Chapter 8: On the Road Again.

A few weeks later

Wood was thrown onto the fire the flames leapt and danced as the wood caught and ignited. Sweat glistened off a bare chest and muscles pumped as a hand was wiped across a forehead. Chesnutt hair hung low over amber eyes and Li brushed them out of his face and ditched his bow and arrows as the night started to set in. The sun was just touching the tops of the mountains, which meant night was just an hour away.

Li went outside and hung up the freshly caught game and made sure that no wolves or any other creature of the night could get his food. He had his back turned and was about to move when an arrow flew through the air and landed a centermeter away from him, embedded in the wall of his hut. Attached to it was a bit of paper. He whipped around, but there was no one there. He pulled the arrow out and opened the bit of paper.

Your knowledge and assistance is needed greatly.

Please come to the castle of Berth Seren Banon at dawn.

Fail to do so and it's punishable by death and I know you value your head.

If you're worried about payment, don't. You will be rewarded for your

assistance.

And at the bottom it had a strange symbol that looked like a star and on either side of it had a sun and a moon and a strange pattern intertwining them together.

Li frowned - Berth Seren Banon? Wasn't that Welsh for ' Beautiful Star Queen '? Who the hell did he know that was a queen? Sakura's image came into his mind. His eyes widened. She wasn't a queen yet was she? He stared down at the paper and read it again.

' What does she need my help with? ' he wondered.

Curiosity got the better of him and he went back inside and started getting his things ready. It wasn't because he didn't want to see her again, or to see if she really was a queen yet, he just wanted to know why she had called on him again.

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Dawn

Horses gathered out in the courtyard of Berth Seren Banon as Julian and his men worked together to get everything organized. Some of Madison's men held torches high to abate the darkness of the early morning. Sakura and Madison rushed around making sure everything was ready. Both were dressed in leather. Sakura, once again had her hair in a plait and with another plait going across her forehead. She was wearing tight leather pants and a short leather top that exposed her belly and her arms. She wore leather gauntlets around her wrists and had one gold band around her upper right arm, that looked like gold vines intertwined together and that wrapped around her arm.

Madison had her hair cut, so now it sat just above her shoulders. (AN: Imagine Hotaru from Sailor Moon or Nissa from DNAngel). She wore a leather skirt that was split up the side. She had knee high leather boots on and had a leather top on exactly matching Sakura's. She too had a gold band that went around her upper left arm. She had a sword tied to her back as well.

Tori looked at his younger sister and disapproved of what she was wearing instantly. A lady with very long hair that shined like the sun and glowed red hung down her back, stood beside him. Her eyes traveled back and forth as she scanned what was happening. Madison came up to them both.

" Are you sure you can do this Layla? " Madison asked. The lady beside Tori smiled and nodded.

" Don't worry Madison. Everything will be fine. Won't it Tori? " she asked smiling at the man beside her. Tori nodded.

A woman who was obviously losing her temper was shouting and cursing to a group of soldiers. Madison sweat-dropped and excused herself quickly before making her way over to the crowd, Sakura following behind.

" You baka's! What is your problem?!! I told you to get those weapons in order and ready for our departure! " A girl with crimson eyes and shiny black hair yelled, ready to brain the living daylights out of the men, who were glaring at her.

" Meilin! Calm down. " Madison chided hastily trying to prevent a verbal bloodbath.

" I am trying, " she gritted out through clenched teeth. " but these morons won't listen to my orders! "

" Because she asks the most impossible things! " one man yelled glaring.

" Impossible?!! " Meilin rounded on him angrily. " Me and my fist will give you impossible baka!! "

Madison sweat-dropped and laughed nervously wondering if there was the slightest chance that she could extract the men before Meilin killed them all…

That was the sight the greeted Li as he strode into the courtyard. There was chaos everywhere. Men were running around carrying bags and weapons and the stable boys were hurrying around bringing the soldiers their horses. He heard the yelling and the shouting and looked over to where he could see a group of soldiers and three familiar girls.

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Sakura clenched her fist as the fight continued to rage on. Both Meilin and the soldier were completely and utterly stubborn. They were going to get no where at this rate. She felt the anger pump hot in her veins and clenched her fist tightly.

