Anya smiled over at him. "You're strangely quiet tonight. What's on your mind?"

Darior watched her for a long moment. He was sure about what he was going to say but didn't have the words. "Anya... I care for you deeply." He didn't want to say love. Love would change everything, make this harder for her..

Anya frowned in worry, not sure if she liked his tone at all. "I care for you too..." She reached out her hand across the table towards him.

Darior turned his palm up so he could hold her hand. "I want you to come with me."

Her expression softened again. Maybe she shouldn't have been worried. "Where to?"

He looked at her, the dark circles under his eyes becoming more present in the candle light setting. It was obvious he wasn't sleeping at all. "North." It was all he said, was it enough perhaps?

?North? Well, I guess I could go with you... but what would we be doing? Or seeing??

?I want to study the bore more, first hand.?

?Study the...? Anya looked at him questioningly. ?But it's too dangerous to go there yourself!?

?I believe Mierin was right about it.?

?What do you mean?? she asked.

?Its a new source of power, of strength.?

?You really shouldn't go there. Nothing good can come from it.?

?I want to Anya, and I want you to come with me,? Darior almost seemed to plead with her. ?It wouldn't be the first time. I know the dangers; they can be avoided.?

?What kind of dangers are really there to be avoided??

?The normal dangers when traveling. Food, water, campsites.?

?Oh, if that's all then I guess I can go with you. But why now? You've been gone for so long on your own, why do you suddenly want me to go with you??

?Because I want you with me by my side, there is so much more to this. I can feel it in my bones.?

Anya smiled, pleased with his answer, and agreed to go. Darior smiled, too, squeezing her hand with his. "Thank you."

* * *

Later than evening, Anya was found in her room packing. Sabian was in the room with her and pacing back and forth. ?Can you please sit down, brother? You are making me nervous,? she said calmly.

?I cant believe your going there,? he told her. ?There of all places. Why??

Anya sighed as if she had already answered this question a thousand times. "Because he asked me to."

?I don't like it; I don't like you there. Why would he want you to go there??

?He's doing some research and wants me with him.? She slammed something into her bag before turning to her brother in complete frustration. ?He's your best friend. You've never distrusted him before. Why now??

?It doesn't FEEL right.?

Anya sighs and walked over to give him a hug. "He told me we wouldn't run into any danger other than what one normally sees while traveling. He cares for me. He wouldn't let anything bad happen to me. You know that, right?"

?I know that but I have one of those feelings. Anya...?

?Yes??

?That place gives me the shivers.?

?It does me too.?

?Don't go. Act Sick. I will tell him.?

?I already told him I'd go. You know I don't willingly break a promise.?

Sabian started pacing again, stopping at her desk and picking up a silver design and polishing it. ?I don't like it.?

?I know. You've said that.?

?I would never let Aieryn go.?

?I guess it's a good thing he didn't ask her, then.?

?By the five mountains! Your as worse as she is! Two of them! I have to deal with TWO of them.?

Anya smiled slightly as if at an old joke. "Still can't figure out how to deal with women, Sabian?"

?We are going with you,? was his only reply.

?What??

?Only way your getting out of the tower with me still breathing.?

?I don't know if he'll go for that...?

?Then you will have to convince him, we might not know anything about you. But you sure have our numbers pegged.?

Anya grinned. "I will talk to him."

?It's simple, your not going unless we are there to. No further discussion.?

?Yes, sir!?

Sabian all but growls and swore at his sister. Anya smirked and returned to her packing. ?Your lucky I love you so much,? he said.

?Your lucky I love you enough to put up with you.? Sabian wrapped an arm around his sister and mussed her hair. Anya giggled and swatted at his hand.

?I will go tell Aeiryn that we are going on a camping trip and it was your idea,? he said.

?Great. Blame it all on me...?

?It is your fault. You said yes! Besides at least you don't have to sleep with her.? Anya just giggled.

* * *

Anya stepped into the stables early the next morning, a young servant helping her to carry her travel bags. ?Thank you for your help,? she said kindly and slipped the lad a couple of coins. With a grin he bowed and rushed off with his pay. Chuckling, she went over to the stall where her black horse, Nightfall, was resting. The horse neighed happily and greedily ate an apple that Anya held out to him.

