It was freezing out, the snow on the ground was deep, and more snow continued to fall from the sky, only piling up thicker across the icy, barren landscape. Amidst the great blank white canvas was a single dot of red. Xalmann trekked through the snow, the biting cold and sweeping winds. A dark red-scaled Lizardfolk with pale yellow scales down the front of his neck and torso and on the underside of his law. His white cloak billowed behind him in the wind. That was fine. He didn't actually wear it for warmth, as might be inferred from his lack of shirt and shoes. A slight orange glow could be seen coming from between his scales, like lava visible between cracks in stone. He didn't feel the cold at all thanks to the fiery magic within him.

Xalmann trudged forward, leaving a partially melted and nearly instantly refrozen trench through the waist-deep snow behind him as he went, the walls and ground slick and icy. He'd be easy to track, but he wasn't afraid of a fight. He had his axe and dagger at the ready in case anything or anyone approached.

Even though he wasn't feeling the cold, he didn't like this place. Trudging through the snow was tiring, and the wind constantly howled loudly and tried to push him back. Visibility was poor in this blizzard. He could see hardly ten feet in any direction. He should have taken a boat. He had thought this would be easy thanks to his fire magic, but he had underestimated this place. It was his first time here, having been born on the opposite side of Charon, in the Marsh Flats. He'd come close to Frostgale before, but had never felt the need to enter it before now. Now, he was only here for one reason. A reason he wouldn't freely admit, but a reason nonetheless.

He stopped for a moment, looking around futilely. He couldn't see through this blizzard. He just hoped he was headed in the correct direction for his goal. But, as he stood still, he could still hear footsteps, snow and ice crunching and cracking beneath each footfall. He looked behind him as a tall figure approached through the swirling snow, his weapons cautiously at the ready.

"Who is there?" he called out over the howling wind to whoever it was following him.

---

Hot Body

SPOILER: Click to show

Quest Name: Too Cool for School
Chapter: One
Description: You have become trapped in a blizzard while trying to rescue a group of merchants lost in the Ice Fields. Not only do you need to save them and their product, you must survive yourself. A large blizzard has started to pelt you with wind, snow and ice, making travel impossible. This also puts the cart and its goods at risk. You must use your creativity and skill to save the wagon, the merchants and yourself.
Requirements:
- Requires at least two people (you and one other, if the other participant does not qualify they will not gain the reward.)
- You must make at least 7 post to complete the mission with each post being at least 200 words
- Must Rescue the merchants, save their wagon and live through the blizzard.
- Once you complete this mission you have completed this quest chain and may turn in the mission.

There are a lotta words that can describe Seiya Maeda.

He's been called a ton of things, good and bad; some call him stupid, and they aren't really too far off the mark with that one-- some call him prideful, and really, that's a bull's eye, too. His mama calls him gentle and kind and sometimes even things like "pensive," and really, he thinks she might just be tryin' too hard to ease his mind, but they settle warmly in his heart all the same, a pretty little patch sewn into his soul with her delicate hands. All in all, he's got a lot goin' on, but one word that's ringin' loud and clear in his mind right now is cocky.

Oh, boy, is he ever cocky, for thinkin' he could parade around in the Gods-damned Frost Gale wearin' hardly any more than what he's usually got on, which isn't a lot.

A permanent grimace has etched its way across Seiya's face as he treks through the Ice Fields, winds howlin' like the moon-touched forests of home, the ones where the impish yokai come to play and lure travelers away or host their wild celebrations, or the lands where the inugami he shares the blood of run and hunt. It's about a thousand times colder and a whole lot less pretty here than it is back in the greenery of the Crescent Isles, though-- here, all he can see is blue and white and crystallized blue and white and sometimes the backs of his eyelids from tryin' not to get hit in the face by snow and ice.

He sighs, shudderin' a bit as he pulls the heavy fur shawl draped over one shoulder onto the other as well, hoping that it's capable of fightin' off at least a little bit of the cold. Man, this sucks-- how's he supposed to see a Girallon in this kinda weather? Do they even go here?

