Author's Note:

Hello, hello! I hope you liked Jack's chapter. This one goes back to cover Ean's trip to Candar, in order to finish up some side quests. Then, it's back to the present!

-Tangent

"Ah, Master Ean!" The elderly noble exclaimed as the elf pushed open the door. He had entered the chamber of Ella's minister, which was spacious and airy as the rest of Candar. Books lined the walls, excepting the two large windows that looked out over the blooming grounds. The minister, named Callidum, was seated behind his desk, peering down at a stack of papers through his spectacles. "I was informed that you arrived minutes ago. I would have come to greet you, but..."

"No need, minister." Ean smiled, proffering a sealed envelope. "I'm afraid I've only brought more papers for you to read."

"Those will be Ella's reports." Callidum murmured as he took the package. "She normally sends them via the Express, but I suppose you travel faster. The Princess has been so busy as of late. But where is Ms. Tiki?"

"She's visiting Ceri while we're here. They have a lot to talk about. We've got some things requested by your citizens to deliver, and then we'll depart."

"You'll not stay for supper? I can organize something." The minister began, but the elf shook his head.

"We can't, sorry. I'm already preparing to depart for Eredar."

"I see. Well, then allow me to wish you good luck. The hopes and prayers of Candar go with you." Callidum rose, shook his hand, and watched as Ean departed with a final smile.

The elf hurried through the corridors, nodding to passing nobles and soldiers. He didn't know the layout of this castle quite as well as Thais, but managed to make it to the entrance to Ceri's garden, which was at the back of the garden tended by her faithful servant. Two guards were now posted at the entrance, and they stepped back to admit him silently as he approached.

Ceri's garden was, on reflection, similar to the ponds of the other nymphs. But instead of a singular pool, a brook flowed charmingly through the lush bushes ad tress. No area was too cramped or too sparse, and colorful flowers bloomed everywhere he looked. The area was not one he had ever fully explored, with trails splitting off and leading out of sight. It was as though the garden existed in its own space, separate from the castle.

Rye and Emma were sitting on benches placed upon the dais where they had met Ceri for the first time. They nodded as Ean approached and sat down next to Rye.

"Callidum says thanks. Where's Iya?" Rye, who appeared to be attempting to nap, did not respond.

"She's walking with Ceri somewhere. They invited me, but I declined." Emma shrugged, playing with her fingers as though nervous. "I got the sense that it's more a personal conversation."

"You're probably right." Ean said. "Rye's not actually sleeping, is he?"

"Not anymore." The man muttered, straightening up and mock glaring at Emma. She rolled her eyes in return. "So, we've got some packages to deliver still?"

"Yeah. You and I can take care of that, if you don't mind." Ean said. "Here." He had brought the jewelry kit and roll of silk with them from Thais, and handed the kit to Rye. "You can deliver that to the jeweler, if that's okay."

"No problem." The ranger responded. "Shouldn't take more than an hour or so." The elf lowered himself gracefully onto the bench opposite the pair of green-haired, more than content to wait for Iya to finish her conversation. He did have another letter for Ella's guard commander, but seeing as they were out on a training exercise, it could wait.

Ean didn't so much fall asleep as he did enter a sort of trance. He could sense the spirits discussing something in the back of his mind, but evidently it was a private matter, as they did not consult him. The air was pleasantly warm, and the stream trickled and gurgled behind him. Rye and Emma were similarly content to sit, enjoying the solitude of the garden while it lasted. It was a stark contrast to the countless battles they had endured for the past months.

Honestly, I've not felt peace like this since... well, since I left home. Before the snow came. The image of his parents came surfaced unbidden, and the elf felt a sudden pang of sadness. How they must feel... I didn't leave them a note or anything, in my haste. Maybe they think we're dead.

Ean was startled from his reverie some minutes later by the sounds of soft voices and light footsteps, barely audible through the dense foliage. A moment later, Iya appeared, accompanied by the familiar figure of the nymph of love. Ceri looked much the same, although the small creature glowed with a light the elf did not recall seeing on their previous visit. He supposed it was a sign of her renewed health. Iya caught sight of the trio on the porch and hastened over, a smile on her face. Was it just him, or did she seem... different? Not in a bad way, but the elf had an innate sense that something had changed recently.

