Sicilia and the Arishok never spoke of that night for the rest of their journey. Two days had passed and they were drawing close to Kont-aar. The Northern forest had become very dense. The scent of pine filled the air. It was one of Sicilia's favorite scents. Every other step, she caught herself sniffing the air. The day had nearly come to an end. Daylight was fading, but they continued on. The Arishok had said that Kont-aar was only minutes away. Sicilia wondered how long it would take to find her brother.

The gates soon came into sight. Two forms could be seen on either side, guarding. When they noticed the army's approach, they began to open the gate. One of the guards was an atypical Qunari with shoulder length white hair who towered a good foot above the other. The other had short brown hair, broad shoulders, and a sense of pride that outweighed his partner. Sicilia recognized the latter. "Xander?" she muttered. The Arishok, who had been walking next to her, looked at her. "Xander!" She ran towards the Ashaad who immediately recognized her.

"Sicilia?" He crouched down to grab her around her waist. "What are you doing here? And with the Arishok?"

Sicilia laughed. "It's a long story. I missed you," she muttered into his shoulder, tears threatening to flow. She tightened her grip, not wanting to let go.

"I missed you, too. Go on in and I'll find you later. My shift ends soon," he said releasing her. As the Arishok approached, his partner and he gave a slight bow, "Shanedan, Arishok."

Camp had been set up quickly, but the Arishok had just returned from speaking with the person in charge. He had said that it would take another day for them to get a ship ready. The earliest they would be ready to leave would be the morning after next.

Meanwhile, Sicilia took in the world around her. Everyone they passed showed great respect to the Arishok and all those who were with him. Sicilia had seen many men sparring in a cleared section away from the homes. A few children were trying to imitate them, which made her giggle. The town seemed as peaceful and welcoming as her own home.

Seeing her brother had been a relief for her. She had no idea that she had worried about him that much. The majority of the people in Kont-aar were either atypical or converts. Many women had begun preparing a mass meal. It appeared as though the women would prepare the meal for everyone instead of families preparing for only their family. It was an endearing concept for Sicilia.

She was happy to see that the Arishok's men were actually smiling. To be in Kont-aar, so close to home, must be a wonderful feeling. She could only imagine what they would be like once they reached Par Vollen. They began to gather around the main area with others who were waiting patiently for their meal.

"Sicilia!" Her brother called to her from behind. "Now, will you tell me why you came with the Arishok? You aren't in trouble are you?" he asked embracing her in another hug.

"No. I'll tell you all about it, don't worry."

He pulled away and looked her over, his eyes falling on her leg. "What happened?"

"Let get something to eat and I'll tell you over dinner."

Once they had gotten their food, Xander led her to a quiet place to talk. The meal was a hot and hearty stew. Sicilia could tell from the smell that it was spicy, but obviously dulled down for the converts tastes.

"So, tell me what happened," he said digging into the stew.

"Well, it all started when Mom told me to go to Dairsmuid. She didn't tell me why; just that she had a vision and that I was needed there. Not too long after I was there, I had a vision, too. I realized that I had to find the Tome of Koslun, which had been stolen."

"The Tome of Koslun? Did you get it back?" he asked, stunned at the mention of the relic.

"Yeah, but not before getting into arguments with the Arishok. At first he really pissed me off, but…"

"Are you in love with him?"

Sicilia looked at her brother. His face had softened; his jaw was no longer as tight as it usually was. "I don't know if it's that, but he's become a really good friend."

Xander smiled and cleared his throat. "So what happened to your leg?"

"Good scar, isn't it? I got it when I was fighting mages to get the tome back. Rage demon."

"Well, I'm glad your ok," he said returning to his stew.

"So, how have you been?" she asked chewing on a piece of meat.

"Good. Everyone here is so nice. It was hard, at first, getting used to everything, but it's become home."

"No mate?"

He choked on his food, "No."

"No one in mind?" She watched Xander blush ever so slightly. He always felt embarrassed talking about girls that he liked. However, he was never shy to ask about his little sister's love life.

"So are you and the Arishok…" he paused, insinuating.

Sicilia blushed. "No, we're not."

"Are you going with him?"

"I don't know. It's a complicated situation. A part of me wants to, but I don't know what waits for me in Par Vollen. I was sort of hoping you'd have some 'words of wisdom' to bestow upon your little sister." She nudged his arm with hers.

"Sicilia, we only get one life. If the Arishok is who you want to spend it with, then you should go. There are always two ways for life to go. One path is always bright, planned, hopeful, and calm. The other is usually dark, uncertain, and frightening. If you take the first, you'll always wonder what was at the end of the other. The second path is the one that will lead you, ultimately, to happiness. The first, though it doesn't always lead to suffering, will leave you unsatisfied. It's up to you, Sis."

"I really have missed you, Brother."

Sicilia woke the next morning, once again in the Arishok's bed. The Arishok was still asleep as she left as quietly as she could. Dawn had just broke. Dew still coated the grass, a fog was just beginning to dissipate, and it was perfectly quiet. The world was beautiful in that moment.

She sat alone near the camp, looking towards the ocean. The wind blew from the North. The air was different, just as the Arishok had described. The further North they had gone, the cleaner the air was. A few months ago, she had never left the town of Ayesleigh, had no purpose, and was living comfortably. Now, she had traveled clear across Rivain, had nearly been killed, made friends with the Arishok, and still had no purpose. With everything she had been through, everyone she had met, and all that she knew, having no purpose made her feel as empty as if she had nothing. So it's been decided.

The morning passed quietly. The town only became busy during the afternoon. Xander had come to see her before he took his shift at the gate. He hadn't stayed long. By late afternoon, she sat and watched the imekari trying to imitate their elders again. It was probably the most entertaining thing she'd ever seen.

Once nightfall had come, she was once again greeted by her brother. They spoke about the Qun, their mother, the Arishok, and life among other things. Sicilia told him of her companions, Haiden and Markl. She also told him of the times she stood up to the Arishok and when she had called him a "selfish and prideful ass."

"You did what?"

Sicilia laughed at the look of shock on her brother's face. "Yeah, I did. I also beat him sparring about three days ago. Although, I'm sure if weapons were involved, he would've won."

"I swear, you and your mouth. He must really care about you to let you get away with that."

After they finished their dinner, Sicilia stood, stretched, and said, "I think I'm going for a walk."

"You want me to come with you?"

"Nah, I need some time to think," she said looking at the cloudy sky, no moon in sight.