Kanes patience was already wearing thin as they knocked upon Ascondias chamber doors, they had already been waiting for a few minutes before the door finally unlatched from the inside and opened, Ascondia for a moment actually looked hurt he wasn’t alone, but quickly pushed that aside plastering her ever so pleasant smile in its face.
“What can I do for you Lord Kane” She sang sweetly
“Drop the act Ascondia, we don’t have time for it” Kane snaped his told bitter and cold as he made his way into the chambers, one he had long since set aside for her and such it was now lavishly decorated, the picture from his room he had replaced some weeks ago also adorned the wall here. He eyed it for a moment before he turned to face her.
“I am here as a matter of courtesy, very shortly Aishani and I will be leaving Dentarius, I assume in doing so you will try to seize control of my lands in my absence which leaves me little and few options” She held up her hand and he fell silent
“Why would I do that?” She snapped darkly
“Because its you” Kane shrugged “We are headed to Dragons Keep, Ceremon has Aerian which means Hareavor has Aerian, are you going to help of try and leave me homeless while I go free her”
Ascondia went pale sitting herself awkwardly as her eyes looked to Kane the pain all too clear as searched her mind for an answer “And you’re taking her?” She snapped her head to look at Aishani “Before coming to me?”
“Oh dropped the hurt act, Aishani is the reason I know for sure Aerian is trouble, now either get off your high horse and help or sit here and sulk like a child, Aerian may act like a brat but at least she knows the line between her own interests and those of the realm” Ascondia rushed Kane only for him to sidestep her and slam her into the wall her arm twisted up her back causing her scream “I don’t have time, we leave in an hour be in the courtyard or we go without you” And with that he let her go and headed for the door.
Aishani placed a squeeze upon Kane's hand, reminding him that she was there and even her mouth-watering scent infiltrated his senses with a subtle but strong support of strength. She released his hand when he stepped forward into Ascondia's room, following within and closing the door behind her.
Silently, she watched the exchange between Ascondia and Kane, stepping to the side as though Aishani already saw this coming but was leaving this particular altercation between them. She watched Kane take his leave in the manner he did, resting her golden eye upon Ascondia. "Titles cast aside, we are going to get Aerian out with or without your assistance. You want to prove Kane and Aerian are not your pawns, that you love your daughter? Perhaps, you think you don't need to prove it to anyone. But, I think that she needs the verification. I love her and do not wish to see harm upon even a single hair upon her head. Set aside your fucking differences and focus on the one good thing that came from the relationship that both of you HAD."
Aishani turned on her heel and the pivot directed by the strength and control of her hips, to leave the room after Kane with a close of the door behind her, proving to Ascondia that she wasn't interested in furthering conversation with her. To catch up to Kane and prepare her belongings to leave.
As the door closed Ascondia launched the blade in her hand at the door sticking where Aishanis head had been just a moment before. “Stuck up bitch” She snapped angrily before turning to begin packing.
As Aishani and Kane made their way out into the courtyard Kane had packed a rather large rucksack which now sat at his shoulder as if it weighed next to nothing, Ascondia was sat a rather sullen face as she waited, behind her with a backpack of his was Elvin, a long bow strapped to his back. Kane eyed them a moment before turning off the path and down into the grounds, the party of four began their journey.
Kane neared the wall of the outer grounds he stopped and turned to face the group “We go through here right into the forest, anyone watching the gates will be unaware we’ve left, problem is this is where the anti aggression spells are their strongest which means going through them is going to give one hell of a headache, we are leaving with the intent to survive that means to kill you may be calm now but the spells” He barely had time to finish the explanation before Ascondia cut in
“They were little use against the dragons Kane, what makes you think thjey would work against anyone else” She spat darkly, his eyes met hers level and yet the threat at her interruption was there
“When was the last time you ever remember Aerian missing a kill shot?” Kane snapped
“She never has” Ascondia shrugged in reply
“Might want to discuss that fact Z’ress when we run into her then” Kane retorted coldly “Now as I was saying it’s going to give you a head ache going through but it will clear quickly enough, then well we go get Aerian, you follow my orders, if you’re not fine with that I don’t need you at my side” And with that his hand ran over the wall the bricks simply faded as he stepped through, just for a moment the field throwing him off just for a moment before the fuzz cleared as he crouched in the cold snow his eyes scanning the forest before them.