"There you are, Ean." He returned her facial expression with one of his own, and Ceri laughed quietly.

"I see I have missed much." Iya's cheeks colored slightly, but she ignored the nymph.

"Ceri and I were talking about the other nymphs."

"Oh, can you sense them again?" He asked curiously.

"I can. Serendipity and Aisling have spoken to me already, but Nuha remains silent. I sense her life force somewhere to the far east, but I can get no closer. Ishtar's magic counteracts my efforts, but..." Ceri seemed to hesitate, and looked at Iya. "It may not be advisable to say this."

"I think we need to know." The elf responded, and her mate thought he heard a hint of frustration in her tone.

Have they been arguing? Ceri saw the look on his face, and hastened to speak.

"I... though that I sensed another's magic as well, blocking my senses from finding Nuha. Ishtar and Hepititus have remained silent as well. But it remains a mystery to me."

"So you're saying there could be another entity out there, trying to stop us." Rye said grimly.

"It's a possibility." Iya murmured. "But so far, we know nothing. Maybe Nuha can tell us when we find her."

"I agree." Ean nodded to Ceri. "Thank you for helping her again."

"Think nothing of it, children. I am here to assist your endeavors in any way I can. But time is short, and we have only months to prepare."

"Why months?" Emma asked. "Not any longer?"

"Winter is coming." Iya said, and her eyes darkened. "And the Snow Queen will be able to spread her frost wherever she pleases. Ean freeing bought us some time, but she will find other ways to finish her plan. We must stop her before then."

"So that leaves us with a year at maximum." Rye frowned. "Is it safe to say that freeing Nuha would buy more time?"

"Indeed." Ceri murmured. "Together, my sisters and I could oppose her storms. But to face her in person... I could not bear it."

"Your mother said much the same." Iya said sadly. "So it must fall to us."

"I am sorry, Iya." The elf waved a hand.

"It's okay, Ceri. You've given me part of my soul back, after all." Turning, she reached out to touch the nymph's hand. "We have to go, but we'll be back with Nuha. I promise."

"Travel safely, all of you. And bring my greetings to my sister." Ceri looked at all of them, and the light around her brightened until with a flash, she had gone.

"It must be hard." Emma said sadly. "Knowing your family is in danger." Iya nodded, and Ean wrapped an arm around her shoulder.

"We can't lose sight of our goal." He told the others. "As soon as we can, we should fly to Seri and prepare for our trip to Eredar." They all nodded, and Ean led them out of the garden. He took one last look at the flowers and hedges as the guards closed the door behind them.

If we fail... all of this will be destroyed. I can't let that happen. The gate closed, and Ceri's garden was lost from view.

The man frowned absentmindedly, tapping his feet as he gazed down a nearby street. No jeweler here, either. Rye groaned as he moved over to the next street.

Ean said it was in this district, but not what street... Maybe I should ask for directions... Emma was not there, as she and Iya had opted to pay a visit to the market hub. Ean had departed for the seamstress as well, leaving the ranger alone in the streets.

"Are you lost?" A voice came from next to him, and he started. A young woman had approached him, wearing a light yellow gown that accentuated her golden hair. She had a small, hopeful smile on her face, and Rye felt a slight uneasiness in his stomach. Behind her, he could see two other similarly dressed women, trying to hide their obvious stares.

Come on, Zoyle. Be polite.

"I am, actually." He replied with a grin. "I'm looking for the jeweler's shop, but I can't quite find it. This is only my second time visiting, after all."

"Oh, a traveler! I guessed as much, with your bow and clothes." The girl exclaimed, moving an inch or two closer. She was close enough that he could see her cheeks flush red, and Rye experienced that sinking feeling again.

She's not...

Forcing another smile, he nodded. "Perhaps you know?"

"I do, sir. It's two streets down, and then to the left. But before you go, would you, perhaps... like to have lunch with me? It's a nice day, after all." Rye froze, his eyes wide, and the woman seemed to sense his apprehension. "It's no, isn't it? I thought I'd ask, though."

"No, it's not... you're not..." The words remained unspoken, but the ranger heard them loud and clear.

You're not her. Forcing the image of a certain green-haired knight from his mind, he held up a hand as the woman turned to go, disappointment etched on her face.

