"Em?" Dastan softly whispered against the door adjoining their rooms. His knuckles knocking quietly hoping she is still awake. The door creaked open even though no voice responded. Maybe his voice was too quiet? Slowly stepping in his noticed her bed was empty, the sheets still folded from that morning. Frowning he glanced around the room as a sweet scent of rose came from behind the divider on the opposite side of the room.

"Em?" He called out once again causing a soft splash to sound from behind the divider. A deep blush flooded Dastan's face as he realized he had intruded whilst she was taking a bath.

"Dastan? What are you doing here?" Em called out leaning against the edge of the tub. The water had gone cold from drifting off to sleep. Brushing her damp hair over her shoulder, a warm blush filled her cheeks as she could see his silhouette through the divider turn around to give her more privacy.

"Ugh" He stuttered trying to think logically. Em giggled shaking her head. Dastan was too easily embarrassed at times.

"You're speechless? I think I should send for Edvard and tell him you are unwell" She teased causing him to roll his eyes. He heard the water slosh around, indicating she had gotten out. The towel that was hanging over the edge of the divider vanished.

Looking nervously around for the sight of her nightgown she silently let out a huff. Pointing down at herself dressed in a towel, it melted away into the green silk nightgown Helena had laid out the first night she had arrived. Feeling more comfortable she was about to come out of hiding before pointing to her hair. The remaining water drained away, as her mane fizzed into wavy curls that needed to be brushed.

"That's better" She spoke allowing him the permission to turn around. He slowly gulped before scrambling to reach for the letter from his inner pocket. He tapped it against his palm before holding it out to her. smiling softly she took the parchment from his hands, their fingers brushing ever so slightly.

"I'm sure Isadora will be ecstatic to read your letter" She promised as he nodded before scrambling out of the room. Em covered her mouth to control her laughter as she heard him curse loudly from the other room. He had walked into the edge of his desk in his quick attempts to close the door.

Sighing to his stupidity she walked over towards the window and opened it. Shuddering as the cold breeze kissed her skin, the edges of her eyes glowed a soft green. She watched before her as the snow formed into a beautiful owl. It happily squawked, nipping her fingers in affection before grasping the letter in its beak.

"Take this to Isadora. Be swift" She whispered as it nodded before taking off into the snow. She watched as the owl melted away into the storm, knowing it would reach her by day break. Quickly closing the window, she stoked the fire once more before slipping into bed. Her mind seemed clouded as she struggled to fall asleep. But once she had, the memories were unwelcomed.

She dreamt of the whips hitting her back. Her torturers cackling laugh whilst she screamed in agony. The aches throughout her body from constantly running to survive. Waking up in bed, her face was wet with tears, her uneven breathing turning to painful gasps. She felt broken; her hands trailed over her cheeks, confused at how one person could cry so much.

Throwing the sheets off her bed, she stumbled towards the armchair beside the fire. She watched it burn a deep blue, changing with her mood. As she gazed upon it, she could hear soldier's cry in war, she saw Reddington with a deep gash over his right brow. She yanked herself away from the fireplace and stormed downstairs.

The hallway was cold, secluded and eerie. Hearing the sound of flapping up ahead she noticed two large doors wide open, battling against the wind. It lead onto a balcony as Em merely stood allowing snow to settle in her hair. She didn't care to the fact her body was naturally shivering as she continued to stare out into the darkness.

*******

Trudging through the snow, his boots made him feel twice as heavy as usual. He noticed the familiar glow of his home up ahead. Kaithi's cooking flooding out of the window causing his stomach to rumble. He was nearly there, almost home just like he promised. He frowned as up ahead the cottage seem to vanish into the distance.

Trying to reach forward and grab it, Dastan cried out angrily as he was absorbed into the snow around him. The soon found himself in a throne room of black marble. He recognised it to be similar to King Barclay's yet something in the air set his senses on high alert. He went to reach for a weapon only to find he didn't have any.

"Welcome, Dastan!" A thick raspy voice spoke causing him to pause. He slowly spun trying to find the figure who spoke to him. He noticed that on the throne a smokey silhouette sat snarling down at him.

"Who are you!" He demanded causing him to laugh at Dastan.

"Tick tock Dastan. Your sisters won't live for much longer" He hissed as Isadora appeared beside him. His eyes widened seeing how pale and fragile she had become. Her cheeks had sunken in, her eyes seemed lifeless. He wanted to run forward towards her and hold her close to him, but his feet were glued to the floor.

"Time is running out Dastan" Em's voice called though he couldn't see her. He uncomfortable as the figure before him stood and seemed to spread darkness along the wall behind him. He laughed as Em's screams filled his ears.

"EM!" He shouted as everything around him slowly went black.

"Sweet dreams" The raspy voice haunted him before a howl echoed in his ears. He felt claws rip across his torso before he awoke grasping his side.

********

He relaxed once he knew he wasn't injured, panting in an attempt to get control over his breathing. He gave a great sigh of relief when he realised it was just a dream, though it felt so real. As he got out of bed, he could see it was still dark. He felt uncomfortable having heard Em scream out to him. Slowly he crept towards her door and peeked inside hoping to see her sleeping peacefully. He was rather shocked when he noticed her empty bed.

Slipping on his boots, a tunic and furs around his shoulder he went in search for her. He kept walking until he reached the balcony; he paused as he saw Em arms rubbing her forearms. The wind gently blowing the long fabric and her hair. Her features captured in the night as he sucked in a breath and turned to leave.

"Don't go" Her voice was no more than a whisper. He heard her voice cracking from her plea as he slowly walked towards her; he noticed her cheeks glistened from evident tears. He hadn't realised how close they were standing as his fingers could easily brush past hers as he watched her closely taking in her beautiful face as if something was telling him he wouldn't ever get another chance.

