Sarne had thrust his sword deep into the Darke near the underside of the wing. This is a weak point Sarne had been taught by his grandfather. He had used a blade skill called heart seeker it is almost impossible to block the only defence is to move out of the way. The Drake was too big to miss and did not see Sarne coming. The Drake started to bleed from the thrust it was bleeding extensively. Blood was running into the snow like water. The Drake was grounded for a while with that wing going limp.


Seeing a flash Sarne looked over to see a ball of fire coming "By the gods" mumbled Sarne. Is it real Sarne asked himself. Sarne Moved some to get into position Sarne switched his stance and dashed forward using the Haunting Blade technique. Sarne executed three precise strikes with blinding speed. Within a blink of an eye, Sarne was out of range of the Drake. More blood spilled onto the ground. The Drake roared from the pain and started to snap at Sarne but he was too far away.


Sarne knew he had to thank Dante for the spell on his blade.

With the wall down and everyone seemingly rushing out of the cave to combat the drake, Videl would find himself turning towards his Frigid Steed. "I know that this isn't what we had planned today, Lumi, but I would prefer that we take out the drake while we are capable of doing so. So please help out here.." In response to what her rider had requested of her, Lumi would find himself softly nodding. She would then make her way from out of the cave, standing tall as she exited the cave mouth.

Thus far, the combined efforts of Dante's bolt of fire and Sarne's swordsmanship have been witling away at the Drake's life. Lumi was fairly quickly able to identify this much and had decided to throw herself into the fray by galloping alongside the drake. As she had been making the efforts to rush by the drake, she would briefly inhale before billowing out a cloud of freezing mist towards the drake, frosting it over and causing it to slow.

As Lumi had been undertaking this encounter in her own way, presumably working alongside the two that were already outside of the cave, Videl would take the preparations to get involved himself. He would start by channeling his mana along the soles of his feet. In doing so, he would allow for a thin layer of ice ^{[Frozen Feet]} to coat his soles. From there he would call forth an immaculate spear of ice ^{[Ice Spike]}, the spear being summoned from the silver circlet around his wrist and settling into his right hand.

Once all of his preparations had been completed, Videl would launch himself from the cave at an accelerated pace. Gliding along the snow, Videl would soon find himself on the opposite end of the drake from Lumi. Hoping that the drake was too distracted with the others to lash out at him, Videl would draw back his spear before thrusting it directly towards the throat of the drake. He was hoping to end things quickly, if at all possible.

With the combined efforts of all three of them, Dante could see that the drake was outmatched. Sarne's battle cry created a buzz of power in the air, and the physical strikes of all involved were far deadlier than usual. He almost found it anticlimactic when the drake gave out a death rattle before succumbing to the sheer amount of wounds it had sustained. Dante took a deep breath and sighed, saying, "Well... that was rather exciting. I'll have to pick your brain about a location at some point Videl. I imagine it must have been starving to attack us. That or Sarne flew a little too close to its mate or children. Either way, excellent work all around!"

He clasped his mitten covered hands together and said, "Right then, let's settle for a spell. Perhaps have a pinch to eat? I'm not sure how edible ice drake is, but if there's a way to prepare then that would be just grand. Sarne my good sir, how are you holding up? I thought you were going to become an unfortunate ice sculpture." He gave him a firm pat on the back and approached the drake's corpse. He whistled and said, "Either way, we should eat away from the prime rib that the wolves will probably want to chew on should they half a mind to scavenge."

Sarne was relieved that the Ice Drake was dead. Screech circled one more time and landed near the cave. not looking too bad just a little frost here and there. The Terror Bird would just eye and sniff at the Drake.

Sarne gave a smile to Dante " A little cold a bit bruised other than that I will be fine." Answered Sarne with some appreciation. "So I hear you are throwing another party around here, so I thought I would drop in," emphasizing the drop in part. "and see how it was going. No one wants to miss one of your parties," explained Sarne. Looking around "Where is your friend Videl?" Sarne asked Dante.

It was truly unfortunate that the life of the drake had to come to an end in such a manner. Given the circumstances, however, there wasn't really any other choice in the matter. Having to come to terms with that, Videl would attempt to turn himself away from the corpse of the dragonkin before turning his gaze back towards the fellblood and their human companion. "Things might have gone relatively well for us in this encounter but I assure you that there are far more dangerous things out here.. The idea that you have, to host this party of yours, I am still against it. But since I doubt that you'll listen to anything that I have to say regarding it.. Well let's just say that this is a good enough place for now."

