The carriage moved steadily along the snow-covered path, the wheels creaking over the thick layer of snow that covered the road leading to the distant, now-frozen lands of Yrdrast. The landscape was desolate, with bare trees rising like shadows against the gray sky. The air, sharp and frigid, began to fill with the metallic taste of frost. Ashe, Rei, and Trent traveled together in the carriage, headed toward a mission that, though seemingly simple, carried more uncertainties than either of the two women had expected.
Rei sat next to Ashe, her eyes fixed on the landscape, while Trent, a little further back, seemed lost in thought but unwilling to miss the chance to start a conversation. They had decided to rent the carriage to move faster, as the mountainous terrain stretching across Yrdrast was not something they could easily traverse on foot, especially with the forced climate change. The tall snow-covered mountain peaks loomed in the distance, and the air was becoming denser and colder.
Trent, however, was uncomfortable with the silence. As a good conversationalist, he shifted in his seat, looking for any opportunity to make the conversation more bearable. After all, in his eyes, the two beautiful women accompanying him were not only allies in this mission; they were also a challenge he wanted to overcome (where he planned to have some fun intimidating them, then have them serving him). So, he had to engage them in conversation, even though his approach was not the most appropriate.
"Did you know I was in Avalar a few weeks ago?" Trent began, his tone almost proud, as Ashe and Rei's gazes briefly turned toward him. He seemed to be waiting for a reaction that never came. "It was an interesting mission. I took down an S-rank Stone Golem by myself. It wasn't easy, but the job was flawless."
Rei, showing little interest, simply looked out the window. She knew Trent was trying to get her attention, but she wasn't willing to give it so easily. Ashe, on the other hand, smiled politely but didn't comment. Trent, realizing his story hadn't had the impact he expected, sighed and leaned back in his seat, watching the landscape slowly pass by.
"Alright, I get it, it's not that impressive," Trent said, half amused and half annoyed, then looked at them as if suddenly trying to apologize for his failure to connect. "But maybe you two have something more interesting to share, right? You're both S-rank adventurers. I'm sure you've had some missions that stand out."
Ashe and Rei exchanged a glance. Neither of them was eager to share details of their lives or past missions, especially with someone like Trent, whom they barely knew. However, Ashe, ever polite, couldn't help but make an effort to be courteous.
"Well…" Ashe said thoughtfully. "Some time ago, Lihan got himself into trouble during a mission in Vathir. He tried to take on a Forest Troll by himself while we were setting up the trap. It wasn't very smart of him, but… somehow, he pulled it off."
Rei let out a laugh that was half mockery, half amusement, remembering Lihan's recklessness.
"The idiot thought he could take on a Forest Troll without thinking twice," Rei commented, smiling as she reclined in her seat. "It was a pretty ridiculous scene, but in the end, by pure luck, it all worked out. Though I wouldn't want him to try something like that again."
Ashe nodded with a somewhat nostalgic smile, though also a little concerned. Lihan, their friend, could be incredibly reckless when he wanted to be, but sometimes that recklessness brought unexpected results.
"Yeah, sometimes I wonder how he does it," Ashe said quietly. "But, well, he always makes it out alive… at least so far."
Rei shrugged with a teasing smile.
"Even though I don't approve, I find it funny watching him face those monsters despite his fear. He's a strange kid, but he has some courage. Though I worry that his recklessness might one day backfire." Rei sighed, rubbing her forehead. "But well, that's just how he is." Rei looked out the window with a fond smile.
Trent, who had been listening intently, couldn't help but feel some frustration. He wanted to hear stories about the two beautiful women, about their own feats, and know their strength, but instead, he was stuck listening to anecdotes about a kid he didn't even know and didn't care about at all. His patience finally snapped, and with a crooked smile, he commented with a hint of sarcasm.
"Seems like little Lihan has more stories to tell than you two." Trent's tone was light, but there was a touch of disdain. He said it with a smile that might have seemed friendly, but also somewhat mocking.
Ashe looked at him without changing her unimpressed expression, while Rei simply rolled her eyes and turned back to the window, uninterested. Trent, seeing his attempt at conversation fail, fell silent but not before letting out an exasperated sigh.
