Lyss

[The Kingdom:Fort Bael] ·:*¨❆༺ ❅ 𝔄 𝔅𝔞𝔰𝔱𝔦𝔬𝔫 𝔬𝔣 𝔈𝔫𝔳𝔶 ❅ ༻❆¨*:·

Character: Andrea Ashmourn
Status: Cautious

As the moments pass, Andrea fingers danced on countless pages as she buried herself deeper into the book. Her emerald eyes shined on the falling snowflakes as she smirked to herself on the pages that seemed to be the only things that matter. That and the monsters that terrorized this place, often speaking to herself. “Show yourself.” She whispered to the forest, her eyes narrowing slightly before getting lost in the book again. Yet, her ear twitched, followed by the clanking of armored footsteps against the stone. It wasn’t a soldiers march, but a more familiar one. Andrea nimble fingers snapped the book shut as her eyes reverted back to it’s ruby hue. Unsure if this will be the stabbing he mentioned or another round of the witty banter.

Her hands relaxed on her hips as she slowly faced him completely. Wearing the uncaring and neutral face she wore all day and during their travels. Yet hearing her name on his lips caused her to raise an eyebrow towards him. Finally saying her name to address her, it was a little respect that she always craved. She stayed silent for a moment longer hearing the hidden meaning behind his words, and the way he carried himself. Something made him speak up, that or this is him fully sober without any ale in the morning. She couldn’t wich, as she thought about his question for a moment before a soft and subtle sigh parted her lips and her gaze focused on the soldiers down below.

“You are not the only one that acted beneath their normal routine, and for that we share the apology and hopefully understanding. After all, strangers forced in the same room are bound to cause some drama.” Andrea’s eyes glowed a little brighter but more pinkish as she offered a small smile. Glancing towards him for a moment longer before focusing on the soldiers. “I understand. The need for gold is great in the world, it pays for the bare necessities of life and even more. I also needed the gold as well.” Andrea nodded before walking away from the soldiers and instead leaned against one of the stones on the battlement. The question pondered in her mind as she tapped her arm, fighting within herself.

“Tell him, show him that you are the queen of monsters and need new fighters to take your people’s freedom back. While becoming an unstoppable being of creation.” Her eyes shifted to the opportunist emerald eyes, whispering the idea with a sinister green, but before she could say anything to him she shakes her head. Her eyes return to the ruby color as she takes a small breath. “Nor should you trust me. Trust is hard to obtain and incredibly fragile. But know that I will not betray the group or you.” She answered as honestly as he did, though she was still curious. Her gaze focused on him, building the courage.

“But I suppose you were honest with me, and that deserves some honesty in return.” She gestured as she gestured with her hand, before lazily gesturing towards the people below. “In simplicity, I want my people to have the same freedom as these men and women. To no longer be shackled and collared as slaves again.” Andrea stated before patting to her hip where the book faintly glowed a little before she captured his attention. “But I cannot free my people alone. I need strength. And the strength I seek relies on the wicked souls.” Her eyes focused on the outskirts.

“So I travel to expand my knowledge and practice my power. But my power and magic is considered forsaken in most cities. So I leave, just before the pitchforks and torches are lit up.” Andrea stated plainly though there was some regret echoing in her voice, for just a small moment. Yet she brushed it away, forsaken it with new resolve. Andrea turned towards Axol again, her hand behind her back as her eyes narrowing towards him. “I answered your question and now could you answer mine?” She studied him for a moment longer before tilting her head slightly. “Do I have your word that you won’t regale my tell to the others? Even if the drinks loosened your tongue?”

[The Kingdom:Fort Bael] ·:*¨❆༺ ❅ 𝔄 𝔅𝔞𝔰𝔱𝔦𝔬𝔫 𝔬𝔣 𝔈𝔫𝔳𝔶 ❅ ༻❆¨*:·

Character: Andrea Ashmourn
Status: Recovering

As the sun creeped into the barracks causing two of her ‘acquaintances’ to wake up early and contend with their new realities. Andrea stayed in her own fantasy world. Where the sun shined brightly against her dark complexion, where her mother and father kept making embarrassing remarks to one another, her older brother falling horribly to impress any girls. Where the air smelt like fresh bread and well-seasoned food and it enveloped all of her senses. Where elves are finally free and don’t have to worry about picking up a weapon. Andrea softly laughed as she watched her family from a distance. Watching her family from a distance. Her feet wanted to run towards her family, to run faster than the wind without any weight to her shoulders. To be with her family. Yet when she took one tiny step, the images changed.