An exasperated sigh would slip free of the mans lips as he had gestured towards the cave that they had found themselves in only moments beforehand. "If you make use of this clearing, in addition to the cave system, you should be fine. Just try not to delve too deep into the caves, since you never know what lie within. In my experience, the Glimmertongues happen to be one of the more problematic creatures that laze about within our cave systems."

Having said all that he really had to say on the subject, Videl would find himself resting upon the ground beside the ice drake. It wouldn't take all that long for his frigid steed to join him, laying beside him and resting her head on his shoulder. As the T'saya had sat there in the snow, he would tilt his head whilst maintaining a firm gaze on Sarne. "I'm right over here.. And I helped you slay the drake.. How are you unaware of my location?"

Dante gave Sarne a firm slap on the back and said, "Well, it's something I'm workshopping. I've had parties in so many locations as to become mundane, and I've come across a circle of heroes who are of a capability such that the dangers of a region is the draw. Truly experimental, could miserably fail, but certainly worth investigating." Dante turned to Videl and smiled and said, "I appreciate the council my good chap. I can assure you I'm not inviting simple minded fops and glass eyed maidens whose most exciting calling in life is to marry some earl that'll lose his looks inside of five years. We're talking about real heroes!"

He smiled wide and gestured to Sarne, saying, "Sarne's met a couple already, and despite my best attempts, I too have only met a few. You must understand, my enthusiasm stems from their... efforts." He frowned for a moment and sighed. He held up a couple of mitten covered hands and said, "Look, I'm not ignorant of the ambient danger a realm like this holds. In fact, it's the very danger that makes it suitable for my particular clientele."

Dante gesticulated as he narrated.

"We're talking about powerful witches, gallant knights, warriors of legend! Real heroes with skills, spells, and items of power that make such a hostile environment the kind of place that would be invigorating to be. And I wouldn't be so gauche as to simply invite them into some soulless hunt of the local fauna. As you said, there are many dangers here. The simple act of even being here is danger enough. If glimmertongues or some other horror were to befall our heroes, they would dispatch it... well... about as quickly as that drake."

He looked back to Sarne and said, "What were you two doing to attract this creature's attention. I have Videl here lecturing me on respecting the dangers of the environment, and you're literally falling out of the sky after being chased down by an ice drake. The irony is palpable."

Turning to face Videl. "Sorry, I knew you were here as in the way you helped and not too far away," Sarne explained walking around the large Darke wing. "I just could not see you directly," said Sarne explaining to Videl. I give you my thinks, It is a great loss this Ice Drake perishing," says Sarne walking to Videl.

When Dante slaps Sarne on the back Sarne winced some. Sarne gave a smile and dusted off more of the snow. "I was in a town and they talk of you Dante and something about a party. I did not know it was for the heroes, I am not there yet, but will be," stated Sarne with a grin.

"As for dropping in I think the Drake heard Screech and decided that it did not like the Tarrer bird. Screech can fly 3 times faster than a horse can sprint maybe more and out-turn a Drake it gets hard to hang on when Screech is at full speed and there is a drake on your tail." Sarne said telling them what had happened straitening his stuff out. "I am sorry for all the trouble I have caused you both," Sarne said apologizing to Videl and Dante.

Although he wouldn't come outright and say it, Videl had found himself worrying more about Frost Gale as a whole than he had about this small group of heroes. If there truly was a group that was capable of battling against a god and succeeding, than it was quite likely that such a group could ruin his home for what it was. The environmental effects of such a battle were likely to be staggering and the T'saya wasn't quite sure how Frost Gale would thrive and survive in the face of such an event. All it took was one large scale battle to start an avalanche that could crush those that resided below. Were there those amongst the Frost Gale folk that could prevent such a catastrophe? Something to consider if this party were to truly occur.

"Whatever it is that you are intending on doing out here, just be sure not to stir up too much trouble. I'm not sure what kind of troubles would stir up from bringing a rime guardian down but I'm quite certain that I don't want to experience it. All I ask is that you keep this party below such levels of danger." Although he had held various conflicted feelings about Frost Gale as a whole, considering his upbringing, Videl had cared primarily for the safety of the region. This was something that he held no real control over. Even with this desire of his to travel throughout the world not yet being sated.

