A/N: Hi everyone!!! Hmm… we've had a LONG vacation from this fanfiction, no? Sorry to make you all wait so long but we've finally updated! Woo hoo!! So enjoy the new chapter!

Neal walked rapidly down the palace halls towards Daine's rooms. When he neared her door, he heard faint sobbing. On a normal occasion, he would have turned around and left her by herself, but it was time to leave. The door was ajar. Taking a deep breath, he called out, "Daine?" The sobbing stopped suddenly and Daine walked towards the door to let in the owner of a familiar voice. She wiped her eyes and opened the door all the way. "Are you all right?" He cleared his throat as he followed her inside the room. "It's time to leave. Do you need help with your bags?" She nodded and they both began gathering bags piled on her bed. As they awkwardly walked with the extra weight of the bags, Daine stopped suddenly.

"You know… this is ridiculous. He's acting like a wounded puppy for the Goddess' sake! I thought we both agreed it was for the best, and that we could go on being friends but he makes it so awkward! And now there's this whole mess about the Dominion Jewel and although I love my work, I'm just so tired! And then the King made me the tour guide for Kaddar and all his friends." She finally paused and took a breath. "I can't even snap my fingers."

"What, this?" Kaddar stood, grinning, in the doorway. He slowly held up his right hand and snapped his fingers. Daine narrowed her eyes and glared at him.

"You…you…ugh!" She stalked out of the room, still carrying her bags. As she went by, Kaddar stepped aside and bowed. The two men followed after her towards the stables to embark upon their journey.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Dom readjusted his hold on his reins. "Well," he said, in an attempt to break the silence, "I'm glad that's over." His companions nodded and mumbled their agreement, but no further conversation ensued. Neal, eager for conversation himself, pulled up beside Dom.

"So, what's going on with you and Kel?"

Dom looked up. "Looks like the weather is going to be clear for awhile."

"You two seem to be avoiding each other."

"It would be nice if it stayed like this for awhile. It's been chilly lately."

"Dom…"

"I think we need more supplies, don't you?"

Neal sighed melodramatically. "I suppose."

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Kaddar watched Daine as she rode beside him silently. He felt as if he should say something. "What were you talking to Neal about?" he asked hesitantly.

Daine looked at him. "Oh, I was just worried about the trip."

"It sounded like you were talking about Numair to me."

Daine made an irritated noise. "What did you hear?" she asked resignedly.

"I never realize you two were together," Kaddar said.

"We aren't."

"Anymore. What happened?"

"I don't really want to talk about it. I felt as if we were growing apart, mostly because our ages were always getting in the way. But, I think the biggest part was that our love just wasn't fun anymore. It was too serious. It was still there, but it didn't hold its appeal." Daine paused, and then stared at Kaddar. "Why in Mithros' name am I telling you this?" she asked hysterically.

"Because I have such an innocent face," Kaddar answered cheekily. "Actually, it sounds like you've been keeping your explanation to yourself for a long time. It's good that you told me. After all, what are friends for?" His voice had almost a wistful tone to it, and Daine decided it was high time to change the subject.

"So about Vergor Thunderstar…any idea on how to trap him at all?"

"Erm…not entirely. But we would have to find him first." The discussion continued in the same vein for awhile. Thank the Goddess, Kaddar thought, I finally got Daine out of her shell. They were so engrossed in conversation, none of them realized the danger they were in until it was almost upon them.