"Please, wait. I didn't mean to offend you."

"It's no trouble, sir." She murmured. "You're certainly not my first rejection."

"I'm sorry to hear that." The ranger said sincerely. "I'm afraid I'm pledged to a certain set of elves right now, though. Still, I admire your confidence to approach me as you did." The young woman smiled slightly at the compliment. "Can I offer a word of advice, though?"

"Of course, sir."

"Don't try to force things, okay? Find your own interests and passions before you settle down. You'll meet more people that way. Tell your friends that, too."

"I'll take it to heart, sir. Thank you." The woman curtseyed to him, a smile etched on her lips. "You said elves?"

"Aye, I'm afraid I've got to accompany them everywhere." He grinned at her again, and the connection seemed to occur to the woman. Her smile faded slightly.

"So then... The elves... You're..."

"Best not to think about it." Rye said, and squeezed her shoulder. "Take care, kid. Danger still lurks everywhere."

"I-I will. And thank you for your kind words." The woman curtseyed again, and moved away, evidently eager to tell her companions what she had learned. As Rye moved off down the street, a smile touched his face as he heard the three women talking excitedly.

When did I become the wise one? I'd normally leave that to Iya. Still, he couldn't help but hope that his words had affected the woman in some small, positive way. If only my mind was that clear on Emma...

Lost on in thought, he nearly passed the small establishment, tucked into a row of other wealthy houses. A gem had been drawn on the sign, with symbols set below it.

"Must be it." The jeweler's shop was smaller than the house son either side, but it was no less ornate for it. Rye knocked once, and an elderly man opened the door.

"How may I help you?"

"Actually, I'm here to give you something." The ranger said, extending the engraved wooden box. "A new jewelry kit, from Verashema." The man gasped.

"The elf found it, then? Come in, come in!" He took the box from the man's hands eagerly and stepped aside, admitting Rye into the workshop. The room was spacious, with cabinets and worktables dominating most of the space. A small counter had been erected at the front, and Rye stood awkwardly at the door, unsure of where to stand.

"I heard from my friends that the elves had returned today, but didn't expect them to have remembered. And you must be one of their companions we've heard so many stories about!" The man bustled around his shop with renewed energy. "From your gear, I suppose you're the archer."

"Correct." Rye said, slightly unnerved. "Rye, at your service."

"Well, Master Rye, I am in your debt for bringing this to me. My tools were so old and worn, they barely served their function. But with these, I can finally begin my true craft once more!" The man laid the tools down reverently, and headed for a side door.

"I'm glad to hear it." The archer said sincerely. "Is there anything else you need?"

"No, no, this is plenty. I must reward you, though. Come here, please." Rye stepped up to the counter just as the man reappeared, holding a small pouch. He opened it gently, and withdrew the most perfect emerald the man had ever laid eyes on.

"Whoa." He breathed as the man set the stone down upon a cushion. "I've not seen many gems, but surely this one is priceless." The store keeper nodded, and his face was now grave and serious.

"I traveled to Verashema once, in my youth, to mine the precious stones for myself. And it was in those mines I found this gem. Many tried to buy it, but I refused. There is magic hidden within this gem, shaped deep in the earth. Can you feel it?" Rye took the mineral gently. It was light and warm, and he thought he felt the barest whisper of something more.

"My senses are not great, but yes. I feel it." He murmured.

"I want you to have it." Rye looked up in shock.

"But you said-"

"I am old now, and have no wife or kids to pass it on to." The old man cut him off, smiling sadly at the young fighter. "I hear whispers of your fight. You are trying to save us all, are you not?"

Rye looked at him for a long moment, and then at the gem.

"I am. For you and everyone else."

"Then let me forge you something to protect such a fine young man like you. You will need it far more than I."

"I... Are you sure?" An idea had begun to form in Rye's brain.

Confidence... If confidence is what I need, then maybe this can help.

"Positive, my boy." The shop keeper bowed his head low. "Take it, please."

"I will, but it is not I who I want to protect. Can I ask a favor?"

"Anything." Rye leaned over and spoke quietly to the man, outlining what he would need from him.

