Having recently found himself back in his home region of Frost Gale, Videl would try and get accustomed to handling his newfound talents and items. He would attempt to do as much by temporarily departing from Sylvari's presence and heading out into the Coldwood, which he had come to know rather well due to his history in the place. At present, the T'saya had found himself riding atop his new steed, a majestic equine with with beautiful white fur. In all likelihood, if anyone were to come across the man, they were likely to think that he had been one of regal descent, given the overall grace of his current situation. Of course, that was only if anyone could note his appearance, considering how the colors of both his mount and his clothing had blended into the snowy backdrop.

"I'm real thankful for the fact that I came across you, Lumi." As he had spoken to his newfound companion, Videl would find himself softly running his hand along Lumi's neck, his fingers slipping into her thick and shaggy coat. "You're one of the first real friends that I've been able to make outside of Sylvari. The circumstances in which we met might not seem all that large to outsiders but to me, it was enough."

Hearing the words that had been bestowed upon her by her rider, Lumi would crane her neck back and blow air in the T'saya's face. It might have seemed strange but that was how horses had shown that they cared for others. Whether that other individual be a person or another horse. There was no way that Videl had known that though and as such, he couldn't help but laugh to himself. It was an action that he hadn't really been expecting, so he couldn't help but laugh at it.

"I guess that's something I'll have to get used to, huh?" At this point, Videl would remove his hand from his mount and turn his attention towards the silver circlet that he had worn upon his wrist. The circlet itself had held faint designs of ice and snow, thus having formed an instant connection to the T'saya. "As for this, I'm grateful for the fact that I had come upon this as well.. Not only had I managed to secure one for Sylvari on top of my own, but I managed to discover a special feature about the circlet itself. To think that it would allow me to call upon my ice magic without the use of my hands. In terms of combat effectiveness, the pair of us will likely come out on top more often than not."

A small speck of black, blue, and gold could be made out in the distance of the icy tundra. Dante stood atop a clifftop and stroked his chin. He muttered something to himself and made a note in a small black book before tucking it away. Well I could have something here, he thought. Some ice sculptures here and perhaps… oh yes, lovely women in ice themed dresses! And those strongmen with the thick coats and thicker beards! Yes, that would make for a good ensemble… if it wasn’t so predictable!

He tore out a sheet of paper and crumpled it up. It was his third attempt at a theme for the region. The location was cheap to book because it was utterly desolate in a way only a snow hole could be. Dante tapped his lip with a pen and said, “Hmmm… oh here’s one. We dress the ladies in tuxedoes and call them penguins. And we put the men in dresses and call them… mermaids? Mermen? ….Fish? No, no, no too obvious. Maybe we can have them in masquerade, give them some mystery. Oh now I’m getting far too wrapped up in a gender theme. What could pull this all together?”

Looking up from his perch he saw a figure crest a snowy hill. A young person on a mount was crossing the icy fields. Dante looked out at him from within his thick blue fur coat and thick black mittens courtesy of a lord he’d thrown a wedding for. He straightened up and waved to the stranger and called out, “Hail friend! Are you a local to this region? Could you perhaps in your great generous spirit show a poor foreigner the best spots to set a large camp? I’m scoping out somewhere for my friends to gather, merriment and what not, and it would be wonderful if you can show me the best spots to pitch a tent. Oh and as for myself, the name is Dante Discreet, Master of Ceremonies.”

As Lumi and Videl had continued to make their way throughout the Coldwood, a singular voice would break through the muted silence of the area, catching the attention of the distracted T'saya. "Hm?" His curiosity getting the better of him, Videl would pull his attention away from himself and towards the source of this voice. It was this that would allow for Videl's gaze to fall upon an individual of black, blue and gold. "Friend?"

His curiosity rising in it's intensity, Videl would direct his steed to move in the direction of the mysterious figure. "Come, Lumi. Let us go and check on the stranger. Clearly a non-native to these parts, considering how brazen their outfit is. There's no real manner of discretion with such an outfit. Those bold colors will certainly give away their location."

Even with all of that having been spoken aloud, Videl was sure to keep his voice low so that only Lumi could hear it. He hadn't meant any disrespect with the words, or even the tone in which he had spoke them, but knew that his actions didn't always come across in the way that he had meant for them to. It wasn't until he had closed the distance between himself and the stranger a bit more that Videl would speak loud enough for the fellblood to hear him.

