RP:A Chilling Resolution
Summary: Mahri and Magik discuss the vampire's strange affliction before heading to Frostmaw to deal with it. They run into Quintessa before being tracked down by Frost Giants. Oh no! Luckily, a few errant guards were no match for them, even if they were 15ft tall.
Hanging Corpse Tavern
This once-timber tavern has been rebuilt in sturdily vitrified blackstone and imbued with powerful protective magics that prevent occult fire and several other potentially harmful spells being cast within its walls. No effort has been spared to make what might otherwise be a bleak interior comfortable. The bar is made of polished stone with an oaken inlay, the space behind filled with a bustle of attractive barmaids, sundry barrels and a dazzling array of coloured bottles that glint in the light cast by a large wrought-iron chandelier suspended from the ceiling overhead. Here, the one-eyed Steadman stands, ready to take orders for food or drink. Beyond the bar, stout tables are firmly bolted to the floor, though the high-backed chairs are freestanding. The hearth is a true feature, seeming to be cast from black lava into the shape of a colossal, laughing goblin's head, its maw gaping wide and deep, usually containing a merrily crackling fire. A delicious scent of roasting meats drifts in from the kitchens and a winding staircase leads to rooms upstairs. To the south are set cellar doors, usually kept locked unless a special event is taking place, and up the stairs are various rooms for rent. The walls are hung with thick, richly woven tapestries depicting persons and events in the history of Vailkrin and the vampiric race. There's also a notice-board near the entrance, where one may leave messages. Unobtrusive but ever-present are the security staff, staunch fighters ever ready to toss troublemakers out.
The streets are eerily quiet this evening, although that's not saying much since he's walking through the vampire town. He refuses to make eye contact with any of the citizens he may pass by so he keeps his hood up and his head low as he makes his way towards a particular establishment. A pale slender hand eventually pushes the door open to the Hanging Corpse Tavern to escape the streets of Vailkrin. He was to meet his old friend here after being convinced to let her take a look to see what's ailing the vampire. The door slams behind him as he enters and finds himself on the nearest stool at the bar, ignoring any patrons who may be in his presence as well. The Lyastri wasn't in the mood for being social tonight. Steadmen starts to make his way to the elven vampire, but Magik simply shakes his head at the man, denying any services. Normally, he would be writing down some quick notes in his journal while he waits. Instead, he just stares at the various assortment of liquors and beers on the shelf behind the bar."Here's the last case. You're going to have to order more ale from Rynvame," the lycan's voice echoes from the cellar as she climbs the stairs. At the top, in the doorway, she pauses and glances to Magik where he sits. "You look like shyte," she observes aloud though not unkindly.
Magik's attention is caught by Mahri's voice. He thought for sure that he had beaten her to the tavern. The elf looks to her, managing to form a smirk, "I didn't know you worked for us blood suckers," he said in jest. His smirk lingers as she compliments his looks. He manages a lazy pose for his old friend, "I do honestly try sometimes." As he folds his hands ontop of the bar counter, he speaks over the other patrons, "Take your time, Mahri. I'm in no hurry." His enferno eyes go back to the wall of alcohol, but takes in the various bottles this time, eyeing up a particular blood wine for his next visit perhaps.
"I don't," she retorted smartly and put the crate down for Steadman to put away. "Just helping an old friend, that's all." As though to punctuate her point, the wolf sits next to Magik and Steadman drops an unopened bottle of rum and a tumbler in front of the woman. Opening the former and pouring into the latter. "Have you considered my offer?" Mahri slants a look toward the vampire. Magik sighs and shakes his head. The fact that he's asking anyone for help makes him feel useless and pathetic, "Might as well give it a go, yeah?" He turns around in his stool and scans the room, "Are we waiting for that random little pixie or no?" He surely hopes not. Magik didn't want to mark up another accidental victim tonight.
Mahri shrugs and tosses back that drink. "Oh, it's the good stuff, too." She winks at Steadman then and if a man had ever blushed, he did then. Or maybe it was the wolf's wishful thinking. Then, back to Magik and his little problem. Silvery eyes sweep over her old friend. "Might as well, and I don't know. Haven't seen her but I know she wanted to observe or something." A brief pause, "This won't be pleasant, Magik. For either of us, and once I start I can't stop. So you need to be very sure." She didn't mention that one of them could, quite possibly, die in the process. He certainly didn't need to know that.
