Thornsteel Fields

To get to the Thornsteel Fields, the party had to undertake drastic measures of departure, namely getting on board a plane. Blue and Van would not have the slightest idea why Henry - or Marcus as he once had referred to himself had taken the trouble of helping them with the d. The Prince figured that he had something in it. Either way, he was grateful for the mage's assistance. And like the bedroom was back in his house, the small plane was as quiet. A fitting circumstance for an ill man, almost as if the rest of the world had fell asleep.

Blue was silent as she sat within the compartment, staring out the window. She had not been on a plane before so this was a first for her. She leaned further towards the window to stare down. At their altitude, it would mean certain death if the plane malfunctioned. Blue frowned and leaned away from the window, crossing her arms beneath her chest as she stared at nothing in particular. This was the quickest and most convenient means of transportation to get to Thornsteel Fields so they had to accept it as she sighed softly. She hoped there would not be too many obstacles in finding and retrieving Van's body. As well as, she hoped that it was still in good condition. There was still one more problem to join the list but they will all be dealt with when they were faced.

Not long after, Van however chose to lift the sheathing compartment off the window just in time witness a majestic display, urging Blue to look. Streaks of fragile lights waved and weathered across the atmosphere with such a captivating luminous rarely seen. In fact, they would only be seen here - in the dead desert of ice. The Aurora Lights. "Look at dat. . ."

Blue would blink and look to Van with suspicion but obliged to once more look out the window. Her eyes widened as she witnessed the majestic display, her eyes capturing the brilliant and vibrant luminescence as the variant colors painted across the vast canvas that the sky offered them. It was indeed a sight to behold as she quietly admired the spectacle from her position the plane. "What is it?" She inquired. She had not seen this phenomenon before.

Van had learned the hard way that if he had referred to his accent, she'd never get the name right. "The Aurora Lights." Van said in a low voice above a whisper. "Ya can only find'em along da poles of da earth." Van would contemplate the situation for a moment. "Ye'v neva seen much of da worl', eh, Fiona..?"

Her real name caught her attention but only momentarily as she gazed back out at the beautiful spectacle and slowly shook her head in response. She still had to grow accustomed to being referred to as Fiona. The name symbolized many things, carried dark memories, and it held a certain intimacy to it that she did not want people to know of. But she allowed Van to use it, and to refer to it when he deemed fit. It was simply another indication of trust and attachment as Blue placed her hands on the glass, ignoring her reflection and staring at the lights while they remained in view as she retained a child-like wonder. Most of her world had revolved around Nede and this was something entirely new to her.

Van chuckled softly, realizing how captivated she was. In a way, he adored this form of innocence. But he had wanted to tell her just how much he intended to show her of the world, once they both make their stand. His chance however, was not tonight. Henry emerged from the captain's cabin, with his lip twitching. "Wha..?" Van question him after a few moments of silence. "How keen are you two on sky diving in the second most icey atmosphere in the world?" Sky diving? Van would realize Henry's predicament when he heard a boom rocket the plane from the left. "Thats Engine Number 3. Yeah, you guessed it. Insulators had malfunctioned." "Wha's da' cap'n uptew?!" "He died twenty minutes ago. Natural Causes of Death.' Van would slap a palm onto his face. "Lucky bas'ard gets ta die befaw us." Van would unbuckle his belt. "Ya heard da mage, Blew. We're leavin."

Blue was oblivious to Van's adoration of the innocence that still dwelled within her before soon her admiration of the Aurora Lights would be interrupted and her moment shattered as Henry came in to announce foul news. Blue quirked a brow in perplexion and slanted her head. Sky diving? She never sky dived before as she glanced to Van before she would also unbuckle her belt and move to take a stand. She went to retrieve her parachute, strapping the pack to her back before she looked to Van and waited. She was not worried even as all of the engines began to malfunction.

Van gulped, his face breaking in sweat as he realized he had only one arm to balance himself through the dive. "A'm havin' secon' thoughts." he said as he gazed as the roaring gales beneath. "No time for that." Henry would shove the two off balance onto what seemed to be the abyss of oblivion before he leapt after them, just in time before an explosion occurred. Van cursed, as he rolled madly in mid air, also realizing that his sword never had a wing of its own. Somone had to pull the parachute for him.

Blue blinked as Henry basically shoved them off of the plane and soon all of them were descending rapidly toward the icey peaks and slopes below. She could hear the wind roaring around her and the frigid air stung her face and skin but she tried to ignore it as they descended further into the abyss. Though it soon became clear that Van would have difficulty deploying his parachute when his only available hand was preoccupied holding Fury. She was not experienced but she knew by knowledge that to gain velocity she had to lower wind resistance as she positioned herself downward, facing the earth and held her arms by her side and held her legs together as she directed herself in Van's direction. The impact of the collision was certainly not soft or gentle but she grasped onto him once she could, wrapping an arm beneath his own and the other around him as she looked to him. "Hang on," she advised just as she pulled the string to deply her chute. The mechanism deployed and jerked them both upwards as it caught the wind. It was difficult than she had expected holding onto him when she only had one of his arms for leverage. And she needed to steer them for landing. The only option she did have was to wrap her legs around his waist and hope that he would not slip through as she reached for either hanging stabilizing device and looked for an opening that they could land upon as she guided them away from the cliffs and peaks.

It would then occur to them that a blizzard had been brewing into the atmosphere as they attempted to conquer the hieghts. The arms of the parachute would begin to unlatch, announcing a fatal possibility that Van registered as there came a panicking jolt. And if that weren't enough, his body began to faulter in the most inconvenient of times. Blood spilled from a violent cough, streaking upwards as his vision began to blur in that moment. You and I are not so diverse.~ Sounded a voice that was not his own. There came a memory within the darkness when he had once taken a fall and landed in shambles where nature decreed death. He lied limp, limbs broken and paralyzed over a rock as the stream beneath drenched him - and despite its slow motion - it could almost topple him over like a dead fly. Would Emma mourn his absence...? How old would the children of Arkin be by the time they realize he was dead? Whom did this voice belong to? His vision blur as he shifted his pupils to look over the gentle stream, before he realizing something glowing beneath the curtain of water. "Ahhh..The last breaths of a dying man." It spoke in a taunting manner of a tone. "What a bittersweet end." Van did not know what manner of life existed beneath the depths, but all the same - he smirked in spite of his ignorance. He could not remember why or what manner of power gave him that particular reassurance, in spite of his being. But he smirked and laughed, wincing at the same time in the face of it all. "A'll die - and bi reborn - a thousan' times mo' powerful!" suddenly, Van's eyes would open as he noted Furiyen shimmering through the blur. His arm tensed, the muscles moving as he tightened his grip over the weapon as he swang his arm back and hurled it to sail into a mighty plunge towards their destined doom. Just in time, Van would revolve to take hold of Blue's hand just in time before the entire parachute would dismantle, pulling her as hard as he could. "Jus' holdon ta me!" With that, light flashed within the bowels of the depths, evolving into a pillar that engulfed them, rising into the heavens. A magnificent tree of white leaves sprouted upwards into the infinite. The branches breaking as they fell through, suppressing their velocity with every breach they've made. . .

Blue heard the initial sounds of their dilemma as she rose her eyes to witness the parachute dismanteling, unable to withstand the force of the winds and the pressure that it was being pummeled with. This was certainly a predicament. And if they fell from this height, the damage would be catastrophic. She tried to think but she was not given the time before Van suddenly took hold of her hand and roughly pulled her against him, her hands coming to impulsively grab onto him as they plummeted to the abyss below, the wind howling around them and biting viciously at their flesh. Everything was proceeding so quickly that she was uncertain whether they would survive the fall but not long after, a pillar of light erected around them and she felt them crashing through fabricated white branches that began to slow their descending velocity until they were cushioned by a blanket of snow. But with the steepness of the incline, she found herself disoriented as they rolled for a few moments before finally coming to a halt. Blue gasped and tried to straighten her thoughts, shivering in response to the freezing temperatures as she tried to discern up from down.

Van's vision would return with blurs after the temporary blackout, awaking to the kiss of cold beneath him and the tiny puddle of crimson next to him, soaked onto the snow. His body was expiring. He clenched his jaws at his dilemma before he realized Blue's form struggling in the distance, struggling to a stand before his eye fell on his backpack. "Blew!." Van yelled, though winced for a moment as he realized his throat began to chill with pain already. Nevertheless, he sprinted over and slid to a kneel, tossing a fur coated jacket over the woman. "Git warm. Come're."

Blue was shivering violently as she held herself, frowning deeply before she noticed Van rushing over to her and draping a fur coat jacket over her. "I h-hate snow," she muttered her disapproval through chattering teeth before she turned to lean against Van. "A-Aren't you cold?" She inquired after initial examination noticed that he, too, was not properly suited for this type of environment. She began to look around, squinting through the vicious winds as the blizzard continued to run rampant across the terrain. They could not remain in this type of environment for long. And what of Henry?

Van too would gain the same inquirey as he took the time to register what was happening, while rubbing onto Blue's back with the only hand he reserved. He gazed beyond the tree that seemed to stretch into the infinite, before realizing something. "Da storm must've seperated us." He replied, in a low voice above a whisper. "Shouldn' travel in dis hell. Gonna haveta wait till da blizzard stawps."

She nodded slowly. There was no time to worry about Henry. All they could hope was that the mage would make it through the storm as well. "Won't we catch hyperthermia if we stay out here exposed to the elements?" She asked, rubbing her own arms to try to produce warmth for her body as it tempted to keep her core temperature stabilized and normal.

"A won' lie ta ya, Blew. We could. Bu' we have ta take ar chances." Van would help her and guide her to a seat against the tree. "Stay der, an' rub ye'r ches'. Ya need ta keep ye'r lungs warm. A'll git us some wood." Was fire even possible in this monstrous weather?

Blue took a seat against the white tree that had sprouted out of nowhere, curious as to its origins but there was no time for it. She simply continued to try to produce warmth by rubbing herself while she stared at Van and then looked into the distance. Or tried, the blizzard limited visibility. "Be careful," she advised. She hoped he would not get lost but soon took his advice, rubbing her chest. She frowned as she did not know how rubbing her breasts would help keep her lungs warm but that's what she had interpreted from his words. Her breasts were part of her chest, after all.

For the past ten minutes, Van would spend futile moments of disappearing beyond howling sheets of ice before returning once again, empty handed. His last return came to a fall onto his knees before he rested his back against the tree, wrapping an arm around her in some tattered form of reassurance. Still - they wouldn't survive for long out here. "Furiyen . . ." he spoke. And in return did the earth quake beneath him, surprising him altogether as he thought it to be an avaluanch. The roots would lift and emerge sideways and beneath before enclosing upon each other like hands, sealing them into a clam like shell where light and sound poured through a hole. Van chuckled. "Should've called ya soonah."

Blue had resorted to simply holding herself, her legs held against her chest and her arms wrapped around them as she tried to retain warmth. She could see her breath in the air as she exhaled, waiting for Van while he returned without any wood despite his efforts. Blue sighed and closed her eyes, leaning against Van once he settled in beside her before a shelter was soon made for them by Furiyen. Blue could not express her gratitude to be sheltered from the bitter winds and she snuggled closer against Van's side to try to generate warmth between them. She was tired but she did not want to fall asleep, not while she was freezing.

Even with the ruthless blizzard quelled beyond the blockade, the freezing temperatures would maintain themselves and the silence carried nothing but the urge of despair. They both shivered as they attempted to generate warmth. Van knew that his spirit should not waver here. He was engulfed in such dilemmas before. He was more concerned with Blue's own moral, the silence not making this any better. He began to laugh softly. " A remember da first tame A kissed'cha."

Blue opened her eyes and looked to Van curiously as she heard him begin to laugh. What could he possibly find so humorous while the freezing temperatures threatened to sap their life away? She could not help but simply stare as he revealed the reason for his laughter. "What about it?" She asked while she shivered, pulling the fur coat tighter around herself as she remained leaning against him.

"Ya threw me thirty feet away." Van grinned at the notion as his eyes lifted towards the light, before he chuckled again. "An' ye'r cheeks swelled up like marshmellows. . ." Rather then stimulating moral, he found himself engulfed in that notion, before providing her with a stare. "Ya eva figured out why A did it?"

Blue inhaled deeply and glared at him in defiance, her face reddening both from embarrasment and anger. He had stolen that kiss! Though any protest was delayed when he offered her the question and that stare. She simply stared back for a moment before shrugging. "Because you are a pervert?" She suggested. She honestly did not know why he had done it and that seemed like the most logical answer.

