Matt stared in awe at the strange portal. He'd studied such things, but had never seen anything like this. Calling the magic he'd memorized that morning to mind, he focused on the scene and said, "kusucs maujoc."
"Strange," he murmured, mostly to himself. "Such strong magic, but where's the source?" Trying to figure it out, he thought back to everything he'd ever learned about such phenomenon.
Unfortunately, he could figure out nothing further.
He was so deep in thought, that the appearance of the rider startled him badly. Crying out in surprise, he stumbled backwards and ended up on his rear in the snow. Embarrassed, he picked himself up and watched the others run to the man. Sensibly, Maddy stayed put and drew her weapon - he could always count on her to keep his safety in mind. Returning the favour, he turned around so they stood back-to-back, and made sure that nobody surprised them from behind.
Freyaj is not classically schooled in magic but she is of the north and had picked up many small bits of arcana here and there her entire life. She studies the portal and understand comes to her. The cold comes from the other side of this portal, but some does the magic that holds it open. I fear if we have any chance to close it we must first venture through to the where it will take us.
When the old man fall to the ground Freyja moves to him to offer what aid she might. Your wounds look mortal and I fear to try to remove the ice spear from your back. Who are you and how might we help?
Matt turned to stare at the beautiful blond as she spoke. Her voice was lovely; so lovely, in fact, that it took several moments for him to understand exactly what it was that she was suggesting.
"Go through the portal? Us? Go through there, to who knows where? You're mad." He turned to look at the others for support.
Evelina looks from Matt to Freyja, then back to Matt. "Well, we did tell the folk at Heldren we were gonna find the source of the winter...an' I guess if this guy was able to travel through it, that means its possible..." she looks over at the sorry state of the man and feels a nervous knot in her stomach, "...but he ain't lookin' much the better for it..."
She sighs, "But y'know...a promise is a promise, right?"
It takes several moments for the old man to respond; when he does, the words are raspy and interrupted with painful breaths, but he fights to make every one heard. Okay...no, not okay. The usurper threatens...threatens all! I - A coughing fit racks his frame, and specks of blood are visible on his arm as he lowers it from his mouth. Once I was...Illarion Matveius. Yes, that was the name. But the bargain that took it...took it from me was many years ago now. Now I...I am called many things. Harbinger of the Witch's Night, Black Midnight, the Ebon...Ebon Rider. I am a herald...herald of her return. The true Queen. Baba Yaga.
The name is spoken with a deep reverence; he lets it hang several moments in the air as he catches his breath. She came...long ago, to build her kingdom on this world. One of many, on many worlds. I followed...followed her, to herald her return on each in its turn - and I have seen wonders! But few were as grand as...as Irrisen, Golarion's ice diamond... Another deep, pained breath ripples through him. Since she laid her claim, her daughters have...have ruled in her stead. Each for a century, and then their rule is done, as the Mother decrees.
But Elvanna... He pronounces the name almost as a curse, spitting a gobbet of bloody phlegm onto the white snow. She refuses...refuses to bend to the Mother's will. Something...something has happened. My Lady the Witch Queen is gone - gone! We came ahead, to announce her coming...but she does not follow. My brothers...brothers are dead, slain by the usurper's dogs, as I soon shall be. Baba Yaga's wondrous, living home lies chained in Whitethrone...a trophy, I fear...and now this, this winter portal to the warm lands? And it stinks of Nazhena's sorcery, insolent, flattering syncophant of her betrayer mistress! I fear Elvanna means...means to use her weaklings to spread Irrisen's winter to this whole world...to bolster her power, should...should Baba Yaga escape her snares...
If Nazhena is behind this doorway, the Pale...Pale Tower is its source. But this is only one. Elvanna will open...open a myriad of ways, to grasp at power. Baba...Baba Yaga is this world's only chance. Only she can match Elvanna's strength. The hut...the hut can find my mistress. It knows - it understands her keys, in a way no other being can. Weakly, he holds forth a lock of white hair and a plague doctor's mask; a long-dried flower tumbles from the mask's beak. Please...please, I have no right, but I beg it of you. If you release the Dancing Hut, these keys will let you follow her path. Find Baba Yaga...only she can...can stop Elvanna from freezing this world...
An Ebon Rider? Baba what? Elvanna who? Clearly the dying man was going into shock.
Martok tried to comfort the delirious man, "Listen, it's OK. Are you talking about dance hall in a hut? Where is this dance hall?"