" Enough! " she yelled and they all fell silent. " That is enough! If you think what she was asking you was impossible, try this for reckoning. I want those weapons sorted and ready to hand out in five minutes to do you hear me?!! " she ordered. The soldiers looked at her as if she was mad.

" You've wasted enough of our time by being petty and argumentative. This young woman knows what she is talking about and if I find out that you're disobeying her orders, I'll have my Captain of Arms deal with you immediately. Is that clear? " They all bowed to her and started working on what they were supposed to be doing in the first place.

" Way to go Sakura. " Madison whispered impressed.

" You haven't seen nothing yet. " Sakura stated over her shoulder. She turned around and pointed at another small group of men. " Get those horses to the far side of the courtyard and get them ready. We don't have all day! " she barked. She pointed to another group.

" Are all those supplies ready yet Captain? " she asked looking at Julian.

He saluted. " Yes your highness. All is in order and ready to go. "

" Good, then I want you to help the others that are falling miserably behind. Madison I want you to go find Kero and Suppi. We are not leaving without them. " Madison nodded and ran off in search for them grateful that someone had taken complete control.

" Meilin? " Sakura looked behind her, but Meilin wasn't looking at her, but behind her. Sakura turned around and came face to face with Li. Her eyes widened and she didn't dare breathe in case it was a dream.

" Xiao Lang? " Meilin asked stunned and stood next to Sakura.

" What- ? " Sakura looked at Meilin in confusion. They knew each other?

" Meilin. " Li said and dumped his stuff on the ground at his feet. Sakura looked from one to the other in shock. How did they know each other?

" Do you always make a habit of this your highness? " Li asked looking at Sakura.

" Habit of what? " she asked lamely.

Li rolled his eyes. " Inviting my cousins when you've hired me. "

" Cousin? " Sakura asked confused. Li sighed and pointed at Meilin and her eyes widened as it clicked.

" She's your cousin too? "

Li raised his eyebrow mockingly.

" Oh man. " Sakura groaned. " How many more cousins do you have that I should know about? "

Li smirked coldly. " Plenty. "

Meilin was in shock. " How do you know each other? " she demanded. Sakura looked at her in surprise. Was that anger she heard?

" Long story. " Sakura replied and Li went to open is mouth but she cut in. " Which I'm sure you'll find out about later. Right now we have more important things we need to do, such as getting these men packed and ready. " Meilin frowned but nodded before turning to look at Li.

" It's good to see you again Xiao Lang. It's been a long time. " she said and them walked off making sure everyone was doing what they were suppose to.

" So what's all this about? " Li asked giving her the note that he had received. Sakura saw it and smiled.

" I knew your curiosity would get the better of you. " she replied instead. Li just looked at her expressionless, waiting.

" Who was the guy you had deliver it? He nearly took my arm out when he fired it. " his tone indicated that he wasn't too impressed by the fact either.

" Don't tell me you are losing your touch Li? " Sakura chided. " Didn't you recognize an amateur when you see one? " she asked arching her brow. Li looked at her confused, until it clicked.

" You sent it? "

" The one and only. " Sakura replied.

" You've been practicing I see. " Li stated dryly. Sakura nodded. " Yes, I have. A lot. "

" So why the invitation? "

" What is says is true. We need your help. "

" We? "

" Me, Madison, Kero, Suppi, all these people here and Eriol as well. "

" Wait a minute, Eriol's involved in this as well? " Li demanded.

" Yes - hey wait where are you going? " Sakura demanded.

" Home. I am not staying if that baka is here. "

" And I love you too dear cousin. "

Li shuddered.

Damn

" Don't tell me your going to run off with your tail between your legs just because I am here? " Eriol taunted. Li snarled glaring at him. Eriol just smirked.

" The only one here who has a tail is you you snake. " Li stated. Eriol raised his eyebrow at the taunt.

" Ok you guys. You can decide who belongs down on the farm later. Right now we need to get ready. The sun is almost up. " Madison said coming up to them, having over heard the greeting.

Sakura sighed and made her way over to where the others were ready and waiting. The sky had brightened considerably and she was eager to be on their way. She let her gaze wander and saw the men sitting on their horses waiting, some holding banners baring their symbols, others holding torches.

" Ok guys let's go. " she said satisfied that everyone was finally ready.

