Those three words
Are said too much
They're not enough

Snow Patrol- Chasing Cars

Review replies...

Nativewildmage: easy got as a wet foot? haha... what does that mean? Jacqueline.. unfortunatley will be sticking around for a while... and rae will too.. hehe.. i am soo evil.. but you'll see everything doesnt last forever... I hope you had fun at camp.. I was at a soccer tournament all weekend called re-fuel.. hehe... and the week before i was at another soccer tournament and i tripped this girl from Conn. and I got a yellow card... oh darn.. lol... May the chuck norris force be with you too... Read on.. and update cheyenne or I shall scream!

emeraldi- I know isnt it adorable.. lol... yep I like butt kicking action too... thanks for reading

juliette- go home loser.. haha jk... I TEMPORARILY replaced you.. hah..

alyssa- aww why thank you blushes... your compliments are fufilling.. lol... thanks...

wild black fire- oh she is a tad bit uneasy about rae.. dont worry our jzet wont be soo crazy over rae... you'll see... i would tell you more but spoilers arent cool... I like suspense.. you know... but I'll tell you one thing good things wont last forever for our dear page..lol.. thanks for reading...

Xxlalla-azizaxX- well you're going to love this chapter too... cuz it has mucho fluffyo... lol... thanks for reading and reviewing.. )

ladymoonlite- thanks for the review! read on.. please...

DreamlndxFantasy- the fight was creepy? hmm... dont worry more description/fluff will come in this chapter... so read on... thanks for the review

Erytha- cool... thanks for reading and reviewing.. .I appreciate it!

On Top of Cloud9- If I told you who came into the room it would ruin the whole thing... hmm... but you'll see in future el chapteros.. just remember that dream.. its important ) I am soo evil... thanks for R&Rin... read oN!

Misled Nymph- haha.. thank you soo sooo much for editing my chapter.. I appreciate it soo much... you did a great job! thanks!

Jamie Lynn- haha sorry for not updating sooner but you'll see why in my letter to my readers.. (below)... thanks for the review.. and there might be j/j but not for a while... maybe... havent made up my mind..

Paksennarion- I love it how you love jzet and rae.. .you'll love the fluff in this chapter.. dont worry... lol... hmm jacqueline could have done something... lol...but if she did I am not saying anything... thanks for reading... and of course reviewing

Elspeth25- hmm kearney might realize jacqueline is evil.. and he might not... yeah I feel sorry for gosha too.. oh well.. haha... thanks for reviewing and reading!

A letter to my readers... please read...

Dear Readers,
I am very sorry for not updating as quickly, as possible (even though, I had the chapter ready two weeks ago). I have many reasons, many, many reasons. I shall explain them all and then you can act all sympathetic towards me. (LoL)

1. I broke my mothers arm (accidently), but still resulting in being grounded.

2. I play soccer- a lot. I had two tournaments this passed weekend and the weekend before that. And now this week, I have hell week, which is getting me in shape for my varsity soccer season.( Oh and if you are from Conneticut and some girl tripped you and made you fall flat on your face two weeks ago, resulting in you crying and her getting a yellow card, that would be me. I am sorry. But, I also loathe you now, because the yellow card resulted in my new assistant coach calling me killer, which I hate.)

3. My computer was hacked by a person from fanfiction giving it a virus and resulting in it being taken to a shop to be fixed. How do I know this hacker was from fanfiction, you might ask? They sent me an email from an adress which has the word fanfiction in it. This email, which I am about to repeat to you is censored.

"LOL UR STUPID BEEP SITE WAS PWNT BY MCHACKER! GRTZ TO ALL AT ZONE-H! SECURE UR BEEP!
LOLZ"

Yes, it is sad when someone from Fanfiction has to hack my computer. I have to say though, I have only written one flame in my life to a person, and that was for obvious plagurism. I am still wondering, who has the nerve and the immaturity level to hack my computer over a simple thing like fanfics? Hmm... this disgusts me.

Thank you for your time and I hope you enjoy this chapter of Land Across the Emerald Sea. Sorry for this inconvience.