The journey continued in silence for a while until, finally, the carriage began to slow down. The weather, which had already grown colder as they entered the lands of Yrdrast, began to grow even more severe. The air was denser, the cold cut through their skin, and the snow began to fall heavier, almost as if the atmosphere itself were foretelling the danger that awaited them.
After a four-day journey, they finally reached their destination. It had been a long trip that would have taken longer if they had traveled on foot, but fortunately, they had taken the carriage, which saved them travel time.
Rei was the first to get off the carriage, raising her cloak to shield herself from the biting wind. Ashe quickly followed, adjusting the sleeves of her thick woolen coat, while Trent stayed back for a moment, surveying the landscape before adjusting his cloak over his armor. The snow now covered everything around them, and the biting wind filtered through the bare trees. The ground was becoming increasingly unpredictable, covered in slippery ice and scattered rocks.
"This is where we continue on foot," Rei turned toward the others with a determined expression. "The carriage can't go any further. And with the weather coming, we'd better be prepared."
Ashe scanned the horizon, noticing the closer mountains and the change in the air. Something in the atmosphere told her that the Tyrant Ice Troll wasn't far.
"Yeah, this place definitely smells like danger," Ashe muttered under her breath.
Rei nodded seriously.
"I know. This weather isn't normal… we need to stay alert," she commented.
Trent, who had been walking a few steps behind, watched in silence. The women didn't know that his gaze was fixed on them, observing each of their movements, every word they spoke. His smile reappeared, almost as if he were waiting for the right moment to make his next move.
The wind picked up, and the ice creaked under their boots. The three adventurers continued their journey deeper into the snowy lands of Yrdrast, where the Tyrant Ice Troll was already waiting for them.
-------------------------------------------------
The snow continued to fall heavily, wrapping the land in a white blanket that stretched as far as the eye could see. The wind blew icy, but Ashe kept her pace steady, walking alongside Rei, who moved forward undeterred. Although the weather was worsening rapidly, she couldn't help but notice the silence between them and Trent, who walked a step behind with his large sword on his back and his armor lightly resonating with each step. It was strange to see him so quiet. Usually, Trent was quite talkative, always eager to discuss his feats and accomplishments, but since they had left the carriage, he had only been observing their surroundings with a calm, almost… thoughtful expression.
Honestly, it was a little strange. Trent had been trying to strike up a conversation with them since they boarded the carriage. It wasn't that it was a bad thing, but for some strange reason, Ashe felt uncomfortable around him, ever since he convinced them to take part in the mission.
Ashe glanced at Rei, who didn't seem as affected by the tense atmosphere, and decided to break the silence, more to occupy her mind than to ease the discomfort.
"Are you… worried about something?" Ashe asked softly, without looking at Trent.
Rei, who had been walking with her rifle strapped tightly to her back, gave Ashe a quick glance before responding.
"Worried?" Rei chuckled softly. "Maybe a little. But no, I don't worry that much. What really bothers me is this mission requirement. If it weren't for that damn 'three people' thing, I would've preferred to go with just you." The huntress gave her a meaningful look. "I know, I know Lihan wanted us to go and didn't want to hold us back, but I had a feeling that this type of mission would be a good experience for him. I'd have to keep an eye on him, of course, since we know the risks involved—not to mention his recklessness—but I think it's for the best that he couldn't come. He's still too green. And I wouldn't forgive myself if he got hurt."
Ashe nodded slowly, understanding her friend's words.
"Lihan…" Ashe said thoughtfully. "Sometimes, I feel like he doesn't take being an adventurer seriously." She recalled Lihan's reckless moments and how he'd given them several scares. "But he's still young and wants to enjoy life… You know, I wonder if it was really a good idea to let him stay at the guild. I… I would've preferred to stay with Lihan or go just the two of us, without Trent. Although, honestly, I don't even feel comfortable with the fact that we have to join another group. Do you feel the same way?" Ashe tilted her head with curiosity, interested in her friend's thoughts.
Rei raised an eyebrow, smiling slightly with a hint of mockery.