?We're going and that's final!? Anya spun around only to find her brother having a rather heated argument with his wife, Aeiryn. ?Why do I have to go?? Aeiryn cried. ?Because I'm going, and you're like a sister to her,? he replied. With a huff, the Aes Sedai turned around and began brushing her horse's coat, obviously preparing to leave but not giving her husband the satisfaction of her saying that he had won the argument.

Shaking her head, the young Healer, well, young by Aes Sedai standards, turned back to her own horse who had begun head-butting her for attention. ?Alright, alright,? she said and began brushing him down before getting to work on saddling him.

Sabian walked up behind Aeiryn and reached out to her as if about to hug her and say he's sorry. Instead he said, ?You're doing that wrong.? Aeiryn rammed her elbow into his stomach and he bent over, losing his breath for a moment. When he finally regained it, he looked up at her, grinning slyly, ?Don't start what you can't finish.? She just smiled and winked at him, then she went about fixing the horse's saddle properly.

?Ewww.. you two stop it! I don't WANT to think of my brother like that.? The couple busted out laughing at Anya's outburst. This had been an ongoing ?battle? since before the two were married.

The trio continued readying the horses. Nightfall, Sun King, and Twilight had grown accustomed to the proximity of each other in the stables and had since become friends much like their owners.

The stable door opened with a clatter as Darior was silhouetted in the light of the morning sun. The conversation and carrying on was brought to an abrupt halt as the entire feeling of the room shifted. What had been warm and happy was suddenly cold and uncomfortable. Darior readied his horse in silence with the other three, every now and then looking up to discuss some of the traveling ideas with Sabian.

Once all preparations had been completed, the group made their way out of the stables and onto the road. Everyone grew even more quiet as time moved forward. Sabian and Aeiryn remained close together as they always did, the pair ever alert to their surroundings. Anya rode with them but a little separated. Her eyes were focused on the man that rode apart and in front. He seemed purposeful with every movement he made. What was going through his mind? she wondered. He had barely said two words to her throughout the entire day. With dusk fast approaching, she decided to move closer to him, to try to start a conversation. Before she could, however, he began to speak.

?This is taking far too long.? Anya was a little shocked at his impatience. He had always been one of the most patient men she had ever met. In his view, rushing headlong into the unknown was simply illogical. What could bring about this seemingly sudden change of character? The pace the man had set was already faster than how the four normally traveled. He lifted a hand, and Aeiryn cried out, ?Stop! What are you doing??

Darior just looked at her. Rather, he looked through her. It was as if he were gazing at something far away. ?I'm opening a gateway.? After much arguing Aeiryn finally won. There would not be a gateway opened to that place. The power was known to be acting unusual in that area and no one was sure if such a weave that could kill with a simple mistake was safe to attempt. Better safe that sorry.

Not much was exchanged between the members of the traveling party after that. Darior seemed to grow even quieter, if such could be said. Sabian was doing his normal over-protective bit, always scanning the outskirts. Aeiryn could tell he anted to scout ahead, but he didn't feel comfortable leaving the two women with little to no protection. He had stopped regarding Darior as protection when he noticed the other man's far-off look. The man was completely oblivious to all that was going on in the world around him. Sabian spurred his horse forward, catching up with Aeiryn. ?I don't like it here... It's too cold of a wind to be coming from the south. It chills me to the bone.?

Aeiryn could no longer suppress the shiver that had been threatening to crawl up her spine as well. ?I know, Sabian. I feel it, too, and if I fee lit, I know your skin must be wanting to crawl off.?

Anya shuddered in the cold wind too. She couldn't figure out what was wrong with Darior, and it was really starting to worry her. She had noticed dark circles uder his eyes the night before but had assumed it was just from his long travels. Could it be something much worse? She moved her horse forward and spoke quietly to him. ?Is there something you want to talk about??

Darior looked up at her. There was a moment of bewilderment on his face as if she had just spoken in a different language. It took several moments for him to even realize it was a question. ?No... No, it's nothing. I am just...? He paused almost as if searching for the correct words, ?...thinking.?

