every mile is two in winter

Venom tried not to dream of home and the warm fire that could be crackling in the main hall right that very moment. Or the thought of curling up close to Hattori near that same fire, bundled up with thick and exotic furs. Those thoughts were much too tempting, and instead of focusing on her frozen toes she found solace in her duty. They traveled for the good of the Empire, and that thought alone could see her through this trial before them.

They continued, she knew as much as Hattori that movement was key. Onward the party went to investigate what lay before them. Had she not been so cold she might have chuckled as Hattori ordered Raijin forward. The koi didn’t even have to say anything, the silent communication that went on between the two men was unlike anything she had ever seen. Were the situation not so serious the Empress would have been highly amused.

Thankfully nothing happened as the massive koi made his way onto the bridge. Venom hesitated for a moment as the wind whipped around them again.