RP:Infinite Curiosity Meets Immeasurable Vanity

Stone Bridge, south of Frostmaw City

Emilia had lived twenty-something years, but in those years she had never once ventured to the snowy land of Frostmaw. She’d heard tales of the city from travelers visiting the Inn in Larket. Most tales were enough to keep her from wanting to ever set foot within its gates while a few rare ones had her intrigued to go. A moment of boredom with a want for adventure the farm girl choose that it was high time she take a trip to Frostmaw. Forewarning enough she’d dressed herself differently from her normal attire of denim jeans tucked into leather boots with a button down plaid shirt. Overtop of her pants she’d slid into a pair of fur-lined pants, add a pair of thick wools socks before exchanging her farm boots for fur-lined boots. A long sleeve thermal shirt put beneath her plaid shirt for winter days on the farm before a fur-lined jacked that matched the pants was added. Matching gloves with a hat that hide away those wild blonde curls before a scarf was also tied into place. She’d be warm over frozen, but warm enough was the question now. It was now at this moment that the farm girl wished she’d listened to the warning of those deadly tales. Lost. Even that term as it danced around her mind was not enough to describe her current situation that she’d gotten herself into. Her nose and freckled cheeks were bright red from the cold wind that danced around her as she traveled aimlessly around. The walking with the added layers had kept her warm while she was moving around through the snow, but now as she stood still before the stone bridge the heat was fading as the cold settled in. Un-lost is what she needed to be before the sun set. Bright blue eyes gazed out past stray blonde curls that had fallen free from her hat into her eyes as she stared out along the expanse of the bridge she’d found her way to. Emilia had yet to set foot on the bridge as nerves about falling off settled in. A muffled bit of words to herself, ‘So, not a winter wonderland..’ Closing her eyes the female took in a slow deep inhale of the chilled air. Slow to open them as she lifted a foot, almost took the step onto the bridge before placing her foot right back where it was at.

Even before becoming a creature of the Undead, Satoshi had never felt the bite of cold, had never needed to dress warmly or worry about fingers and toes freezing. However, she's been a devoted glacial magus for many years, and she'd long learned that the cold has teeth that bury deep into the flesh of mortal races. Numerous times daily, travelers are brought into Frostmaw that had thought themselves equipped to face the hostile environment, many losing limbs for their endeavours. Many more are never found or heard from again. It has since become a policy in Frostmaw for patrols to scout the areas surrounding the city in search of any lost souls before nightfall, when the temperatures plummet further along with the chances for survival. This evening, Satoshi is patrolling as well, made restless while her city recovers from the recent war, and is ambling her way toward the western gates when her vulpine ears flick sideways. The snows are whispering of footsteps, a pattern she does not recognize, and thus curiosity diverts Satoshi's path toward the bridge. Moving atop the snow in the drifting fashion that earned her the nickname 'Ghost', the magus weaves her way to the top of a frozen hillock, where she pauses and crouches down to watch the stranger. A female, judging by the fair curls escaping the figure's hat, and certainly not an undead, so warmly wrapped in furs. Lost, most likely, or either the worst spy Frostmaw's had to entertain yet. Satoshi's amber-flecked eyes glimmer with amusement as the stranger steps out toward the bridge, only to retreat again. "Caution is wise here. That bridge claims as many lives as the executioner who crosses it daily~," the gentle words drift like music on the snow-laden wind, half-whispered, half-spoken. From where she perches above Emilia, Satoshi can almost be mistaken for a watchful spirit, half-obscured by a shroud of mist and frost, pale as death, and surrounded by a swarm of nine vulpine tails, eternally animated in their writhing. Satoshi is vain to the core, and does so love a theatric appearance when happening upon new faces.

