Permafrost

14: Chill

⭐️Chapter 14: Chill

So with that, the group walked into the kitchen area. They were still a little unsure about this, but they trusted Ryn. Talon and Stag were still sorting groceries, but heard them approach and turned to face them.

"Oh! Well you look like a lively bunch!" Stag exclaimed.

"Aww, thanks."

"We heard you needed some help?"

"Ah yes, we did! Come here!"

And with that, they went over and helped sort groceries. It was nice, getting to talk in a calm environment after escaping from something so terrifying. Not to mention the teamwork and trust that was exchanged within. The group looked through some of the products after asking for permission to. Some of this stuff they had never seen in their life before. Talon explained that there was a special market for all of this stuff a few miles north from here, and that's where she and Stag had gone.

The Infernos did their best to help, and Talon offered to have them do a few chores for her, but they declined politely, stating that they were on a mission to rescue their friends and the citizens form the Frost Army and that they were only staying here while they figured out what to do. Talon understood, and let them finish up. When they were done, they decided to go back to planning, however they weren't exactly sure where to start. Silvia went over a checklist of things they might want to do. One of the things she mentioned was "someone to help us navigate this place".

That reminded Ryn of something, and since the group finished the groceries, she asked if Talon had a map of the nearby area. Talon replied with a yes, but that she had only one and that she didn't want to lose it. Ryn nodded in understanding, and now needed to figure out another plan. One she got it, she brought it to the table for everyone to see. On the map were several different places. Ryn and her friends could see their hometown, some nearby towns, and in the upper right corner, cut off, was what looked like it could be the ice kingdom.

"So, what's our plan?" Cosmo asked.

"We have to get to the ice kingdom, but what's the shortest way there?" Ryn said, studying the map.

"WHOAH THERE. SHORTEST? Look, I know you're eager, but we can't rush it like that!" Jack exclaimed.

"And why not?" Ryn pouted.

"We need a better plan!"

"Well what do YOU suggest, if this plan is so flawed then?"

"We go through a few towns to rally allies and strengthen your fire ink or whatever it is" Jack replied.

"Hmm. Perhaps" Ryn said, staring off into the distance as if she hadn't actually considered it to be an option.

"Ryn, can you please stop messing around with us and take this seriously for once?" Cosmo asked, concerned for his friend.

"I'm surprised you're this happy after what just happened...is something wrong?" Silvia added.

"What? No, nothing's wrong!" Ryn said, shrugging it off.

"I think there's something wrong, but let's not drag Talon and Stag into this" Jack grumbled.

Talon and Stag exchanged a glance and left the room.

"Yeah, you're right...in fact...I think it's time for us to go" Silvia said.

"What?!" Ryn shouted.

"Here and now?!" Cosmo exclaimed.

"Well no, if we must stay another night then so be it, but...yes, soon" Silvia replied calmly.

"But...why?" Jack asked.

"We can't spend the rest of our days cooped up in here when our friends have been captured! If we're set on rescue, then we should do it!" Silvia exclaimed.

Ryn sighed.

"Alright, fine."

"Geez Ryn, what is UP with you today?" Jack ask-groaned.

"It's just...I thought that because we were together again, we could forget about what just happened for a bit and be happy. I didn't know you guys were so serious about it...I only tried to lighten the mood..." Ryn said quietly.

"Ryn, I understand that, but...it's not something to be taken too lightly, you know this" Silvia replied softly.

"Alright, alright..."

"Anyways, we should go find Talon and Stag. To tell them we're leaving soon" Cosmo said.

Silvia nodded.

"Right. Let's go."

So with that, the group left the room, with Ryn trailing behind. They found the two in no time, as It turns out they were only in the front room. They explained their plan to them, and Talon understood. She said they could come back whenever they needed to, as long as they didn't destroy the place. From there, the group then headed back up to the room, as their plan was to stay one more night and then leave the next morning. Ryn sighed as she sat back down on the bed. It was late evening, and the group didn't know what to do. Ryn felt like her teammates kind of hated her. Here she was, trying to make everything better, but all they seemed to think was that she didn't care about them. She didn't want to talk about it, and she was sure they didn't want to either. All they could do was sit there.

Dinner soon came. Everyone was quiet, but enjoyed in nonetheless. Stag was curious as to why the group wasn't talking, but decided not to ask, assuming it must've been the meeting they had that him and Talon were excused from. Talon also said nothing as well, assuming the same thing. When it was time to go up to bed, each teammate dismissed themselves individually and at a different time. When each of them reached the bedroom, they found that the others who had left earlier had already "fallen asleep", and decided not to disturb them.

Ryn came in last, unsure of what to do. Well, with everyone "asleep", she began to do her usual night things that she did when they weren't here. She did it with minimal noise and no problem, and soon enough, she was ready for bed. She climbed into the bed, seeing as everyone else had already fallen asleep on the floor. She sighed to herself, thinking that they could've all just snuggled together in one bed to keep warm in this snow, but...she guessed not. Slowly, she fell asleep.