RP:Emiur's Catch & a Wizard's Promise

From HollowWiki

Part of the How to Train your Wizard Arc





Svilfon had locked onto the ice queen by way of her staff. He didn't know where she was, yet he was confident his Xalious wand would allow him to teleport to her. At least, in theory it seemed a good idea. So from within his quarters in the mage's guild he had prepared the spell, before moving to the spot where Satoshi's magic circle is engraved into the ground. Thinking this will help, though not really thinking through all the things she could potentially be doing, he casts his spell of teleportation and vanishes into a cloud of smoke...


Satoshi has one of those brief windows of time where she's permitted to sleep, and is doing so--lightly, for safety's sake--while burrowed into the rainbow-hued feathers that serve as a headdress to her couatl. The seventy-foot long, winged serpent slithers through the clouds on multicolored wings, the white-capped waves lost to sight below. Not that Satoshi cares whether she can see clouds or ocean, because the back of her eyelids is a far more welcome sight.


Svilfon appears mid-air and for a moment he is quite proud of himself. He sees the snow queen and flashes a grin, "I diiiiiiid iiiiiiiiitt aaahhhhh!!!" Before he could even finish the boast his questing feet had found nothing but air beneath him. That horrible beast gravity had wasted no time in grabbing Hollow's resident wizard and sent him falling down to the barely visible waves below. Heavily robed arms begin to wildly flap in an attempt to keep him airborne, but sadly it only manages to make him twist and turn in the air. Various items fall from his pockets, a vast majority of them bottles of alcohol, and as his life yet again flashes before his eyes he can only manage a crooked grin. Death by mid-air teleportation... He was sure one of the novice mages had picked that for their communal bet, so he can die happy!- knowing at least someone has profited from his rather unfortunate, yet altogether fitting, death.


Satoshi snaps awake, sensing teleportation magic in the air and for one dreadful moment she fears the Time Lord has chosen to attack her in the air. Except... Time Lords aren't know for screaming. Or flailing. And they most certainly don't wear pointy wizard hats. "Emiur!" But even as the kit is given the command, the couatl is twisting in the air, thick coils forcing his momentum suddenly earthward. ::Relax, Wizard,:: silent words, a faint pressure under Svilfon's mind, offers by way of reassurance as the serpent continues to dive, wings pumping to close the gap. Satoshi clambors through Emiur's crest of feathers then, a claw reaching out toward the wayward wizard's foot, in an attempt to drag him 'aboard' before the couatl is forced to take sudden, painful swimming lessons.


Svilfon feels the wind whipping past his head quicker and quicker, flapping his cheeks and filling his gap-toothed mouth. He had felt within his mind, that was currently replaying the time he chopped down a tree with his face, a sense of reassurance; to relax. He figured it was death telling him to stop his relentless attempts at evading the cruel bastard's grasp, so he would reply in kind with, "Shut your mouth, ye pox-faced bilge-rat!" Piratical curses, fine last 'words'. And then, as he can begin to see the waves in startling clarity, he feels an icy claw grab onto his leg. His first instinct is to kick out; that hand did feel exactly like what he assumes death's would feel like, yet he refrains from it. He had danced on the field of life for a long time now, ever flirting with the sidelines, and hell! What better way to die... And so it is with great surprise he suddenly finds himself deposited on the Emiur's back, rather close to Satoshi. The look on his face is stupified, "What are you doing here?" Before he flashes another bright grin and moves forward to kiss the snow-queen's forehead. "I spited him again!" He is not quite stupid enough to get up and begin his victory dance, and seems ignorant to the fact that the waves are dangerously close - in hindsight, now would have been a good time to pray the serpant had the strength to pull up, before all three of them were rather rudely introduced to the unforgiving waves below...


Satoshi might have spent a long moment staring dumbly at Svilfon then, stupefied at being asked what -she- was doing -here- by -him-, as well as the abrupt forehead kiss, but such moments are not hers to waste. Not when Emiur hisses in alarm, the sound seemingly carrying a meaning to the kit as she suddenly leaps forward to tackle the wizard into the nest of couatl headfeathers. "Down!" She has no intentions of making a meal of the man, however, as becomes obvious as the massive snake beneath them twists violently and rolls, pointed snout bent upward as he fights to break his descent mere feet from the ocean's surface. Salty spray gushes up on either side of the couatl as he skims the wavetops, and with a groan Satoshi rights herself from the brief entanglement with Svilfon. The bridge of her nose is pinched as she glares over her fingers at the man. "What are -you- doing here?"