Sincerely,

Caiti

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Jzet sighed as she looked out the window. Snow was falling heavily now, draping the ground in a blanket of white.

Winter makes the land bare and lifeless. Jzet thought. She had never seen snow until she came to Tortall almost four years ago, but by the end of the first winter she realized she hated it.

The only thing that was making Jzet happy that winter was Rae. Their romance, although secret, seemed to be the only thing growing during these long winter months.

It had been a month since the fight between her and Kearney. Jzet was certain that their friendship was as dead, as the plants outside. How she wished she could turn back time and fix everything. But, Jacqueline was completely controlling him now. There was nothing she could do to change his mind.

A pound on her door interrupted Jzet's thoughts.

"Hey, Jzet, are you ready to go?" Audrey shouted from the other side.

"Yeah, sure, I'll be there in a second." Jzet told her, feeling stiff. She got out of the chair she had been sitting in and walked slowly to the door.

Lee was out running errands for Jzet in the city and could not answer the door for her.

She pulled the door opened to reveal Audrey, standing there in the best tunic she owned.

"We better hurry up, before Master Oakbridge has a heart attack or something." Audrey advised.

"That would actually be good." Jzet told her friend, grinning slightly.

Audrey shrugged. "I guess you're right, but still we better get going."

They began walking down the hall in a quick pace, wanting to get there on time. They were walking so fast, Jzet almost missed Kearney and Jacqueline kissing in the hallway. Luckily, Audrey did not.

"Very bold, aren't we Kearney?" Audrey drawled. "The Rattler would love to see this."

"You're just jealous Audrey." Jacqueline snapped. "Not even a frog would want to kiss you."

"Well, Jacqueline, you aren't doing much better." Audrey retorted. "You are kissing an ass after all."

Jzet snickered.

"Just scram, won't you two?" Kearney cut in. "I just want some peace and quiet with my girl."

Jzet and Audrey snorted.

"I still can't believe you abandoned us for that bitch." Audrey told Kearney bitterly. "I thought you were smarter then you looked, but I guess I was wrong."

"Just ignore them, honey," Jacqueline told him, in a tone that was so sweet, it was sickening. "You have me and that's all you need." She kissed him softly on the nose, giggling.

Audrey began to make profound gagging noises.

"What is going on here?" a familiar voice asked sharply.

The four pages turned around and saw it was Rae. He was dressed in his nicest dark blue tunic and tan breeches for the midwinter ball. Jzet's stomach did back flips just looking at him.

"Just walking to the kitchens sir, Master Oakbridge needs us to serve." Audrey told him quickly.

"I was not addressing you King's Reach." Rae replied. "I was talking to Mandash and Blue Harbor. You two know flirtations and what not, aren't acceptable here."

"Yes sir." They chorused. Their faces were redder than ripe tomatoes. At the sight of them, Jzet stifled giggles in her throat.

"Move along then and don't let me catch you doing anything like that again." He told them sharply. Rae inclined his head towards Audrey and Jzet. "King's Reach, Queenscove," He added in acknowledgment.

"Sir," They said in unison, bowing.

Then without a moment to spare, they took off in a run down the hallway, so they would not be late for Master Oakbridge. Jzet longed to be with Rae longer, even kiss him. But, she needed to make haste. Plus, she would see the Shang later.

Master Oakbridge stood in the doorway, tapping his foot impatiently.

"Where have you two been?" He asked. "You were almost late!"

"See Master Oakbridge, one word you used changed just about everything in your last statement." Audrey told the etiquette instructor sassily. "We were almost late, but not late. So, you really have no right to yell at us."

"Watch your tongue King's Reach." Master Oakbridge scolded. "Get in the kitchens, before I loose my temper and punish you both."

"Well, you better be ready to yell at Kearney and Jacqueline." Audrey retorted, as they walked into the kitchens. "They're bound to be late."

They did not hear a reply and instead made their way towards their fellow third year pages, who were leaning against the wall of the kitchens, watching the first years panic.

