Our First Time [Lucca]

[The Jenn]

Just as dangerous as the weather conditions in the Calloo was the possibility of losing oneself in the barren landscape. One rise looked very much like another and there weren't many features to distinguish an area if you weren't used to the terrain. Being caught outside at night could spell death for an unprepared intruder. Shelters were invaluable to anyone, native or guest, traveling the land.

This shelter had been carved into and under the rock, much like the subterranean communities beneath the fjords, providing natural protection from the elements. There were ventilation holes dug and carefully concealed, and runes of protection and good health featured prominently around the door. The only real way to find a shelter without knowing its location was to follow the plume of smoke from an occupied hollow's fireplace shaft.

Vanja set about preparing the place for the night, sealing any cracks around the doorframe with spare rags provided for that purpose and starting a fire as quickly as he could. This shelter had recently been stocked with fresh wood and supplies, for which he was very grateful. Soon, a roaring blaze would begin to warm them and he could set out a few items for their evening meal.

"There are many pads and furs provided for our comfort, sir," he explained as he took several from the chest in the corner. "Enough for far more than our party of two. If no one else arrives tonight, we will have a very fine choice of blankets. Is there anything in particular that you would like to eat? Here is the supply stock at our disposal. I also have herbs to make up more of the tea you were served at the beginning of our journey, if you are interested. It contains the same bracing properties. I will make some for myself."

[Lucca]

Graeme was rather delighted at the accommodations. It was quite adaptable and very foreign. Welcome after too long spent sleeping in the finery and the cold comfort of his room at the mansion. The high life was all well and good, but a man needed to rough it once in a while to keep himself sharp. To remind himself why that bed was so comfortable. The Duck spent a good few minutes walking around their shelter, poking his cane at various nooks and holes of the cave, or tapping it gently to test the stability of the rock. After a moment, he sat down close to where the firepit was, shivering a bit as the cold began to seep in again instantly after he stopped moving.

"Ah, tea would be lovely, thank ye kindly," Graeme said amiably, and then looked over the selection of food with a critical eye, pointing to what he thought would make the best meal after their long hike. Part of him wanted other Cards to show up tonight, so that he could possibly meet more of the natives of this place, but most of him was content with just the thought of himself and Vanja. The Rat was certainly excellent traveling company, and the Duck was tired enough that sleep would find him quickly in any case, after he'd warmed up a bit.