There isn't many things that Magik would actually second guess, but Mahri's words seemed to disturb him, "I'm actually not sure about whatever you plan on trying. It seems like any time someone tries to help I lose control and someone ends up getting hurt..No one has been able to even put a dent into whatever this is. My outbursts seem to get more violent with or without anyone trying to get rid of this 'sickness'." The male Lyastri sighs, "Maybe I should just let this run its course. If I die, so be it." His enferno eyes fall upon his old friend once more. Suicidal thoughts start to manifest. Why keep wasting anyone's time? Why put more innocent lives at risk? What if his daughter or wife are in his presence next time he has an uncontrollable outburst? Whatever was going on had the elf in a rare mood. He was starting to lose weight from not being able to keep his feedings down. With the hungry stomach also came a shortened temper. However, he continues the conversation, "What happens if whatever you are attempting is interrupted? I tend to lose control and lash out during the process. Hell, I almost burnt down half of Kelay. And that healer. A random whip of energy snapped that man right in half without hesitation.."
Mahri listened. She let Magik rant and she drank the rum before, without warning, a hand went upside the vampire's head. "Stop it. Do you think I don't know what I'm doing?" Turning in her seat to face Magik, the wolf is all seriousness. "So what. If we die we die. And we can go somewhere that no one will be in danger and nothing will burn down. Melt, maybe, but not burn down. We'll go to Frostmaw. We'll go to the middle of nowhere and I'll try to do what I can to figure out what this is that you have. In fact, until I know what it is, I won't know how to deal with it." This is the most she's talked in a long time. Feel special, Magik. "What I do is send a piece of my spirit into you, I'll use myself to search your body and find out if it's desease or poison, then I can figure out how to deal with it. Just you and me, if that makes you feel better."
Magik simply nodded, "Very well. Just don't be mad if I singe your fur off and you end up looking like a naked mole rat.." The Lyastri managed a teasing smirk. "I'm ready when you are," he says after sitting straight up and cracking his neck from side to side. "Frostmaw.." He let the rest remain unsaid.
Mahri arched a raven brow at the quips but she knew better. Magik was scared, not only that he’d hurt her, but perhaps kill her. Mahri wasn’t worried. After all, it wasn’t as though she had anyone waiting for her, so nothing to lose, really. “Lets go then.” She might hate the cold with a passion, but this would be the only way, and perhaps the cold of Frostmaw would temper whatever was making her friend’s magic spin out of control. Whatever she might need can be bought along the way, and the wolf packed light anyway.
After getting to his feet and pushing his bar stool back under the bar top he gestured towards the door, "After you then." He scans over the patrons of the Hanging Corpse as he waits for Mahri to make her way out first, her previous words filling his head. If there was ever a time to lose focus, this would not be it. Mahri didn't seem to be worried about losing her life, but that doesn't mean Magik wouldn't feel guilty if anything happens to her tonight. "Must'nt lose control tonight. Keep it together, Magik," is all that keeps going through his head. His nightly meditating in the Mage Tower has seemed to dull down his outbursts, atleast for now, giving a slight boost of confidence for now. He's got this. Right?
Got to her feet with a nod to Steadman. "See you later, Mahri," he had full confidence that the wolf would be able to do what she set out to do. Only on the rare occasion did she fail. Mahri waved her farewell to Steadman and headed out to make the trip to the last place in Lythrydel she would ever be going if given a choice. Given their preternatural statuses, it would take about half as long to get where they needed to go than perhaps anyone else. One hating the cold, the other -- did he even feel the cold? A stop at the tavern so the former can warm up is first on her order of business, next a shop to buy her a warmer cloak and fur lined boots. Then, into the wilderness where the only thing she can kill is herself, Magik and small critters.
Magik followed his old friend out of the HCT. He remained eerily quiet and concentrated as he journeyed with Mahri, refusing a drink at the tavern, and not needing any additional clothing for the adventure. The D'Chath should be fine in the cold of Frostmaw. If not, there may be something useful in his infinite pack on his back. As they make their way closer and closer to their destination, Magik starts grumbling about how he should have gotten some horses for this long walk to Lake Frysta. As the temps dropped, his body temperature would rise. Snowflakes wouldn't have the chance to even land on Magik's being. They are quickly melted and evaporated mid-air as Magik turns himself into a walking furnace. It wouldn't be hard for someone to track him through the snow as his footprints leave behind exposed earth for the first time in who knows how long.
