RP:When Hell Freezes Over
This is a Mage's Guild RP.
High across the frozen mountains Alahir flies, dancing upon the air with the unconscious grace of a butterfly in spring. Through clouds and storms he twists and turns, his rather striking colours hardly seen from the ground, and if so, for no more than a heartbeat. But this flight is more than just the fancy of a young, though now quite large, couatl. He was sent on a most important mission by his wizard guardian... or the wizard he guards... they've not really sorted that bit out yet. Either way, he flies with a purpose, his air-acrobatics merely the whims of a creature so fittingly vain that everything he does seems almost like poetry. At least, that's how he sees himself. Svil often points out that he's not -quite- the beautiful couatl he likes to pretend, but even though this is almost a criminal thought for a couatl to hear, he can forgive the wizard Svilfon... he knows Svil does it only so he can be ever-more graceful, ever-more beautiful, if such a thing is even possible. Nevertheless, he flies true, dipping down at last through clouds thicker than most, through air as chilly as the ice-queen's wrath. For it is, in fact, her whom he seeks – Satoshi, Frostmaw's Queen. He sends his thoughts out politely, questing for her, but even without a reply he would fly towards where she is. Svil told him he would be able to find her, though he didn't explain how. He never explains how! A huff and a turn is enough to drive that thought from his mind, before he carries on, seeking Satoshi with eyes and thoughts...
Alahir will not have long to look, although the couatl can boast of an unfair advantage of both wing and mindlink, for the other poor souls seeking Satoshi have had no luck. The advantage of wing is what will carry the serpent prince to her location, high above the mountains, where the air grows thin and frigid, and the aurora dances its most wild and brilliant arrangement. Among the rose, ember, seaglass, and lemon ribbons of the lights is a small gathering of clouds, cunningly formed to appear both natural and throne-like. Upon said throne Satoshi sits, far from regal as she's cross-legged and leaning eagerly forward in the manner of a child awaiting a long overdue present. Amber-flecked eyes are fixated on the aurora to observe every sway, ripple, billow, and roil the lights have to offer. For a sensitive creature like Alahir, the echo of whispers from the ribbons can be heard, a song just out of earshot, ethereal and pure. It is this ghost song that has Satoshi enraptured, so absorbed she hardly seems to notice the couatl's approach--save for a vague quiver of her whiskers upon detecting his psionic signature. The aurora sings, and Satoshi listens.
Alahir shifts his dance from clouds and sky to twist with the ever-changing aurora which lights up Frostmaw's skies like a God's own ribbon. Beyond his perception, just, lies the song; whispering to him silently, so close but so far away, yet even still the lights are enough to fill his heart with a contradictory warmth towards the ever-frozen kindom. He spins and moves, coming closer and closer to Satoshi's true throne, and despite the fact she may not think she's all that regal, Alahir is sure he's never seen a queen personify the title as much as Satoshi does now, crosslegged and listening as she it, it doesn't matter. She is the queen, she is Frostmaw. He has no wish to intrude upon her silence, and is torn by his want to fly and dance with the sky's colours, and his desire to fulfill the wizard's wishes. And so he does both; flying around the cloud where Satoshi sits, while oh-so-politely sending out his thoughts to her. A question that is whispered and would be easy to ignore, “Lady icicle?” it's all he'd say. When she was ready to shift her attention to him, she would. Until then, he would play in the sky – the ice-cold air not bothering him at all, courtesy of a spell Svilfon cast. He is in no rush, and knows the wizard isn't either... what is it he always says? There is no early, there is no late; there is only places a wizard should be, and that's always where he is. Well! He's a wizard's couatl. The rule must count for him too.
As time passes, a subtle shift takes place in the air, the lights dimming and the voices quieting. A blink from Satoshi is followed by a contented sigh, as if she's just drunken deeply of a satisfying mead. "Your wings add a lovely note to the skies' melodies, son of Emiur~," the magus offers by way of greeting and compliment. One should always greet a couatl with a compliment, after all, for they are quite deserving of it. At least, that's how this vain creature feels about an equally vain species. "I'm afraid your sister isn't here at the moment, however. She's in the east, learning to fly on different winds to strengthen herself. But you knew that, I'm sure, clever as you are~. So what brings you to such frosty heights, princeling?"