Videl's attention would soon return to both Sarne and Dante together, rather than just focusing his speech on Dante. The point that Dante had made had been a rather valid one. Once Sarne had mentioned that it was a great loss for the Ice Drake to perish, Videl would find himself nodding along. There was no reason for the majestic beast to have been killed and yet the fact had remained that it was. "Just try and be more careful while you're out here. Whether it be for your own safety or for that of the wildlife in the area. The ecosystem works in it's own way.."

Attempting to pull the conversation away from the same thing that he had continued to harp on about, Videl would return back to the subject of the aforementioned heroes. "So tell me more about this Vulcadreaus situation. I haven't really heard much about it.. and if there are gods that still remain about within the world, I greatly desire to hear about it."

Dante held up a hand and said, "I can assure you I don't go looking for trouble. If anything I'd prefer if most of my parties don't have terrible catastrophes or grand landscape altering battles. I can assure you Vulcadraeus is far from the norm, just the most... intense and life altering." He sighed and started up a campfire.

"Well, to put it bluntly, I'm not from around here. I come from Darkveil, a city in the Ash Lands. Quite the opposite of this place: blazingly hot, sandy, but perhaps just as dangerous. At least the Frost Gale has frozen water underfoot. Such things would be a luxury in my realm. Anyways, Darkveil is situated next to a relatively inactive volcano. At least until a sleeping dragon god decided to violently emerge from its resting place and threaten annihilation to all of Charon. Heroes coming to slay you is a natural consequence to declaring war on the entire world."

He crossed his legs and put his arms behind his head, leaning against a boulder as he told his story.

"As for myself, I did not partake in the aforementioned glorious battle. But I did suffer much of the consequences of the fallout. I came across some people who have helped me on my feet, and well, I'd like to throw those folks a party. It's my career actually: master of ceremonies."

Sarne sat with the two men listening to Videl and Dante. Sarne decided to start a fire for them. Pulled out some meat and other food Sarne looked to be making soup of some kind.

"Since we are talking about ourselves. I am Ser Sarne Sequoia Lord of Grey Stone Keep, Captain of the Shadow Wolves Hunters. I am from Capitol Landing The Grey Citadel. I was here in the land for two reasons one some training in this environment with the Harbor Guard. The other is personal and has to do with my family's death," explained Sarne pausing and looking at the fire drifting in thought for a moment.

"I had explained before I know the master of ceremonies and we have some of the same friends. Being adventurous you don't always get to see friends so when I get the chance to see them I do." Sarne said with a polite smile. Looking at Videl "Would it be right to give the Ice Drake to your village or a village I do not want it to go to waste," asked Sarne.

Sarne wondered about Videl was he some type of ranger or game warden of the area? Sarne hoped his forwardness would not insult Videl. At the same time, Sarne was a noble and had to do what he thought was right. Sarne did hope Videl could help with the Ice Drake.

Darkveil. This was a place that he had heard of but had yet to visit. Even as he had treaded through the ash lands in days past, he hadn't managed to make the time to visit the region. Perhaps the next time that he was there, he would give the place a visit. "I see.. That is certainly the kind of thing that would require an extermination of sorts." With a more clear and cut understanding of the overall situation, the hostility that had remained within the T'saya had dampened considerably. "Not quite sure how a dragon managed to obtain divinity but.. I guess that it isn't that important anymore, considering that the damned thing was brought down."

Raising his hand up to awkwardly scratch at the back of his head, he would lower himself down a bit. "I apologize for the misunderstanding and the hostility. Suppose that I am just fairly involved when it comes to certain situations. And if it's any consolation, I hope that your home can recover soon enough." A soft sigh would escape from the mans lips as he had gestured northeast. "If you head in that direction for about forty klicks, you should find yourself in a clearing that is far more suitable for what you are attempting here. I still recommend caution but.. I suppose that such heroes might be deserving of a party of sorts."

Once Sarne had begun the introductions, Videl would find himself nodding along. "Right, well met Sarne. I will point out that you are rather far off from the Pale City for your initial intentions here but.. I'm sure that you'll make your way to where you are supposed to be in time. As for the familial matters? Well hopefully that can be sorted out in due time as well." His gaze would soon turn towards the corpse of the frost drake. "As for this thing? There isn't anyone that I'm wanting to bring the cadaver to so I suppose that it doesn't really matter. If we leave it here, it'll be taken by someone or something with enough time having passed. Or, if you really want," he would say whilst turning his gaze back towards Dante. "We could just let our chancellor of ceremonies take it for this part of theirs. So long as it's happening soon enough that is."