She frowned slightly. ?Are you sure you are feeling alright? You are acting... differently.?

?I just haven't been sleeping well,? he all but snapped back at her and, upon realizing the brief outburst of anger, immediately became apologetic. ?I am sorry. I just haven't been sleeping well, and I guess it's just taking its toll on me finally.?

Anya blinked at his sudden outburst then worked to calm her racing heart as he apologized. ?I can help, if you would like.?

?I don't see how. I just don't see it...?

?Well, the problems is that you're tired...? She held out her hand to him. Darior looked at the hand. There was a brief moment of fear of it and not wanting to take it, but he did reach out anyway and took it within his and gave it a squeeze. He turned to look at Sabian and Aeiryn who were talking about light-hearted things. He caught the word puppy every now and then as the Aes Sedai's eyes actually seemed to shine. ?I am almost jealous of those two, but then I remember how much our life spans are different than those without the gift.? He was hoping to change the subject.

Anya followed his gaze then turned back to him. ?I don't like thinking about that.?

?Neither do I, but it bares some thought. I can't help but think that they are like the love birds. If one dies... the other won't be too far behind.? Darior closed his eyes, taking a moment to not feel for the man that had come to be his best friend. The words seemed a bit too close to the truth, and he knew it.

?Again, I don't like thinking about that. A broken heart can be Healed no more than death.? The Healer shivered at the thought of that which she had no control over.

?We should probably consider camping for the night; it would be better to arrive in daylight so we can see better.? That was part of the truth. The whole of it was the man was actually afraid of what he might find during the moonlight hours.

Anya nodded and pointed to a spot that looked just as good as any of the others. She reigned in her horse and waved for the other two to join them.

?No, no, and no for the thousandth time no!? Sabian raised his voice a bit as the argument that he knew he was fated to loose anyway was heating up. Anya frowned at the two of them. This was not looking good if the arguing had started on only the first night.

?Sabian!? It was just his name, but that tone alone was enough to stop any husband in his tracks, especially when he knew he was wrong.

?Fine! We can keep the puppy outside, but you're going to let him in the house!? Rolling her eyes, Anya just grinned. A puppy, huh?

?But I'm going to name it!? Sabian turned his horse and started walking it back to where Anya had picked out a campsite. He clicked his tongue and Aeiryn's horse followed him. Sabian could not hide the smirk on his face. He had trained that horse, and, no matter how much she tried, it always followed his orders before hers.

Anya just shook her head and climbed down from her horse, beginning to set up camp. Sabian vaulted down from his own horse and then walked around to help Aieryn from hers, who slid from her own sadly contemptuously. "I don't suppose you want to pitch the tent too, hmm?"

Anya continued to work on getting her horse unsaddled and brushed down. The entire time she is watching Darior for any sign of what he might do. The man still seemed to be lost in some place far from where they were camping. Darior was working, muttering intently to himself. It sounding like almost gibberish it was so low. Anya finished with the horse and let Nightfall graze a bit. She walked over to Darior. "You know, if you are having trouble sleeping, I can help you tonight."

Darior started a bit then smiled as he finished the last grooming of his horse. He just hugged Anya, hugged her as close as he could. "Yes, yes I would like that. It must be you that I have been missing all of these months"

Anya smiled and hugged him back. "I missed you, too. How come you were away for so long without sending any word?"

He thought for a long time, "I..I don't remember, the days are all just a blur. I am here now, thats what matters." Sabian had a fire going all ready and of coarse the two were sitting near each other trying to warm themselves up why they 'discussed' the proper way to build a cooking fire.

She brushed a stray strand of hair gently back from his face. "Maybe one day you'll remember and be able to tell me. For now, let's finish here and go join the others at the fire. A good meal will help you to sleep easier." Darior nodded then pulled her close for a kiss, it was the first true intimacy they shared since he has been back, one that had long been coming. Anya returned the kiss, meaning to hold this for as long as she could. It had been too long since they were this close to one another. He tangled his fingers in her hair, trying to practically drink her. He no longer cared who might seem them and just concentrated on this one kiss. Anya finally, and reluctantly, broke the kiss. She looked down, blushing slightly, unable to speak. Darior buried his head into her hair holding her close, "I have missed you my little fox."