If couatls could smile, Alahir's face would be almost split in half with the grin he would wear. The queen of Frostmaw always knows just the right words to say to a couatl, especially a young and altogether vain couatl. Alahir just manages to refrain from preening, while at the same time drowning Satoshi in a sea of affection. He knew well why his father chose to be the companion of this particular snow queen. ~I know where Emielle is, lady icicle~ the name Svilfon uses for Satoshi comes as easily from the couatl as it does the wizard. ~Clever my sister is.~ Another sense of affection would pour from Alahir at thoughts of his sister. ~But I don't fly here to see her this day. I come at the wizard's request. A formal request he said.~ There's a hint of wry amusement at that. ~He requests your company in Xalious, not as your friend or your wizard-knight, but as the Sublime Master. He sent me~ the thoughts shift then to an almost perfect inflection of Svilfon's voice, ~To act as your mighty steed~ There is amusement in that. ~So if you would, lady icicle, if you do not mind, I will take you there.~ He remains flying where he is, wings beating against the cold air, close enough that if she will, Satoshi could climb aboard the couatl.
Machiavellian by nature, Satoshi has a mask for every occasion. The one she adopts at the couatl's wizard request is regal, dignified, and composed, so that when she approaches Alahir it is in the stately manner appropriate of a Magister Templi. After all, this is not a visit between friends, family, or cohorts. This is a summons from the Sublime Master, and if Satoshi is nothing, she at least acknowledges the status of rank within the guild. Settling herself upon the couatl, the kit offers him a gentle pat of appreciation even as her other hand tugs her goggles down into place in preparation for the flight. "I would encourage you to fly strong and true, princeling, but you accomplish that naturally. Let us be off. Even Winter is not so foolish as to ignore the call of a Wizard Master." In all truth, and likely quite apparent to Alahir, Satoshi is bristling with curiosity. Formalities between herself and Svilfon are rare, for they are the sort to conduct political business mid-battle, or discuss the bawdy songs of Frost Giants over a proper cup of tea. Creatures of contradiction and chaos to the core.
Alahir waits only until he's sure Satoshi is secure upon his back, and had her goggles in place, of course, before he dips his wings and drops at a rapid pace, gaining speed quickly, before once again they fan out, propelling couatl and eidolon over the mountains of Frostmaw. This was in part a quick way to fly, but also an unconscious gesture from the wizard's couatl to Glacial Magus; he wants her to see Frostmaw as he does: mighty, frozen and eternal. He's not yet as large as Emiur was, but Satoshi would find herself comfortable upon him. And as they fly between frozen mountains and archaic mountain ranges his thoughts are an unending trail of comments, mostly upon the landscape below, but also upon the state of Frostmaw itself. He is chattering easily, distracting himself from the curiosity both he and Satoshi share... Svilfon didn't tell him exactly what this was about. Only that he was to take her to Xalious. And he's not long in accomplishing his goal; soon ice and snow gives way to earth and village, but Alahir doesn't take her to the mighty tower. He shifts south of that, spiralling down with the languid grace of a falling snowflake, until he lands before the Xalious Tree itself. There, Svilfon waits, and behind him are many members of the Guild. From teachers to magelings, and everything in between. They line up in loose ranks, chatting amongst themselves easily... at least, those who are not struck silent by the sight of Satoshi and Alahir landing before the tree, something which will soon cause the couatl to preen proudly. But for now, he'd simply land, and allow Satoshi the freedom to climb off and face whatever it is the wizard has in mind.
It is a fortunate thing Satoshi is not a timid creature, else she'd find the waiting group an intimidating affair. But for the magus, a gathering of mage ranks silently awaiting her arrival is something she feels is due to her, despite knowing what the occasion might be. And with a couatl as her 'mighty steed', she can't help but cut an impressive figure, can she? As Satoshi slips neatly from Alahir's back, she lets a hand stroke over his scales in an unspoken thank you--with more than ample mental praise for his fine flying skills. Were it any other time, she might have stopped to speak further compliments aloud, but the waiting mages and wizard prompt Satoshi to approach. With a colorful couatl as a backdrop it is a striking contrast the eidolon's snow-hued form creates as she strides forward, all the moreso with the array of nine tails unfurled around her. A swirl of snow flows about the foxkin's hands then, manifesting the icy form of her Xalious Staff between one step and the next. Satoshi comes to a halt paces away from Svilfon then, boots making a faint crunch of frost on the grass as she offers him a deep, formal bow. A second bow is given to the gathered mages, followed by a drawn out one for the Xalious Tree--for without the God of Magic, none of them would be standing here now. Curiosity still runs rampant in Satoshi's mind, apparent as an amber gleam in her eyes, but otherwise she says and asks nothing, merely awaits the wizard's next move.