Human. Beneath all those furs that is what was there. Barely a few inches above five feet with a frame that had become underweight since the fire. A pathetic thing, really. Lack of muscle, lack of speed, lack of strength, lack of hearing…lack of many things made other races superior and more prominent in these lands, as well as more likely to survive these harsh conditions. She’d trained at the ocean to tune her hearing abilities, but that hat over her ears was enough to make her deaf. The patrol traveling of Satoshi going unheard as she moved into the same location as the farm girl. Just as those whispered words reached her fur-covered ears it was a bit late to take the warning in full. That timid foot that had fallen back into place was mid-step into another attempt to move forward. Foot setting down on the bridge she was startled. Her head snapped in the direction of the voice. The ground that was beneath the new step was ice beneath the snow. Her foot itself slipped which for most wouldn’t be a problem to catch themselves, but Emilia wasn’t most. She was a magnet for the worst things. If there was a single tack on the floor her foot would find it. The startled movement plus the patch of ice sent the bundled up human for a fall. Lucky enough for the blonde it wasn’t one down onto the bridge, but one in a diagonal angle backwards from where she’d been standing. The snow to the other side of the path to the bridge soft enough to break her fall as she landed flat on her back with that hat popping off into the snow. Once hidden short blonde waves were free, sticking out all directions that she almost had a crazy hat-fro going on. Bright blue eyes staring up at the sky above unblinking for a moment. Taking in a slow breath Emi closed her eyes for a moment. She’d not lost her life to the bridge. Opening them again they searched for the owner of that voice. Resting on the odd image of Satoshi perched there watching her she removed a glove off a hand that was bruised with a poorly healing gash across the palm. That hand slowly moved up to pinch her red freckled cheek. Perhaps, she had just lost her life to the bridge. “Am I dead?” She asked the mysterious being. Her cheek was too cold to tell if she could feel the pain of the pinch.

A chuckle escapes the magus as she slips down the side of the hillock to stand a number of paces away from the stranger. As if Emilia's question is a legitimate one, Satoshi cocks her head and gives her vulpine ears a twitch before answering. "Non, madamoiselle, you still have a heartbeat. You are quite alive," laughter is clear in Satoshi's voice as she leans forward, a hand extended to offer Emilia help back to her feet. Said hand is small, almost dainty, clawed, and distinctly lacking in proper Winter gear: all that covers it is a black satin fingerless glove. And it is frightfully cold to the touch, unfortunately. Nonetheless, Satoshi makes the offer. Luck is with Emilia this evening despite her slip and fall. Were the girl wandering lost in the woods, the magus would likely have tried to make a meal out of her. However, while Satoshi's in Frostmaw, the predator sleeps and she is typically amiable, helpful, and pleasant.

The fallen farm-girl had learned some time ago that strangers were not always as friendly as they appeared to be. The look in those blue eyes enough to tell the mental debate over accepting that extended clawed hand. Reaching out she accepted that odd looking hand with her own hand that was without the glove. The bruising and cuts didn't mind the feeling of that ever-cold hand, not at all. It was almost soothing to the pain that came when Sato helped her back onto her feet. "Thanks, Miss." She said almost too politely.

If she could read minds, Satoshi would approve of Emilia's wariness. The ruse of a friendly gesture is one the magus has used often to lure in prey without a fight. Such is not the case today, however, as Satoshi is quick to release hands once the girl is back on her feet. A skip backwards carries the foxkin to a more comfortable range, the better to glance over the stranger as silver whiskers give a curious twitch. "I assume you're not from around here?" It's hardly a stab in the dark. The girl looks like she's in the sun regularly, whereas Frostmaw is perpetually overcast. Couple this with the thick supply of warm clothing, and something about the lass simply says, 'Foreigner'. "Although," Satoshi adds as an afterthought, "I'll admit you're far better dressed than most who venture here, thinking it's some sort of 'Winter Wonderland'~." Another laugh, crystalline with mirth, comes from the magus. It's clear she's run into these sorts often.

"You are a very smart....whatever you are, Miss." Emilia said with an confused smile that flashed across her freckled face. She wasn't exactly sure what Satoshi was. She didn't even have a slight guess. In fact, she'd never seen anything like her before. "I am not from around here. I am not really from anywhere anymore. I had a farm in Larket until it burned down. Homeless now, just kinda wandering about." As she spoke she picked up her hat, replaced it to her head and then put her glove back on. "Just out exploring to see if some of the stories from the travlers were true."

Aside from a wiggle of fox-ish ears, Satoshi doesn't seem to offer an answer as to what she is--at best, it's a loaded question, and one the magus takes too much pleasure in keeping confusing. The two strangers seem at odds in that effect, for there's something defining, clear, and certain about Emilia, earthen in the way one can determine what she is by look alone. And then there's Satoshi, mercurial, convoluted, and ethereal, as wayward and changing as the wind. To Satoshi, it's an enviable trait. Although at the same time, the kit likes being a mystery. However, at mention of stories, she perks up noticably and even leans forward, as if to hear Emilia better. "Stories, you say? About Frostmaw? What sorts of stories~? Are they meeting expectations~?" A barrage of sing-song questions marks the kit as being overly curious, and perhaps not quite so threatening, despite fangs flashed each time she grins.