Her father’s hanged body swaying left and right, a warning to all to see. To learn what happened to escaped slaves. Her brother is still dressed in a shattered and bloodied armor, a Revas death. Her mother that offered her hands opened towards her offering the sweetest smile that slowly decayed, along with the rest of her body. Snarling in pure ravenous hunger joining the rest of her fallen people in an undeath march. Then at the very center was Him. The Protector, the one that doomed her clan and village. Placing golden shackles around her people’s neck as they celebrated him. Andrea’s heart pounded upon looking at him with pure malice.

However, The Protector approached Andrea. His decayed face showed his bone and bright sapphire eyes as he offered his hand towards her. "Andrea… Stop running from me. Come, be with your clan again. Be safe in the arms of your protector. Let me save you, please.” His voice was sweet and angelic, offering comfort to anyone who met him. Standing behind him were all the faces of her town, still smiling as they all mummed in agreement. Andrea stepped forward, and in a sudden moment she spit in his face, glaring at him with nothing but disgust. "F*ck you. I will kill you and free my people again." Andrea growled. The Protector stayed silent for a moment before he wiped the spit from his face and her people charged towards her.

“At the point of breaking your soul? Please, come home to me again. This time, I will not let go of you.” Andrea froze for a moment longer, when she gathered her senses it was already too late. Elder hands gripped her shoulders and arms, forcing her to kneel before The Protector moved gracefully towards her, wielding a dagger of twisting emerald energy with black ooze dripping. Lifting her chin softly, Andrea glared as she struggled before yelling against him "A broken soul is better than an enslaved one." He shaked his head and eyed her affectionately before shoving the knife into her heart. She cried out as her body twisted and shaked, her ruby eyes turning the sinister emerald, immediately she sat up from the cot. Gasping for air.

Her hand clenched where her heart is at, panting like a sick animal for a moment, her white hair covering her eyes for a moment longer. Beneath the bandages that covered her cleavage greenish veins pulsed for a moment. Slowly her breath returned to normal as her eyes shifted into a dark violet as she whispered to herself. “You slept in. Get up, we are burning daylight.” Andrea ruby hue, sighed slightly. Putting on her tattered layers of clothes and cloak. Taking a deep breath and shaking her head slightly. Groaning softly beneath her breath as her hands rubbed her forehead. “I am awake now.” Andrea combed her hair, cutting any strains that grew, and began to walk towards the door.

Silently she glanced towards Rachel with a slight morning nod as she walked out. Feeling the cold hair blowing against her face as she made her way towards the battlements. Hearing the whisper of something in the ice, causing the sinister voice to raise their non existing eyebrow. Andrea stared at the frozen sea for a moment before glancing towards the training garrison. Running, training, keeping up the hope that their training would make them strong enough to face any horror in the world. Andrea thought back to the freedom fighters, Clan Revas, the same clan that saved her family. She saw the very same look that the garrison guards had on her people. It was inspiring for a moment before her eyes switched into Emerald.

“You shouldn’t stare too long Darling. It might give those poor fools the wrong idea.” Andrea dismissed the idea and turned away from the soldiers. Holding her arms as she leaned against the freezing stone. “Awww. What’s the matter? Bad dreams?” Andrea’s eyes returned to her ruby gaze. “No. Bad memories. You know them just as much as I like do.” Andrea rubbed her chest as she stared at the outskirts of the fortress before her hands returned to her arms to comfort her. Slowly she reached towards her grimoire whispering a small spell to watch the book open towards her. Continuing her studies as her eyes turned back into Emerald with a smirk.

[The Kingdom:Fort Bael] ·:*¨❆༺ ❅ 𝔄 𝔅𝔞𝔰𝔱𝔦𝔬𝔫 𝔬𝔣 𝔈𝔫𝔳𝔶 ❅ ༻❆¨*:·

Character: Andrea Ashmourn
Status: uncertain.