Seiya's about to lament the situation for the thirtieth time when a flicker of scarlet catches his eye between the slivers of ice still veiling his vision-- he blinks, and it's still there, loomin' in the distance. Holy shit, maybe someone's actually doin' something insane like campin' out here-- and if someone's insane enough to do somethin' like that, then maybe they're insane enough not to mind company from a man like him for a bit!

With that thought in mind, he bounds through the snow at a quicker pace, chasing after that light--

only to hear a voice, and to come to the realization that this is a person, and not a campfire.

"...Oh!" he blinks, trying to get a decent look through the heavy snow. The silhouette's hard to see, but he thinks he can see the shape of weaponry, which is... fair. "Uh, hey, sorry-- saw somethin' glowin' out here. Didn't realize it was a... person. My bad. Hi there."

Xalmann lowered the axe and dagger in his hands, but only slightly. A friendly greeting didn't always mean a friendly person, and Xalmann wasn't a fool. He couldn't see whoever it was very clearly through the snow, but he could see by their silhouette that they were an imposing figure. They were even taller than the Lizardfolk, who was a fairly intimidating figure himself. He didn't see any weapons, but he had fought with casters and brawlers before. He knew being unarmed didn't mean defenseless by any means.

Xalmann took a few cautious steps forward to get a better look at whoever this was, stopping when he could see their face through the heavy snow, standing just a few feet away. Xalmann was surprised to see the man wearing so little in such freezing temperatures, but he could hardly say anything since he was dressed in even less. However, the pyromantic reptile had his fiery magic to keep him warm. This man looked to be slowly freezing to death. Were they so confident in their constitution that they believed they could survive this weather, or were they just an idiot?

So this person had been drawn to the glow of Xalman's scales without realizing he was going to find the Lizardfolk. Maybe he had been hoping for some source of warmth in this biting cold. Xalmann could help. He seemed like a strong warrior from his stature and physique that were displayed maybe a bit too proudly in this weather. Xalmann might be able to gain a favor from him just by letting him stand close. An easy gain for little effort. He lowered his weapons and offered a greeting.

"It is alright. I am Xalmann." he said emotionlessly, his most friendly demeanor.

It takes a moment more before Seiya can properly blink the snow away from his eyes and get a proper look at the man standin' before him, but as soon as he does, he's pretty damn impressed with what he sees-- the guy before him ain't too much shorter than he is, with the same kind of fighter's build, the kind that's probably seen all kinds of combat. And... he's a lizardfolk, all in shades of scarlet and gold, like and honest-to-Gods, Ginma-shaped walkin' flame; hell, he's pretty damn cool lookin'. He ain't wearin' much in this weather, either, but he's the kind who can get away with it, at least.

He's difficult to read, though-- his voice is all flat, tellin' little about what might be goin' through his mind, but it doesn't seem like he's got hostility goin' through his head, at least. As soon as he-- Xalmann-- introduces himself, Seiya offers him a bright smile right back, tryin' not to wince as snow continues to hit him in the face.

"Well, nice to meetcha, Xalmann," he says brightly, violet eyes bright with budding interest as he looks the lizardfolk up and down before offering his hand for a shake. Really, Xalmann seems pretty formidable-- like the kinda guy he could probably learn a lot from. "The name's Seiya. What's gotcha wanderin' about in this kinda cold? Seems like ya got it handled, but still."

Xalmann placed his battle axe back into the sheath attached to his waist and grasped Seiya's hand firmly. Oddly, but perhaps not unexpectedly, the red reptile's scales were exceptionally warm to the touch despite being a cold-blooded Lizardman in this freezing weather. Their hand was almost too hot, even a bit uncomfortable to touch. It became increasingly obvious how Xalmann could get away with walking through the ice fields with such little clothing to protect him from the cold. He already had all the warmth he needed and more.

Xalmann pulled his hand back and placed it on the handle of his axe again. Seiya didn't seem hostile, they even seemed quite friendly, but he couldn't be too certain. Either about Seiya, or about anything else that might be hidden in this blizzard. Xalmann thought for a moment on how he might answer their question. Finding the right words, both literally and metaphorically for him, as someone whose command of the common language was far from perfect. His native tongue was the Lizardfolk language of his tribe. After a moment, he began, his voice as flat as his axe head.