As much as Martok wanted to downplay the situation, there was one gaping hole in his theory. A gaping hole which spewed snow and cold into the summer of Taldor.
He looked at the others, Do any of you have a clue about what he's talking about?"
No Martok, you have it wrong. The hut dances. Its some type of artifact of the witch queen. And while I would have never guessed it in 1000 years it seems that we are allies of Baba Yaga herself in this fight and against one of her daughters who is trying to hold the throne in more than her appointed role as regent for 100 years.
Turning to the man Freyja kneels done and gives what comfort to him as she can, but says If we are to attempt this great deed we must know more. Where is this hut and how do we take possession of it? Who attacked you and why? And what do you know of this errant daughter's plans? Will Elvanna be expecting resistance from this portal? What shall we find on the other side and what must be done to close this portal? And what can be done to heal your wound so that you may come with us?
Cithembi's head whips back and forth as he does his best to track the conversation. The Ebon Rider's words actually manage to banish the cheeful catfolk's usual smile, replacing it with a look of shock, as if he cannot quite believe that someone would actually do such a thing.
"If... a portal like this opened in the Mwangi..." he murmurs, still trying to process the Rider's claims.
Evelina looks baffled by this turn of events, whispering towards the others she asks, "Wait? Baba Yaga? Ain't she supposed to be bad too? Like some kind of crazy all conquering ice witch?"
Evelina looks baffled by this turn of events, whispering towards the others she asks, "Wait? Baba Yaga? Ain't she supposed to be bad too? Like some kind of crazy all conquering ice witch?"
"So the man is talking some sense?", Martok was confused and didn't want to believe but the winter hole or portal or whatever it was lend the man's babbling some credence.
He asked, "Isn't that some old tale to scare kids into eating their veggies? Are we getting involved with a real life winter witch?"
He shook his head, "I think we should all take it slow here. We need to be careful. Surely there are people better prepared to take care of this..."
Maddy couldn't follow everything that was being said, especially what the armored old man was saying but she did pick up one word...witches.
"Matty! This strangeness is caused by witches. If we, and by that I mean you, figure out what's happening then maybe we can find Maggie!" The young woman still had her sword at the ready but she also grabbed Matty's arm and started dragging him towards the portal. "We have to go. This is the way, right? Are the rest of you coming too?"
Maddy couldn't follow everything that was being said, especially what the armored old man was saying but she did pick up one word...witches.
"Matty! This strangeness is caused by witches. If we, and by that I mean you, figure out what's happening then maybe we can find Maggie!" The young woman still had her sword at the ready but she also grabbed Matty's arm and started dragging him towards the portal. "We have to go. This is the way, right? Are the rest of you coming too?"
Maggie, Maddy, Matty. Martok was getting a headache.
"No, you can't go in there. You don't know where it leads. It's probably dangerous."
The dwarf was already missing his goats; it was a lot easier to get them to do what he wanted than these people.
He really wished he could whistle and gather them all around him.
"Listen Ma... Maddy. You don't go into unknown places the same way you don;t talk to stranger. Just... relax a bit. OK?"
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Maddy gave the dwarven shaman a puzzled look, "But if you don't talk to strangers, how do you make any friends? So you knew all these people before we came?" She lowered her voice, "Because otherwise you shouldn't be talking to them." She dragged Matty another step towards the portal. "Besides, it doesn't matter how dangerous it is when family is involved."
Matt dug his heels into the snow and pulled back as his sister dragged him forward. Of course, his resistance had absolutely no effect at all. "Madison! Wait a moment. Let me go. We can't just go charging in there."
His twin turned to give him a glare that was both incredulous and disgusted. "I mean, just wait. If there's a chance we can help Maggie by going through there, of course we'll go. But we need to think it through. If the other side is in Irrisen, and we're wrong...do you have any idea how far that is?" Looking blank, Maddy shook her head. Of course you don't. "It's far. Really really far. It would take months to get back here. Longer."
Turning to the others, he said, "Sorry, it's complicated. Our little sister, Margaret, Maggie, was taken a few months ago. That's why we're here - we're trying to find her. We're pretty sure there was a witch, or more involved. If this is connected..." he shook his head, pale hair swaying as he considered the implications.
Turning to the injured man, he said, "Can't you help him? He's dying. We need more information. What's on the other side? What kind of dogs do you mean - actual real dogs? Or soldiers? We cannot help if we get slaughtered the moment we step through."
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The old man's injuries are grievous. In fact, it seems likely that removing the ice shard would only kill him faster - at this point, the pressure the ice exerts is keeping him from bleeding out.