Andrea turned towards the unknown voice, the silent but observant man. Another voice of reason, her eyes gleaming with curiosity. “So the watcher finally speaks! And using the proper title to address us. However, it seems like he needs more with his assessments, how curious that almost everyone seems suspicious of one another. I wonder how they will react with our power Andrea.” The voice giggled a little before she dismissed the voice itself. Her ruby gaze returned to Axol fighting the urge to smile victoriously but gave him a small nod.

“Seems like our voice is unified. Besides, the kill on its own has its own reward. Imagine that part of the tale, painting you rather enticing and heroic. Who knows, maybe you will get free drinks if there isn't enough gold for you.” Andrea thought a little longer, holding her chin as she went on talking. Glancing towards Thorne with a curious look on her lips as she remade her assessment of the silent solacaron.

“A childlike archer that seeks endless glory, a troubled mercenary that's drowning in ale. A silent girl that seeks answers from a silent deity. And finally, the observing mage that is always planning. None of them will understand what we are, Andrea. Once you let me out, and you will. They will turn against you. Even the Adhel is suspicious of you. All it takes is one swift knife.”

Andrea glanced towards everyone that stayed in the room while the voice whispered. Even as Bromann left, the voice continued to whisper and giggled behind a veil of a sinister smile. Andrea shook her head, letting the voice sit in the shadows for a moment until it faded completely from her mind. Eyeing the cold door for a second.

“They won't. But it won't matter, it's not like we are staying forever in this bastion. I will not be another Protector. You wanted a monster. I will get your monster. But I can't do anything if you keep whispering.” She pleaded against the voice as she gazed towards the fire, her finger tapping against her arm for a moment before the feeling of the voice echoed for a moment, letting the small grimoire shimmer slightly before fading away. A small breath escaped her lips, a relieved one at least for now. Andrea glanced towards the door to the freezing outside before frowning.

“Bromann has a point. Monsters will be coming, the bells indicated trouble. Even if it hasn't shown up yet. Besides, I don't want to be too vulnerable to the cold.” Andrea remarked as she picked up her tattered cloak frowning a little. “I wonder if they have any fabric for me to use… I doubt it.” Andrea sighed disappointedly as she rambled to herself and fastened her cloak a little, grabbing one of the hot stones. Though she glanced towards everyone else. “Grab a hot stone if you are thinking of coming outside with me. It should keep you warm for an hour or so.”

Andrea grabbed a second one, the one that Bromann didn't grab before leaving. She walks out, shivering again as she put on her hood, her eyes to glowed slightly against her shadowed face as she begins to walk out; but mainly staring at the forest.

[The Kingdom:Fort Bael] ·:*¨❆༺ ❅ 𝔄 𝔅𝔞𝔰𝔱𝔦𝔬𝔫 𝔬𝔣 𝔈𝔫𝔳𝔶 ❅ ༻❆¨*:·

Character: Andrea Ashmourn
Status: Annoyed but in control

Andrea rolled her eyes, indeed the adehl was nothing more than meat on bones. She despised fools such as them, even when she was enslaved. These Adehl corrupted by greed and pride followed the ideal that might prove right. Flashes of chains echoed in her mind wanting to snap, to lash out, especially upon seeing how he shoved food in his mouth and the remark about how she would die, she growled glaring at Axol. “You are not the first to make that foolish claim. You won’t be the last either Axol Adehl.” With clenched teeth she moved on from him. Returning to the wall near the fireplace with clenched teeth and eyes closed. Maintaining her anger.

“Look at that. He is big, loud and foolish. It would be better if he was under our control Andrea. How obedient we could make him. Just imagined the possibilities of teaching this Adehl the lesson of fear.” The voice echoed in her mind; it wasn’t loud but how it echoed. It was another weight from her choices. The sole reason she was her, the creature. Andrea shook her head as she faced the wall whispering to herself. “Shut. Up. If he gets in my way, then you’ll have your little toy soldier to command and slaughter at your will. We are here because you want something out of the castle walls. That’s why we are here.” The voice stayed silent at the whisper of babbling before her throat closed up slightly before answering her.

