RP:Mage Duel Troll-Off

From HollowWiki

Part of the The Unbalanced Island Arc


Shesryn- Forest Path


Chapter Five: Mage Duel Troll-Off




Satoshi doesn't notice when they actually reach where Riss has stopped, but that could be because she's still preoccupied trying to muffle her laughs and restrain herself from fidgetting during the healing-on-the-go. When she does finally take notice of Christian's presence however, it's with a barely audible "Oh" and an anxious bit of feet-shuffling as she shifts to stand partially behind Kasyr. To say the feline's feeling slightly awkward after trying to murder her brother-in-law in a blind fury is a gross understatement--just don't go confusing it with guilt!


Riss looked up at from the base of the tree, boyish grin immediately lighting his face with the vibrancy of youth. "Feeling better now, Kitten?~" he called from down there; of course, he wouldn't stay down there. They still had places to go! Slowly, but surely, he crawled from the ground, to his knees, and then struggled to a squatting position. Damn, was getting up from the ground difficult with only one arm. And it wasn't that he couldn't move it by this point -- he could, in all actuality, move it just fine, he was just being stubborn, as usual. "So. What're we waiting for? We've still got a bit of ground to cover~ but the Order-side should be a fairly easy trip if we stay away from towns. And those with sensory-abilities. They'll tip any nearby Squad off, and then we'll be forced into a fight. And truth be told, I've had enough of fighting for one trip home, y'know? We just need to see the dragons, and get the hell out," he explained, long-windedly, before finally coming to a full, upright position. Without even waiting on an answer, he started walking; maybe he just wanted to leave the whole family-trying-to-kill-him scenario behind him.


Kasyr finally retracts his hands from Satoshi's, the formerly broken appendage given an appraising look before the tiefling simply nods. From there, he simply gestures over towards Riss, "Well, I suppose it es back to you leading the way et all. ...Why couldn't you drop us closer to here with that trick of yours?" Even as he plays twenty questions, the hybrid is already moving to jog over towards Christian, if only so he could see his expression, "Moreover, you do have some sort of plan for getting us back right? Can we at least -leave- the same way? Or are we going to boat back? I hadn't really thought out this part et all~"


Satoshi offers Riss an almost timid nod--if the feline were actually capable of true timidity. "Better, yes. I'd also not object to leaving this place soon..." the mage pipes in, experimentally flexing her hand once it's released by the tiefling. Still sore, but definitely no longer broken. Next time, the feline tells herself, she'll make sure to hit him with an object and not her fist. Nodding, the hurries to follow after them as she has been throughout their entire trip.


Riss shrugged. "I could've landed us anywhere in this place with how much I've traveled around it. But, when I completed the ritual, the port was the first place that popped into my head." At least he was honest, but what came next may have been just a bit too honest. "And I wanted you to see what had become of our home. As for having a plan to get back, yes, I have one. But I can't get us back in the same way we got here. It's a one-trick pony."


Satoshi quietly adds, "Good. Hate teleportation..."


Kasyr , if he could read her mind...or rather -if- he was reading her mind, would probably be pretty worried that she was planning for a next time. But, the tieflings a bit pre-occupied, "...Wait, So you're saying, you could have taken us directly there, but you wanted us to see the sights et horrors? ...Albeit the risk it poses to us, at that? ...I have to say, your choice in lesson material leaves a bit to be desired, monsieur."Placing one hand to his forehead, the vampire simply begins to rub- as though he could possibly soothe the beast of a headache that is starting to emerge. It's not the headache that fully sours his mood, or adds venom to the words, "It would be much appreciated if you shared, en fait- just in case you're crippled along the way. Especially since we have company again. Convenient company." It's the slow, steady approach of three figures that has the hybrid on edge- alongside the peculiar sense of familiarity stirring in his head. "...Oh, I forgot to mention. Me et Satoshi bumped into someone after you left. Or rather, we spotted someone running away after having observed us for what I can only assume es a little while." Now he mentions it.


Satoshi hurries her pace up just enough to bring her alongside Kasyr while a hand shifts to rest on the hilt of her katana, the blade trilling softly in a reflection of the feline's anticipation. "Not sure which I prefer with all these people: With or without warning. Either or, gotta take care of them first~." Idly adjusting her scarf--and sending ripples of ice through it with the touch--Satoshi simply begins to whistle quietly, patiently waiting like a proper cat.


Riss grinned as he saw three figures approaching from up ahead. "So, you decided not to chase after the person watching us, and instead decided to recover Kitten's sanity? That's fairly noble, coming from you, bastard~" What was this excitement? Even when they battled against the Ghoul, Christian wasn't excited. It almost had him trembling, fists becoming clenched, giving away that his left arm wasn't entirely useless anymore, but he still did keep it limp as possible, an attempt at saving the appearance of being injured. "This is going to be fun~"


Kasyr gives Riss a thoroughly annoyed look, before turning his focus back to the slowly approaching figures- rather intent on trying to get some indication of their figures. Weapons, armour, anything that might give him an idea of how this would go, "...Just shut up about it, please. I'd rather not have to think too hard on your smart ass remarks in case you two die, mm?" The hybrids expression has gone altogether dark by this point- eyes narrowing on the foremost of the three. "..Thoughts? Can we parley, or get around this? I mean, this is actually deliberate, isn't it? They're prepared, if they sent them towards us, right? That's how it works- as I recall." Even as the hybrid talks, a dull light starts to seep out from his sleeves- hinting at what was being made manifest.


