The group reached Markington earlier than expected, the sun still high in the sky as they rode through the bustling streets. Rosie had been quick to improvise, using the leftover venison and vegetables from last night's meal to create small travel pouches for everyone. They ate while riding, skipping a formal lunch stop to make up time.
As they approached the heart of Markington, Rosie couldn't help but admire the city's beauty. The stone buildings were intricately designed, their architecture a mix of old-world charm and modern craftsmanship. Shops lined the cobblestone streets, their windows showcasing local goods, weapons, and magical trinkets. The air buzzed with life—merchants bartering, children running through the alleys, and adventurers like themselves stocking up on supplies.
Once they dismounted, Rosie noticed Uraraka rubbing her arms, already shivering despite the mild temperature in the city.
"Uraraka?" Rosie called, drawing her friend's attention.
"Yes?" Uraraka replied, a soft smile on her lips.
"You don't have any clothing for the cold, do you?" Rosie asked, raising an eyebrow.
Uraraka shook her head, a bit sheepishly. "Not really. I didn't think I'd need much at first, but the mountains..."
Rosie nodded knowingly. "The Ishlamare Mountains are freezing this time of year, and you're already cold. We'll need to get you some proper gear."
Relieved, Uraraka grinned. "That would be great. Thanks, Rosie."
Rosie handed Divine's reins over to Katsuki, who was already tending to the horses. "You and Deku go book us some rooms at the Sleepy Coin Tavern. We'll meet you there for dinner," she said, tightening her pack.
Katsuki gave her a sharp look, then grunted. "Don't be late."
Rosie smirked at his gruffness before linking her arm through Uraraka's and pulling her into the bustling crowd. They disappeared into the sea of people, making their way through the marketplace.
Rosie and Uraraka strolled through the busy streets, their eyes darting between different shops and vendors. The city was filled with beautiful wares, from handcrafted jewelry to enchanted weapons. The magical shops, in particular, caught Uraraka's attention, their glowing displays and shimmering fabrics drawing her in.
They eventually found a small boutique tucked away at the end of a narrow street. The sign readFrostweave Fashions, and through the window, they could see racks of winter gear, all enchanted with a subtle shimmer that indicated magical protection.
"This looks promising," Rosie said, pushing open the door. A bell chimed as they stepped inside, and they were immediately greeted by the warmth of the shop and the sweet scent of lavender.
An elderly shopkeeper, an amazon with silver hair and sharp eyes, glanced up from behind the counter. "Welcome to Frostweave. You're here for cold-weather gear, I assume?"
Rosie nodded. "Yes, we're heading into the Ishlamare Mountains. We'll need something warm and practical, but stylish wouldn't hurt."
The shopkeeper smiled knowingly and motioned to the racks. "You've come to the right place. All of our clothing is enchanted to provide warmth, no matter how frigid the environment. And they won't weigh you down during combat. Feel free to browse."
Rosie and Uraraka began sifting through the clothes, their fingers brushing over thick cloaks, fur-lined jackets, and fitted leather boots.
Rosie quickly found something that suited her. She pulled out a pair of black, fitted pants made from a soft, yet durable material. The pants had subtle silver embroidery running along the sides, giving them a sleek look. She paired them with a white, long-sleeved shirt and a black fitted corset that wrapped around her torso, cinching in at the waist. To complete the outfit, she found a pair of knee-high black boots with five silver buckles running up the right boot.
"These are perfect," Rosie said, inspecting herself in the mirror. The outfit was not only stylish but practical, allowing for full mobility while keeping her warm.
Uraraka, on the other hand, was drawn to a more colorful ensemble. She selected a pair of fitted pants similar to Rosie's, but in a soft pink hue. Her shirt was white, like Rosie's, but she opted for a darker pink corset. The corset had intricate embroidery of flowers running along the edges, giving it a delicate, feminine touch. Her boots were knee-high as well, but white with pink flowers.
"What do you think?" Uraraka asked as she twirled in front of the mirror, her pink and white outfit glowing softly with the enchantments woven into the fabric.
Rosie grinned, giving her a thumbs-up. "You look great! It suits you."
The shopkeeper approached them, carrying two thick, fur-lined cloaks. "These will keep you both warm on your journey. They're enchanted to repel snow and wind, and they can adjust their thickness based on the weather."
Rosie took the black cloak with silver accents, while Uraraka accepted a soft white one that matched her outfit perfectly.