Aishani from outside glanced to the thud against the closed door, a smirk forming on her lips with a chuckle. But, as everything was packed, Aishani dressed warmly with her gifted blades at her hips and the original extra pair at her backside sheathed just at the base of her spine, then her legs were strapped with the throwing knives that glistened violently upon the lean surface. Upon her shoulders was her own pack, heavy as Kane's but carried with ease.
She remained at Kane's side, in a silent reattribute to state to Ascondia that he was no longer her property and that the two were equals. But, as he stopped, she looked to Kane and listened silently with a slow nod. Aishani folded her arms over her chest, while focusing her golden hue on Ascondia at the small argument between the two. "Stop it. The two of you. This is for Aerian and if we can not work together, then it is doomed from the start."
Aishani walked after Kane, closing her eyes with a step to the side once in the field, inhaling deeply and releasing the air in her lungs. Then followed his gaze to the forest, such skeletal trees with the barren limbs stared back at them. Her scent still prevalent in the air surrounding him with the mouth-watering aroma of her presence and strength at his side. She drew her hood up to contain the escaping heat from her gathered hair in the pony tail with various dreads dripping down. A hand set on his shoulder in a physical form of strength.
“Stay off the paths, and watch your footing” Kane spoke quietly his hand running over the wall behind him the walls instantly filled with bricks. They set foot out into the forest the trees reach high above them but the day had already gone and sunk into a dark night, though now and again the moon would break through the trees above giving the snow and eerie silver appearance, the air was cold so cold their breath would freeze in the air before them.
“Do you have a plan for breaking into Dragons Keep milord?” Alvin had now fallen in stride beside them as he looked ahead he had oddly already drawn his bow.
“Alvin you’re going to have issues travelling armed constantly, secondly this won’t be the first time I’ve had to break into my fathers home, admittedly the fact it’s winter poses a problem, but we will figure it out just fine, for now just worry about our backs” Kane replied his voice hushed he knew better than anyone the dangers of All Hallows Wood, especially if you’re off the paths.
Though, Aishani had her hood drawn, she was alert to her surroundings. Glancing forward and to the sides every so often, her jacket tethered tightly against her while her cheeks were kissed with a violet and her nose was even darker. Her hands while in the convertible mits to fingerless gloves remained warm due to the closeness of each digit to the other, yet, always at the ready to gather a weapon in the instant. The air was still and crisp as the fallen snow beneath their feet, even the crunching of their shoes upon the surface, causing her scent to be even clearer to Kane, allowing him the focus.
She remained silent, while maintaining her focus, taking it one step at a time.
As they came across it the river was frozen though easily beneath the thin sheet could be seen the raging torrent that would take them away as fast as air been driven from your lungs, Kane stepped to the edge looking down then crouched to look along the river bank.
“We have to cross here” He stated softly
“Are you fucking blind? That ice wont hold us!” Ascondia growled “The instant you step onto it you’ll be through and torn down stream” Ascondia shook her head and strode off up the bank for Kane to look after her just for a moment
“Did I say we’d be walking on the ice? This is the shortest point across” With that he pulled a roll of rope from his back pack and with ease tied it to an arrow. He edged closer to the bank and then took aim, within seconds a dull thud signalled he’d struck his target on the other side. As he stepped away tying the rope off around a tree and a tap of the rope sent a shockwave across it the air around the rope halting in its motion becoming solid over the river creating a make shift bridge “It wont hold long, so don’t dawdle” and he set off over the bridge.