Lake Frysta
After venturing for some time down the path, you finally reach a large clearing as the secretive mountain path opens up to reveal a hidden lake among the frosty hills. Mostly frozen over, the sizable lake surface is spotted by a sparse number of ice fishing huts. It becomes rather apparent that the ice must be of considerable thickness to support these giant-scale fishing shanties; the largest among them lined along the northern wall by various designs of fishing poles which appear to be for sale. To the west, a semi-solid water fall spills over low cliffs, capped with a thin layer of glistening ice.
Quintessa had been spending a lot of time in Frostmaw recently, as it had become a sort of lowkey hangout while things heated up in Xalious and Vailkrin. If she was off 'hunting' in Frostmaw nobody would suspect she was the 'Vailkrin Slayer' or the 'Cenril Arsonist' for that matter. Besides, with the hot springs nearby it was the perfect spot to rest her stressed mind. However, the hex blade was not at the hot springs today. She still had a large, carnivorous bird she needed to feed and exercise, least he turn on his owner and try to eat her too. With the remains of a snowflake imp already in his grasp, Bloodbeak, with Quintessa on his back, stalked through the trees and snow looking for more prey. The impromptu enchantments on his armor glowed a faint orange, keeping the golden cockatrice warm in the extreme cold while they traverse through the area. It isn't long before the mismatched eyes of the hex blade spot a pair of travelers along the path to Lake Frysta, and the strange girl snapped the reins to Bloodbeak's bit and bridle, signaling to him to speed up. With a quick flip of his beak, the imp corpse disappeared into his gullet and his massive talons kick up the snow as he started into a trot. Quintessa had Bloodbeak circle around and cut the pair off, only noticing who they were when the cockatrice came to a halt and the mage lowered her hood. " 'Lo there," she said, patting her mount to keep him calm. She was a bit surprised to see the two of them together all the way out here. "Mahri? Magikrios? Delisha's Bosom, what brings you two out here?" Her eyes narrowed at Magik, "Is this related to your... Affliction?" Sha hadn't spoken to Mahri since her little outburst the other night, but she wasn't going to bring it up in front of the Lyastri.
Mahri, burried in snow-white furs and bundled up worse than a 3yr old against the cold came to a stop before the bird and rider. The question earns Magik a raised brow and sideways look. "Actually," She answers for him, "Yes. I don't come up here because I enjoy the weather." Somewhere was an ice dragon enjoying her free time, but if Mahri called her, Sora would come. That's a whole other story - so back to this one.
A lightly gloved hand comes up to the cockatrice to allow it to sniff or whatever the giant avian mammal would do before attempting to give it some pats. He just now realizes how ridiculous Mahri looks. He kept his head low during the journey, not being much for sightseeing lately. The Lyastri manages a soft chuckle, "It's not that cold.." says the man with snow evaporating when it comes into contact with his heated aura. As the two conversed, the elf wanders down the path a few more feet until the scene quickly opens up. He stands at the end of the path and admires the frozen lake before him. Good thing he knows how to swim. Dumping him into a lake would quickly cool him off if he has an outburst. He also hopes one of the fishing shanties is empty. It'd be a shame to have to evict one with force. After looking over his shoulder back at the two women, he calls out to them, "Shall we?"
Bloodbeak ruffled his feathers at Magik when he neared, but Quintessa's stern voice saying "Heel," made the giant bird relax and allow the Lyastri to pet him. He enjoyed the heat surrounding the vampire, at least. "Oh no, it's bitterly cold." she said, leading her cockatrice toward the lake, "But I'd take this cold over the heat of the Nameless Desert any day." She dismounted Bloodbeak swiftly and tugged on his reins to get him to follow. "So, what's the plan? I've been doing more research on the subject of vampirism and I think I might have uncovered some new information."
Maybe there were other reasons to be up here but Mahri couldn't think of them. However, she liked that she and Tess had the same affinity for not being cold and she snickers behind Magik's back. However, that affinity towards the girl almost came to a stuttering halt, "I'll trade anyday," she grumbles settling all those layers around her to ward off the cold. "The plan is, I'm going to do something either very dangerous or that will heal Magik." She watched after the vampire, worry plainly etched in her features. But.. "What information do you have?" Anything would be helpful and if she could avoid doing this she would take any opportunity at all.