“Perhaps I should end you now for defying me, Andrea. You don’t raise that tone with me. Understand?” She choked a little before nodding to herself, and the pressure released. She simply rubbed her throat and gathered her breath. “Good. Now go play nice for now. You have work to do.” Then the voice vanished as she fixed herself. Making sure there weren’t any indications of her little talk with herself as she leaned against the wall only arching her brow at the accusation of Bromann being in love with her. She dismissed the notion. Despite what she thought about Bromann herself. “He was simply stating the most obvious points of working together. He doesn’t need to trust me only that I will have his back when battle does come.” Andrea mentioned with her arms crossed with her shoulder leaning against the wall.

However, she did eye his great sword for a moment before shaking her head. If he gets injured, she might have to heal him, despite his urgings not to. He needed to live, for now at least. She looked around the keep before shaking her head. “I disagree. He has the money to improve his keep, but the weight of the people needing more safety will have to wait during the winter. Something or someone keeps attacking the walls. I assume that’s why he gives us food, fire and bed. We are extra numbers against whatever is outside of the castle walls.”

Andrea taught a little, sounding a little more at ease as she moved towards the door holding her chin a little before looking around the barracks before shaking her head. “Though if you prove yourself, I believe there would be a nice reward for killing the biggest one.” Andrea tempted Axol a little as she tried to picture whatever creature or person that lived outside of the walls. Knowing how desperate the people must be. Being reminded of her own little town, l before… Before Him.

[The Kingdom:Fort Bael] ·:*¨❆༺ ❅ 𝔄 𝔅𝔞𝔰𝔱𝔦𝔬𝔫 𝔬𝔣 𝔈𝔫𝔳𝔶 ❅ ༻❆¨*:·

Character: Andrea Ashmourn
Status: Holding back the urge.

Andrea continued to hold the gaze of the Adahl for a moment longer, however her pose became more relaxed. Leaning against her hip as her hands simply rest on them for a moment longer. She paused for a moment before shaking her head. “Adehl isn’t a name, Axol. Just a word for people that are similar to you. I always respect a mother's wish.” Andrea simply spoke as she took a small exhale before hearing the idea of invoking wrath. She simply narrowed her eyes at him before dismissing the idea. “I thought wrath was caused by the self. Not others. Then again, I don’t know your gods or goddess judgements.” Andrea watched him carefully before hearing his question. Then the threat of stabbings she scoffed simply and rolled her eyes.

“Oooooh I like this one! He would be a most helpful asset for us darling. Just imagine him causing mass slaughter left and right. I want him, Andrea.” Andrea clenched her teeth before glancing towards Adahl with a challenging glare towards him. “Not for the same reasons as you. I can assure you that much.” She pushed off of the wall taking a few steps towards him as the voice urged her to accept. “Stabbing one another for the lust of gold is beneath me Axol. It should be above you as well, after all. If you succeed in getting rid of me. You won’t be able to spend your gold behind iron bars. And If I would have succeeded… Well… I don’t want to win against you.” She paused for a moment taking a little breath before eyeing Bromann seeing if he was indeed part of this. Once she got the information she wanted she returned to Axol with her gaze softened slightly hearing Bromann’s speech.

“He's right.” Andrea spoke plainly as she glanced towards Axol with a slight nod while arms grasped one another, standing like an unbending wall.Yet she spoke a little softer only for Axol as her eyes slowly burned into the same green as before, but only letting Axol see. “I will assume you have a better nature then greed. Though cross me if you dare, I have some uses for a man of your talents.” Her whisper became a slight mixture of hers and something else more ethereal with a little smirk at the end before she backed out and her eyes returned the bright ruby and her small smile faded away quickly with a head shake.

“How about a little peace settlement? Once I am done with my purchases with my share of the gold, you can have my share.” Andrea returned to her normal speaking as she brushed off the little encounter with a little sigh as she walked towards the table grabbing her loaf of bread. Giving Bromann a small look of impressed and curiosity before offering her bread towards Axol. “You can have my bread as a little show of faith. Not as friends but as co-workers. Can we agree on that at least?”

[The Kingdom:Fort Bael] ·:*¨❆༺ ❅ 𝔄 𝔅𝔞𝔰𝔱𝔦𝔬𝔫 𝔬𝔣 𝔈𝔫𝔳𝔶 ❅ ༻❆¨*:·

Character: Andrea Ashmourn
Status: Defensive.