"And I missed you," she said as she rested against him.

Sabian and Aeiryn were all ready cooking dinner it seems that Sabian finally won the argument and was cooking the way all soldiers learn in the field. Burning everything then trying to convince everyone of how good they have it. Aeiryn just smiled and teased him about burning his finger on the skillet, refusing to heal it. "Serves you right you lout. Now when will you finish burning it all so we can eat?"

Sabian, trying to defend himself, replied, "It's not burnt, see! I can cook, if you would stop complaining and actually look you will find its decent, without anything but a few herbs." Sabian took the hot skilled off the fire and served up the dinner on the plates. Anya completely missed the entire conversation as she was completely lost in the feeling of having Darior back with her. Sabian cleared his throat trying to get the other two's attention. "Dinner is served you two. Are you done checking my sisters mouth for anything that might be wrong, Darior?" Sabian almost dropped the plate he was about to sit down with as he felt an elbow buried itself into his stomach. Aeiryn just looked at Anya with an apologetic smile.

Anya broke away from Darior, blushing, and turned to glare at her brother before smiling back at Aeiryn. Darior just grinned at Sabian, "Yes, I found nothing wrong, would you like me to check Aeiryn next?" Anya just turned to look at Darior with a raised eyebrow. Darior just flashed a grin. Anya just shook her head and went to sit down next to the fire. ?What?" Darior walked over to the fire ,sitting right next to Anya. "So what has the chef made for us this time?"

She sniffed the air. "Smells burned."

Sabian just kind of harrumphed. "You can do better, oh sister dear? After all you were acting like a novice who just had her first kiss."

"Even a Novice knows how to cook while on the road."

?I can cook! Fine! You know what? Next time you do better, and we will see.?

Anya shrugged. "Alright. I will."

?Harrumph!? Sabian ate his dinner in relative quiet, mean while Aeiryn mouthed a ?thank you.? Anya smiled and mouthed a ?your welcome? to her brother's wife. She made sure Darior had a plate and was eating before she would touch any food herself. Darior took the plate and ate everything on it without pausing to say a single word.

"I will take first and second watch, Aeiryn has agreed to third" Sabian said it in such a way there that was no room for argument.

Anya looked her brother over carefully. "As long as you realize that you do have to sleep sometime."

?I will get my sleep when Aeiryn takes over. You have more important things to do.?

Anya stared at him curiously then looked at Darior. Sabian just nodded and then collected the empty plates and set about cleaning them. Anya thanked Sabian for the dinner and went to her saddlebags, unrolling her sleeping blankets. Darior, smiled and turned, setting up his own sleeping roll right next to hers. "I hope you don't mind too much if I share the space. It will be getting cold... body heat and all."

She pulled the ribbon out of her hair so that the long blond locks covered her quickly reddening face as she focused a little too much on making sure that there were no wrinkles in the blanket. "I don't mind at all."

Darior just smiled, moving her hair all to one side, his fingers grazing over the skin of the neck. "Good." He just flopped on his wrinkled blanket, no ceremony at all. Anya barely suppressed the shiver that threatened to course though her body at his touch. She lay down on her blanket much more gracefully than he did and watched him. He just smiled again and started to undo his tunic, letting it slide off him. Anya quickly looked away to see where the other two were setting up their pallets. The other two had all ready set up the pallet on the other side of the fire, a simple warding going around them to keep out any insects and any sounds

She turned back over. "They got comfortable rather quickly, it looks like."

?You know how he is... everything is always kept in perfect order,? Darior replied. ?So it doesn't take much time.?

?Very true. He's been like that ever since he was little.?

Darior smiled and opened up the blankets so they could share. "I bet you are proud of him; he has come a long way i imagine."

Anya grinned fondly as she glanced back at her brother while sliding closer to Darior. "That he has. That he has."

?I need you tonight, Anya. I need you to be close to me. I always wake so cold.. so alone.? She looked at him in surprise then she moved closer to cuddle with him. He buried his head into her hair again, holding her so close it almost hurt. ?Darior? I'm having trouble breathing...?

He started a bit and blushed, letting her go. " I am afraid to sleep. Too many dreams."