If we are to attempt this great deed we must know more. Where is this hut and how do we take possession of it? Who attacked you and why? And what do you know of this errant daughter's plans? Will Elvanna be expecting resistance from this portal? What shall we find on the other side and what must be done to close this portal? And what can be done to heal your wound so that you may come with us?
"We need more information. What's on the other side? What kind of dogs do you mean - actual real dogs? Or soldiers? We cannot help if we get slaughtered the moment we step through."
Whitethrone...the hut is in Whitethrone, Irrisen's capital. Paraded in the town square, a trophy of...of the victory Elvanna thinks she's won. At this admission, the old man's face grows grim with shame. I know little of her designs - but I recognized her...her flattering vassals. It was her scum that attacked me...that left me for dead, in Irrisen's wilds. The usurper Queen is haughty. She thinks not that any would dare...would dare challenge her, from any place. Indeed, few stand any chance. You would...would be fools indeed to challenge Elvanna. That is why...why Baba Yaga must return.
Exhausted, he falls back into the snow on his side, turning weakly toward Matty. I know not of...of your sister. But sometimes, the potential of youth is...is required, for the most potent magics. You may find...find answers there. I do not know. But you are right - this door does lead to Irrisen. Near a village that...that pays tributes to one of Elvanna's vassals. They left me for dead there, and turned back to...to return to Whitethrone. Nazhena - Elvanna's syncophant - lives...lives in a spire there, the Pale Tower. That is...is where this portal's source will be. Find that source, and you save this kingdom. But if you stop there, all...all the other kingdoms of this world will fall.
Carefully, he props himself up, gingerly avoiding jostling the ice shard in his back. Elvanna kens not her mother's power, the power that has...has sustained me an age beyond my time. I rode, fading, until I came across this place by chance. I had to search...search for someone who would take my burden, who would find my Lady. But I cannot...cannot come with you. My power wanes...even my ability to conjure my mount fails me. I have little left...but what I have, I will give. Baba Yaga's mantle of power is all that lets me endure. I cannot go on. If you will take...take my burden from me, I will grant you my power freely. But you must swear...swear, to follow my path, to find the Witch Queen, to save her... For your world's sake, if not for hers or mine...
Irrisen. Martok had never been out of Taldor.
Something inside of him stirred. Perhaps it was Lord Fire afraid of going to such a place where the cold was overwhelming or perhaps it was a chance for Lord Fire to spread his 'warmth'.
In any case, Martok did not have to watch the herd of goats but he needed something to do. Perhaps he would watch over the herd of brash youngsters that life threw his way.
He tentatively asked, "What power do you speak of?"
He then added, "Will this evil witch Baba Yoga accept our help?"
Cithembi watches the Ebon Rider's words carefully, largely missing the others' comments. He seems oblivious to the world outside himself and the dying man.
"If the Mwangi freezes... everyone would die. My people have no knowledge of the cold..." he murmurs.
Suddenly his gaze hardens, and he looks from Black Midnight's eyes to his mouth. "If this is the only way, as you say... then yes, I will do this."
Freyja looks to the cautious dwarf, her eyes flashing. Sometimes you must act on faith good dwarf. She then takes the dying man's hand in her own and offers I swear by my mother and by Shelyn herself to follow this path and to find the witch queen so that she may oppose Elvanna and set things right in all the worlds.
Evelina looks concerned. "Wait...this mantle...this power? It's all that's keepin' you going...?" Not yet willing to accept that the person in front of her is beyond saving, she says to the others in a flustered manner, "We need to get him..."
"...um...Somewhere...? Before..." As she moves in to try and help him, but quickly realizes she doesn't really know what to do. "As for this whole Elvanna thing...I mean, if she's gone nutso and is tryin' to freeze us all, I ain't go not problem goin' after her...but I'm still not sure about this whole Baba Yaga thing..."
At Evelina's worrying, the old man erupts in a short, breathy chuckle. I should have been dead many life...many lifetimes ago, child. I bargained with my Lady, and she has...has upheld it. She is powerful in...in her own right, but she has not risen so high by denying help freely offered, sir dwarf. Nor by shortchanging those...those most loyal to her. Weakly, one hand rises to the cloak pin at his chest, a carved-bone figure of a woven basket overflowing with a panoply of items. This was what I bought with my...my bargain; it carries her power, close to my heart.
