Infinus arrived to their next destination, which was a lonely shop along the road. Travellers would stop by to restock their supplies when needed. But it was closed down from the snow, but also from one of Demon's minions.
Innerva watched her Legion tread into the territory, Ferals taking point. They kept their gazes focused on the door, where they expected her to be in.
Which swung open moments later, not by her hand, but by her Yonie's. Syndicate Dust made it possible for both Threshers to be by each other's side despite their vast distance from each other.
"Nervani!" the yonie called out. "Nifirie (Visitors)! Kah-neh, Kaaaaaaah-neeeeh (Welcome, weeeeelcoooome)!!"
Demon stepped forward, getting closer to the tiny Yonie. He felt weird, seeing what he could've been if Solice did not force Lya to treat him more like a Zegus than a Thresher.
A chilly breeze swept through the opening, they've been walking for two days straight. By now, this breeze did not bother them.
Several seconds after the Yonie opened the door, Innerva walked outside. She kept her hands folded over each other, trying to seem like a mistress who is being confronted by an army.
"Welcome! Please, come inside. I believe there isn't enough space for everyone, but we can rotate some out if you wish," Innerva was quick with her words. "And D - Demon, thank you for your abilities."
Enoptes stepped forward out of the crowd, everyone instantly knew he was about to give an order. The snow over his body was stuck to the sides of his armor plates, giving him a coat of frigid snow.
"Ferals," Enoptes howled. "You run inside and warm yourselves up. If there are resources to make meals, do so quickly. Warriors are growing hungry by the minute, and I can imagine you all are as well."
As requested, the Ferals stumbled across the buried stone padding. If the blizzard never struck, this entrance would have looked beautiful and warming for all.
But it was reduced to what it was now, by the hands of a natural force and the goliaths behind it.
Innerva stepped aside, allowing the Ferals to walk through. Her awareness was increased, and so did her heartbeat. It was the natural instinct of a Thresher to do so if a Feral is nearby.
Warmth from the dancing flames that ignited the corner of the living room brought back life to their bodies. Pale skin returned their unnaturally softly baked tan.
"Excuse me," a female walked up to Innerva. "Where can we find cooking supplies?"
"Check the closet inside the kitchen," Innerva pointed at a closed door to her left. The hinges were a perfect gold color as they held the brown frame in place. "I am confident there is something left over."
The Feral bowed her head, showing her gratitude, as she walked off. Another Feral, a male, followed her into the kitchen. Where they disappeared behind the now half-open door.
Zegi and Thawed kept their positions outside, deciding who would enter and who would stay. After a brief conversation, it was decided the few Zegi who had not transformed would enter.
A beautiful green carpet cushioned their boots as they stepped through. The flakes on their armor plates began melting quickly. Leaving little puddles on the wooden floor.
"It is pleasantly warm in here," Sencto greeted Viviry and Biku. "How come neither of you transformed yet?"
Biku shrugged. "The Nine decide, we only heed. I'm starting to believe we're already Thawed, just we haven't realized it yet. Anywho, how's your buddy?"
Sencto cackled. "Enclier? Somewhere in here. She's a bit grumpy that I ignored her recent play fights."
Viviry chuckled along. "I know how that feels. Back when I was an upcoming elite, right after the war, my partner got angry that I did not tackle her when she struck me."
The trio continued talking, yapping on about their pasts prior to being promoted to elites. Viviry's was a story of discipline and determination. Biku was of great marksmanship and patience.
Which left Sencto to talk about his sudden thrust into the spotlight. One of Eterra's sub-packs, named Nerra, sent him out to prove his value to the main pack. Where Kellenas brought him to the attention of other elites and leaders.
"Damn," Biku said, impressed. "How do you feel now that... ya know?"
"Kellenas was a Feral who became a role model for the pack and those other sub-packs. Whoever chooses to take his place would have to prove he or she can be just as good," Sencto replied.
Biku nodded. "I heard stories from the rest of the Legion. You know, I believed being inside Ophus would limit me in this field. But I was wrong, very. Now I sit with other powerful elites."
Lanzu took off her helmet behind the trio. The prideful face of a devastating Zegus warrior was replaced by the menacing gaze of a Thawed Prophet, although she was not one.
All three of their heads turned to face hers. Concern swept over theirs, the look in her eyes told them the next step of the plan would require some sacrifices.
"Our main leader has ordered me to inform you three about what's to come," Lanzu lowered her hands. "Infinus would split from each other. Half will rush to Fort Apocs, the other will assist Connisko to Fifity."
Before anyone could mutter another word, Lanzu pointed at each individually. "Enoptes has already selected the elites coming with us. You three are in it. Enclier, Sarnatacus, and those we've picked up along the way are sticking with them."
Sencto got up, then turned around to offer his hand to both elites. "Well, we got no choice. Let's go help the Ferals cook."
Everyone of them, including Lanzu, headed towards the door. Wanting to assist where they could so this entire mission could be over sooner.
Innerva's Yonie smiled at them, keeping his cheeks puffed and eyes sparkling while they passed by. He was happy there were new faces in the mostly empty house.