A blink came that was followed by another blink with each question that the fanged woman asked of her. Her mind was racing for a moment trying to decided how best to answer all the sudden questions thrown her way. The woman was curious, that was clear enough. It was also evident that she was from around this frozen hell. A spark to those blue eyes as an idea hit her, "Tell you what, Miss. You help me get un-lost and while we walk I will answer any question you have for me..."

Satoshi matches Emilia's blink with one of her one, from equally blue eyes. Is that all the stranger wants? Some kit is going to make out like a bandit~. Straightening then, the magus presses a hand to chest in a dignified manner. "My lady, you could not find a finer tour guide than I~. There is not a hill, crevice, or fallen snowflake I do not know personally. I shall not lead you astray~." With a bow, Satoshi smartly turns her boots westward the way Emilia had come. "The city is this way. ...Unless you wished to visit the prisoner camps and execution block, as that's what waits across the bridge?" Something tells her that isn't where the human girl intended to go, although Satoshi could be wrong. You never know what interests a person has, after all, such as the magus' fascination with tales about Frostmaw. A thought which prompts her next remark, "And apologies if I seemed... over enthusiastic. It is not often I get to hear the stories other lands tell of this realm. We have our own lore here, after all, and it transforms greatly once it leaves our borders. To hear it from the mouth of a foreigner is a rare treat~. The last one I heard told of how Frostmaw's queen is a ruthless, sharp-fanged beast that eats her enemies in a single bite from atop her throne of frozen corpses~."

A blonde curl had fallen free from that hat of hers followed by another until she wasn't able to see from the amount of wild curls falling free of the hat. She was listening of course to each word that left the mouth of the woman creature thing. Even with her gaze hidden that scrunched up look at being called 'My lady'. Blowing up a puff of a breath the curls lifted away from her face then fell back into place. Removing a glove she tucked the curls back up into the hat once more before putting the glove back into place. Her human fingers could never with stand the cold of this place. When Sato moved to head back the way she came Emi moved to follow, at a safe distance though. The idea of what lay beyond the bridge had sparked an interest in that blue gaze, but she'd rather be in town before the sun set than across a dangerous bridge. Perhaps the human was too trusting of the kit, but either way she'd follow her hoping she wasn't lying. "I can not say that I have heard such a tale about the queen of these lands, but if that is what she is truly like then I would be more than interested in meeting her." Of course, Emilia had no clue that she was in the presence of the queen right now. "I had heard one a while back though from a travler about a creature that lives off within the ruins beyond the city. Floats over the snow like a ghost. Tempts with a guise of pure nothings only to devour them."

"Aha~. Oui. There are quite a few otherwordly predators lurking about the ruins. Few of Frostmaw even trek there, while fewer still return." Accurate although likewise not entirely the truth, Satoshi being fiercely protective of the ancient area, as both a hunting ground and a place of private retreat. She's more than willing to encourage rumors of the treacherous ruins. With a smile full of fangs, Satoshi whirls around to walk backwards and face Emilia. She does not seem to care about the risk of snow and ice as she chatters on amicably, "Are those the sorts of stories that drew you here? Most visit to see if Frost Giants are really taller than houses, or if the snow truly falls constantly. Sometimes to see the gladitorial matches in the arena. Not many come looking for flesh-eating ghosts, I'll admit." Satoshi's light footsteps seem to falter then before reflexes right herself and she's looking at Emilia more closely, unruffled by the stumble. "You're not a necromancer, are you?" Suspicion creeps into her voice then, marring it from the pleasant melody to a solemn dirge, edged with frost. Like a shark glimpsed beneath the surface of the waves, a shadow flits at the edge of Satoshi's demeanor, threatening to transform the chipper kit into something darker and deadlier. Just a glimpse, yet it speaks volumes that this foxkin is not all that her mask claims to be.