But with her gone, this wound will master me, with...with time. I am failing, a wineskin rent by claws. The best I can do to serve Her is...is pass my power to another. He turns to Martok. The power she gave me...long ago. It will mark you as...as her servants, let you pass her wards. It will give you might according to your aptitude...will hold you alive even if you are but an inch from death. But it will know, should you turn away from...from Baba Yaga's pursuit. Abandon her, and she abandons you.
If you will...will take this charge, then take this. He begins to fumble with the long metal pin holding the bone basket to his cloak, finally pulling it free and holding it to Freyja. Pierce your finger and...and profess your service. "I seek to meet the Great Crone's need. So let it be." Any who would join you must...must do the same. Rewarded you will be...if you stay the course. You will see wonders...wonders beyond imagining... Though he fights still to hold on, the Ebon Rider's eyes grow distant, and a look of contented wonderment settles into the creases of his face.
Taking the pin from the man's shaking hand Freyja meets the eyes of those gathered with her before swallowing hard and pricking her finger. She feels rushed as she does not know how long this man might live. A crimson bead of blood forms there as she recants I seek to meet the Great Crone's need. So let it be.
Even though the man in black said he didn't know for sure about Maggie, he said enough to give hope to Maddy. They had to go to Irrisen and find out. Even if Matty seemed to think it was too far away. Turning to Matty she says in a slightly questioning tone, "So we'll go to Irrisen?" She then steps towards Freya and holds out her hand for the pin. "If we're going, we need to do that too, right?"
Maddy takes the pin and doesn't even consider the implications as she parrots, "I seek to meet the Great Crone's need. So let it be."
As the golden-haired beauty swore to serve Baba Yaga, Matt felt something funny in his stomach. She was so beautiful, so brave, and so noble. She didn't know what she was getting into, but she was clearly following her heart. Without realizing it, he took a few steps towards her, enchanted.
Maddy's question brought him back to the reality of the situation. He wasn't sure exactly what he thought about this so-called Ebon Knight's claim. There was too much information, and not enough time to think about it. But clearly time was of the essence, and if there was a chance that they could help Maggie, then there was no choice, none at all.
Pushing his hair back, he said, "Yes. Okay, yes, we'll go. This is as close as we've come to a lead." He didn't like the idea of pricking his finger - blood magic was powerful, and he didn't know enough about it. If the dying man was telling the truth about being given great power, then there was going to be a cost. Matt hoped it wouldn't be too high.
When it was his turn, he pierced his index finger, and repeated the words. "I seek to meet the Great Crone's need. So let it be." The drop of blood fell to the snow, staining it crimson. Matt shuddered, and passed the pin to Cithembi.
Cithembi accepts the pin solemnly. He does not like having nothing more than the man's word... but they have more, do they not? Is not the winter all around them enough testimony to the truth of his words?
He carefully pricks his finger with the pin, saying as he does, "I seek to meet the Great Crone's need. So let it be."
Martok looked about, seeing all these young 'uns just jump into danger without really knowing what they were getting into.
His herder instinct wanted to call his dogs and round up the herd.
But he couldn't protect them if they were gone without him. Besides, Lord Fire inside of him seemed... excited about this traveling to the snow and ice place.
He sighed, took the pin, and pricked his finger, "I seek to meet the Great Crone's need. So let it be."
He then turned to the others, "Now you all can't be this rash all the time. It will likely get you killed before you get to be my age."
Evelina looks alarmed as the pin is passed around to quickly. "W..wait a second..." Do I really want to do this? She lets out a sigh. What choice do I have? I can't get left behind again... Nervously she takes the pin and pricks her finger. Speaking in little more than a nervous whisper, she says, "I seek the Great Crone's need." Her voice grows even more quiet and resigned, as she sighs once more. "So let it be..."
Matt looked up from the bloody spot on the snow, and shook off the feeling of doom that accompanied it. He watched Martok take the vow and couldn't help a small smile. The dwarf had grumbled about goats on the walk here - he probably thought they were his new herd. He then saw the little swordswoman take the oath, and noticed her expression.
Moving through the snow to her, he put an arm around her shoulders. "Hey, it's Evelina, right? Don't worry, it'll be okay. I'll protect you. I'm a powerful wizard, remember? And Martok here - he has a rat! What could go wrong?"
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He looked to the other women - the one with her wolf, and the homely looking one, and the one who'd been so badly hurt. "Well? What'll it be? You coming?"