"With Trent? I get it, it's weird. It's not that I dislike him, but there's something strange about him." Rei glanced subtly over her shoulder at him. "Before, he kept trying to pull us into silly conversations, but now he's so quiet… like he's… waiting for something. Or maybe he's just tired from the walk." Rei shrugged and then looked forward as if reflecting for a moment. "Do you know him well?"
Ashe shook her head, looking straight ahead as the wind blew harder, making visibility more difficult.
"Not much. He joined the guild recently, I think? Two months ago, if I'm not mistaken. And even though he's ranked S, I still don't feel completely comfortable with him. But… you know how missions are. When you need someone, you can't be too selective." Ashe shrugged.
"Yeah, I know too…" Rei frowned, thinking for a moment. "And despite what Lihan said about not wanting to hold us back on this mission… I'm almost sure he's not happy with our decision. But… what else can we do? We convinced him to stay behind, but in the end, this mission will give him something important to upgrade his gear," she said, a bit hesitantly, trying to appear calm, though she was worried about Lihan's thoughts.
Ashe sighed and looked out at the horizon, feeling a slight pang of guilt as she recalled Lihan's expression when they finally agreed to go without him.
"I think he's taking it too hard. In his head, he's probably thinking he's not strong enough. That he can't come with us. And that hurts a little. The last thing I want is for him to feel alone or that we're abandoning him," Ashe said with concern.
Rei smiled calmly as if trying to lighten the mood.
"He's a kid. He'll grow up. What worries me more is that, deep down, he might feel more like he's in our shadow than a partner." Rei sighed and then looked at Ashe, giving her a friendly pat on the shoulder. "What I'd like is for him to at least have the courage to do something for himself. But… maybe that won't happen until he gains more experience."
Ashe thought about it for a moment and nodded, saying nothing more for a while. But as they walked, she realized that, in some way, she felt there was something off. Something about Lihan's reaction when they agreed to go without him. There was something in his behavior she couldn't quite pinpoint.
"Do you think Lihan… seemed strangely… upset?" Ashe asked, looking at Rei with a hint of worry in her eyes.
Ashe thought it over carefully. She knows that Lihan was still far from being up to her and Rei's standards, and not being able to accompany them now had affected him more than he let on. Ashe thinks about how worried he had looked when he said goodbye, how his smile had been more forced than usual. Had it been just because of the mission? She wasn't so sure. Or maybe it was because of Trent.
Rei looked at her quickly, as if surprised by the question.
"Upset?" Rei smiled slightly, though concern was also present on her face. "I don't know, but yeah, I did notice something odd about him. It was like he was… trying to hide something. But, anyway, the best thing we can do now is show him that everything will be fine. When we get back, we'll show him that it was all worth it. And he'll forget any fears or insecurities he has."
Ashe agreed. Although her doubts lingered, she understood what Rei was saying. They couldn't do anything now but keep moving forward. They had to focus on the mission, and in the end, the rewards would help them improve their gear and strengthen Lihan, even if it meant being without him this time.
Just then, it was Trent who broke into their conversation, approaching with quicker steps and a faint glint of concern on his face. Despite his usual relaxed demeanor, he now seemed a bit more serious, which caught both women's attention.
"Hey, I think it would be wise for us to find shelter." Trent's voice had that usual softness, but now with an underlying firmness. The winds were starting to intensify. "There's a storm on the horizon. If we don't move fast, we could end up trapped here. And trust me, none of us wants to freeze to death." He said, looking up at the sky.
Rei frowned and looked at him, but like Ashe, she realized they didn't have much time to argue. The weather was changing quickly. Trent continued, his persuasive voice filling the air as they both turned to look where he pointed.
"Rei," Trent called to the huntress as if it was the most logical choice. "As a huntress, you know well where there might be shelter nearby. We need to move fast if we don't want to get caught in the storm."
Rei watched him with a doubtful look at first, but she eventually nodded, understanding the logic behind his reasoning, though a bit annoyed by the way Trent had decided to intervene in their conversation.
"Alright…" Rei sighed, beginning to move forward quickly. "Let's find shelter before the storm catches us, so stay close; I don't want us to separate more than necessary," Rei said, frowning as she watched the storm grow stronger.
