"He just wants me dead at this point." Vail mutters as he looks skyward to the swirling ash cloud. It seems even Mount Drakolt was doing its best to interfere with the rest of Charon, much to his chagrin.

He didn't envy Zarius's position in all of this. Even a natural disaster like this could reflect negatively back on Darkveil, which is why he was wandering Skypeak village preparing to face some of the most deadly creatures in all the land. This definitely wasn't what he had in mind when he said he'd help out around the city. If anything, he was in way over his head. It's not like he could take wing and punch these birds out of the sky, although that was a rather badass thought. Perhaps that's why the fellblood sent him of all people. If no one was equipped to handle this threat, might as well send in your most expendable and say you tried.

Vail looks around the village, eager to find anyone who might be brave enough (or stupid enough) stand a chance against these electric eagles. The people of Sky Peak were a tougher breed than your average charonite, living in the Dragon's Cradle no doubt played a role in that, but he needed someone exceptional for such an arduous task.

The exasperated ash lander pushes open the door to the Sky Gardens, causing many of the locals stare in suspicion as the dark figure surveies them. They were free to think whatever they want, his goal was someone who wouldn't be so intimidated by outward appearances.

---

SPOILER: Click to show

Quest Name: Storm Rattled
Participants: Two or more
Location: Dragon's Cradle
Post Requirements: 7 post per person, 200 words per post
Reward: +1 Renown, +1 Feather, +1 Lightning Catalyst
Description: While there is normally a massive cloud of ash and soot above the Ash Lands, strange volcanic activity has caused this cloud to grow in size, now breaching the border between the dry wastes and the electrically charged Cradle. This intrusion of ash has disturbed one of the regions mightiest creatures, the Arcuila, a massive elemental bird similar to a phoenix. A pair of these have been wildly attacking and even killing travelers as they pass through the area. These are extremely powerful creatures and must be handled with caution, but if something is not done their rampage may harm more innocent people. Find a way to eliminate or subdue the creatures.

“Vail!” Comes a familiar voice calling excitedly from the back of the room. Scrunched up into a small booth with the table before her strewn with papers and half-eaten food and drinks sits Cirice Lunestre. She waves at him with a friendly smile. “Come sit with me!”

She points to the unoccupied seat across from her and starts putting her papers away and cleaning up. “Are you hungry? Want a drink? What are the odds of running to you out here of all places? Were you trying to visit the spa too?”

She chatters along animatedly, asking questions rapid-fire as he sits down, not giving him the chance to speak at all.

“Did Zarius send you a letter to come out here? The arcuila are really causing a ruckus and they are not easy to deal with. I wrote to him about the two I fought before and he said he’d try to send someone. I thought I’d stick around and here you are!”

She packs her things away and a small vial falls out of her bag, gently rolling into the small crack between the table and the wall. She doesn’t seem to notice and keeps chattering. “Or is this a secret mission? One where you infiltrate the high society of Skypeak Village and make a mess with Astrid and Blue?”

A familiar voice calls out to Vail from across the establishment, causing him to halt in his tracks. He looks over shoulder to spot a familiar Moon Elf, one of the few people he could consider a friend. While he was eager to fulfill her request, there was a hesitation in his steps. The last time they had met had been a… tumultuous time… so to speak, but the adventure had ended on good terms all things considered. He threw on a weak smile as pushed back his guilt and walked over to her.

Taking a seat beside her, he calmly waits for the moon elf to complete her barrage, before addressing the questions one at a time.

He releases a sigh of relief when she mentions that Zarius sent her here to deal with this job as well. Guess the fellblood wasn’t as eager to see him dead as he originally thought. Cirice was definitely skilled enough to handle this job, while also being just crazy enough to not be frightened by these ferocious avians.

“I’m not hungry but I could use a drink. I don’t think a spa is going to do any good for my condition, plus I wouldn’t want to scare away the other spa goers, ya know?” He idly peruses the drink menu as he continues. “Zarius did send me here, somehow he thinks I’m capable of dealing with these birds; although I may only make good bait for them. No secrets this time, and I’ve never met an Astrid or a Blue. Oh and you dropped something by the way.”

As the moon elf reaches over to grab the loose vial, he signals the nearby waitress for two dark brew black sugar bobas.

As Cirice returns to a normal position, he greets her with a smile just above his red scarf.
“Cirice, it’s good to see you again.”

“Oh thanks!” Cirice makes to pick up the vial and pushes it deeper in the crevice then mimics putting it into her bag. Smooth. Totally clandestine. No secrets, sure.

She returns his smile with a bright one of her own. It was obvious by her face and her words that she held nothing against him. “It’s good to see you again too! I’m glad to see you’re doing well. I was worried about you after last time.”

The boba is brought to their table quickly and her eyes alight with joy.

