Time for a sidequest! While Zenchi is off doing some investigating and planning for the group's next move, Ithaca and Roseland were assigned another important job to do. Now in breathing distance to the Angel Mountains, the two decided to clear out The Silent Trail. It is a dark, forested trail with absolutely no deviating paths. You either follow the trail or you get lost in the overgrowth. 'Tis a monster-ridden and frightening place to be for the average soul, but these two ladies don't fall under that label. It would be their first mission to be done without their leader's guidance, but they feared not.

Towards the end of their journey, they could finally see the light at the end of the trail. The two Gifted warriors fought hard against the Silent Beasts of the trail and were running low on stamina, but nevertheless, they made it happen. As Roseland dispatched the final intimidating monster with her guns, she let out a long sigh of relief. The beasts would stop pestering the locals for some time thanks to their actions, but it had taken a toll on the duo's resources. Roseland, being by far the most aggressive attacker of the two, took most of the heat from the monsters, while Ithaca sorted out the stragglers and stayed on healing duty. Ithaca sealed her sword away and brushed off her person. Roseland, visibly exhausted and bruised from the intense, almost nonstop combat, removed her mask and wiped the sweat from her brows. Ithaca knew as good as anyone that her friend was in clear need of some post-battle fixing up. The slender leopard at first claimed to be fine, but her somewhat cool-cat act failed to work on Ithaca. "Hehe, need some healing, Rosie?" Ithaca beckoned out to her, holding out her arms and inviting her into her embrace. Roseland tried to look away, but even she couldn't resist the temptation. Ithaca wrapped her arms around her companion and casted her healing Wind Magic. In no time, the leopard's tense demeanor softened up as she fell more and more into a state of relaxation. The Winds were gentle, cool even. Roseland could feel her fatigue fading away each passing second. Almost instinctively, she began to purr as if she were an innocent cat being patted on the head. Ithaca noticed the incredibly rare sign of vulnerability coming from her friend and chuckled, "Aww, you're purring!" She almost forgot they were even supposed to be on a mission, but alas, they had seized the day and would soon meet back up with Zenchi in town. Perhaps she too can be introduced to the Magic of the Healing Hug!

---

Let's start the New Year off with a wholesome, positive note, eh? What could be more cozy than cuddling up with a fluffy coyote girl who probably smells like fresh flowers? Also, disclaimer: leopards don't actually purr, but it was a cute touch nonetheless. We'll just assume Rosie has distant relatives that are cats.