He halted on the far side helping down Aishani, then Ascondia then Alvin who still look bemused by the whole thing “How?”
“Temporary alterations of the temperature in the air, you were walking on the clouds guided by the rope” Ascondia shrugged
“I can manipulate the weather just not very well, Ascondia on the other hand could have frozen the river for us saving me using up necessary reserves of power, still we’re over and we’re alive, time to move” And he hoisted his back pack back over his shoulder he led them down a small embankment and back into the darkness of the forest
Aishani crouched at the river, looking to the current as it raged beneath the frozen surface, glancing to Kane and straightening with Ascondia's stride up the bank. Slowly she folded her arms over her chest while shaking her head, then, parted her lips to speak but was cut off by the words from Kane, gritting her jaw to keep from speaking. Stepping back with the draw of the rope to the arrow and the shot against the opposite side to a tree then a tether to the one upon their side.
She followed after him, pulling herself across by the rope and met Kane's gaze when he helped her down, the reservation still held with Ascondia's presence. But, both, perhaps, knew this wasn't going to be easy due to her presence, but, it was something they all had to cope with. She followed at his side within the woods, while her mitted fingers sought out his own, still aware of everything around her. The crunching of their feet. The subtle wind through the naked trees that caused soft groans. She offered him a glance of support and a coy smirk upon the edges of her lips, but, otherwise remained silent. This wasn't just to be a combined effort, but, also it would take all of them to bring Aerian and Hades to safety.
The air was cooling quickly as night drew in, Kane made a point of taking them deeper into the forest before they came upon a formation of rocks, he eased in through a crack then ignited a fireball in his palm looking around.
“We can rest here, I need to recoup myself so this will be best for us tonight” He dropped his back pack to the ground by one of the walls and then slowly circled the entire stone cave, there was no way in besides the crack they had entered a detection spell cast would keep them aware of any attempt to enter the cave from there.
He pushed a pile of twigs together and dropped the ball of fire into instantly igniting a fire casting both light and warmth around them.
Aishani kept up easily with Kane, carrying her pack with just as much ease. Their feet crunching in the snow the only sound, other than the whispers of their breath as the chill began to creep in with a violent burst.
When inside the cave, she looked around and assisted in gathering twigs for the fire, some thicker than others, but, it would not be maintained too well but enough to fend off the chill until morning. She placed down her belongings besides Kane's. Adjusting her coat and rubbing her hands together within the mitts and breathing into the fabric.
After settling, she placed herself against Kane and gathered a blanket to drape over their shoulders, while realizing that skin on skin contact was the best form of heat but even being in the proximity would do them well. She removed a small bit of a ration from her pack, nibbling upon it while staring into the fire. "Do not push, yourself too much, Kane."
“Wouldn’t need to if someone else would offer help” Kane snapped softly it was anger but frustration that was bubbling just below the surface of his patience.
“You’re doing so well on your own” Retorted Ascondia darkly “Besides you said follow your lead so perhaps if you need my help you should ask for it”
Kane didn’t reply simply settled into Aishani, Ascondia sat opposite lent back on the wall her eyes closed as she simply listened to the sounds around them, Alvin simply looked awkward as took up a place by the door. “We will leave at first light, until then we rest”
Kane shifted awkwardly before he felt the conscious state slip from him. Ascondia eyed him for a moment then to Aishani “He is injured? I guess he is beginning to slow in his old age, the Kane I knew would have taken the entire field in a blaze of magic and mayhem, his need to play nice has weakened him, he should have stayed under our control at least then he was less of a risk in battle”
“Lord Kane is the bravest man I know, I have seen him go into battle against insane odds and leave alive, but he does seem out of sorts, even with his use of weather manipulation he seems unusually drained” Alvin added his eyes not moving from the entrance “I will remain awake and keep an eye on our entrance, it’s not that I don’t trust him but he admitted himself his magic is not as it should be”
“He needs to feed regularly, especially while he is injured, his need to play nice overrides his need to survive, as I said he is weak” Ascondia snapped coldly not even opening her eyes as she rested with her head back on the cold stone wall.
