They changed their way the next morning, taking left at every fork they came at, hoping to turn towards east. They already had come far north from the regular path from Thais to Stormbend, so they had no guideline for their path. Around some time near midday, they had seriously started to worry that they had strayed in the opposite direction when an on-foot traveler announced he was going the same way. Relieved, they increased their speed, hoping to make it the same day.

The path was pleasant and through deep forest, which made it cool on their necks and sleepy on their eyes. Mel had almost fallen from her horse before Galahad suggested that they needed to stop. There was a quick lunch with little talk and no sleep. The sky had already lost its blue and they had no choice but to push on. It was dusk when they hit the wider path on which they found few more travelers and the darkness would have been complete when they reached the town, had it not been for the lamp posts.

It was the salty smell that first hit Mel as they neared. Stormbend was essentially situated on the western coast with the ocean beyond. While Mel had often heard people speak of it, she never herself had seen it. Everyone was eager to witness it, including Edward, but the local inn keeper warned them from doing it at night, citing various reasons ranging from thieves to low tides.

The weather, in Mel's opinion, was horrible. She couldn't stop sweating, neither could the others, barring the vampires. Edward's clothes looked twice as dark than they had been earlier and Stella's pure white gown, much to her displeasure, had turned a murky gray. There was no change in her colors though, for she usually liked to wear dark colored clothes and it was a navy blue dress today. The feeling, however, was not pleasant. It had not been a journey so fast or tiring, but she was practically thoroughly bathed with sweat and couldn't sleep for a long time in the uncomfortable bed, which had bugs.

The next morning, she found herself overslept again, while the others had already gone out. Cursing, she dressed up hastily and practically ran west, much prone to stares from the local people.

'It's amazing, huh?' Edward said as she panted, palms on knees, standing next to him. The ocean stretched far too the horizon, with no sign of any land beyond or islands. The beach itself stretched long towards both the sides before it climbed up the hills, and she could see snow capped mountains in the distance.

'C'mon' she said, dragging him forward. He followed reluctantly, folding up his pants. They stood for a while, feet in water, looking into the distance.

'It's so beautiful' Mel said, looking over the ocean. 'It's so nice here!'

'I thought you said you hated it yesterday'

'Just the weather, yes, but this redeems itself. It's just so calm, and vast. And it's powerful, though I don't know why'

'It is powerful' Edward said. 'Don't underestimate the seas'

She didn't reply. For some time, they stood there, looking over the ocean. The water washed over her feet, tingling her senses. It was blissful, to say the least. Edward scratched his head, trying to get rid of the soil that had flown in.

'I wish I could go there' she said suddenly, pointing towards the horizon. 'It's just... magnetic'

'It's not our destination.'

Mel didn't speak. She looked at him and then away again.

'That's where we are headed' Edward said, pointing to the snow peaks she had seen earlier. 'The ranges of Istir, too steep to climb from the south, or it would have been much easier'

She nodded.

'Towards the far south are the barren lands, then the Mire Woods and finally the ocean again. Far in this direction-' he pointed towards the south west '- lies the continent of Eldrion and further the Aristha isles, from where Rhen Pendragon, the first came. I haven't been to either of them, though'

Mel looked into the distance again. The sea seemed to be rising slightly.

'We'll go there sometime, what do you say?' she said suddenly.

'I'm... not really that fond of ships, to be true' Edward said, scratching his head again. Mel laughed.

'Actually, I don't know when I started to like exploring' she said. 'But I really wish we could go there'

'If you'd said that a hundred years ago, it was impossible. Today, you may have a chance. Might get lucky, I guess.'

He winked. Mel laughed again, putting an arm around his shoulder.

'I wish we'd come here earlier' she said. 'And we'll come here again, what say you?'

Edward smiled slightly.

'I wouldn't have said yes if you'd asked me this question the last time I came here' he said, not looking at her. 'I rather would have run in the opposite direction'

'Why?' she asked, letting go of him. Edward chuckled.

'I didn't tell you why I was here last time, did I?'

'No'

He paused for a second.

'There was...' he said, stammering a little. '... a proposal'

Mel looked at him closely. There was a funny expression on his face. She burst out laughing as she realized what he meant.

'Shut up!' he said sheepishly. 'I didn't ask for it!'

'So what happened?' Mel asked, trying to control the hysterical laughter.

'Well...' he said, again scratching his head. '... to be true...'

Mel raised her eyebrows again as he looked at her.

'It was complete disaster' he completed, looking slightly grim.

Mel was slightly taken aback.

'What else can I say' Edward said. His eyes were slightly wide. 'I mean... she could've picked me up and thrown me a hundred yards had I not done something right...'

It was Mel's turn to raise her eyebrows now. Edward shook his head as she burst out laughing again.

Galahad was seated with a handsome blonde man when they returned to the inn. He wore a green dress and had an aura of carelessness.

'Not a pleasant thing you're asking me to do' the man said, looking at Mel as they took seats. Tei'jal, again, was nowhere to be seen.

'This is Eston' Galahad said, introducing him to them. Eston bowed slightly. 'Eston had extensive knowledge of the Istir forest and I was just asking him if he would be glad to accompany us there'

'Indeed' he said, twirling his hair. The blue eyes flitted rapidly towards each of them. 'And as I was saying, it's not a very pleasant thing to do'

'Why?' Mel asked, as if she didn't know.

'The path is blocked by heavy snow and the caves are sealed. You're going to have a tough time crossing that'

'Hmmm...' Mel said. 'But isn't that the case always, if what I've heard is true?'

'It isn't' He shook his head. 'It's most unnatural, actually. I wonder what could have caused. It could have been the wrath of the queen, but I can't be sure'

'How can the Queen's wrath cause snow?' she said, really in the dark now.

'The royal blood line of Istir is filled with sorcery' he said carelessly. 'The queen has long been known to command power over the weather of the region. However, what I don't understand is what could have caused her to get so angry'

Mel leaned back.

'We're going right there' Galahad said as she didn't say anything. 'It would be a good opportunity to find out what is actually going on too'

'I don't know, people, if it's worth the risk really. I have long traveled in the ice forest and I know it all, but it doesn't alleviate it. I live and make a living in Stormbend, so this is where I stay now!'

'Why did you travel in the forest then?' Stella asked.

The man laughed, but sobered up almost immediately.

'I...' He closed his mouth, looking thoughtful. Somehow, he looked confused and bit his tongue. 'I... don't know'

No one spoke and finally he shook his head slowly.

'I know it's strange' he said. 'I think I have long lost something there, something I'm... still... searching'

They waited for some more time, while he simply bit his tongue. Galahad suddenly banged down his mug, rather too loudly, making everyone jump.

'Okay, then, I guess we shouldn't bother Eston any longer, after all probably it's really not worth the risk. I have few other plans, though we'll have to retrace some of our steps. Let's not tarry ourselves any longer, for our time is greatly limited' He gestured them to get up. 'Thank you for your time and insights, Eston. We'll remember your kindness!'

Eston didn't speak. Without anything further, all of them stood up and walked off one by one. Just as they were at the door, he came running.

'I'll come, but at a price' he panted.

'Very good!' Galahad grinned. 'How much?'

'Not gold' he said, making Mel's heart skip a beat. 'You look capable fighters. You must guard me all the way, as I have to carry something of value, to return to someone'

Galahad grinned.

'Done!' he said as they shook hands.