Magik kept his ears on his two compadres as he wandered further onto the frozen lake to check on a couple of the shanties close by. One empty, one with a trio of seasoned fishermen arguing about the best type of fish for sushi and sashimis. Magik walks by the empty hut once more, giving it a quick smack on the siding, "This one's good," he calls out to Mahri and Quintessa. Had never been to this area of Frostmaw before he makes his way to the almost-frozen waterfall to take a peak over. As the D'Chath takes in the sight, he feels his nose starting to run. After quickly wiping it with his arm, he notices that damned black goo smeared on his sleeve. After a deep sigh, he closes his eyes and attempts a quick power-meditation session. His heated aura dims down a little, allowing any snow to atleast hit his being before quickly disappearing. He focuses on the sound of the waterfall until he's disturbed by the two women with him or by anything else.
Meanwhile, the trio were being tracked by a small group of frost giants. Four of them, a xenophobic gang of guards from the city, where following the still fresh tracks of Magik and Mahri. The way the Lyastri melted anything that he came close to made it easy. "Look," one says to another in giant, "They went this way." Trouble was on it's way to interrupt whatever was going down at the frozen lake.
Quintessa moves closer to the pair, letting Bloodbeak explore the area a little bit without going too far away. It was nice for him to have a bit on independence every now and then. "Well," she begins, "I can't find any concrete pattern, but there are many different races and have varying immunities to the vampire curse. Like Avian and Lycan's, for instance. Except there are books written about certain Avians who were afflicted, and even more stories about other races beating the curse in the end. Maybe this has something to do with Magikrios' bloodline? Perhaps it's his heritage. His biology is fighting with his curse. Anyway, that's my hypothesis."
Mahri thought she heard something and looked back the way they came but didn't see anything so she chalked it up to the creek of settling so ignored it. Wandering somwhere behind Magik and Tess, the wolf did what she did best and protected from the rear even if she didnt realize she was doing it. "You think it's his blood rejecting the curse?" she couldn't believe it but she'd find out. Peering into the shantie that Magik chose the wolf nodded, it would do. So, she called him back from the waterfall, "Are you ready?" The two fishermen might not be going home today.
Magik remains still for a few seconds after being called out to. He finally opens his eyes and turns around, his expression completely neutral. "As ready as I'll ever be," he replied. As he approached the hut, he forewarns, "If things go haywire just leave me and get off of the ice. Even at the sight of a little bit of smoke, run, and quickly." With that, he enters the fishing hut. There's remnants of an abandoned fishing hole in the center, iced over just barely. Abandoned fishing poles and chairs line the walls. The three fishermen in the closest hut can be heard hooting and hollaring. It sounds like the fish are biting a bit more than usual today. Magik wastes no time in slipping onto a chair. He tilts his head side to side, cracking his neck numerous times. He sits up straight and places his hands folded on his lap, "Let's see if Quintessa's theory is correct, yeah?" He manages a slight smile for both before he closes his eyes once again, preparing himself for whatever Mahri has planned.
Quintessa shoos away Bloodbeak, letting him roam alone in the forest while she heads out onto the lake. It was so cold out here. She pulls the hood of her cloak back up, wishing she had brought warmer cloths. It wasn't like she owned any anyway. The hex blade shrugs when she's questioned, "I'm not sure. It's not like it's ever been tested. Magik is one of a kind, it seems." She snickers at this, her mismatched eyes flickering to the hooting and hollering of the fishermen. "See? They think it's funny too." The changeling tucks her arms under her cloak and begins to rub her arms to keep warm. "What are you two planning on doing anyway? I haven't been fully filled in."
Somewhere out in the path, the Giants get closer. "Look!" one of them smacks the other on the chest before pointing at the large talon marks. "That's not a local animal. These outsider are bringing invasive species here to ruin our ecosystem!"
Stepping behind the chair, the lycan rests gloved finger tips on the vampire's temples. Silver eyes slant towards Tessa and a smile quirks the corners of her mouth.
I guess we'll see and you just watch. Don't interfere no matter what happens, even if it looks like I'm about to die, do not touch either of us." She would do her best to avoid the life force of her friend but there are no guarantees, are there. Drawing a deep breath, the she-wolf closes her eyes and finds that center pool of mana within. If one were able to see such things, her aura would flare to a bright but pale green with a tiny spark peeling itself off and hovering for less than a moment before darting towards Magik. The small piece of herself seeps past the vampire's own aura and squishes smaller to be able to travel freely through his body. Gods only know what she's going to find as she has never done this on a vampire before.
