Josephine waited patiently for his response, the silence telling her all she needed to know. It was a big decision, one she didn't expect him to make at the flip of a coin. He had people who actually cared about him, and while she'd be more than happy to see Vince and Quartz with them, she knew that wouldn't happen. They had lives, but Josephine couldn't leave without having offered him to join her.

"That's all I could ask for." She said softly, her voice sincere as to show she wouldn't grow upset over his decision.

Josephine couldn't imagine a better life than exploring the world with Ana. Sharing an experience such as that was a rare opportunity, but she could envision it as though they were on their journey then and there. Sitting somewhere off the beaten path around a fire she could see herself peeking at Anastasia over a book while he carved one of his figurines. She could almost see the concentration splashing across his features. Then she remembered how gently and genuinely he'd looked at her the previous night... She could spend eternity just watching him. But it wasn't that simple.

Leaving had been too easy for Josephine. She ran without a second thought. Without so much as a goodbye to anyone she cared for. Granted, Nuala was the only one she truly felt for, but even then the other woman always fueled her thoughts of escaping rather than deterring them. Nuala couldn't leave, but she always knew that when the day came that her Lady decided to leave, she'd fight tooth and nail to see it happen. And in a way, she did.

The rest was now up to her. There would be dangers ahead, as Geralt wouldn't stop looking until he found her. Hell, there was probably search teams sent out in every direction by now. With any luck, no one will have made it to Razaviv, but she'd have to keep her eye out for the royal guard's insignia regardless. She knew she could avoid them, but at the same time she wanted to soak up all the time with Ana that she could.

At his word, Josephine straightened up and ensured that she was presentable enough before following him into the larger cave. She had changed into the clothes she brought early that morning, her wardrobe now consisting of dark, earthy shades of green compared to the feminine pastel shades she'd worn the previous night. Her waterfall curls were pulled back into a low resting ponytail with a piece of ribbon, which she had tied off into a bow. With any luck, she wouldn't stand out nearly as bad.

Josephine entered the cave with a quirked brow as she looked to Vincent, determined to keep his sleep. There was a faintly amused smile playing across her lips and a fondness sparkling in her eyes. What a card.

She strode over to the others, wondering what it would take to convince Vincent to get up. The memory of him so passionately telling his story last night flashed through her mind. The earliest memory that she had of the three before she'd even known who they were..

"Someone's not much for the morning I see," Josephine pointed out, a gentleness to her tone. "It's truly a pity he doesn't want to get up. I looked forward to asking about whatever tale it was that he was telling last night before I'd have to depart," she feigned disappointment muse-fully, her lips pursing into a playful pout for a split second.

Josephine didn't know Vincent well enough to convince him to get a move on, but she did know how passionate (and drunk) he'd appeared while speaking about his experiences. Whether they were tall tales or truth, she had a feeling that Vincent could tell her things that would rival the fantasies in her books.

(That's okay, I've came up short myself. Brain fog >~<)

Josephine released a quiet amused breath, having assumed the poor fellow wouldn't want to go anywhere anyways. He'd been quite inebriated the previous night and likely had a hangover from hell. She knew she would have.

Moving away from the sleeping heap of a man, Josephine turned to follow Ana and Quartz. She had wondered for a moment how she'd get back out of the den, but watching the way Quartz had gotten out gave her the answer. She could feel herself growing with unease she dared not show. She had to remind herself that Ana would help her and wouldn't let her get hurt, which helped to ease her mind some.

She scanned the stone where the divots laid, giving a singular nod of understanding. "Alright, sounds easy enough," she remarked, stepping forward once he'd made room for her to situate herself.

Josephine grabbed onto the divots, her smaller hands stretching out as she adjusted her grip. Her soft skin objected to the contrast of the rough stone, but she didn't let it stop her. She had reminded herself that to survive out there, alone or not, she'd have to completely abandon her expectations of living in luxury as she had in the palace. Once she was ready, she looked over at him, a familiar, slightly nervous look flashing in her eyes. However, when she was met with that soft look she felt it easing away once more.

"I've got a good grip. Ready when you are," she told him, remembering she had to speak after staring at him for a moment too long. It was becoming increasingly easy to get lost in his eyes. She found herself wondering what he was thinking behind that calm exterior and whether or not he'd remain a mystery to her. She had a feeling, though, she'd know with in time exactly what he'd be to her.

(I am so sorry. I thought I'd posted this last night.)

Once she was given a boost, she used it as leverage to climb higher, reaching out to Quartz when she saw that he was going to grab her. She grasped his upper arms lightly, letting go once she felt herself on the plush grass. "Thank you," she murmured, returning his nod with one of her own. Josephine righted herself on her feet, dusting her hands off onto the back of her clothes as she averted her gaze for a moment as not to stare.

Glancing back to the cave entrance, Josephine heard the faint clinks and tinkering, unlit lanterns darkening the place once more. As she returned her attention to the outside world, the surrounding landscape resembled an early winter wonderland in her mind. Sprigs of grass and winter flowers still popped out from the dusting of snow, their early morning dew making the blades and petals glisten. Birds sang and squirrels played in the trees, jumping from limb to limb to warm their weary bones.

Josephine watched them with a fondness in her storm grey eyes, her soft breathing joining the chorus of sounds with faint puffs of white. The chittering above echoed through the quiet forest as one of the furry creatures leapt off a branch, sending a small flurry of powdered snow raining from the pine needles down towards them, dusting them with its glitter. Snow was so very gorgeous, and no matter how much she hated the cold, she'd always put up with the chill in exchange for a view of shimmering white. No matter how little.