Brows furrowed together as the kit-lady turned to walk backwards with such grace through the snow. It was a moment's look that faded into a serious nod when she relayed the truth to the rumor about the creatures that roam in the ruins. Even as serious as the look was there was a peak of interest dancing within those blue eyes. Curious interest that had part of her wishing to go out to see the ruins now. "I came to see the ghosts that walk within the snow, the monsters that prey upon the innocent, the stuff on the other side of the bridge, and now the queen to see if your rumor is truth of false." She answered when asked. She was not here to see the snow falling or how tall the giants were. Then, there was a change in the other woman when she asked yet another question. Gloved hands shot up in air in defense, almost expecting to get hit for some odd reason. "Whoa, Miss!" She shook her head causing curls to fall free of the hat again, "There isn't a single bit of magic anything in me. Promise, I am just a pathetic human." A bit of nerves twined into those words.

Western Gates

Satoshi sniffs in the manner of a cat that's been caught in the midst of an embarassing mishap. The menacing aura retreats, placated not by Emilia's words, but her reaction. Swift reactions speak the truth, Satoshi has come to learn. "I believe you," she replies, giving a polite nod. "Apologies. Frostmaw has only just concluded a bloody war, our enemies used our dead as their soldiers. As such, our hackles are a bit raised when it comes to necromancers wandering about, tu sais? Salt in the wound, as it were." As she apologizes, Satoshi's boots keep walking without leaving a print upon the snow, until the stone wall of the city's borders loom ahead. Torches burn atop the wall, marking where sentries stand, although at such heights the fires are no more than blubs of light. Satoshi gestures toward the wall, and the guarded gates directly along the path. "As promised, Frostmaw. Perhaps one day I can show you the ghosts and monsters, although it'd be unwise to wander there at night. But at least I was able to show you one of the things on your list. I hope I measured up to the tales~." Laughing then, the magus sweeps forward into a bow, left arm given a courtly flourish. "Satoshi Azakhaer, at your service. May Frostmaw's fangs not bite you unless you've earned it~."

Gloved hands fell back to her sides as the woman appologized to her with her belief to her words. They were true after all. There wasn't a single bit of magic in her nor an ability to use such a skill either. One of the truly boring humans. She continued to follow the woman who walked backwards in the snow until they had reached the city once more. How she'd missed the signs it was here she wasn't sure. Then the woman spoke again. Measured up to her tales? What was she talking about. Then with a bow she introduced herself. Still she looked confused for a time before she finally placed it all together. That was the name of the queen. Red faced now with embaressement she was a bit frozen in her spot. How did one properly greet the queen of a city? Mental debate for a time before she flashed a timid smile, returned a similar bow that was less graceful, "Pleasure to meet you, Miss Satoshi Azakhaer." There was a pause, "Should you grant me more time with you within the warmth of a building to poke at you and your fangs, I will let you know how well you've measured up to your tales from the travlers." A soft smile this time, "I'm Emilia." Probably the only time she'd ever introducted herself to anyone with her actualy name, "But everyone calls me, Emi."

Satoshi just might be thoroughly won over by the human then and there. For while the magus does like the respectful tones she's usually given as a queen, she's equally disgusted by the boot-licking and tail-kissing of those seeking favor. Emilia's brief fluster and follow-up invitation is a rare delight, for it is both polite and not subservient, spoken as one living being to another. "A pleasure, Emi~." Gladly Satoshi nods in acceptance then. "While Frostmaw may be cold outdoors, our buildings are warm, and our people warmer. At this time of evening, the tavern is especially popular. Drargon makes some of the finest ales around, said to be potent enough to melt the ice off Cryothain's heart. I was headed there myself, if you care to join moi?"

Emilia had only ever known of a queen when reading in the books of hers. She'd never met one before. Stories were normally always that, just stories. The way to act before a queen changed from book to book. She'd taken a guess at which was right, but now that she was on a name to name basis with the woman she didn't see a reason to treat her like she was standing on a pedistal. A warm smile flashed, what better way to test a rumor than to spend time with the one it was about. Curious by nature to a fault, some even told her she should be a feline with it. "I would much enjoy to share your company, Miss." She had no idea where the tavern was, but so far she'd not steared her wrong traveling with the kit. That smile still there she extended her arm out to link with the other as if they were giggly school girls walking together. All too friendly of a human, even if her interest was peaked by the darker side of life.