Ashe simply nodded, acknowledging that Rei's decision was the most sensible one at the moment.
Quickly, Rei started moving through the terrain, while Trent and Ashe followed closely. The wind blew fiercely, and the snow flurries made visibility even more difficult. The storm was about to fully break.
As they moved swiftly through the snow, Ashe and Rei couldn't help but notice Trent's presence behind them, keeping his gaze fixed on them as they continued on. The storm, like the situation, was starting to intensify.
Using her sharp sense of direction, Rei managed to locate a small opening in a nearby rocky wall, a cave that seemed to be the perfect shelter. The air inside the cave was cold, but it shielded them from the fury of the weather outside.
"Here," said Rei, pointing to the cave entrance. "This should do. Let's go inside."
With the storm beginning to unleash its full fury, the three took shelter in the cave. The blizzard roared outside the entrance, but inside, at least they could escape the biting ice surrounding them.
They quickly began to set up camp. Though the weather was against them, the situation had improved considerably since they found shelter. Trent, still silent, watched with a calm smile, satisfied with how things had worked out for the moment.
The sound of the wind hitting the rocks and the cave around them became the only noise filling the air. The storm raged outside, but inside the cave, there was a relative calm… at least, for now.
-----------------------------------------
The storm roared fiercely, like an enraged beast that gave no respite. Ashe looked outside the small cave they had found as shelter, watching how the snow swirled, carrying everything in its path. The wind blew with such intensity that it almost felt like it could cut through skin, and the landscape was nothing more than an indistinguishable white mass. Though the shelter provided some relief, the feeling of being trapped in such a hostile place never really faded.
Rei was sitting near the entrance of the cave, looking at the storm with an expression that was both annoyed and resigned. Her rifle lay at her side, ready for anything, but nothing seemed to move outside the cave.
"This storm is starting to be a headache," Rei muttered, crossing her arms. Her tone left no doubt about how much the bad weather bothered her.
Trent, sitting near the improvised fire they had lit inside the cave, looked at her with a mocking smile, though it seemed he wasn't taking the situation lightly.
"If this ice troll has caused something like this, I don't even want to imagine what awaits us," he commented, raising his eyebrows exaggeratedly. Although his tone was joking, there was something in his gaze that indicated he wasn't underestimating the monster. While this was his way of speaking, he didn't want the girls to think he felt superior in the situation. He wanted to avoid any more rejection than he was already experiencing and preferred to avoid gaining more distrust from his jokes.
Ashe settled closer to the fire, feeling the warmth of the flames but keeping her guard up. Even though Trent had been trying to be more courteous in recent days, something about his presence still unsettled her. She couldn't stop thinking about the strange influence he seemed to exert over them, though she didn't know how to name that feeling.
"It's pretty impressive what this tyrant ice troll can do…" Ashe commented, trying to be polite, without showing too much discomfort.
Trent smiled and nodded as if he appreciated her effort to make conversation, but there was something else in his gaze, something not easily identifiable. Is he being sincere, or is he just trying to get us to talk? Ashe thought, noticing that Rei continued to look outside with an indifferent air.
Trent turned to her with a smile, apparently trying to relax both of them, to lighten the heavy atmosphere that the storm had brought with it.
"The storm won't last much longer. We should take this time to rest and recharge. Once it passes, we'll scan the area for other monsters that might be helping that troll. Then we'll set up another camp while we wait for the other groups who accepted the mission." Trent narrowed his eyes thoughtfully. "It doesn't hurt to be well-prepared." He spoke with a calmness that, in his voice, sounded almost persuasive. While his words made sense, there was something in his tone that seemed... much softer than it should have been.
Rei, however, didn't flinch. She had been rather distant from Trent throughout the mission, just like Ashe. There was no doubt that she'd rather be anywhere else, but the storm had forced them to stay hidden for the time being, not to mention their commitment to the mission, which meant they had to bear it. But even though they had made a temporary alliance with Trent, she wasn't going to let him talk to them as if he were the group leader.