"After meetin' death at da' momen' A began to rethink ma life befaw A met Furiyen. Back in da village, ma life with Emma an' da rest of those who knew me." Van would pause a for a moment, gulping down at a bitter sting of a pain that engulfed his throat. "A rememba thinkin' of whetha' it had been worth throwin'it all away. A saw ya smile at me fer da firs' time, An' A foun' me answer." He pause again, squinting his eyes as he gulped his throat again. "A took us ta Emma's - ta face mai pas' 'n tell. A told'er dat A release her from all promises we've had tagetha'. Dat A found som'an else dat A deem fit spendin' ma life for."

Blue listened to him as he continued, unaffected by her assumption. She was curious to know why he had done it and since he seemed willing to tell her, she may as well listen to his reasoning. She stared as she noticed the change in his tone as he thought back on his past regrets and pain, remaining silent. "Oh, I see," she stated, though still appeared confused on why he had kissed her the first time. So he had fallen for another. What did that have anything to do with her?

Van blinked at her toneless answer, before raising a palm to his face. "Bah!" Van exclaimed, before he allowed himself a sigh. "A'm sayin - A wouldn' min' fer a moment - ta spen' ma life witcha." Van found himself frustrated - he faultered at this long before. "A'm sayin A love ya, aight?!"

Blue blinked then at Van's confession, staring at him with an inexplicable expression. She was silent for a moment before she canted her head and quirked a brow. "I already knew that," she stated. "I like you too, Van. We're friends. Not like you had to say it, I'm not that dumb," she stated and yawned, fighting off her sleepiness. Love was a concept beyond her comprehension. But what she did understand was that Van desired to remain with her, and that brought her a warmth within her chest she could not describe as she closed her eyes. "I want to spend my life with you, too," she said sleepily.

Van concluded at that particular moment that he was gonna die a virgin. Though, he was consoled by her response at the moment. For now, the barbarian prince took hold of the girl's head and leaned it against his chest, fingers carressing the strands beyond her scalp gently. "Go ta sleep." He asked. "We'll bi in here fer a time."

Blue did not need any coaxing to fall asleep as she soon dozed off huddled against him. The girl had known no compassion or understanding before she had met Van. Those were two concepts she had just begun to comprehend. It was yet to be seen if the girl could even harbor any emotions that resembled love, or if she simply just did not know how to recognize it yet. She just knew that Van was a precious person to her and she wanted to remain by his side for the remainder of her life. Even so, her oblivious and naive nature was not surprising. Blue would not awaken until some time later.

"Fiona." Her name was called in the darkness by a voice that was clearly not of Van's own, as the man remained in some form of slumber.The voice boomed gently from the barks of the tree; Furiyen. "The blizzard has lifted. I've dispatched an ally to our location. He should be arriving soon."

Blue awoke with Furiyen's coaxing, her eyes fluttering open as she slowly blinked the haze away before listening to the ancient being. She nodded before looking to Van. She leaned in for a closer inspection, just to make sure he was breathing. "Van?" She asked gently. When she got no response, she leaned her face in closer to his, to see if she could feel his breath or not. "Van?" She asked again, canting her head in curiosity as she tried to remain calm.

"Ruthless temperatures of this nature are bound to inflict some of illness over those who would dismantle their security, nobility and valor won't save postpone the inevitable." Furiyen remarked as the tendrils began to lift, presenting fourth a clear whether. The vibration made Van's body tilt. He was unconscious and ill. "He still lives." His lips were blue.

Blue became worried as she noticed the color of his lips, speaking of the dangerous temperature his body was in. Despite Furiyen's reassurance, she felt none as she straightened Van's body and moved to sit in his lap, wrapping her arms around him as she would rest her head against his chest. She could not deny she was very concerned for his well-being but all she could do while they waited for their ally was to try to keep him warm. "Is this person near yet?" She asked in a slightly impatient tone.

"Thats right, Stranger." Came a voice with a thud of a footstep. The fur coat, hood and garments distorted his features but there was no doubt that he was Henry. "Sorry about what happend. Storm'n all. Found an Ice Cruiser along the way." Henry would move to touch the tree for a moment, only to find the entire structure dissipate into silver particles - much like feathers. Van would not lose his balance, in spite of his unconcious being. Instead of the barks however, the body would be leaning against none other then the sword itself. "What the hell happened to him?"

"He's getting worse," she responded quietly, holding Van tightly as if she was afraid he was going to slip through her fingers. But she inhaled slowly and would raise her head to look back at Henry. "He's unconscious. We need to get him out. I do not know whether or not he'll wake up again so we need to try to find his body as soon as possible. This one is degenerating rapidly and I don't believe he has much time."

"Lets get him over to the Ice Cruiser. If all goes well, we should be there in no time." Henry suggested, running to slide an arm over the man's waist, attempting. "Van has never crossed the Thornsteel Fields for a reason." Furiyen remarked at that moment. "We will come face to face with danger." Henry shook his head. "Doesn't look like we have much of a choice." And with that, the trio were off. The cruiser being a vehicle that reserved sears for eight, long and cylinder though fast and efficient. Henry had launched in full speed.

Blue nodded and removed herself from Van's lap to allow Henry to lift the man up to his feet. Blue listened and watched, moving to grab Furiyen so that he would not be left behind, as Van was notorious for doing. And it wasn't long before they reached the cruiser and were heading off. Blue sighed gently, hoping that Van would endure a while longer. At least until they found his body.

The hours would churn by and Van's condition did not seem to improve at all, although the garments Henry supplied had helped suppress some of the cold. "There it is!" The Thornsteel Fields. Pillars of ice that seemed to stretch into the infinite, distanced between themselves like a trees in a forest. But then, Henry frowned behind his goggles as he noticed the figure of a man in the distance. He stopped all too suddenly, once he noted something as the man seemed waved a long sword - there was a disturbance in the ice. He could feel it. "Blue. This is the accelerator and thats the break." Henry said, maintaining his position. "On my mark, you launch at full speed. You understand?"

Blue became increasingly worried for Van's physical condition as it did not improve as time passed on. It felt like they had been traveling for eternity before Henry announced that they had arrived at Thornsteel Fields. She rose her eyes to witness the daunting sight before her, of pillars of ice that towered over them and disappeared into the heavens. She stared up, unable to see the tops of them before Henry came to an abrupt stop, startling her as she quickly lowered her eyes to see the reason for his sudden stop. She looked to him as he began to give her instructions. But why? "Okay but why? What's wrong?" She asked.

Henry did not need to gesture towards the threat that stood in the blinding distance, it revealed itself, though vague from its position. A twinkling display made it obvious that it had a sword. Henry furrowed his brows as he assumed that he had stabbed it into the ice. The ground beneath them began to shake. Henry stepped out of the cruiser and removed his coat, tossing it over Van's form. "You need this more then I do right now." The mage said, patting the unconscious man's shoulder before he nodded at Blue. "Go!"

Blue looked out into the distance and frowned before she would slowly move to take her position in the driver's seat once Henry stepped out of the cruiser. She looked at the objects that she had been instructed to use before glancing back to Van as Henry briefly interacted with the unconscious man. Blue looked to Henry one more time before he urged her to go. She only assumed that he was staying behind to confront the possible threat presented to them as she pressed onto the gas and sped the cruiser forward.

For a moment, it would almost seem that he had sent her to her annihiliation as Blue recognized the quakings beneath her. Without warning, a sea of ice climbed, surmounting hieghts that promised certain death as soon it fell. Even if Blue did hit the breaks, she had generated enough velocity to collide into the wave regardless. Just in time however, a fire projectile from an obvious source soared above Blue's head and smashed onto the wave, giving a quick temporal narrow passage.

Blue's eyes narrowed as she noticed the formideable obstacle that had presented itself to her. She could not stop with the velocity she had gained. She would end colliding with the ice wall if it was not taken out of her path. But almost on cue, she watched as heated projectiles launched into the wave and provided her a temporary narrow passage way that she could use as she pressed down on the gas and used the opportunity to forge forward while she could. She hoped Henry knew what he was doing and that she would too when the time arrived.

"Sorry, friend." In the distance from which Blue had departed, Henry would be waving hands that crackled with fire. Deciding to close the distance between them, Henry would 'blink' towards a proximity no more then thirty feet, preplexed at the discovery that the man was half naked. Henry inspected his features beyond that pristine white glare. Short hair, lavender skin and the would be remains of a cloak that sheathed his lower half. A deep scar across his chest. Meanwhile, betwen the pillars, Blue had made her narrow entrance into the pillars of ice, leaving behind the possibility that Henry would die while he seemed to have chosen to combat this foe. "We must press on." Furiyen spoke in the back.

"I know," Blue stated as she manuevered the cruiser toward the path that she had no choice but to take. As saddening as it would be to lose Henry, it had been his choice to combat the foe. She appreciated the fact that he had given them time to proceed forward with hopefully as minimal amount of obstacles but this was the battle he chose and Blue knew that he knew the consequences and had accepted them. She wouldn't turn back. She could only hope that he would still be alive by the time this was all done. For now, Van was her priority.

Silence progressed throughout the travel, speeding across of a seemingly infinite maze. Furiyen did not speak a word for an entire hour, but there was no other logical choice but to proceed. Another hour, however - "Stop." Furiyen urged. "We can't proceed furthur on this vessel. We are close - and are likely to alarm the guards." "Don'- 'ave a choice.." The weakened voice intervened, Van flenching awake from his slumber.

Blue would blink and would begin to draw the cruiser to a halt as Furiyen urged her to stop. She listened to his reasoning but her attention was soon drawn to Van as he became conscious, turning to examine him with a concerned expression. "Van, you are not well," Blue stated. His declining condition made her all the more cautious and she knew she could not take him along. It would not only risk him but he would be a liability to her. She needed to place him in a safe location if she is to proceed. "You heard Furiyen and you are in no condition to fight."

Van would adjust himself to sit on the bench in the back on which he lied upon, though sank as he accomplished it, displaying weakness. He breathed slightly. "Aye..." Van agreed, unusually, instead of defying. . "A can hardly move ma legs." Van would lift Furiyen from beneath him, before gently leaning across. "Take'em with ya."

Blue would observe Van closely and was surprised momentarily that he did not try to argue with her. But relieved afterwards before she would reach out to take Furiyen as Van presented the sword with her. "Stay here, Van," Blue urged, even though it was unlikely he would be able to get far in the deplorable physical condition he was in currently. Blue would step off of the cruiser, taking one last glance to Van. "I promise I'll be back," she reassured before she would proceed forward, taking Furiyen with her.

"Fiona." Furiyen's voice would gently touch her mind. "This journey does not represent Van's interest alone."

"It does not?" She asked as she forged forward, ignoring the wind and the snow that were but one of the many obstacles threatening to get in her path. She soon came upon the tower that Hictor had spoken of as she stared at the colossal structure but would soon move to infiltrate it after surveying whether it had any guards monitoring the front or sides.

Blue would progress into the compound only to realize that someone had long preceded her here. Bodies were scattered across the halls, the corners, their vital points perfectly torn, suggesting that the culprit was rather skilled. Reassured by Furiyen's urge that they were not too late, the girl would press on, until she would reach a floor where something shimmered with such brilliance that it would hurt the naked eye. "Cortik stones." Furiyen pointed out. "There's a button that shuts off the vents to prevent sunlight. Press it."

Blue became cautious after she noticed that another presence had come in before her and had basically cleared a path for her to the designated room she needed to go to. Either or, she remained cautious for she did not know whether this culprit was friend or foe as she proceeded further with Furiyen's reassurance. But soon a stark brilliance blinded her and her hand impulsively rose to shield her eyes from the bright illumination. She listened to Furiyen's instructions and tried her best to work with her limited vision to locate the button that he spoke of. Once she succeeded to shut off the sunlight, she blinked rapidly to allow her pupils to re-adjust to the light settings once more before she would examine the room.

As I suspected." Furiyen said, though waited just as Blue's eyes began to readjust, almost as if he shared her personal perspective. There, as the white blinding sheet of white light disappeared, appeared a shell of sapphire glowing stone, transparent as glass. Though it was what lied within it that caught their sight. "Cortik Stones can never be destroyed least it is exposed to Volcanic temperatures. They're the rarest materials in the world - what remains of Avernus."

Blue lowered her hand from her eyes once her vision re-adjusted, turning to witness what had caught Furiyen's attention. She stared at he crystal structure that laid between her and her target as she walked up to the shell that prevented her from reaching Van's body. "Volcanic levels?" She shook her head slowly. "We left Henry behind and he was the only one who could possibly do that," she stated, frowning at their dilemma. Where was she suppose to find a substance hot enough to destroy the Cortik Stone? The predicament aggravated her when she was so close to achieving her goal. She looked to Furiyen. "Do you have any suggestions?"

