A/N: Sorry for the delay, folks, I was stuck a few times, unsure how to get out of a dialogue properly. But now here it is, the next chapter! I hope I didn't fool around too much...

Reviews! Comments! Here they come:

littlelives: Yeah, I do that 'Regal' quite often. Unfortunately, my spell-checker knows the word as well, so I can't rely on that.

Lloyd (Irving) Aurion: Well, I just thought that Sheena's fear as well as her doubts might prevent her from opening up. The scene I meant in last chapter's comment was the one when Lloyd asks her why she doesn't look at him. Fear is one of the most powerful emotions, it can make you act out of character (if you have ever experienced panic you should know yourself). Anyway, I just wanted to state my thoughts regarding her behaviour - but they are just my thoughts, I don't want to find excuses.

goldfishdemon: Of course I can't tell you when / if Lloyd gives the necklace away. ;)

Macross-Green: Glad you like the scene! Wouldn't exist without you however. I'm not sure yet how this will develop, but there's a little scene in my head which - well, I can't tell you now, yet it will fit into the next chapter I think.

Thanks everyone for your reviews, they make me happy, keep sending them in! And now, enjoy the new chapter!

Yeti

It was dawn as Lloyd awoke, but, to his surprise, he was not tired. Unsure what to do he looked around, noticed that Regal was already up. Oh, right, his morning-practice, he thought. I think I'll keep him company. Better than lying here and waiting for the others to get up.

So Lloyd got out of bed and dressed himself after quickly visiting the bathroom. Zelos made some noises causing Lloyd to stop at the door, but the Chosen was definitely sleeping, so the warrior left the room and went outside.

He took a deep breath, inhaling the fresh and cold morning-air of Flanoir. "Ahhh", he exhaled noisily, adjusted his suit and went to the garden behind the inn, being in a good mood. Lloyd knew that Regal used to do his practice there, so he was not surprised to find the blue-haired man jumping, kicking and spinning around offside the building.

"Morning, Regal."

"Good morning, Lloyd", Regal said after ending his moves. "How come you're up already?"

"Oh, I woke up a few minutes ago, and I was not tired, so I decided to leave the bed", Lloyd answered smiling.

"I see." Regal nodded. "Well, do you still want to learn how to fight with your feet, how to train your balance?"

"Er... yeah, why not?"

"Good", Regal said. "Balance comes first."

"All right. What shall I do?"

"Just stick your hands into your pockets and leave them there. And now, try to evade my kicks."

Directly after ending the sentence, Regal started his attacks. Being unprepared and untrained, Lloyd slipped very soon and went down.

"That... was not very good, I guess..." he said lying on the snowy ground.

"And you won't get any better just by talking. Get up, but don't use your hands."

Lloyd nodded and tried to get onto his feet again - and succeeded after several attempts. "Man, I really feel like an idiot, being unable to stand up", he said embarrassedly.

"Stop talking", Regal answered and launched his kicks again.

As before, Lloyd had difficulties evading the attacks and fell down. But he didn't want to give up and got up another time, only to go down once more. However, Regal continued attacking while Lloyd familiarised himself with the snow.

Some time later, Regal stopped. "All right, now we switch roles. Try hitting me with your feet, and again keep your hands in your pockets."

Lloyd just nodded and obeyed. Regal evaded, Lloyd kissed the snow repeatedly.

Many bruises later - Lloyd was just standing up - Regal addressed his trainee again. "I guess that's enough for now."

"Yeah", Lloyd commented. "How bad was I?"

"You have learned some basic movements - I didn't expected more due to the low amount of time the practice lasted. To be honest, you are not that talented with your legs however."

"Heh, yeah... I better stick with my swords."

"But do not forget what you have learned, evading and balance are also important in a sword-fight. I can teach you another lesson if you want to", Regal said.

"All right, I'll keep that in mind."

"Good."

"Er, may I ask you a question, Regal?"

"Sure."

"Well, er..." Lloyd said hesitantly. "You are the oldest one among us, so... I thought it'll be best to ask you... uhm... have... have you ever been in love?"

"Oh", Regal said, obviously being surprised. But then, his face showed a sad expression, his eyes looked into nowhere. "Yes, I have."

"I'm sorry, it was.. the wrong question, huh?"

"There are certain things I don't like to remember. But why do you ask?"

"Well, I... uhm..." Lloyd cleared his throat. "How can I tell that... I'm in love with someone?"

"Hm, that is indeed a difficult question", Regal stated. "Do you talk about someone in specific?"