"I think you worry too much. I'm sure all the other groups can take care of themselves," Rei said without looking at him, still watching the whirling snow outside. Her voice was firm as if she had no interest in trivial conversations or unnecessary preparations. "I just want to finish this mission, get the rewards, and buy better gear for ourselves and the kid," Rei added with a hint of affection.
Ashe noticed a slight blush appear on Rei's face. Whether it was from the cold or something else, Ashe wasn't sure, but she didn't dwell on it.
"The kid," the way Rei referred to Lihan. It was evident that both of them cared deeply for him, though each showed it differently. Ashe liked to think they trained together because they knew Lihan's potential could take him far.
On the other hand, Trent slightly furrowed his brow. That mention of "the kid," as Rei called him, seemed to bother him. Not because of how she said it, but because of what it represented. Lihan, though not present, remained a central figure for them. And, on some level, that irritated Trent. Even though Lihan wasn't on the mission, his absence felt like a shadow.
However, he couldn't let his disdain for Lihan become evident. No, better they keep thinking of him as "the good guy," he told himself while keeping his smile.
"The kid, huh?" Trent replied in a light tone, but the discomfort was palpable. "Well, I suppose if that's what you want, then fine. But don't forget we're in a dangerous situation. And while I still think we can't lose ourselves in these details to defeat that Troll, sometimes a break is necessary to clear the mind." Trent said in a mellow tone, sighing as he looked at the storm beginning to calm.
Ashe noticed how Trent's tone changed slightly. There was something soft in his voice, something she couldn't quite pinpoint. Still, it didn't seem like a direct threat—just a gentle pressure on the conversation.
Rei crossed her arms, clearly uninterested in engaging further, and her gaze toward the mouth of the cave became even more distant.
"I've told you I'm not interested in elaborate plans. The best thing would be to wait for the others and then make a plan once everyone's here," Rei said coldly. "So, there's no need to talk." She made it clear she had no intention of engaging more in the conversation.
Trent, however, wasn't deterred. In fact, he had anticipated Rei's reaction. He knew it would be harder to influence her, but that only made him more determined. His target now was Ashe, the more susceptible, the more receptive to his words.
While Rei stayed distant, Trent changed tactics. The storm had started to subside, and the wind, though still strong, seemed less violent. With a subtle move, he began speaking again, but this time his voice took on a softer, almost hypnotic tone as if guiding a more intimate conversation.
"Rei, why don't you go hunt a bit more?" Trent asked though it didn't seem like he was asking for permission. It was a suggestion disguised as a question. "The weather has improved, and although we have food, what we've packed won't give us enough energy to face the ice tyrant troll."
Rei, surprised by the suggestion, frowned.
"Hunt? We already have enough food. Why would I go hunt more?" she said with some disdain, but her tone began to waver as if something in her mind was whispering to her to accept the suggestion.
But Trent didn't stop. The softness in his voice increased, and the way he spoke sounded almost logical, a practical necessity as if there was no other choice but to obey.
"It's true, we have some food," Trent said, smiling softly. "But the food we have is only for sustenance. What we need is something more than that. We need to be fully energized for what lies ahead. The ice troll is dangerous, and a few more supplies will help us be in better shape for the battle. You're the hunter, Rei. You know what we need." Trent spoke encouragingly.
Ashe watched in silence, looking at Rei with concern. She knew Rei wasn't easily convinced, but something in Trent's tone seemed to resonate with her. Although Rei looked at him distrustfully, the gentle murmur of his voice, with that subtle tone of authority, began to settle in her mind.
Rei hesitated, biting her lower lip, but finally got up with an expression that indicated she wasn't convinced but couldn't ignore what Trent had said.
"Fine, I'll go hunt," Rei responded, though her tone was more resigned than enthusiastic.
Ashe surprised, tried to intervene but couldn't say anything in time. Why is she doing this? Ashe wondered. Don't we have enough food? Why does she have to go hunt alone?
However, Rei had already left the cave before Ashe could say anything more. As the hunter ventured into the now-calming storm, Ashe remained with Trent, still perplexed by her companion's decision.
When Rei disappeared into the snow, Trent turned to Ashe, his smile still present but now wider and more calculated. Now they were alone. The game had just begun.