Hesitation exists for a breath, a reflex born of a lifelong rejection from others when it comes to touching the frigid magus. And yet, this human is offering and does not seem perturbed at the idea, enough so that Satoshi slips her arm into the presented link while flashing an almost shy grin. It seems Emilia's friendly demeanor has caught Satoshi a tad flat-footed. Too much time has the foxkin spent mired in war, where there are few friendly faces or gestures. "So~, you mentioned you had a farm? And came venturing all the way up here, chasing ghosts et monsters? Sounds like you've got a cat's soul in you, missy, poking your whiskers into dark places just to see what may, or may not, bite your nose. To most, Frostmaw seems a barren, frozen hell. But if you dig in, sit quiet, and watch, you'll see there's as much beauty and life here as the Sage Forest. Frostmaw lives, a heartbeat I feel as if it were my own~." While she talks, Satoshi guides their footsteps in the direction of the tavern in the center of town. Even from down the snowy street, voices can be heard lifted in song and friendly challenge from within the building, as its Frost Giant patrons gather for evening drinks.

Fear. It was present in most beings in some shape or form. Some were afraid of the dark while others were afraid of dying alone. Emilia wasn't afraid to make physical contact with the woman because she was much to happy to be able so share in the company of her, besides that she was in a fur-line snow suit of sorts preventing much of the chill from reaching her. Even if she wasn't in such an outfit she'd of done the same. She'd gotten used to being covered in bruises that a bit of an icy chill wouldn't kill her. As then walked she listened to the words that were spoken by the queen. "Miss, If I want an adventure, then I find I must go and seek out the things I do not yet understand, but would very much enjoy learning about." A pause for a moment as she listend to how the woman spoke about the place being alive. She'd recieve a 'duh' look. Of course, this wasn't a barren place. "Miss, I might not be from around here, but I was lost enough to see that this land is anything but dead and barren. It has a life of its own that is different, unique, admireble. Much like a catipiller if you ask me."

Satoshi's free hand lifts to tap her nose, causing whiskers to quiver. "You're a clever soul, then. You can't imagine the number of times these ears of mine have heard complaints about my dead and iced over lands, where nothing could possibly grow or live that wasn't twisted, ugly, and foul. Such folks are blind. They believe only that which is bright, green, and warm is capable of growth. They do not hear the songs snowfall makes, or feel the tempo of a Winter Wolf pack's paws on the hunt, they do not know the tapestry the nightsky becomes when the Northern Lights dance, or taste the misery and delight of an ancient ghost reliving her past as she drifts among graves. But some do, those are the ones with fire in their souls and brains between their ears~." It's at this point they arrive at the tavern's oversized door, just in time to follow on the heels of a giant entering the establishment. Crossing the threshold is like stepping from one dimension into the next, for the bitter cold is left outside, banished by the hearty warmth of the central firepit. Those giants present and paying attention offer Satoshi lifted mugs in greeting, the gestures casual and defining the easy-going nature of Lady Frostmaw and her citizens. And Satoshi seems as at home within the tavern as she did out in the snow, a frosted bundle of delight standing beside Emilia.

Frostmaw Tavern

Content to listen to the words of Satoshi as they walked along to the tavern. It is always different to hear how one of a certian location speaks of it compared to the way that the rest of the world might describe it. Following behind the giant the duo entered the tavern. Emilia was greeting by a rush of warmth. It wasn't long before she would have to slip her arm back from the other woman. It was too warm now. With silly hobbling hops the farm girl managed to free herself from the fur-lined coat, pants, hat, and gloves. Beneath the poof of the clothing Sato would now be able to see the much too skinny human clothed in very tell tale farm clothes. Brushing wild curls from her face after setting the snow gear down by the door the human turned her attention back to Satoshi. Relinking arms with the woman, not bothering with her natural chill, as if they were the best of friends. Bruised cut up hand falling to rest lightly on the wrist of the other. "If Frostmaw is a barren land than a newly planted crop is a graveyard."

Satoshi positively beams. "I like the way you think~. Drargon," she calls then, looking toward the Frost Giant barkeep. A scarred eye is turned on the magus, Drargon proving to be a giant even among his kind, thickly built and surly of expression as he peers down at the small duo as if contemplating squishing them beneath his boot. And yet, despite the overpowering presence, there is a fond glimmer in the giant's eye and a smile buried deep within his beard as he nods gruffly in greeting. "Get my clever guest here whatever she may wish, please." Satoshi will give Emilia ample time to place an order for herself, while the magus surveys the room in search of a suitable spot. Eventually she spies an empty booth well situated, close enough to the fire to be comfortable for the human without being too near, for an ice-loving magus like Satoshi--after all, having nine highly animated tails is a natural fire hazard. It's this booth Satoshi happily claims, to drop upon a seat and settle in, tails coiled around and upon her lap as she fixes Emilia with a look. "So, I think I've pestered you with questions enough. It's high time I played the role of host. Ask away, Larketian wanderer and farmer, Frostmaw has many tales to tell and beasties to poke at~."