Aishani glanced to Kane while he shifted with a slight struggle, before falling to sleep, carefully, she adjusted him to lay his head upon her lap and surrendering the shared blanket for him to be covered fully. She watched him for silence, then her golden hue flashed dangerously to Ascondia, her voice was calm, even, but laced with a poison that would kill. "Yes, he is injured more than I think you comprehend on that high chair of yours. His physical wound has healed, and I ensure he feeds as much as the twisted sheets allow him that grace." She returned her gaze to Kane, running her fingers through his hair. "He is in recovery from one great loss to another in his life, then one twist and turn after the other. He is tired, Ascondia. Stretched thin with little change to fully recover before the next is dropped upon him, he doesn't need a bird pecking at him constantly, while the two of you had a child together. A piece of each of you is in that woman, you came together once. Come together again, to protect the fruit of your loins. He has a connection to each Hades and Aerian, if...Ceremon or Hareavor or even Z'ress are torturing Aerian or Hades, he will feel it. Stop acting like a little child that had her favourite toy taken away. Now, I am doubting my decision to push Kane to go to you, had I know you would not act like an adult, I would have seriously reconsidered. Prove me wrong, Ascondia."
“This is a suicide mission, you must realise that, he will lead them right to him giving us the time needed to escape, for him the hero, and we will break Aerian out and she will resent me for letting her father die, I do not get that child she would rather hunt and lay with females than sit at the throne where she belongs. She wants to be a hero but it will only end in a lonely grave” Ascondia spoke softly almost for a moment there was regret “She will always walk the line of her father because he panders to her, while I am labelled villain and cast aside by them both”
"The only loneliness is what you place yourself in, Ascondia. A hero is surrounded by honour and loved ones; while a queen is surrounded by fakes and regret." Aishani looked to Ascondia, her voice that rolling purr but always calm, expression remaining enigmatic. "Perhaps, you should not try to understand Aerian, accept her for whom she is and her decisions, the rest will follow. Your pessimism makes me sick, I am willing to lay my life on the line for Aerian, Kane, Alvin, Hades ...yes, even you. All of you have important roles in this realm." She chuckled. "I was weak...But, I found my strength again. Everyone told me because of my mark, I was weak and to be killed due to not standing up to the bloodline of my family...but this is not about my issues at the moment, it is about Aerian. You do not want her to resent you? Then stand and fight with us to get her and Hades safely out, stop riding on your high horse and come down to the level of compromise. Kane will NOT be alone in this, Ascondia. You shouldn't be either. So stop, this bullshit. Stop pushing everyone away, because, if you do, before you know it, you will have no one to blame but yourself for the loneliness you feel."
“Oh I don’t push them away, I make them run away screaming” Ascondia snapped “But I will aid you in this because you need the help, without the force of the Dentarian Army Kane knew it would not be possible, once we have Aerian in hand I will take her home” And with that Ascondia stood walking to Alvin her eyes looking through the gap to see as the snow fell beyond.
“He was smart to lock us in here, this storm is going to complicate things, tell me seeing as you seem to know him so well, is he really ready for this? Or is he just going to get us all killed?” Her words were sharp the biting realisation that in the moment she was no longer his priority in this he would without a doubt protect her but she was unsure if he would save her over Aerian, or even his new lover.
"Then you set yourself up for a lifetime of failure. Keep your friends close, but, your enemies closer...you can't even manage that." A smirk formed on the corners of her plush lips. "Aide me? You will aide in the cause to rescue your daughter. That, of course, is Aerian's decision to return."
Aishani considered Ascondia in silence for a moment, then lowered her gaze down to Kane resting in her lap. "Who can honestly, say they are ready for something like this. There are too many variables to count at this point that is an offensive. But, I know weaknesses of Z'ress and he knows of such with Ceremon. Now, the other, well, he seems like a piece of work...As one we fall, together we stand and that is what must be done. You want respect, especially with your daughter, earn it, things as such are never given. That doesn't just fall in line with her, either. I grow tired of talking to a pessimistic fool such as yourself. I'll take the first watch, the two of you should get rest."