"That I am," he would find himself telling the stranger. "More of a local than some of those that inhabit the Pale City even." A soft smile would rise upon Videl's lips as he maintained a steady gaze on the man before him. "As for your request, I am certain that I can assist in that matter. Just know that there isn't exactly many places that go by your requirements. Frost Gale is home to quite a few creatures.. Some of which that don't take lightly to groups of people."

One such being having come to mind almost immediately. "The Rime Guardian being one such example. If you intend on having a gathering of ten or more people out here.. Well be prepared to lose them all. And likely yourself." Although he hadn't been intending on coming across as harsh, the truth behind his words was heavy. Frost Gale wasn't a land for those that had been weak in body or mind. So much so that the harrowing conditions of the north had gone as far as to create its own embodiment.

Hoping that he hadn't scared away this supposed master of ceremonies, Videl would finally introduce himself. "The name is Videl by the way. My friends, however, refer to me as Vi." With that, Videl would start to scratch at the back of his head. "You're free to join me on my trek through the Coldwood, if you're still hoping to find a prime location for this camp of yours. As long as you're prepared to defend yourself, there are a plethora of places in which one could pitch their tent."

Dante gave the handsome man a once over and grinned. He made a wave with his hand and said, “Danger is an irrelevant variable when compared to a beautiful location. The right view, the correct weather… yes, I should be fine with solving these. I hear there can even be some rather unique lights in the sky when the time of year is correct.” He put his hand through his coat sleeves so that his arms formed a ring in front of him. He said, “Native more so than others you say? Perfect. Then you will know all the good spots. Perhaps I should do a hunting theme for these said creatures if they are so fearsome that they would attack our camp anyway. No scene or location can’t be made into a proper party space.” He walked alongside the horse and took out his notepad again.

“Though I digress. I’ll probably need some sort of cave system or magic to take some of the frigid edge off the winter weather. Ice sculptures shouldn’t be too difficult, and they won’t risk of melting. Saves me quite a bit on cooling I should say. Say, I don’t suppose there are oh I don’t know… some kind of abandoned ice palaces from a long lost era are there? Frost Gale seems like the sort of place that would have them. Could just be storybook nonsense, but the thought is simply too fantastical to ignore.”

He made a quick scribble and drew the outline of an ice palace in his book.

“Heading back to your tribe I take it? Do they all have horses like these? I would had thought equines would be a rarer find up here. Speaks volumes that I sooner find a horse than a venue in the Frost Gale.”

While he wouldn't outright admit it, Videl had found this man to be rather reckless. Someone that was willing to ignore the temperamental weather conditions and overall increased danger level of a location was surely going to find themselves killed off someday. That was how the T'saya had seen the world anyways. Even when he had departed from Frost Gale and started to branch out into the wider world at large, Videl had been gone through the process of learning a few things about a place. There was no way in hell that he would ever consider danger to be an irrelevant variable.

Deciding that it was best for him to keep such thoughts to himself, Videl would only sigh. "If that is how you plan to go about things than there is no real way that I can dissuade you. Even still, I highly suggest that you consider your actions before taking such drastic steps. You might think this no more than a game but the elements can kill you here." Figuring that he was just wasting his breath at this point, Videl would direct Lumi in a more appropriate direction before having her continue on. For those with an observant eye, it would become rather evident that Videl had been leading the fellblood deeper into the Coldwood. "And if there were any such palaces.. Well I'm sure that they wouldn't find themselves abandoned. Not for long."

There was a few minutes of travel time in which Videl would simply keep to himself, his thoughts fully internalized and his lead occurring simply through muscle memory. After those minutes had passed though, Videl would speak up once again. "It is likely that you do not care but beware of something, Mister Discreet. In the event that the very land itself decides to turn on you and your guests, you'll have been the one to have caused such a fate. And the others here will likely not come to your rescue due to this coming from your own misgivings."

Having finally said his piece, Videl would lightly nudge Lumi's hindquarters with his heel. In doing as such, Lumi would begin to pick up the pace a little. It wasn't to the point of a trot or even a full blown gallop. It was merely a few meters further in terms of travel pacing. "As for your questions pertaining to me and my steed? You are incorrect. I.. am merely making my way through the Coldwood. I have no desires to return to my tribe. And honestly? If they were ever to encounter a steed as magnificent as mine, they wouldn't even know it's worth."

Dante gave a hearty laugh and said, "Oh I have no intention of dying my good sir! Don't fret on the details. I have friends that can transform the land and the weather to accommodate. When your friends have the power to slay gods, mundane wilderness dangers are trivial. But I appreciate your concern; it's that very concern that I've sought council for so please feel free to tell me more." His smile only widened, his bizarre and carefree attitude starkly contrasting the far more cautious and wise guide.

