A/N: Wowee, I'm back! I don't know for how long this time. I missed writing, and thought I'd visit FFN, and I re-read all my fics and loved them so much that I wanted to write again. Unfortunately, I remember nothing of my previous plans for all my unfinished fics, but some new ideas came up! So I'll work from that! I know this chapter's rather short XD, compared to chapter four, but I'm still trying to get back into the groove of things, plus I can't wait to write about Daine next!

Chapter 5: Snow

Alanna of Pirate's Swoop and Olau leaned against the ship's railing and heaved up her meagre breakfast of one piece of buttered toast. The squads from Third Company and the Riders eyed her with pity and gave her sympathy pats when they walked by. The lady knight stayed in that position afterwards, exhausted from throwing up all her meals over the past two weeks and inhaled the fresh cold air around her.

They had entered the cold winters of the North several days ago. The captain had warned them that they wouldn't be able to go up that far because of ice sheets, much to the delight of Alanna, but to the irritation of Numair. So they had arranged to dock on the shores of Northern Scanra, with the help of Numair's Gift to hide them for as long as he can. After all, they were going to enter enemy territory very illegally.

She shifted as somebody covered her with a warm blanket. "Thanks," she muttered.

"You're welcome," Keladry of Mindelan said. She half-carried the Lioness to a nearby bench. "You're getting thin, you know. I'll beat you at swordplay soon," she teased, gently lowering the redhead down.

"I'll die before you beat me, youngling," she muttered. "Are we almost there yet? I'd like to have at least half my strength back before we meet our enemy."

"Actually, I don't kno—"

"We should be there soon," Numair Salmalin interrupted. "I asked the captain several days ago. Also, it's getting colder." The mage was dressed in fine, black woollen robes, and had a fur cloak on. "I suggest you go change, too, before you catch a cold." The last part was meant for Kel, who nodded and took off.

Alanna eyed her friend wearily. "You should control your temper before you scare off all your allies."

Numair raised an eyebrow, a smile tugging at his lips. "This coming from somebody who's famous for her tempers. I don't see anybody abandoning you." He sighed. "I'll apologize to Kel later. I just… it's just…"

The violet eyed knight put an arm around Numair. "It's all right," she whispered, leaning her head on his bony shoulder. "We're all worried about Daine."

Numair stiffened when Alanna said 'Daine' and rested his head on his hands. "It's been five weeks, Alanna," he said quietly. "We don't even know where she is. And we have to look for her, on foot, might I add, because nobody can go near any animals without getting hurt." He paused and stared at the fog in front of them. "I'm really scared."

"I know," she replied shakily before lurching up from the bench and running over to the closest railing.

At the same time, Kel returned in her winter clothing of white and soft greens, a smile on her rosy-cheeked face. "The captain just told me that we're going to land soon, so I've ordered all our squads to armour up and stand ready for further commands," she announced. "And I've come to help Alanna to the cabin so she can change into her winter clothes."

Alanna stumbled towards the stairs leading to the cabin with Kel at her heels. "I'll be okay, you don't have to follow me, you know."

"Just to be safe, I think she should," Numair spoke up, winking at Kel. "You never know, the old woman might need your help."

Alanna's eyes flashed a hard, violent purple colour before she disappeared down the steps. Kel's eyes crinkled with mirth before she, too, disappeared.

Left on the deck alone, Numair wandered over to the starboard side of the ship. Several of the King's Own also watched as they approached land, standing a little ways away from the hot-tempered black mage. They didn't want to be turned into something unnatural – or natural, like that tree at Castle Dunlath.

They could see barely see the snow covered land, and Numair's face scrunched up with worry. Time was ticking away, and snow would only act as a hindrance. It seemed like nature was trying its hardest to keep the soulmates apart.

I love you, Daine.