Even the best laid plans

Deimos gave a nod as Ikigai mentioned that she would like to stop soon and was about to turn his gaze back toward the path ahead of him with she quickly added that she'd actually like to stop now, almost as if his offer allowed her to verbalize her need for it. He chuckled softly and replied, "All you have to do is say so, beautiful." He would take three days crossing these mountains if she needed it–though he might just end up carrying her if it came to that. He peered ahead of them, scanning the rocky landscape for a cave opening or at least an over hang so they could have a bit of shelter. He got his answer after walking for a few more minutes in a small opening in the cliff facing they were walking beneath. He gestured to it with a nod of his head as he said, "There, that should work."

He pulled ahead a bit just so he could take a look in the cave first, checking it for the scent of any predators or anyone that might be using this for a home of some kind. He wasn't sure what kind of creature would want to live in these inhospitable mountains, but he had seen weirder things in his time. It was less of a cave and more of a shallow divot in the mountain side, but it would get them out of the wind and snow for a while. He pulled a rolled up fur out of the pack he was carrying, having brought some supplies since he was certain they would likely need to stop for the night before they reached Ashen, and rolled it out over the cold stone for her, giving them both a barrier from it.

Sitting down on one side of the fur, he waited for Ikigai to join him before he took her delicate front paws into his own, wrapping them in his large bear paws to warm her toes. "Are you feeling okay? Is it just the cold?" he questioned with concern, gently rubbing her paws between his. If it had been just him he probably would have just charged through and dealt with whatever exhaustion he felt once he got to the other side, but Ikigai was far lighter and more delicate than he was and he refused to risk pushing her too hard when she was carrying their children.

"Deimos Medacium"