"Oh? Family troubles? I won't pry, but that's a rather sorrowful thing. I hope you can reconcile them one day, or at least find friends and family anew. The horse is a good start. Animals are better companionship than most people I find. Oh that's a great idea!" He scribbled into his notebook and muttered, "Have... an animal themed... party.. for pets, steeds, and companions. Perfect." He put the notebook away and pulled out one of his torches. He said a quick incantation, and a burst of flame poured from the head of the torch.

"Ah that takes the edge off quite nicely. Now, if my sources are correct there should be a spot for folk to make camp comfortably. Or at least as such that the weather and the animals are kept at bay. I don't suppose you have much to work with in that regard. The tent and furs should suffice in a pinch."

Sarne was trying to stay warm. Even the furs he got for Screech seemed to be a little help in this Frozen baron wast land. Now he understood why things did not flay much around here the wind chill was a bit much to bear. Sarne's face hands and feet tangled some as the cold penetrated the furs.

He could see a good distance though across the ice and snow. Flying had its advantages as well not many threats flew in this land. This made things safer with Screech's eyesight Sarne was confident that they could make it to the tribe Sarne was looking for. That's if it was still there.

Acting a little off Screech started to look around. The large Terror Bird's wings stretched out 40 feet as it flew Sarne was not an expert rider on a Terror Bird but could hold his own. But he knew Screech Sarne started to look around and started to have Screech climb a bit higher to get a better view.

Then there was a mass of shadow in the clouds behind them. Sarne heard the roar of the Ice Drake. Screech immediately turned hard and dove instinctively. The Terror Birds were not strangers to Drakes and would hunt smaller ones regularly. Screech was trying to outmaneuver the Drake behind them Sarne was holding on for dear life.

Sarne knew his weight was slowing Screech down. "Screech calm yourself," said Sarne patting its neck. "I will let you go save your self old friend," Sarne said confidently. [action]

Screech went into a dive Sarne knew this was going to hurt Sarne just needed a good snow bank to land in as they followed the ground Sarne saw two people off in the distance. As they closed Sarne would not lead the drake to them. "Screach, GO, be safe," ordered Sarne.

Sarne does some fast turns and jumps off throwing a small ball into the air. It explodes with a flash and smoke blinding the Drake. Sarne was now flying through the air as Screech turned away. Sarne flies over the the two people standing there both looking like men. One of them is familiar. As Sarne impacts a slow drift not far from them. There was a loud thud and snow shot up into the air where Sarne laned.

Sarne groaned loudly then chuckled "I lived," said Sarne starting to move with some pain. Sarne hoped that the men would come over and help him. Sarne heard Screeches scream. That defining scream that strikes fear into all animals that run into a Terror Bird. Sarne knew Screech was okay and he would see him again.

[action]
Inspiring Presence
An aura of energy begins to radiate from your person, filling your allies with hope and strength. You begin to inspire those around you to continue fighting, filling them with the will to continue going. Anyone who you consider to be an ally standing in your immediate area will feel their strength grow. For the next three posts any ally affected by this spell, including you, will deal double damage with their physical attacks. (does not affect spells)

At the mere mention of Dante having friends that could slay gods, Videl would find himself lightly tugging on Lumi's mane, inadvertently commanding her to stop in place. A powerful chill would find itself emanating from the T'saya, the temperature in the immediate vicinity of him dropping starkly. Given that it was already considerably cold within the region, this might be a cause for concern for others. "..to slay gods, you say?" Videl's neck would slowly crane back towards Dante at this point, his eyes taking on an icy blue sheen as he does so.

In this moment, all else had scattered away for the young man. Imagery of Salina would find itself running through the T'saya's mind as he moves to turn Lumi towards the fellblood. The tone in his voice would darken and a look of contempt would find itself within the mans gaze. "Is that a thing that they've done then? Slain the gods? Is that something that you've partaken in, Dante?" A field of flurrying snow ^{[Snow Globe]} would pick up in pace around the man as he had awaited a response. Depending on what Dante had gone on to say..

A resounding roar would push off in the distance, pulling the young T'saya's attention away from the fellblood before him. As he had lost his concentration, that flurrying field of snow would dissipate, all of the snow from that spell simply collapsing onto the ground. The events that would follow were enough to completely take the T'saya out of his element. Any source of internalized rage had disappeared as Videl had caught wind of a familiar face soaring through the air and towards the pair.

