Grumpy and Heinrich traveled from city to city, and the Dwarf gathered all the information he could want. Not only did he ask about the goings on of Findersland, but he also probed into the prince's character. He found the reports to be promising. Florián was a young man, noble in character and full of fire. He had never sought the affection of any of the ladies of his court, focusing more on other pursuits, but he was always tender toward the fairer sex, a quality Grumpy found to be very important. All in all, he was willing to talk to the prince about Snow when he was found. He just wasn't quite sure how the conversation would go.

Heinrich was good company now that an agreement had been reached. The human didn't understand most of the questions Grumpy asked or his reasoning behind the route he took, but he trusted him. If Heinrich had to guess, he was avoiding something. Or someone. Once, in the middle of the night, Grumpy came back from the streets and roused him frantically, stating that they needed to leave immediately. The Dwarf had barreled through the streets, tugging at him as he ran, and he didn't relax until they were well outside the city limits. Though he was obviously shaken, he didn't share what had spooked him so badly. Heinrich didn't pry. He simply knew that if it scared Grumpy, he didn't want to be near whatever or whoever it was. They'd camped out for the rest of the night, but Grumpy got no sleep, and they'd left the next day for the next city.

The days turned to weeks, which melted into months. It wasn't until late autumn that they finally had any luck. The days were getting shorter and Grumpy's heart had turned toward home, but still he pressed on. Heinrich loyally stayed by him, willing to do anything for the princess, but Grumpy could tell he wanted to go home, too. So when a young man from a guild told Grumpy that the prince had just passed through on his way to where the wolf was, both of their spirits were raised. They had a good supper that night then pressed on. Now that they'd found him, they just had to catch up.

They trailed him through several villages, and as autumn turned to winter and snow began to fall, travel became more difficult. They finally ended up in a tavern in a small village known as Ashton. Heinrich ate his meal then asked if Grumpy wanted to play a game. Grumpy said no, but he invited Heinrich to play. He handed him a coin and bid him to try his luck. Heinrich went over to a group of men and they welcomed him.

Grumpy sat back, scanning the room for any thieves. He saw none. They would be holed up in the cities for the winter. A hooded figure came in, stamping snow off his boots before looking around. The room was exceedingly crowded, and the man could find nowhere to sit. Grumpy held up his hand and gestured him over. The man gave him a wave then hurried to get some food.

'That's awfully nice of you, Grumpy,' Snow thought. She was staring out of his eyes, watching the world she couldn't physically be a part of.

'It's nothin',' Grumpy thought. The man set his food on the table then sat down.

"Thank you very much. I've had a rough day," he said.

The burst of shock from Snow made Grumpy's head jerk up. He saw a handsome young man with bright eyes and brown hair, and Snow cried out.

'Florián! It's Florián! Oh Grumpy, you found him!'

"Prince Florián, I presume," Grumpy said. He bowed slightly in his chair.

The prince looked surprised and amused. "Yes, my good Dwarf."

"Where have ya come from?" Grumpy asked.

"I killed the great wolf that has been terrorizing our villages. It will no longer be a problem."

"I see. And where are ya goin' now?"

"I shall return home," Florián said.

"Gots a perty girl awaitin' fer ya?"

Florián frowned. "I fear the girl I love is gone forever."

Snow gasped, and Grumpy had to stop himself from rolling his eyes. "What happened?"

"She was taken from her castle by a huntsman and never returned. I fear the man had ill will toward her." He paused. "I will miss her. She was beautiful. Skin as white as snow, hair black as ebony, and lips as red as a rose. And so clever and kind."

Grumpy considered this. "There was a girl I knew as perty as that," he said. "She was a runnin' away from somebody who wanted her dead. A huntsman was told ta kill her, but he let her run inta the forest. And she found some friends and stayed with them so's they could protect her."

Florián's eyes went wide and he stopped eating. "What?" he breathed. "What happened to her? Where is this?"

"Ah, she was put under a spell," Grumpy said softly. "Only a kiss from her true love can save her." He paused then stood up. "Ah, it's not possible. Good night."

"Wait!" Florián said, grabbing Grumpy's wrist. "Where is this?"

"In Germonia," Grumpy said. "In a cottage in the dark forest west from the palace. She's there with a group of brothers, who are awaiting the spring to bury her."

"But she is alive?"

Grumpy stared at him. "Best be gettin' ta bed. Gots a ways ta go tomorra."

Grumpy slipped away up the stairs. Snow was not too pleased. 'Grumpy! What are you doing? Why aren't you taking him to me?'

'He'll find ya,' Grumpy said, full of certainty. 'He ain't gonna stop until he tries ta kiss ya.'

