Thread: Maelstrom (RustyRedhead and darjeeling)

Whilst not expecting Katarina's presence, Ashe was most certainly ready for the abrasive voice that followed the appearance of the vicious redhead. Despite her scathing greeting riddled with insult, the Frost Archer felt a certain sense of relief that the woman had showed. Ever since Noxus had attempted to shove their hand into the honeypot to quell the Northern Barbarians and control the trade routes, all they had to show for it was the angry stings of the Barbarian wasps and the Institute. Tryndamere had been doubtful but Ashe bore no ill will towards Katarina. The same could not be said for her then-husband. There was no love lost between Katarina and Tryndamere, and Ashe had been grasping at burning straws when she had sent her letter of request. Not long at all. The Frost Queen said, standing to bow shortly at the assassin. I may be impatient but I am not so foolish to attempt the journey alone. Regardless of reason, I appreciate your assistance. With the formalities done and dusted, Ashe turned to the guards within the room and thanked them for their services, but she would be needing a few moments alone with the assassin. Wary glances were exchanged between the pair, boys of no more than sixteen Ashe noted silently, before they had to consent and pardoned themselves from the room. You know of these lands. She said after a moment's pause, her voice quiet and less polite. Though it still retained that softness the Queen was known for, there was also a hint of an edge as sharp as Katarina's daggers. You are aware of the dangers. I would take my rangers with me if I could, but the party will be too large and Rakelstake needs them as defenders. There is no one else I could think of that would be well-suited to the task who would also heed my request. She shrugged and offered a half-smile which faded just as quickly. I thought you would not come. She was reminded then of Katarina's airy comment. I hope you will stop calling Tryndamere stupid. Ashe said as an afterthought, running her thumb along the waxed string of her bow. He may have left but he had reason to, which I intend to change his mind of. Satisfied that it was taut enough, she slung it back over her shoulder and double-checked her arrows. Whilst she had the ability to craft them, the process exhausted her and she vastly preferred to use wooden arrows fletched with eagle feather. She also checked her pack for basic provisions, bandages, water, a small hunting knife and an extra black-and-gold cloak as an aside for the assassin should she need it as the Frost Archer was rarely bothered by the chill. The Queen herself was dressed in what she normally wore on the Fields of Justice. Her own cloak was similar black and banded in gold with a wolf-shaped design at the head of her hood, weaved in the same golden silk. Her top looked to be ill fitting for the harsh winter weather but it gave Ashe the freedom to let fly her arrows with near unmatched speed, to climb high and seek her targets or fall low and track prints in the snow. She wore arm braces of similar coloration to the rest of her clothes, with a full glove on one hand and the other cut so that she may hold her bow with familiarity. Her relatively short skirt remained unchanged and she retained her warm thigh-high boots. Around her waist was a small leather pouch, the contents of which were kept secret. With everything accounted for, Ashe turned away from Katarina and headed towards the door to signal for the guards to return and escort them to the gates. If there is nothing you need to take care of or know, we should best be off. The storm is not like to calm anytime soon and I am... anxious. Ashe bit her lip, glad that Katarina could not see the emotion flit through her crystalline blue eyes. But... truly, I am thankful. Her words were genuine, as was the smile she offered over her shoulder to the red-haired Noxian.