Em woke up the next morning with the best sleep she could recall since the journey. Her neck was slightly stiff and her shoulders ached from the angle of sleeping as she frowned, before realising that her pillow was Dastan's chest and that he had a firm grip on her waist. She blushed slightly watching him sleep peacefully before she easily slipped out of his tight grip and walked over towards the dressing table.

She pulled back her long wavy hair and quickly braided it over her shoulder. Hearing a deep grunt behind her she turned to see Dastan roll over as she gave a soft smile, her hand continuously rubbing her left shoulder and neck. She wished she would be given the chance to get used to the sight of seeing him at peace, not a care in the world.

Holding her head in her hands, she felt slightly ashamed of herself. What would her father have said if he knew what she had done last night? He was probably turning in his grave. Jumping slightly she was comforted by warm, slightly rough hands massaging her shoulders. Groaning she felt her body relax as her eyes closed with a happy sigh. Her back lazily fell against Dastan's body as she titled her head up to look at him with a lazy morning smile.

"Morning" She greeted as he gave her a mischievous smirk.

"Breakfast should be ready soon.....I'll leave you to get dressed" He smirked. Hesitating for a moment he bent down to place a delicate kiss on her neck. It was quick catching her by surprise as he fled out the door. Helena arrived about five minutes after with Em's tunic, pants and boots in her hands. Em smiled happily to see something other than a dress.

Helena merely chuckled and left allowing Em the privacy to get changed. She felt a sense of comfort in her clothing. Pinching her cheeks briefly for colour, Em was practically skipping to breakfast. Wesman and the panther from their first greeting sat close to Reddinton and growled at her appearance. Em merely rolled her eyes not caring for the prejudice values of the creatures besides her.

"Morning everyone" She smiled as Reddington chuckled at her brightened mood. Dastan wasn't long after her smirking in her direction. Edvard glanced between the two with narrowed eyes. He wondered what Dastan was up to. He saw the connection between them and knew others would notice it as well.

A servant walked in with a silver tray in his hands. He stopped by Dastan, lowering it for him to see the letter that sat upon it. He paused, slowly taking it. Thanking the man he bowed and left. Isadora, he thought. He quickly sniffed the parchment only to smile. Her perfume was upon the letter, reminding him of home. He quickly excused himself to have privacy and read it.

Em smiled seeing Dastan so happy. The group grew very comfortable with Reddington and his people. They got into a routine of breakfast in the mornings and banquets in the evenings. Dastan wrote numerous letters to his sister whilst he could. He knew their time with the Earl would be coming to a close. Before they knew it the snow storms were settling. The sun's heat was beginning to melt away the snow, allowing fresh grass and flowers to bloom.

Reddington had insisted of ensuring they had everything before their departure. Enough food and water for the journey across the valleys ahead. Em asked if they could have a horse for Edvard as she knew the old man would not be able to survive the distance. Reddington happily allowed it, Acarans had no need for horses, being able to transform into their animals themselves.

Reddington had insisted on Dastan taking a group of his men with them. He was quick to refuse before realising that their large band of twenty-four had drastically decreased since leaving King Barclay's kingdom. Only seven of the soldiers remained. He nodded in agreement as Reddington assigned five men to join them, one of them being Wesman.

They wouldn't have to worry about being hunted across the valley. Nothing lived there, it was just open green hills. It was early in the morning, Em arose to the sun seeping in through the glass and birds singing outside her window. The wind still had a cold chill but was often welcomed against the sun's heat. Changing back into her original travel clothes, Em welcomed the familiarity of her cloak on her shoulders. Smiling she hugged it closer to herself.

Ensuring the sword was secure at her side and the bow over her shoulder. She pulled her hair back into its usual braid and pulled the hood over her face like old times. She pulled her eyes away from her reflection when she heard a knock on the door before Dastan opened it. She noticed that he had a new cloak, a gift from Reddington with rare furs over the collar for extra warmth.

"The others are ready" He spoke as she sighed before following him to the courtyard. Edvard was already seated on the horse, grumbling at the idea of leaving the luxurious armchair and fireplace he had grown accustomed too.

"Be careful Em. Don't be a stranger" Reddington smiled at her, before holding both cheeks in his large paws and giving them a squeeze. He laughed at her pouting face, before urging her forward with his tail. Em said a quick goodbye to Helena before leading the men out of the castle gates.

They had more stares on the way out of the city this time, it was dawn not the middle of the night. They continued to head North towards endless plains of green. Each night Dastan would check the map to ensure they were going the right direction, but soon found himself trusting Em's guidance. They were close, he could feel it in his bones.