As the pin pricks your finger, a strange sensation washes through you - a fierce chill, but one that's invigorating rather than paralyzing. Your vision begins to swim, crystallizing into a series of disjointed images and sensations, the scenes in an uncanny dream. In one, a strange green sky looms over a white blanket of snow, the emerald light gleaming off ice and creating shadows that seem almost to move. Another scene is just a feeling of elation, of wind in your face and pounding hooves beneath you. A battlefield shatters into view, the tang of blood heavy in the air, and a sword flashes from your side to meet a foe ahead.
The riot of reverie continues, the Ebon Rider's long years condensed into moments - when you come back to your senses, you find that almost no time has passed. But the cold remains still, infusing muscles and sparking thoughts at once new and old as the hills. Battle strategies, arcane incantations, prayers of a thousand faiths - the experiences of an age flood your mind, and they show no sign of leaving.
At Matty's question, Arvanya stares at the pin in Evelina's hand, weighing it carefully in her mind. Wondrous journey it may be - but someone must tell Heldren, yes? Warn them witchery threatens, that a gate to the Winter Lands lies here? Give aid, if -
She seems unwilling to continue the thought...but Astrid isn't. She means, if the portal can't be closed. If it's beyond us. They can't be left alone to suffer through this. Some of us have to go, and some of us have to stay. And I...I'll stay. Taking the safe option looks as if it nearly causes physical pain in the headstrong woman; she looks longingly at the Rider's cloak pin before letting her gaze drop to the snow. I'll camp here, keep any more fey folk from getting in. Send a reply to my father, even, warning Oppara of the threat. Arvanya can go back, tell Heldren of the portal, help them prepare.
It is not safe to sstay alone, Blaze adds. These fey creaturesss have thought me a demon...let them tell their friendsss a demon guardss the gate. Ssee how many dare the assault. The tiefling woman's face breaks into a small, enigmatic smile. Go. You musst. We will tell the otherss what happened. And...besst of fortune to you.
Evelina gives Matt a small, but genuine smile. "Yeah, it's Evelina....and thanks." He doesn't seem so bad. Surely he can't be a bad wizard.
However, any comfort is short lived, as Astrid, Arvanya and Blaze all declare their intention to stay behind. "Wait? What? No! Okay. Well... I'm gonna go with you guys then...I'm gonna..." However, she looks down at the drop of blood coming from her finger and realizes its too late. She has acted rashly and will now be separated from them, despite her best efforts not to be.
Tears start welling up in her eyes. "Oh...but I have to...oh no...well..okay...I guess...just be careful then guys...an' maybe when I come back I'll see you all again...and we can go to the tavern in Heldren again..." she says, but the words feel hollow, as in her experience, roads parted rarely reunite. Without warning she throws herself at Arvanya, embracing the woman...then Blaze. With only Astrid left, she hesitates for a moment, knowing the woman to not exactly be the hugging kind. However, she ultimately just throws herself at Astrid too, leaving wet marks on the woman's shoulder. Finally she kneels down pets Auryel on his head, tearfully whispering, "You look after them, okay? ...And yourself too. You know how Vanya gets when you go an' hurt yourself."
Not able to hold back from sobbing for much longer, she just sort of chokes out the word, "Bye..." and runs off into the wood alone.
Cithembi nods in agreement at Astrid and Vanya's words. He looks like he's about to speak when Evelina runs off. He half-way reaches out for her, then looks to the others who had traveled with her longer.
"Ah... perhaps it is better if you speak to her than Cithembi," he suggests.
With his herd suddenly cut in half, Martok counted the people that he would watch over on his pudgy fingers. He was used to telling goats and sheep apart when people said it was impossible so it would be very easy to identify his new herd. he was already identifying potential black sheep and crazy goats.
he turned to those who were leaving, "I wish you well and prosperous journey. may you always find tender grass and cool waters. Do not worry, I will take good care of my... companions."
Matt waited a few moments for one of the women to go after the crying girl, but they seemed busy with the dying man. Feeling flush with new power, and pleased with the world, Matt motioned to the woods so Maddy would know what he was doing, then trudged after Evelina.
It didn't take long - she hadn't gone far. Suddenly not sure what to say, Matt kicked at the snow for a minute, letting her know he was there. "So, uh, you guys have been through a lot together, I guess. Killing trolls, fighting dolls - which you still haven't told me about. I'm glad you're coming with us - don't tell the others, but this is my first adventure. I might need you to give me some pointers."
Holding out his hand, he said, "What do you say? Show this rookie what to do? And protect me from evil dolls?"
Curled up next to a tree trunk crying, Evelina doesn't hear Matt coming at all. So, when he kicks up snow, she jumps up with her rapier in hand expecting it to be some fey or monster taking advantage of her vulnerable moment.