"Walking west. To the city."

His reasons for going there, he kept to himself. His business was his own. But, he wouldn't mind Seiya accompanying him across the ice fields. If he was truly friendly, he could be helpful to have around in case anything less friendly showed up.

"Will you join me?"

It's hard to say if he should be hissin' in relief or in mild pain when Xalmann takes hold of Seiya's hand, the natural heat emanating off of it standin' in very, very obvious contrast to the cold whirlin' around 'em both. Some of the numbness that'd been clingin' to his fingers slips away almost immediately, yielding to the fiery glow of Xalmann's scales, and he really ain't sure to sigh over how nice it is to find some damn warmth in the midst of this cold or wince over the shock of touchin' somethin' so hot after spendin' so long in the cold.

He resolves to do neither, merely maintaining that bright smile and giving Xalmann's hand a shake, letting go of the lizardfolk's hand as soon as he withdraws it. Man, he ain't ever seen a guy quite like this before-- Xalmann seems like a man of few words, the kind of person all veiled in mystery and the like, and it only makes him seem cooler. Of all the kinds of people Seiya could've run into in this weather, it's pretty damn neat that he ran into a lizardfolk with skin like scarlet flame.

Delight only etches its way further across his face as Xalmann puts forth the offer to travel together-- toward the Pale City, he thinks? Damnit, it ain't like Seiya keeps track of locations that well. He probably should. It's how he got lost out here lookin' for the World Crown to begin with.

"Oh, yea, I'd be happy to," he says brightly, already startin' to walk, albeit slowly to make sure Xalmann moves with him, in the direction he's about ninety percent sure is west. "Makes it easier to handle anythin' this way, yea?"

Xalmann just silently nodded in reply as Seiya walked slowly past him. He turned around to continued walking along the path he had already started carving through the snow behind Seiya. He didn't mind letting the big guy lead the way. His ego wasn't so fragile. He actually preferred it like this, not wanting his back exposed to the man who was still mostly a stranger. Seiya's huge frame also made for good protection from the wind, and he didn't have to trudge through the deep snow anymore. Inviting Seiya to travel with him had really been a great decision.

Xalmann wasn't a great conversationalist, and the howling wind would have made talking difficult anyways. The two travelled along through the snow for some time, the sky growing a purplish shade that barely showed through the clouds above, but still managing to dye the entire white landscape a pale violet just before it became completely dark. The moonlight could hardly penetrate the clouds and snow. It was pitch black all around them except for the snow reflecting a bit of orange and yellow from the slight glow of the fiery lizard. They stood out even more now, like a candle in the dark. Xalmann didn't like it.

A slight sound made its way to the pair through the howling wind. It sounded like voices, like someone calling out to them from somewhere close by.

It really ain't overly surprisin' that Xalmann's not the talkative type.

He seems all mysterious and quiet, like the sort who'd rather let his actions speak for him, and Seiya can respect that-- hell, he kinda envies him. He's never been good at that sort of thing, at keepin' his mouth shut; he's too chatty for that, too keen on tryin' to make conversation with other people, and maaaaaybe he likes the one-sided banter of combat too much to really lean into the whole quiet guy act. Just ain't his thing, really, no matter what he wishes, but Xalmann does it well.

Still, as cool as it is, it makes trekkin' through the snow with him just a little bit awkward-- it ain't like Seiya's not used to travelin' in silence, considerin' one of the people he keeps the company of is completely mute, but it's a little different. At least Akari has his notebook and is willing to entertain Seiya's spontaneous comments here and there. It just feels kinda awkward to even think about tryin' to say somethin' to Xalmann, especially with the wind howlin' around them both, loud and annoyin' and full of snow and ice and more snow and ice.

Even so, loud as the wind is, there's one small advantage he has over it-- it can scream all it likes, but he does have slightly sharper hearing than some. Comes with bein' half-inugami. Dog ears. Ain't always a gift, considerin' how overwhelming too much sound can be, but as he catches on to the distant sound of a voice somewhere out in the snow, he's willin' to make an exception to the thought.