Svilfon has his rather impromptu victory celebration cut short by a diving kit-vampire. Never one to be called athletic, he offers no resistance as she tackles him into the headfeathers while the couatl powerfully twists beneath them, saving them all from a salty wet fate. He refrains himself from yelling out excited noises as he feels the strength beneath him, and only when he is disentangled from the queen of ice and she gives him that altogether dangerous glare does the jovial wizard gulp. Before he would reply to her, though, he takes a moment to communicate to the couatl. He is not sure it will work, though he has a knack for it due to his wife's nature, one he usually keeps well hidden, but regardless he will try. "Emiur... When my work this day is done, I am going to feed you ten of the fattest damn cows you ever did see! I am in your debt, mighty one. It will not be forgotten." He nods then, his face strangely serious, before focusing once more on Frostmaw's glaring queen. His skin still feels cold beneath his robes, a quick reminder of exactly who she is. But even then he cannot refrain tipping his hat and yet agin flashing a gap-toothed smile, "Oh, I was just dropping in to say hi..." Killed by Satoshi, -a lot- of the novices had picked that one...


Satoshi's frosty glare remains for a drawn out moment before, like the flicker of a serpent's forked tongue, it's replaced by a lopsided smirk, further fueled by the palpable aura of delight coming from the couatl in response to Svilfon's promise. "You certainly drop in with style, wizard," the magus teases. "Good thing Emiur works well with style, vain creature that he is." A hearty pat is given to emerald scales and the couatl voices a sibilant chuckle in response, clearly amused despite the jab as his pride. "Still, I'd rather you dropping in over the Time Lord any day." The kit looks remarkably weary at that thought.


Svilfon absently pats the couatl's back in an affectionate gesture as he nods to Satoshi's words. "Glad I am to hear you say that, for in truth that is why I have come." The wizard has finally let his joviality fade. He did so enjoy the company of the ice magus, but his business this day was serious. When he speaks his voice is quiet, yet even with the air whipping around them, Satoshi would have no trouble hearing the words. "Lines in the sand, lady icicle." He reaches in to his pockets to grab a note he received, but it seems it was lost in his fall. With a faint shrug he carries on. "I am many things in this world, as you may know: Wizard of the guild, member of the Cabal, Sparkles in Leoxander's crew." A grin then, faint a short lived. "I am also high advisor to Larket's king and queen, as well as my ties to you, queen. For truly, as deadly as you are, I do so enjoy your company..." He is silent for a moment as he continues to pat the Emiur's emerald scales, before he carries on in resigned tones. "This war tears my allies apart, and in truth, it does so to me too. Yet I have decided where I will stand. It is at the side of the captain, Leo. In Rynvale I will fight against the Time Lord, if I am called to do so. Out of respect to you, and my horrible knack at being subtle, I wanted to tell you exactly who my allies in the war will be." He lifts a hand to tip his hat to Satie, as far below the world speeds past. He makes a silent promise he will do this again some time. Flying wizard... he did like the sound of that.


Satoshi allows a look of relief to wash over her features at the wizard's proclamation, any raised hackles she had at the mention of 'Cabal' vanishing with it. If the man spoke the truth--and gods did she hope so, she's grown so bone tired at the suspicion and accusations flying everywhere--then the saying "Once Cabal, always Cabal" was quickly losing its meaning in this world. "Do you still work alongside her, however?" Satoshi spat the word 'her' like a curse, the bitterness of her tone almost enough to leave a physical taste in one's mouth. "The wolves could use another ally, but could ill use another traitor." Emiur heaves a sigh then that shudders down his impressive length, echoing the kit's exhaustion of mind and body.


Svilfon reaches out his hand and places it on Satoshi's good shoulder. Probably not a smart thing to do, but rare it is that the wizard is accused of being a genius. His free hand continues to pat Emiur's back, before it absently traces patterns across the emerald scales. When he is sure his gaze is firmly locked on Satoshi's, and seeing the depths of her terrible exhaustion, he speaks again. "I do not forsake one ally to help another. Nor do I betray one to aid the rest. I will fight the Time Lord at Leoxander's side. If... she..." Rare it is that Svil speaks with contempt, but it is laced through the word 'she' like a poison, "sends her warriors.. even my clansmen.. I will destroy them. I will stand my ground beside the rogue - any who come before me will understand they do so as an enemy... I will not advance on them, but nor will I retreat."


Satoshi, strangely enough, doesn't shrug away the hand placed upon her shoulder. In fact, the kit leans into it slightly, taking heart in the simple comfort--clearly she's learning a thing or two about accepting reassuring contact from Kirien. The lean deepens into a sag, however, when the wizard responds, her relief a near tangible thing. "Hellfire, if those words are true..." Satoshi leaves it unsaid, though, half-afraid of dwelling on the thought of the jovial man being a liar. Nonetheless, amber-flecks gleam with a wary light as her eyes search his for the faintest hint of dishonesty, even as a faint, gentle touch of minds is made by Emiur. The probing is slight and reluctant, the couatl attempting to search for falsehood without Satoshi's leave, although he offers an unspoken apology and explanation to Svilfon, ::By your leave. I only wish to protect the Snow Fox from another betrayal.:: The psionic serpent, however, is a respectful creature and won't force his intrusion further if resistance is met. He's crossed his bounds enough with just the brief prod.