"Oh...sorry Matt..." she says with a slight gasp, clutching her heart, as she realizes it is just one of her new companions. Once she recovers from the scare, she becomes more self conscious of the embarrassing situation she finds herself. Wiping tears away with her sleeve, leaving behind blotchy red eyes, she does her best to give the young man a big smile. "Right. Yeah. I didn't mean to run off without telling you the stories...I just had to...um...check some things in the forest here..Is it just me or did I run extra fast...I think that rider just wasn't kidding when he was talkin 'bout power and stuff..." she continues to ramble, "Oh...but you...um wanted some pointers...er...well this is sorta my first adventure too..." she laughs nervously, "So...I won't tell if you don't..."
She gives Matt another smile, this one far more genuine, as the young girl seems to have gotten her emotions in check. "But, yeah...I'll protect you from any evil dolls that might strike...but for now I guess we should get back to the others...Your sister seems like the type that might get sorta worried that you're out here..."
As everything flits through Maddy's mind when she pricks her finger, she once again begins to doubt her sanity. When she comes back to her senses, she immediately looks at her sword and hands. Seeing no evidence of violence she says, "Whoa, did everyone else just feel that?"
She continues to watch while everyone else decides what their next move is. When Evelina runs off into the woods, she again waits to see what the others would do. When Matty motions that he's going to follow, Maddy gives a brief nod of her head coupled with an eye roll. Her brother fancied himself to be quite the lady charmer since leaving their village so she lets him go. However it doesn't stop her from constantly pacing through the snow while he's gone, listening for potential danger.
Freyja eyes flutter open and with a start she jumps to her feet. Her face is flush with blood and the sword in her hands bursts into flames as if on its own accord. Breathing hard she pants So much power. I hope my body can contain it. This Baba Yaga is indeed strong. After a moment she seems to control the magic running through her and the blade's flames are quenched.
After the others speak, making their choices, and after watching Evelina's reaction to the inevitable parting Freyja goes first to Blaze. We did not always see things eye to eye, but you are my sister and are welcome at my side any time. Grow in power and guard this gate until we manage to close it. Then I charge you to go and find another and guard it as well.[/g] She hugs the tiefling tightly, trying to reminder her that she has family in this world. To Arvanya she says [b]I've grown used to having you and your wolf around. I will not sleep as soundly without you in my camp Arvanya. You will be missed. she goes to one knew and pets and then hugs the wolf before standing and shaking hands with the hunter. Finally she turns to Astrid and a tear forms in the corner of her eye. You are a big sister to me, and I am not sure I can truly go on without you. she admits. But each of us has their own part to play in this tale it seems and the story requires we us to part, for now. Have faith in us Astrid and pray for us and look for us in some better future that I hope we can shape together. Kissing the warrior priest on both cheeks she then hugs her tightly for a long moment. After she breaks the hug she looks uncomfortable for a second and says Where did that troll spear get off too. If we are going to do this we had best be about it. She picks up the spear and her gear and takes a tentative step towards the portal. Is anyone not ready?
At Evelina's flight, Arvanya watches with her bow at the ready, giving the girl time to be alone with her thoughts but keeping a watchful eye out. Freyja's farewell elicits a kind smile. This Madison looks fierce as this pup ever was - you stay in good hands, I think. When Evelina and Matthew return, Arvanya lays a hand on Evelina's shoulder, giving it a rough but friendly squeeze before moving in for an embrace. Worry not, friend, she murmurs into Evelina's ear before pulling away. After all, must part to meet again, yes? And the world is not so big - I think to meet again is certain. She turns to include everyone else in her confident smile. All of us.
When Freyja addresses Blaze, the tiefling woman grins, familiarity making the smile only slightly unnerving. Thiss I will do...friend. We will watch and wait - and celebrate, when the door closes before uss. Moving toward the ring of spires, she sets a hand against the ice and closes her eyes; slowly, her fingers begin to sink in and water runs to the ground. Soon, a small cavern begins to emerge in the base of the spire, a big enough space to keep two people sheltered from the wind and snow while remaining within sight of the open portal. She even works a crude seat into the shelter.