Anya brushed her fingers across his cheek and into his hair. "Maybe there is something I can do to help?"

Darior looked up at her face, studying it carefully; there is a moment where he is a touch confused. Anya took her hand away slowly. "I'm sorry. Did I do something wrong?"

?No... please don't stop.? He closed his eyes, his hands gliding across her back to keep holding her close.

She blinked at him, confused herself, and began stroking his hair gently. "Are you going to be alright?"

?Yes, I think so. Now I think so.?

?Good.?

?I should have come to you first... I am such a fool. Forgive me my little fox.. please.?

?Forgive you for what??

?Everything...? He rested his head on her shoulder, legs starting to tangle with hers.

?You know I could never hold anything against you.?

?Thank you.? He kissed the soft skin of the neck and shoulder. Anya hugged him tightly, the fingers of one hand still entangled in his hair. The two started kissing, eventually raising a ward of silence around them before pulling a blanket up over their heads.

* * *

Anya awoke early the next morning, Darior still asleep at her side. She slipped away from him carefully so as not to wake him and pulled down the wards. She glanced over to see which of the other two might be awake. Sabian was resting with his head in Aeiryn's lap. Upon seeing movement, she raised a finger over her lips and mouthed that he just went to sleep. Anya nodded and quietly began putting things away and preparing for breakfast. Aeiryn sang softly to Sabian, stroking his hair tenderly letting him get the last few hours he could. She embraced the source and slowly wove a refreshment over him. Taking in his tiredness while he didn't know that she is doing it. Anya began cooking breakfast, weaving a ward of silence around the area so as not to wake up either of the men.

The morning went by smoothly. Sabian woke up and went to say a few choice words but Aeiryn shushed him with a gesture towards Darior. Anya passed plates of food to Aeiryn and Sabian, waiting to cook Darior's until he woke. She settled down near her brother and his wife. Sabian spoke up first in a low whisper, "I see you got him to sleep, should I dare ask how?" Sabian bowed over a bit as an elbow found his stomach.

Anya smirked. "Very carefully, dear brother. Very carefully."

"You see what she does to me, an abusive Aes Sedai I swear."

?Just what every good man needs.?

?I don't have to worry about anything other then pain at the end of her fist... Oh don't be taking her side now! I thought you were MY sister!?

Anya giggled.

Darior stirred a bit at the commotion that had been rising with the voices. Anya glanced over at Darior and quieted quickly when she saw him stirring.

?How long has he been sleeping??Sabian asked.

?All night...? Anya got up and went over to sit next to him. She touched Darior's forehead. Her eyes widened, and she quickly embraced the Source and delved the man lying beside her. ?By the...? Anya tried to shake him awake after feeling the fever and then finding that he showed a lack of nutrition, a low immune system, all-over fatigue, and internal bleeding. When he didn't awaken, she took that as permission and began to apply the weaves for Healing.

The weave healed all of the damages as he slowly opened his eyes. They were slightly sunken and dark circles were underneath them. "Mornin', beautiful."

Alex sighed with relief as she let go of the Power. "Darior, what happened to you? You didn't seem sick before we went to sleep." ?Sick??

?You were sick and couldn't wake up... You are awake now because I Healed you.?

?Oh... Thank you. I guess I owe another thing to you. I didn't know it was that bad.?

?What was it to start with?? Anya looked as worried as she was.

Darior shrugged a bit, trying to sit up. "It just happened, I guess."

?I've been a Healer for too long. Something like that doesn't just happen.?

?I guess I got into a bit more trouble then I remembers last trip up here.?

Anya touched his brow again. "What DO you remember?"

?I remember seeing the mountain top that contained the bore, then I remember finding you in the inn.?

?That's a great deal of time lost...?

Darior looked down at the ground, the feelings of shame crossing over his features. "I know, I want to find out what happened."

Anya said quietly, "If there is any way, and you want it, I will help you..."

?You all ready are. Darior smiles up at Anya, cupping her face.?

Anya smiled at him, only somewhat comforted. ?You should get up. We have much traveling to do today, I do believe.?

?Yes, we are near. It wont me much longer.?