With limited time in which he could take an action, Videl would call upon a large storm of fast and fluffy snow ^{[Snow Flurry]}. Said snowstorm would find itself called upon directly to the side of both Dante and himself. "Watch out!" The storm would act as a buffer for the incoming individual, slowing their descent and helping them land on the ground without too much force. Additionally, it would allow for Dante to pull away from the danger, if he had so desired. 

Dante stretched and yawned, saying, "Well yes, though it depends your definition of gods. It's a rather esoteric term, one that.." he quirked a brow as Videl's demeanor soured from mild annoyance to outright hostility. He chuckled and said, "My good sir, I can assure you Vulcadraeus is a being far from being sympathized with. His awakening led to some... unwanted renovations to my homeland so I won't exactly miss him. As for myself, no I did not partake in the battle." He shook his head and said, "Really though, even if- oh my. Sarne is falling out of the sky, excuse me."

Suddenly Videl's spell took on a different turn. Blinking, he let himself be carried away from Sarne's falling form. He looked up to the sky to and said, "Oh my. Dinosaurs and dragons. What will nature think of next? Sarne? Sarne, are you alright? Is every bone in your body broken? I think the snowman might try to kill me, but I guess we have bigger concerns."

He dusted himself off from the flaking snow and looked around. He pointed and said, "There's a cave over here. Might do us good to go there. Come now Sarne, we best hurry." Dante approached Sarne and felt an inspiring surge of power from Sarne's presence. He looked up at the ice drake and then to his torch. He waved the others over towards the cave as the drake was beginning its arc towards them. The drake was still a distance away, but he had a torch which counted for something. Maybe he could give the winged lizard indigestion?

Sarne got to his feet and staggered a bit with a smile. "Remind me not to do that again," says Sarne looking him self over starting to dust off the snow on him. "Master Dante, nice to see you. Sorry for my rude ah.. entry," said Sarne looking up. Sane gave a loud whistle. "And now" mumbled Sarne.

Screech heard the signal and knew Sarne was all right. With a roll and dive, Screech came in form behind the Drake. Screech let out a scream [action] that would make someone's hair stand up and shiver down their spine. Almost nails on a chalkboard sound right behind Drake's head.

The Drake shook its head and turned away at a fast speed flying away. The drake roared climbing into the sky with Screech not to far behind.

"I suggest we take cover for a moment," suggested Sarne with a weary smile. "Screech will be good, Terror Birds do this all the time With drakes. they even hunt them well the smaller ones." explained Sarne now looking around for a place to rest.

[Action]
The Terror Bird can release a scream as a defensive or offensive measure, causing a fear effect for one post.

In the moments that would come to pass, as Sarne had soared towards the pair, Videl would find himself trapped between reality and within his mind. On one hand, he had to address the flying man that had been tumbling through the air. On the other though, he couldn't pull away from the thoughts that had been running rampant through his mind. 'Vulcadreaus?' Due to the shamanistic nature of his tribe, Videl had heard of various gods of the land. Ginma: the god of earth and fire whom his tribe had worshipped. Salina: the goddess of water and ice that Videl himself had worshipped. Avasha: the goddess of air and storms. Even Solaria and Lunala, the beings that had created the three that he had just mentioned. This Vulcadreaus individual though.. This wasn't someone that Videl had been aware of. A false god in all likelihood.

As this third individual had come into contact with the ground, Dante would push off towards the man and suggest that the three of them take refuge in a nearby cave for the time being. Videl wasn't exactly thrilled with the following situation for an array of reasons. Not only was he not finished with this discussion but there was now a couple of additional monsters in the mix. A terror bird and a drake.. Honestly, just why would Sarne drag such a beast in the direction of others?

Wasting no time, Videl would motion for Lumi to follow after the fellblood and their human companion. If the two were heading off to a nearby cave, to escape from the drake that had descended from above, then Videl was intending on accompanying them. The conversation that he had wanted to have could wait but ensuring the safety of the others simply couldn't. That being said, the trio would eventually arrive at mouth of the cave soon after. Once the trio had approached the entrance, Videl would dismount from his frigid steed and would, gesture for her to head on inside, and would follow things up by blocking off the entrance with a wall of ice ^{[Glacial Wall]}. "Just what exactly is happening at the moment? Why would you risk bringing that thing near people?!"