Svilfon silently watches Satoshi, his expression unreadable, even to the perceptive ice-magus who knows him so well. For a long moment he remains thus, any changes in Satoshi not eliciting immediate reaction from the wizard, before he clears his throat, which has an immediate effect: All the chatter dies down from those gathered by the wizard to witness what is to come this day. Alahir, knowing the mage business is about to start, spreads his wings and flies just high enough to enwrap himself in the upper branches of the Xalious Tree with a familiarity born of one who grew up very near to this place. When Svil finally speaks, his voice carries far without visible effort, silencing any other noises in the area. “Satoshi Azakhaer, thank you for coming.” He tips his hat, the gesture somehow regal and serious, despite it looking exactly the same as usual, before he waves a hand, causing his Xalious wand to appear. “Rare it is I am forced to exercise the power of my position in the Guild towards ranking members, but on this day I must.” He falls silent for a moment, before taking half a step forward, showing he is wearing his Lamen of Arcane Mastery outside his robes; it rests on his chest comfortably, beside an insignia which isn't usually there – it is the Mage Guild symbol. “I can no longer sit back and allow you the title of Satoshi, Magister Templi of the Mage's Guild.” He sighs quite dramatically, “Your actions these past months... they have not gone unnoticed by me. Nor by Tiphareth D'Artes, Archmage of Hollow. How can we allow you to call yourself by a title that you do not deserve any longer? It would be hypocrisy, and I will not stand for it.” His face becomes menacing, even as Alahir's thoughts echo with horror mixed with shock across those gathered. He wouldn't have gone to Frostmaw if he thought it would lead to Satoshi losing her title in the Guild! This thought is blocked entirely by Svilfon, though. He keeps his gaze on Satoshi. “What have you to say, before my decision is read?”
Satoshi has many crimes and sins she can assign to her name, although none spring to mind that would ever threaten her standing in the Mage's Guild. It is, after all, a position she holds as seriously and dearly as she does her rank in Frostmaw. This, coupled with a long familiarity with the wizard, is enough to keep the magus from appearing alarmed at Svilfon's declaration. He's up to something. She can feel it in those whiskers he conjured upon her. ...But what? Only one way to find out. Squaring her shoulders and lifting her chin proudly, Satoshi simply says, in a tone mixed with dignity and deference both, "You are the Sublime Master, I have no reason now or ever to argue your decisions concerning the Mage's Guild."
Satoshi rolls the dice on that one.
Svilfon cannot help but let out a quiet laugh. He practiced this in front of a mirror many times, to get his seriousness down, an expression stern and severe to show when facing Satoshi, something not easy for him considering their relationship. But... he is reminded by her simple words; the simple gesture of her squaring her shoulders, why she is the queen of Frostmaw... why she is who she is in the Guild... why he likes her as he does. Plus, he's a wizard; he takes his responsibilities seriously, but only so seriously; there's not a force in Hollow strong enough to truly alter his nature. And so he speaks again through a grin that's crooked, flashing the gaps in his teeth with his fangs, all in equal measure. “Then I shall not give you a reason to argue this decision. Satoshi Azakhaer, Queen of Frostmaw, friend of mine.. family.. more than that, even..” Despite more often than not Svil is also wizard of words, some things like the bonds they share truly defies explanation, “..as Sublime Master of the Mage's Guild, with the full acceptance of Tiphareth, Archmage of Hollow, I bestow upon you a new title.” He clears his throat again, he cannot help but add some performance flair, “ I name you Magister Glacies, unequalled Master of the Element of Ice, undisputed, at least by anyone sane, Grandmaster of Cyromancy in the Mage's Guild and all of Hollow.” He grins again, the look far more natural on a face made for joviality, before tipping his hat once more. “There has never in the long history of this world been any who can rival your mastery over ice, snow and frost. And only very rarely has there been cases of people more well-read upon the archaic nature of this world than you are. Very, very few can equal your power, and very, very few can ever hope to rival it. You are more than a Magister Templi; your actions and loyalty have proven this beyond any doubt. This title I name you is not given by me, or by Tiphareth. It has been earned by you alone. Wear it well, Lady Icicle, as it suits you as much as those fine whiskers you have.” That said, Svilfon drops into a deep and respectful bow to the Magister Glacies; a gesture as rare as wizard's teeth, and one only ever shared with those most deserving. “I hope it is to your liking, my patience wouldn't allow me to wait any longer before announcing this to everyone.” He grins again at that, and the moment he stops speaking the mage's who've gathered drop into a bow themselves, silently honouring Satoshi, Lady Icicle, Queen of Frostmaw, Magister Glacies of the Mage's Guild, Grandmaster of Cyromancy.
