"It's so cold."

"Yes, we know, we're here too."

"Guys, fighting isn't going to warm you up."

You rub your temple with your free hand, letting out a sigh. You had all been travelling for several hours, and all you've seen is rocks, snow and clouds. You were sure that if you weren't careful you'd fall off of the ledge into the white oblivion.

You had been listening to Karkat and Sollux bicker like a an old married couple for way to long, and you were sure to push them off at any time if they didn't stop. But you didn't do so, as that probably wouldn't go down well with the others.

You feel the injured crow squawk, trying to snuggle its shivering body closer to you for body heat. You comply, pulling him closer to you to try and stop him from freezing.

You were sure you were a fair way up, but whether you survived the climb was a whole different matter. When you had escaped, it was warmer and easier for you to escape.

But you knew you were close to the cave which would lead you into the kitchen of the castle. There was a possibility that there would be someone in there and they'd call you out. The only chance you had would be an old friend of yours, who had stayed behind when you escaped.

Your thoughts were interrupted by another argument between Sollux and Karkat. It was the same as earlier, so it was even more irritating.

"Guys, you're really not making this any less painful." You huff.

But just as if they hadn't heard you, they continue on with their unnecessary rambling. Just as you were about to march up and hit them both on the head you notice the entrance to the cave.

"Oh, there it is," you sigh in relief, "it should be a bit warmer in here."

"Well shit."

You all shuffle into the cave, now out of the wind and falling snow.

"Is everyone alright?" you ask.

Everyone returns your question with their own versions of 'fuck its cold'. You see Rose's head pop out from Kanaya's arms.

"I'm fine, (y/n)" she meows.

"That's good." You smile at your companion.

You wanted to reach over to give her a reassuring pet, but decide to just focus on getting through the tunnel.

You look down in your arms to see that the crow was still shuffling in your arms. You wrap him up tighter, hoping that he didn't freeze before continuing to look forward.

~~~

After travelling for so long in the dark and cold tunnel, seeing then end nearly sent you into a frenzy of joy, excited to escape. But you kept in your shout of joy, not wanting to be found.

One by one, each of you sneak out, coming face to face with the dark wall of the castle. Once you're all out everyone turns to you for the next step to the plan. You fidget nervously for just a moment, before looking up at all of the people surrounding you.

"Alright, all we need to do is enter through the back entrance," you explain in a low voice, "it is rarely used, and so we should be safe."

They all silently nod, still unmoving.

You begin to walk towards the entrance, rigid, but trying to seem calm.

It had been some time since you had entered this place, but you still remembered it like the back of your hand. It wouldn't take long for you to get into the throne room of the Grand High blood. And as soon as you enter, you would all be fighting for your lives.