"I've never felt such cold before coming here -- not even on the highest peaks of the Steppe. It is harsh, but... I know there will come a time I miss it, despite all of that."

It wasn't a pleasant topic, but Adela's agitation did lessen as her mind drifted from the situation to more serious thoughts. Thoughts of the future, of what still had to be done. Yet, in her selfishness, she didn't want to leave. At least for a few moments longer, she wanted this.

"I don't think I'm going to miss how it dries out my scales, though. But I'm glad that you get regular breaks from it, even if it's only for a short while."

I just wish I could do the same.

She felt so tired, suddenly. The weight of everything was almost a physical thing, and before Adela could think of it she was leaning on him. Grateful that she still could -- that she hadn't lost him, on top of everyone else.

"... Haurchefant, how's your shoulder doing? I mean... You're not stiff or anything like that, right?"