"Hey, Xalmann," he says, just a little louder than he might ordinarily, just so the lizardfolk can hear him. "Did ya hear that? Sounds like a person."

He pauses, steppin' forward a bit toward where he thinks the voice is comin' from, eyes narrowed as he squints through the snow.

"Hey-- who's out there?"

"Mmm." Xalmann affirmed with a nod, though his voice may have been lost in the howling wind. He stepped forward, looking around. He had heard voices. Not as well as Seiya, but he had heard them just barely through the blizzard. It was difficult to tell which direction they had come from though, and they couldn't see far enough through the falling snow. Until something began to glow nearby. Xalmann narrowed his eyes at the light source that had suddenly pierced the veil all around them. He glanced at Seiya and then started walking toward it, carving a trench through the thick layer of snow.

He approached cautiously, wary of any attackers, but the idea of someone waiting to ambush anyone in the middle of nowhere like this was almost comical, especially in this blizzard. Any smart bandit would have left or bunkered down in such awful weather. Anyone walking through this place wouldn't be very likely to have anything of value either. Xalmann was far more worried about yetis or any other vicious creature out here than people. Still, he remained cautious as he always did.

When they finally came close enough to be seen through the blizzard, Xalmann saw what looked like a wooden wagon that was almost entirely buried in the snow. The top of one wheel was still barely visible, and the back had been kept clear, allowing access to the inside. The driver's seat was entirely buried and whatever had been pulling it was nowhere to be seen.

A group of people in heavy coats were huddled inside the wagon except for one who was standing in the snow and holding a single torch to signal Xalmann and Seiya of their location.

It takes one of two things to go walkin' around in the Ice Fields in the middle of a blizzard like this.

You've either gotta have a real competent heat source with you, like the heat literally etched into Xalmann's very skin, or you've gotta have utter ignorance for the sheer strength of the cold and a hell of a lot of hubris, like Seiya does. He's sure Salina's somewhere laughin' her scaly ass off at him for marchin' about in this kind of weather wearin' barely more than what he usually does, but it's fine-- he's fine. Either way, these don't seem like common stompin' grounds for most, at least not for mundane folks.

Which is why it's so surprisin' to see a wagon chock full of strangers in the middle of this snowstorm, one of 'em clinging to a torch for dear life, eyes flickin' between the flame and the two people standing before 'em like the wind will steal the flame if they look away for too long. Seiya blinks, surprise painted over every inch of his face as he drinks in the sight, and he glances over at Xalmann beside him with inquisitive eyes, like he ain't sure what he's seein' is real.

"What in Charon are you two doing, walking around in this weather like that?" the man holdin' up the torch says, squintin' through the snow. His voice ain't harsh or rude or anything, he just sounds genuinely taken aback by the sight before him. "This storm is unlike any we've ever seen; it's a miracle you haven't frozen by now."

Seiya immediately looks back to the man at the forefront, giving a bit of a sheepish laugh. "Ah, well, uh... sometimes that's just how it is? Oi, you all look a bit, uh... stuck."

The man just sighs, his gaze wandering over to Xalmann and... lingering, intrigue lighting up his eyes. "...Well, traveling through the Frost Gale is never easy, persay, but conditions were not supposed to be quite this bad." He lets out another heavy sigh, giving a bitter glance back to the wagon. "I've really never seen it quite like this... Snow kept piling up on the wheels before we could even move them another inch, after a point. We stopped for a bit, and now we... well... I'm sure you can see."

Another gust of wind rages through the air, howling around them, the flame whittled down to a wisp against the charred torch. The stranger's eyes light up with panic as he cradles the torch close, desperate to shield the flame from the thieving winds, desperation in his face as he tries to stave off nature's inevitabilities.

"...you both look like capable sorts," he says, voice strained. "Is there... anything we could do to persuade you to help us out?"

