The warmth of the morning sun did little to stop the knot that was beginning to get twisted in his gut. He glanced up, his eyes narrowed as he limped through the snow-covered trail towards the cottage.

His mind was focused on one thing alone, Aria.

"She should be up by now," he thought. "She would probably still be in bed or making some sort of herbal brew from her herb bags."

He smiled as he imagined the sight. She was probably humming under her breath, something he had caught her doing ...