Satoshi could list many, many reasons why she is so fond of the wizard Svilfon, and yet the fact that such things don't need to be listed tops it all. There is a bond between them, forged in war, death, conflict, laughter, and song, that requires little to be spoke while volumes are exchanged. It is why Satoshi finds no need to say anything more than, "How could I refuse?" And with that, all masks of a regal queen melt as swiftly as a snowflake in Summer, as the magus laughs, leans forward with Svilfon's bow, and offers him a tug of his hat. There's an impish gleam in her eye that clearly says, 'It's about time I got such a fancy title!' Ever since meeting Kasyr, and having no worthy titles to match his own upon introduction, it had been a goal of Satoshi's to obtain ranking names. She can think of none she'd be more content with than this one, as it clear by the grin that curls her whiskers. A bow is offered to the mages, along with a quietly spoken, "Thank you" before Satoshi straightens. Her grip tightens upon her Xalious Staff as she lifts it on high, giving it a flourish before bringing it down with a sharp 'crack' upon the ground. In a flash of azure light, the grass before the Xalious tree is covered in a fine layer of frost, and from the branches above drift down delicate snowflakes. How else is the newly titled Magister Glacies meant to show her acceptance than with a personal snowstorm?
Svilfon flashes another smile at Satoshi, though whether it's at the hat-tug, her words, both unspoken and spoken, or her bringing a little bit of winter to the eternally warm Xalious, it's hard to tell. But the grin shows appreciation for it all, even as his hat and robes, the latter looking in remarkably good shape, I might add - He made sure they were at their best for this (his hat is always at its best, which goes without saying) – even as it all gets coated in a thin layer of snowflakes, which fills Svilfon with a terrible longing for home. He misses Frostmaw, almost as much as he's missed Satoshi. But there is still something which must be done. After a moment's pause, in which the gathered mages let out oohs and ahhs, some of the younger even breaking ranks to play in the frosty snow, he speaks again. “You cannot, of course. If you could, you'd not be worthy of it.” He grins again at that, before making a slight gesture with his hand. It was his intention for the gathered mages to create a show much like Satie did, except a myriad of magicks, each showing their skill in their own discipline. But after Satoshi's snowflakes, they all try a little too hard, and within moments the air around the Xalious Tree is alight with fiery explosions, crackling lightning, a bit more frost, some black stuff which looks a lot like death... chaos, wind, even nature magic, all of it explodes as the mages lose themselves in trying to keep up with what Satoshi so casually did. Svil acts quickly, turning to rest his hand against the Xalious Tree and using it to aid him in erecting a barrier which blocks most the errant magic from getting near Satoshi and himself. And within it he speaks again. “I do hope you like it. I sent the letter so long ago, and have had so many tasks...” He speaks rather casually, considering the cacophony of archaic noise going on around them; Alahir thankfully reacting quick enough to fly off towards the tower and safety. “But one of them was this, and it was the right time. Grandmaster of Cyromancy... has a nice ring to it, even if I do say so myself.”
Satoshi's ears flick back against the noise of the magely 'fireworks', relief apparent on her face once the barrier is erected. At Svilfon's comment, she waves a hand to dismiss anything that might resemble an apology--not that wizards are prone to apologizing. "You would not be a wizard, if you had more fingers, toes, and teeth than tasks." Maybe that's why Svilfon has so many missing teeth, to cut down on how many projects he must take upon himself. "As for "Grandmaster of Cryomancy". Of course it has a nice ring to it, for it is moi, and I am it. We could not be, if we did not ring nicely~." It's at this point that a summoned stone-imp ricochets off the barrier, a comet's tail of sparks in its wake as it screeches through the air. Satoshi eyes the unfortunate creature's path, to make a mental note on its caster. To Svilfon, she adds with a crooked smirk, "We might wake the entire Xalious Range, if we don't stop that lot soon."