Svilfon offers no resistance to the couatl as its pscionic intrusions so politely seek residence in his mind. He keeps his gaze locked on Satoshi, a reassuring smile held back only by his worry at her clearly exhausted state. The couatl would see the truth of Svilfon's words, yet there is an understanding between the two just what can be shared with the snow queen. For the wizard is loyal to the captain with chains stronger than iron; he is loyal to the guild unto death; and he is loyal to Larket by a sense of honor and friendship to the king; and he is loyal to Satoshi out of friendship- the tried to kill each other; to Svil that means they are friends for life- ; and to Joliette Thorne there is a sense of anger that surges beneath the wizard. It lashes his soul with whips made of fire; her hatred and betrayal of all those around her is so strongly contrasting to the wizard's own nature. He would never kill her, nor would he attack her, yet it is dangerously clear if she fights against him in this war, the wizard would not hesitiate in tearing her apart. For a long moment both man and couatl share a sense of comradarie, and Svil basks in it. Before their connection is seperated with the final thoughts ::Tell her I speak the truth, mighty one. Let her know where my loyalties are. Just do not tell her my depth of feeling towards the Cabal. I do not wish to be made a weapon in this war.. only a shield.:: He would pat the scales again, then, before speaking aloud. "They are true, Satoshi. I swear it."


Satoshi's eyes become distant as she listens to Emiur's silent words concerning the wizard, and with each passing second the weariness pinching her features begins to melt away until the foxkins is left beaming, all fangs and glittering eyes--it's the winds making them moist, dammit! In the same way he'd expressed his delight at evading death earlier, Satoshi moves to deliver a swift, icy peck upon his forehead, the gesture speaking her relief and gratitude in a way words could not. "You are a blessing, Svilfon. For a time, I thought when she turned on me I would be forced to face you along with the others for it. The Guild..." Satoshi shakes her head. The guild being divided had been a concern, yes, but moreso she hadn't relished the idea of battling the wizard in a true fight to the death. Those that handle the kit's unpredictable nature in easy stride and could keep smiling about it while trading blows, were the people she had little desire to harm, unless it came to a matter of them or her for survival. But the magus shakes her head again, banishing those thoughts and instead backtracking to a word impressed upon her by Emiur. Shield... it'd been a long time since she'd spoken to the beloved person who carried that nickname. "There are enough bared claws and teeth in this war, wizard. Someone behind the front lines is painfully needed in Frostmaw. Tell me... how learned are you in golem-craft and summonings~?" If the wizard wished to be a shield, she knew a thousand and one tasks concerning defenses where he may just excel.


Svilfon allows the smile that was lurking beneath his surface to find a home on his face. It is gap-toothed and crooked, but upon seeing the snow queen's joy it is filled with contentment. At the icy touch on his forehead he merely nods; he understood the unspoken words of gratitude as he hopes she had earlier when saving his life. Such things are often best said in silence. "The guild will be torn apart by this, I fear. Yet always you have an ally in me." Another nod then, and yet another affectionate pat to the couatl beneath them, before he replies to her question. "It is not the claws and fangs I worry about. It's the knives in shadows, held in the hands of those without loyalty." It doesn't really dawn on the wizard that Satoshi could well be one of those. He had decided to trust her; she had after all saved his life three times now. It was enough for him. Such thoughts would never enter his mind. "As to my summoning skills... Ever am I confident, rarely am I successful. Just as with the golems. My magic is not atttuned to creatures of such set designs. It is more suited to the unpredictable. But if you have need, I will learn. I cannot study obscure works forever," he sighs. "War makes life less fun for us all."


Satoshi's ears give a faint flick back at the mention of knives in the dark. She'd been playing a similar role, but each passing day spent spying upon the pack proved a day she became more fond of their close-knit family. A family they'd welcomed her into, and not expelled her from, even when her secret was discov- no, -betrayed- to them. By Lady Cabal, when Satoshi had placed trust in the former comrade. It had served to strengthen the kit's resolve and place her loyalties in those that had entrusted her already. This fox would not be one of those knives, although she could expect one to come calling for her eventually. But these are all thoughts the magus doesn't feel the need to share, at least not here. Instead, she nods at Svilfon's words. "We'll get our fun back soon enough, Wizard, you can bet on that. Until then, if you wish to play in Frostmaw, we have all sorts of games that could benefit from your unique hand. It's where I'm headed now." As if suddenly remembering she's still travelling, Satoshi peers over Emiur's side to get a view of the land beneath. A sea of greens are visible, informing her they've reached the expansive Sage Forest and the Xalious range looms nearer.


