(Sorry for the lengthy post, just wanted to introduce my duo. And Berit told me to just jump in. Berit, it's up to you which group I encounter.)
Stormvex clutched tightly to the seam of his jacket, tucking his head into its warmth. The cold and snow were bad enough, but the winds felt like daggers piercing his flesh. ‘This sucks,’ he thought before sending to his less suffering companion. **It’s freezing!**
**Oh, quit your complaining,** came a prompt reply. **It’s not that bad.**
**Not that bad? I’m turning blue!**
**Aw,** his companion leaned into him with a broad grin. **But blue becomes you, brings out your eyes.**
A quick glare ended it.
**Besides, it’s just part of the adventure! We got to travel, see the sights, meet new elves, fight those trolls, got these warm outfits,** Runedance stated with a wide, dramatic sweeping gesture with his arms, his enthusiasm obvious.
**Freeze to death…**
**Whine, whine, whine,** Runedance grinned. This was fun; he’d never seen Stormvex is such a state. He reached forward and gave his snowy bond a scratch on the head. **Even Stormhunt is having fun.**
**Stormhunt is a snow leopard,** Stormvex stated, why wouldn’t she be enjoying herself for a change? **Next adventure remains in the jungle.**
**Fine,** Runedance chuckled. **You know, Solstice is managing.**
Stormvex rubbed his bond wolf’s scruff, knowing full well she wasn’t having a good time in the white death. **You wish. You know, I’m surprised your mother let you go on this adventure.**
**And I’m surprised your mother hasn’t tried to kill you yet.**
**Fair point.** A moment passed in silence before the two broke out in laughter. The two continued to playfully harass each other before finally, **Sun’s starting to rise, best find some shelter.**
Runedance turned his eyes upward and studied the sky before yawning. **Might as well, besides, I’m getting sleepy. How long has it been since we got a decent day’s sleep?**
**Too long.** Stormvex looked around. The trees weren’t sufficient enough to rest in, and he was no plantshaper. Not too far there were shallow caverns. That would work well for the four of them, but there was that nagging feeling. Something seemed to lure them here, something he couldn’t quite make sense of. He glanced about nervously, trying to figure it out, but there was nothing but snow and gnarled trees. He silently swore he’d never venture this north again.
**Still got that feeling?** Runedance asked, noting his friend’s caution.
**Yeah, but maybe things will be better at moonsrise,** he hoped. **Over there, we can grab a quick nap before heading out.**
The four headed over to the closest shallow cavern and settled in. Much like their bonds, the elves did a few quick circles before lying down, each making contact with the others: a puppy pile. It wasn’t long before they were all fast asleep.
Two noses stretched out before them, testing the scents on the warming air. It had stopped snowing, the wind had died down, but now there was something else. Snow leopard and wolf sent warnings to their bonds.
Stormvex woke quickly to their warnings, scanning the immediate area, his hand instantly grabbing his sword. He could hear it, voices just beyond the cavern. He listened closely as the voices carried in the slight, warming breeze. Yes, he was certain those were elves, at least two, likely more.
**Runedance, get up,** he summoned his friend, still slumbering peacefully.
**Hmph, go away.**
**Get up, stupid, we’re not alone.**
**So what,** Runedance grumbled with annoyance.
**Get up, there are voices, elves,** Stormvex urged.
**So, tell them I said ‘hi.’**
**Damn it, Runedance, get up-** Stormvex became frustrated before realizing he was approaching this all wrong. Sitting upright, he smirked. **Yeah, elves, and they could be dangerous, there could be a fight…**
Runedance’s eyes snapped open. **A fight? Okay, I’m up.**
The elves gathered their weapons and made their way out of the cavern, carefully crouching toward the voices making sure to stay low and quiet. The bond beasts worked their way around the new elves, moving like brief shadows cast by the barren trees. All waited, watching to determine what to do next.