"i suggest that you shield yourself." With that warning, the eye flashed and the air began to resonate with a malicious hiss. Whatever power that Furiyen manifested now made the Cortik shell tremble, holding in the stubbornness the sword suggested that it retained. Though not for long as particles began to dissolve to the floor like flakes, a crack drew itself across the shell. As the seconds ticked by, flickers of what appeared to be black flame revealed themselves along edges. The trembling would not stop - unable to resist the heat, the shell would explode, sending out a wave of deadly shards. Van - or his shell would stand inanimately at its feet, though eventually tilt, suggesting that it was about to fall, his crimson hair flickering a torch.

The young woman quirked a perplexed brow at the sword's warning but obliged as she erected a psionic barrier around herself that would provide her temporary protection from whatever the sword had cautioned her to shield herself from. Blue would watch and wait, observing the reaction of the crystal substance as it began to tremble beneath the might of the swords mysterious powers. Soon though, it became clear that the adamant structure could not withstand the pressure and soon shattered, sending projectiles in every direction. Her shield did its purposes and protected her from the deadly objects, revealing to her Van's vessel. Her relief was evident but soon became alarmed as the body began to tilt. She reacted on impulse and moved to catch Van's body to prevent it from sustaining y injuries from a possible fall.

"Van is dead." Furiyen announced. "He has already disappeared into the Ether. If he does not resurface here in a day's time..."

There was a reason why people had to be subtle with the unstable lass when revealing news that held such gravity. Obviously, the sword needed to practice subtlety as the only portion of his speech that had an impact on her was the revelation that Van was, indeed, dead. At first, it took a moment for the information to register and Furiyen's voice became filtered in the background as she stared down at Van's vessel. Van was... dead? That could not be. Not when they had been so close. She had promised that she would be back for him. She had promised... Her grasp on the sword loosened until the handle slid out of her hand which soon came to grasp Van's body closer to her as she slowly lowered herself to her knees. He can't be dead. She did not want to believe it as she clutched Van's body and pressed her face against his shoulder as she inhaled deeply and tried to retain her composure. "He can't die," she muttered as the initial signs of her emotional instability began to present themselves in ripples throughout her body.


"Fiona. Take heart." Furiyen uttered as he slammed almost lifelesly onto the marble floor. "Fiona." he called again.

Blue flinched as Furiyen called to her. She still had yet to be accustomed to being referred to by her true identity as she breathed deeply, fighting to retain her equanimity as she simply to continued to clutch Van's body to herself. "What?" She asked faintly. Unless the sword told her that Van would be alright, she doubted she would hold any interest to what he would say as she drew her head back to look upon Van's face.

"There is still hope." The sword announced. "Van's spirit wonders in the ether, searching for its host. Maintain your position - and wait."

The woman rose a hand to her face and took a quivering breath to compose herself before she nodded, lowering her hand to reveal that she had maintained her self-control. "Alright," she said quietly, repositioning Van's body so that his head would rest in her lap and allow her to test the texture of his hair with her fingers. Now that she recalled, she never did get to stroke his hair before and this was one of the few rare times she actually seen Van so still. He was always up and about, full with energy. It had been so saddening seeing him so week. Seeing him so still. The hours ticked by as the woman experienced a depression she hadn't felt in years. It was obvious that the possibility that Van would not re-awaken weighed heavily on the woman as she preoccupied herself with studying the feature's of Van's face, memorizing every crease and wrinkle upon his visage, curious if his body had aged at all with the absence of its owner. Blue was silent, unaware that after six months, the sun was beginning to set over the horizon.

The night had fallen eventually and from every corner of the twinkled a star, as the North now entered its second part of the day. As time churned, Furiyen became silent, though flickered awake as footsteps seemed to announce the presence of someone approaching.

Blue was silent, withdrawn into her own thoughts. She did not know what concerned her more. Losing Van. Or the dependency to him that she had developed. Fingertips tenderly traced the frame of his visage as the illusion of eternity began to set in. With each hour that passed, the more her hopes fell as did her heart. The threat of the situation triggering her instability seemed unlikely now as she remained composed despite the increasing possibility that he would not surface into his original vessel. "Deja vu...," Blue whispered to herself, announcing that she had found a connection between this situation and another situation she had experienced. Blue had too many deja vu's. Her illusion was interrupted as she heard the initial signs of footsteps approaching, though her spirits were too dampened to be immediately concerned of an intruder as languid eyes rose with curiosity as to who was arriving. As she had recalled, all the personals of the facility had been killed by a previous person who had infiltrated the edifice before she had. Had Henry survived and returned? She awaited with this hopeful assumption as the person began to manifest in the shadow of the doorway. But as the person came into the light, Blue ceased to breath. "A pity," the man began as he regarded the situation, entering the chamber and scrutinizing her with his single amber eye, noting the expression of recognition and shock upon her face. Blue found it increasingly difficult to breath as the phantom approached her, manifesting from painful memories of her cerebrum and eliciting an unusual reaction from her. One of Blue's hands was tentatively searching for Furiyen on the floor, for solace and security that the phantom was threatening with each step he took towards her.

The blade would merely shift its eye upon her form, perhaps in curiosity. It did not reserve the free will to move on its own.

"Farfarello," Blue breathed. But the man quickly noted her movements and Furiyen was thrusted to the other side of the room by telekinetic means. Startled, Blue turned to watch the sword slide away, out of her reach, and when she turned her head to look back at Farfarello, he was kneeled beside her, so close that she could feel his warm breath against her face. Blue went rigid. "I'm glad you remember me," Farfarello stated, studying the woman's reaction and inhaling her scent as she refused to meet his gaze, turning her face away as he leaned in closer to where his nose threatened to brush against her face. Perspiration gathered on Blue's forehead at their intimate proximity. Blue was panicking, becoming overwhelmed. And her only possible source of consolation was dead in her lap. "I thought you were dead," Blue whispered, her confidence stripped from her by the phantom's presence. "Do I appear dead?" The man asked. Blue turned her head to stare at Farfarello, taking the opportunity to study him. The single golden optic that stared back at her, settled upon a pale visage. An eye patch concealed the left eye, suggesting that the man had lost it due to uncertain means. He had a head of white hair, short and unruly. His accessories consisted of a black leather collar on his neck, a couple of piercings in his ears, and the red leather strapped to his legs. His body was lean and toned, sinew rippling beneath his flesh and the grace of a predator was undeniable in his movements, as in his behavior. But his most distinctive feature was the countless scars that decorated his body, from his legs to his face. Blue felt her muscles relax as his identity was undeniable. "No," she stated, gazing at him with detached bewilderment. Farfarello was alive. "Good. Now, let's go," Farfarello stated. Blue blinked before lowering her eyes to Van's body. "I can't." Farfarello lowered his eye to the body. "He's dead. Leave him." "I won't," Blue retaliated. "He'll come back. He'll return. I know he will." "Fiona." Blue paused, her attention drawn back to Farfarello who was staring at her with disapproval, displeased at her emotional attachment to the carcass. "He -is- dead." His stated solemnly before raising to a stand. Blue was silent, feeling torn between her loyalties as she looked back to Van's inanimate form. "Fiona, come with me." Fiona rose her eyes with uncertainty to the hand that was extended out toward her. She stared at it before she reached out to take it as Farfarello pulled her to her feet, abandoning Van's body on the floor.

"Heh. Hm, Hm, Hm, Hm, Hm. Heh, Hm Hm hm, hm, hm, hm hm.." The atmosphere thickened and felt like the back of a blade being brushed along the neck as hair as even hair strands would perk in response to the sword's sinister laughter at the situation, even as the footsteps resonated with the attempt to their leave. Almost in reaction to that particular notion did the atmosphere stir, a hollow sigh whispering through the mouth of the winds, almost as if a spirit had finally found its resting place. Two thuds would resonate like a command, coaxing the two to a halt. "Yes. I am - dead." The body's hair hung over its left eye, while its arm lazily dangled at its side as it raised sluggishly to a stand. A smirk crossing its lips. "And I've never felt better." The one crimson eye lifted to stare across the hall, bringing itself to level with Farfarello's own, cold and stoic. And in some ways - challenging.

Fiona heard Furiyen's sinister laughter, wondering if he was judging her as Farfarello attempted to lead her away to an uncertain destination. Farfarello also took notice of the sinister laughter but did not seem to be interested. At least, not until a different sound caught both of their attentions as the white-haired individuals turned to watch the one inanimate body become animated as Van raised to a stand. Fiona couldn't express the extent of her relief and content to see Van rise but when she turned to step toward him, Farfarello caught her hand and pulled her back to his side possessively as he glared at Van. "You should have stayed dead," the man commented as he held onto Fiona's hand firmly to keep her from returning to her original companion.

"emhm.." Van would pause for a moment as he seemed to adjust himself to a more fit stand, his bones cracking as he straightened himself in a dramatic hard flinch. "On the contrary -" It would occur to him that his accent had changed. He paused for a moment, lifting a few fingers onto his chin, curious towards the paradox before his mind returned to more prioritive concerns. "I should have died many times before." Van would take a couple of steps forward, before he closed their proximity to thirty feet. "Whats with the hand. . .?" The statement itself was challenging. "Or did you wager your credibility over my death? Afraid of confrontation?"

The man's single piercing eye narrowed at the challenge and his initial step forward spoke that he was more than willing to accept it in order to remain in possession of the woman he was trying to lead away. "I am afraid of no man," Farfarello responded solemnly. The tension in the air between the males was almost tangeable as Blue felt the hairs on her body stand on end. She did not think she was comfortable at the idea of the two men engaging in battle as she looked back to Van and once more tried to approach him. "Van," Blue whispered affectionately, still in disbelief that he was standing before her once more. Suddenly, Farfarello's eyes narrowed dangerously as he took note of the tone Fiona addressed the male and held his grip on her hand to prohibit her from leaving. "Why do you speak this human's name so affectionately?" Farfarello inquired. Fiona looked back at him with a solemn stare which Farfarello returned as he persisted. "Fiona, tell me why." "He's my friend," Fiona stated firmly. "You're friend? This human," Farfarello looked to Van with contempt. "Yes," Blue responded. Farfarello scrutinized the Barbarian Prince but soon released his hold on Fiona and looked back to her. "And your allegiance is to who?" Fiona was silent as she had expected this question but did not have an answer to it. Sensing Fiona's uncertainty, Farfarello soon turned to leave. "Farfarello," Blue stated, anxiety appearing in her voice as she watched Farfarello pause before looking back to her and noting the desperation in her eyes. The man extended his hand out, allowing her the option to either refuse or accept it. Fiona stared at his hand before reaching out to it. But instead of grasping it, Farfarello rose their hands so that their palms pressed against one another. Fiona simply watched as their fingers intertwined and then uncoiled, brushed and danced with one another without ever truly grasping their counterpart. Their eyes met and Fiona felt herself blushing. It was an unusual display to any normal audience but anyone with keen observation would be able to decipher that the interaction was more intimate than anything she had shared with Van before. Unspoken words and tales were passing between them that only partners would express to one another. The affection gestures was the equivalent to a kiss and had the same pleasant effects on the body to the two individuals as they shared a brief moment. "I'll come back for you," Farfarello promised before he broke their connection. Fiona felt a wave of panic and anguish derived from losing someone who she had once found so precious again as she stepped to follow him as he quickly retreated. "Farfarello, wait!" Blue cried as she reached out to him and stepped to follow him but he was already gone. Blue clenched her hand and brought it to her chest as she stared at the empty doorway, shaking as she slowly fell to her knees in a sense of helplessness and loss. Van's return could not fill in the re-established void that Farfarello had left behind once more.

Van would not deny the fact that the very core of his soul felt challenged - for the first time. He did not know how far his self-reassurance would have gone past, had this maintained any longer. And with that, he felt Furiyen's laughter echoing through his head. His jaws clenched as he suppressed his concious from lashing out at the blade, swallowing the predicament. He took a few steps towards her for a moment, somewhat propelled by the possibility that she was best left alone. Van retained a sensible of mind, enough to understand that his reawakening would not mend any of what Farfarrelo had left behind. He could not deny that he was jealous and conflicted. What did Farafrello accomplish that he didn't? The way he touched her . . . It was the first time Van felt the fear of betrayal. He swallowed again, just as he allowed himself to kneel infront of Blue with his fists clenched over his kneecaps, his head lowered as his face baring a timid expression beneath the curtain of his hair strands. 'I'm here. I'm not going anywhere.' That was his gesture. But then, even with that attempt of assurance - for the first time, he did not seem so certain himself. Van would wait, in spite of urges and doubts...He had to patient. He had to.

