[center][h2][color=F0E68C]Asteria[/color][/h2][/center][hr][hr]
Finally, the damp scent of water. Asteria ignored the dust from the south beyond noting there might be a desert there, and focused on the refreshing scent from the east. There were still several miles away from it, but Asteria was determined to get there without any pauses or interruptions. They had a heavy load to carry, but she was certain they could manage. They’d even found a well-traveled dirt road heading to north east, but they could inspect wherever it led later. For now, staying in the foliage which helped cover them and not tray from their goal was a priority. [color=F0E68C]“We can head east while staying far enough from the road not to be seen by any humans on it. Though if any of them have decided to take a rest by the road or something, we’ll have to be careful,”[/color] Asteria replied.

That said, she focused on balancing their loot without it compromising their stealth. Having to accommodate for the additional weight and the bulkiness of their stuff definitely wasn’t easy. At first, they had to walk fairly slowly to adapt, but dragging their feat would mean a longer journey. Asteria sharpened her hearing, this time not listening only to the surroundings and the potential dangers around them, but [i]themselves[/i]. While the plants might provide some cover, rustling would still be a dead giveaway to a careful observer. Well, someone like that would still spot them easily, but there was only that much they could do. Thankfully, Ed’s mad was a fairly decent cover that blended with their surroundings.

Asteria flexed her muscles, doing the best she could to prevent any cramps while on the move. She’d have to stretch after they were done hauling their things to whatever water-side awaited them. She was aware that fresh water likely equaled a settlement, especially given the dirt road weaving in loosely the same direction they were going. They’d have to be on the lookout for that. Asteria huffed as her tail began to feel kind of numb. She just had to keep it pressed around and against their baggage or else risk it getting dropped – which would not only delay them, but may cause an unfortunately loud noise. She kept a careful eye on Mother rat, because the non-human-souled rodent couldn’t communicate with Ed and Asteria with as much clarity as the humans could between themselves. Mostly though, she kept her gaze trained eastwards, her paws working diligently to carry her and their items closer to their goal.

[hider=Action summary]
Suggests being stealthy while heading to the east.
Listens to surroundings and their own noise with Beast Senses II: Hearing.
Does best to reduce the noise they’re making.
Silently bemoans muscle-cramps.
Carefully balances their baggage, keeping a hold of it despite her tail aching.
Keeps an eye on Mother rat.
[/hider]