Satoshi doesn't miss that hint of light--she rarely does, really. Currently, however, it's not such a bothersome moment of recognition, seeing as she isn't its intended target. ...For once. Drawing closer to the tiefling, Satoshi settles in to watch the approach with unerring patience, content to carefully and slowly weave her magic into the surrounding area with her still-maintained whistle. The feline's going for subtlety currently, laying out long, thin pockets of frigid air, scattered at seemingly random around the trio's fixed position and thus far going untriggered. At least until parleying is found useless--as she expects--and the other three are near enough for her spell to be worthwhile.


Kasyr || It hasn't been all that long really, since they had gotten that particular message from Liselotte, confirming the presence of figments near the border, as well as the severity of their abilities. Quite an excitable bunch too, as the thief had felt it necessary to mention her near brush with death- and the fact that is was precipitated by a weapon being -accidentally- hurtled in her direction. That isn't really the curious part, however- No, it's the fact that there's three of them acting in tandem- and that there was indications of it being a longstanding arrangement. The unidentified type of figment only made the matter more urgent, as it seemed to indicate the involvement of ...some new form of aberration. ..And then.. There was him. Delphine couldn't help it, try as she might- her seemingly composed state gave way to one of idle curiosity- the paladin reduced to gawking at the male in the black trenchcoat. An action made even more awkward, as it involved her pulling back the visor of her helmet, if only so that she could cup a hand over her eyes and peer. Not the most dignified stance for someone wearing full plate-mail, but she had to be sure "Cyran, is he really the one, do you think? Responsible for introducing that tainted 'thing' to our home..?" Cyran grunted at first, shifting the plate mail cuirass around as he's clerical robes began to chafe yet again. The things he did for the sake of spreading the word.. He still didn't see how Delphine could wear the full suit and move with such agility, "He's confirmed as Ekaitz' 'Inheritor'. Whether or not he's responsible for bringing it here, he murdered one of us. That...can't be denied." Feryn just snorted, the mage leaning heavily against his stave if only so he could shake his head at the two with disdain, "I don't see the point to questioning it. Just kill them and be done with it. We have more pressing tasks, at hand. Perhaps the dissection, both physical and spiritual, of that abberant one... That would certainly be a start."


Riss stopped as the Order Trio were distinctly visible, emerald eyes analyzing them slowly as his right hand sightlessly drew a cigarette from the confines of his trench-coat, rolled tobacco met with the flickering flame of a match, extinguished by a breeze that tossed ivory fabric and blonde locks alike. "Yo~ You three. We're not here to cause trouble. Promise," he shouted over, an inhale inviting bittersweet toxin into his lungs, released slowly in billows of smoke. If they had become close enough by that point, they'd take note of a sadistic grin that had formed by the end of his words, a grin that shattered his naturally innocent nature. "But, if you'd all like to die right here and now, we won't hesitate. We won't let the likes of you three stand in our way!" Right arm raised, fingers curling around the fur-trimming of his coat to give it a good tug, allowing it to fall more squarely on his shoulders, while his left remained limp, a supposed injury that Satoshi had bestowed in her enraged madness. In this action, a solitary weapon was also revealed, though only for enough time that they'd be given no more than a glance, should they be paying enough attention: Sebastian, resting peacefully at Christian's waist, underneath the shield of his coat in a chain-wrapped sheath.


Kasyr simply flexes his fingers, watching as sparking energy solidifies into something altogether different. Once more Empera ripples into existence, platinum hued vambraces extending over his hands, before forming into claws which overlap his fingers. The hybrid can't help but frown at the weapon, wriggling his fingers at the peculiar shade of gold his fingers pulse with- before simply returning his hands to his pockets, seemingly heedless of the small sparks trailing off from him as the excess current runs along framework of his coat. "Look. I didn't kill the messenger, that's a point for us not being mindless lunatics, oui? So, just step aside and let us do our thing, so that we can leave this island again. Elsewise, well.." The hybrid inclines his head towards Riss, the hints of a smirk crossing his features, "...It's not like we can't kill you and everyone else that comes after us, when that hornets nest is bothered, tu know?"


Satoshi's claws thoughtfully tap out a merry little tune on the katana's icy hilt, a similar melody coming in answer through the metal of its sheath. She leaves the exchange of words to Kasyr and Riss, instead focusing on eyeing the strangers while carrying on her whistled spell-weaving, tediously adjusting the temperatures of the air to leave large patches of sweltering heat where all the cold's been channeled out and shifted to those thin, oddly arranged pockets. At the very least, the hot air's enough to make all that fullplate dreadfully uncomfortable and burdensome to most living beings.