An hour and a half later, he was back on the streets of Candar, a small velvet box tucked under his arm. The man had labored feverishly over his newest creation, before presenting it proudly to Rye, who was awestruck. It was more than he had expected, by far. The man had seen him out with a cheery wave and smile, and he had returned the gesture gladly. Because for the second time in his life, Rye was certain of the path that lay before him.

When the elf came through the small door, holding a large bundle of silk, Lenora nearly fainted.

"Well, I certainly didn't expect..." She spluttered as she tried to regain her poise. "Where did you get this?" She set the material down against her back wall carefully, still shocked.

"Storybook Island." Ean said with a small smile. "Should be high quality. Hopefully with the new trade routes, more will be coming in."

"I... I don't know what to say. You've saved my business, young man!"

"It's no problem. We were happy to do it." He assured her, but she was already bustling around her counter, searching for something.

"I don't have much, really, but take this. I suspect you have a lady who will like it." Lenora pulled a large strand of silk from the bolt and moved over to her workbench, where she pulled a small jar of powder from a box. It was almost empty, but the seamstress poured the rest onto the fabric. Immediately, the silk turned a rich, beautiful red. Lenora made some adjustments with her tools, and after a few minutes, turned back to the bemused elf.

"Here." It was an ornate ribbon, with pointed ends that fluttered as she moved. "I used the last of a special dye on this. It should change colors to match whatever the user is wearing, but I'm afraid that's all I can do. I don't have any magic, you see." Ean felt a smile stretch across his face.

"Really? That's amazing! How does it work?"

"To be honest, I'm not sure. I procured this several years ago, but saved this last little bit when the war began. I hope it helps."

"It will. Thank you so much, Lenora." Ean said grateful, and the older woman patted him on the head.

"Oh, go on. Go give that to her." With a cheery wave, the elf bustled out the door and back onto the street, where numerous people were walking by.

I think I know just the elf to give this to...

Candar's marketplace was bustling, as expected on the sixth day of the week. This was typically when the outlying farms set up stalls to sell their organic goods, and people flocked to buy fresh fruits and vegetables. He also thought he saw a stall run by Serians, advertising some foreign wares, but it was hard to see through the crowds.

"Ean!" A hand grasped his sleeve, and the elf turned to see Iya, wearing what appeared to be a large, rather comical straw hat, complete with a smiling face sewn onto the top. Her eyes were barely visible, but she smiled and dragged him over to a stand, where Emma was conversing with the proprietor.

"Do you like it?" She asked teasingly, and he felt his heart lurch in his chest.

"Very comely. You should but it." He tried to play his reaction off, but her eyes glinted knowingly.

"Unfortunately, I don't think it would last too long." She responded with a mock sigh, placing the hat back upon a stand holding similar items. The elf nodded to the shopkeeper, and Ean followed her and Emma back through the crowd. They were forced to stand close to each other, with him standing just behind her.

"Pretty hectic out there. Have you seen Rye?"

"No, I expect he's still trying to find the jeweler. My instructions could have been better." His mate laughed quietly, and Emma glanced back at them as she forged ahead, making a path for them through the hordes of buyers.

"You're an evil elf, you know that?"

"What, I can't have any fun?"

At last, Emma led them out onto a less crowded street, closer to the inns that frequently bordered such markets. The group moved towards the city walls, as they had promised to meet Rye there when he had finished.

"Ooh, that store looks interesting." Their companion remarked, gesturing towards a nondescript building advertising protection of all sorts. "You mind if I-"

"Go ahead." Iya told her. "We'll be here somewhere." As Emma vanished through the door, Ean saw an opportunity and seized it.

"Shall we sit down?" He gestured to a nearby bench. She nodded, and so they sat, several inches apart, looking at each other. Ean found himself tracing her face with his eyes, noting her cheeks, eyes, and hair, all features he had admired before. Her face reddened slightly, but Iya did not break his gaze.

"What do you see?" She murmured, and he smiled.

"I think our faces are starting to change." Elves often underwent a period, a second maturing of sorts, where their faces lost most of their childish roundness and became more defined. It was different for everyone, but he had thought there was another year at least before it would have happened to her. Indeed, her hair had darkened noticeable, and her cheekbones seemed to be more visible. Her eyes, once a vibrant shade of violet, now had flecks of grey shot through them.

