prisoner and the only person who is here to help me is you." The words were harsh, but Killian knew he deserved them. He knew he wasn't the traveling companion that she had hoped for, but the words still stung as he was genuinely doing his best to aid her.

He could tell form her face that she had been crying. There was a redness and swelling around her eyes and under her brows.

"I'm sorry you feel that." Killian replied unsure of what to say to console her. There simply were no words to relieve her of her pain and he knew that very well. "Well if it's any consolation we are nearly there. Probably only about a week's ride away. This might be the last tavern that we stop at so rest up." Killian tried to generate a smile, but it fell short, Belle simply bid him goodnight and shut the door in his face.

He knew she could see through him and he knew she was right about him, yet for some reason it irritated him that she couldn't see the good in him. There was some good in him after all, at least he thought so.