Andrea listened carefully to the ideas of home, presented by Rachel. To Rachel's credit Andrea got a little envious. The ideas of community, a sweet desire like honey that made Andrea want more as she could simply picture it. Yet, reality quenched that desire until it was nothing more than liquid ash. Pointless and no longer needed, only replaced by the freezing and grasping hands of reality as she felt it on her neck. The screams of her village casting her out with such hate, were like her thoughts. Loud, wild, and cruel, but shortly lived as Andrea took a simple inhale glancing towards Rachel with a light smile as her fingers traced around her own neck to relieve some pressure. “I am glad. Sounds like a good community to belong to Da’len.”

Andrea’s ears twitched once more, hearing the heavy footsteps of one of the other travelers. The Adahl, that towered over her and growled only one simple word. Her ruby gaze hardened towards him as she slowly rose from the fireplace. Her arms crossed as she wasn’t the least bit intimidated by the Adahl. With a few looks up and down she studied the Adahl with a dismissive scoff as he talked about wanting bread. “She’s right. Bread is on the table Adahl. Though if you want to seem impressive, I wouldn’t recommend your stance. It doesn't radiate the same suledin that you think it does.” Andrea jested slightly, she saw better postures from shorter and leaner men, but much much crueler.

Andrea reached back down grabbing the other stones as she looked back at the Nhen and the Adahl, but mainly Adahl. “My name is Andrea. I would appreciate the simple courtesy of calling me by name if you would.” Andrea stated before moving past them towards the table as she laid out the other three hot stones for grabs as she gestured towards the two of them to grab. “There, hot stones are up for grabs if you desire it. Though I recommend that you don’t eat it Adahl.” Andrea gave a fake slight smile towards Axol before it quickly faded away. A little sigh escaped her lips as she glanced towards the smirking but otherwise well groomed man that sat at the table.

“Offer goes to you as well Somniar. Hot stones for grabs.” Andrea addressed Thorne with a curiousness in her eyes, not a single word this man had said and yet he was watching like a hawk. Smart on his part, refusing to play his cards but reading the faces of others. She gave him a knowing nod before venturing back to her satchel, quickly putting it on as she stared at the Mercenary. Taking a step towards him with her head tilted to the left as her ruby hue intently stared at him.

“What were you going to say Adahl? Before the allure of bread peaked your hunger. I am very curious on what a solasan like yourself was going to say to someone like me.” Andrea addressed Axol with an intense gaze as her fingertips tapped against her arm as she waited for his remark. “He would make a fine lieutenant, Andrea. Just look at him. Big and strong, and so obedient when there is gold or ale. In fact they all would be so… so perfect for your little plan darling.” The Sinister Voice echoed, her eyes flashed a bright green for a moment, but closed her eyes and shook her head. Ridding the idea that the voice wanted.

“No. Only monsters and those foolish enough to stop me. Currently he is just being what he is. Besides, We already found one. The monster that lurks outside the walls. Plus, it’s not like there are others like him. So stop it. You know the terms.” She argued back in her mind and slowly the voice resided and faded. She opened her eyes again still staring towards Axol but not as intensely as before. It was clear that she was uncaring to the words he would have to say to her. At least for now.

[The Kingdom:Fort Bael] ·:*¨❆༺ ❅ 𝔄 𝔅𝔞𝔰𝔱𝔦𝔬𝔫 𝔬𝔣 𝔈𝔫𝔳𝔶 ❅ ༻❆¨*:·

Character: Andrea Ashmourn
Status: Enjoying peace while stating her curiosity.

Andrea offered a tiny smile of kindness, followed by an appreciative nod towards Rachel. Continuing to work on the hot stones, pulling one out to feel the heat every now and then before casting it back to the fire. Seeing how the woman had some more color besides white, it did bring her some joy that the woman was indeed alive and well like the rest of them. Just shy.

“No need to apologize, Da'len. Most times, silence is a boon when trying to adapt. I just wanted to see if you are still with us in the world of the living.” Andrea glanced towards the bread for a moment before her gaze returned to the fire. “That’s thoughtful of you, I’ll get mine once everyone has their fill. Besides, I rather not get in the way of a feeding frenzy.” Andrea slightly teased as she gestured towards Bromann and Axol. “Still, thank you. Food is always a welcome change of pace.”