"I thought yours was, but I didn't know... Maybe the magic accelerated it. We've used a lot of it, I suppose." He nodded. It was a reasonable guess as any. "But... they aren't elven changes. You almost look... human."

His eyes widened slightly. Now that she had said it, he could see that her features were starting to resemble those of Ava and Emma, barring the exotically tinged eyes.

"That's not always a bad thing." Ean told her quietly. "Change was to be expected." And now she looked way, and he saw a trace of panic in her eyes.

"But the others, back home... What if we don't look like elves when we return? Will they even recognize us?"

"I don't think our faces will change that much." He placed a hand on her shoulder, trying to reassure her. "And besides, I think you've only gotten more attractive." That got a reaction from her. Iya's breath caught, and her eyes flicked up to meet his.

"Really?" He nodded and reached for his pocket, where the ribbon sat.

"I do. But since your hair changed, I thought you'd need something to compliment it. So... here. You left your old one at home, and I'm afraid it got ruined in the rain." He laid the small pouch in her hands and retracted his own, waiting for her response.

"A gift?" She said curiously, fingers working at the seam of the bag. "When did you-" She stopped quite suddenly as the elf pulled the ribbon free, and her eyes fell upon it. For a moment, she was frozen, staring down at the red fabric.

"It's supposed to change color to suit the wearer, but..." He trailed as Iya looked up, a lone tear forming in her eye.

"You always take me by surprise." She laughed shakily, fingers tracing the smooth silk. "I'm sorry. It's sweet, Ean, really. Thank you." The elf dashed the tear away, then jerked in surprise as the ribbon began to shift. Purple, the precise shade that remained in her eyes, had spread across the fabric in seconds, leaving her stunned. "I..."

"Incredible." Ean said quietly. "It matches your eyes."

"My eyes?"

"The purple in them, it's the exact shade. Would you like me to tie it for you?" She handed it to him wordlessly, and turned to allow Ean access to her hair. He tied it as she had taught him during their voyage, before turning her around to see the result.

"Well?" His mate asked after a moment. "How do I look?"

"Beautiful." He whispered, and a small smile spread across Iya's face.

"You think so?"

She looks... enticing. Alluring. A thousand words I don't even know. Her arms wrapped around him, and Iya squeezed tightly. Ean copied the gesture automatically, and held it until she pulled away gently.

"Thank you, Ean. I love it." Iya murmured warmly. "You always seem to know what I need."

"I try. You deserve that, and more."

"Flatterer." Iya said, but planted a kiss on his cheek regardless. Her hand moved back to touch the ribbon, and her smile grew larger. "I'll cherish it forever."

"Lenora would be happy to know that." He told her how the seamstress had insisted on repaying him, eliciting a giggle from the elven woman.

"I guess we both have her to thank for this wonderful gift." Ean chuckled. Of course, that was the moment that Emma returned, and found them both smiling at the other like fools.

The sunset, if viewed from the battlements of Thais Castle, was truly a sight to behold. As the glowing orbs sank below the western mountains, it created a dazzling spread of color across the sky with red, purple, and gold. The town around the palace was bathed in the glow, casting a warm light over all who still roamed the streets. The sunset was the signal that another night had begun, and with it, the busiest social hours of the cities.

At least, that's what it had meant to Emma, before everything. Her thoughts were... rather more jumbled now. She sighed slowly, her newly cut hair fluttering in the breeze. Uthar had sent her his hairstylist, and she had decided that her hair would fit better in her helmet if it was a little shorter. It now fell to just below her chin, and the stylist had applied a gel that strengthened her natural green hair.

I like it this way, I think. The warrior shifted slightly, eyes still focused on the sinking sun. It felt like a long time since she had spent her days as a trainee at the Academy, training for a common cause and purpose: protect the citizens of Thais. In a way, that had not changed: She still fought for them, and all the other countries she had visited now. But something had changed when she returned. Her fellow knights now treated her with awe and respect, but the camaraderie that Emma had enjoyed with them was gone. She was like Uthar to them: a commander, but not a friend.

George wouldn't have treated me differently. A flicker of sadness seemed to pierce through her, and Emma recalled the man who she had once been honored to call her brother-in-arms. He was buried on the plains outside the walls, where all fallen soldiers had been interred since Thais had been founded by the Pendragons.