Dante waved his hand and said, “Think nothing of it. If anything, I hardly noticed.” He looked over at the drake and said, “Well I’m not sure if I’ll be able to organize the event in time for um… proper meat butchering. I suppose I can collect some meat though. Enough to carry comfortably. It’s rather exhausting carrying too much weight. I should pick up that storing spell. A shame I don’t have it.” He shrugged and looked to the two men and said, “If any of you have the cooking skill to properly prepare ice drake flanks then by all means, please have at it.”

Dante took out a small flask of rum and gave it a swig to warm him up. He had saved as much as he could, and with the fire here he figured he could make himself quite comfortable. He looked to Sarne and said, “Condolences for your loss. At least it hasn’t dampened your adventurous enthusiasm. An admirable response to tragedy.” He looked to Videl and said, “And as for Darkveil, I’m sure the parts that matter will be repaired quickly. Too many people with money are too interested in the basic infrastructure. It’s the one stop city of the Ash Lands. Where else are they going to invest?”

Sarne thought for a minute about the Drake "Proper meat butchering a Drake is out of my skill level. I will let Screech get some." commented Sarne "I would say if Videl is right about leaving it here for the other wildlife to eat I would not want to be around when it shows up." Sarne tells the others as he looks into the fire. Sarne felt the heat and it felt good on his face.

"I thank you for your Condolences Dante. It is hard still to take in. But even I in time will have to ask for your service when I become Duke," Sarne said in thought. "That's a responsibility that will be demanding to fill." Sarne looked up "Sorry you guys don't need to be dragged into that" commented Sarne thinking He said too much.

String the fire with a stick to get the flames up. "So, a good Spot four K from here? When do we move out and explore the area," asked Sarne. "I can look over the area from the air and even take Dante with me on Screech," suggested Sarne.

To think that he would find himself in the presence of a master of ceremonies and one that would soon become a duke. Videl hadn't exactly had the best experience when it came to interacting with those that were nobility but he had believed the two before him to be amenable. Aside from the fact that they had drawn him and his trusty steed into danger, the had been just as willing to clean up their mess shortly after it had been made. This was more than Videl could say for some of the others that he had broken bread with in the past.

His gaze would return to the pair before he would open his mouth once again. The first to address this go around was Dante. "I'll be sure to visit there in the future. If I can assist in any of the cleanup than I shall be sure to offer my services. And if not? Well I'm sure that it'd be interesting to see the city that the master of ceremonies has come from." Then towards Sarne. "If the pair of you are truly hoping to make your way down to the clearing than I suppose that I can show you the way. I am the one that mentioned it anyway."

Gesturing for Lumi to rise from the ground, Videl would soon follow suit and accompany her. From there the T'saya would mount his trust steed, looking physically down upon the others as he had done so. "Before we head on out, however, I have another question of sorts. This one more open ended than the previous, I suppose. How exactly does one go about achieving such high ranking positions? Master of ceremonies. Duke. From my understanding, in most parts of the world, these are feats that can only be achieved by those that are born into the position. Is that the case with the pair of you as well?" If Videl could manage to obtain a position of nobility than he could assuredly enact the change that Frost Gale had so desperately needed.

Dante laughed and said, "Well as far as my title is concerned, it's more of a reputation than it is a noble title. Indeed, I'm a master of ceremonies because I *embody* the essence and the skills of one. I plan parties of all kinds: galas, weddings, soirees, dinners, lunches, brunches, and charity buffets. Balls, concerts, orchestras, dinner theater, and murder mystery coaches! Much like one who works with wood is a carpenter, I am titled by my occupation." He flashes a devilish smile and added, "And most fun part is delivering upon my guests their greatest desires and joy. I find it makes the events unforgettable and fulfilling."

He folded his arms and gestured to Sarne with a crane of his head, saying, "I can't speak for our future duke here, but that might be more in the natalist category rather than occupational. But being friends with nobility has its perks. They tend to have more... funding for my more ambitious projects. Thus why I found the Frost Gale a delicious location: no one has parties out here! It makes the experience unique. What would you remember more fondly? A dinner party with random strangers in a nameless town? Or a sweeping landscape of snow covered ice dusting the world in a magical sparkle of white, sitting under the ever expanding starry night sky while the iridescent celestial lights cascade across the blanket of stars?"

He winked and said, "I think such an event speaks for itself."