“I didn’t know these had spread outside of the Crescent Isles! My friend Veliky started making them and selling them in her cafe there and the Princess liked it so much she had us build more cafes!” She giggles, taking a gleeful drink from hers, “Zarius is right to send you though, you’re plenty capable! Together we’ll totally knock those birds out of the sky!”

Considering the last time she’d fought the arcuila she knew that if they could keep the birds grounded then they won’t be too much trouble. Getting to the ground though, that’s the hard part.

“I’ve got a few ranged options, what about you, Vail? I can wrap them up and pull them down then you can pummel them on the ground… This is going to be fun!”

Vail watches as Cirice moves her hand into her bag. He could swear she wasn’t actually holding anything, but it didn’t matter to him so there wasn’t much of a point in bringing it up. As much as he wants to regale her with the events that occurred in Darkveil and his adventures since then, he holds his tongue. This place was too open, the decisions he had made since their last encounter were too personal to let the public hear.

As the waitress brings the pair their drinks, Vail smiles as Cirice describes the drink's origin.

“I happened to share an escort mission with the Arcana of Storms of the Dragon’s Cradle. Despite her fanciful title, she’s a rather lighthearted woman, she is the one who introduced me to this drink.”

He rubs the back of his neck as she voices her confidence in him. Whether it be her natural positivity or her actual beliefs, she definitely saw this mission going a lot more smoothly than he did.

“Glad one of us is confident, I’m not sure how the hell I’m supposed to fight these things without… well you know…”

He pauses and looks away, unable to look her in the eyes before continuing.

“Some strange things have occurred since the last time you saw it. Apparently, it acted in a way that I’ve never seen before, nor could have predicted. It wasn’t violent for once, if anything, it actually helped save a life rather than take one.”

“Arcana of Storms?” Cirice echoes, tilting her head in confusion, “Who is that?”

She hasn’t heard of anyone going by that moniker in her circles or in the Mage’s Guild, maybe they’re a new member. Surely someone with a grand title like that would join the guild, she’ll meet them eventually.

“If it comes to that, we can handle it.” She reaches out and puts his hand on his gently. “If it helped save a life then perhaps it can be used for good rather than ill. If anything happens I’ll be there for you.”

She sits back, thinking about what he said. The nature of these things doesn’t usually change so abruptly, she wonders what Vail might have seen or done to cause the change. There has to be a story there. The pair fall into an awkward silence that hangs in the air between them for a few moments as they enjoy their drinks.

“Perhaps I can give you some options for ranged combat? I’ve got these magical chocolates… OH I have a great idea! You can ride Hitia! He can fly and carry you into battle!”

That would work, giving him the opportunity to get above the birds and get them to the ground. She grins at him excitedly, glad she thought of it.

"Oh sorry, her name is actually Keyke, apparently she is somewhat well known here. She introduced this establishment to me because her friend works here." He replies, remembering the brief moment of calmness he had during his last visit.

Feeling Cirice's hand on his unwrapped left causes him to give a weak smile. For a brief moment, the two remain still. Despite Cirice forgiving him for the actions of his other half, his guilt still lingered. Deep inside he wondered which of the two felt more trauma from their encounter with the Scorched Ones, which only caused his guilt to further grow. It was a horrid comparison, the everyday fear and guilt of his condition versus the atrocities committed by it.

He makes sure to break the silence first, not wanting to burden her with his condition. "There's something else I need to tell you. It concerns this job however, so I think it's better left until we are in private. For now, let's just enjoy these drinks."

As they discuss their plans for the assault, Vail takes a moment to weigh each option.

"Well, I’m starting to gain an affinity for light magic, a rather recent development, but I don’t think I have enough control to use spells yet. As for those candies, I have used them before, they are a bit too imprecise to hit something like those birds.”

He ponders briefly, trying to recall which of her cavalcade of pets can both fly and carry his weight.

“You mean the reindeer right? That could work for getting me in range. Are you sure the deer won’t be afraid?”

“Keyke???” Cirice asks in surprise, blinking. “I didn’t know she had such an auspicious title! I know her, but when we met I just took her for an interesting girl with a penchant for drinks and dolls! We met some time ago in Sol City, she’s quite lovely, even if she forgot to tell me her name at first and I thought it was something completely else!”

She pats his hand before going back to her drink. “Okay, tell me later then. Light magic is good, I’m pretty adept at light magic as well! Maybe I could teach you a spell or two later! I’m not too terrible of a teacher, or at least my little brother says so. The candies are pretty good for controlling an area though.”

Cirice tried to imagine Hitia afraid of Vail and shakes her head.

“Yes my reindeer, he isn’t scared of much. He was spooked by hellhounds once, but other than that he’s always been a calm and collected boy.” She grins, “He’ll be fine and you’ll be fine with him. He deals with me and I can be scary sometimes too.”