"Oy, King's Reach, Queenscove," Brandon greeted. He clapped them both on the back. "Where have you two been?"

"Stumbling into a make out session, between our two resident love birds," Audrey told him and proceeded to make gagging sounds.

Everyone broke into laughter, but silenced, as Kearney and Jacqueline entered the kitchens. They both still had faces bright faces and kept throwing each other desperate glances.

Jzet ignored them and decided to tune into Master Oakbridge. It was going to be a long night. That was for sure.

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Jzet soon returned to her rooms after serving at the banquet. It had been a tiring night and she felt crabby. The nobles she was serving, from Tameran, kept asking about every ingredient in each course, the entire night. It had driven her nuts. She was a page! Not a cook for Mithros sake!

She was about to slump into a chair, when a knock was heard at her door. Jzet sighed, as she made her way to the door and pulled it open to reveal Rae.

Jzet covered up a yawn, before asking, "What brings you here at this cursed time of night?"

"Well, someone is tired." Rae remarked, a small grin lighting up his face.

"And cranky," Jzet added. "The nobles from Tameran need to throw themselves off Balor's Needle, before I do it myself."

Rae chuckled. "Yes, I saw the old prickly couple from my seat." Rae told her. "The woman looked like she wanted to bite your head off."

Jzet moaned. "Don't even bring her up."

"Do you want me to come back tomorrow?" Rae asked. "You need your beauty sleep after all."

Jzet shook her head and ushered him in. "Nonsense Rae, I can always stay awake for you."

"Good," He said, looking around her quarters. "Where's your charming maid, Lee, the one who tried to gut me the last time I was here?"

Jzet snickered at the thought.

The first time Rae arrived at Jzet's door, during the night, Lee was there in a flash, daggers ready. She had a tough time trusting anyone, but Jzet was thankful for her overprotective maid. She was a good friend.

"I sent her into the city on an errand." Jzet replied.

She had sent Lee to Gosha's house, in Corus, to deliver a Midwinter present to the older woman. Jzet knew it was cruel to send her maid, because of her hatred towards the older woman, but Jzet had no time to go into the city.

"Ah, very good," He told her smirking. "Now, I have you all to myself."

Before she could reply, he pressed his mouth to hers. Meanwhile, their hands explored each other's bodies.

Jzet shivered, as Rae's hand went up the back of her shirt and rubbed against her skin. The tremble passed through quickly, and was replaced with pure glee. She was so lucky to have Rae right now.

They were so caught up in one another; they almost didn't hear the door click open.

They broke away quickly, to see who the intruder was.

"Holy Mithros!" Lee exclaimed in surprise, dropping the package, which she held in her hands, onto the floor. "What are you doing here at this time of night?" She asked Rae, suspicious.

Rae groaned, not happy to be interrupted. "Why are you always barging in on things?" He asked the sixteen year old coldly.

"Because I, unlike you, live here, unless you did not notice." Lee snapped. "How am I supposed to know you two were having some love fest in here? What do you want me to do, use my magic powers to see through the door and see you two all over each other, so I wouldn't barge right in?" Rae did not say anything, but gazed at her frigidly. "That's right skippy, stay speechless because you know I am correct."

"Lee…" Jzet warned. She knew Rae was taken aback by Lee's sharp tongue. It took a while to get used to.

"He started it." She retorted.

Jzet sighed deeply in frustration.

"Fine, I'm going away now." She told her hotly.

Lee quickly exited the room and went to her cot in the dressing room, mumbling curses along the way.

Jzet groaned.

"I'm so sorry Rae." She apologized to him. "Her temper can get the best of her sometimes."

He kissed her softly on the lips.

"It's okay love," He said. "I understand. I didn't act in the best fashion. Now did I?"

Jzet did not answer, unsure what to say. So, instead, he pulled her into another kiss.

"I'm going to go, now." He told her. "But, first," He pulled out a small wooden box and handed it to her, "See what your Midwinter gift is."

