cold. it's the first feeling that registers as he stirs back to consciousness. a painful, aching chill that seeps into his very bones — as if it seeks to FREEZE HIM from the inside out. it feels as if even his eyelashes are frozen together, hence why it's so difficult for the wanderer to open them at all. even when he does manage, what he sees is too blurry to make much sense of. earthy tones. the soft glow of a fire. a splash of gold. ( gold? ) where is he? nothing seems familiar — and as ren tries to claw through the sluggish wisps of his recollection, he thinks he would have an easier time catching SMOKE in his hands.
there was ... dragonspine. a storm — unexpected, but nothing ren didn't think he could handle. freezing temperatures wouldn't actually be enough to kill him, though they COULD cause him to lose consciousness as his body prioritized protecting its vitals. everything else is pure nonsense.
a faint groan, and the wanderer forces himself to sit up — even as every part of his body SCREAMS in protest. ( it's fine; he's dealt with far worse. ) a hand runs down his face. he's aware that he isn't alone, but ren doesn't feel particularly worried. if they had ill intent, they had the perfect opportunity to strike while his guard was down — and now that he's awake, he's fully capable of fending for himself. even in THIS pathetic state. ❝ ... ❞ the wanderer pauses, peering over his fingertips. as he finally, finally blinks the blurriness away, recognition clicks neatly in his brain like a PUZZLE PIECE. ❝ you're that alchemist. ❞ he states flatly — then clears his throat, straightening his back and shoulders. looking around, ren frowns to himself as he registers the lack of a familiar weight resting atop his head. ❝ where is my hat? ❞
@marchingasone &&. semi-plotted starter.