"Thank you," Uraraka said, running her fingers over the cloak's soft fur lining. "This is incredible."
After paying for their purchases, the two of them left the shop and made their way back toward the Sleepy Coin Tavern. The streets were just as busy as before, but the new warmth radiating from their enchanted clothing made the cold air much more bearable.
As they walked, Uraraka couldn't help but glance at Rosie, who was now twirling a bit of her own black cloak. "Rosie?"
"Hmm?" Rosie looked over, eyebrows raised in curiosity.
"I just wanted to say thanks," Uraraka said. "You didn't have to help me with all of this, but you did. It means a lot."
Rosie smiled warmly, looping her arm through Uraraka once more. "That's what friends do. And besides, now we're both ready for whatever the Ishlamare Mountains throw at us."
Rosie and Uraraka entered the Sleepy Coin Tavern, a large, bustling place filled with the hum of conversations and the clinking of tankards. The room smelled of roasted meat, fresh bread, and ale, making their stomachs rumble after the long ride. The tavern itself was a cozy mix of dark wood beams and stone walls, illuminated by flickering candlelight and the occasional enchanted lantern.
As they stepped inside, the barkeep, a towering man with massive pectorals and a thick beard, caught sight of them and waved with a friendly grin. Rosie and Uraraka waved back, weaving through the crowded tables with ease. Several adventurers glanced their way, eyes lingering a little longer than necessary, clearly intrigued by the pair's appearance. The girls, oblivious to the stares, made their way toward Katsuki and Izuku, who were already seated and nursing pints of ale.
Uraraka grinned as they reached the table, excited to show off their new clothes. "What do you think of our outfits?" she asked, her voice bright with anticipation.
Izuku, who had just taken a large sip of ale, choked as his face turned crimson. His eyes widened, and he scrambled to compose himself, coughing and stammering, "Y–you look great!" His voice cracked slightly, but his enthusiasm was clear.
Katsuki raised an eyebrow, glancing at them with his usual nonchalance, but Rosie caught the brief flicker of appreciation in his eyes before he grunted and looked away. He didn't need to say anything—Rosie could tell by his expression that he approved.
Rosie smiled as she set her old clothes, bundled in a bag, on the empty seat beside Uraraka's. The outfits had served them well up to this point, but now, the enchanted gear would be invaluable for their journey through the cold mountains.
"We found some enchanted clothing," Uraraka added, her excitement bubbling over as she clapped her hands together. "It'll keep us warm no matter how cold it gets, thanks to the enchantments!"
Izuku's eyes lit up with interest. "Really? That's incredible! Enchantments like that are rare. Did you find them in a specialty shop?" He leaned forward eagerly, the scholar in him already analyzing the magic properties.
Before Uraraka could respond, Rosie gestured toward the table. "Did you two order already?"
Katsuki grunted in response, taking another swig from his mug. "Yeah, food's coming. Figured you'd be starving after today."
Right on cue, the waitress arrived with plates of food balanced expertly on her arms. She set down two plates in front of Rosie, one filled with slices of roasted meat, cheese, and fresh bread, and another piled high with roasted vegetables seasoned with herbs. She also placed two glasses of a bubbly brown liquid in front of the girls.
Rosie raised an eyebrow at the plates. "You ordered for me?" she asked Katsuki, mildly surprised.
He grunted again, not looking up from his drink. "Not like I don't know what you prefer for dinner by now."
Rosie's smile softened as she glanced at the food. Katsuki was always gruff, but small gestures like this were his way of showing he cared, even if he wouldn't admit it out loud. "Thank you," she said, picking up a piece of bread.
Izuku, still recovering from his flustered state, nodded in agreement with Katsuki. "I guessed with yours, Uraraka. Hope you like it."
Uraraka's eyes sparkled with gratitude. "Thank you, Izuku. This looks amazing." She eagerly dug into her meal, savoring the taste of the roasted meat and vegetables.
Rosie, curious about the drink that had been placed in front of them, lifted the glass to her nose. The bubbly brown liquid smelled sweet, with a hint of fruitiness. "What's this?" she asked, glancing between Katsuki and the waitress.
Katsuki shrugged. "It's some type of wine. Figured you'd like it."
Rosie took a tentative sip, and her eyes lit up as the sweet, fruity flavor hit her tongue. It tasted like candied fruit, with just the right amount of fizziness to make it refreshing. "It's delicious," she said, her smile growing. "It's like candy. Thank you."