“We’ll see who’s pessimistic when he turns on you like he did me” Ascondia spat back angrily before she stormed to her pack and slumped down pulling her cloak over her head.
“Except you’re missing the part where you wiped my mind and created a bunch of false memories, kept me at your beck and call for a century and half, now please Ascondia get some rest we have a long walk ahead of us, Aerian is in Hareavors hand and I’m fairly certain you can remember that happened the last time he got her” Kanes words came as he stirred, slowly stretching in her lap offering her a smile
“I passed out?” Kane sat rubbing his eye for a moment before he pushed himself to his feet “You guys rest I got this”
“Ever the hero Kane, and yes I remember how your brother raped our daughter and left her to die” Ascondia growled coldly “I was there as she screamed seeing you covered in her blood, every second I am haunted by that memory, we made a mistake and she paid for it”
“Yea I made a mistake, one error in judgement and Aerian took the brunt of it, so do you think I’m in a hurry to allow that to happen to her again? I have one of the most powerful beings in the realm at my back, I have Aishani who can fight like I have never seen and Alvin is almost as good a shot with a bow as me or Aerian” He breathed slowly in thought “We will get her and Hades out and we will get them home alive, all of us”
Aishani inclined a brow to the tantrum of Ascondia as she returned to her pack, chuckling softly with a shake of her head. But, blinked to the rise of Kane's voice gliding a fingernail upon his jawline in a caress, as he adjusted. A knowing smirk coiled upon her lips to the knowledge of the charm that had been used for such influence.
She nodded softly, at Kane's query, but watched as he stood. Aishani gathered the blanket that Kane left behind and tossed it to him. "You'll need that, Kane." But, she stood when Alvin moved to settle near his own pack to get some rest. Aishani's golden eye hummed softly in the light of the cavern, her eye fixed on Kane and offering him the ration from earlier and water. "You need to eat." But, the hold of his gaze, also, implied of something more imperative to his well-being then the stale old bread.
“I know, but I make a point of not doing so around company” He replied softly, let them sleep we will need to check the area around, us and set traps for food, I would rather we all eat well before leave tomorrow, “In truth no one needs to watch the entrance, if something should try to get through the charm on the entrance will make sure we know” He looked once more before dropping the blanket by the crack in the rock taking her hand he led her out into the dead cold of the night.
As the cold air hit them he drew her close catching her in a deep kiss “We set the traps, then I will do as I told”
Aishani nodded slowly to Kane, flicking her gaze to the others. But, unprepared, Aishani blinked to his hand that took hers in the lead from within the cave and through the tight squeeze of a crack. She drew her hood the instant that they appeared within the night, glancing to him and then surprised by the claim of his lips upon hers. The passion in the brief but deep kiss left her breathless, her taste lingered upon the surface of his lips in a haunt.
"Mmm...Now, that is what I like to hear." She purred beside his ear catching his lobe with her teeth and dragging but being cautious to not moisten the surface too much.
It didn’t take them long to circle the outskirts of where they were camped, they set traps to catch any number of small animals, Kane also added a small charm that would sent the catch to the cave within moments of it been caught, better to catch it warm than frozen solid.
He also placed a detection charm similar to the one in the cave to alert them to any potential threats that could approach and give them a few minutes to prepare before they descended upon them. With that done he led Aishani back to the entrance “At least now breakfast is taken care of, we are as safe as we can hope to be we should consider resting”
Aishani as Kane learned, was familiar in setting traps, quite possibly due to her run from her Z'ress throughout the years. She watched him with her golden eye hidden now only by the night but the shadow of her hood, glowing from within the darkness offered. Aishani inclined a brow to Kane's words, slowly shaking her head and pulling on his hand before they entered the cave once more. "You know, I was not talking about normal food, Kane. Yes, I do know you prefer to not feed before others, which is fine. But, you need your strength, my love." She lifted her hand to caress his cheek with the back of her mitted hand.