Kasyr ||Delphine's group stops advancing once they reach the 'safe' distance of approximately 30 paces or so- though that plan us questionable, given the enemies group is composed of at least one mage within the group, and the others were ...'problematic' to say the least. The heat only made things worse, turning what was meant to be a stoic standstill into a rather disheartened bit of shifting in place. She can really only tolerate it for so long- so with a nod to Cyran, the helmets removed, before being casually tucked under her arm. Which simply leaves her scrunching her nose up at the weathers sudden turn for the worst- while her free hand works to fan herself. "Feryn. Can you do something about this weather? ...With that vast, and obviously unfathomable well of knowledge you, and only you have at your disposal?" While the words start polite, the sentence quickly degenerates to a contemptuous note- ending with Delphines hazel eyes pointedly staring at the Mage as though it might wither. Feryn, on the other hand, simply leans forward and offers the paladin the most obnoxious grin he can muster, "...Why Certainly, m'lady Larue. So long as you remember the proper words when addressing one such as I. ...Though I don't see the point in bothering with such frivolities. I, for one, don't intend on residing within this area for longer than..." Kasyr, Satoshi and Riss are looked at with what can only be dubbed a sinister glance, before the mage continues, condescending tone only seeming to amplify, "is necessary. If you insist on consorting with trash, well, I suppose that's the norm for you, isn't it?" Shrugging, the mage offers Cyran a grin and a wave- an action which only earns him a gruff grunt from the priest. With nothing else to do, Faryn finally proceeds with the request, a hastily voiced cantrip resulting in a breeze stirring about the trio- a slight bit of relief offered by this minimalistic effort.


Riss shook his head from side to side, almost allowing a laugh to pass from his lips at being regarded to as trash. "Well, if we're trash, then the guys you're with must be just a bit above cow-dung, right?" he offered to Delphine with a wink, before following up with a quick, "You deserve much better, y'know?" Oh Christian, shameless as ever. Indignation was capable of sensing Empera's presence, and due to one of its kindred being summoned, it couldn't help but join in the fun, its katana-form snaking its way into existence via tendrils of holy-energy that trailed down its wielder's arm. "Maybe I could steal you away, and teach you a few lessons in ~swordplay~, if you know what I mean." With that, he broke from Kasyr and Satoshi, idly walking off, and not toward the Trio. No, he was headed toward dense forests, hoping his words would at least enrage one of them into following. Just in case, his pace was rather slow. He didn't want to get too terribly far away. "I'm sure you'd be able to teach me a thing or two, too."


Kasyr simply rubs under his nose with his sleeve, before letting his hands fall loosely to his sides. "If you're done being a Salope et all.." Pausing, the hybrid stares rather fixedly at the mage, "That means bitch- as in, that thing that ought to quit braying..." The hybrid promptly returns his gaze to Delphine, assuming her to be the leader, "I'd like to see if we can't try our hands at parleying. Seeing as how two of you aren't that overly aggressive towards us, Perhaps we could come to a, erm, comment-je-le-dit..." Kasyrs head tips upwards, even as shoulders rise and fall into a shrug, "Mutually beneficial arrangement. Et I'm not meaning a bribe, either. More as in, neither party loses an individual. I'll even say exactly what I'm doing here, why, et Riss can probably give tu a deadline on when we're leaving. ...Albeit not how."


Satoshi bites back a gibing remark for the stranger-mage, as much as she wants to taunt and tease him into a confrontation of spells she'll refrain while Kasyr's attempting the diplomatic route. Ugh. Diplomacy. Sometimes a fight -is- less painful than the roundabout game of double-edged words, far as the feline's concerned. No matter, though. She can wait, using the time to stealthily reinforce and neaten up her spell, taking quiet pleasure in worsening the heat levels around the opposing trio while using that siphoned energy elsewhere. "Erm...Are you lot all right over there~? You look like you've drank a bucketful of Fire-Breath Elixir each. Is armor -that- warm? How unpleasant~." And she can play the innocent and considerate kitten all the while.


Kasyr ||Delphine is, admittedly, at a loss for words. Whilst she certainly knows better than to assume Chaos Figments are mindless killing machines- she hadn't had the fortune of actually managing more than a curt warning before they invariably attacked. This change of pace is enough to warrant a small smile on her part, though it fades as she finally registers both Riss' words- and the worsening climate. "...If all parties could please cease provoking one another, long enough for this to be underway then?" Whilst Riss & Kasyr are each given a meaningful look, it's Feryn that she stares at with enough intensity to burrow a hole into his head, "...All parties." Stooping down just low enough to settle her helmet on the ground, she than straightens up and folds her arms behind her back- a certain rigidity entering her posture once more, "I can make no promises as to how this encounter may proceed from this point onwards, However. As long as these proceedings proceed peacefully, I will allow you to say your piece- and my companions and all shall determine how to proceed from there." Only once does her gaze falter from the opposing party, settling briefly on Cyran- "It is quite likely the best we will be able to offer you, is exiling you from this island- and escorting you to the docks to ensure that this happens." Feryn, when not engaged in muttering Cantrips to regulate the horrid temperatures, is busy giving Satoshi a rather bemused look. Given the fact that their group doesn't quite look as warm, especially with numerous cantrips now underway- well, It takes one antagonist to recognise another, "Oh, we're quite alright, cat. Dare I say, remarkably well off, even? After all, It's not like it's my...companions... are the ones facing a shallow grave? Though I do suppose you won't have to worry about sudden climate changes then, hmm? Whatever the case, it certainly is where worms like you belong. In the ground, in case your addled brains can't comprehend that simple train of thought. Hah!" ...Feryn isn't going to allow a little uncomfortable weather stop him from trolling, obviously.