------------------
The wind whipped through, though no longer with its earlier fury, now reduced to a gentle breeze slipping through the cave entrance. The fire at the camp's center crackled from the drafts that made their way inside, casting warm, flickering light across the rock walls. The air outside was thick and harsh, but within the cave, things felt a bit more bearable. The calm, however, was only relative—they knew they were far from true safety.
Ashe sat close to the fire, gazing at the flames but not really seeing anything. The mission ahead worried her, and the relentless snow falling outside only added to her sense of unease. The tyrant Ice Troll was not only a formidable creature, but it had summoned a storm of such magnitude that only the most seasoned adventurers had anticipated its coming.
Next to her, Trent remained composed, also watching the fire, albeit with a certain fascination. As always, he wore that unshakable calm that sometimes left Ashe feeling both admiration and wariness. His presence felt…unnatural somehow. At times, it seemed like he was searching for something. Something she couldn't quite identify.
Suddenly, Trent broke the silence. His voice, always soft yet clear, drifted through the air like a melody, interrupting Ashe's thoughts as she tried to focus.
"Did you know that once, when I was younger…" Trent paused briefly as if choosing his words carefully, "…I fought against the leader of an orc tribe? A big guy, very big. Strong, of course, but also cunning. It was…an interesting fight."
Ashe glanced at him, not because she was especially interested, but because she felt she should at least respond politely.
"And how did it end?" she asked, without much enthusiasm, more out of courtesy than genuine curiosity.
Trent gave an almost imperceptible smile. His gaze shifted from her to the flames, as if her question had brought back memories from a distant time.
"Well, the thing is, he was a very confident orc leader, believed strength was enough to win. I could have defeated him with pure force, too…but what made it interesting was that, instead of a brutal confrontation, I had to analyze his behavior. His patterns. The good thing about orcs is they're predictable. Not great with strategy, you know?" Trent said calmly, taking a light breath before continuing in that calm tone. "In battle, strength is important, but the mind plays a crucial role too. Strength is pointless if you don't know how to use it, and intelligence is useless if you can't defend yourself against threats where the mind can't always win. What do you think, Ashe? Do you think mind and brute force go hand in hand?"
Though Ashe didn't have much reason to put stock in his story, she found herself a bit intrigued by his question, if only slightly. But his quiet, persuasive tone made it hard not to listen, hard not to feel there might be something worthwhile behind his words.
"Yes. I think they go hand in hand and can complement each other," Ashe replied, nodding slightly without much enthusiasm. Sure, mind and brute force go together, but she also believed that discipline could outshine both when they were separate.
Though there was also nothing wrong with relying on someone who could complement you, she thought of Lihan and Rei, and how, with her, they could form a great team. Ashe sighed. She was more worried about the mission and all they'd face than about a conversation, but she wanted to be polite, too.
Ashe admitted that, despite his arrogant, confident demeanor, Trent could sometimes be a good conversationalist, though he had his own…methods.
Trent watched her carefully, noting the slight disinterest on her face, though she was still willing to engage politely. He sensed he couldn't let her slip out of his net of calm so easily. So he subtly shifted the topic.
"You're right; the two complement each other, helping people overcome the challenges ahead… And speaking of challenges… have you noticed what we're facing now?" Trent asked, gesturing to the faint storm outside, caused by the Troll. "This place… Before the Troll arrived, this place was lush with vegetation, thick trees, and a warmer climate. And now look at it. It's impressive but also worrying. I can't help but think of all the people who might have suffered from this sudden climate change—those trapped out there or if the storm reached areas with crops that were probably destroyed." Trent sighed before continuing. "It's a disaster."
Ashe nodded slightly, not exactly sure what to say. She didn't like talking about others' suffering, especially when there was nothing she could do about it. Yet the way Trent mentioned it made her think he had a certain concern for those affected, though she wasn't entirely sure if he was serious or just making conversation.
"Yes, it's concerning," Ashe replied, keeping her gaze on the fire. "But…we also have our mission. There are things we can change and things we can't." She added that once they killed the tyrant Ice Troll, she hoped the weather would return to normal and help people.