“And I promised I would do as I’m told once we had things in hand” He smiled softly looking to the cave for a moment then leading her off to the side, a cluster of bush and tree provided a temporary respite from the violent winds beyond he drew her close “Contrary to Ascondias comments feeding only helps to a degree, but you have already seen how much quicker I regain myself having done so before. I don’t need much, just enough to replace what I lost with that little bridge trick”
He took her hand gently drawing it to him turning it over to expose her wrist, he looked to her with a soft smile before sinking his fangs into her wrist drawing deep the sweet taste of her, his mind immediately flooding to the taste of her, along with her scent sent the outside world far from his mind focused only on the bitter yet sweet of her blood.
Aishani lowered her hand while he led her to a cluster of bushes and a tree, the heat of her body and her mouth-watering scent offered sanctuary in the frigid climate that had blanketed the land. She watched as he tenderly took her hand and pushed the sleeve of not only her top but the coat aside, the nipping chill in the air caused her skin to rise in gooseflesh. Aishani lifted up her arm to compensate for his height and guide, inhaling with a hiss when his fangs pierced her flesh, baring her own teeth at the response. The melt of her skin around him throbbed with her exquisite essence that raged beneath, extracting his fangs caused the blood to rush into his mouth, tickling his senses with every fibre of Aishani's being. The mouth-watering scent melted away into his pallet, causing her breathing to quicken with the redirection of the flow to offer him the feast his body so desired, a gentle growl passed her lips in the momentary pleasure of offering him the sustenance he needed. Each breath cast by her was swept into the moisture into the air in due causing a puff of fogginess. Her free hand was lifted to her mouth to remove the cover of the mitt to expose her fingers, curling the nimble digits within his hair, kneading into his scalp with her nails gentle to display the fire that he had lit in that moment.
His grip on her wrist subsided as he withdrew from his feed, the punctures healing in the wake of him letting go. A soft smile as he wiped the blood from his lip, he lent to a soft kiss. “We should go a rest my love, we will need it in the wake of this storm”
He held her close for a few moments before finally leading her back into the heat of the cave, while it was still relatively cool the fire had warmed the contained space. Ascondia and Alvin slept unaware of their departure or even their return. Kane crossed the room to retrieve his bow and then settle back by the entrance.
Aishani moaned softly as he withdrew his warm lips from her skin and the punctures healed nearly as quickly as the feast was instigated. Her eyes opened, looking to him. In the kiss, her lips pressed plush against his, flicking to the surface with a smirk. "Indeed." She rested her cheek upon his chest while the heat was passed between the two on the wintery night, seeming to melt the world around them.
Once within the cave, she gathered her own blanket, then moved to drape the blanket discarded by him earlier to his shoulders, securing it. Adjusting to lay her head in his lap with one hand curled around the hilt of her dagger, preparing for any type of rude awakening. Playfully she turned and bit at his thigh, reminding him that she still held a desire for him and it was never ending even in moments of high stress. The weight of her eyes won, closing. But, while she slept with her head in his lap, the delectable scent in her presence lingered in a caress to his nerves and offered him a strength.
His hand ran through her hair lightly as his sense kept tuned to the charms that would alert them to a threat, the warmth of her against him was still enough to lure him to sleep.
He was woken abruptly that morning with a sharp boot to his ribs Ascondia glaring at him “Some fucking guard you are” She snapped darkly, he simply threw her cold glare before adjusting slightly “Do you not forget the charms are connected directly to my conscious, if anything bigger than a dear got near those I would already be up and have an arrow ready for its heart.