Astrid stiffens at Freyja's embrace...but then, after a moment, she relaxes into it, even returning it awkwardly but earnestly. You have a warrior's heart - it was good to fight beside you. Battle well, and give that witch all nine Hells for this damned snow! You too, little magpie, she adds to Evelina, her heavy hand mussing the fur of the cloak on Evelina's back. Stay warm! If you have to camp, look for sheltered spots - anything you can get between you and the wind is a boon. Even digging into the snow can be better than staying on top of it. And don't underestimate how much help a few snares can be. If you're traveling for days, any food you can get along the way is packed food you're not using...
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As Arvanya and Auryel set off into the woods with a last wave, Astrid and Blaze settle into their small shelter, Astrid spreading a fur across the seat to lessen the chill. Freyja tromps through the snow to where the troll had fallen, looking for his great spear. She soon finds it...with her foot, nearly tripping over its already nearly-buried haft. The shaft is nearly four inches in diameter, and she despairs of even lifting it - but oddly enough, as she gets a hand around it, it suddenly shrinks until it fits her grip perfectly!
Everyone else gathers around the Rider, now deathly pale, but with a satisfied smile on his face. Take these...these keys...find the hut...keys...in cauldron inside... He holds forth the lock of white hair and the plague doctor's mask, hands shaking. Thank you...a thousand times... The keys leave his hands and his arms sink limply to his sides; after several moments' watch, they do not rise again. As Freyja rejoins everyone, his eyes close and his head falls. The dark mantle and imposing armor surrounding him fall away - soon, only his small, shrunken form remains, shrouded in a moth-eaten robe cut in a style over a hundred years old.
And in the center of the ring, the gaping portal to the winter lands awaits...
Martok reached out and closed the man's eyes. He wanted to give the man a proper burial but felt the urgency of stepping through the winter portal.
He adjusted his furry coat, made sure Kitah was warm, and started herding his new found friends towards the magical gate.
"C'mon now, let's stay together. No straying too far."
As she returns from the forest, Evelina takes a moment to brush the snow off her clothes, straighten her hair and make sure her favorite pin is still displayed. Bending down she chills her hands with snow and then rubs her face, trying to make her eyes look less red and puffy.
Seeing that the others haven't yet left, she becomes determined to give her friends a proper goodbye this time around. She embraces each of them again, and while tears well up once more, she manages to stay mostly composed. However, there is a distinct look of nervousness in her eyes as Astrid tries to impart survival wisdom on the young woman. Ok...so find shelter. Find Food. Use snares...oh no...how do you do any of that? Astrid and Vanya always just took care of all that... She looks over at the new folk. Hopefully one of them know how to do that kinda stuff...
When they finally depart, Evelina just sits quietly on a fallen log. As the others search the camp, she stares at the ground, occasionally kicking up lumps of snow and ice. When Martok addresses everyone, she finally looks up. She guiltily mutters the words, " Sorry..." realizing that she was probably the inspiration for the 'no straying to far' message. "That was stupid...I won't do it again." Standing up, she works on making sure she has all her belongings and is ready to leave...to wherever that portal might take them.
Cithembi lays a gentle hand on Evelina's shoulder. "It is all right. There was no harm done, yes?"
A slow grin spreads on his face. "Just do not do it in the middle of the night while the rest of us are not watching. You might come back deaf and missing part of an ear!"
He laughs--a bit too loud--and turns towards the portal. He feels a bit of nervousness, yes... but mostly, he feels the familiar thrill of setting foot somewhere new, somewhere he'd never anticipated being.
"Come, friends!" he suddenly shouts, breaking into a sprint towards the portal. "Adventure awaits!"
Surprised when the spear changes size Freyja casts a detect magic on the weapon and studies it for a moment.
A spear of Manhunting. She proclaims with both wonder and distaste. Not useful against the fey I fear but a hunch tells me that this witch queen will have human allies as well. Best to bring it with us and at least it provides and enchanted weapon for our use. Who might best use it?
Picking up the bag of loot found earlier Freyja stands next to Evelina, shoulder to shoulder. I have never been through such a gate. she admits. Together?
Curiosity slightly weakens Evelina's mopey state for a moment, as Cithembi speaks, "Is...is that what happened to you. That's why you don't hear any more...?" However, as the man runs towards the portal without answering her question she stands up and huffs slightly, "Hey Cithembi! Wait a second.."
Sighing, she picks up the rest of her stuff as the others discuss the spear. When it is offered up to anyone with interest, she shakes her head. "No thanks. Even shrunked down that thing looks kinda huge to me..." she says with a nervous laugh, "'Sides...I still gotta try out this new weapon Lady Argentea sent..."
