Thread: Maelstrom (RustyRedhead and darjeeling)

Ashe had to refrain from arguing. Katarina was being unfair, blaming one of her oldest friends for the chill that plagued Rakelstake. Whilst the Cryophoenix did boast some control over temperature and snow, she was not quite so strong nor so irresponsible that she would punish Ashe and her people. Of that, the archer had no doubt but Katarina seemed to firmly believe the tumultuous weather to originate from Anivia and while Ashe did not lack the wherewithal to argue, she did not want to anger the assassin. Stubborn was only one word to describe the Noxian redhead, and probably the nicest way to go about it too. So she shook her head to express her disagreement but otherwise remained silent. Otherwise they would be at each other's throat in no time and they were not even an hour into their journey. However, to Katarina's next quip, Ashe cleared her throat. I trust Anivia and that is enough. Trust was not so easily found in Freljord, especially where rebelling tribes, rival tribes and even political intrigue surrounded her. The archer had been cautious ever since she had become of age to rule, dodging assassination attempts at every odd angle. She supposed it was somewhat strange then, that she would place the integrity of her life into the hands of a woman who silenced people for a living. Yet a wry smirk curled the corner of her lip at the thought. Her people were mistrusting of outsiders and for good cause. These were hard times and hard times called for hard means. Even so, the people of Rakelstake were more giving than most others, Avarosa's Nomadic tribe had always welcomed those in need and Ashe did not miss the parcels of food Katarina had discreetly taken into her possession. Those that recognized her looked at the assassin with doubt and those that did not wished her luck and courage. Ashe shook her head. As I have said, they must be present to defend the walls should Rakelstake find itself under duress. The Frost Archer felt her spine tingle at the tickling sensation of Katarina's warm breath spilling over the shell of her ear but the redhead's words painted a picture far from warming. I prefer to fight with bow and arrow. Ashe replied coolly, turning her face so that some distance was put between her ear and Katarina's mouth. Such crudeness was expected, especially for a Noxian but the archer was especially against such suggestions. She had no time to be bawdy or salacious she and Tryndamere had rarely slept together, their first time had only consummated the marriage. Ashe could count the number of times they had shared a bed on one hand. Thankfully, the assassin was effectively quitened by the sudden blast of wind and her insistent pulling of Katarina's limb. The forest was not so deep nor wide but it provided ample coverage towards the ice-capped mountains. Beyond, the land was chillier but the weather was somewhat calmer, or at least Ashe hoped it would be. It had been some time since she had traveled near Sejuani's territory, only using the route as a short-cut when there was some great need to visit Lissandra in her distant icy realm. Ashe wondered if Tryndamere might be there, drawn to her mysterious relative Lissandra was fair of face and soft of voice, much like Ashe herself but there were obvious differences between them. Her chest tightened somewhat briefly at the thought and the archer quickly banished it away before further harm could be done. She used Katarina's opinions as an effective distraction. Of course we will not attempt it today. First we must scout the distance then make the necessary preparations for the climb. Either way, Sejuani is never in the mood for me. Ashe shrugged. The battle-hardened warrior. The Winter's Claw was a fierce tribe, one that would give the Barbarians a well-earned fight, one that may end in merry drinks clashed over bloodied snow. The faint glimmer of steel caught her attention, the metal glinting beneath the dappled shadows. Night always fell much quicker in Freljord and nights colder still tonight was no different. They had left two hours after midnight and even Ashe was beginning to feel a slight chill against her skin. She grasped her cloak about her tighter. You are right. We should reach the edge of the forest first before setting up camp. It will make scouting easier and we will avoid the wolves that prowl through these trees. She knew of wolves that hunted under the moonlight, nocturnal beasts that tore down birds from their perches and dug rabbits from their burrows. Ashe had faced them before but not willingly. As for my answer to your question... Tryndamere had expressed disinterest in continuing the formal alliance between Avarosan and Barbarian. I wish to seek him out to ask him to return. Rakelstake needs his strength. Ashe held back a branch as she stepped over a gnarled root, It is... none of your concern, really. Her words held a slight edge as the branch snapped into place. She brushed back a lock of pure white hair from her eyes as she glanced into the painted darkness stretched out before them. Come, we must not linger longer here. Already she could hear, oh-so-faintly, the rustle of leaves above, avians disturbed from their slumber.