Leaning back just a little the human shifted her stance so that she could look up at the barkeep. He was taller than anyone she'd ever met before. If she was not currently in the company of the woman she'd want to go and poke at the man to investigate him some. Instead, she held back her curious nature to order just a water knowing full well she was an even friendlier drunk. Hitting on the queen in a drunken state didn't seem to settle as right in her mind. Taking a seat across from Satoshi as the booth she flashed her a smile. Her fingers were tapping lightly at the table top. While the other spoke she couldn't help but stare with a curious look at those fangs. A faint twitch of her hand. "Can I touch them?" She asked, unable to think of anything else beyond touching the women's fangs.

Satoshi blinks, the expression owlish. She can't recall anyone ever asking to touch her fangs, before or after she'd been sired as a vampire. Is there protocol for this? If so, Satoshi certainly doesn't know it, and instead merely leans forward to offer said fangs. "Mind them, they're quite keen at ripping flesh." This isn't exactly what she'd expected when she'd said there were beasties to poke at. Forefront of Satoshi's mind is amusement, both at the request and at her own compliance, however, ever lurking behind the amiable mask is that predator and fighter. She'll permit Emilia to poke, but Satoshi'll also be just as ready to bite at the first sign of ill-intentions. Satoshi does not trust blindly, she's a mimic and a mirror, always willing to reflect back what is given to her.

Emilia's expression turned the moment that Satoshi leaned forward to allow her to touch the fangs in her mouth. She looked like a child that was getting some expensive gift for a birthday or other holiday of gift giving. There was no ill-intent behind it the curious nature of the human. Of course, Satoshi hand no idea what she was offering herself into. Sitting on her knees the blonde leaned close to the other woman. A finger lifted to lightly brush over the fang on one side. A chill of excitement. Then she was moving to stick her fingers into the woman's mouth to open it slightly more while she glanced inside almost as if she was a dentist inspecting for tooth problems. If was after she accidently pricked her finger on a fang that the farm girl took her fingers away from her mouth. The face a confused one as it didn't actually hurt. Sitting back she stared down to the droplet of blood forming on her finger. "I like your pointy teeth." She said after a moment.

Satoshi sits back, once she's no longer being inspected like a horse at market, a spark of amusement in her eyes. "And I like your curiosity." Or is it bravery? One doesn't usually stick their hands in a crocodile's jaws, even if the lizard offers. "But thank you. They've always been rather pointed since I was kitten, only moreso when my husband sired me. A cat or a vampire isn't much good at hunting, if they cannot bite, non~?" Satoshi flops back against her seat then, chuckling beneath a sigh. "It es rather pleasant to relax, and -laugh-, I must admit. There's been little time for that while the war loomed over us all."

Emilia was slowly getting bits of information together to figure out a bit about the woman. A kit and a vampire at least that is what she has gathered thus far. The blood droplet was wipped off onto her pants. Her hands were brusied and cut up enough that she wouldn't notice the prick later. "Sired? What was that like?" The question was still curious in nature. She'd read books. That was her knowledge of most things beyond the life at the farm. "Laughing is good for the soul, Miss."

A nod follows the remark. "Indeed it is. Sometimes, it is easy to forget that, however. But siring... that is not something one ever forgets. The experience brands itself on your soul." Satoshi's gaze grows distant, the amber flecks muted, as she plays the memories over in her head. She'd gone into it willing mentally, although instinct had rebelled during the process. "You have to die, of course. There is a unique bond forged, when you put your life entirely in the hands of another, trusting them to not only kill you, but to bring you back. All the while, you feel yourself dying, every drop of your blood slowly being drained from your body. And then... there is blood on your lips, and a voice telling you to drink. I don't know if it was Kasyr's voice, or my own instincts, telling me to do so. All I know is that I drank, hungrily, as if my life depended on it. And it did. To not drink the blood when offered will spell death, for it is only the vampirism in that blood that will restore movement to your limbs, awareness to your mind, and fire to your soul. The end result is different for everyone. I've seen some regain their composure immediately, others are feral, or confused, or angry. Some go mad from the process." Satoshi had been of the feral variety, already a predator by birth and granted heightened hunting skills. It was all Kasyr could do, to guide her to a mammoth for her first violent kill. She'd been a handful of a fledgeling for her husband. "The gifts are different as well. Most seem to become physically stronger. Senses improved, certainly. I became swifter, a tad more durable of body. We all become predators, in one shape or another. Still, despite the gifts, it is not something one should go into on a whim. There is no going back, there are dangers tenfold, and there are drawbacks, y'know?"