Xalmann glanced at Seiya before giving the strangers before him an appraising look. He didn't have much care for strangers. He wasn't the warmest of people, metaphorically speaking. But, they were offering payment, or some kind of reward. Taking a closer look, these people seemed well off. Very well off. Their coats were made of fine, luxurious materials. Their wagon was spacious and well crafted. Some of them were a bit portly in the midsection. They must eat well. He couldn't see into the wagon, but he imagined it was likely filled with goods for trade and that these people were merchants. But, they must be foolish ones to have chosen to travel through the Ice Fields instead of just getting a boat. That, or greedy enough to try and make the trip just to save a few solars.

The man in front of the group could see Xalmann sizing them all up and quickly tried to assure some help from Seiya and Xalmann. "We have plenty of food and money to offer, we just ran out of fire materials! If you could just help us stay warm until this blizzard calms down and then maybe help dig out the wagon, we'd pay you both and feed you!" he offered, maybe a bit of his desperation making its way into his voice.

He stared at Xalmann again. Unlike everyone else here, there was no snow on the Lizardman's shoulders, and he gave off a slight glow. The Lizardman was very obviously giving off heat. He was like a portable hearth, just what they needed! They had been woefully underprepared for this trip and had burned through all of their firewood far too quickly. Some of that may have been due to their inexperience, but some of it was definitely using too much at a time in a foolish attempt to make it hotter and be more comfortable. They weren't used to being so uncomfortable. But this Lizardman didn't need firewood! They could use him as their personal heater as much as they wanted! And the big guy with the dog ears looked strong. He could probably pull the wagon for them, replace the horses that had died in the cold. These strangers' arrival was just too perfect, a godsend!

Xalmann couldn't help but be tempted by the offer. Travelling in this blizzard was also tiring, so the prospect of getting payed just to stop and rest was quite alluring. These people also didn't seem like they could put up much fight if they did end up being hostile. He looked to Seiya and spoke in a low voice so the merchants couldn't hear.

"I accept. Do you?"

It doesn't take ears like Seiya's to catch on to the sheer desperation pourin' into this guy's voice-- it's easy to see that neither him nor any one of the people with him are used to tryin' to survive harsh conditions. They dress real different from the noble types out in the Crescent Isles, but Seiya knows good fabric when he sees it; he's spent enough time starin' at bolts of silk and sifting through furs and other fancier fabrics to find somethin' nice to bring home for his mom and even longer watchin' the way she sews and weaves to know the makings of noble clothing. These are rich folk, and they ain't used to struggle-- no wonder they're so damned desperate, eyein' Xalmann up like he's a walkin' campfire instead of a person.

Something unpleasant simmers in his veins at that little fact, but... Xalmann doesn't seem too bothered by it-- hell, he even leans in, voice hushed, his words probably completely inaudible beneath the howling winds, and admits that he accepts this kinda deal. Even if somethin' about it doesn't sit too well with Seiya...

...money is money, and gettin' some Solars tossed their way for helpin' some nobles out in the same storm they're stuck in doesn't sound too bad.

"...Yea," he whispers in agreement, before turning back to face the man at the front of the group. He manages a smile, beamin' their way as naturally as he can. "We can stick around and help-- we just gotta hope the blizzard ain't keen on stickin' around for too long, yea?"

"Oh, thank the Gods," the man says, relief flashing across his face. "Come, then-- we'll have to sort out some logistics..."

The man beckoned Xalmann and Seiya into the wagon. Inside, it was a bit warmer thanks to the wind being blocked, and free of snow, but it was still freezing cold. It was also very cramped. There were crates and barrels of whatever the merchants must have been transporting filling over half the wagon, and on top of that, there were four people already inside. Everyone huddled together for warmth and looked up as they entered the wagon. In total, there were five merchants including the man who had greeted them, plus Xalmann and Seiya squeezed into less than half a wagon. There was hardly any room to move. Before Xalmann could say anything about it, the man started pushing on his back to get him inside.

"My name is Rajesh! These are my associates." Rajesh motioned to the others with one hand as he shoved the Lizardman into the wagon. The others made way, squeezing against the walls to let him be pushed further into the middle of the crowd. Once there, the group huddled around him, pulling him to the ground to sit with them on the floor in their cocoon of blankets. Some of them let out sighs of relief at the warmth provided by their new space heater.