?Good.? Anya stood and went to prepare his breakfast. When she finished it, she brought the plate over to Darior. Darior stood up, his tunic half way across the campsite. He moved over to pick it up before settling down to eat Anya glanced over at Sabian and Aeiryn to see what they were doing before returning her gaze to Darior to check and see how healthy his appetite was. Darior really just pushed the food around, not truly eating it. Sabian and Aeiryn already had almost the entire camp put up and seemed to be arguing about him needing more sleep.

?Darior, you need to eat.? Anya knew he had to be starving after the Healing.

?I am eating, its been a long morning all ready is all.?

?Well, I did cook that for you, so I expect you to clean your plate.? She sounded for all the world like a mother.

?Yes, dear,? he said with a slight sneer as he started eating. Anya watched till he finished the last bite. Darior grumbled, and, as he finished the last bite, he opened his mouth. "All gone. See."

?Good.? With a grin, she took the plate and cleaned it before putting it and what's left of her stuff away. Anya waited till Darior had packed his own things, and they all mounted their horses and headed out for the day's travel.

The hours passed and they, unfortunately, reached the mountain before the Bore right before sunset. Anya shivered when the horses stopped. "I'm not sure I want to camp here..."

?No, we need to keep going. We are almost there. Can you not FEEL it?? Darior said fervently.

?That's the problem. I can feel it, and I don't want to get any closer.?

?Its so close! I am remembering it now!?

Anya looked at Darior carefully. "What are you remembering?"

Sabian stepped up and put a hand on his friend's shoulder. Darior all but rounded on him ready to strike but held back. "Easy there friend, one more day wont hurt,? Sabian reassured.

?This is too close...? Anya was extremely nervous.

Darior exclaimed, "NO! Its not close enough. Don't you see its there. Just listen? It's in the air... in the ground!"

?Darior... calm down.?

?I WILL NOT CALM DOWN!? Darior shoved Sabian away, picked up his pack and started towards the base of the mountain.

?DARIOR!? Anya chased after him, trying to get him to stop. Darior could be seen muttering to himself as he moved, the conversation slipping into various different tongues. Anya finally reached out to grab his arm. "Darior..."

He turned slower this time. "Come with me Anya, you and I... We belong there. Listen to it? Can you not hear him?"

Anya pleaded with him, "Can't it just wait until tomorrow? We should camp now. You won't be able to see where you step soon enough."

?No. I know the way. I promised you I would get you here. Come Anya, come with me.?

Anya hesitated, "But..." He wouldn't really want her to be hurt, would he? He wouldn't knowingly lead her into danger, right?

?It's where we belong, together,? he said in a quiet, seductive voice.

Anya's eyes widened at the change in tone. She let go of his arm and took a step back only to slip on some loose stones. She fell back sliding a little down the hill only to be stopped by a bigger rock. Anya groaned as she tried to focus on where Darior should have been standing near her. So many stones made the fall hurt more than it should have. There was actually a cut on her right leg where she had hit a sharp rock. Her head had hit the big rock that had caught her pretty hard.

Darior turned too late to catch her, and walked over to where she was laying to pick her up. Sabian arrived at the scene and his voice was soft but still cold as ice. "I think that is far enough, Darior. We are taking her back to the camp."

Anya felt herself being lifted. "Darior...?"

Aeiryn spoke softly to her, "No, sweety, we are taking you back to the camp. It's no place for you here."

?But, what about Darior??

?Shhh... It will be okay.? Aeiryn embraced the Source a wove gently into Anya so that the other woman fell into a deep sleep.

* * *

Alex awoke with a start. Darior had left. Wait a second. Who was Darior? Bringing a hand to her forehead, Alexandra tried to remember what she had dreamed. It had been so detailed. It had seemed so real. Those names... Anya... Sabian... Aeiryn... and Darior. They were from those books she had gotten in the library. The people had only been briefly mentioned and she was already making up stories in her head for them to fill in all the gaps. She hated not knowing something, but she couldn't substitute what she didn't know with falsehoods.

With a sigh, Alex settled back against her pillow and attempted to return to sleep. Maybe she would tell Jonathan about the strange dream. Had he ever continued in his dreams the story of people he had read about?