The shaking of Blue's form had subsided by the time Van had come to position himself in front of her. Her eyes were open but her expression was distant and detached as vapid optics slowly rose to settle upon his face once she took notice of his presence settled in front of her. She was silent, staring at him with desolate eyes as she confirmed that he was actually there. But his presence brought not consolation to the woman. But she did not appear depressed or ready to break, no threat of crumbling within the wake of all the unexpected outcomes. Instead, she appeared stoic and composed. Unnervingly at ease as she withdrew into herself, detaching herself from the situation. The atmosphere around her emitted a sensation of emptiness that had not been since the day Fiona had not only accepted Van as her friend but source of consolation and reassurance. But when all else failed, this was her method of self-reliance and defense against the chaos around and inside of her. Dettachment. "You're alive," she stated the fact as she placed her hand in her lap. "We should leave soon. Perhaps look for Henry," she spoke in a monotone voice as she began to push herself to a stand.

'You're alive.' The words were toneless, almost as cold the marble beneath him. Van's fingers clenched to fists. At situations like these when he knew that he had to play his cards right, he often referred to silence until he came up with a better hand. But the urge to protest was too strong. "Blue. . ." Van said in a low voice above a whisper.

Blue brushed her skirt off after she had rose to a stand before her eyes were drawn to him as she heard Van refer to her, glancing down to him as he remained crouched on the floor before her. "Yes, Van?" She asked as she awaited for him to rise as well so that they could proceed. They could not remain in this facility forever and Henry's whereabouts were of concern. Not necessarily but Blue felt obligated to at least try to find clues to his condition before she decided it was best to abandon him.

It would then occur to him what he would suggest if he were to attempt to settle this here. It meant abandoning a life out there - lessening his image before her. It would take a moment before he rised, his face an impassive dark visage beneath his hair strands that he did not bother to adjust. He walked to reach Furiyen, taking hold of its with a firm grip, as he glared at it, almost daring it to say something. Van knew beneath that silence, somehow, in that cold steely shell, his companion reserved a smirk. He rested the blade over his shoulder as casually as he could, walking past Blue towards the exit without much of a glance before he realized had a sentence to finish, coming to a pause. He knew that misery would not register anything here. Instead, he coverted all his emotions to one single certainity everyone deemed the last to trust - but it was the only self assurance he reserved for now. Anger; he contained it with all his being as he lifted his face to say something. "I -don't - intend - to lose you." With that, he paced away.

Blue observed Van's unusual behavior as it was not difficult to take notice of the tension that resonated along his body. Such distinction was easily noticed when she had been around him long enough to tell when something was bothering or when he was at ease. Blue did not prod and simply waited for him to continue as he retrieved Furiyen resentfully and then walked passed her. What she had recieved was unexpected and Blue had to pause for a moment as she simply stared at him as he paced away. She felt herself stir inwardly but brushed the sensation away as she moved to follow him as they proceeded to exit the building. I know, she responded quietly. And perhaps that was one of the many reasons why this was so difficult for her. Neither of her companions had any intentions to share.

The journey was silent, but they eventually made it to the cruiser where Van was sure to find his own body. Jericho's body - he sincerely did not know what he could possibly refer it as, but it was ironic to stare at his his own self - dead. Even a man with Van's tenacity would have to go through the same fate one day. He frowned though, as he noted blood beneath the shirt. His ventured slowly to touch it, feeling the carcuss losing joint. Slowly, the Barbarian Prince lifted the garment uncovering the sight of former intestines presented to him in blood and gore, along with other insides he did not care to analyse. Void of expression, Van merely pulled it to drop the body to the side, knowing its inevitable exposure to Blue's sight. A clear gesture stating that he would not be phased. Van mounted the cruiser, before extending a hand to reach for Blue's. "Hop in."

Blue welcomed the silence. It was comfort in a time of tension where words could shatter the fragile thread of sanity she still retained. She rose her eyes once the cruiser came into view, and the body that Van once inhabitated. Before where she had been so concerened of its well-being, Blue held no interest in the carcass any longer as she watched Van move to inspect and remove the body. Though when Van did dispose of the body, Blue could not help but be drawn to it when she noticed it was disembowled, the contents of its abdomen spilling forth on the snow and staining the once pure white into red. Her nostrils flared but she controlled her reaction to the tantalizing aroma of blood as Blue fidgeted with her fingers before Van spoke to her. Her eyes shifted between the carcass and Van but she eventually turned to Van and accepted the hand as she was pulled up into the cruiser and settled in beside him. If she had recalled, the body had not been that severely damaged before which led to the assumption that it had been purposely carved into. Farfarello? She wondered. But why would he have done it? Blue would have known if she had read the name that was engraved in the man's chest but for now, she brushed the questions aside. There were too many rampant thoughts and unnerving possibilities running within her head already. She need not any more turmoil to bother her as Blue crossed her arms and settled in within her seat.

Van did not cruise with the same menacing velocity Blue had when they were in a rush. This was a surveillance endeavor. Henry may have been a fighter, but Van knew mages had valued their lives more then most. Time churned as minutes fell to an hour, and the hour mingled with minutes before Van pulled the cruiser to a stop as he noticed someone seated against an icey pillar. It was definately Henry. Van recognized definate exhasution from the skin was once natural now ivory, assuming it had been the works of magic. He tossed an empty lighter that tilted the bald head to the side. "Oy. You alive?" A groan answered him. "What the hell happened out there?" Henry sneered, as his hand patted the ground, searching before finding the object. "One of your fans." Henry replied, resentfully, tossing the lighter in a poor attempt of retort. It hit the side of the cruiser instead. "Said that you both left your own marks over each other." Van sighed, resentfully speaking the name. "Enoch." Henry struggled to make a stand. "What the hell happened to your accent?"

Blue was silent along the trip, her eyes scouring the vicinity they were passing in search of any resemblance to a human figure that could possibly be Henry. As time passed, the possibility that he was alive or even still lingering began to fall but eventually they came across some hope. Van spotted Henry and Blue looked to the figure leaning against the icey pillar as the cruiser was manuevered to a halt near the person. Blue waited for a response of the seemingly inanimate body. Though she knew that if Henry was indeed dead, Blue would feel no remorse or saddness at the loss. Henry had simply been an acquiantance and not someone Blue had attached herself to to gain any significant reaction like she would when it came to Van and, now, Farfarello. But something else was brought to forefront that Blue did not immediately notice and she brought her eyes to stare at Van. Now that Henry pointed it out, Blue was able to understand Van without any difficulties now. His accent was gone? Blue quirked a brow as she scrutinized the man before her, as if she was reconsidering if it was Van at all.

"I don't know." He replied later on, knowing that he had to address that concern one way or the other despite the circumstances. Van lifted his hands to his mouth, as if he were searching for his voice. He looked at Blue, noting the same inquisition. Eventually, he tossed a glare towards Furiyen at his side. "What have you done?" The blade did not respond.

Blue lowered her eyes to the blade as Van accused it of having some responsibility to his accent disappearing. But eventually Blue returned to scrutinizing Van before she appeared to disapprove and look away, leaning against the edge of the cruiser to look out the side. "You sound weird," she finally commented. She was not accustomed of listening to Van without his Highlander accent and honestly she was not sure if she accepted the change. She just knew that it was odd and unusual to her when she had already learned to adapt and cope to understand the Highlander.

Henry eventually climbed aboard, almost stumbling as he did. He attempted to sit next to Fiona, though realized some form of disturbance that he could not register. Listening to his instincts, he took a seat behind instead while Van pondered his dilemma. "I'll get it back." Van remarked in frustration.

Fiona paid no mind to Henry who was keen to the tension in the air. "Hmm," was Fiona's response to Van's remark. She could not decide why she did not like the change. But it could all revolve around the possibilty that the accent had made Van, Van. It had been a part of him and it would take time for Blue to accept the change if it was permanent. But at the moment, Fiona's thoughts were revolving around one significant figure that had appeared unexpectedly into her life once more. Farfarello. Where was he? What was he doing? How did he find her? Would he honestly return for her like he promised? And if so, how would she react? Would she go with him and leave Van? Or would she remain with the Highlander? Many questions that were left unanswered as Blue stared out the side of the cruiser. But they were questions there were going to need to be addressed sooner or later. "Here's a question," she began. "How do we leave without a plane?" Blue glanced to Van. "Perhaps we should return to the tower and see if we can perhaps find a flying vehicle that we can use unless we intend to embark a journy through a frozen wasteland in the middle of the night where there is extremely limited visibility and which will more than likely last for more than twenty four hours considering that the sun doesn't set here for days at a time."

"The sun won't set here for another six months." Henry remarked from the back in bitter contrary. "Six months of Sunlight, six months of nightfall. Thats the nature of North." The mage groaned at his predicament, tilting himself lazily to lie down onto his seat. "Flying's a bad idea too." He remarked. "Atleast from this vantage point. Our best bet is a ship from a harbor, unless we can find an air strip somewhere along the way. In these lands, you make your move when you know that the weather is on your side. Without any means to do so currently, your best bet is always to remain on land and camp whenever there's a hint of a storm."

"Mmm," Blue murmured at the thought of camping during a storm as she reminsiced the hours they had rested with Furiyen as limited protection. She did not believe they had the right equipment or shelter to be camping out, especially as the temperatures had plummeted drastically without the presence of the sun's warmth. "I don't know then. Van?" Blue questioned, looking to him now on his opinion of the subject. At the moment, their options were limited and none appeared to appealing.

Henry would lift his head over to the Barbarian Prince, only to slam it painfully onto the front when he suddenly launched the cruiser. "Watch it! Ah!" Henry complained over deaf ears, before he fastened himself better. "What the hell's wrong with you?!" Van didn't answer.

Blue studied Van as he contained himself in his silence. An unusual behavior coming from the barbarian but she simply turned her head and looked out the side once more once it appeared that Van had come to a decision for them. She ignored Henry's compliants and ignored the fact that Van did not bother to answer him. She was not the only one who was filled with concerns at the moment over recent events that had transpired.

It would appear that Henry decided that he would pin his life onto the hands of a man with no compass in this sea of ice. They had long left the Thornsteel Fields, becoming a spot travelling across the dunes of ice. Henry also registered the silence the two had shared, despite the positive relief of Van's revival. Something did happen, far more effective then a couple's quarrel. He just didn't know what. Eventually, Van would wake from a rough nap onto the soft glowing scene of a tiny town. The discovery was consoling, in spite of its size. Any form of civilzation was. Henry over at Van as he alowed to a stop. For the minutes that he did, however, the Barbarian Prince never flinched. The mage sighed, giving up as he hopped off the vehicle. "I'm going for a drink. Both of you are welcome to join me."

Blue opened her eyes as she noticed their velocity was decreasing due to the welcomed sight of civilization. She blinked in surprise but was consoled to know that they were not lost. Blue stared at the tiny glowing town before Henry hopped off of the vehicle and allowed them to join him for a drink. A drink sounded appealing at the moment but Blue looked back to Van who hadn't moved yet. "You shouldn't remain here for long," she advised before she moved to exit the vehicle as well, tugging her coat closer around herself as she had long lost interest to the way her breath condensed each time she exhaled. Tucking her bare hands into her pockets to warm them, she ventured into the tiny town with Henry to find a place to rest and recuperate.

By the time they had set foot into town, Henry chose to look over his shoulder to realize that Van had disappeared off the cruiser. He paused to scan the area until he realized the vague figure of a compound in the distance. "Looks like he went to get gas." He suggested assuringly, before he looked at Blue, dismantling his goggles. Apparently wanting to pose the question. "So Uh..."

Blue looked back as well, hoping that Van would not do anything foolish. Though something reassured her that he would not as Henry and her stepped foot into town. Blue glanced around, noticing that there were a couple of civilians walking around. What she was interested in was a bar or a tavern of sorts. Heck, she did not care if she got alcohol. A warm cup of cocoa sounded delightful as well. Blue glanced to Henry as she heard him begin and could assume what the question may be. "While I waited for Van's spirit to return to his original vessel, a ghost of my past decided to manifest itself." She began as she headed to the nearest place that could offer them beverages. "Someone else who was once very precious to me."

A hot coacoa was what they got. Henry groaned for a few moments at their predicament, mumbling something about a bar that has no alchohol before coming to subject at hand, taking a sip. He welcomed the warmth, however. "A double date with fate." Henry remarked in some tone of irony. "Melchrissa Henning." He said, mentioning the author before taking another sip and a pause. "May I speak plainly?"

"Hmm," was Blue's acknowledgment to the quote that Henry had spoken of. Blue drank her hot cocoa, blowing at the heated liquid until it was safe to drink without fear of getting bored. She was content at the way it warmed her cold body. "Go ahead," she stated. She was not sure whether or not Henry was going to advise her but she was willing to listen to what her former employer had to say. He had been of use to her in the past so he could still be now.