Andrea kept a little smile, her hands outreached towards the fire as she felt the heat radiate and spread across her body like a much needed embrace. Stretching her arms until a sudden pop echo from her joints. Finally, a time for momentary peace. To sleep, eat or do whatever they want until it’s time to prove their worth, or until a monster slams against the walls. Whichever comes first and causes the most desperation. Recounting her previous thoughts about each of the travelers.

They were all different but had the common purpose of the bastion. Though they might want a home, Andrea wanted whatever monster that lurked outside of the walls. Her ruby eyes glanced at the stones after a good minute or two, and began to let them cool off a little. Everyone prefers the cold instead of burnt hands. Andrea focused on Rachel for a moment seeing her slowly adapting to the world around her. Knowing some semblance of that life.

However, Andrea knew this cold world for the longest time. Hell’s she was born in it, to feel the cold chain on her neck and the eyes of twisted smiles. Andrea shook her head, this time. This time she can do something. “You played it smart. It’s a good idea to look around and keep your lips shut. That one got lucky with the noble.” Andrea glanced towards Bromann with a dismissive shake of her head. Indeed he was foolish and lucky but maybe there was something more inside that thick head of his.

Andrea’s eyes returned towards Rachel, before a small laugh with her hands over her lips before nodding a little. “Food is always a good offering. Especially towards desperate mouths and eager lips. Though I would say it was a smart call. They might’ve eaten a little of it.” Andrea offered a slight joke before tilting her head to the left and offered a small bow of her head. “A little kindness goes a long way, and it’s a pleasure to meet you, Rachel. I am Andrea.” Andrea carefully wrapped one of the stones in her tattered fabric before setting the stone next to Rachel for her to grab.

“So, you offer gifts to your new neighbors. Well, I hope your neighbors return the kindness.” Andrea asked before working on the others making sure, they are tied tightly. “It’s not as good as bread but should keep you warm for a few hours or more. Then place it near the fire again to restore some warmth back to the stone.” Andrea taught with a slight glance towards Rachel before returning focused on the other stones. “So what other benefits did you and your family offer towards new neighbors? You piqued a little of my curiosity Rachel.”

[The Kingdom:Fort Bael] ·:*¨❆༺ ❅ 𝔄 𝔅𝔞𝔰𝔱𝔦𝔬𝔫 𝔬𝔣 𝔈𝔫𝔳𝔶 ❅ ༻❆¨*:·

Character: Andrea Ashmourn
Status: In heaven.

Andrea followed the captain with the others, making small little notes in her mind about each of the strangers. Once inside the barracks a gasp of relief opened her lips and closed her eyes just to feel the promise of warmth that surrounded her. “Finally… Fire and warmth.” Amdrea smiled softly as she glanced around the untaken beds and shook her head. Taking none of them as she laid her satchel against the wall near the fireplace. With a simple movement she took off her tattered cloak and knelt at the fireplace alongside Rachel.

Andrea begins to work, ripping some of the tattered cloth into long strips into five lines. Grabbing the fire poker to free up a little room, grabbing her satchel to pull out some of the stones and tossed them near the fire. Folding her cloak made a small mental note how much usage the cloak had before it finally became useless. As her cloak sat beside her she glanced towards the fire place offering her hands to the warmth as she settles in.

“I hope you don’t mind if I take some room from you da’eln.” Andrea’s ruby eyes glanced towards Rachel seeing her being lost in the fire. Unsure if the girl even spoke, yet that didn’t stop her from continuing her preparations. She fixed her belt that held her grimoire letting it rest a little as she rubbed her hands together slightly, flipping the stones every now and then and passing the warmth from her hands and onto her arms as she sighed happily, her ears twitch in response.

[The Kingdom:Fort Bael] ·:*¨❆༺ ❅ 𝔄 𝔅𝔞𝔰𝔱𝔦𝔬𝔫 𝔬𝔣 𝔈𝔫𝔳𝔶 ❅ ༻❆¨*:·

Character: Andrea Ashmourn
Status: So close to a bed. Yet so far.

Andrea eyed the noble for a moment, inspecting his tone, posture, and the way he addressed the happy wanderer. It was clear to her that this noble was somewhat different and currently dealt with a similar situation she faced before. Andrea’s ruby eyes focused on the walls for a moment, longer seeing the stone that joined hands with the frost. The guards that believed themselves to be wolves, loyal to the one that rules over them. Yet it seems they haven’t rid themselves of the monsters that howl at their walls if they are relying on the trust of desperate travelers to fight for the idea of ‘home’.

