The Long Way 'Round (2nd Attempt)

[Dannflower Reguba]

       The green of the pines had been a welcome sight, and were now nearly within reach. After spending a couple of hours in the blustery white desert, some protection from the cutting wind would be a greatly appreciated comfort. Even so, the greater respite might be the dulling of complaints from some of the less experienced travelers. Liten took another head count, peering over the hilt of the sword he'd taken responsibility for on this venture. They only appeared to have lost one the entire way from Stormbreak to the woodline, not a bad run really. Even so, he could feel the onset of an incoming storm, making them even more fortunate to have made cover at such a time. The wolf turned to address the entourage behind him, walking sideways so as not to leave out the odd one or two rambunctious members scampering around in the front, "We're 'boot to make the treeline, but in case ye've ne'er run the wash before, safety's best found near a 'alf mile inwards away from the breeze. Keep yer wits on ya' 'till we've pitched a camp." He returned to his previous stride, eyes scanning the shade of the approaching trees. Caution had been his friend of many years, and followed him even to the southern outskirts of the great North.

[Verdauga]

Maeus silently followed Liten towards the treeline. Trekking in the cold wind had drained his capacity for conversation; speech was an option, but survival was necessary. He didn't want to miss a word of guidance, as inexperienced as he was.

[shisteer of nothing much]

Tergen kept pace with Liten, striding slightly behind the wolf leader and to his right. He checked his pace as he began to move ahead, aware of the long journey ahead.
Better to stick to a slower pace that could be maintained over a long period of time than to rush ahead and use up all your energy within a short amount of time. Tergen reminded himself, recalling the countless times he'd heard the advise during his time in the army.
Hearing Liten's words, he felt slightly relieved. Fit as he was, it had been hard going and the squirrel's paw was starting to ache slightly from the cold.
Not showing an outward sign of emotion, he nodded. The wolf wasn't particularly large for his kind but he obviously had experienced plenty and he had a good head on his shoulders.
"Aye, I wouldn't say it'd keep oos from the breeze but it'll keep most of the weather oot. I dare say we'll all be grateful fer a rest when the tahm cooms."

[Jarky Thistlebrush]

Thrun stumped along in the snow, a little behind the others. The reason for this became apparent as you drew closer: He had pulled a small pine cone-on-a-stick out of one of his pockets and was swinging it from side to side, mesmerized by the smooth arc it made through the air.
Hearing Tergen's remark, Thrun began to speed up so as to draw level with the rest of the party. He swung the pine cone one last time, not even noticed as it slipped from his grasp and hurtled through the air towards Maeus's head.
"When th' cold comes, nought can stop et. Not even me trusty Fuggle'ir." He stumped off in Liten's direction, pulling his quilt tighter about him.

[Verdauga]

Barely feeling the pinecone hit his neck, Maeus turned around, glancing at it on the snow. He briefly glanced at Thrun before rolling his eyes and slogging on. 'That Thrun is an odd one, no doubt about it. but Liten has him along for a reason.' he thought to himself.

[Cornflower MM]

Lieseil had been traveling in about the middle of the group, keeping quiet for a while so as to get a feel for her companions. After Tergen spoke, she snorted. "The trees will block some of the wind, more than out here, anyway, and if it gets bad we can build a windblock." She adjusted her cloak as she grumped at the young squirrel. The otter had never really enjoyed the company of those she perceived to young and cocky, and squirrels almost always fell into that category.

[Jarky Thistlebrush]

Thrun twisted around slightly, quilt slipping from his shoulders and effectively lashing his arms to his sides. He, however, did not seem to care, or even notice. "I 'ave a windblock." He then proceeded, by some miraculous means, to pull a small iron cart wheel from one of his pockets. It was rusted and riddled with holes. "It ain't keepin' no wind out, though."