Katsuki merely grunted again, though Rosie could see the corner of his mouth twitch upward in what might have been the beginnings of a smile.
The group settled into their meal, the warmth of the tavern providing a cozy respite from the cool evening outside. As they ate, Rosie and Uraraka shared stories about their shopping trip, describing the enchanted clothing and the friendly shopkeeper at Frostweave Fashions. Izuku listened intently, occasionally mumbling to himself about enchantments and magical properties, while Katsuki continued to eat in silence, occasionally offering a grunt of acknowledgment.
As they finished their meal, Rosie leaned back in her chair, feeling content. "We're making good time," she said, taking another sip of her sweet drink. "If we keep up this pace, we'll reach the Ishlamare Mountains ahead of schedule."
"Good," Katsuki said, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. "The sooner we finish this job, the better."
Rosie chuckled. "Always in a rush, aren't you?"
He gave her a sharp look but said nothing, his usual scowl in place. Rosie smirked in response, used to his gruff demeanor by now. She knew beneath all that roughness, Katsuki cared deeply about their party, even if he'd never admit it.
As the group finished up, Rosie glanced out the window, the last rays of sunlight casting a golden hue over the streets of Markington.
"Let's get some rest," Rosie said, rising from her seat. "We've got a long ride ahead tomorrow."
The others nodded in agreement, and collected their things as they climbed up the steps of the Tavern to the rooms above. Rosie would be sharing with Uraraka and the men would share one as well.
The Ishlamare Mountains loomed high above them, jagged peaks dusted with snow that sparkled in the waning light of the day. The air grew colder with every step, the frost biting at their cheeks despite the enchanted clothing they wore. Rosie, Uraraka, Izuku, and Katsuki had boarded their horses in the nearby city of Crymoore, which sat nestled at the base of the mountain range, and had been on foot for hours, trekking up the rugged terrain. Their boots crunched in the snow as they followed a narrow, winding path.
Rosie glanced up at the towering cliffs ahead, her breath fogging in the icy air. "According to the map, the cave should be somewhere around here," she said, her voice muffled by the scarf wrapped around her neck.
Izuku, clutching a map in his gloved hands, frowned as he scanned the parchment. "These directions are vague at best. It just says the gemstones are hidden 'within the belly of the mountain.' That could mean any number of caves."
Katsuki growled in irritation. "We're wasting time. If we don't find this damn cave soon, we'll be stuck out here in a blizzard." His crimson eyes scanned the ridge ahead, as if daring the mountain to reveal the cave's entrance.
Uraraka, her breath visible in the cold air, looked around at the snow-covered landscape. "Maybe it's further up? There's a ridge just ahead—let's check it out."
The party climbed steadily, the snow getting deeper and the air thinner as they ascended. Every now and then, gusts of wind would whip snow into their faces, making visibility difficult. Just as they were beginning to lose hope, Rosie paused, spotting something in the distance.
"There," she pointed. "Do you see it?"
Half-hidden by a large outcrop of rock, the faint outline of a cave entrance became visible, covered in icicles that hung like teeth from the top of the opening. It was almost camouflaged by the mountain itself, but the dark shadow of the entrance stood out against the stark white snow.
"That's got to be it," Izuku said, a mix of relief and excitement in his voice.
They hurried toward the entrance, but as they neared the cave, an ominous hum filled the air. Rosie stopped, feeling a strange tingle run up her spine.
"There's magic here," she whispered, her senses sharp. "An enchantment."
As if in response to her words, the ground beneath their feet trembled. The snow shifted, and suddenly, a deafening screech echoed from the depths of the cave. Katsuki immediately rushed to her side, throwing his arm out in front of her, Rosie flushed as she realized he was trying to protect her. The air grew thick with the sound of flapping wings as a pack of wyverns, their leathery wings beating against the wind, erupted from the cave's mouth. Their scales gleamed a sickly green, eyes glowing with malice as they lunged at the party.
"Wyverns!" Izuku shouted, drawing his staff as one swooped toward them, its razor-sharp talons aimed at Uraraka.
Uraraka yelped, rolling to the side just in time to avoid being snatched, but the beast circled back, its fanged maw open wide. Before anyone could react, one of the wyverns dove low, snagging Uraraka by the waist and lifting her into the air with a terrifying screech.
"Uraraka!" Rosie shouted, her hand reaching for her bow, but Izuku was already moving.