Frozen tree branches rattle and shake as the small gang of frost giants finally make their way from the path and into the clearing of the frozen lake. "There!" one of them exclaims as he points a club in the general direction of the trio, plus Bloodbeak. The giants stick to the shore as they take thunderous strides towards the fishing shanties. Them being atleast smart enough to avoid the thick ice will buy Magik and Company just a few more seconds. Should they reach their destination, Bloodbeak would for sure have to avoid the swings of a club from atleast one giant. The other three are destined to rip the shanty right off of the lake to expose who is inside. They are intent on keeping Frostmaw clear of any outsiders today.
Magikrios adjusted himself in his seat slightly, eyes still closed, hands resting on his lap. In the midst of Mahri giving Quintessa a quick explanation, Magik's elven ears pick up on the rattling trees in the distance. He may be undead, but he isn't deaf. Deer? Wind? Bears scratching their backs against them? He doesn't think anything of it until the giants start rushing towards them. By this time Mahri's spark is just about to find its way into Magik's being. Fiery eyes shoot open as he realizes what is headed their way. All it took was one loud footstep from one of the giants. "Tessa!" is all he could get out before the spark sends Magik's eyes rolled back deep within his head. As he screams his apprentice's name, his hands move from his lap and onto the arms of the chair, gripping at them tightly.
Think of a dark, dense forest. No animals. No insects. No leaves crunching beneath your feet. No wind. Nothing but you in the middle of these woods with lightly glowing green canopy above. The faint sound of a crackling fire can be heard behind you. If you turn around to head closer, it seems as if someone has perhaps lit a small campfire in the middle of this thick forest although the exact flame is not visible. The dim light from the fire begins casting holographic shadows in your peripheral field of view. A woman screaming for her life vibrates the air around you before she gets impaled in the head by an arrow on one side of your field of view. A man begging for mercy gets the same treatment on the other side, but by a different arrow. Darkness takes over once more as the campfire dims. The scream of another woman can be heard from behind once more but this time it's cut off by the sound of a crying newborn. The campfire quickly reappears but not in the same location. It appears more to your immediate right, although still a decent ways into the trees. Should Mahri decide to continue further towards the light, another shadowy scene appears to her side and in the trees. The silhouettes of elven women and children are suddenly kicked off of a high branch to their deaths due to hanging. The sounds of orcish men celebrating fill the air. As quick as the scene appeared, everything was back to being quiet. If Mahri decides to keep moving towards the fire, she would soon find herself right back at the edge of the frozen path to the lake just as the land opens up. The darkness, gone. The frost giants would be just behind her though, mid-step, as if time had almost slowed to a stop. However, should she continue towards the shanty, a black flame atronach appears to be brawling with a mysterious figure. The figure looks like a blurred out male as it ducks and weaves, trying to avoid the atronach's assault consisting of whips of fire and a barrage of fire orbs. The figure resembling Elazul takes a solid form just long enough to land a menacing blow to the atronach's form. The figure blurs out once again before retaking shape, but this time in the shape of Lyra D'Allisaire, the one who had sired Magik years ago. Lyra follows Elazul's hit with one of her own, a deadly uppercut, sending the flame atronach through an occupied shanty. The shanty seems undisturbed as it flies through both walls, but is quick to return to the fight. Elazul and Lyra phase in and out as they take turns exchanging blows with the flame atronach. A black whip flies out of the atronach out of nowhere, gripping at the form's midsection during another phase between identities however it seems to stall the vampiric duo, keeping it without a true form. Thick smoke fills the air around the atronach as it starts tightening the grip, trying to crush the vampires.
Quintessa doesn't waste any time. Flipping her cloak over her left shoulder keep her katana unobstructed, the hex blade leaves the hut to meet their foes head on. "I'll hold them as long as I can," she says, throwing a pointed grin back at them before disappearing from the threshold. "Bloodbeak!" The changeling calls, getting his attention as she dashes for him, seeing that a giant was on his way to strike. The giant reaches him first, but Bloodbeak was more than agile enough to avoid the slow swing of the club. It smashes into the ground as the cockatrice hops back, sending shockwaves through the ice covered lake as the carnivorous bird retreats back to his master Quintessa.