"Right." Henry tossed his hood back, before rubbing his hands over the steam that protruded from his own. "The Paradox of people coming and going is interpreted in a lot of ways. It raises the chances and understanding to forming better or staying away from worser companionships, whenever it transpires until one can be absolutely sure that he or she has made a choice. Our winnings and losses dictate that we each owe ourselves an equilibrium one of those days, a point where each we have grown wise enough to know when or how to settle in. Some of us fall before doing so however. " He paused, asking for patience just as he sipped ""That equilibrium; that point varies and thus dismisses the idea that the ends justify the means. They never do." Henry lifted himself to a stand to pull out a hankerchief from a box, before cleaning his chin from Coacoa stains. "You currently stand on a forked road that bothers the normal sense of mind, and that is dilemma, and therefore challenged with a choice that you alone have to make which will decide the course of your future. As obvious this may seem, there are things that you need to understand before you make that decision. For instance - do you know what love is?"

Blue listened intently as Henry began to explain, her attention focused on him now as if perhaps he could aid her in the fork in the road that she was currently standing in between two people she cherished above all else. Blue sighed, knowing that her decision would change not only her future, but the future of the people she cared for which made it all the more difficult for her. Blue sighed heavily and stared at the warmth that rose in tendrils from her warm beverage while he began to finish. The question he posed had her silent before she shook her head. "Not necessarily. As far as I know, it has many definitions and makes it difficult to understand." She paused before looking to him once more. "What is it? And how do you know when you have it?" She asked, recalling that Van had confessed such a thing to her but she did not grasp the significance of such a confession. "I've just assumed that love was just a justified way of referring to lust between two individuals. An acceptable term in society."

Henry placed a firm chin over a fist as he propped up his elbow, an obvious sign that he was considering his words carefully. The veins that showed at the sides of his head pointed out that he had delved into deep thought. Few ever do, whenever so certain. "Many poets until today struggle to promote the concept." He said, deciding that he had enough of his mug as shoved towards Blue giving her the liberty to consume his if her's was not enough. "Its been defined and redefined through several different fields, but everyone agreed that it was essential for society to base itself upon it. Unfortunatly, few come to understand it, and when they do - they fail to explain it. I thought I knew it for a time - until I acknowledged humble words of a simple medicine man I think you may be able to recall." He pointed at with a grin. "He said that love was fear." With that, Henry crossed his arms over his chest, laying back in his chair as he waited for her to prod that genuine question.

She stared at him as he spoke of Leo but concentrated on the current subject. "Love is fear?" She asked, frowning and canting her head. "I thought that was obsession." She stated, finishing her beverage and then poured the remainder of Henry's into her cup so that she could proceed to consume it. "Do love and obsession go hand and hand?" She asked curiously, prodding him for further information if he could possibly provide it. Love had always been a concept she could not comprehend. It was always so complicated and could vary drastically from person to person due to everyone had their own definition to it.

"Nah, I think obsession is a more casual term, an affinity to a certain thing that usually leads to damage, though some like to use it in terms of sarcasm; obsession with a certain type of fruit and what not. Some may view love in this way, but - no, I think love is too sincere and profound to be regarded as an obsession." Henry said, clearing his throat. "But love - on the other hand is fear. Yes - it is the sense of wholiness having found a fitting and matching counterpart, it is the temptation which drives those whom have found to preserve their counterpart through any means possible, sometimes - even if it hurts them. Its - an intricate equation!" Henry raised his fists in the air, obviously excited before he coughed into his fist as he realized that it was getting the best of him. "but - for simplicity's sake, we can safely assume that love - is simply the fear - of losing." Henry tilted his head with his index finger up in the air, still enthusiastic. "Makes sense, yes? You adore this being in such a universal measure that you fear the thought of losing him. And those who love you will always attempt to touch your soul in ways that others haven't - their desire to prove the sense of significance your presence means to them."

Blue absorbed the information with great interest, taking in a small piece of knowledge that Henry was willing to give her as he explained the concept of love carefully and as best he could. She looked back to her beverage in contemplation once he was finished. Love was fear. That did make sense. "But I heard there is a difference in the love between a parent and a child than in the love between a couple." She asked lightly. "How can you tell the difference? Isn't both fear of losing the one you cherish? So does that mean they are one in the same after all?" Blue continued to inquire, looking once more to the wise man seated beside her for answers.

"Love is simply love, except - the parents already reserve a spiritual bond to the child and thus, represent it by nurturing and protecting it. What obviously seperates a parents from a child, is the same that binded the two counterparts together - sex." Henry was obviously bold with that theory, though it wasn't that which made uncomfortable. Deciphering the difference between couples and parents - in some ways, it was disturbing. He cleared his throat. "It is an urge that should be answered with the right being and the right partner - AT the right time." He emphasized time clearly. "In the positive side of thinking, it is a ritiual of bonding. Some fail to appreciate its true purpose and thus it becomes such a very sensitive issue. Though, unfortunatly, it is something that you can fully understand - personally. But - bringing back Van and the counterpart into the picture. You are now faced with a choice - but you must wiegh your options carefully." The mage emphasized with his hands. "Take heart, wait, listen - and open your eyes. You will find the answer - or it will find you."

Blue blinked but took heed in Henry's advice. "Mm, I see," she stated, finishing her beverage with a heavy sigh. All she could do, as he said, was wait. And either she'll find the answer or it'll find her. Hours later, Blue found herself sitting at the windowsill of her room, staring out into the darkness that cloaked the land. Thankfully, the faint illumination of the tiny town did not block out the stars which she was quietly admiring, allowing them to momentarily take her mind off of her dilemma. Sleep was eluding her and she was merely waiting. For what, she wasn't entirely certain as of yet as she sighed gently.

Tiny projectiles of snow patted the window in some form of calling, obviously tossed from below. Whomever threw it from down below obviously wanted attention.

Blue blinked, wondering what had just hit the window. She quirked a brow until it happened again, staring outside as she lowered her eyes to the ground below, wondering who the culprit was. To get a better view, she slowly opened the window and leaned out until she spotted the individual throwing pelts of snow at her window.

Van would wave, hesitantly until he cleared his throat and shoved his hands into his pockets, releasing a condensing sigh. "I - need to speak with you." He said, suppressed desperation evident.

Blue canted her head in perplexion but nodded, moving to swing her legs out the window before she hopped off the edge and descended onto the ground. A small blanket of snow scattered around her feet as she landed but she eventually took to a stand and brushed herself off before looking to him. "What is it?" She asked curiously, holding herself lightly as a small yet chilling breeze passed by them.

Van would turn to look behind for a moment, waiting for Blue to descend through a more civilized technique before he would find himself blinking - startled as he turned. "But I thought you'd - I mean I - well...eh.." He shook his head as he urged her to take a seat on the bench before he saw next to her, clenching his fists over his kneecaps as he took in a narrow breath, obviously attempting. "I'm - sorry." he began.

Blue simply watched him slowly accept the method in which she had descended though she had always been known to be unpredictble. She did appear to sometimes follow an internal system that only made sense to her. She moved to take a seat on the bench he had gestured to, looking to him patiently as he inhaled a breath as if what he wanted to speak of was of great difficulty which increased both her interest and concern. "For what?"

I suppose - because I failed to appreciate what manner of dilemma you've been placed in. I suppose I had looked forward to a revival where circumstances were less challenging, as if I were - some kind of answer." Van admitted, bitterly before he adjusted himself to lay back against the wood. "Along the way here, a scar at the side of my back began to itch as the incident dawned me. A mark I gained back in the chapel when the glass fell through the roof, three years ago. It was almost as if that I was told - that I could not always hurl myself in the face of things to preserve." His fingers raised to take hold of the brim of his nose for a second, somewhat agitated. "After that incident, I realized that I never have been so powerless." Van would then take a pause, allowing the winds to sweep through and about them, drawing a breath through his nostrils in spite of the sharp cold, before drawing a smile that followed a condensed breathe. He would chuckle after that in a dramatic change of composure.

Blue listened to him, trying to comprehend what he was trying to pass on to her. Of what he felt. But what she did understand was the sensation of being powerless, whether to prevent certain circumstances or not. Blue could not deny that she did not understand entirely but she knew she could not leave the conversation one-sided, even as she quirked a brow when he began to chuckle. Perhaps it was just difficult for Van to remain solemn for too long. "What's so funny?" She inquired, looking to him with curiousity since she was certain he had all been upset only a moment before.

"Gramps once told me that there were times where you could laugh at the face of things, laugh - and see in what little confidence you have left you can find the answer." He replied. Blue would note his hand gently patting for her own, pulling in some of form of luring that suggested that he wanted to whisper something.

She would feel his lips coming to where she presumed it would speak through, but instead - came a soft affectionate pat just inch above the ear as she felt Van's hand carress the side of her cheek. He did not lie however. "And yet - for the first time - I can only bring myself to weep." The voice was low, weak - almost injured, a cold drop would drench find itself over the surface of Blue's hand. But it wasn't the skies that rained.

Blue felt an involuntarily shiver from the odd sensation from the affectionate pat she felt before she felt her concern deepen while Van's hand caressed the side of her cheek. She was at a loss of words and at a loss of how to console the troubled man. She had not expected that Farfarello's appearance would effect him this much. She was startled as she felt the cold liquid land upon the surface of her hand while she stared at nothing in particular and desperately tried to think of what to say, of what to do to make the situation better but the ever increasing feeling of dread only spoke of her futility. Blue reached to take Van's hand. "It's okay," she whispered, for lack of anything better to say or perhaps fear of saying the wrong words. All that she was good at was expressing herself in actions, in the mannerism in which she behaved and moved as she took Van's hand and interlocked her fingers with his to give his hand a reassuring squeeze. She turned her head so that she could nuzzle the side of his own in her own gesture of affection and consolation, allowing him the time he needed to express the pent-up anguish in hopes that it would lighten the weight that he was carrying by sharing it with her. Her actions were small and perhaps insignifcant to another's perspective. But touch had always spoken volumes to Blue where words could not, and it was anything but insignificant.

And so Van wept, quietly, though his pride seemed to intervene soon enough to allow his hands for a short moment to wipe away his tears, choosing to heave periodicly instead - and breathe in the scent of her for a time. The hand that once held her face twisted slightly to take hold of Blue's own that supported it as he shifted his head back to implant another pat onto the knuckles, a slight kiss that gestured gratitude.

And so Van wept, quietly, though his pride seemed to intervene soon enough to allow his hands for a short moment to wipe away his tears, choosing to heave periodicly instead - and breathe in the scent of her for a time. The hand that once held her face twisted slightly to take hold of Blue's own that supported it as he shifted his head back to implant another pat onto the knuckles, a slight kiss that gestured gratitude. "I could die here - staring at you."

Blue pulled her head slightly away to try to get a better view of his face after his pride had urged him to wipe away his tears and endure his anguish while saving his manhood and dignity from any further humiliation, in his perspective. Her attention as momentarily drawn to the kiss he had implanted to her knuckles and felt a small consolation from the gesture. Though she soon blinked in surprise at his words. "I hope not," she began. "I didn't come all the way out here only for you to die again right here." She stated with an increasing tone of distress at the thought.

Van would jolt for a second, suppressing a laughter against her shoulder, his hands fastening over them in attempt to balance himself.

Blue frowned, further bewildered at Van's unusual behavior while she was being serious. She would be upset if he died again right now after all her efforts to revive him. "What's so funny now?" She stated. "I'm being serious," she stated, her tone becoming solemn. "I do not want you to die again," she said with determination even though the recollection of the period when he had been dead, where she had been certain that all hopes had been lost, dampened her mood severely as her body tensed. She was about prepared to thrust Van across the street in the assumption that he found the subject humorous while she genuinely cared. Even though she honestly wasn't grasping the meaning of the situation that was flying passed her head due to her tendencies to not only be logical but literal.

"A know ye are." Van would reply, bringing his head back, knowing that he had limits when it came to testing her. "It bi metaphaw, luv. Metaph-..." He paused for a moment when he savored the tone of his old voice again before he continued. "An' A won'. Naw' as lon' as A have ye ta live fo'."

Blue stared at him as he brought his head back so that she could finally look at him. She listened to him and blinked, realizing her misinterpretation of his words. "Oh," she stated, her frustration immediately disappating as she looked to him with a meek expression now. Though she, too, noticed that his accent had return and a hidden smile tugged at the corner of her lips, content at both the return of one of the characteristics that made him him and to his words. "Good," she whispered as she gazed at him, searching for something in his eyes but eventually looked away timidly after the awkward silence had set in. "We should perhaps get some rest soon," she suggested in a low voice.

Van would chuckl again at her recognition, though that display of humor was short lived as her expression changed and the silence took place. He too searching for something until he allowed his instincts to answer it as she looked away timidly. Van would not know what had went through Blue's mind, though he almost knew his move here, in spite of the fact that he had tried it before. "Fiona." he returned with a low voice, the edges of his fingers delicately lifting her chin towards him in some gesture of assurance, leaning in as he did before he produced a kiss Fiona claimed to have once stolen before.