" Wait a minute, what is going on here? " Li demanded. " Why was I summoned? "

" Someone can fill you in on the way. " Eriol said and herded Li over to a black mare, ignoring Li's protests and curses.

One of the horses spooked and reared up on its hind legs, lashing out with its front legs. No one could get near it to grab its reins. Sakura, deciding to take matters into her own hands, ducked in front of the thrashing hooves and grabbed the reins and tugged down hard. The horse didn't like that and lashed out at Sakura. She cried out startled and jumped back, letting go of the reins.

Fearing that the stupid animal would trip on the dangling reins, she reached for them again, but the horse whipped around, a feral glint in its eyes and its teeth bit down hard on her hard. Sakura cried out, one of the men near her pulling her back out of the way. She whimpered and cradled her hand and glared at the horse. Blood ran down her hand and droplets fell to the ground.

" Someone get that horse under control and then take it back to stables. We have no room for temperamental animals. " Tori ordered as he came up to them. He looked at her and she could see the worry in his eyes.

Some soldiers quickly got the situation under control and lead it off. Everyone was watching Sakura worriedly. Sakura lowered her head when she saw the worried glances in her friends' eyes. Was that concern she saw reflected in Li's? Sucking in air she stood up still nursing her hand and made her way past them all to the water trough in the distance ignoring her brother and everyone's gazes.

" Sakura are you ok? " Meilin asked softly as she walked up behind the young woman.

" I'm fine. " she replied. " I'll wrap this up and I'll be as good as new. " she hoped her voice didn't betray her as she watched the clear water turn red from the deep gashes on her hand.

" I'll get Captain Star to tend you. " Meilin said and jogged off towards the soldiers.

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Tori had already reached Julian and together they pushed through the crowd, a small medical kit under Julian's arm, as they made their way over to her.

" Sakura? "

She jumped and brushed her tears away. It was silly of her to crying she knew. The sun was already into the sky and she knew that because of her they were wasting precious time.

" Allow me to see your hand princess. " Julian ordered conscious of Tori's intense gaze.

" It's nothing, really. Can you hand me that bandage there please? " she sniffed and turned away from him slightly. Julian frowned and looked ready to argue when Li and the others gathered around them.

" Kami-sama you're bleeding. " Li stated and grabbed her arm and (ignoring her protest) held her hand up for examination.

Meilin and Madison and the others gasped in shock at the perfect crescent shaped gash running from her thumb to her pointer matching the teeth of the horse. It was deeper in some spots than others but the blood trickled steadily out of it.

" You baka! " Li chastised angrily. " Did you expect to fix that with just a bandage? Didn't I teach you any better? " he looked at Julian. " Do you have needle and thread in there? "

" I am not a child! " Sakura protested snatching her hand out of his grasp angrily. She regretted the movement which made her hand flare in pain and sucked in a breath harshly. " The rest of you don't need to stand around waiting on me. Mount your horses and set out without us. Julian and I will catch up to you once this is seen to. "

" We should wait, " Madison said quietly. " we should all stick together. "

" The princess doesn't want our concern Madison. " Li stated coldly. " We should do as she commands. " Amber locked with emerald both battling silently.

" You forget that I am also a princess now Li. " Madison replied her voice gaining strength. " And I say we will wait until Sakura has been taken care of. No argument. " she stated with a meaningful glare at Sakura who was about to protest.

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" Ok everyone, lock and load. We're leaving now. " Julian yelled amongst the hustle and bustle.

Sakura walked behind him sullen her hand now stitched and bandaged. Soldiers and stable boys alike looked at her in worry as she passed. Julian tied Sakura's horse to his and lifted Sakura up onto his horse, before jumping up behind her, taking the reins firmly in his own grasp. He failed to notice the penetrating glance Li shot them as they pulled out ready to head out the main gates.

They walked the horses out of the courtyard and the outer bailey walls and down the streets of the village. Madison turned and waved to Tori and Layla and wished them well. Sakura turned and looked over Julian's shoulder and waved with her uninjured hand. She hoped everything would be all right for them before she turned back to face the beginning of their adventure…

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A Week Later

Sakura nestled against Julian as they continued to ride. Her right hand had nearly healed, but was still sore and was stiff from lack of use. They traveled over hill and vale and still they had far to go. They watched as the land of green melted away to forests and mountains, to wasteland and back to forests once more. Julian leant forward and started talking.