She gives him a little wink and bares her sharp teeth at him in a mock growl. She wants to ease his nerves and as they finish their drinks she takes him by the arm to head outside to talk in more private, leaving more solars on the table than is really needed. They head to her wagon and Hitia gives Vail an uninterested look.

“See? No fear!”

Once they’re inside and away from ears that might be listening she motions for him to tell her his news.

“The escort mission I had with her was the easiest job I had in a long time. We ran into some bandits on our way up here, but for one reason or another, they took one look at Keyke and backed off. I don’t know what they were so afraid of, she seemed like a normal young woman to me for the most part, maybe a little too invested in magic, but otherwise normal. Either way it was a quick and easy paycheck.” Vail replies calmly.

As Cirice offers to train him in magic, his eyes dart away from her once more.
“I appreciate the offer, but I’m not sure how comfortable I am with it. I’ve never had any affinity for magic before, so I can't help but think that it might be related to my other side. I’m afraid that it might be adapting, molding me into a tool or rather, a weapon.”

He sits lost in thought for a moment as Cirice boasts about her reindeer’s bravery. Her toothy grin breaks his haze as she suddenly grabs him by the arm, pulling him from his seat while also leaving a generous tip to the waitress. He wonders briefly if her ditzy generosity is the primary reason why she has money issues.

Moving towards the reindeer, Vail finally realized what the moon elf was describing while he was reflecting.

“Cirice, I was concerned about the deer being afraid of the birds, not of me.” He states with a mildly annoyed expression.

Once inside he takes a seat by the wagon’s window and takes a deep breath. He sits in silence, staring out the window before he begins to lay out his concerns.

“When I went to Darkveil, I met with Zarius once again. It was right as the quakes began there, that’s where my other side came out and actually saved someone, rather than harmed them. I’m not sure if it was because Zarius saved me before or some other reason, either way, that’s not what concerns me. I laid out new conditions for my employment. Before, I wouldn’t take any job that was overly violent; you witnessed firsthand the reason for that.”

He looks back at the moon elf with a serious expression, not a hint of sarcasm present on his face.

“I told him I would take any job now, he just needed to send me with someone capable of killing me, if need be.”

“Hmm, interesting. I’ll have to ask her about that later.” Cirice ponders, wondering where and when she might run into Keyke again. “If it is related to that then perhaps gaining mastery over it for yourself will give you a little more control? Perhaps instead of making you into a tool, you turn it into one!”

Cirice blushes hard as she realizes her blunder, “Oh yeah he shouldn’t have an issue with the birds I don’t think. Sorry, I got my thoughts jumbled…” She gives him an apologetic smile.

Listening to him recount the events from his trip to Darkveil she frowns a little.

“So… It did something good and you decided that you could manage violence as long as there’s someone able to stop you around…?” She doesn’t like the sound of that, “Vail… I would never kill you. More than that if you did die somehow I’d bring you back! You don’t have to be so grim… What… What if you got something to help you keep it under control? Surely there has to be something…”

She looks over her collection of books and frowns, nothing in them will be able to help him, but surely someone out there could. “I’ll help you. After we handle these birds we can go to the Mage’s Guild and they might have ideas!”

He relaxes his stance, looking out the wagon's window at the storm brewing on the mountainous horizon. Cirice's concern elicits a somber smile from him, breaking through his attempts to maintain a stoic disposition. 

"It's more for my own peace of mind, you know? It just feels irresponsible for me to continue taking jobs where anyone with me might be at risk."

He refocuses as he looks to the moon elf with a confident smile. "Luckily we might be able to intercept these birds before they enter any civilized area. In which case we would be the only ones at risk of any injury. I don't think my other half has actually ever attacked anyone who was the source of its appearance, if you get injured, you should be safe. If I get injured, I doubt I'll be in any state to put up much of a fight. You handled him the last time, you should be fine. You needn't worry about reviving me either , I have a funny feeling that it won't let me go so easily." 

Cirice's possible solution was something he considered for a long time. In truth, he has always had little affinity for the magical arts, no amount of magic can stop a blade to the throat while one was unconscious after all, but recently he has begun to realize that magic wasn't just sparkles and a bit of light. Perhaps there was a chance. He ponders momentarily, staring off into space as he gathers his thoughts.

"I've reached an impasse in my life, I need to change if I want a future, I've run from it for far too long. I seek answers for what I am and why I still live. Will you help me, Cirice?"

“You should know the answer already, Vail. You’re my friend, I’ll help you however I can, no matter what!” Cirice replies with a smile. She puts her hand over his. “I want you to have not just a future, but the best one possible. Whatever is going on with you, we’ll figure it out. You deserve to be happy and live freely like anyone else. Even if you don't believe it.”

