Ashley wants to go with him.

“Take me with you.” Ashley pleaded suddenly.

Winter stared at her in surprise, and seemed to mull the thought over. It took him a few minutes and then finally he sat up, gently setting her aside. “I can't. You know that I can't. Kyle would be pissed. It's to dangerous for you. So many reasons. One day, you and I, will go on amazing adventures. But not yet sweetie.

Ashley nodded sullenly and left to go get changed. The rest of the day was a blur as she went out and searched for jobs. Nothing seem to catch her eye though. All she could think about was joining her brother, whom she loved with all her heart, on his epic quest to find and save their parents. She came back that night to celebrate her birthday. Kyle had bought a cake, and some fine wine, which she was allowed to drink now that she was of age. All of them got a little sauced, before going to bed. The drink helped cheer her up, and stop feeling left behind.

The next morning her brother began training her how to fight, mostly working in hand to hand combat. While she was hopelessly outmatched against him, she was a quick study, and had a strong will to fight. She was trying desperately to prove to him that she was ready for this. They would train a few hours in the morning, and a few hours at night before bed. Kyle chose to remain silent about the choice, perhaps hoping it was a phase that would pass when Winter left.

On the day before he was to leave, after they had finished their last training session, Ashley decided to head for the bars. Still wearing a sweat soaked tank top, and a tight pair of shorts, she walked into one of the rowdy bars, and looked around the crowd. Spotting one of the mercenaries she had seen riding with her brother, she quickly took a seat next to the man, who was already well into his drink.

“You're one of the men going with my brother to the Circle aren't you?” The young woman smiled at him.

The mercenary turned and looked her over, his eyes widening at the young filly's attire. “That I am.” The man smiled running a hand through his greasy black hair. “What makes you ask?”

“Just wondering.” She smiled politely.

“Your brother had to pay a lot of money to find a ship willing to take us their. Hell, if I hadn't served with the man, I wouldn't dare go to that wretched place. But I would follow your brother into the gates of hell.” Waving his hand, a bartender will come fill his drink, as well as one for her, before heading off to help other thirsty patrons.

“To adventure the man grinned” Toasting her, and taking a drink.

“To getting married and raising babies.” Ashley smiled lamely, toasting back.

“Ha! Yeah right. You're going to stow away on the ship and we both know it.” The keen man said with grin. “Course, I can end that, all I have to do is tell your big brother. Then you won't be able to hide in the wagon, and get loaded on the ship.” He grinned, unwittingly giving her the idea, as much as blocking the idea.