💚 𝔽𝕠𝕣𝕓𝕚𝕕𝕕𝕖𝕟 ℙ𝕒𝕤𝕤𝕚𝕠𝕟 💚 ᗩ ᒪOKI TᗩᒪE

Wait for me

Quickly entering your lodging upon returning to Bear's domain, you gather supplies for the short travel down the mountain region and towards the lake. As you hurriedly packed the essentials, Suri walked in through the partially open door, displaying a gloomy expression.

"So the whispers I heard are true; you are indeed leaving?"

"Yes, just to the lake. I believe that is where I will find the answers we seek."

"And after? Will you head back home?"

"I head nowhere until we have resolved this. Should it take weeks or months, I will not abandon Jotunheim." You stuff a few of Ovahh's favourite energy bars into your small bag, but are soon disturbed by Suri's rough advance towards you.

"Oh, Eden. You are a tremendous asset to Jotunheim!" She firmly grasps you while rubbing her face against yours, an action she frequently performs thanks to Ovahh.

She pulled you in tighter, causing your cheek to be crushed against her cleavage, rendering your speech muffled.

"You are restricting my airways." You murmur.

She instantly loosened her grip.

"Permit me to accompany you to the lake. I won't be an inconvenience, and an extra pair of hands will allow us to carry more provisions." Her tone was almost imploring.

You were overjoyed by Suri's desire to join you, and you promptly accepted her offer to attend.

Your time spent packing was cut short thanks to her assistance, and after double-checking that you had everything, you both made your way to the common room to meet Loki.

"We are ready to go when you are." You spoke aloud as you entered.

To your surprise, Tres and the few others you've come to enjoy the company of rushed towards you in an effort to bid you a fond farewell.

You giggled as they crowded around you and gave you affectionate hugs. It was a drastic change from their reserved and apprehensive behaviour upon first meeting.

"I am coming back!" You exclaim. "I'm only going towards the lake which is a mere thirty minute trek downhill."

"It is irrelevant, Lady Eden." Tres spoke warmly. "Docat's always bid farewell, as sometimes our loved ones do not return from even the most secure of journeys. We share our affection before every departure, regardless of whether we anticipate your return."

Out of all the customary rituals that the Docat's performed, this was your favourite.

"I think I will adopt such a tradition too." You admit.

You waved a final goodbye before departing with Suri and Loki, who took position on either side of you. Xanda remained in the rear to serve as a scout, while Ovahh and Bear, with superior knowledge of the terrain, led everyone along the safest route.

The weather was in your favour, being mild, with the sun occasionally breaking through the clouds to provide you with warmth. Thankfully, the winds were calm, making the descent rather straightforward.

"I believe you are already accustomed to our climate, Eden." Suri was impressed by your rigid posture as you trailed the snow without falling once.

"Perhaps I am transforming similar to your Docat race." You say amusedly.

"Oh, that would be something. However, I wonder, will your eyes become as crimson as a Jotun or as black as a Docat?"

"Maybe they will continue to be the sky blue that I have come to adore." Loki responded with a grin.