"Couldn't sleep?" Her voice was soft as it melted straight through him.

"Bad dreams" He spoke truthfully as she gave a sad smile.

"Same here" She sighed deeply; he watched her flinch slightly before her shoulders relaxed.

"Dastan I...." She stumbled slightly before she turned to face him, their eyes connected as she could feel his warm breath travelling down to her cheeks, before she glanced down at her fingers which she hadn't noticed she was playing with.

"I never got to say thank you for what you did for me.....for saving me" She thanked before looking up at him to see him giving her a sweet smile as she felt her breathing hitch in her throat. Dastan took her hand in his only to feel them shaking, as he frowned before looking back at her.

"You're shaking?" He whispered confused as she gave a small gulp, her eyes never leaving his. Em flushed, her cheeks like flame against the wind. Dastan's voice only worsened her trembling.

"It's.....cold" she murmured apologetically looking down. She couldn't lie to his face as Dastan cast a doubtful look, but still proceeded to stand back and strip himself of his furs. Em barely had time to protest before the warm furs were placed around her shoulders. The thick garment still radiated the Dastan's heat as it swam on her shoulder.

"Dastan...." Em stated before trailing off. It was only then that Dastan saw the exhaustion in her eyes, there were faint trails of vulnerability and fear lurking in the depths of those beautiful irises.

"Thank you".

Em leant against the stone balcony looking at her feet as Dastan beside her rested his palms on the smooth marble. Dastan glanced down at their hands only inches apart as he could see Em was still shaking rather badly before he sighed deeply, hung his head, before looking up at the sky.

"What's actually wrong Em?" His soft concerned voice made her bit her lip. She was nervous and frightened. She had never felt this way before and it scared her even more.

"I'm scared" She whispered truthfully as Dastan frowned and looked at her. It took him by surprise as he considered Em to be one of the bravest people he has ever known.

"Scared?" He asked her softly unsure he heard her correctly.

"Yes, I'm terrified" She snapped suddenly glaring up at him as he could her eyes flashed green around the rims before she sighed and rubbed her face, before turning to look out at the storm as Dastan's gaze never left hers. Neither spoke for a moment as the snow settled on their skin.

"You have a family Dastan. A life to return too, once this is all over." Em told him as he frowned at her.

"Surely you have a home to return to?" He slowly asked whilst she shook her head. Pain filled her eyes at the thought of returning to the ruins of her home.

"My home was destroyed. I have been living in that forest where you found me for so long" She stated. Dastan felt awful that he could return to a family awaiting him whilst Em had nothing.

".......I had forgotten what it felt like......to dance. To be surrounded by music......You have been the most company I have had in years" Em smiled sadly remembering the feeling. She let it soak into her brain, knowing it could be her last time.

"Surely a bunch of soldiers aren't that great?" Dastan teased causing them both to laugh.

"You have your moments" She chuckled as Dastan gave a soft smirk as her words sunk in. It grew quiet between the two of them once again.

"I don't know what awaits me after this quest...." Em started.

"Don't talk like that. We all have something to live and fight for" Dastan snapped. He hated how she sounded ready to give up.

"You have your family Dastan. But what do I have? To return to a life of solitude!" She whispered angrily, slamming a fist against the banister as a sudden tear slipped down her cheek. Dastan let his hand slowly brush it away as his hand lingered on her soft skin as he noticed she was no longer shaking.

Their eyes met, no words were spoken, their bodies barely touching as his hand rested on her cheek. Her words flowed through his brain as he could see the fear in her eyes. This was the first and only time he had ever seen Em so vulnerable, as he brushed a strand piece of her hair behind her ear.

"Come home with me" He offered with a smile. He had never felt so certain of something in all his life.

"What?" Em pulled away looking at him shocked.

"I don't have much, but it's enough. Let that be enough to fight for" He begged capturing her hands in his and pulling her closer. The smile on his face was contagious.

"You do not know what it is you are asking me" Em sadly responded, her voice breaking as she turned quickly to flea.

"Wait Em!" His voice called out as she stopped. His heavy footsteps grew louder as he now stood in front of her, his hands automatically holding her waist, pulling her closer to him. Instinctively her palms rested against his chest as she looked up at his face. His heartbeat grew faster from her close contact, as he could feel the warmth from her palm through his shirt.

"Please think about it" He whispered. Em watched his eyes for a moment before standing up on her toes and captured his lips in a kiss. Dastan was shocked for a brief moment, before his arms tightened around her, holding her flush against his body. Her smooth hands caressed his cheeks, whilst one his hands ran up her spine holding her hair. She shuddered against him, their kiss long and passionate. Neither wanted it to end as they slowly drew apart for air.

"Goodnight Em" He whispered in her ear before planting a soft kiss on her cheek and leaving to retire for the rest of the evening as she felt her body willing to explode. Her hands were quick to capture his as he turned his attention back to her.

"Stay! Please!" She begged as he nodded. Neither said another word as they returned to her chambers, still warm from the soft fire. He easily slipped out of boots and removed his shirt before sliding into the bed beside her. Part of him was nervous, but once she cuddled into his side, all his thoughts vanished.

"Let me hold onto this moment forever" She whispered under her breath. Dastan wasn't sure if he was meant to hear her, but he held her closer to him. He frowned at her words unable to comprehend her meaning. His soft snores soon flooded the room, whilst Em finger's trailed patterns across his chest. If she was to live forever in solitude, she wanted to be able to remember this moment. Listening to the calming heartbeat it wasn't long before Em's eyes closed, a small smile remaining on her lips.