As Freyja approaches, ready to leave, Evelina gives her a smile. I'm glad at least Freyja's still around. I they all didn't leave me behind. Giving the bard a determined nod, she replies, "Yep. Together..." and begins following her towards the portal, practically holding her breath.
All the goodbyeing made Matt feel a bit uncomfortable, so he stayed close to Maddy and tried to keep his hands from trembling. It wasn't really working. He tried to convince himself it was just the cold, but that didn't really help, as they were heading straight into the frozen heart of Irrisen. Not gonna feel warmer any time soon.
Turning suddenly to Maddy, he was about to ask her if they were doing the right thing. But he bit his tongue - she looked to him for wisdom and guidance, and had faith that he was right. If he expressed doubt now, it would only upset her. Though he'd never been much for prayer, he did so now, praying to the god of his parents. Erastil, please, let us find her, alive and safe. Let us find her soon."
Twining his hand through Maddy's he looked at her and said, "Well, you ready?" She nodded with a confidence he wished he felt, and they moved together towards the portal.
Maddy grins at Cithembi's exuberance as he bounds for the portal. It was good to be with people who always knew what to do. That way she could do what she did best which was protect those making the decisions...which up until now had always been Matty. It looked like there were now more to watch over.
She's grateful to have Matty by her side because that way she knows they're doing the right thing. His cold hand finds its way into hers and she takes it and warms it between hers. She picks up the pace as they move towards the snowy portal. "Let's go find her."
As one, the group steps forward into the portal. One moment, the sunny hills of Taldor ring the horizon...
...and then, they don't.
The most remarkable thing about the transition is how completely normal it feels - like walking through the door from one room to another. Or more accurately, like walking from a sheltered porch into a storm. Taldor's Border Wood had been cold...but this new place is beyond frigid, numbing noses and cheeks almost instantly. Evelina remains almost comfortable, swathed in her heavy enchanted fur, but everyone else has to tuck coats close against the furor of the wind and snow.
Worse still, Martok looks into the sky and sees a roiling mass of cloud hovering above the jagged teeth of the mountains on the horizon to every side. A major storm is rolling in - and with air this cold, there's absolutely no chance it'll be rain. The hillside you find yourselves on is littered with trees, but it offers little in the way of caves or more solid shelter. Any protection here would have to be built, likely an arduous process, and the open plains surrounding the hill are likely to offer even less.
But there is some hope of a warmer night - six miles in the distance, soft yellow light illuminate a small knot of homes and buildings. The going might be rough in the thick layer of snow covering everything, but by Martok's reasoning it is reachable before the storm arrives. Between yourselves and the town, you see a tiny dark clump moving slowly, perhaps animals or people traveling. The night there promises to be much more comfortable than one spent on the hillside on the plain...assuming the locals can provide a place by a fire. More importantly, the locals might be able to provide answers about the Pale Tower - possibly the icy spire jutting up from the broad plain a few miles beyond the town?
Evelina winces as the cold air hits her face. Pulling up the hood of her cloak, the young girl disappears under the far scarier looking yeti mask and she is once again grateful for the magically warming garment.
Not fully appreciating the danger of the cold weather while protected by her Yeti Cloak, Evelina looks longingly towards the town. "Bet they got beds...an' fires...an' food that ain't all dried up..." She looks to the others hopefully, "Think we can make it 'fore night time? I think we could..."
In spite of the cold, Cithembi is grinning, his eyes devouring the sight of a new land. He does not like the look of that storm coming in--he had been hoping to see the stars tonight--but he is far too caught up in his excitement to look at his companions and see their words right now.
Shivering slightly, Freyja notes both the temperature and the progress of the storm. We must make for the town I think. If that group of creatures is also moving for it, or at least in its direction perhaps we can fall in behind them where the snow is already broken. Easier walking, yes?
She takes a moment to adjust her cold weather gear and then lends a hand with everyone else's gear .
Matt had thought the cold wind coming out of the portal was bad. This was worse. This was way worse.
Clutching his robes around his thin frame, Matt turned to look behind him. "Aargh!" Matt stumbled back in shock, upon seeing a horrible apparition where Evelina had been a moment before. He heard laughter, and after a moment realized what he was seeing.
Embarrassed, he pretended he wasn't. "Thanks for the scare, that really got my heart going. It'll be easy to stay warm now." Looking at the lights in the distance, he said, "We should get going."
The walk was arduous beyond anything he had imagined. The wizard kept his head down and followed in Maddy's wake. A few times he stumbled and fell, and after a few hours, it took longer and longer for him to get up. The last hour was a haze of cold and pain and fatigue.