Lloyd blushed immediately. "Er... m-may be..."

Regal smiled, laughed warmly and nudged Lloyd with his shoulder. "Don't worry, I won't tell anyone about this. So, I guess the question is how to tell the difference between love and friendship?"

"Uhm, yeah, I guess you could say that..."

"I see. Love and friendship can be very similar, in both cases you care about the person in question. But as far as I can tell you want to be close, not only near, to the person you love. You will most probably feel different when you are alone with her - I presume we are talking about a woman?"

Lloyd nodded. "Yeah. But what do you mean by 'feel different'?"

"Well, you may suddenly find yourself staring at her, feel nervous, or you can hardly concentrate because you can't stop thinking about her. On the other hand, you may feel nothing special at all. Perhaps you can answer your question by answering another one. Imagine she was your wife - do you feel comfortable by thinking about it? Living in the same house, having children, taking a walk together..."

"Sleeping in the same bed?" Lloyd asked cautiously.

Regal laughed out loudly, then answered with a broad smile: "Indeed, sleeping in the same bed. As well as holding hands, kissing her of course. Well, how do you feel when you imagine that?"

Again, Lloyd blushed. "Er, well... it doesn't seem so bad actually..."

"Good. However, maybe it takes its time until you know whether you love her or not, so don't jump to hasty conclusions."

"Yeah, I don't want to do anything wrong - but I don't want to just wait either, you know?"

"Yes, I exactly know what you mean. Love can be a difficult challenge, some people even don't survive it. Whatever you do, don't give up, that's a point of no return."

"I won't. Thanks for your words, Regal."

"Well, thank you for your trust in me. To change the subject: I'm getting hungry, let's go inside, maybe Genis is already preparing breakfast."

"I don't think I can eat right now, I'll go for a walk instead."

"Will you be fine?" Regal asked being slightly concerned.

"Yeah, I just need some time on my own to calm my mind."

"All right. But don't stay for too long, you don't want to worry the others, do you?"

"I'll try. Anyway, I didn't take a rheaird with me, so I can't get that far, right?" Lloyd said with a light grin on his lips.

Regal nodded. "We will see us later then."

"Yeah, so long."

"Good morning, Genis", Regal greeted the young boy as he entered the inn's kitchen.

"Good morning, Regal, done with your practice yet?" Genis asked.

"More or less. Lloyd joined me today, so I couldn't finish the usual procedure."

"What? Lloyd? How come he's up that early? And where is he?"

"He said to me he couldn't sleep anymore. I don't know exactly where he is now, he went for a walk and wanted to be back later."

"Wait a second. Are we talking about the same person? Brown hair, two swords, red jacket, always hungry?"

"I'm pretty sure it was the Lloyd we all know", Regal assured.

"Oh, well, then he is behaving really oddly."

"He seemed to be all right, nothing to worry about", Regal said, suppressing a grin. "Anyway, how is Raine?"

"Raine? Uhm, she doesn't talk that much, and when she does she orders me around."

"At least the last point is as usual." This time, he couldn't help and grinned.

Genis sighed. "She didn't smack me yet. Not that I like to be smacked, but I'm afraid it means that she's really angry."

"Hm, I suggest to treat her especially careful then."

"Yeah. Let's hope she gets better when we're inside the Temple of Ice."

"Morning, everyone", Sheena said sleepily as she entered the dining-room.

The others - except for Lloyd - were sitting at the table having breakfast and greeted her back.

"Oh, are you still tired although you slept the longest?" Colette asked cheerfully.

"I didn't sleep that long, wasn't able to, only got to bed late", Sheena defended herself.

"Why didn't you say a word? I would have made you sleep with no doubt", Zelos grinned offensively.

Sheena stopped right away. "Raine, would you do me a favour and smack him? Unfortunately, he's out of my range."

A very short second later, Zelos yelled. Regal looked over to Genis, the expression in his face saying 'it can't be that bad actually', causing both males to grin.

"Uhm, I guess Lloyd hasn't finished his meal yet, right?" Sheena asked.

"That's right", Genis answered. "Why do you ask?"

"Well, I'm just wondering why he isn't eating then."

"He decided to go for a walk instead of having breakfast", Regal explained.

"Oh, did he?" Sheena stood there for a while, scratching her head. Following, she took two slices of bread, then said: "I think I'll go after him."

"Tell him not to forget the dishes", Raine commanded harshly.

Sheena left without another word.

"What's going on?" Genis asked himself. "Why is everyone starting to behave oddly? Is it a disease or what?"

