The hike down had been easier on the humans, but it was not a welcome thing for her. Part of her always wanted to stay in the mountains. She'd taken off her jacket while climbing down, and Ithacles had looked at her in such a strange way. But she was hot. Climbing down took more out of her humans body that the climb up had. And the burn marks from the fire and the mage himself had finally turned red from healing instead of white so she could expose them. Vedette was happier without the jacket. When they finally made it back to the castle it was already too late to do anything else but relax.
Vedette had enjoyed the bath, and getting out of the uniform which proved too hot after such a hike. The bath had been an ice bath, a speciality of the servants which served her at Ithunvel's command. Many of them believed it was simply because of her sore muscles. It was actually much more soothing to her than a hot one ever would be. When she was clean she changed into a lighter but more formal dress and left her room to join Ithacles. He was already at the fire, with a warm tankard of cider and relaxing.
Vedette sat down on the silk upholstered chaise that was closest to the high backed chair that Ithacles was in. She was also bare foot, and while she wasn't in need of the fire it did feel strangely comforting being there like that. A servant which seemed to come from no where at all appeared at her side with a tray of choice drinks. She selected a glass of chilled white wine, a choice she often made, and then the servant was gone again.
There was only one bandage on her person, a wrap of white cloth around her calf which was partly exposed as she settled back against the chaise and lounged there. She took a slow drink of the wine which was very sweet, and looked his way when he broke the silence.
"Well, if they do, perhaps that will bring ease to those which lives he and his friends troubled." Vedette wasn't sure what the prince wanted to hear. She was looking at him, and he still appeared quite cold. They'd done more than just trouble a few villagers, they'd killed some. All of them deserved the death they were given.
Especially the mage. Her free hand went over one of the angry red flecks on her arm, and then returned to leaning half off the chaise.
"Are you still cold?" This time she sounded somewhat amused.