Dante's journey through the Frost Gale almost made him miss the heat of the desert.  Almost.  He exhaled a cloud of frozen over foggy breath as he gazed upon the frozen docks.  Ropes still creaked beneath the icy waves, but much of the slush came simply from the shifting weight of the ships than any source of heat.  The crack of picks against the ice made him wince, and seeing how much there was the method seemed rather inefficient.  He approached the workers and said, "Chin up lads and lasses!  Think of the warm meals and even warmer beds you have to look forward to once this is done.  Besides, I doubt your arms hurt that much!"

This might have been condescending in any other circumstance, but the encouragement was necessary to using the gift of Staunch Perseverance to remove the sensation of intense cold and fatigue.  The workers gained a second wind and actually worked with a greater vigor and morale than his words should have granted.  That was all well and good for Dante; backbreaking labor was such a drag.  Discovering his gift with words carried a mystical element was fascinating to him.  He began to daydream some, musing whether or not Kamille was aware of such magic.  

Then his mind drifted elsewhere.  What should I get her next time?  A coat?  It could come with the invitation.  Brilliant!  She seemed receptive to my last visit, and it would be acceptable for me to gift her something like that yes...

Having not only rekindled with his beloved companion recently, but also having grown considerably in strength, Videl had decided that now was the time to return to his roots. Albeit temporarily, Videl had decided that it would be best to try and touch base with his general connection to glacial magics. Given that he couldn't outright call up Salina and speak with her, even more so considering how she was supposedly dead, the T'saya man had instead opted to return to the coldest place within all of Charon. Frost Gale.

Knowing that it would be best for him to acquire a few things to enhance his own strengths while he had been here, Videl had decided that he would take the time to visit the Pale City. It was here that he would purchase quite a few high quality items. Items that would bolster his glacial magics and combat abilities in one way or another. It was also here that he would come to discover that a severe weather phenomenon had overtaken Charon. In regards to Frost Gale, this odd weather phenomenon had made it so that the waters surrounding Frost Gale had frozen over months earlier than they usually might have. A bit of a cause for concern, given that Videl could no longer take a ship back to where Sylvari had been.

Figuring that the only way to improve the situation was to get involved, Videl would soon find himself heading towards frosted over docks. As he had been traversing throughout the city and towards the docks themselves, Videl would manage to catch wind of a relatively familiar voice. One that he had encountered not all that long ago in the outer Frost Gale. The voice of a particular master of ceremonies.

Curious as to what Dante had still been doing here, Videl would quickly make his way on over towards the source of the voice, a smile cresting his face as he had done so. "Well, well. What do we have here? A master of ceremonies within the Pale City? I take it that you're looking to throw yet another party?" A soft laugh would escape from the man's lips as he had maintained his gaze upon the fellblood. "Or are you here in search of a Winter's Crown gift? After all, where better than Frost Gale for such an occasion?"

Dante turned to regard the arrival of the handsome young man and said with a smirk, "Oh, I've just decided that taking on the title of temporary foreman was more to my liking. Having the boats freed here will make traversal a bit easier I would imagine. Are you also seeking passage? The Winter's Crown is a rather curious bauble that I could see myself inheriting while I'm here as a bonus. Unfortunately I haven't had the time to properly prepare for the Frost Gala as I'm thinking of calling it. The turn out for my last party was considerable, but that was in a far more... accommodating location. I'll have to really spice things up to generate interest in that spot you showed me."

He turned to the men and offered them some of his watered down rum, the grog serving as a way to motivate the crew when his speech began to ebb. Even then, the renewed vigor of the ice diggers had cemented itself. It hardly felt like Dante did anything at all, which was just as well. Perhaps they would look fondly on him when considering who to credit for their rising spirits. Afterall, the work just got so much more easier when he was here. Dante's very presence could work miracles it seemed.

"Damn Vulcadraeus. I go to the other side of Charon, and he's still a headache even in death. That's what happens when a giant lava dragon dies, sends out a heat wave, creates fluxuations in the atmosphere, and somehow makes the Gale even colder. I mean, what kind of jerk does that?"

Videl would find himself softly nodding along as Dante had asked him as to why he had been in this location. Much like many of those that were currently at the docks, Videl had indeed been looking for transport out of the Pale City. "You could definitely say as much.. While it's entirely possible for Lumi to carry me across the sea, I figured that I would give her a bit of a break. After everything that I've gone through as of late, it only makes sense for her to get some rest." Gesturing to his now pure white right eye, Videl would smile a bit. "She's been taking care of me for quite some time now, after all."

In addition to his newfound eye, the gear that had adorned the T'saya was also noteworthy in appearance. A rather large change from the last time that the two had seen one another, Videl had now wore a stark white mantle that was draped over a unique set of pauldrons. Add in the steel chain that he had wrapped around his waist, and the silver necklace that he now wore around his neck, and it was likely to catch the eye of those that had known him.

Another nod would of course be thrown Dante's way at the mention of Vulcadreaus. To think that the death of such a being would have such a dire effect on the world at large. Then again, if Vulcadreaus was truly a god of sorts, then it shouldn't have been all that surprising. Something that Videl would have to consider moving forward. "It certainly doesn't bode well that the weather has taken such a turn. Especially for those of us that actually reside here."

A tired sigh would escape the mans lips as he took the time to dismount his Frigid Steed. From there, Videl would reach towards his back and grab a hold of the spear that had been securely located back there. "Regardless of the reason behind all of this, I should probably try and help speed things up if we are intending on getting out of here." While his magics as a whole would only serve to worsen the situation nine times out of ten, Videl held the belief that his spear could at least assist in breaking up the ice. With that being the case, once it had been in hand, Videl would take the time to ice over the edges of the spearhead with his glacial magics ^{[Cold Touch]}.