Regal instead could think about the 'why', causing him to chuckle slightly. "Maybe you can call it 'disease'", he said quietly.

"Huh? Did you say something?"

"Nothing, just a thought", he answered and shook his head.

Sheena wandered around in Flanoir, looking for Lloyd, nibbling on one slice of bread. The first place she went to was the platform outside of the temple, the place where she had been when Lloyd had found her. Unfortunately, he was not there, so Sheena had to turn around and choose another path. She stopped at the three strange looking ice-statues. I wonder who made these...

Suddenly, a deep voice came up right behind her. "I am the big, scary and very heavy, transparent Yeti! You have intruded my territory! Sufferrrr!"

At the very first moment, Sheena was shocked, but then she recognised the voice although it was disguised. She joined the game and faked a highly scared and begging voice, yet didn't turn around. "No! Please, oh almighty Yeti, spare me! I didn't know this was your territory! I will give you anything I have! Please!"

"Arrrrrrr!" made the 'Yeti'. "What could such an inferior being like you have to offer the great Yeti?"

"Sliced bread?" she asked, holding it above her head.

"Arrrrrrr!" came up the voice again, yet this time changed into laughter which also infected Sheena.

After the laughter had faded, Sheena turned around and saw Lloyd standing there, smiling. "Well, the bread is for you", she offered.

Lloyd grabbed the bread. "Oh, thanks, I was starting to become really hungry", he grinned. "So you came to feed me?"

"Uh, well, not really", Sheena said, her face getting a bit more colour than usual. "I... just wanted to make sure you're all right."

"Ahm aw-righfd", Lloyd said. The bread had already disappeared from his hands. "Why, were you worried I ran away again?" he asked after sending his meal down his throat.

"No... not worried, I... I just needed to see for myself that you're still here..."

Lloyd smiled. "You won't let me do anything stupid, right?"

"Not as long as I'm able to prevent it!"

"Close your eyes", he suddenly demanded.

"Huh? Er... why?" Sheena said unsurely.

"Just close your eyes. Don't worry, I wont hurt or scare you."

She hesitated a moment, but then closed her eyes. "For your own sake I hope you don't fool around with me."

"Give me your hand."

Sheena reached out her hand slowly, Lloyd grabbed it with his left one. Shortly after, she heard a weak jingling sound, then felt something cold and hard in her hand.

"Now you can open your eyes."

Sheena did and looked at her hand. Inside there was the green crystal Lloyd had found, embedded in a faint gleaming silver frame with a silver chain attached to it. She gasped, opened her mouth to say something, but all she could do was stare.

"It's for you", Lloyd said full of expectation. "You like it?"

"Lloyd, this is... it's truly beautiful..." she finally said.

Lloyd smiled broadly. "I'm glad you like it, I made it myself! But, uhm... it cannot compare with your eyes..." He went crimson.

Hearing that, Sheena looked up, directly into his eyes, sending a stunning flash through his body and mind. Sheena, however, had an odd feeling in her stomach while reading both hopefully and fearfully in Lloyds widened eyes, causing hers to become wet. Then, she grabbed the warrior in front of her, hugged him tightly and let a few tears escape, yet again forced herself not to cry.

Though he returned the hug, Lloyd remembered the last evening's talk well and asked anxiously: "What... did you see?"

"It's all right", Sheena answered softly, clearly close to crying. "You're on your way."

Lloyd was not sure what she meant, but he didn't care for that moment. Instead, he closed his eyes in relief and tightened the hug a bit. "You know, I could get used to being hugged by you."

Sheena giggled slightly, making Lloyd smile again. "Thanks for everything, Lloyd."

The two of them stood there for a while until they ended their hug.

"Where did you get that?" Sheena asked while touching the crystal.

"Oh, I found it in the forest Geoffry lives in. I was pretty lucky, I stumbled over a big root, and then there it was, buried in the ground. I made the rest at Altessa's, I guess you remember when", Lloyd answered grinning slightly.

Sheena nodded.

"Well, I would have given it to you earlier, but firstly, Altessa told me this crystal is really valuable, so I was thinking about what to do with it. Secondly, I didn't want to make you think it's meant to just calm you down."

"I understand. Anyway, I think I'll wear it for special purposes only. I wouldn't forgive myself if I lost it in battle or someone stole it."

"Yeah, that's a good idea. Knowing you could wear it any time is practically as good as actually wearing it, isn't it?" Lloyd asked.

"Hm, sounds right to me", Sheena said and smiled.

