The gloves are soft leather--unlined, but more protection than bare skin. Tiffany pulls them out from her belt and holds them out to Tertia. She is wearing a heavier pair, cut from a thicker leather, stiffer to work with but slightly better for warmth.

"Come on. It isn't far but we still ought to be on our guard."

They have all worn the paths to the trees earmarked for privies, the path to the slender river they have been using for water. The way is easy and their boots crunch less on the walked-down snow and packed earth. As Tiffany has guessed, the water has frozen over. Tiffany holds out the waterskins to Tertia to hold.

"Unless you'd rather break the ice?"