Svilfon tips his hat to the snow queen. "I will travel with you to Frostmaw and see what must be done... But beforehand, do excuse me." The wizard carefully makes his way to the perilous edge of Emiur's back, before spitting over the side. He hopes against hope it lands on one of a very long list of certain people and their pretty faces, before he manoeuvres his way back to where he was. He flashes yet another crooked grin and offers her a shrug of one shoulder. "I couldn't resist! Not every day I get to ride on the back of such a fine mount." He snickers then, "You rest, lady, until we reach your snowy kingdom." Not that it was all that far away. "I'll have a chat to Emiur here while you do. You'll be safe; couatl and wizard defending you! - what could go wrong!" It's probably best not to dwell on that too much, he thinks.


Satoshi shrugs, laughing. "Nothing worse than what could go wrong being a vampire that runs with wolves. Or being married to a murderous swordsman that prefers breaking walls over using doors." Satoshi's life is surrounded by 'what could go wrongs', and honestly she prefers it that way. So it's with a heave and sigh that she shuffles to the crown of Emiur's head and sinks into the waiting feathers, almost as comfortable as her own bed. Within moments the foxkin is dozing, the couatl tipping his head slightly to fix Svilfon with a golden, slit-pupiled eye. ::I must remark on your brilliant entrance earlier, master wizard. That was a sight I'd yet to witness.:: The couatl's mind-voice is tinged with amusement, and he'd be smiling if he were physically capable of it.


Svilfon claps the couatl on the back in an entirely inadequate gesture of comradarie. He replies in turn ::Ah, the trick is, mighty one, not to think too much before you do something! Life is less fun when you think of things that could go wrong.:: Svil flashes the couatl a grin then; he liked the beast a lot. As Satoshi falls into her light sleep, Svil again speaks to Emiur. ::You make sure you look after the snow queen. She is too tired, mighty friend of mine. And if something happens to her, you and I will have to go lay waste to everything.:: The wizard's grin widens; there is something appealing about riding a great couatl into battle. It suits his nature quite well. ::And if that happens, you and I won't be able to sneak off later and go get us some cows to eat! There's this crotchety old farmer who owes me some gold. We'll go scare him some, then get us dinner!:: The beast is clapped again on his scales as Svil stops speaking. He lets his gaze briefly rest on where Satie lays and he cannot help but frown. It was dangerous times for them all. Death and destruction where everywhere... Slowly, though, his frown turns into a smile... Death and destruction was everywhere; just the way they liked it...


Satoshi's couatl voices a hissing laugh that travels down his whole spine in a smooth ripple. Oh yes, he definitely likes how this wizard thinks. It's almost as pleasant as being coiled about the phoenix egg waiting for him back home, with that same sort of comforting warmth. ::I will see to it, then, have no fear. I do not wish to miss dining upon a farmer's plump cattle, after all. Would be a terrible pity.:: The serpent's jape falters upon catching the surface musings of Svilfon, however, and in a more serious tone adds, ::It's the fear that's eating them all alive. They are accustomed to, and some even thrive, in death and destruction, but the fear creeps upon them and devours them before they know it's there. For those that trust comes hard to, these are the worst times. The ones that trust easily meet their end before they can regret. If you'd call it a blessing.::


Svilfon does his best not to laugh too loud, for fear of waking up Satoshi. But damnit, he finds the couatl's thoughts most amusing. The wizard has found a new friend in Emiur, they share the same view on life. His joy is somewhat short lived, though, as the couatl puts to words his thoughts. ::I know, mighty one. It is why I decided to come find the snow queen and let her know where exactly I stand. For good or ill I wanted to be clear.:: The wizard resumes his affectionate patting of the beast's back, though he's not even sure if Emiur notices. It is more a reflex as he lets his thoughts sort themselves out. ::In truth, I worried she was allied to the Time Lord and she would turn me into dinner. But never was I one for the subtleties of war. My trust is iron, even if it will probably end up killing me. Perhaps I am the one who is cursed...? Ah well!:: An abrupt change of pace from the jovial wizard. ::Tomorrow's troubles will be dealt with then. Today is a fine day! It's not everyday I get to ride on such a fine mount, mighty one. Your speed in saving me was most admirable. Never have I seen so great a couatl.:: He had actually never seen a couatl before, but that's not important!


