The biting cold wind nipped at your cheeks, but the weight of the red cloak Techno had draped over your shoulders offered some relief. The cloak, which he’d retrieved along with his belongings after the disastrous showdown of his failed execution at the hands of the Butcher Gang.

You clung tightly to Techno’s waist as he expertly took the reins of Carl, his beloved horse, guiding him through the thick snow. The sound of Carl’s hooves crunching through the cold powder echoed in the stillness of the tundra, a steady rhythm against the otherwise quiet landscape.

Though the journey was long, the wooden cabin you both called home slowly came into view in the distance. Snow fell softly, blanketing the spruce forest and small frozen lakes in a gentle white veil.

Despite the biting chill, Techno remained unfazed. His focus was entirely on getting you both home. You could feel the tension in his shoulders, but it wasn’t from the cold. His mind was still on the events of the day, on the risks you’d taken for him. The adrenaline high that had surged through him after the execution fiasco was finally wearing off, replaced by a growing exhaustion. He exhaled slowly, his breath turning to visible clouds in the icy air.

Techno wasn’t one to show much emotion, but you could sense his relief, even if he didn’t express it outright. He was grateful in his own quiet way for your help in rescuing him—though you knew he wasn’t too thrilled about the risks you'd taken on his behalf.

As the cabin finally came into full view, you loosened your grip around his waist. With a quiet grunt, Techno dismounted off Carl and landed on the snow-covered ground, taking hold of the reins to guide the horse toward the stable. You remained seated for a moment, watching him lead Carl forward.

As he stopped, and before you could even consider hopping down on your own, Techno turned and extended a hand toward you.

"Here, let me help," he said, his voice low but softer than usual.