A moment later her gaze had returned to Quartz, studying him a distant expression as she succumbed to her thoughts. He'd been a man of few words around her, but she already had a feeling he was someone with a good heart. Having seen him with Vince was enough, with each movement having been caring and considerate. His willingness to trust Anastasia into bringing a strange woman into their safe place only added to it. Trust was everything.

Ana's swift emergence stole her out of those thoughts, her expression seeming to soften a fraction as she watched the way his careful hands rearranged roots and moss. How very talented those hands were... She could have watched him work forever had she not been on borrowed time. He always moved so gracefully and with purpose, making each task seem as simple as breathing. It only added to the things that kept him snared inside of her mind. Even if he did not leave with her, she knew that Anastasia would always be with her in the back of her mind. The thought of someone like him wouldn't leave her so easily, and for that she was thankful.

As he turned to her, Josephine held a similar calm expression, though faint bouts of wonder peeked through to anyone who watched her well enough. It could have been the cold, but the deep rumble of his voice elicited chills down her spine, momentarily stunning her as she peered into his eyes, softened just for her.

"Yes. Guide and I shall follow," she answered before the moment had lingered too long, that same small smile dragging at the corners of her lips. Ana had forever altered her. It was as though he'd reminded her that not all situations required brash coldness to protect one's self. He'd given her a sense of hope that left her breathless all in the manner of one look.

Worlds forever change when eyes meet.

Quartz stepped into the warmth of the diner, feeling the immediate contrast between the biting cold of the forest air and the inviting heat that radiated from the building. He let out a small sigh of relief as the chill of the night was replaced by the warmth, his body gradually easing into the comfort. The soft hum of conversation filled the space, and the flickering light from the candles and lanterns cast a gentle glow on the walls, creating a cozy atmosphere. For a moment, Quartz simply stood there, allowing his pale eyes to adjust to the dim lighting. His sharp gaze swept across the room, taking in every detail. He was always alert, always searching for any sign of danger, any potential threat. But nothing appeared out of the ordinary here. The place seemed peaceful, if not a bit mundane. Safe enough, for now.

An elderly woman, with wisps of white hair and a gentle smile, greeted them from behind the counter. Her voice was warm, filled with the kind of kindness one could only expect from someone who had seen many years pass. Quartz gave her a brief, polite nod in acknowledgment, his expression remaining neutral but not unfriendly. “Thank you,” he murmured, his voice soft yet clear. His eyes briefly flickered toward the table the woman had gestured to, and he turned to lead the way.

Anastasia, who had followed closely behind, glanced around the room with a sense of quiet curiosity. His eyes were not as sharp or calculating in this setting—there was a softness in his gaze, a subtle appreciation for the simple comforts of the place. His usual calculating look softened as he observed the warmth, the low chatter of patrons, the steady clink of dishes being set down and gathered. It felt like a temporary refuge from the harshness of their journey. He shifted the weight of his long coat on his shoulders, adjusting the way it hung on his frame, before turning his cold gaze toward Quartz. “Quiet enough,” he muttered under his breath, though there was an almost imperceptible amusement in his voice. “Wouldn’t hurt to stay here for a while. This place has a certain… charm.”

Quartz’s lips twitched into the faintest of smiles, a rare and fleeting expression. His usual demeanor was calm, composed, but there was a softness in the gesture, something that hinted at the comfort he, too, felt here. “This one’s fine,” he said, his voice low as he motioned subtly toward the table nearest the window. It provided a clear view of the street outside, a vantage point in case they needed to make a quick exit. It was a practical decision, as always. His mind, always thinking ahead, was already weighing their options, considering possible escape routes. But for the moment, there was no immediate danger.

Anastasia, ever the loyal companion, nodded in agreement and slid into the seat with a quiet grace. He seemed to settle into the warmth of the diner, his posture relaxing slightly. His eyes wandered to the crackling fire in the hearth for a moment, watching the flames dance with an intensity that reflected the quiet contemplation on his face. But it was not long before he turned his attention back to Josephine, his expression shifting into something more thoughtful. “What are you thinking, dove?” he asked, his voice barely more than a whisper, yet filled with genuine curiosity. “Stay for a full meal? Are you hungry enough to stop for a while, or is the road still calling to you?”

Quartz turned his gaze to Josephine. His arms were crossed loosely over his chest, but his eyes were fixed on her with an unusual intensity. It was not the typical way he regarded anyone, especially not Anastasia. There was something about Josephine that seemed to have captivated Ana in a way no one had before. Quartz’s thoughts lingered for a moment, considering the subtle change in Anastasia’s demeanor whenever he spoke to or looked at Josephine. For as long as he had known him, Anastasia had been cold, distant, always careful not to reveal too much of his emotions. He had never shown this kind of tenderness toward anyone else—not since the days of Bear, the young boy Anastasia had taken under his wing, raised like a son until he had grown into a young man and left the care of his guardian behind.

It was unsettling to Quartz, to see Ana so unguarded, so gentle. No one had ever made Ana behave this way—barely even him, or Vincent. Quartz couldn’t help but wonder what it was about Josephine that drew such warmth from the usually stoic and calculating man. There was something almost… endearing about it, though it felt foreign to Quartz. He didn’t like that feeling, that sense of uncertainty. He preferred the clear and defined edges of his world, where things made sense. But this? This was different, and Quartz couldn’t quite place it. Why was Josephine so special?