He's gone... But he'd be happy to know that I'm okay. And I have the others. Her new, rather odd family. It surprised the woman to think of her comrades this way. It had certainly not been true at first, when Emma had been a newly minted knight ready to save the world.

I guess I saw enough of all their little quirks that they became like my siblings, Iya especially. It's nice to have another girl who understands what's it like to be my age. Ava's too jaded, and the guys just wouldn't get it. Gavin's ancient, Nicholas is sheltered, and Jack is too young. Ean seems empathetic, from what Iya says, but I'm not sure he knows what it's like growing up without a family. But Rye... his village was decimated from the plague. As they did often these days, Emma's thoughts returned to the last member of her family: the ranger and hunter, Rye. Her partner.

It was an odd thing, to think of Rye as a partner. Yes, they worked well together, and they had certainly shared much between them, but... how did she really feel about him?

Emma was reminded rather abruptly of something Iya had told her, when she had inquired about the elf's relationship.

"For me, it was easy to make that transition from friends to something better. Nothing really changed, you know? We didn't stop being friends because Ean and I are... romantically involved."

For a moment, the young knight allowed herself to imagine a future where her and Rye were not partners, but lovers. Her face burned at the thought, and Emma shoved the image away abruptly, embarrassed by what she had seen.

He's certainly attractive, but could I... do I feel something more for him? It was a complicated subject. On one hand, it was hard to explain the shivers she got when the ranger was in close proximity, sharing something mean for her ears only. On the other... Emma found herself struggling to find a reason, and gave up.

Ugh! I wish it wasn't so complicated. How do Ean and Iya deal with this?

"I thought I'd find you here." Caught in the midst of her own warring mind, Emma did not process the male voice for a few seconds. Slowly, her brain seemed to connect the sounds, and the woman froze. Rye.

He was standing there, without his bow and quiver for once, dressed in a new set of traveling clothes he had purchased in Candar.

"Rye!" Emma squeaked, trying to keep her voice level, but utterly failing. "I... um... What are you doing here?"

Is that all I can do? Stutter and blush? Stupid Emma. Thankfully, the ranger either pretended not to notice her obvious panic, or merely was not focused on her at the moment. His eyes had moved to the sunset, and his lips had curved up into a smile.

"I see. You come here often?"

Answer the question, Emma. This is normal.

"During training, I would." She said slowly. "It's the best view in the city."

"I see." Rye murmured again, and moved to lean against the battlements next to her. "And what do you think about, watching the sunset?"

You. But she dared not say it, and so Emma said nothing at all, merely mirroring Rye's pose as they watched the sky change. The ranger said nothing for a time, seemingly content to watch the light fade. When the sun had nearly vanished behind a particularly tall mountain, he spoke again.

"You seem troubled."

Of course I am. I don't know what to do about you, and it's eating me up.

"It's nothing." She tried, but Rye met her eyes, and Emma's resolve seemed to melt away. It was hopeless. She couldn't conceal anything from him. "I... Well, I guess it is, but..."

"Should I leave my partner alone?" The man asked. There it was again: the word causing Emma to doubt all of her feelings and thoughts.

"No, I just... am I a good partner?" The question slipped out before she could stop it, and the knight flushed red again.

"I think so. You're brave, dependable, loyal... Those seem like qualities I want in a person by my side." Rye said seriously. "Why?"

"I have... doubts." She whispered. "And I'm constantly thinking about them. Your last partner... Can I ever fill her shoes?" Rye stiffened almost imperceptibly, but did not lean away from her.

"Emma... what is-"

"Because I couldn't bear it if I'm sullying her memory, or making you deal with me, or-"

"Emma!" A hand on her shoulder, warm and comforting. Rye was gazing at her with a gentle look on his face, and his eyes seemed to shine in the golden light. "Have you been thinking like that all this time?"

"Well, not exactly, but..." She muttered shamefacedly, trailing off. "I just... I don't know what I was thinking. Sorry."

"I would never compare you to her, Emma. Never." The ranger told her. "That would be cruel."

