As they stood before the council, Malia never once let go of Carson’s hand. Hers stayed right around his, her thumb running over his knuckles. They shouldn’t hide who they were, and she loved him. She wanted everyone to know they. She noticed how the council members eyed their linked hands a couple times throughout Carson’s proposal, but she didn’t pay attention to their curious and confused faces. She only paid attention to him. She was ready for what was coming. She knew she’d have to train, Carson could help with that...but this was going to end in a fight. A big one. And she needed to be ready. Because if she wasn’t, she would die.<br/><br/>As he wrapped up his speech, setting out the map to Central, she stayed close to him. She tried to assess the faces of the council members as they exchanged glances before all turning to Carson. “Very well. We will see what we can do. As long as none of our Runners are hurt on your account, we have peace, and you have help.” Michael nodded in agreement. “Now, you may go. They will open the gates for you.”<br/><br/>Malia gave them a nod, thanking them for their hospitality before she tugged Carson out, walking hand in hand with him. She let out a long breath before looking up to him with a smile. “Good job.” She nudged him, entering their room. Only then did she drop his hand to begin gearing up for their trek through the snow. “They liked you, I could tell. The Runners were quite impressed with you, as am I . But that’s always.” She flashed him a smile as she strapped her belt to her hip. She began to pack their things up, stuffing it into the backpacks. “We need to find the Vangaurd’s plans. See if we can stop any more attacks.” She slung her backpack over her shoulder, waiting for him. “This war hasn’t even begun.”