"Yip-yip!" she says as she slides onto his back, left hand gripping the reigns as her right draws her sword, a satisfying -shhnn- echoing across the lake. Bloodbeak slowly steps backwards as the four giants close in, one wielding a club, two others wielding great axes, and the last with a greatsword. The apprentice would have to act carefully if she wanted to be victorious. " Wal o rew!" she shouts with a swing of her sword and the ice of the lake shifted quickly to strengthen and form a spiked barrier between her and the giants. That should buy Magik and Mahri more time- "Damnit!" the hex blade curses, as all four of them begin to bash and hack away her ice wall. It wouldn't buy as much time as she hoped.
Well, this is interesting. Not at all what she was expecting but everyone was different. She could sense something going on outside Magik's body and the shack they were in, even vaguely heard the fighting beyond but her concentration is on her friend. Following the fire, Mahri ignores the shadows. Those are memories and not anything she needs to worry about, though tragic as they are they had happened in the vampire's past. What she saw was not what the wolf would have imagined finding in following the path lit by a camp fire. Three creatures, two obvious vampires and something else made of flame fought and it looks like the creature of fire is about to win; but which one is the invader? She knew vaguely who the other two figures must be and so far none had noticed her presense. "Magik, what the hell is going on here..." It was is if something were fighting off the vampire's trying to -- kill them? Who was she here to help? Damn it, blood sucker.
"What a weird.." Magik appeared right next to Mahri in casual garb. Cotton grey baggy pants and a simple black shirt. His skin wasn't as pale, tan almost. His eyes were back to his natural blue and his hair back to white. He looked like a normal elf for the time being. The Lyastri pauses and looks around, "This isn't a dream.." The ice giants behind them are slowly gaining ground, on their third stride as they rush to the fishing huts. What a bunch of ugly mugs, especially in slow motion. The vampiric forms, though not in slow motion, on the frozen lake had gotten loose of the atronach's whip and started cutting and stabbing at the flaming being sending sparks everywhere. The atronach's form grows immensely, towering above the shapeshifting Elazul/Lyra. A loud and thunderous "Go!" resonates through the air as the atronach catches a quick eye of Magik and Mahri watching the brawl. A fireball is thrown in their direction, exploding at their feet. The vampiric form splits in two as it notices the intruders as well, sending Elazul speeding across the frozen lake towards the pair. Black fire tendrils fly out of the atronach's being, attempting to wrap up Elazul's legs. It's successful but only for a quick moment. Elazul hits the ice sliding but quickly slashes his way free. This only pisses off the father of vampires more. Baring his fangs, he picks up the speed even more so. Magik quickly turns to Mahri, "You need to get us out. Now."
On the outside, the giants are just a couple of good swings away from busting the ice wall down. In the hut, everything seems to be going smooth. No smoke. No black goo. Magik's still in the chair, but not as comfortable. His whole body is tense, eyes still rolled back, and a thick vain threatens to burst out of the middle of his head.
Mahri didn't have time, neither did Magik. This is not something she could fix and having the vampire's conscious here wasn't helping. Especially not when she could see the giants getting closer and the vampire sliding towards them. That Magik was in a near panic set the wolf on edge and she growled, silver eyes shimmering with feral light as she gritted her teeth. "You need to choose, Magik. Vampire or elf. That's what this is. They're fighting over your fate." She grabbed his arm, turned to look at the vampire square in the eyes. "Your blood, Magik. Whatever is in your blood after all these years, is fighting the curse." She'd disappear then, drawing her aura out of the vampire. There is nothing she can do to help him. It's all on him. Snatching her hands away, the lycan drags in a breath, weakened by the excursion even the fishermen hadn't been enough. The wolf was riding the edges of that exhaustion; clawing for freedom. She bit down, clenching her teeth against that ache of change. Closing her eyes, the druid centers herself before sending out feelers for the energy she needed, lucky for her; the giants were close enough. One would fall almost immediately suddenly devoid of life as whatever mana his large body held was spooled and added to the wolf's own stores. The urge to shift slowly receded and silver eyes opened again to look down at the vampire, "Better choose fast, blood sucker. Tessa and I can't hold off the giants for long." And she'd join the changeling soon after. Taking quick stock of what is going on, Tessa might find her ice wall reinforced, a bit stronger than it had been before, with another layer of ice added to it. "C'mon you bastards!" she yelled to the remaining giants, "Pick on someone your own size, yeah? It's too fraking cold out here for this!" And, if they turned her way, the lycan'd already have a dagger in one hand while seeking out underwater flora. At least the fishermen had already drilled a hole in the ice.