" Your hand looked better this morning when I checked it. No infection which is good. I hope I didn't hurt you when I removed the stitches. You'll be able to ride your own horse sooner rather than later. "

Sakura held up her bandaged hand. " I'm glad. Are you getting sick of me riding with you are you Julian? I'm sorry to be such a nuisance. Would you like me to dismount and ride my own horse now?"

" You're not a burden Sakura. You'd know if you were and no, there is no rush for you to start riding your own mount again. I don't mind sharing. " he replied scanning the area around then for any sign of hidden movement and missed her blush.

Sakura struggled to maintain her burning face and swallowed trying to change the subject. " Can I confide in you Julian? " Sakura asked quietly.

" Sure, shoot. " Julian replied, still looking around.

" I'm afraid. " Sakura said softly causing Julian to look at her in surprise. " Is it wrong for me to be afraid? " Sakura asked, turning in the saddle to look at him.

" What is it that you are afraid of ? " Julian asked, smiling reassuringly.

" This trip, failing and hurting my people. " she replied truthfully.

Julian gave her a comforting squeeze around her stomach. " Sakura, it's ok to be afraid of something. But we aren't going to fail, and we're not going to hurt anyone. "

Sakura sighed and turned back to watching the scenery. Sakura felt eyes watching them and flicked her eyes to the left and saw Li frowning at her. He nudged his horse and turned away angrily and cantered off towards Madison and Eriol at the front of the line. Sakura frowned and watched him ride past banners and soldiers curiously before he reined in beside Madison and started talking to her.

Sakura was daydreaming when, suddenly, they came to an abrupt halt. Sakura would have fallen off if it hadn't been for Julian holding her securely. She laughed nervously and thanked him for saving her.

" Why'd we stop anyway? " Sakura asked curiously looking around.

" That's why. " Julian said pointing down the hill towards the small village below them.

" Oh. " Sakura replied.

" Kale, Elian, Kiyoshi. " Julian called. The chosen came forward. " Check out this town and see if it is safe enough for us to get the princess' through. "

" Hai. "

Sakura looked over and saw Li frowning as he studied the town below. He knew something they did not.

" Let me down Julian please. We might as well stop and have a break while we wait. " Sakura said and slid down off the horse. Julian frowning as he removed his arms from around her.

He looked up at the men around them. " You heard her. " Julian said and they all jumped off their horses and lead them toward the small spring to the left.

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Li dipped his hands into the cool water and splashed the refreshing water on his face. He cupped his hand into the water once more and drank thirstily. He stopped when he saw Sakura's reflection in the water.

" So what do you know that we don't? " Sakura asked behind him crossing her arms and arching her brow.

Li dipped his hand again and drank before answering. " What makes you think that? " he asked standing up shaking the water droplets from his hands.

" The way you were looking at that village. Something was off. What is it? " Sakura asked.

Li turned around and his amber eyes burned brightly as he looked at her. Sakura stepped back nervously and waited for him to answer. Li studied her for a moment. Sakura shrank back from his piercing gaze the running of the stream beside them the only sound in the clearing.

" What makes you think it was about the village? Just because I was looking at the village, doesn't mean I was thinking about it. " Li replied caustically.

" But I - " Sakura seemed stumped and closed her mouth, trying to think of an answer.

Li smirked. " Just be careful ok? " he said and then walked off.

" Li! " Sakura called. " What am I supposed to be careful of? "

Li didn't answer. He just kept walking.

" Men. " Sakura said putting her hands on her hips.

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Madison came over to where Sakura was sitting. Sakura was gazing at her un-bandaged hand.

" Hey it's looking better. " Madison smiled as she sat down next to her.

" Yeah, that's what Julian said as well. So I guess that must be something good right? " she smiled as she met Madison's gaze.

" Does it hurt much? " Madison asked concerned.

" Sometimes I get a twinge but it's fine. Julian is an excellent healer. "

" That he is. You were lucky that he likes to take care of you so tenderly. " she smirked and nudged Sakura playfully. She giggled when she saw the blush on her friend's face.