Trent leaned a little closer to her, not abruptly but so subtly that Ashe didn't notice at first. His voice softened, almost as if trying to lull her.
"What you say is true. But sometimes, the mission isn't just about completing it, but also how we do it. Do you trust your team, Ashe?" Trent asked—a simple question, but the way he posed it made her feel almost obligated to answer honestly.
Ashe looked at him for a moment. Should she trust him? Trent, though he seemed reliable, always made her feel a bit distant. Her instinct always told her not to be too swayed by him, but the question was so simple, so direct. She'd worked in teams many times and trusted her life to her companions, and she was sure they'd trust her with theirs.
"Yes…I trust them," Ashe replied, confident in her words. Despite all the ups and downs, in her mind, Lihan and Rei were the two people she trusted most. But Trent? Ashe wondered silently, even if only for a moment. Could she really trust him?
But before she could dwell more on her thoughts, Trent seemed to pick up on her slight discomfort. His response was immediate.
"You know," Trent said calmly, almost in a whisper. "I think we're all too tense, too worried. It doesn't have to stay this way. We should relax a bit, don't you think?"
Ashe felt something inside respond to his words, strangely. Relax? She thought for a moment, but the suggestion didn't seem so bad. She was already exhausted from everything that had happened. So, without overthinking, she allowed herself to nod. It was the simplest choice.
As if expecting her answer, Trent began humming a soft tune, almost imperceptible. The song drifted through the air, calm and deep, touching the most serene parts of her being. The melody began to permeate her thoughts, dissolving tensions she hadn't realized was still there.
Her eyes slowly began to close, almost without her noticing, and a warm calm began to envelop her. It's just the music, just the fire… Ashe thought, as her thoughts faded, like fog under morning light.
As her body relaxed, she felt Trent move closer. He reached out a hand toward her. There was no resistance in her body, not even a slight unease. On the contrary, when his hand touched her shoulder—a light but firm touch as if guiding her toward a deeper calm—a gentle shiver ran down her spine. But it wasn't a shiver of discomfort. It was…pleasant. Comfortable. And, strangely enough, she didn't want him to pull away. She didn't want him to stop touching her.
The warmth from his hand seemed to fill her body, enveloping her in a sense of warmth and comfort. It was fine. I feel safe.
A silly smile appeared on her face, without knowing why, and without questioning it either. Trent smiled, but it wasn't a normal smile. It was a smile of victory, a smile that said he'd achieved what he wanted.
However, Ashe had no idea what was happening. Her mind, hazy yet calm, focused only on the warmth she felt, on the softness of his touch. Her breathing grew deeper and steadier. It's fine…it's fine… Ashe thought as if something inside her told her everything was alright.
"Trust me…" Trent said, his voice a whisper. And without realizing it, Ashe nodded.
"I trust you…" Ashe murmured, though she wasn't sure exactly what she was trusting. But at that moment, it didn't seem to matter.
"You're feeling much better now, aren't you?" Trent whispered, his hand still on her shoulder.
Ashe, still smiling contentedly, nodded without a second thought. Yes, I feel better, she thought.
Then, Trent let go, withdrawing his hand gently. He turned to look at the entrance, his brow furrowed before he clicked his tongue and returned to his previous spot.
When Ashe blinked, as if waking from a deep sleep, she looked at Trent. What happened? She felt a little confused, but seeing his calm smile, everything in her relaxed again.
Ashe shook her head. It doesn't matter. I just have to keep going… she thought, looking back out at the now-subsiding storm, her mind slightly clouded, yet focused. How's Lihan? she thought, with a touch of worry, hoping her friend wasn't doing anything reckless. I hope he doesn't try anything rash like taking on a difficult mission alone.
But at that moment, something inside her felt off and gave her a bad feeling about Lihan. Still, she ignored it. I needed to relax before the battle, Ashe thought. At the very least, until they returned with the rewards, she was sure Lihan would greet them with a hug as if nothing had happened. And with that, Ashe smiled again, as if everything had a purpose, and settled a little closer to the fire.
Because, at that moment, the warmth she felt was more important than anything else.