The end of the year is coming soon, and today, I thought about how this multi-chapter series has come a long way. I am truly grateful for the comments and for the support. I've been mulling over the continuation of this story for months on end- always thinking about how should I write scenarios and how would the characters react. It's a difficult process to do, especially with the scant amount of time I have to write. I may have hit upon a better solution to help transition this story, but I have yet to decide whether it is the best course to take. I hope you would share your thoughts with me with the future chapters. Any comments are welcome, as it helps me reinforce my decisions, or correct some of my assumptions about the characters.

Sorry for the long ramblings. I am posting 2 chapters to make up for the chapter I missed posting last week.

Title: The Difference between Desire and Contentment

Inspired by: Chapter 40 of the manga Akagami no Shirayukihime

Character: Izana Wistalia, Garack Gazelt

Word Count: 910

Rating: General

Status: Beta-ed chapter by Kartara. Please check out her profile and support her works

Zen arrived a few hours after dawn breaks. I stood waiting for him near the Inner Gates of Lyrias. Zephyr stamped his front feet impatiently, raring to make short work of the miles ahead.

As soon as his horse neared, he jumped off its back and trudged towards my person, his long, lean legs making deep marks on the thick snow.

"Brother!"

"Zen." I nodded.

Unexpectedly, I earned a warm hug from my younger brother. I was speechless for a moment. And then, I realized that he must have been worried sick for the lack of news. We were all busy once the medicine has been completed, putting all recovery plans into action and ensuring that there will not be a repeat of this episode. In the midst of the activity, I mostly sent periodic updates to Wilant Castle.

Slowly, my arms came up to return his hug. And for a full ten seconds, I felt myself relax a little.

"Thank the gods that you are safe! And the patients are all on the road to recovery."

I held my brother away to study him. He looked all red from the cold, and slightly darker after spending time from under the sun.

"Not all has been saved," I replied a little gravely, remembering the dead we buried yesterday.

His face grew sober at this. "The casualties."

I nodded. "We tried our best."

We both stood silent, face to face. I made the right decision, putting him in charge of the outer checkpoints, away from the center of the disease explosion. What I would do if he contracted it as well is what I wouldn't like to find out. I could hardly contain my anxiety when Shirayuki was affected. If Zen was here and contracted the disease, I might have lost all my composure.

"But why are you riding back to Wistal so soon? We could have journeyed together," He asked, concern etched on his face.

I shrugged nonchalantly. "I have been away long enough and I am beginning to have nightmares of the state of my in-tray." Referring to the paperworks that must be piling up on my desk.

Zen shuddered a little before groaning. "Mine would be worse!"

We both chuckled in a brotherly fashion. I glanced over his shoulder and saw Lady Kiki and Mitsuhide waiting patiently behind him, tending to the horses. Lady Kiki has a faint, solemn smile of contentment on her face. She looked very much like Garack- an older sister that supports Zen in his endeavors. Even Mitsuhide looked like a fatherly figure, despite the nearness of our age.

"It is good that you have those two to support you."

"I am a very lucky man."

Indeed. Only the best for you, my dear brother.

"By the way, how are Obi and Shirayuki?"

I stifled the guilty feelings that surged through me momentarily. I was supposed to look after her, but Shirayuki performed well and beyond her call of duty. I could only watch along the sidelines and extend help whenever I could. It could have been worse, but it was a close call.

"Garack assured me that they will be up in no time. Ryuu administered the medicine last night. The last batch of patients to receive it."

Zen nodded, letting out a sigh of resignation. "Of course. Shirayuki would insist that all must be given the medicine first before her treatment follows. I will visit her as soon as I can."

"You are not angry?"

He knotted his brow. "Angry? Why should I?"

"I held myself responsible for not taking care of her."

My brother smiled faintly at this, scratching at his chin, the faintly growing stubble betraying the extent of his worry . "You did, huh? The day has finally come for my own elder brother to care enough about someone else."

"Shouldn't I?"

He shook his head. "Shirayuki can be a handful when she sets her mind onto something. I wouldn't expect you to be able to keep up with her. She does what she wants and there is no stopping her."

"I see." I frowned a little, envy creeping in my heart. Zen easily accepts the consequences of Shirayuki's actions, while I, in turn, feel apprehensive and anxious all the time. Shouldn't he be so worried?

"But thank you for looking after her, I'm glad that you have finally begun to accept her for who she is."

I am not sure how to reflect upon my brother's words. I certainly no longer feel hostile towards her. In fact, I have a troubling time trying to keep my hands off her. I wonder what my brother would think if I suddenly blurted out that my feelings for Shirayuki are different from what he thought I feel.

But as usual, cowardice won out, and I held my tongue in check. There is no point stirring up a hornet's nest.

I clapped his shoulders. "I'd best be off. You will be receiving the final reports from Lord Makiri in two days' time. As soon as you have it, you will depart from Lyrias and come back to Wistal. I believe the Head Pharmacist plans to go back tomorrow. But if she decides to extend her stay, you need not accompany her back to Wistal."

He nodded understandingly. "Understood, brother. I will see you in a few days' time."