Svilfon nods his head in agreement to Satoshi's words, “This one was a priority, though. As much as any task, or tooth, I still have. A new title I was given, but how could I get one and not you, too? You deserve it far more than I do.” He nods his head again at that, “and you are correct. It rings as nice as the sound of Frostmawian storms,” which is a sound unlike any other, one which Svilfon quite enjoys. “And let them wake! Should not the town share your celebration, lady icicle?” He flashes a wink at that, and another crooked grin, before lifting his hand off the Xalious Tree and using it to tip his hat, while at the same time spinning his wand through his fingers. “Though, I do fear they've gotten a little carried away. Shall we?” He grins again, as he often does in the company of the ice-magus; silent invitation for her to start trying to reign them in, and equally silent assurance he will be right there beside her.
Satoshi returns Svilfon's nod as she turns to face the hoard of mages and their gleeful castings. A sidelong glance is tossed to the wizard, a smirk serving as an unspoken challenge. Who can stop them quicker? The fiery master of all things wizardly? Or... "Next one to cast a spell thoughtlessly is signing up for lessons with me!" The One Lesson Lady has delivered her attack. Your move, Svilfon!
Svilfon returns the smirk with a crooked grin; Satoshi was good, oh yes – scaring them with the horror of being forced into lessons with the One Lesson Lady, but the wizard has many tricks up these sleeves of his, oh yes! So he speaks quickly, loudly; the noise a thunderous accompaniment to the storm of sorts Satie created. “The next person who casts a spell will be forced to accompany Satoshi and I next time we go hunting Stinkbeasts...” He's sure they -all- remember the smell which came out of the well for a good month after the last time... let's see what scares them more!
Satoshi almost wants to accuse Svilfon of cheating. The last mageling to join them in a hunt for those wretched pseudo-wyrms didn't come back alive. But then... that's not too far off the mark for her own threat of lessons, is it? She's gotten better, honest! Ezekiel hasn't died yet, despite a thousand reasons for the rabbity man's heart to explode by this point. If Satoshi can keep that apprentice alive, she can keep any alive. Right? Right. New title, new lease on life. It's time Satoshi left that old--and less than flattering--nickname in the past. Amidst these thoughts, the mages present have settled into a hasty but complete silence, save for the poor bloke who had summoned the stone-imp. The little creature is less than pleased about its conjuration and is currently taking it out by chewing on the young sorcerer's ankle. And it's taking everything the lad has to resist crying out to break the silence.
Svilfon nods to the mages as they fall into silence, many of them rather pale, except the one who's doing a valiant job at ignoring the stone-imp chewing on his obviously morish robes. After the nod, the wizard turns back to Sato and grins, “Call it a draw?” He thinks its fitting, though the slightly crooked nature of his smile shows perhaps he's picked up on Satie's thoughts about a new lease on life, “No, you win. I'll give you this last victory, gained with the remnants of your old title.” He tips his hat.
Satoshi reaches up to mimic Svilfon's hat tipping, only to remember belatedly that her own hat had gone the way of the valiant hero. Instead, the magus salutes the wizard. She would have accepted a draw. The last time they contended beneath this tree, she had declared a draw--earning herself a poem by Svilfon in exchange for a pirate ballad from herself. Those are good memories, drawing the ghost of a smile from Satoshi as she bows to Svilfon. "Draw. Win. It hardly matters between you and I, does it? I'll see you again soon, wizard. And tell that fine-feathered friend of yours that his flying is as majestic as a prince among couatls." With this, Satoshi bows to Svilfon, the mages, and the Xalious Tree before turning her boots toward home. It may be a long trek back to Frostmaw, but it's one she looks forward to, for there is much to think about--and preen about.
Svilfon offers Satoshi a final tip of his hat in response to the salute, "It matters not at all, lady icicle. I will see you again soon... and I'm most sure he heard." The feeling of warmth and pride coming from Alahir is testament to this. That said, the wizard barks a quick order at the mage's who've gathered to go back to their studies... except the one who's being gnawed on by the stone-imp. He, Svilfon gestures over; the wizard has much to ask him. He is rather fond of imps, after all. He casts a few glimpses over his shoulder, though, watching Satoshi head back to Frostmaw. He missed the snow queen very much, and he had many questions to ask her... but such is a wizard's fate that sometimes things like that must wait... but he hopes the wait isn't too long...