Riss rolled his eyes. He was hoping for an encounter -- of some sort -- to work off the energy that had filled him. But, it looked like the only one intent on fighting was the man who locked his gaze so intimidatingly on Satoshi. "No fun~" left his lips, melodically ringing through the air with a hint of playfulness, back perched firmly against a tree, hands moving into action in order to find a cigarette. It was ignited and brought to his lips when found. "Alright, since you all seem to be friendly, save for the lame-ass, condescending piece of trash you all have in your group, let me shed some light on a few things. First off, we're really not here to cause trouble. In fact, with some of the things we've encountered, we'd prefer to not fight you all. Secondly, don't lump me in with that bastard," he explained, pointing his tobacco holding hand toward Kasyr, "I'm something entirely different. An experiment of the Neutralities, if you will. Figment of Balance. Also, Kitten isn't like us. She's not even from here. As to why we're here: it's a journey to save my bastard of a brother. He irked some higher beings, apparently. And, this is the easiest solution. So, how about it? You can let us go on our merry way, we won't cause trouble, and we'll be gone before you know it. Or, you can stand in our way, and meet an early grave. You pick. Either way, you're wasting our time right now. Kay?"


Kasyr rubs at the back of his head, before finally gesturing over towards Riss, "That does pretty much sum up the situation, en fait. I -need- to meet with the very same entities that changed Riss- to see about making an agreement with them. Which, I believe, would remove any actual problem tu have with moi- seeing how I wouldn't be a Chaos Figment anymore. ..Well, one would possibly remain- ..But, Well, suffice to say, it was self defense. As proven by my lack of hostility towards vous. So, yes, We'd like your leave, to carry on sauntering towards our intended destination- so that there es one less Chaos Figment in the world. I'll also never have to return to this island, ever again, nor will I be required to kill one or possibly more of your group. It's fairly generous as far as options go~" The hybrid shrugs, "On the other hand, if you insist on fighting...Well, we could work out something a bit more ...Civil. Minimize losses on both sides- by simply having it settled by a duel. ...Really, I'd suggest of wits, but I think that might be a bit unfair- since your ...scholar seems to lack them."


Satoshi doesn't show the slightest sign of being perturbed by Feryn's words and instead merely folds her arms and looks skyward in an utterly bored fashion, half-listening to the business-like exchange between the two sides. "'Worms'? That the best you got, really?" Glancing back at the other mage, Satoshi flashes a perfectly amiable grin as her voice takes on a note so honey-sweet as to threaten coaxing out all the bears from the surrounding woods. Leaving expression and tone are at total odds with her actual taunting words. "Or is your best that little puff of wind you're calling up with so much sorry muttering~? I've known trolls to conjure up better breezes after eating rancid gnome steaks and moldy cabbage. Fresher, too~." She's aware she's included in that 'all parties' statement but really... Kasyr and Riss seem to have that whole negotiating business under control. She might as well have some fun and keep the bored looking ass entertained with cattish banter. The mention of a duel does get a reaction however, with ears unable to keep from perking up as her expression takes on a far less friendly grin.


Kasyr || Feryns looks genuinely apologetic to the Feline- which is likely a clear sign of trouble. Planting his stave in front of him, the mage simply takes to leaning heavily upon it- as though the felines words are weighing upon him. It's with a broad twist of his hand that the mage begins to speak again, even as a cantrip is subtly guided by his fingers motions, "Alas, I had figured I might fall prey to something like this. I had forgotten just how dull your intellects are- how boorish your mannerisms remain. Give me a moment, perhaps three, and I'm certain I could work up something that might even delight your simplistic desire for conflict & discord. Even if it will quickly be ended, brought to an ever so orderly halt. ...A cessation, if you will." That last word is the spells subtle cue- a trigger for the felines feet to simply adhere to the ground. Unless the feline has something prepared, she'll find it quite a task to move her feet from that spot for a good minute or so. ..Which is when insult to injury is conjured with another few sparse words. A darkened cloud would simply manifest above the felines head, gloomily lingering a foot or two above Satoshi- before promptly going about it's dreary business. Which, is to say, the head sized rain cloud proceeds to downpour buckets on the felines head- doing it's best to follow her even if she wriggles around or moves. And there's this irksomely shocking bolts of something a bit more painful than Static fireing from it. Feryn looks thoroughly amused at his 'hard' work, Delphine & Cyran less so. The Paladin can only watch this little 'battle' brewing for a few moments, before finally sighing, " You are insistent upon continuing forward? Even if we agree to your terms, you may still have to contend with other figments of order- and we would be obligated to help them in your capture. I say this, because we would need to accompany you to this destination- so as to ensure you don't go about wreaking havoc in the country side. Elsewise, We will escorting you off the island, or killing you as swiftly and painlessly as is possible." Feryn quickly adds a "Speak for yourself".


Riss shrugged. He wasn't anywhere near Kitten anymore, and wasn't about to get caught up in a personal vendetta. "Accompany us if you'd like, fine. So long as we get what we came here to do accomplished, I don't give a damn. Also, if you two are going to fight, just do it already. I won't get in the way."