The last statements came as both a statement of what his actions would be as well as a warning should she continue to push him, the smell of cooking meats could be found wafting through the cave as he grinned “Alvin the cook as ever” Alvin simply nodded in reply. He now turned his attention to Aishani brushing her hair from her face lightly “Good morning my love, what can I get you for breakfast? Besides my humble self of course” Ascondia snarled in anger as she stormed across the cave.
Aishani's eyes flew open the instant that Kane was assaulted with the cruel tip of a boot, instantly, awakening with a shift into a crouch with her daggers in both hands and at the ready with a snarl curled upon her plush lips. But, then inclined a brow to Ascondia's presence, spinning the daggers in the palm of her hands then sheathing them with a flick of her wrists, flopping back into the same place on Kane' lap, causing a wayward dread to fall into her face. "All, I need is you, Kane." She grinned wickedly to him, though, sat up now with a brief caress of her lips upon his.
Rolling her shoulders into her neck, as a pop of the lost tension cracking, glancing to Alvin at the fire, then to Ascondia. "Afraid of a soft little bunny, are you?" She chuckled with a slow shake of her head and moved near to Alvin to look over the finely smelling meats, dipping her hand into a pouch at her side and beginning to discuss with him some ideas to liven the meal. Eventually, she gathered a small tin and then an even smaller kettle. She went to gather some snow to boil into water and threw some dehydrated mushrooms into the pan to cook and then sauté them, allowing Alvin a taste, speaking of it being common in her homeland and filling some cups for hot water with a sachet of some special spice and smelt faintly of apple cider. She provided Alvin with a cup and then to Kane in passing with a press of her lips to his brow, while standing now before Ascondia with the cup and extending it to her.
Ascondia looked to the cup then her face twisted with a wry smile “Wouldn’t be trying to poison the Queen now would you” Kane laughed darkly “If she was I wouldn’t take solace in her using poisons from our realm or did you not figure that part out yet?” Kane sipped from the cup as he moved toward the fire settling to eat before they headed out.
“She’s trying to be nice, about time you tried the same thing, it’s a long hike from here, it’s the coldest we’ve seen in years so I suggest you prepare” Kanes words no longer held anything but the same tone he used when addressing anyone else, level and calm as he finally collected his serving of rabbit in mushrooms.
Aishani inclined a brow to Ascondia's expression, withdrawing the cup to hold closer to herself. "Suit, yourself. Mind you, Kane has a point. Though, it would defeat the purpose to harm you." She rolled a shoulder, words always calm but saturated in a rolling purr of her sensuality. "Besides, all the others are drinking the same and I would not be one to kill without just cause." Aishani turned but sipped the cup that would have been Ascondia's, if she accepted it, joining Kane and Alvin near the fire to eat, the rabbit and sautéed mushrooms. "If you like Alvin, I can give you some of the herbs in my pouch if you are interested after this is said and done. A little goes a long way."
“Very kind of you milady” Alvin inclined his head “Food will become harder to find the deeper the snow gets, it will be nice to make meals of tree bark and flowers taste a little less tree like”
“We will be fine Alvin” Kane replied softly as he finished his breakfast he eased toward the cave entrance to grab some snow for pot washing water, as they finished with the claning he threw the remainder of the water into the fire dousing it.
“Time to go, stay close and stay sharp that storm ain’t friendly” Kane smiled then headed out into the bitterness beyond.
Aishani nodded to him, licking her fingers clean while then assisting in the cleaning. With three of them finishing up it went rather quick, she cast a glance to Ascondia briefly but then arranged her blanket within her pack and drew it upon her shoulders. Closing her coat and drawing the hood up, justifiable it had a faux fur around the edges to capture the snow so it wasn't as impending, also keeping her warm.
She followed Kane out, while glancing around to await the others. Again, she took the front with Kane, Ascondia in the middle and Alvin covering the rear. Their feet were crunching on the snow, while the wind tormented the trees with the anguished moaning. Aishani kept aware of the terrain, paying attention to sounds and movement, being an elf she had keen sight and smell, even hearing.