" Ma-Madi-son.. " she stammered. " What are you implying? "

" Oh I don't know, " Madison sang tauntingly. " Only that he wouldn't let you out of his sight and hugged you all day while you rode. "

" You're insane! " Sakura scoffed turning her head away. " He had to hold me like that otherwise I would have fallen off. "

Madison giggled and continued to tease her best friend mercilessly unaware that they were being watched.

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" Looks like the girls are having fun. " Eriol stated as he helped unsaddle one of the soldier's horses.

Li looked over towards the two girls. " They should be on guard. " he muttered. " Not playing around. "

Eriol arched his grow at his cousin." And what has a hornet in your breeches? I have to admit that since the beginning of this journey a week ago you have been in quite a sour mood. I suppose it wouldn't have anything to do with the gallant Captain Star and his wanting to protect the princess now would it? " he taunted.

" For the sake of my sanity, I will pretend you are not there. " Li replied shooting him an expressionless gaze making Eriol laugh out loud.

" What are you two laughing about? " Meilin asked coming up to them looking at them puzzled.

" Li's being an idiot per usual and I'm laughing at what a fool he's being. " Eriol smirked.

" Go to hell! " Li snapped.

Meilin raised her eyebrow questionly.

" Now this reminds me of the old days, " she stated. " When we always used to play and hang out together. Looks like people don't change - or should I say grow up? " she taunted smirking.

Li snarled and threw her the death glare. He clearly wasn't amused.

" I will always be a kid at heart. " Eriol replied smiling. " But Li will always be a Wolf with a sore head. " he chuckled and Li sighed frustrated. Meilin and Eriol shared amused glances and the sniggered. Absolutely fed up to his ears Li chucked his things down and stalked off away from their laughter.

They were all sitting down around a camp fire enjoying the warmth when there was some rustling of the bushes and one of the soldiers stood up and went over to the edge of their camp and seemed to be listening to someone. The same soldier then turned and came over to Madison and Sakura. Li and the others stopped talking when he arrived.

" Excuse me your highnesses. But Kale, Elian and Kiyoshi have returned. They wish to speak with you. "

" That can't be good right? " Madison whispered looking at Sakura. Sakura frowned in return and stood up.

" Well come on, might as well go see what they've found. " she said walked off.

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" . . the people are friendly enough, but we still think it's a bit suspicious. They seem all right, but they are a little shady. " the man recited. " I'm not sure I would trust taking the royal highnesses through the town. "

" Hmmm. " Julian said thoughtfully.

Sakura shared a look with Madison. Madison coughed and got their attention.

" I actually have been meaning to mention something that I've been thinking over for a while now. I was waiting for a good time to bring it up and I guess now is a good a time as any. " Madison stated.

" What is it your highness? " Julian asked politely.

" That. " Madison said pointedly. " We are out in the middle of nowhere, we don't know anyone and we have no idea what the people are like and we don't want to draw attention to ourselves, yet you go around addresses us as 'your highness ' all the time. We travel in a group that is armed and we try to hide and stay invisible. Excuse me if I'm out of line here, but I think we are drawing attention rather than deflecting it. "

Sakura nodded seeing logic. " But what do we do about it? "

" Well I for one think we should forgo 'keigo' (formality). Then I think we should maybe split into 2 or 3 groups, but travel close together, but away enough from each other that we are suspicious. "

" I think that is a good idea. " Sakura said.

" But you highnesses. " Kale started, but shut up when they both shot him reproachful and meaningful glances.

" From now on Kale, we command you to stop calling us that. From now on you address me as Madison and Sakura - Sakura. " Madison commanded. " Is that clear? "

" But - " Their glares silenced him.

" That's settled then. Let's go tell the others. We'll think about the rest later. " Sakura said as they left. " I will let Julian and the others decide what we are to do about the village and how we are to proceed. "

Julian shared looks with the other soldiers. He shrugged. " It's a good idea. " Julian said and followed after them.

Later……….

" . . and that's what we think. " Madison concluded looking at Sakura, who nodded in confirmation. The camp fire was quiet.

" What do you object to? " Sakura sighed wearily knowing that something was amiss. The silence spoke volumes.

" This goes beyond our training and what we've been brought up to follow. " Kale stated.