Quintessa sneers at the giants as she brings her left hand up. "Gwaywffon... iâ..." she slowly mutters, a giant ice sickle for each enemy materializing in a line above the changeling. "C'mon, c'mon..." Mahri has provided vital time. The hex blade knows her wall is done for, even with the druid's buff, but as soon as it crumbles to the ground she flicks her hand in their direction and the ice-spikes are volleyed at them. One of the frost giants is caught off guard, taking the projectile through the shoulder that held up his club. He roars in anger, dropping the club to the ground before falling to his knees to fumble after with his off-hand. The others are more keen to avoid Quintessa's barrage, great axes swinging to cleave her ice in twain while the fourth giant hits the deck, only suffering a small gash across his cheek. Bloodbeak backs up nervously as the axe-wielding pair move closer, his rider growling in frustration that her foes weren't dead yet. "Llafn tân!" she shouts, the enchantment on her katana shifting from cold to fire. The frost giant duo halt, not wanting to take a hit from a fire-sword. Quintessa didn't know their weaknesses, but they certainly did. They give each other knowing looks before circling around the changeling slowly, attempting to flank her on either side. Meanwhile, the greatsword giant stands and turns to engange Mahri, thinking he can take her on in single combat. After all Mahri is just a single woman, this should be easy for a man over four times her size. Bringing his massive sword above him, he rushes out to meet the wolf, the blade slamming down with enough force to crack the ice beneath them.
Magik clenched a fist tightly as his eyes shifted between Mahri and the vampire speeding towards him. He takes stock in Mahri's words as she quickly disappears. Kicking up the loose snow behind him, the elf darts towards the incoming vampire, intent on doing whatever he can to put the vampire down for good. The flame atronach has other ideas however. Inbetween ducking and rolling to avoid a viscious fist thrown by Lyra, the atronach throws a black fireball at Elazul's back. The fireball curves off to the side to avoid the vampire before sharply turning back in. Magik gets blind-sided by the fireball, sending him flying off of his current path and back into consciousness.
Magik's fiery eyes quickly return to normal as his muscles relax. He doesn't think on what he just experienced long at all before he pushes to his feet to join Mahri and Quintessa outside, grabbing his longbow out of his pack quickly. One giant already down, one on Mahri and Quintessa is surrounded. The Lyastri almost felt bad for the giant trying to take on Mahri by himself. As the one frost giant makes his way behind Tessa, Magik barrels out of the fishing shanty behind it, bow held with two hands at the curve. The elf quickly runs up and swings as hard as he can at the back of the giant's knee. As the giant collapses onto one leg from the impact, Magik tosses his bow to the side and jumps onto it's back and grabs the sides of the giant's head. Magik's form is quickly covered in black flames as he focuses much of his power into trying to fry the giant's brain. "Never. Double. Team. A. Girl!" Magik exclaims loudly before the giant reaches up and picks the elf off of his back. The giant holds Magik infront of his face and roars, sending tons of spit and small pieces of bones that had dislodged from the giant's teeth into Magik's face. The giant pauses, waiting for a reaction from the elf. Fiery eyes blink at the giant, "Not cool.." After taking a deep breath in, the elf yells back in the giant's face. His voice even cracks once. How embarrassing..The frost giant smirks, "Pathetic elf.." The giant starts to motion as if he's going to toss Magik over the waterfall but he quickly yells, "Wait! Let me try again.." The frost giant laughs and obliges him. Magik clears his throat and belts out a low, deep, thunderous scream that may or may not have originated from the deepest pits of hell. Black fire is thrown out of Magik's mouth and into the giant's face, burning through the giant's thick skin and bone like nothing. Magik falls to the ground as life quickly escapes the giant and rolls towards his bow, snatching it up and readying himself for whatever giant needs some deep tissue acupuncture. Behind him, the giant goes limp and falls to the side, rumbling the area with his impact.