"But she was your partner, Rye! And if I am too, that means-"

"You aren't her." He cut across her, eyes focused intently on hers. "You'll never be her. There's no point in trying."

Then why can't I tell how you feel?

"I know that, but-"

"Emma." Rye said her name again, a smile returning to his face. "Please, listen to me. Coraline was my partner, yes, but it was so much different. You and I have traveled together, fought together... I trust you with my life. Do you believe that?"

"I... Yes."

"Coraline is gone, and has been for many years. I was heartbroken at first, but she lived how she wanted. I can see that now. If at any point you don't want to be my partner, just tell me. Is that what you're trying to say?" He looked apprehensive now, and the expression nearly broke her.

No. I want to be more, Rye. So much more.

"I wouldn't quit being your partner for anything in the world." It was the truth, and Rye's eyes widened slightly.

"I... Okay."

"I just want to know what it really means. What am I to you, Rye?"

There. I said it. Emma turned away, unable to look at the man any longer. Silence fell between them, smothering her, drowning her senses.

And then, quite suddenly, another hand slipped into her own. It was warm, with calluses developed from years of fighting and farming. The hand of her friend.

"Please, look at me." Slowly, Emma turned. Rye had something in his other hand, and he raised the item for her to inspect.

A box? It was an ornate case, lined with velvet, and she could not imagine where the ranger had gotten it.

"I don't know what you are to me, Emma." He admitted, and her heart seemed to skip a beat. "At first, it was a friend, and then a partner. But now... it's so hard to explain that I'd be here forever if I tried. Coraline and I were never like this, like..."

"Like part of the same brain. Like you knew the other's thoughts as well as your own." He nodded.

"You're the most amazing woman I've ever met, Emma Willow, and I'll be damned if I let you drag yourself down with doubting and worries." Rye pressed the case into her hand, and Emma took it numbly. "You are talented. You are worthy." He moved a little bit closer, and she saw the dying sun reflected in his pupils. "You are beautiful."

You are beautiful. The words echoed in her mind, seemingly forever. Had he really said that? How long had it been since anybody had said that to her?

"And I want to protect you, Emma. Even if you don't want it, I can't let you get hurt in this war. So I want you to have this." Without realizing what she was doing, the box opened, and Emma gazed down upon the most beautiful necklace she had ever seen. An emerald gleamed up at her, and she saw her reflection in the faceted surface.

He had this made for me.

She looked up, ready to laugh, cry, or maybe both, completely at a loss for the first time in her life, but Rye was already gone. There was only the swirling wind, the vanishing sun, and Emma's aching, hopeful heart.

He rolled over in his bed, shifting uncomfortably for what had to be the fiftieth time that night. Again, Rye relived those minutes on the battlements, staring into Emma's eyes and thinking over each word she had said.

"What am I to you?"

"I wouldn't quit being your partner for anything in the world." He was afraid, so afraid that he had ruined any semblance of friendship that he couldn't sleep. Rye could only hope the necklace had been enough to show the green-haired knight how he felt about her. How he had never felt about anyone before, not even Coraline.

A knock on the door.

"Rye? Are you in there?" It was Gavin.

Oh, right. We're leaving for Seri today. The ranger had forgotten completely after his encounter the previous night. Groaning, the man shambled to the door and opened it.

"Woah. You alright?" The warlock asked tentatively.

"Couldn't sleep." He muttered. "Be out in a few, okay?" Gavin nodded and continued down the hall.

Rye managed to get dressed in his usual attire and strap his weapons to his waist without, surprisingly, impaling himself or any other objects nearby. With his bag hanging on his shoulder, he made his way out into the hall, where a maid was waiting.

"Prince Uthar sends his regards, and invites you to dine with him before your departure."

"Fine." He grunted, moving past the hapless woman quickly. Rye didn't want to be rude, but his lack of sleep and turbulent mind had robbed him of all gracefulness.

Thankfully, only Ean and Iya were present in the dining room, along with Ella and Uthar. The elves must have been briefed on his sleepless state, for he could have sworn they were treating him with extra respect.

Do they know... no, that can't be. Maybe if Emma told Iya, but-

"Rye?" He jerked up, startled by the sudden question. Uthar was surveying him with curiosity, while Ella was leaning towards him, evidently having called his name.