She reaches up with her other hand and ruffles his hair to try to break the tension. “Don’t worry. No matter what happens I’m on your side. I’ll honor your wishes and do all I can to make sure you don’t have to worry. You’re so serious all the time, but you have a nice smile. I want to make sure you have more reasons to smile.”

Outside the wagon a flash of lightning splits the sky, closer than before. “Looks like we need to hurry if we want to stop them from getting close. Hitia! Full speed!” She winks at Vail and opens the door to get in the driver’s seat, the wagon crashing towards the storm at full speed.

Cirice’s reply impacts Vail harder than he was expecting, as does the sudden hair ruffling. He tries his best to maintain his composure, but a solemn smile steadily creeps its way across his face as he looks back towards Cirice. "Thank you, it feels good knowing there is someone out there thinking about my wellbeing; and not for their own interests for once." He does his best to steady himself, but the hint of a smirk still remains. “I want to help those who I left behind in Darkveil. That person you mentioned before, the one who ran the orphanage, Cryan I think it was. Do you think he would be able to help me? Better yet, do you think he would be able to deal with… my other side?”

As Cirice proceeds through the door, Vail hesitates for a brief moment, wondering whether he would be more of a burden than anything in current state. He shakes off his lingering feelings before following the moon elf out the door, bracing against the harsh winds as the carriage charges towards the storm. While he could gather up some amount of naive bravery, the brewing storm in the distance only further serves to hinder his confidence. He glances towards his enthusiastic companion wondering if she was getting him in over his head. "Hey, Cirice, you know how I mentioned I had no experience with magic before? Any chance you could give me some direction before we hit the eye of the storm? I know we don’t have much time, but I don't even know where to begin with this stuff."

“Cyran can handle me and his crazy ghost ex-wife, you can trust him. You’ll be in good hands.” Cirice replies confidently, “Just prepared to become part of the family! All your friends too probably.”

The storm is really raging now, thunder shaking the wagon and lightning splitting the air. Ciricce gives Vail a wide, slightly unhinged smile, the light catching the sharp tips of her canines. “Feel it out! Believe in yourself and know what you want to happen and make it a reality! Mother Moon says bending the world to suit you should be as easy as breathing.”

Her answer was probably not what Vail was hoping for, but what does he expect from a cleric? She giggles as hail starts pelting them. “I believe in you, Vail. You got this¹! Let’s knock these birds out of the sky.”

Cirice’s eyes light up with sudden inspiration. She stands up in the seat and stretches, wings of shadow like that of a bat unfolding themselves from her back². The runes under her gloves begin to glow and then there’s two of her, both with wings outstretched³.

“I had an idea, my double can carry you! She can’t really fight, but she can be your wings! She can keep yopu healed and help with the magic stuff too!”

The duplicate Cirice gives Vail a big double thumbs up, “Let’s do this!”

---

1 Smooth talking pep talk
2 Harbinger of Evil and Abyssal Infusion: Wings and double speed/damage
3 Replicant

Ghost ex-wife? I'm starting to think this guy might not be as stable as she says.

Vail's unease at her response is palpable. While the term family may conjure comforting thoughts for some, he's only known it as a burden. His blood family was either never known or never bothered to involve themselves in his life in any meaningful manner. His crime family, or rather, The Bloodied Eyes, only valued people based on what they could bring in solar-wise. He address Cirice's enthusiasm, with a measured but calm response. "I'm not sure that's how it will play out, but I am willing to try."

Cirice's empty-headed smile builds little confidence within him, yet he still listens to her words. He lifts his right arm, closing his eyes as he envisions the light he had previously seen around his right arm. His breathing slows as his mind focuses on the subtle feeling of raising his numb right arm. A dim light pierces through his closed eyelids, causing them to open in shock. His arm stood aglow, a light swirling and twisting around it as if the light had a life of its own. The sight fills him with a newfound confidence, and he aims his arm towards a boulder on the path ahead of them. He concentrates solely on the solid rock, despite the hail beginning to rain down around them, before a sudden crackle pierces the downpour. It is not lightning however, but rather the sound of the light solidifying as it flies forward from his arm. The bolt of light collides with the stone in merely a second, causing deep cracks to form across the rock face.

A smirk forms across Vail's face as he turns to face Cirice. "Okay, let's do this."

Her sudden inspiration catches him by surprise, causing a twinge to run up from his right arm when a pair of dark wings emerge from her back. Before he has a chance to voice his concern, Cirice's double takes hold of him, lifting him with surprising ease. His eyes quickly dart from the sky back down to the ground as he rises. Despite his inexperience with flight, he does his best to remain calm, trying to focus on the two lightning birds dancing up ahead rather than the pull of gravity from below.

"So uhhh… how do we want to approach them? A split attack or one at a time?"