The smile on the wolf’s face was one of feral excitement as the giant made it’s way towards her swinging that blade. Maybe she’s the one with the death wish but the druid isn’t going to wait for death to come to her. Oh no, she’ll meet it head on and with joy. The crack in the ice isn’t as concerning as the cold water beneath it. Watching the crack snake its way towards her, Mahri readies herself, running towards it rather than away and leaping across the narrowest point of the crack. She isn’t paying attention to Tessa but she felt the heat of that fired up sword rolls over the ice lake and lifts the wolf’s hair off her shoulders. Somewhere she’d discarded the fur cloak and gloves that had kept her at least not frozen. So far her hands are empty, except when she reaches into the warmth and gathers the heat into her hand, spooling the energy there into an actual ball of fire. Yes, as cliché as it might be, that’s exactly what she does, her other hand drawing the dagger from its sheath strapped to her thigh. ~Mahri?~ comes the chilled voice of Sora, her bonded dragon who has been enjoying the frozen north. ~I do not want you to die. Do I need to come save you again?~ The dragon rumbles a mental sound of amusement that’s echoed by the lycan. Her laughter bringing up the giant to a halt more than the puny little glowing ball nestled in her palm. He couldn’t understand what was so funny. Mahri took advantage of that confusion while he pulled the sword from the ice to launch the fireball at the giants face with a shout, the blade spinning around in her palm to place the blade parallel with the outside of her forearm, the handle held loose in her hand as her feet carried her across the ice. A slash to sever the tendon at the heel tumbles the giant into the crevice he created. The druid’s aura flares pale green as water rises from the opening to engulf the giant and drag him down. The remaining giant going after Quintessa stumbles suddenly as though tripped but there’s nothing to have done that in the vicinity.
If either Magik or Tessa were to look at the wolf then, she’d be on the sheet of ice with silver eyes now solid black and staring at the giant who had taken a stumble.
Quintessa smirks when Magik catches the attention of the Giant flanking her. It made it a lot easier when she could focus on a single target. The hex blade brings her sword up next to her to prepare another spell as the Frost Giant lumbers in, his deadly battle axe brought up high with both hands. Quintessa knew Bloodbeak was quicker than the giant, so she dashes forward on his back. She brings her flaming sword around and shouts "Cyrch tân!" just as the axeman stumbles over some unknown force, taking advantage of the sudden opening. Before he even has a chance bring his axe down, Quintessa sends a line of fire like a scythe to cut through the Giant's chest, searing through his armor, flesh, bone, and viscera clean to the other side. As Bloodbeak stomps past him, his great axe hits the ground first, then his top half, before his legs and waist wobble over and collapse in the snow. As the fires die down on her katana, Quintessa looks between Magik and Mahri slowly, her hot breath rising as steam in the blistering cold of Frostmaw's autumn air.
Magik unnocks his arrow as his two compadres brought the two remaining giants to their ends. The arrow finds its place back in the quiver as the Lyastri makes his way over to Mahri and Quintessa. With his bow tucked under his arm, he softly applaudes the two, "That was remarkable! Well done." He shifts his focus between the two as he continues, "Tessa, you were right. My body is fighting off the vampiric disease. The higher-ups in the Guild will know about your efforts." The elf smirks, "Let's just hope the curse of Elazul loses because after all of this I could really go for some whiskey. Mahri, I appreciate you taking a look. I owe you both drinks." After offering them both a soft smile, he looks at the destruction they caused, mainly the dead giants, "Well that's enough Frostmaw for me. How about you two?"
The black slick slowly receded to reveal the lycan's silvery eyes. She gets up, brushes off her hands and walks towards her friends. She gives Tessa nod, rather impressed with the changeling's skills on her own. "I hate the cold, blood sucker." This might be the last time she has a chance to call him that and her eyes shift his way. "You have to choose the winner, Magik. Otherwise you're likely to die and I can't bring back the dead." Not to mention Magik's death would be more or less permanent if t hat happened. "I'm going home now." To the Hanging Corpse. Rynvale hadn't felt like home when she'd gone back. Plus, she had plans there to start putting in place and people to contact yet.
Quintessa flicks the blood from her katana, leaving a speckled trail of crimson in the snow before returning the blade to its sheath. The changeling wasn't certain what had happened inside Magik's head, but she was proud of herself that her hypothesis was at least partially correct. Bloodbeak's large talons crackle the snow below them as he brings Quintessa closer to Mahri. "I'll travel with you," the young girl says as she moves her goggles back over her eyes. "I have business in Vailkrin as well." Mismatched eyes glance over to the Lyastri, to whom she gives a pointed smile. "Good luck, my friend. If you ever need anything, you know where to find me."
Magik offers a nod to his friends, "Thank you both. I mean that. This atleast puts my mind to rest a bit. Safe travels." With that, the Lyastri gathers his pack and bow before following Mahri and Tessa down the path until it splits, venturing off towards Sage to discuss their findings with his wife, Rinn.