Satoshi and Emiur get along for one very important reason: they're both incredibly vain. And Svilfon's words are nearly enough to send the couatl into a self-concious bit of preening were it not for the fact that such a thing would dislodge both his passengers. ::I can see why she's fond of you. You both face the day as it's handed to you. Thankfully, her mate is rather adept at thinking ahead, to prevent her walking off any cliffs,:: the serpent teases, even as he gives a deep shiver. The air's turned abruptly cold and heavy, a sign that they've entered the Xalious range. Emiur's displeasure at the climate can be physically felt as the couatl dips lower in the sky and begins winding his weary way toward Frostmaw, and the glacial temperatures that threaten to freeze his serpentine blood. Gods how he hates the cold--which might be why he and Satoshi also buttheads regularly.


Svilfon finds he shares more in common with Emiur as the couatl dips lower as the air begins to grow chill. The wizard also greatly dislikes the cold - he is a spell-caster who finds greatest affinity with fire, and has found during his brief trips to her snowy homeland that his magic is stilted by chattering teeth (four are opposite each other in his mouth... so they can chatter!) and shivering hands. ::Life is to be lived, mighty one. It is a gift that continues to grow, only if you let it.:: As Xalious's mountains shift to the snowy caps of Frostmaw's peaks, Svil moves himself close to where Satoshi dozes. He is loathe to wake her, but she may have plans for where she wishes to go. So he speaks, "Icicle queen, you are home."


Satoshi grumbles darkly as she sits up, reluctant to open her eyes and acknowledge she's awake. "For once could you fly a little slower, Scales?" the magus complains, to a retort so swift from Emiur one might guess it's a ritual of theirs, ::I fly slower when there isn't a fluffy glacial on my back.:: Satoshi merely swats at one of the feathers of his crest in response as she yawns, pausing halfway through as she spots Svilfon. Judging by her blank expression, she momentarily forgot about the hitchhiker. Still, she offers him a drowsy smile. "How do, wizard? He's not too bad a ride, for a bag of pretty scales, eh?" Emiur studiously ignores the teasing, preoccupied with spiraling downward toward a snowy plateau, and the gaping hole at its center.


Svilfon grins at the sleepy Satoshi and her banter with Emiur. "The finest ride I have ever been on!" His body shivers a touch as he speaks, the cold air easily flowing through his robes. He has a spell to cast to help ease it, but such things should not be attempted on the back of a couatl... or should they... No! He will wait. "Feeling better, ice magus? You look a little better." He doesn't mention her hair that has become somewhat wild. Though he does think she needs a nice pointy flying hat.


Satoshi waves a hand in a shooing gesture at Svilfon. "Don't encourage him with flattery. He'll get a fat head~. And yes, I am, thank you. Now then," the kit peers over Emiur's side, watching his steady descent, "you may want to hang on a bit tighter. This landing is always a tad... close. Oh, and...Try not to spook Starling too bad, Scales." The couatl's wing twitch as he spreads them, catching the air to slow them as the crater draws nearer--a crater whose size isn't nearly as big as Emiur's wingspan. It's when that realization dawns on new passengers that the couatl folds his wings and drops, his serpentine bulk slithering through the broken rocks with room to spare; and once the ring of stone is passed, wings snap open once more, slamming all three to a sudden stop before the remaining descent is executed with finesse and they can be deposited on the black sand of the cavern.


Svilfon does not need to be told twice. He flashes another of his crooked grins at Satoshi, before ensuring he is holding on as tight as possible. He manages to spy the hole and he scoffs in disbelief; surely this is not where their destination is. All of a sudden, the wizard's stomach is in his throat as the couatl begins its rather alarming decent. Never one to be overly afraid of death, the wizard can't help but let out an excited 'woop' as they hurl towards the hole, entering it with almost no room to spare, before coming to an abrupt stop as the beast's mighty wings once again flair out to stop them all being rudely introduced to the ground. "Again!" The wizard screams, patting the back of Emiur's scales as he does. Before his attention is caught by the room around him. He looks about with more than a hint of great satisfaction on his face. "Where are we, lady icicle?"


Satoshi says simply, "My home." Now where is that researcher lurking...?


Tirona hadn't moved since he'd been lead to the tavern. He was still standing over the crystal ice table that he'd created the day before, still standing in the same position. The only difference now was the books had different pages marked in them, and there were more of them. He was also reading over a book with the word 'emet' across the top in silver print. Tell him to find you information on something, and he would quickly find it and give it to you. Offer to give him something he wanted in return… he would go ahead and have the information found before you finished your first cup of ale at the tavern 20 minutes later. He adjusted his glasses on his face, the Avian's wings shifting under his cloak due to the cold. It wasn't that bad in the cave, not that he'd noticed after he'd become focused, but extreme cold wasn't that good for the Avian body structure, and he wouldn't be able to fly for a while, more than likely. Not that he did much flying anyway. He didn't seem to register the giant creature that descended into the cavern, but he did notice it, it would be difficult not to. Still, he continued reading over the book, his pale blue eyes reading the archaic text. After a moment he placed it down, opening another covered in bizarre symbols.