A little sigh passed through her lips, as the noble was forgiving in his own pompous way. Andria gave one glance towards Bromann with a careful watch. How many times had he gotten away with addressing nobles as such? It was something honest and admirable if you wanted to see chains around your wrist, yet it was something to be admired in his own foolish way. Andrea shudders softly, keeping her cloak as she nods her head to the noble. “Thank you for your kindness, your lordship.” Andrea offered a small bow, before turning away with her jaw clenched tightly. Be it from cold or bowing, who could say for sure?

Yet, her eyes immediately widened with curiosity as her ear twitched again at the mention of ice forming and glanced towards the weary faces turn away from the mention of the ice forming. That was their own monster that they faced. As she watched carefully, she heard the bell rings from the distance, never a good sign and even the omen birds fluttered from the safety of the trees from something approaching. A small hint of green shimmered in her eyes for just a moment. Her hands rested on her grimoire as whisper became louder in her mind. “That is what we came for Andrea.” The voice echoed, slithering deeper into her mind before the glimmer faded away as she snapped out of her trance as the happy wanderer made his quick assessments and shouted his claim for the beds.

“That tired, are we?” Andrea questioned with a slight eyebrow raised, yet it was all in good jest. At least that is what she hoped it came off as. However, as the silence passed, she locked eyes with Bromann, clearly sizing everyone up in an interesting way. Even for a moment she shook her head softly. “Careful, I don’t want to be responsible for any funny ideas that reside in your mind Nhen.” Andria eyed him with a guarded look. Yet, he did have the right idea. No one was stabbed during the wagon trip, that normally meant a good sign even for strangers. Though if they would be working together for a short time well, stabbing and trusting for a little while won’t be enough.

“Well, I agree with him. Fire would be my little version of the heavens.” Andrea fantasizes a warm fire calling out her name as for once there would be something solid that didn’t move. It would be a nice little respite and offer some time to make some hot stones.

[The Kingdom:Fort Bael] ·:*¨❆༺ ❅ 𝔄 𝔅𝔞𝔰𝔱𝔦𝔬𝔫 𝔬𝔣 𝔈𝔫𝔳𝔶 ❅ ༻❆¨*:·

Character: Andrea Ashmourn
Status: Praying for a fire

Andrea's eyes widen slightly towards the Happy wanderer with her eyebrow cocked. "Ma'am?! I am not that old; I am not even close to my century." Andrea groaned as her ears shook shaking the snow off her ears. For the moment she held herself tighter around the cloak, refusing to let the warmth escape her cloak. " Just, call me Andrea. It's better than ma'am." Andrea offered a quick and simple smile but cut it short as her teeth let out a loud chatter again. She quickly wrapped herself with her cloak and shook her head glancing around to the other travelers then to the guardsmen. Noting their tried faces and behavior. Seemed like no one was used to the rabid cold, not even those who are prepared.

Andrea eyes wondered back to Bromann with a slight sigh and immediately facepalming. It wasn't the wisest of decisions newcomers make, especially with the uneasiness that most if not all the guardsmen wear so openly. Andrea continued to watch the happy wanderer draw attention to himself, trying to find answers for their current 'Situation". Andrea glanced towards Rachel the quiet girl. A little curiosity wondered if she was still kicking. However, seeing that brief little smile caused by the foolish man. It gave her some answers that brought a little warmth. "Glad to see his joy spread somewhat to you da'len." Andrea offered a small smile towards her.

Immediately she turned towards the happy wanderer with her eyes fully wide. Seeing his bold approach towards the one in charge froze her breath for a moment as she looked up towards the noble with a headshake. With a grumble while her fingers rested on the bridge of her nose. "Great... Attention of a noble. Exactly what we wanted." Andrea remarked as she glanced towards the noble once again speaking up. "Pardon his eloquence. The journey and the cold does take a toll on some. Just like us he wants a good fire in our near future." Andrea offered a slight diplomatic smile. Keeping her tattered cloak wrapped around her as she spoke before backing up slightly towards the Wagon. Joining the others as she shook her head.