Izuku's eyes narrowed with determination, his hand crackling with magic. "Hold on, Uraraka!" He thrust his staff forward, summoning a gust of wind that knocked the wyvern off balance. The beast flailed, and with a quick incantation, Izuku conjured a binding spell, wrapping the wyvern's wings in shimmering threads of light.
Uraraka used the moment to activate her magic, summoning a vine out of the mountainside to catch her. Just as her feet touched the ground, Izuku's spell sent the creature crashing into the snow, where it lay stunned.
Katsuki, meanwhile, had leaped into action, his palms sparking with explosive energy. "You think you can just take one of us?" he snarled, hurling himself at the wyverns. "Die!"
With a roar, Katsuki unleashed a barrage of explosions. The first wyvern was incinerated in midair, while another was blown into pieces as he hurled a concentrated blast at it. He landed with a heavy thud, dodging the strike of a tail as he vaulted back into the air, launching another explosion at the largest wyvern. The force of his blast sent the creature careening into the rock wall with a sickening crunch.
Rosie, not one to be left behind, nocked an arrow to her bow and fired it at a wyvern trying to sneak up on Katsuki. The arrow struck true, piercing its wing and sending it spiraling to the ground. She readied another arrow, scanning the sky, but Katsuki had already made short work of the remaining wyverns, his face set in grim satisfaction.
With the threat neutralized, the party caught their breath. The ground was littered with the smoldering remains of the wyverns, their bodies dissolving into ash.
"You alright?" Izuku asked, hurrying over to Uraraka, his eyes full of concern.
She nodded, still a bit shaken but unharmed. "Thanks to you. That was a close one."
Rosie inspected the entrance to the cave, which had gone eerily silent now that the wyverns were gone. "Let's hope that was the last of the traps," she said grimly. "The gemstones should be inside."
The party cautiously made their way into the cave, their boots echoing against the stone floor. The cave was dark and cold, but after a short walk, they came upon a large chamber. In the center of the room, nestled among the jagged rocks, were the gemstones they had come for—rare diamonds, opals, and obsidian. They sparkled in the dim light, their beauty undeniable.
Rosie knelt down, carefully picking up one of the diamonds and inspecting it. "These are the real deal," she said, holding it up to the light. "We did it."
Katsuki smirked. "Tch. About time."
But as Rosie pocketed the gemstones, a deep rumble filled the cave. Outside, the wind had picked up, howling through the mountains. Snow began to swirl at the entrance, thick and blinding.
Izuku frowned, looking outside. "A snowstorm. We won't be able to make it back down the mountain in this."
"We'll have to camp here for the night," Rosie said, pulling her cloak tighter around her. "It's too dangerous to travel in these conditions."
Katsuki set his jaw, annoyed by the delay but knowing it was the smart choice. "Fine. But we're moving out first thing in the morning."
The storm outside raged with an intensity that echoed through the mountain, the wind howling like a beast as it tore through the frozen landscape. Inside the cave, the party huddled together around a small fire that crackled weakly, its light casting long shadows on the jagged walls. Despite their enchanted clothing, the cold still seeped in, making it hard to relax.
Rosie, sitting closest to the fire, rubbed her arms to generate heat, her legs tucked tightly beneath her as she shivered. Her breath misted in the chilly air, and no matter how close she got to the flames, the freezing bite of the mountain air still clung to her skin.
Katsuki, sitting across from her, watched her with narrowed eyes. The quiet sound of her teeth chattering finally made him speak.
"I can hear your damn teeth rattling," Katsuki grumbled. His gaze sharpened as he observed how tightly she hugged herself. "You'll freeze if you keep sitting like that."
Rosie glanced up at him, her cheeks flushed from the cold. "It's freezing out," she said, her voice wavering slightly.
Izuku, who had been tending the fire with a stick, looked over curiously. "But aren't elves supposed to be immune to the cold? I read somewhere that your kind doesn't feel temperature the same way we do."
Rosie smiled faintly, shaking her head. "Not all elves, no. The ones from the Crystal Realm are naturally adapted to the cold because they've lived in the frozen landscapes for millennials. But I'm a High Elf. We're not inherently immune to extreme temperatures. We can still feel the cold, or heat, like humans do, though we're a bit more resistant."
Izuku nodded in understanding, but his frown deepened. He hated seeing his friends uncomfortable, especially in dangerous situations like this.