Satoshi does a double-take. She had expected Tirona to be present, but in the exact same place she'd left him? Now -that- is dedication. Hopping down--a tad clumsily--from Emiur, Satoshi approaches the avian and his growing mountain of books. "Starling~. Any luck?" The sound of the couatl's wings beating causes her to turn and watch the serpent depart as hurriedly as he can, because let's face it, a coldblooded creature is idiotic to dare remain in Frostmaw for long. With Emiur's departure, Satoshi waves Svilfon over, beaming. "Wizard, I want you to meet a most fantastic birdling." She's certain between the three of them, Frostmaw will have impressive arcane defenses in no time. Let's just hope the other plans are coming along nicely...


Svilfon jumped down as Satoshi did, though for just a moment he doesn't follow where she walks to. He moves forward so he is standing before Emiur's head and places a hand on his face, close to his golden, cat-like eye. Wizard and couatl share a moment of silent communication, before Svil tips his hat to the beast and watches it quickly depart the cavern. With a quiet shiver he makes his way over to the frost queen and tips his hat to the avian. He resists the urge to look over all the books, it is his wizard nature after all, and instead speaks in a quiet voice; awed a touch by the impressive surroundings of Satoshi's home. "Greetings. Svilfon, wizard." He tips his hat again, before flashing the avian a gap-toothed smile.


Svilfon told Satoshi, "Svil's communication with Emiur before he left was:"Remember our words, mighty one. Protect the snow queen. Lucky you are to leave these cold halls, but remember! - you and I will be getting some fat cows sometime soon. Not that I expect you to forget that! Fly fast, Emiur, and keep your eyes open. We live in times that are perilious even to one as mighty as you. Fare well."


Tirona didn't ignore their approach, but he didn't exactly make any physical movements to make himself seem accommodating either. He set down the book he had, opening up three books to pages he'd marked. "Anything that does not have a mark in it has been set aside for not having useful information, had repeated information, or had spells that would kill both the animal being controlled and the user. These three came with the most potent spells." He pointed to the bottom of one of the pages, a section called the Circle of Hyakka. "This spell is the easiest for controlling the single minded creatures. A mark is made on each, and the marker stands in a more complicated circle allowing them to control multiple of the animals at once. However, the spell's strength can easily overwhelm a weak minded individual. These two," he pointed to the sections the other two books were open to, "are spells that can be cast over stronger willed creatures, and allow them to more easily be ordered… not quite in the same way that a soldier could be ordered to, but still." He picked up a fourth book, opening it up to a page with a flute on it. "And this would be the easiest, unfortunately the artifact is lost. Tao's Flute, cast a magical tone, allowing the user to control both flora and fauna, using them for defense of the player."


Satoshi keeps an ear tuned upon Tirona while she leans to the side to speak quietly to Svilfon, "A dedicated scholar. Brought all these with him the moment I asked if he'd like to help arrange defenses for us here. Researching spells of binding so that we can have the wildlife here assist in protecting their home~." The kit flashes an amused grin and nods eagerly at the avian's information. "We'll use them all~. The minor ones can work to bind a wolf or such to each giant, and I'll see that the elves with any magic background put to use the higher tiered ones. It's a pity about that flute, though..." The minstrel looks honestly disappointed that such a powerful, musical artifact wasn't available, but what can she do? "You've done well, Starling~."


Svilfon nods his head along with Satoshi's words. "A fine collection," he indicates the books with a vague motion of his hand. "More so with the unique wild-life that grows in your home." He grins at her, before turning his attention to the conversation between avian and kit-vampire. He likes the sound of wolves bound to giants, though a slight frown at trusting the elves does make its way to his face. He would lean in then to speak quietly to Satoshi, though he wasn't talking in quiet tones to exclude Tirona. It was more this cavern had that effect on Svil. "Be wary, lady of ice. The elves have lost everything to the drow. That... bug... the Time Lord is ever open with his promises of greatness... For creatures recently brought so low, such promises may prove too tempting." He nods then, before falling silent.