Fiona brought her gaze back to him as she felt the delicate coaxing of his fingers as she rose tentative eyes up to him once more. Even though she noticed his intentions, it did not lessen the surprise to feel the warmth of his lips against her own. The previous time it had been too short and abruptly ceased to find any enjoyment in it. This time she allowed it to remain long enough to where she could actually feel the pleasant heat that radiated off of his lips and the unique texture that they possessed. A small blush blossomed across her face at the odd yet pleasant new experience as she closed her eyes momentarily to focus on the warmth of him, momentarily becoming oblivious to the cold that enveloped them.

the moment would maintain for a moment, as they both savored the magic of the moment. For that moment, time froze, the cold lifted and their surroundings ceased to exist as emotion and hearts began to stroke. Van's lips would pull an inch before enveloping her again, then their lips snapped back as he retreated, watching her face unfold like a rising an emerging dawn, blowing a small trail of condensed air, chuckling with affection evident. "An' thought ye'd smite me, fer a sec."

"Who says I still can't?" She whispered after she had recovered from the daze, blinking rapidly and finally sitting straight, putting reasonable distance between them as she glanced away. "Besides, I was curious," she stated calmly. The intimacy had been somewhat unnerving but she had found the experience rather enjoyable all around. "It was nice," she admitted after a moment, feeling obligated to at least let him know that it had not been unpleasant, before she tucked her hands between her thighs to warm them. "But we really should get inside," she murmured as she moved to stand.

Van shook his head with a grin towards what he recognized as a pleasant defiance. "Aye." He concurred at her feedback, moving to a stand and following her into the inn.


Fiona glanced back at him as she waited for him to stand so that they could go into the inn. Along the way, she took hold of his hand as they walked to the hall where their rooms were. She did not find it unusual as her eyes remained forward as they walked. They were friends. And the simple holding of hands was a reinforcement to her of their relationship, it expressed closeness, reassurance, and intimacy that she did not share with anyone she did not consider precious to her. And she needed all the consolation she could get as she still had a dilemma to confront when the time came. She could only hope that she would not regret her decision as her grip on his hand tightened. She released his hand with reluctance once they arrived where they had to seperate to go to their own room. It was unusual to her since she had become accustomed by now to sharing a room with him. This would be the first time that they would have seperate rooms when they had actually been together, discerning the three years where the seperation had been unwilling. She did not express her discontent. "G'night, Van," she dismissed before she turned to her door and entered her empty room.

"Aye." Van would reply as whole heatedly as he could, knowing full well that the dilemma had yet to be settled. He would enter his room and reach out through the open that he opened, holding out his hand before a smack of a familiar wieght answered to his calling. Van would step back with Furiyen in his hand, before giving his bed a stare, before shaking his head. He would lean himself against the wall, resting against his sword that he placed vertically before him - just like old times.

Fiona found herself restless as she paced the room, unable to remain still for long but tried to reassure herself that Van's presence was not as far as she felt it to be. She inhaled slowly but eventually did drag herself to the uninviting, empty mattress and drew the covers over herself. She did not know what time it was, how much time had passed, before a sudden presence at the end of her bed woke her abruptly. Fiona awoke to an ominous figure crouched at the foot of her bed. He was perched there in a manner of a predator watching its prey, a single gleaming, menacing eye glaring at her solemnly as the darkness of the room enveloped him and made him all the more intimidating. She did not know how he had entered her room without being noticed, or how long he had been there watching her sleep. They simply stared at one another as a heavy silence loomed over them, calculating one another. Farfarello did stir nor blink, a gargoyle at the foot of her bed until his muscles rippled as he became animate. Blue frowned and knew she could not hold it off any longer. Though it had come sooner than she had desired. A moment later, her room lacked any occupants.

The wind was blowing and bit bitterly at her delicate flesh as she stood with Farfarello at the edge of the tiny town, away from any possibly interruptions or unwanted audience. The tension was all but tangeable in the air as Farfarello only stood a couple feet away from her, simply staring out into the dark abyss of the winter wasteland. He was waiting for an answer. But she wanted answers, first. "..How?" She asked quietly. She did not know exactly what she was asking. How was he here. How had he found her. How was he even alive? "It doesn't matter now, does it?" He responded calmly before looking back to her. "Just know that I am here now and I have come for you as I promised." Blue frowned and sighed heavily, watching her breath condense as it met the cold air. "I'm not ready," she stated. Farfarello turned to face her and stand in front of her. "He is human. He is not like us. He'll never understand you like I can." Farfarello said sternly. Blue bristled. "You do not know that. He is different." "Does he understand how you feel?" Farfarello questioned. "Does he understand how you think? How you behave? Why you behave?" He began to circle her, scrutinizing her. "Your attachment to him is illogical. You and I are the same. The humans... they do not understand us." Blue sighed heavily. She couldn't deny that Farfarello was perhaps the only other person who knew her better than anyone. Perhaps more than Van did. But only because of the advantages he had that Van did not, as Farfarello reached out to take her hand and allow their palms to touch as they did at the tower. Blue rose her eyes to stare at him as they shared thoughts and emotions, sharing a connection and intimacy only telepaths could. *Come with me, Fiona. He'll never be able to give you what you truly need.* Farfarello spoke to her telepathetically. *And what is it that I truly need?* Blue asked quietly. If Fiona had ever wanted someone who was perfect for her, who else but Farfarello? He was a predator, like she was. He relied on logic, like she did. And he was like her. He wasn't human but what she was... whatever she was. He was basically a male counterpart of who she was. And yet... *After all this time, you can't just expect me to leave everything I worked so hard for.* She began to retaliate.

*I'm sorry Farfarello. I am not ready to make this kind of decision. I will remain where I am.* She separated their hands. "I won't lose you again, Fiona," Farfarello stated solemnly as he grasped her wrist. Fiona immediately stiffened and her eyes narrowed dangerously. "You can't make me do what I don't want to," she said in a soft, dangerous voice. The snow around them lifted as the tension built between them, their powers resonating softly from them as they stared each other down. Fiona did not enjoy any threats to her freedom or restrictions to her thoughts or movements. Fiona watched the inner conflict in his eye as he tried to decide whether he was going to try to take her by force or relinquish her.

In the midst of confrontation where the senses have been hieghtened to the frequency where all would be silent came a thud against the snow as raven black hair rattled against hollow winds that blew grimly into the atmosphere. Van approached from the distance, eventually after feeling that something had indeed gone amiss. And with him, followed the significant undecipherable laughter of Furiyen. "The word is still insane!." It spoke whole heartedly. "Your destinies have moved you at a deadlock point across the board, this - is the hour of choice! Make your move, Amber Eyed Beast!" The sword addressed Farafrello with such intensity, though no malice could be detected. It was clear that had long expected this. "This night is unlikely to pass without a sin. Let it be written with blood!" Van's fingers would clasp around the hilt firmly, in a gesture to supress it, before a lifting a gaze towards Farafrello with obvious scrunity. A smirk crossed his lips. "Wha's with da han'?"

The two individuals turned their heads quickly at the presence that made itself known. Farfarello's single eye narrowed as he noticed his adversary, and his talkative sword. He glared at Van as the Barbarian Prince posed the question before looking back to Fiona who already had concern etched upon her countenance. "I suppose if he dies, you have nothing to tether you down." He stated, releasing her in order to face the challenging male. "Farfarello," Fiona spoke with urgency though she knew there was no stopping him now that he had come to a firm decision. The man paused and simply looked back at her as the expression in his eye softened as unspoken words passed between them. Fiona felt her chest constrict with surfacing emotions. With all the scars that adorned the youth's body, a majority self-inflicted war and tribal symbols he had carved into himself and a portion gained from battle, most may consider him unsightly. But beneath all those scars was a beautiful face, and Fiona felt her heart reach out toward her former companion who had shared many of life's hardships with her. Farfarello's expression hardened as he turned to look back at Van, rolling his shoulders as sinew rippled beneath his flesh while he popped his knuckles. If he killed Van, Fiona had no reason to remain chained down to a corpse and he could reclaim his only companion. Despite that it appeared he lacked a weapon to combat the daunting sword that the Barbarian Prince possessed, Farfarello was not deterred.

Soon his face would turn impassive as his left hand moved gently to unbutton the front of his chest, knot by knot, revealing scars of his own that adorned his body - none posing self inflictions. Clear signs of strife and twists, thorns that he treaded over in the arch of his fightful life. An unexplainable irony blew with the cold at the sight of the two. With his front now bare, Van would lower to a crouch like a panther, before launching off into a sprint, agility noted with the sound of footfalls and his form flickering across the distance.

Farfarello crouched slightly before charging at him as well, the snow lifting around his projecting feet as the agility of a predator was undeniable in his movements as he went to meet his opponent. He leaned his body forward to lower wind resistance as he began to achieve velocities that no normal creature could reach. Fiona could simply observe as their flickering forms came closer and closer and she braced herself for the force of their collision. Deft fingers coiled around the hilt of a hidden blade beneath his shirt as he presented the weapon just as the distance between his opponent and him was practically non-existant before he brought it around in an attempt to savagely plunge it into Van's side. The force of the impact would be devastating if it managed to connect, as the male possessed astronomical strength compared to Fiona.

Van did not know what exactly Farafrello was plotting. But he already recognized brute strength at the pace the man was moving. When fatal closure came, Van would bring his blade to slash conveniently towards his side, meeting the blade instead of a fist. Transparent blows of ice erupted from their counterparts as their blades crossed, Van realizing superior strength though only for a short moment as flickering flames triggered around his forearms, releasing the demonic scales around his arms that strengthen him to brace them into a silent dead lock as the wind blew passed them. Crimson eyes would glare beyond the X of blades, though not for long as Van launched himself to a leap over Farafrello's form, swinging Furiyen to launch a slice of black flames that plummeted towards Farafrello like a crescent moon.

Fierce, piercing optic return Van's glare beyond the lock of their blades before they separated. Farfarello looked up to watch the man leap over him before swinging his sword at him to produce a slice of black flames towards him. The psionic immediately erected a semi-circle barrier around himself that the flames would collide against, wrapping around the perimeter and carve into the ice around him, protecting the man within. Simultaneously, Farfarello took the chance to take advantage of Van's vulnerability while he remained airborne and projected a telekinetic blast in the man's direction, to further launch the individual into the air. If it succeeded, Farfarello would then instantly capture the helpless opponent with his telekinesis.

Instinctively, Van would launch a projectile with another slash just in time when Farafrello's own came to an almost non-existant distance. A blast resonated in the air, fumes clouding above while Van descended to the ground with a crouch. He did not know how - but he could almost sworn to have actually seen the projectile of a thought. But how did Farfarello ward off the black flames? Black flames often meant you were dead.~You must find the wisdom to be ruthless or the manifestations won't be as effective.~ Furiyen's voice echoed, guiding its master in the back of his mind. ~Remember your resolve, human. Let it guide you.~ Van would bring himself to a stand, waving his sword in front of him before he would fall back to a stand, his eyes coming to a close.

Farfarello's eye followed the re-appearance of the Barbarian Prince as their projectiles canceled out one another. If Van thought that Farfarello would allow him to time to concentrate, he was wrong. Before Van had even landed onto the ground, Farfarello had rushed at him again, blade in hand, quickly closing the distance between them. Muscles rippled and tensed in his arm as he drew it back, using not only the momentum of his speed but the power behind his thrust to once more attempt to deliver a devastating blow to Van's left side. He wanted to lodge the blade deep within Van so that he had perfect leverage to then drive it upwards and cause serious damage. If it did not succeed, Farfarello immediately followed up with a kick to Van's possibly exposed right side if the Barbarian Prince had made any measures to block the first step to his attack.

Farfarello would discover that he did not. At that sign of ruthless velocity coming his way, Van knew he would not register what Farfarello had next in his onslaught. But he did reserve a move. Van would push off the ground to a rear leap, though not before the tip of the blade touched the ground, hissing unspeakably as he moved to his retreat. If the move succeeded, Farafrello would find himself tripping through a pool of melted ice as the unspeakable temperatures of the blade he was yet to experience had inevitably shifted its state of matter. Van then would push off his ground, descend upon Farafrello with an slashing arch.

Farfarello had not expected the solid surface beneath his feet to suddenly melt as he stumbled into a small pool of water, frowning but he soon got his footing in time to see Van leap once more into the air and descend down upon him. Farfarello presented a fragment of his earlier shielding, an invisible square that would become momentarily visible upon impact of Van's sword, absorbing the force of it before it would disappear once it had done its purpose. But with how the shield had been situated in the air above him, perhaps a feet or two from its original targeted area, this would leave Van open on his front. Farfarello took this chance to slash at Van's abdomen in an attempt to gut him, aiming to lodge his blade in the right side of Van's stomach and have it exit on the left to leave a gaping wound that would spill his insides.