Dante dusted himself off and adjusted his coat and gloves. He could feel the weight of the drake striking the icy wall, the whole cave shaking from the impact. Dante held up a hand and said, "Let's just all take a deep breath and think constructively. I can assure you no one here will die today. Sarne's a tough nut to crack." Another crash shook the cave, and Dante's eyes darted to the shaking icicles above. He looked to Sarne and said, "My good sir, I don't know how confident you are in slaying a drake, but if you could be a real chap and strike when the brute is distracted I would be utterly grateful for your contributions. My guide here can lend a hand should he be of a disposition and capability to, wouldn't you agree Videl?"

Without waiting for a response, Dante's eyes flickered with light, and soon a shape had taken form outside. He had cloned himself through a Replicant spell. The clone waved and called out, "Over here!" while waving its hands. The drake turned to regard the fake Dante and turned their aggression towards the illusory Dante. It was a brief moment, but perhaps one of the others could capitalize on the opportunity presented.

Sarne could see things were not going as he planned. He truly thought Screech could lure away the Drake. Some were not right with Drake being so persistent. Sarne could only guess what was going on. I think Sarne may just have bad luck. As the drake keeps up its attacks Sarne could hear Screech still trying to enjoy the Drake.

Hearing the question from Videl. Sarne looked down at the ice and snow at his feet as Sarne thought. "It was not my plan to lead the Drake to us. But for me and Screech, my Tarrer bird to survive. I had to let Screech out on his own. to be able to let him maneuver freely." Explained Sarne sounding like he wished the planed worked. "I never wanted to put anyone in danger, My apologizes." Sarne tells Videl.

Sarne smiled when he heard Dante ask to attack the drake. "Confident? not sure about that." Sarne says with a chuckle. Sarne drew his Paladins blade from its sheath. "Master Dante I can contribute. I have made this mess. I can contribute to cleaning it up," stated Sarne with a sly grin.

Sarne's hair started to turn more silver his eyes gold. He had a hue about him [Angelic Pact] He walks towards the entrance and waits for the Ice wall to come down. He felt a little nervous about this and unsure how much damage he could do to a Drake. If it was evil and of dark magic Sarne could deal with the Drake quickly.

An irritable sigh was all that would slip forth from the T'saya's lips as he had surveyed the situation that he had found himself in. Not only were they effectively trapped between this cave and the drake, but they were likely going to have to end the life of this creature just to escape. Or that was how the fellblood had been making it seem anyways, considering the fact that they had been requesting for this Sarne fellow to slay the drake.

"I seriously didn't need this today.." Allowing for his head to shake from side to side, Videl would close the distance between himself and Sarne. "Be glad that my magic is stable enough to even secure our safety.. Whatever you are going to do out there," he would say whilst running his hand along the golden blade within Sarne's hand, "be sure to finish it up succinctly. Do not prolong the suffering of that beast."

As his hand had glided along the metal of Sarne's blade, Videl's hands would give off an aura of cold as they began to glow an icy blue. An icy edge ^{[Cold Touch]} would find itself taking form alongside the golden blade, sharpening the its edges beyond what they already had been capable of. From there, Videl would channel his mana through the silver circlet around his wrist, gesturing for the block of ice to collapse in the moment that the drake had decided to reel back for another attack.

"Once all is said and done, we'll have to discuss everything that has just happened. And speak more about this Vulcadreaus individual that you have mentioned." Sarne was more or less free to depart from the cave at any point now. Depending on what he had chosen to do, Videl would decide on whether or not he had needed to get further involved. If it was for the safety of the others, regardless of how he had felt about them, then Videl was willing to jump into action.

Dante shrugged and said, "I suppose we'll have time for the spinning of the proverbial yarn. As for the drake, I can't speak to the volume of suffering it might experience, but if we press your survivalist philosophy to its inevitable conclusion, I can only surmise its suffering is in direct proportion to how aggressive they are to us. If it wanted to survive, it would not mess with us." Dante's eyes lit up when Sarne's sword connected with the drake, the power of his battlecry granted the golden blade more of an edge than before. As expected, the drake was far from felled, but the wound would certainly contribute to its demise.

As the drake turned to regard Sarne with hostile intent, Dante casually walked up to the ice wall and Blinked to the other side in a puff of smoke. He could see Screech was circling around, and between him and Sarne the beast was more than distracted. Dante shrugged and said, "Not much else I can do, but perhaps we can get some damage dealt. Have at ye great beast!"

He formed a small ball of flame and flung it towards the drake, confident that Sarne being inches from the creature would be enough to keep it from seeing Dante as a prime target.