Tirona : As the other two spoke for a moment, Tirona leaned over and picked up the book he'd just put down, flipping through it for another moment. He'd only been asked, for the moment, to work on ways to use the natural animals to aide in the defense of the area. Still, he'd heard the other things she'd been talking about the day before in the tavern. "I also found this," he said, setting the two books on the table. The first had a picture of a massive creature made of sand and stone, an archaic golem. "Millennia ago, there was a massive city guarded by four extremely powerful golems. The city had no need for a standing army, no need for any defense other than these four massively powerful creatures. Any invading army was wiped away by the creatures of stone and sand, wiping away any threat. However," he paused, turning the page of one of the books, "A civil war broke out inside the city. The golems, single-minded in their mission to do allow nothing to harm the city, entered the gates. they exterminated every one of the city's inhabitants, until they had all either fled, or were dead, not even their creators able to stop the machinations of stone and magic."


Satoshi regards Svilfon silently, digesting his words. She'd have to see about avoiding that particular problem... but for now, Tirona's caught her attention with the mention of behemoth golems. Eagerly the kit leans over the book and scans the page with hungry eyes. Oh, these looked promising. Very promising. Satoshi chuckles to herself, glancing toward the wizard to give him a positively vulpine smirk. Magical constructs of immense power with the potential to turn extremely deadly seemed right up both their alleys, that look seemed to say. Perhaps they wouldn't need the elves after all... "Starling, you are the finest bird that ever did live. Have I told you this yet~?"


Svilfon moves to stand closer to Satoshi so he too can read over the book. He returns her vulpine grin with a wicked one of his own. Ah yes, these were what he came to see! He reads over the words, before offering the kit-vampire a slight nod; silent affirmation he would be more than eager to attempt this spell. When she speaks to the avian, the wizard grins. "A true scholar. You've done well, comrade." It wasn't really his place to offer praise, but he surely liked what he'd heard so far.


Tirona closed the book, resting his monotoned voice for the moment. He lifted it and offered it to he wizard, the book with the word 'emet' written across it. All but two of the books he had with him were copies of books he had in his private library. One of them was the large red bestiary that Satoshi had looked through the day before, and the other was sitting on the center of the table, wrapped in black cloth. He didn't plan on touching that one if he could avoid it, more for risk of damaging a very fragile book than anything else. He turned to Satoshi, "I believe that should be enough to assist you in your defense… you may have the three pertaining to the binding spells as well." He lifted up the book that he'd been reading from, returning it to inside his cloak. It wasn't in any language that most would be familiar with anyway. "I would be careful with the golems," he said, "They are single minded. They will except only a single task upon their creation. If you do not dismantle them after that task is given, they shall continue performing it, continuing along any path their magics deem fit to the original order."


Satoshi said to Svilfon, "They sound devilishly fun, don't they? And here I thought it'd be a while yet before fun found its way back into the world~." The kit is positively singing with delight by this point. "Imagine a pair of those standing sentinel upon the cliffs. Ice and stone, ready to defense the land they're hewn from~!"


Svilfon takes the book with a sincere nod of thanks to the avian, before his attention shifts back to Satoshi. He grins at her, his delight equal to her own. "You and me both, lady icicle! And oh yes they do!" Were he not holding the book he'd have clapped his hands together with his excitement. "A fine day it's been, frosty friend. Riding Emiur, and now this! I cannot wait!"


Satoshi chuckles, privately grateful for the jovial man's lighthearted presence. "If you keep talking about him like that, he'll be begging to take you anywhere you need to go. Anything for the chance to hear about how pretty his feathers are~."


Svilfon snickers at the snow queen. "You are lucky to have him as such a fine companion, as he is for you. We.. talked. He is rather protective! I like him greatly. We're gonna go scare the old farmer into giving us some cows." He grins, somewhat wickedly, "After we've done this, of course." He motions with the book, "though... do you know any terramancers who can be trusted? May be useful if we can find one."


Satoshi said to Svilfon, "I know one that I would trust with my life, yes. A fox like myself, and a sibling of spirit and blood, if you will." Satoshi regards the book for a moment, thinking. This was certainly something the little band of spell-weavers could dig into, yes. "If anyone can manage it, it's Kirien."


Svilfon grins brightly. A fox like herself, she said - unpredictable and completely interested in causing trouble. Just his kind of person! As she speaks his name the wizard nods. "I have met Kirien. Gave him some brandy when he ran out. If you trust him in this, lady Frostmaw, then I do as well." He offers a crooked grin, "As far as you foxes can be, anyway." He snickers at his own light hearted words, entirely sure she would not be offended.


Satoshi smirks in response, tails flicking in an impish tempo. "We're perfectly trustworthy around everything but rabbits, really~. Nonetheless, even if Kirien wasn't, he and I share a sire. We're family, and bound to protect one another."


Svilfon said to Satoshi, "Anything you -see- as rabbits. *grins* But aye, I'll leave it to you to get him on board. Do you want to give him the book? I know what needs be done beforehand."