The suspension within the air gave Van time to note Farafrello's movement. Damage was inevitable, though Van would see an advantage. Loosening his grip just before the shield dissipated, Furiyen would inevitably fall to the side. Farafrello's blade would draw blood, though not where it had intended. A cold flesh wrenching grip held the man's attack where it was misdirected to Van's right thigh, having pierced it, though drasticly reduced. "Caughtcha'." Van would utter within the surprising momentum, just as a clawed hand launched itself towards Farafrello's chest with fierce strength that threatened to emerge out of Farafrello's back, possibly with his heart in hand.

His blade would do more than pierce. As long as it did not collide with a bone structure, it would tear through the top of Van's thigh due to the reinforced unnatural strength his body possessed. Though perhaps Van should have remained quiet, as his statement immediately alerted Farfarello that Van had brought his thigh in on purpose. Farfarello free hand snapped up to grasp the wrist of the clawed hand that was aiming for his chest in a lethal blow. Farfarello wasn't aiming to stop it, but merely redirected it upward as Farfarello turned so that it narrowly missed, but not without damage as his shoulder bled when the hand grazed it. But now with Van in his grip, he held onto the wrist and turned completely to put his back toward Van so he could swing the man over his shoulder and attempt to slam his opponent with devastating force back first onto the icey ground. The impact itself would cause the ground to implode, cracks webbing from the site of impact for yards away as some ice fragments would protrude from the surface as snow lifted into the air.

Van was lifted in a perfect arch, poised to slam onto his doom until he instinctively reacting, protruding his arm so that the plummet would focus onto his left elbow. The dragon-like scale limp absorbing the entire impact, numbing itself for a split second. Farfarello would register the man's tenacity when he would notice that the clawed hand maintained itself upon the hand with the blade, though Van would not make the same mistake twice. Without warning, just as he had slammed onto the ground, his right arm surging with strength would swing hard enough to throw a man of Farfarello's caliber to sail across the distance. If it succeeded and Farfarello had found himself standing, he would note Van holding firmly onto Furiyen from his ground while his left hand seemingly channeling some in the ice.

Their battlefield was torn apart and jagged, no longer a leveled playing field as the two powerful forces continued to collide, causing the ground to quake with each astronomical impact. The two opponents were beginning to feel the strain of their continued efforts to defeat their foe. Even with Farfarello ability to keep going with all the damage he had received due to the fact that he could not feel pain and therefore could continue to function despite injuries that would drive a normal person into shock or unconsciousness, he found that his opponent had the stamina that could rival his own. Was it sheer force of will that drove Van to ignore his injuries and continue to fight? Then there was the weather that continued to beat down upon them. They were not wearing the right attire to withstand the elements for much longer. Farfarello breathed heavily, his resolve fueling his determination to claim victory as they gained distance from one another once more after another collision. The two adversaries sized one another up, calculated their next attack, and soon initiated another strike as distance became non-existant. Meanwhile, their only audience watch with increasing dread and had to fight the impulse to close her eyes as she noticed the directions of their attacks. Van and Farfarello had both aimed for vital parts, determined to see the end of their battle once and for all. Snow lifted from the ground and blood dripped to stain the snow. Farfarello glared at Van as he noticed their predicament. Farfarello's blade was pressed against the side of Van's neck where his jugular vein laid dangerously close, able to witness the vein pumping adrenaline beneath the flesh that soon broke slightly under the pressure as he watched blood trace the pointed edge. What Farfarello also took note of was the pressure on his chest, right above where his own pumping heart was as the vicious amber optic stared at his adversary, refusing to move as long as his opponent did not either. If Farfarello was to die now, he would make certain he would take Van down with him.

"Les' see." One thing was for sure however. Despite their predicament, Van could sure talk as he heaved. "Ye cut me jugula' an' A die in 'bout tew minutes, chokin in me own blood. Ya hit da external, it'll bi 'bout fave minutes.." Van would pause for a heave. "A git tame ta stab ye'r hear' and ya get ta burn'n black flames'n scream like a whore dyin on an orgasm..Aye - naw' a bad trade."Atleast he agreed with Farafrello on one thing.

"I won't scream," Farfarello replied, confused though at the way the man had described it. "I feel no pain. Besides, if it felt like an orgasm, it wouldn't be a bad way to go. Would be more pleasant than suffocating" He decided to inform him as his chest heaved from his rapid respiration, taking the moment to catch his breath as he held his weapon against Van's neck. Farfarello was waiting to see whether Van would try to finish his strike or if he would disengage. But more than likely Van was just as cautious of Farfarello, which was why they would soon hear footsteps approaching them. "It's over," Fiona announced, looking to Farfarello. Farfarello frowned but after a tense moment, reluctantly disengaged and lowered his blade from Van's neck.

Van would do the same, baring the same measure of resentiment. A draw made things more complicated. He did not like complications, assuming that Farafrello would share the notion. Never the less, Van maintained his silence, catching his breath as he listened for the verdict. He had seen the look upon Blue's face when Farafrello had exposed himself to mortal danger. The barbarian would not wager that his actions tonight would draw favor - if the worst were to happen - he knew he couldn't supress Blue's freedom. Tonight may have meant good bye - he dreaded the thought of it.

Farfarello turned his head to look upon Fiona. He did not like the fact that the duel had ended in a draw but what good would it have done if both of them died. Farfarello, perhaps, would have at least been satisfied knowing that he had taken his adversary down with him. Fiona noticed the way the two men looked to her, as if she was the judge that would deem the verdict of the outcome. Though as if Farfarello already knew what the answer would be, he turned and began to walk away from them. "Farfarello..." Fiona called out to him and he momentarily paused, only to speak. "This isn't over," he announced before he proceeded into town. Fiona did not try to stop him because they both knew that she had not changed her mind. He simply made it easier on her by walking away and accepting her unspoken decision. Fiona sighed heavily as she let him go, knowing that he could tend to his own injuries before her attention was drawn to Van. "Why did you follow us?" She asked lightly. She knew, at some fundamental level, the men had needed the battle and it would have been inevitable which was why she had not tried to stop. But still, she had been confident she could handle herself.

Van would meet her gaze, staring at her for a moment almost to absorb the question before he leaned his face against the arms that he now crossed over Furiyen's handle as he knelt onto the ice, heaving. "Cuz A knew that even if A'd ben in his shoes, A'd probably do wha' he had in min'." Van spoke sincerely, indicating the consideration of force. "A dunno." He said after a pause. "A followed me heart'ere."

Fiona simply stared at Van for a moment before sighing and staring out in the direction Farfarello had disappeared into. "I seem to be the only one who doesn't know what her heart is telling her," she stated before she moved to stand beside him. "But I know one thing. Right now, I want to remain with you." She glanced to him. "I just don't understand why you two don't get along." She stated, assumming that it was their testosterones that were making them so aggressive and territorial. But she simply shook her head before offering him a hand. "Let's go back to the inn," she stated. "You'll catch a cold," she added on as she eyed his exposed chest and his newly added wounds before a hidden smirk tugged at the edge of her lips.

Van would find himself relieved with a sigh that he exhaled upon instinct, hoping that this would be a permenant decision. All the same - he was relieved. Van would bring himself to a stand as sluggishly as one would do when just having left his bed. His form would trip for a second, but not until he braced himself with Furiyen. He looked at the blade as it simply stared across the distances in its silence before lifting it and resting the weapon over his shoulder. "Sa how many sca's now..?" Van would speak to himself, studying his bare chest as he limped forward, allowing his body to realize the pain. "Shi'. A loss' count. "

Fiona would move to follow him before settling to walk beside him, considering his slow pace due to his limping as they headed back into town after the tension of the quarrel had finally disappated. She caught his words and brought her hand up to hide a small smile as a small chuckle emitted from her, finding what he had said amusing. Though she personally thought the scars were befitting of him, and personally found them appealing. So she did not understand why he was complaining but submitted that perhaps that was just her opinion that she found battle marks that spoke of the many survived encounters that people faced appealing. They were like physical evidence of his strength and tenacity.

Van's ear would perk to the sound that emitted beneath the palm for a moment, before producing a genuine smile of his own as he lowered a soft expression to the ground. "Tha's righ'. Keep on laughin'. Ye women dig us men fer ar' marks an' we haveta go thru hell back'n fourth ta get'em. All da grun' work." He spoke, indulging in friendly sarcastic submission. Though, when he walked up the steps under the shade of the inn where the cold would a tad supressive, he would turn his form slightly. "Wha' else makes ya laugh...?" He asked in affection.

Blue glanced to him for a moment with perplexion but she concluded, knowing Van, that he was simply being playfully sarcastic. "Not necessarily. I would have multiple scars too, by now, if I didn't heal completely," she stated as she examined her right wrist, where the smooth skin lacked any blemishes despite all of her previous self-mutliations and battle damage. Though once he posed his question, she was slightly taken aback but she grew silent in contemplation. "I don't necessarily know," she stated, immediately becoming uneasy though she did not necessarily know why. Perhaps it was the simply the way he looked at her that made her feel vulnerable, even though such wondrous sound of laughter should not derive any form of insecurity. Was it the newly found intimacy between them that made her feel uncomfortable? She glanced away momentarily in uncertainty before looking to him once more. "I suppose you'll just have to find it with trial and error."

Van's hand would lift to prod the center of Blue's forehead. "A liked it." He confessed softly, before he proceeded into the inn's reception, looking up at the clock past the sleeping receptionist. "Three in da mornin..." Van sighed, announcing his ill sense of time as he lifted a hand to scrach at the back of his scalp, though even that had him pause to wince. "A hate da north.."

Blue blinked as Van prodded her forehead before staring at him, somewhat reassured at his approval as she gazed at him with a meek expression. She would watch as he proceeded to the reception to look at the clock before sighing in resignation once he realized the time. "We'll leave once we can," she stated as she came up to him. "Perhaps we should just try to get some rest for now and we'll decide in the morning how we are going get out of here."

Van would nod in agreement. "Aye." After tonight's battle, the man could sleep like a log. They proceeded up the stairs, along the corridor. Van's fingers holding onto Blue's own as delicately as a ribbon before they stopped at the forked end which provided their neighbouring rooms. "So. . ."

Blue would glanced toward the her room as they reached the point where they would have to separate in order to go their respective rooms. Blue remained holding onto Van's hand, appreciating the small source of consolation and reassurance though she was reluctant to release it. "Can I stay with you?" She asked as she looked to him. "I like it better when I'm in a room with you," she confessed. She found that she was restless without his soothing presence nearby. Perhaps an unhealthy dependence upon him but it was something she had grown accustomed to in order to fall asleep peacefully. It held the same resemblance as if falling asleep beside a warm body. She did not like sleeping alone.

Van's brows would raise slightly before his face changed to a soft expression, reminicising at the time back in Old Man's tavern when Blue had posed him the same innocent question. "Wha'eva makes ya comf'table, luv."Van would say as a hand came to pat the head in a manner of assurance, his other hand turning the knob to open the door. Allowing Blue passage, the man would soon follow suit.

Blue's content at his approval of allowing her to remain with him for the night was evident in her expression before she entered first after he had opened the door. She approached the mattress and climbed in, accustomed by now not to wait since she knew he preferred the corner of a room than the actual bed. But she did wait for him to get settle in to his spot, as she pulled the sheets of her legs and then patiently watched him. It was a relief to be in the comfort of a warm bed after being outside in the frigid weather but also more reassuring knowing that she had Van to accompany her instead of having loneliness as desolate company.

Van had taken the time to remove his drenched shirt, revealing the full nature of his scars for a split second before he replaced his usual garment with the undeniable comfort of fur, tossing the drenched shirt onto the corner as if it were a burden. Gentler this time - Van slid to the ground, leaning himself against Furiyen. "Sleep well." he spoke in a low voice above a whisper.

Blue took in the view of his scarred body before he concealed it again which elicited contemplation on how many confrontations he must have been in to acquire so many. Perhaps she would ask him another time as right now did not seem appropriate as she willingly lowered herself to lay down and pull the covers up to her shoulders. "Good night," she replied quietly as she turned to lay on her side, content at the ease of mind that allowed her body to relax as she closed her eyes with a gentle sigh.

The world disappear like a whisper across from Blue's awareness, as it would with Van when they both succumbed to the peace of the present. Time became irrelevant. Though in the wake of the world that had disappeared swiped fourth a new form of existance that was real - or almost. There was serenic view of a calm sea and the white birds that sailed across. Blue would wake to find herself there. And from the distance came the footfalls of an incredibly tall figure, almost seven foot tall - though his length did was accompanied with mass. Perfect broad shoulders, stiff arms, big hands and red hair that was loose and flowing like a torch, riding the gales. Blue would know from the large sinister grin that crossed his face and in spite of the red eyes, that it was clearly not Van. But a new person altogether. His face - evil -and amused. The fluttering of birds would gain her attention for a second, before she realized that in the blink of an eye, he was there - kneeling infront of her with his face examining hers - excitedly. "Fiona - Deirdre."