Katsuki, however, had reached the end of his patience. Without saying a word, he suddenly leaned forward and grabbed Rosie by the arm, yanking her towards him. She let out a surprised yelp as she toppled into his lap, her eyes wide with shock.
"Katsuki!" she gasped, her cheeks now flushed for an entirely different reason.
"Stop whining," Katsuki grumbled, settling her more comfortably in his lap. "I'll keep you warm."
Rosie blinked, utterly flustered, but she adjusted herself in his lap, her back pressing against his broad chest. His arms wrapped firmly around her waist, holding her snugly as if it were the most natural thing in the world. The heat radiating from his body was immediate and intense, far more effective than the dwindling fire. She could feel the warmth seeping into her bones, and despite the awkwardness of the situation, her body instinctively relaxed into his.
"You're so hot," she muttered, almost to herself as she rested her head back against his shoulder.
"I always knew you found me attractive," he said with a smirk, his usual cocky demeanor creeping back in.
Rosie snorted softly, rolling her eyes even as she blushed. "I meant your body temperature, idiot," she muttered, though there was no bite in her words.
Katsuki chuckled, pulling her a little closer as if to shield her further from the cold. "Sure you did."
"Why is your body temperature so high?"
Katsuki stiffened slightly at the question, his smirk faltering. He glanced at Izuku, and the two exchanged a quick look, something unreadable passing between them.
Rosie noticed the shift in his posture, feeling the tension in his muscles. She craned her neck to look up at him, curiosity in her eyes, but the intensity of his expression made her pause. His jaw was clenched, his crimson eyes darkening with something unspoken.
"A story for another day," Katsuki said curtly, his voice low.
Rosie nodded, sensing that now wasn't the time to press him for answers. Instead, she adjusted herself in his lap, pulling his cloak tighter around them both. His arms adjusted too, holding her a bit more securely as she nestled into him, her face buried against his neck. The steady beat of his heart beneath her ear was oddly comforting, helping to ease the lingering chill in the air.
Across the fire, Izuku and Uraraka sat huddled together, trying to make the best of the situation. Izuku, being naturally warm-blooded and far too eager to help, had offered his cloak to Uraraka, who was already wrapped tightly in her enchanted gear but still shivering from the cold.
Katsuki glanced over at them, his sharp eyes narrowing. "Deku!" he barked.
Izuku jolted upright, startled. "Y-yes, Kacchan?!"
"Get over there and keep the ranger from freezing. She's gonna turn into an icicle if you don't."
Izuku blinked, his cheeks turning pink as he looked at Uraraka, who was doing her best not to shiver too much. "O-oh! Right!" Without hesitation, he moved closer to Uraraka, draping his cloak over her as well and settling next to her with an awkward but determined smile. "Stay close. We'll stay warmer together."
Uraraka blushed, her face nearly as red as Izuku's. "Thanks, Izuku," she said softly, her eyes meeting his for a brief moment before she looked away, embarrassed.
Rosie, observing the scene from Katsuki's lap, hid a giggle behind her hand. She leaned closer to Katsuki's ear and whispered, "Who's matchmaking now?"
Katsuki growled low in his throat, his face twisting into a scowl. "It's not matchmaking if it's necessary. Or would you rather the ranger freeze to death?"
Rosie's laughter bubbled up again, the sound soft and muffled against his chest. "If it's not matchmaking, then maybe you should let Uraraka switch places with me," she teased, her voice light and playful.
Katsuki's grip on her tightened, his eyes flashing dangerously. "No way in hell is that happening."
Satisfied with his response, Rosie settled deeper into his embrace, letting his warmth lull her into a state of drowsiness. The storm outside continued to rage, but inside the cave, wrapped in Katsuki's arms, she felt safe and warm. As her eyelids grew heavy, she rested her head against his shoulder, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat soothing her into sleep.
Katsuki glanced down at her, his expression softening for a moment as he watched her doze off. His arms cradled her protectively, the firelight casting flickering shadows on his face. For a brief moment, the storm outside didn't matter, and neither did the looming dangers of their quest. Right now, all that mattered was keeping her safe and warm
With one final glance at Izuku and Uraraka, who had also settled down for the night, Katsuki closed his eyes, allowing himself to relax—just a little. The warmth of the fire and the comforting weight of Rosie in his arms was enough to make even relaxed.
He would book them hot springs when they got back to ensure the woman didn't catch colds. He knew that Deku and himself would be fine due to their upbringing.