Nighttime came. The men were getting settled for bed, laying out their sleepingbags and fur blankets. The night was cold, so some of them slept in their coats.

Yulana sat outside, watching the flames flicker in the camp fire. She reminisced on memories, memories of her innocent childhood, untainted moments of laughter and childish giggling. This was something that made Yulana smile, something she hadn't done since she was a little girl.

Hakoda walked over next to her and sat down beside her. "It's cold out here," he said.

"Yeah, kinda," Yulana quietly replied.

Yulana thought he was trying to get somewhere with her, but she did nothing or said anything about it. She slid closer over to Hakoda, just to cuddle for maybe a little while. After all, it was cold outside.

Hakoda brought out a white fur blanket, nice, soft, and warm. Hakoda threw it over Yulana. He didn't bother to throw it over himself, even though Yulana offered the whole blanket to him. He didn't bother. He knew she needed the warmth more than he did.

Yulana didn't refuse Hakoda's generosity, after all, when the chief of the tribe offers a kind gesture, you dare not refuse it, so, call it an act of respect on Yulana's part.

"Hakoda," Yulana whispered.

"Yes?," he replied

"Thank you for saving me..," she said in a gentle tone, " I owe you my life."

"No, no thanks are needed, dear. I did it because I care about you. I don't ask for anything in return," he replied in the same tone.

Hakoda smiled a bit and gave Yulana a wink. She giggled a little bit, smiling back at him. Yulana was getting sleepy. She dozed off, resting her head on Hakoda's shoulder. He smiled, and placed his arm on her shoulder, and rested his head on hers. It was the perfect moment.. at least that's what Hakoda thought. Yulana was passed out asleep.

It was dark, near midnight, and they had been out there for 2 hours or more. Hakoda was getting tired, and they had to get up before sunrise to head northwest along the way to join up with more water tribe fleets.

Hakoda took Yulana in his arms, carrying her into his tent.

"She's sound asleep," he whispered to himself.

He set her down in a corner on a tiny fur mat. He covered her up with another blanket.

"Goodnight.., Yulana,." he said, whispering it into her ear. Before he left his tent, he gave her a soft kiss on the forehead and pulled the blankets over her delicate shoulders..

"Tomorrow night, you'll finally know how much I love you," Hakoda spoke in a serious, quiet voice, "My love.."