Kasyr looks prepared to try and argue for a more favourable outcome, than glances over towards Feryn and Satoshi. Thinking better of it, the hybrid simply sticks his hands in his pockets and follows after Riss, "Right. Agreed. Well, I believe our combatants are pre-determined. So, erm, bonne chance? Good luck, even. ..Sort of, even if that is counter-productive to us achieving our goal and all."


Satoshi is patient. Too patient. In fact, she feels more patient than she has in her entire life and she's got a sneaking suspicion it has to do with the hand resting on her katana's hilt. Ever since forcing itself into her hands earlier and snapping her out of that paranoid rage, the feline's been clear-thinking and calm, Asorial's usual insidious coercing muted by the blade's quiet, soothing lullaby. So it's with a saint-like patience that Satoshi endures the conjured downpour and mini-thunderstorm--seemingly oblivious to the fact that she's been immobilized, as she's yet to have a reason to shift in the slightest. Well, that's somewhat a lie. Satoshi does flinch with each staticy shock, but it doesn't particularly rile her past that, if the grin she offers Feryn is any evidence to his failed attempts to invoke her temper. "Aww. That's all~? A bit of rain and a dabble of lightning? You do things small, don'tcha? My husband," a jerk of her sodden head toward Kasyr as he ambles off precedes the words, "throws more electricity than that at me. This tickles by comparison." And no retaliation follows, the magus seemingly content to wait and watch, using the time and her words to continue the unseen workings of her spell.


Kasyr || Delphine and Cyran are backing away, as well- or rather, Delphine is solemnly moving to catch up to Cyran, who has already found what he's decided is a spot far enough from Feryn. The knight can't help but toss a comment over her shoulder, however, something about both Riss and Kasyr's words having touched a particular nerve, "Also, it would be highly appreciated if you ceased attempting to obscure the nature of your feline companion. We were guided here by one of our more 'gifted' trackers- and they confirmed the presence of two Chaos Figments, and one type of an unknown origin. We are fully aware of the nature of the girl- so any charades on your part are pointless, and somewhat insulting." Cyran actually tilts his head over towards Delphine after she's done speaking, quietly muttering towards her, before inclining his head between Kasyr and the feline. Delphine offers him a quizzical look before mirroring his point of focus. Feryn, on the other hand, isn't particularly fazed. Things are still fun and games for him- even if this particular encounter is on the brink of exploding. "Well, I certainly didn't want to know the sordid details of what you two do to each other to pass the time, but I suppose if you insist on sharing-" The mages arms simply stretch out to either side, a few moments spent muttering beneath his breath. What's peculiar is the way he moves afterwards, his arms snapping inwards with the swiftness of a serpents strike. Even the tempo of his voice has picked up, after that, making the manner in which he pointed and gestured at the feline almost comical, "Well, I suppose I can't be blamed if I want to make you hot under the collar as well." With that, his fingers snap- at once cuing two particular events. Foremost, is the disappearance of the cloud, one last spiteful bolt of lightning spitting out towards Satoshis head. The second is the little flicker of light that would ripple in front of the feline, before a flame would attempt to burst to life on the tip of her tail. And not just any flame either- this little wisp of fire carrying a particularly stubborn nature, intent on burning for either five minutes, or until a healthy dose of water is applied to it. It's not that the flame will even do that much harm- the magical nature of the spell specifically limiting the damage it can do to a nuisance; It seems Feryn isn't done with simple Harassment.


Riss shook his head from side to side. "That's impossible. She's not from here, to my knowledge. I mean, it ~is~ possible. Just not likely. I'm not trying to pull a fast one on you, but still~ I don't have much faith in your tracker, if it believed she's on of us-- or rather, one of them."


Kasyr pauses, then stares straight back at Delphine and Cyran. Now, this isn't an attempt by the hybrid to get into some sort of staring contest or anything- but rather a by product of him simply trying to gauge their expressions, and the empathic readings they were giving off. Something which leads to the hybrid simply frowning, "...They aren't lying. They seem utterly certain of this idea, in fact." Scratching at the side of his head, the hybrid than simply lifts up his hand, as though he were a student attending a class, "You mentioned before that your tracker had determined that one of us was of an unknown origin- but was a figment.The specific terminology of Figment was used- as though you were aware of his basic nature. Even though the particular variant that he is has never really been seen before. So, does that mean you have something that specifically determines if something is a figment, and what kind?" Inquisitive Tiefling is Inquisitive.