Sapphire optics scanned the horizon with perplexion. The location sparked no memory, held no recognition to it as she watched the waves gently undulating onto golden sand. It was a beautiful sight that was soon marred by an intruder as her head turned to acknowledge the approaching presence. At first, the scarlet locks that elegantly rode the gales caused her to believe that it was Van. But it became all too clear that it was not, as she was met with an unfamiliar and unfriendly countenance. Her eyes immediately narrowed in suspicion and caution as she remained where she stood, her hair whispering delicately about her cranium as the wind stroked through it. She heard wings striking air near her as she deviated her attention for a moment, only to soon realize that their distance became non-existant. Impulsively, she reached for a weapon upon her body in order to strike at the stranger that somehow knew her name.

The blade would shimmer across the sun as fast as was Blue's gesturing, finding home onto the intend target. The blade pierced deep in the throat and ruptured the internals dramaticly to the point his head should now be full off, though clasped the sides of her face and Blue would find herself pinned beneath him. His head dangled from the side, suspended by single streak of flesh before. The head opened its eyes and a grin found itself across the lips, before it stope. "Pitty that your father will never see you grown - though he will relish in the notion that you've turned out to be like your mother - only more violent." It spoke. The sound of wings beating against the air resonated in the atmosphere before a wave of them came, soaring across and diving into the man's neck like a storm horroficly reanimating the incapitated head and placing it back in its socket. "Now - " his head lowered to the point where his crimson were the only to be seen. "The signs illuminate differently. You must meet him - quickly."

Blue grunted as she soon found herself pinned against the soft, warm sand as the body that should have fell quietly onto the cushion of the sand now pinned her beneath him. Blue could simply stare as the head that dangled by a fragile segment of flesh that kept it attached to its body continued to speak to her. The sight striked no fear in the woman, as she had witnessed far worse horrors than an almost decapitated head, a majority she herself had been the culprit of. She observed as the head found home upon the shoulders of its vessel while the man continued and lowered his face toward her own until she could see no features of his face other than the menacing optics that pierced into her own gaze. His words brought birth of confusion. How did it know of her father? Not only that, the only person who could possibly know of his location refused to reveal such information to her and was scarce when you wanted to speak to him.

"He will cross the Flower Blade River in three days. Look for a deep scar across the side of a man's neck. It resembles a bird." He spoke. Then in the blink of an eye, the menacing optics would dsiappear. Blue would wake to find Furiyen glowing in the dark, staring at her.

Blue found herself staring at the cieling as she awoke abruptly from the unusual dream, pushing herself up onto her arms before Furiyen's illuminating caught her attention. She blinked before frowning deeply, deducing that Furiyen was connected to her dream in some manner or form. It had felt so real and, considering she did not dream and remember it unless it held a measure of significance, it could not be carelessly dismissed. Her mind disturbed, she sat up and glared at the sword. Previously, she had not acknowledged it as being an threat or concern. But recently, she began to notice a malice that resonated from it as Van's and Blue's dilemma grew increasingly complicated. Three days, the mysterious man had stated. That did not give her a lot of time and decided that they would need to leave as soon as possible. Though would Van believe her if she revealed her dream to him or pass it on as simply that; a dream. Blue's expression drew into contemplation as she mused quietly on what she was going to do until Van would wake.

She wouldn't have to think for long, as a gale in the outside world blew lightly to have something bat against the window, all that which produced a sound which made the Barbarian Prince's head flinch as he awake, though he would have to blink a few times to adjust to the light Furiyen radiated with as he woke. "Da hell are ye excited, 'bout?" Van questioned in resentiment, disturbed.

Blue surfaced from her deep thought as she noticed Van become animate as a displaced sound awoke him from his slumber before he questioned Furiyen's odd illumination. Blue pondered asking if Van had become aware of Furiyen's recently sinister ecstatic behavior but thought otherwise as she spoke. "Van," Blue spoke with quiet urgency to draw his attention to her curled form seated on the bed, staring at him with the uncertainty of his response but firm resolution that she would proceed to follow through with the mysterious man's instructions even if Van was struck with disbelief at her dream. It may not be important to her but her dreams held significance and she would not just push them to the wayside. "I had a dream," she began, before pausing to make certain he was listening.

"Huh..?" Van would extend to fingers to pinch the top of his nose, as if to adjust himself. He released a sigh through his nostrils, tilting Furiyen out of his way to lie flat on the ground. "Wha' was da dream about..?"

Blue paused, considering revealing that the man had held resemblance to Van but decided otherwise, again. "About my father," she stated. "Someone came to me and told me where I can find him. I want to go try and see if I can." Blue had not thought she would ever meet her parents ago. Her mother was dead. Her father was a lost memory. So she had never let it bother her. But she couldn't shake the feeling that her dream was more than simply an illusion in her head, and could possibly guide her to the man who was her own flesh and blood. She couldn't decide if there was any sentimental attachment to the need to seek him out or if she simply wanted answers.

Van's movement would pause in obvious indication that he was surprised and somewhat confused at this manner of revealing. His hand slowly lowered to his knees, before his face lifted to gaze at Blue quietly. "What're ye waitin' for..?" Van asked abruptly, extending his hand in an unspoken request to help him stand. A smile crossed his lips. "Les fine' ye'r ol' man."

Blue stared at him, waiting apprehensively for his response. She could not express her relief to see that he was willing to trust in her, even if she was simply following what may end up only being a dream. Not that she would have allowed his decision to deter her, but she found it important that he was willing to stick by her even if perhaps he did not believe her. She moved to slide out of bed and take his hand to pull him to his feet. "We'll need to get off this ice rock," she began. "And head for an area called Flower Blade River. Supposedly he's suppose to cross it in three days and that does not give us a lot of time."

"red Flowa' Riva...?" Van posed the question out of preplexion and suprise, rather then curiosity. HIs brows raised as his eyes widened, expressing so before his head lowered as he absorbed the information. "Shi'." Van murmured quietly, before his voice would raise slightly to announce the fact. "Tha's a mile away from me village." He raised a hand to the back of his scalp, side of the lip twitching to indicate a mixture of feelings before he sighed lightly, straightening himself and picking up Furiyen. "Neva mine'. Les jus' get ta da harba'."

Blue regarded him quietly, wondering if the location posed a problem for him as she watched his unusual reaction knowing that the area was close to his village. She blinked, unable to comprehend his unease at the knowledge, partly because there were still many things she did not know about him. But she was glad once he came to a decision and picked up his weapon, before she turned to exit the room. "Should we tell Henry?" She asked. The mage had been a valueable asset up until now. It was Van's decision for Blue's problems to become his own. And as much as Blue appreciated that, she did not see it necessary for Henry to also carry the burden.

Van would nod. "We owe'm as much fer riskin' his neck fer sum'an he barely knows." He said, his statement implying himself more then Blue. Van appreciated his curtosy, apparrenlty and would not let it slide that easily. It was reasonable. "Dats a man ye shud call a frien'." He added, his hand turning the knob. "Hence, respec's in ordah." With that conclusion, Van would proceed to knock on Henry's door before realizing that no one was there. He descended onto the reception just in time to see him enter the inn, apparently having went out for a stroll. "Oy, Henry. We're goin'." The mage lifted a brow as he lowered his goggles. "We're goin ta fine' Blew's Ol' man.' Van proceeded. "We go' - um - reason ta believe dat he's gonna be crossin da Red Flowa' Riva in tree days." "In the tree days?" Henry posed, confused. Van's lip would twitch, raising three fingers. "Oh, three." Henry nodded, lowering his head for a moment before he offered them a smile. "Good luck then." The barbarian prince would now lift his own brow. "Ye'r naw comin'?" Henry shook his head. "I came here to see to Blue's safety and the accomplishment of her errand." He admitted. "Things done and reassured by stronger company, I can now lay back and think about what I intend to do for the rest of my life."

Blue stared at Van and considered his words as they went to approach Henry, only to realize this he was absent from his room. The woman canted her head but would follow Van as he descended onto the reception where they would soon stumble upon Henry returning from what appeared to be a stroll. It struck Blue as odd, considering she wouldn't consider a stroll at the North Pole as anything but pleasant due to the frigid weather and bitter winds. Blue remained beside Van, allowing him to speak to Henry before they were both taken aback as Henry simply wished them good luck, announcing that he was not going to accompany them. She stared as Henry explained he had accomplished what he had attended to help Blue with before the young woman regarded her former employer quietly. A friend, eh? "Thank you, Henry. For all that you've done. I could not have done it without you." She admitted, expressing her appreciation and gratitude. She had to admit, Henry was the only employer she had ever had who had risked his own personal possessions and life to aid her. And for that, she would accept him as her friend. Perhaps he wasn't in the territory that Van had rightfully earned through patience and understanding, but Henry was edging into it. She would be certain to refer to him if at some point in the future she needed a helping hand once more. "We should keep in touch," Blue suggested.

"Yeah." Henry would frown thoughtfully before he would walk pass them, holding the bottom of his chin. "Do me a favor and sit here for a few minutes. I won't be long." Van would look at Blue, obviously as ignorant as she was before shrugging and taking a seat. He would spin Furiyen beneath his hand every now and then, as if he were fiddling with a coin before Henry would fullfill his promise and return, walking over to Blue."Mages have different means of contact - for colleagues, its a different story altogether. Lets just say it depends for my kind." He spoke simply, handing her a scroll that was tiny enough to put into a sock. "This is a scroll containing an incomplete enchantment. The real deal's used on birds and animals that cover wide ranges to spectate things, regardless of wherever we are. It takes time to create it and time to apply it, and figuring that you obviously demand privacy, that won't be a neccessary measure. If you destroy this in anyway, however, I'll know exactly where you are. Just wait and hope I'm close. You can bet that I won't be on this freezey side of the world by that time." Van would rise to his feet, giving the mage a pat on the shoulder. "Thanks Henry." Before he would give Blue a glance. They needed to be ahead of time. "By the way." Henry would remark, smiling rather genuinely as he extracted something from beneath his garment. "While you're at it, do me a favor and ask your old man what day you were born. Might as well get to know more about yourself." Henry emphasize his request by presenting a cylinder box, lifting the lid to show Blue a bottle. "Wish I had a better year, but hey, any legal drink's as good as any." The mage would wink. "Good luck."

Blue glanced to Van as Henry urged them to remain where they were for a few minutes while he went to retrieve an item. Curious, she obliged to his request and moved to take a seat, every now and then glancing to Van who was toying with his sword to pass the time before the mage returned. Blue rose her eyes in question to the mage as he began to introduce what he was going to offer her as she looked to the scroll he had taken out and handed to her. She stared at it, turning it over to examine it as Henry continued before he announced the important piece of information that all she had to do was burn it and Henry would know that she needed him and know her location at the time of the scroll being burned. Soon, Van spoke the gratitude Blue would have before she also rose to a stand. But before Van and her could proceed out to head to the harbor, Henry stopped her one more time. She stared at the box he had presented before blinking in confusion as he lifted the lid to reveal a bottle in it. "Okay," she stated, giving the man a small smirk as she reached to take the gift. "Thank you, Henry, and good luck to you too." Blue stated genuinely before she moved to Van's side so that they could proceed out the door and to the harbor to hopefully catch a ship to the mainland.

They would be on their way on the Ice Cruiser, leaving a man in the distance who kept waving until his humble but sincere form faded in the distance like a dying star. "Anly gewd people get ta fine gewd people." He remarked, looking over his shoulder at her. When he recieved her questioning look, he explained. "A'm sayin' ye'r a gewd person."

Blue watched Henry's form fade into the distance, though made the peculiar gesture of reaching out, positiong Henry's form between two fingers before simulating the action of squishing him as she pressed her fingers together. If only he were actually that small, she thought before she was interrupted as Van began to speak, ironically stating that she was a good person just as she thought about squishing Henry between her fingers. "A good person?" Blue grew silent, seriously contemplation the notion. She? Good? "I guess," she stated with uncertainty, leaning against the rails. "I am who I am," she summarized, and that held truth as her hair delicately whispered around her as the wind blew while she stared out into the distance. She did not conform to society's norms and morality and expecting her to act accordingly left many bruised and disappointed in her wake. But she was content she had found someone who not only accepted her for her flaws, but was willing to nurture her and guide the lost soul. It brought the much needed structure and security she longed for as Blue rose her eyes to the sky, captivated by the brilliant array of lights that painted a beautiful canvas across the infinite. Even if she was uncertain of the outcomes with her father, she felt secure knowing Van was beside her as her expression softened as she allowed herself to admire the beauty before her. It was going to be okay.

[Thread Closed. RP continues here - The Truth Will Set You Free ]