"Uhm, do you mind if we head back to the inn? I'm still hungry."

Sheena giggled. "Sure."

"What's so funny about it?"

"Well, as long as your appetite is as usual you are okay, right?"

Lloyd scratched his head. "When I'm hungry I'm not okay. I wouldn't be hungry if I were. What do you mean?"

"Oh, Lloyd", Sheena sighed, "I just meant that you're not ill or depressed or whatever as long as you want to eat, got it?"

"Hm", Lloyd thought for a moment. "I guess I can live with that. Anyway, let's go now."

"As you wish. By the way, Raine said you shouldn't forget doing the dishes."

"Oh, man!" Lloyd let his head drop. "She's still angry with me, isn't she?"

"I don't know, I only saw her for a short time today - but I think she's still mad."

Some time and complaints about Raine later, Sheena and Lloyd arrived at the inn, finding Regal and Presea near the fireplace in the foyer.

"Hey, you two", Lloyd greeted them. "Anything left to eat?"

"Ah, you're back. Yes, there should still be some food on the table. You can call me when you're finished, I'll help you out with the dishes if you wish - we want to leave soon", Regal said.

"That would be great, thanks", Lloyd smiled happily.

"Did you notice he said you're slow at doing the dishes?" Sheena asked grinning.

"Uh, really?" Lloyd asked baffled, causing the others - except Presea - to laugh. "Hey, stop mocking me!" he claimed annoyed.

"Aw, I'm not mocking you", Sheena said mollifyingly, giving him a light hug.

Lloyd blushed as he noticed Regal winking at him. "Whatever, let's get something to eat", he suggested.

"Agreed."

They both went into the dining-room and sat down at the table. As Regal had said, there was still something to eat on it - as well as the dishes of everyone who had already finished breakfast. Lloyd just picked something up and started eating immediately, Sheena followed a little later.

Lloyd gulped down a big bite. "Say, Sheena, how did you actually find me? I mean, I didn't know myself where I was until Geoffry told me, so how could you know?"

"Oh, nobody told you yet? Well, at first, I wanted to call Volt to track down your rheaird, but we split up earlier, so Raine wasn't there to translate. I summoned Sylph instead and asked her - them - whatever - to listen to the winds for you. But I wasn't prepared for what came then." Her voice went down a bit.

"Why? What happened?"

"I don't know for sure, but the vice-chief of Mizuho said that the summon spirits can link their mind to the summoner's one, and I guess that was what Sylph did. Anyway, I..." Sheena gesticulated with her hands, "I felt what Sylph felt, feeling the winds, the air and so on."

"Wow, that sounds really cool!" Lloyd said excitedly.

"It was not cool! It was the most disgusting experience I've ever had!" Sheena called out indignantly.

"Oh... er... I'm sorry... But - how did you know where I was then?"

"Well, I could tell where there was land and where there was ocean, and I knew where your rheaird went, it felt like something had pierced through me. Presea could quite precisely tell from the drawings I made into the air where it was. We then flew to the monastery, where a priestess told us about Geoffry, and he told us about you."

"I better never mess with you again, heh?" Lloyd grinned.

"You bet your life on it!" Sheena grinned back. "Anyway, you're finished?"

"Yeah, I hope the rheaird can still carry me", he smiled rubbing his belly.

"Well then, let's do the dishes", she said and stood up.

"Oh, you're helping me again?" he asked, still smiling.

Sheena grinned, looked aside. "Just as Regal said, we want so leave soon."

"C'mon! I'm not that slow, am I?"

"Well, as long as you're just sitting there you won't get faster."

"Yeah, all right", Lloyd sighed while arising. "I'll just give Regal a call."

He left the dining room and arrived some seconds later in the foyer, Regal and Presea still sitting at the fireplace. "Hey, Regal, we're doing the dishes now, would be nice if you joined us then."

Regal nodded. "If you would excuse me, Presea."

"Sure", she answered.

"Fine", Lloyd commented, then went back to the dining-room with Regal. "How's Raine?"

"Difficult to say, she doesn't talk that much. You better be careful."

"Man, this woman is crazy..."

"I hope you're not talking about me", Sheena said as the two entered the dining-room.

Lloyd grinned broadly. "I wouldn't dare to say you're crazy when I know you're near!"

"Good!" she grinned back - Regal tried to hide a smile.

Shortly after, the three had brought everything into the kitchen and had taken the same tasks they did last time doing the dishes together.

"You may both not be the fastest", Sheena said, "but despite that you're doing good work."