Satoshi can't quite contain a hiss when her tail is set alight, her instinctive dislike for the element enough to break through her composure. At least long enough to send the flame a venomous look while that infamous, all-remedying wave of mage's hand coaxes her scarf into life, watery fingers clamping over the wisp of fire in the same fashion so many 'show-offs' use to snuff out a candle's light. Keeping the scarf in place as a precaution--she does have two more tails that can be set on fire after all, Satoshi once more turns that overly sweet smile on Feryn. "You'll have to do better than that to get -me- hot an' bothered, y'know~. Wh-" a sudden pause in her 'innocent' taunt is the result of the other conversation's words finally sinking in, leaving the feline blinking and turning her attention toward them--the baffled reaction is genuine, but the blatant show of disinterest in Feryn is less so. "Oi~! What're you going on about? I'm not one-a you lot. Just along for the trip. A tourist. And really," back her attention goes to the mage, "your locals are just -so- charming~. Personalities of an old bucket. And about as talented as.~"


Kasyr ||Delphine doesn't particularly see any wrong on dropping this tidbit, especially since it doesn't really pertain to anything they can influence, "The particular ability of the tracker you came across, is to find and locate figments. Specifically figments. She specifically came across you three, and specifically detected each of you. ...We even know that the girl is a mage, due to the particular deviation she developed. ...Frankly, we're surprised she isn't drunk, or drinking- given it. I suppose, however, it's entirely possible you've forgotten. Or someone has done something to influence your memories. That practice isn't entirely unheard of..." Frowning, Delphine simply falls silent, turning her head towards Cyran to nod affirmatively. Oh, but onto the best part, Feryn! Hastened as he is, the mage's words are an unintelligible blur at first, only narrowly able to be discerned as a spell due to the particular reverberations that enter his voice after his speedy speech is done, "Leave it to one of your kind to be so ignorant that you aren't even aware of yourself. It's tragic, that something as dull and daft as you continues to breathe the air I breathe. This shan't be a problem soon- I guarantee that much. Still, before you give up the ghost, and doom your friends to die- perhaps a toast? It's always fun to drink to something worthwhile, like the obliteration of more worthless scum." It's with those words that the mage simply draws a flask from his robes, unstoppering it long enough to take a swig, before tossing it over towards Satoshi. Curiously enough, the flask doesn't have anything particularly extra-ordinary about it. It's simply a flask of whiskey, utterly harmless.


Satoshi is caught between throwing mixed looks of befuddlement and intrigue Delphine's way, and painfully bored ones Feryn's way. Up until the flask of whiskey clatters to the ground at her feet. Then that bored look becomes a distasteful one. "Blech. No thanks. That stuff's foul on a good day. However~," here the magus grins, the sweetness in the expression vanishing for something more cold and amused. "That's three. My turn now~." It's all the warning she presents, her seemingly idle banter having been her actual invocation in that odd brand of elemental-taught-casting she possesses, triggering three spells to activate simultaneously. The first two are blatant and trademark for any attacking ice mage: one being an abrupt gathering of water vapor around Feryn's feet intent upon freezing him into place--so maybe she -wasn't- unaware of his earlier stealth spell after all--, while the second is of a more violent nature, the waters drenching her coat ordered off her, to freeze into myriad needles before launching at the opposing mage in a volley. But it's the third, and most furtive of spells, that Satoshi's particularly fond of. It's one executed without any warning, those thin pockets of frigid air she's been constructing all along manifesting into sheaves of ice almost instantaneously as they plunge toward the nearby ground in an arrangement not unlike a mass of guillotines. Save that the arrangement is far from random. No, Satoshi's devoted a great deal of time and energy into the design of these blades of ice, and any bird watching from the skies will get to see the full display in all its scholarly glory: An excessively intricate magic circle within a behemoth branching snowflake, its design a motif of smaller snowflakes, and Satoshi's unique Mage Mark. The design is impressive in itself, yet it holds more purpose than to look pretty. If the execution isn't enough to kill Feryn beneath the ice, the fact that this circle has been modeled off anti-magic runes will prove frustrating as well, the arrangement meant to draw on the magic of any trapped within it, preventing spells while fueling the siphoned power to the circle's creator. Of course, moving one tiny piece out of place will undo the entire set-up, but Satoshi's been given too much time to think, and she's prepared for that too. Alter or break the ice, and the rest will shatter in response, triggering their final directive, leaving the one daring enough to do so essentially inside a blender of glacial shards.


K ||Feryn shrugs, one hand drawing up as though to snap his fingers. At least until the feline tips her cards with that peculiar little warning off hers. In less time than it takes to blink, the malicious mage invokes a spell of his own- a peculiar distortion layering over his body- and none too soon, given what follows. Even hastened as he is, he's only able to get one foot clear of the vapor, leaving him flailing and stumbling in a less than comical fashion as the ice solidifies around the remaining foot. Which, leaves him a fair bit open towards Satoshi's secondary offensive- as those needles fling into the mage mid-fumble. Which should be all the indication Satoshi needs towards the nature of the spell around the mage, as each needle impacts into his skin, and robes- only to explode into powdered ice, as though striking against a rock solid wall. The coup de grace is, of course, those guillotines of ice which are plummeting chaotically across the battlefield. Narrowly managing to flop onto his face away from one, "Oof!" this simply leaves Feryn to have two others land directly atop him, impacting into his body with a meaty ...crunch? Akin to the needles, the sheathes of ice smash into the mages body, if only to shatter apart as though striking a solid surface. Which, unfortunately, cues the rest of the felines spell- serving as the trigger for her magic circle to explode into a tempest of ice. The display is impressive, though the outcome rather anti-climatic- as Feryn never finds himself impeded by the anti-magic field. With a hasty casting of a shatter spell, the ice that's being stirred up in his vicinity explodes into even finger dust, the likes of which seem unable to pierce that field of his- leaving him free to focus upon the felines field. It's with his focus that the tempest of icy debris simply cuts out- an abrupt cessation as the mage wordlessly invokes his counter-spell. Unimpeded by the ice around his foot, since it invariably exploded when the shatter spell was cast, Feryn simply rises up to his feet, if only to snap his fingers as he originally intended. Which causes the alcohol near Satoshis feet to promptly explode as it's superheated, "Flame. I'll spare another cantrip for you- since your efforts amount to as much."