Emilia sat back so that she could listen intently on the words from Satoshi explaining to her more about the siring topic. It was something that intrigued her, but how many humans hadn't before been intrigued into the idea of becoming a vampire. For most she'd met it was a way to escape death so that they could live a longer life than what was given to them. "I can't say that I know the pain of having one's blood drained from them, but I can say I know the pain of one's blood dying within their veins to the brink of death." A slightly confusing way to phrase what she'd went through months back. Something she never wanted to relive again. "Is that why you are so cold?" Was her next question for the woman. She was using the term to reflect the chill she'd felt with the physical contact with her. Not calling her a cold person on the inside like some she'd met. Two very different types of cold.

Curiosity is clear in Satoshi's expression at the peculiar phrase, although for the moment she tucks it away to be asked later. The question that follows is responded to with a shake of her head. "Non. Although vampires are typically not as warmly fleshed as living races, I am colder, and have been this way for a long, long time. It is due to my attunement to the ice. I hear the snowsong, all things frozen speak to me as old friends. I am as much a part of them, as they are me. Ice is knit into my very bones, my flesh is frost, my soul is Winter. See?" At this, Satoshi holds up her right arm, palm of her hand facing Emilia. For a moment, the limb glows a soft azure blue fingers meld together and hand is transmuted into an elegant blade, translucent and frigid as ice. Just as swiftly as the transformation takes place, Satoshi restores her limb to its proper appearance, dropping it into her lap once more. "Ice and I are one."

Wide eyed she watched as the woman's hand become ice instead of flesh. It was as if there was a sort of magic with in her that she'd never seen before. Normally, when anything magic related was involved Emi avoided it. Previous encounters always had ended badly in her favor. She'd lead forward, fingers reaching out to touch the transformed hand, but she refrained herself. Then it was her old hand again. There was so much that was unique about this woman that the farm girl could probably find questions to ask her for days, if not weeks, straight. Sitting back in the seat she flashed a smile, "I think you are the most unique being I have ever met, Miss." Her hands fell to her lap, thumbs twiddling. "Enough questions. I am sure that you do not want to spend your night beind interrigated by a silly human."

Somewhere far away, there is probably a familiar wizard frantically waving his arms and silently begging Emilia to say anything but that. Svilfon, after all, knows the endless depths of Satoshi's vanity. Having met Emilia is a case of the unstoppable force versus the immovable object, for one is infinitely curious and the other loves nothing more than talking about herself. Satoshi almost preens at the girl's compliment. Unique. The magus does so love to be seen as that. And she's on the verge of telling Emilia she's welcome to ask and poke away further, when Satoshi is interrupted by a young squire appearing at the table. Urgently, the lad whispers in her ear, hands over a letter, and rushes off, to which Satoshi grimaces. An apologetic look is thrown toward Emilia then. "I suppose fate is agreeing with you. For as much as I don't mind a friendly interrogation, other matters require me." She holds up the letter that bears a distinctive winged seal. It looks ominously official. "My apologies. But I'm sure we'll cross paths again. Perhaps then I can introduce to you some of Frostmaw's ghosts~?" Duty calls, and Satoshi must answer, dragging herself from the booth and pleasant company, to offer Emilia a salute before heading for the tavern door.

Emilia slid from her seat the moment that the other woman had gotten up after receiving her letter that was so offical looking. As the woman was appologizing for having to rush off Emi leaned in rather quickly and would, if allowed, place the quickest of kisses to the woman's cheek. They did it in books, so it must be the right polite thing to do. "Miss, I would much enjoy to share company with you at another time when you get a chance to have another bit of a break from your job." A warm smile, "Then I will tale you the other tales I have heard about you. Take care, Miss."

Satoshi leaves with a smooched cheek and a spring in her step, knowing she'll have another chance to speak with the farmgirl later.

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