Satoshi shrugs helplessly. "Not all rabbits hop, but they taste just as good anyway. But as for what needs to be done..." Satoshi glances between avian and wizard, brow raised, "Can you two begin the preparations? I'll clear an area at the cliffs for the circles to be drawn, and I'll see to it that boulders are brought in while I recruit Kirien's help. I get the feeling we'll have to work quick, and hope for no mistakes." The kit doubts she needs to elaborate on the peculiar clock tower in Rynvale seemingly counting down toward something unpleasant in the near future.


Svilfon nods to the snow queen as she speaks her sobering words. "When you are ready, we will be also." He turns to the avian then, before looking back at Satoshi. "We can prepare... But working quick and hoping for no mistakes often doesn't go well together. Lucky for you, lady icicle, I am a master of fixing mistakes. The Gods only know I make enough of them." He grins and tips his hat, faintly amused at the irony of his words.


Satoshi said to Svilfon, "Being able to fix your mistakes is what separates you from the corpses. I'd much rather your company over the dead."


Svilfon said to Satoshi, "No risk leads to no reward. Your snowy kingdom will be safe, Satoshi queen. I will accept nothing else."


Tirona let the other two go forward with their talking, looking over some of the other books that were sitting there. He wasn't paying that much attention to what they were saying, although the comments about the feathers made him slightly confused if they were talking about him or them. "What would you like me to do exactly?" she asked, when the two had finally lapsed into a touch of silence. He hadn't looked up from a book in his hand, which had a picture of a man in a suit of armor made of ice on it. It wasn't all that practical… it was a full on body armor suit, but other than that it wasn't all that useful… the user would have to be able to lift quite a bit of weight to move at all in it.


Satoshi is momentarily distracted by the picture in Tirona's book. "Now that's a familiar sight..." Possibly because she's conjured a similar suit on more than one occasion to protect herself. Although, the avian's thoughts are correct about it being impractical. The damnable thing was always too big and heavy to move in, but damn if it didn't stop some serious forces despite immobility. But that's getting off on a mental tangent, which the kit shoos away with a shake of her head. "If you could map out the arcane circles we'll need to start their assembly, and perhaps place the runes for binding them to their masters' will. I'll figure out the exact wording of their objectives, once I've spoken to Kirien."


Svilfon nods his head to Satie, before speaking. "Before you leave, show me where you want us to cast the spells. And maybe lend us a couple of your giants? Then we can prepare adequate room for the circles and coming magics."


Tirona nodded absently to Satoshi's comment. "The simpler runes can be taken care of like that easily enough… however, the more complex circles for the more complex of the spells will have to be done by the one who is going to be controlling the animals. Seeing as I will not be doing that, I would show them how, and beyond that it would be up to he individuals." He flipped through the book, looking at other ice constructs that people had used in the past. One had a picture of a massive broadsword made out of ice, with many minute details. The ice would have to be very impounded for it to be as effective as a steel one… or at the very least magically impacted to keep it from shattering or cracking with enough force….


Satoshi said to Svilfon, "Of course, follow me~. And Starling, I'll be back as soon as I'm able. Feel free to pick at the walls, if you like. Those gems have some interesting properties." It's the kit's way of saying thank you to the dedicated scholar. And with that, she's turning on a booted heel and heading for the cavern's exit tunnel, talking to the wizard as she goes, "I believe constructing them on either side of the fort would be best. You'll have plenty of help from the Queensguard. They don't have much to do when I'm in Rynvale, after all."


Satoshi makes a mental note to read all those books some day.


Svilfon tips his hat to the avian, "I shall return!" With a grin he falls into step beside the snow queen, "Aye, that is a good place for them. And I've met some of your guard." He gives a faintly conspiratorial smile, "Always good to have friends when wandering in strange towns, after all. They'll do nicely." He leans in close then and speaks quietly, "And make sure you rest this time. This will be... taxing. We will all need to be at our best, I think."


Satoshi flashes Svilfon a devious grin and picks up the pace, trilling, "Yes, father~." And off she goes, to show the wizard the locations beside the fort, and then find a dragon that'll take her down the range to where Emiur rests in waiting for another trip out to Rynvale. But she'll sleep! Between Kasyr, Svilfon, and Kirien, the kit is bound to be bullied into something that lasts longer than a nap.


Svilfon snorts at Satie, "At least you didn't say mother." He snickers quietly, before following after the queen to see the potential locations. Before they'd part ways, he does remind her to compliment the couatl on his fine feathers... Before Svil would spend a long time musing over what is to come. He'd wait for the giants, before directing them into the work to be done - it would be a while before he trudged back to the cave where Tirona is. But it is with a light heart. Dangerous magics with multiple spell casters... much that could go wrong... it was right up the wizard's alley.