'But they'll bury me!'

'Do you honestly think I'd let you be buried alive?' Grumpy demanded.

Snow settled down. 'No. I suppose not. But why tell him that?'

'I need him ta find ya by spring.'

'Why?'

Grumpy hesitated. 'I…' he looked down. 'I'd rather not have ta tell the brothers about my… my magic.' He paused. 'But I will if it comes down to it.'

Grumpy was filled with Snow's gratitude, and he was warmed by her pleasure. Grumpy got ready for bed, and after a while, Heinrich walked in. He held up a small pouch, grinning. "I had good luck tonight."

Grumpy nodded and sat up. "I have news."

"What kind?" Heinrich asked, swinging the pouch around.

"I found Florián."

Heinrich stiffened and leaned forward. "And?"

"And tomorra we're heading home. I'll drop ya off at the castle afore I head back ta the cottage."

"Wait, what happened? Aren't we taking him with us?"

Grumpy shook his head. "He'll find her."

"Why not take him straight to her?"

"True love ain't so easy," Grumpy said quietly. "And it's tied ta magic, too. He needs ta prove that he does love her. He'll find her. He ain't gonna rest til he does. It'll be more likely that she'll wake up."

Heinrich rubbed his chin. "Are you sure?"

"Yes," Grumpy said. He paused. "Snow? Do ya think yer ready ta try?"

Heinrich blinked, staring strangely at Grumpy.

'Yes. Tonight. Tell him.'

Grumpy nodded and looked up at Heinrich. "Gonna cast a spell that should let ya talk ta Snow. Can't keep it up too long, but she wants ta talk with you."

Heinrich swallowed and tossed aside the coin pouch, trying to make himself presentable. "Okay."

Grumpy crossed his legs and relaxed, closing his eyes. "Ya have a few minutes once ya see her. Ready?"

Heinrich nodded and straightened. Grumpy focused inward and wove the spell. Heinrich watched as green sparkles appeared around the Dwarf, and then a burst of pink erupted outward and there she was. Snow stood in the same dress he'd last seen her in, her eyes bright, her smile beautiful. And Heinrich bowed.

"My princess," he whispered, his throat tight. "Forgive me, your highness. Forgive my cowardice. I should never have agreed to the queen's command."

"But you did, and it was a good thing, too," Snow said kindly. Her voice was sweet and melodious. "Who is to say that somebody else wouldn't have actually killed me? Because of your kindness to me, I am alive. You shall be rewarded for your loyalty and bravery."

Heinrich chanced a look up and saw a beneficent smile. "You are too kind, your highness."

"Allow Grumpy to take you home and then allow him to leave you. Then you shall wait for spring. If things go well, Florián shall lead me out of the forest and we shall celebrate. You have been a great asset to me, Heinrich." Snow's image shivered. "I must go. Thank you for everything."

She disappeared and Grumpy sucked in a sharp breath, swaying on the bed. He looked tiredly at Heinrich. "Good?"

"Yes. Thank you."

Grumpy licked his lips and reached for a pitcher of water to pour a cup. "Well, best get to sleep then. Gots a long ways ta go. And I wanna get home."

Heinrich nodded and got ready for bed. Grumpy snuffed the candle and fell back, exhausted from the intensive spell. Snow was waiting for him in the dreamworld, and he fell into it gratefully. The world was nothing like the nightmare realm that it began as. Beautiful flowers were dotted amongst the grass, and trees full of fruit decorated the landscape. Snow stood and hurried over, smiling.

"I'm so happy that this is almost over."

"Might still be a couple months," Grumpy said.

"Still, seeing his face gave me hope," Snow sighed. She paused. "What you were saying to Heinrich about true love not being so simple, is that true?"

"True love has ta be proven," Grumpy said. "Jest feels right. Sometimes ya can tell sommit's wrong without words."

Snow sighed. "I know you're right. But it would be so much simpler otherwise."

"Sure would be."

"But it'll be nice to see Doc and the others again."

A warm sensation filled Grumpy at the thought of home. "It sure will."

He sat there for a few moments before he was doused by cold water. "Hey!" he jumped up and glared at Snow. "You jest made a mistake, girlie!"

"Catch me if you can!" Snow exclaimed.

Grumpy didn't bother chasing her, but he wove a simple spell. As Snow stepped forward, the ground turned to water and she disappeared. She burst out of the puddle, spluttering.

"Hey!" she gasped.

Grumpy laughed and began to run. "Catch me if ya can!"

They laughed, and Grumpy could tell that everything was okay again. His thoughts were turned toward home, and he couldn't wait to get there.