Skill - Expert Heartbroken 1/5

Nate patrolled. It seemed the thing to do. In the distance he could still sometimes catch glimpses of the blue flame. He thought of Eduda's stories — and wondered if it meant defeat for wolves — or for the spirits, gods, whatever they ought to be called, who now brought cold and dark to the world. In languid thoughts, it seemed a bastion of warmth against an inevitable end. Why should the powers of this world be any more benevolent than those of the last?

Ko-Ga flew farther in the days following the ice-crossing. Looking for Nat. It was a lonely purgatory for Nate, but he persevered in routine, and told himself that though there was no redemption for him, there might still be some for others, which he could play a part in.

It was in this fading light he found the silhouette of a stranger, and paused with pricked ears. Evening. He called out from his perch on a fallen spruce, tail raised in a wag.

An ear swiveled at the unfamiliar words. Nate was a little relieved when something parse-able followed. Sorry, didn't mean to startle. He said, hopping down to make a more moderate approach. I'm Nate Ronan. Nice to meet you, Miss.

At her observation, he chuckled. Well, I'll never complain about a good snow. The cold though... His lip tugged back with exaggerated discomfort. Enough said.

Have you seen that magic fire, yet? The blue one, by the river, that doesn't spread and doesn't go out? If she was out here without a shelter in mind, maybe curiosity would be a nonthreatening looking way to offer the comfort to her. At least, more approachable than a strange guy showing up out of nowhere and trying emphatically to convince her to go check out a fairy tale.

Skill - Leader 2/5

Miss Fiora. Nate affirmed, dipping his head with an ear flick of proper greeting. Sorry to hear your nights haven't been easy. And he meant it. Pale eyes noted the scabs, and wondered just what sort of hardship she'd faced. He wondered if he could alleviate it, any.

At the very least, he knew he could help her get out of the weather for a little while. The fire's not far. I could show you, if you'd like? With a grin, he lifted a forepaw and gestured back the way. It's definitely worth seeing. And at least it's not cold.

Nate tilted his head. She'd only said a thing he told himself a hundred times before. He found it justifiable... for himself. I suppose...

But, well, he still wanted to argue with her. As if her right to set aside comfort was less justified than his own, in spite of the utter lack of context available to him to determined whether he claim was merited. A sort of indignation arose, which had nothing and everything to do with her.

She didn't seem like the kind of folk who ought to be comfortable with such a state of being.Just make sure you're takin' are of yourself, too, Miss. He decided on, I'm sure your health isn't a price your family wouldn't want you to pay.

He turned to lead them to the flame, You cousin can come too, if they want. No reason for them to stay cold and us to have all the fun.