A sudden thud jerked at Cora's attention. She was sensitive to noises, and her nerves still tightly coiled with tension. Glaring with wide, icy eyes, she stared accusingly at the source of the noise -- Phil. His forehead was a little red from smacking it against the wall. He really didn't look so good.

[b]"Phil..."[/b] Cora's face flashed with confusion, then empathy. She noted how little he ate. [b]"You need to function at your best; I want that entire ration gone by the time we reach Appling."[/b] The snowy Hygron hesitated. [b]"I... I'm a little worried about you. You haven't let on much about your past, that's fine. But something's eating at you, it's as plain as day on your face. Life is shit, I know. But you can't let your demons consume you. The world is dependent on you, on we. There are some luxuries we simply can't afford..."[/b]

Yahtzee finished his ration with great satisfaction. He seemed back to his normal self, despite the heavy taxing he demanded from his flames earlier. [i]"Certainly surprising. Does that kind of thing happen a lot? You know, life and death glorious battles?"[/i]

Cora chuckled, brushing a few chocolate locks off her face. [b]"I suppose so. I mean, I wish the warehouse had gone more smoothly..."[/b] Her glare settled on Sig, figuratively searing holes through his face. [b]"But this task requires a lot from us, and I guess being willing to fight for what we need is just part of what we do. If anything, I can guarantee you'll never get bored. Our adventure's just begun."[/b] A sparkle glinted behind Cora's pale eyes as she wolfishly grinned.

Tsumani rested on his haunches by Cora, eyes fixated in the distance. She patted the spirit's head. [b]"He'll be back soon. Him and his brother, those two are the most stoic of us all."[/b]

The spirit remained quiet for a couple minutes, then started whining. He got up on all fours, wagging his tail enthusiastically. The brothers, exhausted and covered in dust and sweat found their way into the valley. They finally made it, and in one piece too. Will fell to his knees as he joined them. [i]"I'm... really... exhau-"[/i] He collapsed.

Cora was by his side in an instant, gently flipping Will on his back. She took off his hat and put it beside her. [b]"Don't panic, I got this. He's merely fallen from fatigue."[/b] She sat cross-legged, pulling him up to rest his head in the crook of her arm and legs. An ice chip was conjured in her free hand which was placed in his loose jaw. She meant it to melt quickly so the water could revitalize him. She gently patted his cheek, trying to coax a response. 

[b]"Will... Hey Will, wake up. You made it back. Everyone made it back this time."[/b] She smiled, knowing he put his all into protecting them. She lowered her voice to a whisper, brushing the hair off his face. [b]"You've made me so proud, Will. I couldn't do this without you. Come on, open those eyes."[/b] She said gently. 

Cora briefly smiled at Gilfred. [b]"I'm so glad you arrived when you did. I was beginning to worry. And please, help yourself to the supplies. There's lots, and I'm sure you've been missed by a certain someone."[/b] She gestured to Thema before returning her gaze to Will.

Yahtzee returned from his brief walk, looking more sure of himself. [i]"Just more nothing. Boring and barren. My kind a place."[/i]

Cora glanced up from where she sat with Will on the ground. [b]"It won't be like that forever. Just imagine this place covered in trees, fresh streams and wildlife again... I would do anything to see that for real, just as my grandparents saw it."[/b] She said thoughtfully.