" Yeah. " Kiyoshi said nodding. " You are princesses and need to be recognized as such. We can't just ignore formality, it's a natural habit for us and now you're confusing us by commanding us to go against what we've been taught. It's disrespect. "

Sakura sighed losing her patience.

" I think it's a good idea. " Meilin said stepping up. She met their surprised gazes squarely.

Sakura asked surprise: " You do? "

Meilin nodded. She turned her crimson gaze on Julian and his men. " Eriol, Me and Li know these parts. To go about talking about princesses and drawing attention to ones self when you wish to remain anonymous, borders on the imbecilic. "

Julian frowned taking it all in and trying to formulate a plan.

" Look Meilin's right. " Li said standing up. " You don't know these lands, we do. Drop the royal act and lay low and we'll be right. As for splitting into groups, that will never happen is that clear? " he stated firmly looking at Sakura and Madison.

" But - " Madison started but Li silenced her by glaring at her.

" No Madison, we stick together. Out here there's safety in numbers. "

" Yes but our numbers might appear as a threat. " Sakura argued. " Then they might attack ."

Li's fiery gaze landed on her and Sakura shivered from the glare he gave her. " What kind of an idiot would attack a group of 20 armed men? " Li snapped.

" I would, if I was desperate enough and I thought I was under attack. " Sakura threw back defending her argument.

" Then that's just you. Out here they won't. "

Sakura growled annoyed. She was getting tired of him making her look like a fool and treating her like that.

" So as from now, we drop the formal act is that clear? " Li asked glaring at everyone. Seeing that they had no other choice, the others nodded. " Good. Get some sleep; it'll be better if we move out in the early morning anyway. " Li stated and walked away.

Sakura glared at his retreating back." Who died and made him king? " she muttered.

Madison giggled and covered her mouth to stop herself from laughing. Sakura threw her a contrite look. " I'm glad you find it funny. "

" Oh Sakura. " Madison replied composing herself. " Li's just trying to keep us alive. Although he doesn't want to admit it or show it, he does care about our safety. "

Anger drained out of Sakura and her shoulders slumped in defeat. " Oh Madison. This is going to be a long journey. "

" But of course it is, " Madison replied softly stroking the strands of hair away from her best friend's face. " But we knew that when we decided to follow this path. We can't give up now. "

" I know – I guess I didn't realize all the difficulties we are going to face. "

Madison watched her friend's face in the firelight from the fire. There was concern and fear mingled in with excitement and hope. No wonder Sakura's shoulders were tense and her face strained. She was carrying around the weight of the world on her shoulders.

She saw her gaze flick up to the darkness where Li had disappeared and a new thought struck Madison and gave her pause for thought. She saw the brief flicker of longing in her emerald eyes and she straightened her gaze darting back to the darkness and Sakura. It couldn't be… she knew that look all too well.

But between Li and Sakura…?

Was it possible?

She shook her head and pushed those thoughts away and smiled when Sakura looked at her curiously. She patted Sakura's shoulder and stood.

" I guess we do as Li says and try and get some sleep. Good night Sakura. "

" Good night Madison. Sweet dreams. " she replied smiling in farewell.

She watched her walk away and sighed. She threw another log in the fire and watched the sparks scatter. She stared into the flames letting her mind wandered. What would happen on this journey she wondered? She hugged her knees and looked up startled when Julian appeared near her.

" Come Sakura, " he held out his hand out to her and pulled her gently to her feet. " I have made your pallet near mine. I will keep watch over you as the night progresses. No one will harm you I swear. " he placed his hand on he back and guided her towards their sleeping pallets.

They walked passed the fire towards where Madison and Eriol slept, the two magical guardians curled up with them. Julian led her towards another lit camp fire and she paused when she saw Li preparing his own pallet. He looked up from placing the blanket on his pallet and watched them as Julian ushered her to their beds.

She felt his gaze on her even though he wasn't looking directly at them as she settled under her blankets and Julian curled up beside her on his to keep her warm. She was grateful for the extra warmth and the companionship. She forced all thoughts from her head and surrendered to a deep, uneventful sleep………..

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BW2 Another chapter completed. It is so much harder to go back and redo something than it is to write it I believe. I hope you are all enjoying this. I haven't changed it drastically because I want to keep it along the same lines as before rather than creating a whole new plot.

Please review and let me know what you think.