What... just happened? Xalmann had been so caught off guard by the whole series of events that he sat there stunned for a moment. He felt as if he'd just been kidnapped, but in a completely stationary wagon. Why were they so close to him!? He didn't like this at all!

Suddenly, Rajesh spoke cheerily, his voice no longer drowned out by the winds outside as he closed the back doors of the wagon. "So, on to those logistics! You two keep us all alive until this blizzard ends, then you help us get to the city, and we'll pay you in food and solars. How about, say, 100 to each of you?" Rajesh said as he offered a handshake to Seiya.

Seiya’s startin’ to think twice about this whole offer.

He’d be a damn fool to turn down money in exchange for somethin’ like this; he holds a bit too tightly to his morals– and a bit more tightly to spite and desperation– to accept pay for work like killin’ people, and a lot of people back home tend to side-eye him ‘cause of his heritage, so findin’ decent work for decent money usually doesn’t sound half bad. It’s been a bit easier to get people to actually hear him out outside the Crescent Isles, where tales of the yokai don’t carry quite as far, where it’s easy for people to look at him and assume he’s just got some weird dogfolk lineage instead of demon’s blood, so havin’ nobles with good coin look his way without disgust is especially nice. But when he watches the way all these merchants crowd around Xalmann, actin’ like he’s a bonfire with legs instead of a livin’ and breathin’ lizardfolk, that sickly feeling springs right back to life.

He grimaces; Xalmann ain’t the most expressive type, but he sure as hell doesn’t look comfortable at the center of a cluster of merchants who regard him as an object and not a person, and Seiya sure ain’t comfortable seein’ them dehumanize him like that. He’s about to open his mouth to talk, to protest, when Rajesh leans a bit too close into his personal space and offers a handshake and–

…one hundred Solars.

Holy shit.

Seiya blinks for a second, glancin’ back over at Xalmann– Gods above, he’d said he was down for this, but did he expect this kinda treatment? Was this kinda money worth it to him? He has no way of knowing; it ain’t like Seiya has a good concept of money, but to him, one hundred Solars is… a ludicrous amount. Gods know what it means to Xalmann.

“...if my pal’s okay with it, then I am,” he says, electing to answer noncommittally, wanting to give Xalmann an out if he needs it.

Xalmann definitely wasn't okay with this. But, 100 solars was a lot of money. He felt conflicted. He preferred to keep to himself. He was horribly nonsocial, hating being in such a confined space with other people even if they weren't objectifying him more than anyone ever had in his life. They sat around him, some even pulling off their gloves and holding out their hands to warm them by the Lizardman. His anger and annoyance made his scales burn hotter, but that only made these people happier! He wasn't sure if he could put up with this for too long.

Xalmann looked at Rajesh, anger clearly on his face. Unfortunately, the man must have gotten the wrong idea about what was making Xalmann angry. "150 solars?" Rajesh offered, assuming Xalmann must be upset with the paltry amount of coin being offered rather than the humiliating treatment. Xalmann's eyes narrowed. "200! But I can't go any higher than that!" he corrected, seeing the Lizardman was still angry.

Xalmann couldn't believe this guy. Did he think the amount of money was the only thing wrong with this picture? Xalmann stood up and stepped through the ring around him to the disappointed noises of the crowd. He stepped up to Rajesh, his anger making his scales glow. He didn't even notice that the entire inside of the wagon was suddenly a comfortable, toasty warm. But Rajesh did. And he wanted it to stay that way.

"Okay, 250! Plus the meals and a place to sleep comfortably How about that?" Rajesh, whatever the exact opposite of haggled would be.

"I accept. But no circle around me!" Xalmann hissed.

Rajesh finally understood what was angering the heater- the Lizardman so much. Luckily, circling around him for warmth wouldn't be necessary anymore now that the wagon had been thoroughly heated. He smiled the smile of a businessman that hadn't just been driven to give far more money than was necessary and offered a hand to both Xalmann and Seiya. Xalmann shook the hand and Rajesh clenched his teeth in pain, the hand being burning hot. He was glad that Xalmann let go rather quickly, not being one for long handshakes.