Satoshi's still trying to process the abrupt destruction of her intricate circle when the flask erupts, sending her tumbling and scrambling backwards to a safer distance, hands and scarf rapidly patting out the remnants of flame clinging to her. Not that there's a such thing as a safe distance in a contest of mages. Still, it gives her a little breathing room to finish digesting and analyzing the information, her katana's instilled calm allowing her to continue to keep her composure where it would normally be shattered. Funny what details you can pick out when you're thinking clearly. Like the one successful aspect of her little assault. She can work with that. Bowing, the gesture deep and over-exaggerated, Satoshi yet again smiles at the mage. "Oh, you're too kind, aren't you~? A regular saint~. Tell me, do saints take vows of silence or is that strictly a monk thing?" More harmless conversation turned into the ironic construction of a spell, a replica of her simple entrapment of his boot earlier. Albeit, this time her target isn't the water vapor outside him, but rather within. Namely his mouth, liquid-rich already even if one didn't count all the powdered ice--laced through with her magic--that he's likely breathed in while destroying her prior spells. Really, that tongue of his is just begging to have itself frozen to the roof of that insult-spouting abyss. Of course, given the chance, Satoshi's all too eager to continue to urge that binding spell further, ice obediently creeping along until stopped by force or command--not that the feline's planning on giving any such command.


K ||A response is ever ready when it comes to Feryn~ At least, as long as his tongue isn't stuck to the roof of his mouth. Which is the unfortunate situation that he finds himself in, looking all but ready to choke as ice crept along the insides of his mouth. ...That is, until his voice sounds out anyways, speaking those sparse few words necessary to coax the ice into shattering, his voice echoing outwards with that same reverberation as before. And again- turning it to powder so he can hack it up. "Ahem. We'll be having... none of that. In fact, I think you ought... to still your own tongue." Hoping the feline might be momentarily taken aback by his own rather hasty recovery from her spell, Feryn simply proceeds to mimic the felines spell- or at least, it's intention. The spell itself is a basic enough one, working to quite literally silence it's target- beneficial when cast upon an ally sneaking up upon someone, and ever so detrimental when targeted upon a rival caster. Whether or not the feline finds a means to ward it off, Feryns all to quick to begin preparing a secondary spell; one a fair bit more insidious than his attempt at adhering her feet.


Satoshi is decidely miffed for the first time since this back and forth started. This is the second time today someone's told her to be silent and she's been powerless to stop it! Not even her katana's pleading song is enough to soothe her as the feline bristles, with hands--momentarily disappearing into her sleeves in a gesture similar to monks attempting to calm themselves--clenching into fists as if she plans to deliver to Feryn the same response she did Kasyr for quieting her. Satoshi's fists don't stay empty long however, Asorial finding its way into her grasp abruptly and, as if in a fit of frustration, brought into sudden repeated strikes at the earth, wild and haphazard enough to hurl dirt and rocks in every direction as the berserking mage digs furrows around herself. And unless Feryn is paying particularly close attention to the flying debris instead of Satoshi's tantrum, it'll be an easy matter to overlook the one 'clump' slightly paler than the rest. Rodents were never meant to fly, but then they also were never meant to be reanimated skeletons, thus making Nom an utterly defiant member of his species as he sails toward the opposing mage with tiny, bony claws prepped to latch on with his landing. All the sleeve-lurking mouse is aware of is that his companion has given him the hand gesture signifying food is on the way, and this fellow she's thrown him at with the scythe's help certainly seems to be made of delicious flesh. The aged pouch and bottle harshly jammed into his little ribcage is nothing Nom needs to worry about. After all, an undead mouse can't be affected by a double-shot of contact Love Potion and Powder like a human can be. Even if he misses direct impact... Satoshi's been saving these two beauties for just such an occasion: Hildaffon the Herbalist Hobbit's specialty, extremely potent--albeit short-lived--infatuation inducers designed to take effect with no more than a splash of lavender-laced liquid or puff of Rose-and-cedar-scented powder.