"Sorry." He muttered. "Got lost there. What is it?"

"I was asking whether you think the trip to Eredar will take over a month. Ean thinks so, but I'm not sure."

"I think you have to consider..." The conversation went too quickly, and before he knew it, the elves had risen from the table. As they exited the room, followed by the pair of royals, Rye felt his stomach clench. He knew he was about to see her. The ranger considered running away, for a moment, before his sense reasserted himself.

Be a man, Zoyle! Stop being such a coward and just face her!

But... Stars flashed in his vision as Rye crashed into something soft and hard at the same time, arms reflexively flying out to grab whichever unfortunate servant he had ran into. Instead, though, he felt smooth, muscled arms that had spent a long time wielding weapons, and hair that smelled of fruit. As his eyes opened, watering in pain, he saw that his hands were now preventing Emma from toppling backwards down a staircase, and immediately pulled her upright.

The young woman was wearing her usual clothes that fit under her armor, complete with sword and dagger at her hip. The green hair Rye was so fond of had been tied back, perfectly complementing the necklace at her delicate throat.

Wait. Necklace? There was no mistake. Emma had the pendant secured around her neck, in full view of anybody who looked at her, and it seemed to glitter at him alone. Her eyes searched his, and instead of hate and vitriol, the man found a vast sea of emotions.

Ean coughed, and Rye let go immediately, flushing almost as much as Emma.

"Thanks." She muttered, and he nodded slightly. So she didn't hate him, but where did that leave them? Certainly she was still as embarrassed as he was, but the archer could tell that Emma didn't want to have a discussion right now.

"If you two are alright..." Ean let the sentence hang as he and Iya continued down the stairs, both bearing poorly concealed grins.

Damn. That'll be an awkward conversation later.

Gavin, Jack, Ava, and Nicholas were waiting at the gates, already packed and ready to leave. As they fell into step with the rest of the party, Uthar and Ella included, a contingent of knights took up place around the two royals. After Jack's clash with the saboteur, the army was taking no chances with its leaders. A new division had even been made at the young teenager's suggestion, to train soldiers in the arts of spying and sneaking.

As usual, their departure could not go unnoticed by the people of Thais. A crowd has already formed around the gates, shouting and cheering as the party exited the city proper. Rye barely noticed them at all. He had eyes only for the woman in front of him, who smiled graciously and waved to the crowd when somebody shouted her name.

Beregond swooped down, belching fire into the air as he landed a few yards from the edge of the arrayed tents. This elicited another murmur of awe from the soldiers on duty as Ean stepped forward, stroking the dragon's snout gently. He murmured words Rye could not hear, then turned back to the others.

"Let's go." Uthar shook hands with each of them, and Ella embraced the women of the group.

"Stay safe." The prince bade each of them. "You'll send word from Seri? We have a messenger there now."

"I will." The elf promised. "When we leave, I'll send a letter back with your man. Watch your back, Uthar." He tossed a wink at Ella, who smiled and nodded. "And keep an eye on him for me, Princess."

"Whatever awaits in Eredar, know that our prayers go with you. Goddess guide you." The prince said. "Salute!" He barked to his men, who all stood at attention as Beregond gave a great flap of wings and soared into the clear sky.

Rye waited until their flight had leveled out and the rush of wind was all but deafening. As he glanced around, making sure the others were suitably distracted, he felt Emma' eyes upon him. She was sitting next to him as usual, and there was an air of serenity of her face.

"So... you're wearing it, then?" He asked, and a smile spread across the knight's face.

"I am. Is that a problem?"

"I... No, but..." Rye took a deep breath.

How do I say this?

"I'm sorry for leaving last night." The ranger said after a moment. "I was just..." He floundered, searching for a word that described his actions, but Emma intervened.

"It's okay, Rye. I'm not mad. If anything, I'm touched that you had this made for me." Her delicate fingers traced the silver chain at her neck, and the ranger felt his mood improve in spite of himself.

"I'm glad you like it. And I promise to be... more open with you in the future. Okay?"

"Thank you. And I'll do the same." Rye fell silent, feeling contented once again. They watched the clouds soar by, and the rest of the party, tending to their own tasks.

"Partners, then?"

"Partners."

I think I'm in a lot of trouble.