[shisteer of nothing much]

Tergen reduced his pace slightly till he was walking beside Lieseil, studying the otter briefly before replying.
It was unusual to see an otter in these parts, though Tergen had come across their species on occasion. Apparently, this otter had taken a disliking to him.
"Aye, they'll block soom o' the wind oot boot not all of it. There'll still be a breeze and it'll be a culd one. Still be better than this though."
Tergen increased his pace again, deciding to reserve judgement on the brown-furred swimmer until he got to know her better. The keening, biting wind and heavy atmosphere could try anybeast's patience.

[Verdauga]

Maeus could barely hear what the others were saying to each other, and he didn't quite care. Of all of them, he'd probably talked to Liten the most since electing to go, and he figured when they made camp he could acquaint himself with them.

[The Skarzs]

  Plenith was soaked.
  It was not only his boots and gloves that were wet, but his pants and coat as well. He had been the last to reach the trees to escape the small avalanche they had barely dodged, and had been covered in snow in that process. That snow had melted, and found its way through his clothes down to his very skin.
  It was all he could think about, and wished everyone else would be quiet so he could be miserable in peace.
  The pine marten travelled behind everyone else, and off to the side, since Thrun seemed to be intent on being in the back of the group as well. He eyed the fox critically as he spun the pinecone around and let it fly off carelessly toward Maeus Plenith would need to keep an eye on Thrun.
  He chose to stay silent and watch the others as he picked his way after them, trying to think of the nice fire they would be able to make once they stopped for the night.

[shisteer of nothing much]

Tergen sped up a little more as a stray gust of wind blew cold air down his collar. It would be a cold night, even with more shelter than this.
His mind strayed back to his time in the army. Cold... hungry... alone... wounded.
He shook his head to clear the memories, reminding himself the of good things he'd learnt during the experience. He would always be able to find the good in a situation.
He'd slept out in the cold before but this time he'd at least have some food and probably a fire, plus some decent company.

[Jarky Thistlebrush]

Thrun could feel sweat beginning to gather on the back of his neck, and was grateful for it. Pushing a heavy iron cart wheel through at times knee-deep snow was no mean feat, and it was hard, hot work. A blessing in this cold.
Thrun tripped over one end of his quilt, falling backwards. Sprawled in the snow, he felt a rare sane moment coming on. He hauled himself to his feet. The cold soaked through his boots and into his knitted socks, but he took no notice. In a minute or two, the memories would come rushing back, and he would be mad again. He had a minute or two of sanity. A minute or two of freedom.
Thrun approached Plenith. He had one shot at this. One shot at making a friend before he was trapped again.
"Um... Hello." Thrun licked his lips nervously. On sudden impulse, he spoke again. "How d'yer like plum 'n turnip pie?"

[Verdauga]

Hearing muttering behind him, Maeus turned 'round and noticed Thrun talking to Plenith. He then glanced back to Liten, Tergen, and Lieseil. Sighing to himself, he trudged on; He'd ask when they made camp.

[Dannflower Reguba]

       The branches began to pass overhead as cover was finally a reality, not that it provided the relief Liten wanted. He could still hear the varying conversations and arguments behind him, not the worst he'd ever had by any measure, but a nuisance out in the bush regardless. He trudged on, finally reaching the depth he was looking for he turned, "Seems we're 'ere now, drop anythin' ya don't need 'an we can get something akin to a camp put together. I'll go dig up some shambles for a' fire, somebeast 'aught to drop some ah the branches off a pine or so, makes for good shelter... Oh, 'nd don't go killin' each other while I'm gone." Ignoring his own advice, he stepped away with everything still on his back, enjoying the semblance of peace now afforded by his distance from the others. Quiet, gently swaying forest was a welcome change after an entire day of the complete opposite. The wolf offered up a sigh to the wind as he forced himself to stay on target, making good on his word to gather the fragments of wood that would be their warmth later tonight.

[Verdauga]

Maeus dropped his pack and started searching for branches thick enough for a windblock. He had almost decided to accompany the wolf, but figured he might be more of a liability in the strange climate. Sure, he had made it to Stormbreak, but that was almost purely luck. After collecting some pine branches, he leaned them against each other. "Maybe some cloth would help?"
Turning to Lieseil, he asked, "Would some cloth work for the windbreak?"