Jzet eagerly opened the box and saw a necklace with a silver chain and a small green gem attached to it.

"It's beautiful," She breathed.

"I thought the green would go nicely with your eyes." He commented.

"It does!" She exclaimed and then threw her arms around him. "Oh, thank you," She said. "Your gift is wonderful."

"Just like you," He replied, then pulling her into a kiss. "I have to go now." He said after they kissed.

"I'll see you tomorrow." She told him. "Goodnight,"

"Bye, I love you," He said.

"Really?" Jzet asked, surprised.

"Of course," He answered.

"Okay, just checking," Jzet said. "Those three words are used to much and I was just wondering if you meant it."

"I do." He responded.

"Good,"

He pressed his lips to hers, before asking, "Do you love me?"

Jzet hesitated, but soon responded, "I don't know yet, Rae." She told him. "I know you love me and all, but I don't want to be hurt again, like last time."

"Jzet, I told you I'm a changed man." He insisted.

"I know, and I believe you, but my heart still doesn't trust you Rae." She replied softly to him. "That's the problem with me, my heart still doesn't believe."

Rae sighed. "I understand Jzet." He said. "Goodnight,"

"Goodnight Rae."

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Jzet looked around and saw she was in the Carthaki palace throne room. There, at the head of the room, was Zulch, a golden crown visible on his head.

"Nammir is here to see you, my king." A voice announced from behind her.

Jzet turned and saw it was Mahwah, Zulch's humpbacked assistant. He got down on his knees before Zulch, who looked very amused. His cunning yellow eyes looked up at his master meekly, who laughed.

"Get off the ground you fool." He commanded, his voice cold. "You can send in Nammir now." He added.

"Yes, my king, right away," Mahwah fled the presence of the immortal and went out the ornate doors at the opposite end of the room.

Jzet swore she heard the king mumble, 'Insubordinate' and 'Fool', as his devoted servant left the throne room hurriedly.

Mahwah returned quickly with Nammir, Jacqueline's uncle. He was dressed in lavish clothing. His tunic even looked velvet.

He bowed elegantly, but not as extremely, as Mahwah had done. His head was below his waist.

"My king, what an honor it is to see you." He greeted.

"Get to the point Nammir." Zulch snapped. "I do not have time for your dawdling. What news have you heard from your agent?"

"My agent has done very well, my king." Nammir told him.

Jzet snorted. She had discovered Jacqueline in a week. How could Nammir describe his agent doing well?

"The agent has penetrated the Tortallan better, than my wildest dreams." Nammir smiled, pleased with himself.

"Very good Nammir, I am happy to hear at least someone is making progress in Tortall." Zulch's voice was low and dangerous. He glared at Mahwah, who shirked.

"What is wrong my king?" Nammir asked, who looked pleased that Mahwah was being criticized by the king.

"This imbecile told me my armies would be ready to attack Tortall a month ago." Zulch growled. "They still aren't prepared!"

"My lord, the god's have not been merciful on us ever since they have stopped the flow of Fitrakis into the mortal realms." Mahwah pleaded. "You know this. They have caused droughts; water and food are scarce these days. I cannot feed and water your army.

Zulch's gift lashed out at Mahwah in fury to strangle him.

"You shall get my army out at the end of this month, or you will die." He told him harshly and then released him from his grasp.

Mahwah fell to the floor gasping, but still managed to say, "Yes, my king,"

"Both of you leave my presence, now." Zulch shouted.

Both men quickly bowed and scurried out of the room.

Zulch roared and his gift lashed out at an ornate vase, which melted at the touch of the blood red gift.

Jzet winced. The immortal was livid.

"I will kill you, Tortallan chit!" He roared. "You will not get in my way of greatness! The end is near, Jzet of Queenscove!"

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so that is it...

thanks for reading and I would like to thank for editor for this chapter my good pal Juliette and of course Missled Nymph again for editing the previous chapter. Sorry, that I am very stiff today. I am very very pissed at fanfiction right now.

Thanks for reading,

Caiti and Juliette (but mostly caiti)