Lloyd held his actions for a moment, thinking. "Is that a compliment or not?"

"Exactly", Regal commented.

"Huh? That doesn't answer my question..."

"I meant, you can take it as a compliment or as an insult. Personally, I prefer the compliment."

"Uhm, yeah, me too", Lloyd said, resisting the desire to scratch his head.

Sheena giggled. "Why, are you both afraid of opposing me?"

Lloyd held his actions again and looked at Sheena who was standing with her back to him. Then, he looked at Regal with an evil grin growing in his face. Two seconds later, a wet dish cloth splashed against the back of Sheena's head. She stood still for a few seconds, then turned around very slowly, crossing her arms, fury appearing on her face. The sight of the woman a few steps in front of him let Lloyd's grin vanish. Instead, his eyebrows rose and his mouth formed an 'O'.

Regal continued his work as if nothing had happened. "Lloyd..." he said.

"Yeah...?"

"If I were you, I would run for my life."

Immediately after Regal had finished his sentence, both Lloyd and Sheena suddenly dashed out of the kitchen, one shouting in fear, the other in rage. Lloyd had a slight advantage, but only so much that Sheena couldn't grab him by his jacket. The two rushed through the corridor into the foyer and further towards the front door. Lloyd was lucky that Presea just wanted to go outside, so he could slip through the door without getting caught by Sheena.

Outside the inn, the pursuit continued, the ninja still a little behind the warrior. Lloyd ran to the right and out of the town into the open and snowy field, virtually feeling Sheena's breath on his neck.

"Lloyd Irving!" she yelled. "Stop and accept your punishment!"

"No way!" he shouted back. "I'm too young to die!"

"Oh, I won't kill you! At least not immediately!"

Suddenly, Sheena leaped forward, trying to catch Lloyd's feet - and succeeded, causing the two of them to go down ungently. Lloyd tried to get up again, yet Sheena was faster and forced him down again.

"Mercyyyy!" Lloyd cried.

Sheena started to stuff snow into his collar while sitting on his back. Lloyd screamed and hit the ground with his fists and feet.

"Mercyyyy!" he cried again.

After some more snow had disappeared underneath Lloyd's cloths, Sheena stopped and got to her feet. Not even waiting for anything, Lloyd jumped up and tried to get rid of the not anymore completely frozen water, still screaming, dancing around.

Enjoying the view, Sheena watched the show and laughed.

Finally, Lloyd had removed most of the snow and calmed down. "That was not fair", he pouted. Then, he looked at the smiling Sheena and grinned. "But it was fun! You should have seen your face, that was worth it!"

"I've made the almighty Yeti scream like a baby, that was ten times better!" she said with a wide smile.

Lloyd scratched his head. "Yeah, well, let's go, my guts are freezing. You know what?"

"Hm?"

"You won't get me a second time!" he shouted and started to run back.

"Hey!" Sheena called after him, also starting to run.

As predicted, Lloyd arrived first back at the inn, Sheena close behind him. "Beat you!" he said.

"Well, you cheated", Sheena claimed.

"You want another race?" Lloyd asked.

"Not now, we still have work to do, remember?"

Lloyd sighed. "Yeah, I know... well then, let's get over with it."

As they entered the inn, they saw Regal in the foyer.

"Oh, I'm surprised to see you at good health, Lloyd", Regal said with a faint grin on his lips. "However, I think you can do the work left without me, I will check our supplies."

"Sure", Lloyd replied.

Soon, the work was done without any further incidents, so the two left the kitchen and decided to go to their rooms to prepare for the departure. On their way upstairs, they met Raine and Regal going downstairs, causing Lloyd to stop right away.

"Oh, Sheena", Raine said. "Regal and I will restock our supplies. We all will leave for the Temple of Ice when we are back."

"Okay..." Sheena affirmed.

"She didn't even look at me", Lloyd said after Raine had left the inn. "I'm doomed."

"Well, maybe she'll get better when we have found Celsius' Tear."

"Yeah, I hope so... Anyway, let's pack our stuff, I want to be ready when she comes back."

"All right. Let's meet in the foyer then."

"Sure."

A/N: Again a note at the end. Well, the interactions between Sheena and Lloyd could definitely be more intense, emotional - am I delaying that too much? The problem is that when they "get" each other, the goal of this story is reached more or less, so that would be the end I guess - and I don't like ends...

But I will do it, so don't worry, I can't leave out the scene you're waiting for the most, can I (it's even in my head already)? So, what do you think, too much delay or fine to keep up the tension?