K|| Feryn lofts an eyebrow as the scythe makes an appearance- before simply shaking his head and finishing his spell. Whilst Satoshi succumbing to a blind rage is entertaining and all, it certainly isn't productive to our antagonists busy schedule- ...rife with antagonizing and trolling people. Which leads to him simply completing his spell, ignorant of the airborne Nom headed his way. Which leads to this particular dilemma; Feryns spell, seeing as it goes uninterrupted, isn't a particularly complex one- but than, it never needed to be. Satoshi will find herself having a rather obscene amount of time moving all of a sudden, unless she has some form of spell that could possibly prevent a field of magical force simply seeping into her body and coaxing her into a state of statue-like rigidity. Which is quite possibly where the problem begins, given her particular plan involving the improvised infatuation bomb is quite the success. Even as the liquid harmlessly bursts against the field around Feryns body, the dust finds it's way in the sharp inhale that follows. Which leads to a rather discombobulating assortment of feelings on the part of our Jack-ass mage, "It's actually occurred to me. Seeing as you probably can't move- It might-.." Feryn only spares a moment for the rodent insistently gnawing at the field around his body- looking thoroughly disgusted at the construct, before his attention flicks straight back to Satoshi. well, not quite straight back at her, as the mage is looking her up and down like she she was a piece of meat. ..So, basically how he looks at Delphine, "Well, it would be considered a waste not to take advantage of this momentous occasion. After all, for a Chaos, you're not especially bad looking. I'd even kiss you, if you got down on your knees and said please just right. ..And I don't mean using words- As a subtle hint. I don't entirely mean that as an offense to you, but- well, your kind is renown for being rather lacking in the brains department." All of this said, and he's simply sauntering over towards Satoshi, fully intending to Cop as many feels as possible within the time frame of the spell. He'll even try to cast it again, ...albeit, probably too late- seeing as he's enjoying this game of 'find the goodies' a bit too much.


Kasyr is now gesturing towards Delphine and Cyran and pointing at Feryn, a thumb drawn across his throat for emphasis when he finally does get their attention. ...He's not entirely sure if the sympathetic looks he get are a go-ahead or not, but if this continues he's going to assume it is.


Satoshi vehemently wishes she was capable of movement right now, every passing second spent with the feline struggling against the binding spell, waiting for that sign it's letting up as she sends venomous glares to the approaching Feryn. If looks could kill, well, the leering bastard would be six feet under in a solid block of ice this very second. But alas... Today is just the day for backfired and failed plans, obviously. But even completely paralyzed, Satoshi is never entirely defenseless. She is in possession, after all, of a few items driven entirely by her will... and right now, she's got a good deal of willpower to burn and a damn strong desire to keep those hands off her. The first to meet Feryn is that will-guided, animated scarf. Without Satoshi's direct magic they can't freeze over or move for long, but enough energy remains to allow liquid fists a chance to launch for his face in an attempt to deliver twin punches before falling limp once more. Following that is a meeting with a solid wall of titanium and ice, Cerinii's coronation gift forcing a jagged Tower Shield between the two mages, and a particularly pointed spike upon its center aimed upon manifestation for his gut--only to be promptly deflected and shattered. With the shield sulkily dissipating, Satoshi can only glare all the more fiercely when the love--or lust?--struck git manages to finally get his hands on her. She's given the chance to half-form a thought of, "I hope you get frostbite, you filthy, motherless, pig fu-" before the frost-katana comes howling into appearance, lunging from its sheath with a violence so rarely displayed by the passive blade, its frozen hilt set for a direct impact against the underside of Feryn's chin. Today's the day for backfired plans, and protective appearances by the sword that fancies itself a shield, apparently.


K|| It really is sort of disconcerting just how stubborn that smug grin on his face is, the manner in which it remains plastered across his features- even as Satoshi tries to plaster his face into the ground. Twice does her scarf smash into his face, and two times does the shield ripple- granting it's owner a few more moments of proximity. Even the violent impact of a pointed spike does little to dissuade Feryn, though it does seem to quell the distortion around his body. Really, it's only when he's pretty much all but moving to jam one hand down into her clothes that he finds himself abruptly knocked back, a spurt of blood flying clear from his mouth. Not entirely used to actually being hurt, he can't help but lean forward to massage his jaw with one hand, as the other furtively moves to try and cop another feel. Pity he's not remembering to reinforce his spell, given his 'enamored' state.


Satoshi is free almost as soon as her blade goes tumbling away from contact with Feryn's face, leaving the feline briefly slumping in relief before a hand darts out to catch her wayward sword--grasp freed with Asorial having irritably returned to its dormant state sometime during the entire mess. Satoshi rests her forehead against the chilly flat of the katana in unspoken thanks, provoking a delighted trill from the peculiar guardian.. up until the gesture of affection is interrupted by an uninvited gesture of debauchery. Satoshi might as well have been hit with that holding spell again with how rigid she goes for the briefest of seconds, eyes blazing coldly, before her blade's hilt is brought against Feryn's temple with a crack, at roughly the same time that her knee comes up past his own in a dual-strike to drop him. ... Only so that she can proceed to kick at him repeatedly and violently, fangs bared in a silent snarl. She's long gone past the point of finding him worth killing straight off and devotes herself solely to kicking the living hellfire out of him--and nothing of his is safe from her swinging boot, head to toe.


Riss really wasn't paying attention this entire time, off in his own little world as usual. In the time that Satoshi and the assholish-mage guy went back and forth, Christian was trying to mull-over the idea of Kitten being like... them. Well, not like him, but you know, like Kasyr. It'd make sense, given her-- colorful-- personality. "So~" he finally broke his own silence, "I guess this shows which team has the better caster. But, now we should get going. You all don't have to accompany us, if you all don't want to. This whole encounter could be left under the table, so to say. But, if you really feel it necessary, go ahead." With that, the swordsman walked off, a beckoning wave tossed over his shoulder to any who would follow.