His spearhead now sharpened beyond what it had already been, Videl would leap down from the docks and towards the ice that had encapsulated one of the nearby boats. As he had done so, he would raise his spear high overhead before ultimately thrusting it into the chunks of ice. A whistling sound would emit from Videl's spear as he had thrusted it downward, the velocity in which it had descended being increased, as though it were achieved by the very wind itself ^{[Spear, Thrusting Enchantment]}. With the combined efforts of his sharpened spearhead and the increased velocity from which it had fell, a rather substantial crack in the ice would begin to form just beneath where he had fallen.

Well, well, someone is sporting some fine new threads, he thought.

Dante saw that the foremen were looking up at the young man with the wind scythe like ice spear cleaving away icicles with ease. Dante hardly seemed to be there with the enrapturing display; the fellblood smirked and said, "Well now, getting into the spirit of things are we? I suppose I'll oblige your efforts lest I look slothful." He saw that Videl had no trouble breaking the ice himself, so he elected to add more hands to the work. He too had been studying since they last met. He extended his palm, a perfect sphere of clay appearing in his hand.

"I've picked up a thing or two. Now why don't you make yourself useful little clay and clear some of this rugged ice for us would you kindly please and thank you?"

It seemed weird to talk to wet earth, but the command seemed to affect it as the clay grew to the size of a large blocky man. It joined Videl, and while it didn't carry the same grace as he did, it was still a large solid block of hardened stone smashing through pillars of jagged ice, quickening their pace even faster. He had used the talents he picked up as a Jack of All Muses and created the Living Clay to do his bidding for a short while. At least long enough for what he needed it for.

Curious as to what Dante was going to show him, Videl would momentarily turn his gaze on over towards the Fellblood. As he had done so, he would watch as Dante calls upon a perfectly sculpted sphere of clay. Of course Videl had never seen such an ability before and as such had found himself left confused. Just what was the master of ceremonies intending on doing with a single ball of clay?

It wouldn't take long for this question to be answered as Dante had commanded the clay with his will. Shortly after having requested that the clay assist Videl, the sphere would grow larger and take on the form of a blocky man. Videl could only assume that the clay had been a golem of sorts. An oddity for sure but one that Videl had welcomed. "I'm not quite sure where you managed to craft golems but color me intrigued, Mister Master of Ceremonies." Such an act was one that Videl had considered undertaking in the past. Such an ability was often accompanied by stringent amounts of research however and that was something that Videl hadn't had the time for at the moment. Rather than worry about golems, he had figured that he might as well attempt to call upon something a bit more short lived. Elementals. Of course he had yet to accomplish such a feat.

"There are quite a few new additions to my repertoire as of late but.. none of them would prove useful in regards to the task that we currently have at hand. I'm certain that there are those that would actively depreciate my efforts, were I to attempt any such magics. It would only serve to worsen their issue after all."

Knowing that his options would remain limited, Videl would simply continue to do what he had already been doing. He would make his way along the outskirts of the ships nearby and would take the time to thrust his sharpened spearhead directly into the ice below. With each instance of this, he would find that more of the ship had been free of the ice that had confined it. And whenever he had encountered a moment in which the icy edge surrounding his spearhead had begun to dull or shatter? Well he would simply refuel his spell, allowing for the icy edge to reform stronger than ever.

Dante found a good spot on the edge of the docks to sit, putting down a thick fur as a seat. He made a gesture with his fingers, wiggling them as he said, "Oh what I can I say? I dabble here and there. I start talking, and things have a way of working out for me. If someone were to cut my tongue out today, I'd have found a way to grow another one for its value alone. It wouldn't be the first attempt at it though. Oh, memories!"

He smirked as he watched the golem pound out the ice and said, "The effort is appreciated Videl, but if you find your muscles growing fatigued do take a break. A woodcutter that sharpens his axe is far more effective than a woodcutter who tries to cut the same tree with an ever dulling blade. No one will fault us for moving slowly to undo the consequences of a fallen god."

Dante took out a sandwich he packed for himself and said, "As for the source of this particular talent that is currently acting as demolition equipment, I picked it up studying the bardic arts. A kind of speechcraft. My particular tradition requires a robust understanding of linguistics, a sharp wit, and most importantly a flair for theatrical presentation. Perhaps you could learn to animate some of your ice magic for instance. Oh my, that's a great idea for a centerpiece!"

He took out a small black book, made a note about "living ice sculptures" and put the book away in his coat pocket.

While he had acknowledged Dante's words, Videl had chosen to disregard them for the time being. Although it might seem like he was extending himself a bit too far with all of the thrusting of his spear, this had actually been an activity that he had grown rather used to. Given his unique style of combat, he often had to thrust his spear out towards his opponents or bring them down overhead. While it might have put a strain on him at first, with time he had managed to become a bit more used to task. "I'll be sure to keep your words in mind, Dante. If the time comes that I find myself worn down, I'll be sure to take a break." A time that would come eventually but not at this moment.

Once the conversation had turned towards the topic of bardic arts, Videl could only find himself nodding along. He had actually considered undertaking one of the branches that the bards had offered. Although he hadn't participated in the dances of his people, alongside them, he had still known the dances themselves. Paired with the grace that he moves with whilst utilizing his spear and it would certainly catch the attention of others. At the present though, there were things that Videl had chosen to prioritize instead. Such as pushing his spearmanship to its limits.

"I must admit that it is surprising to hear that your words alone can have such an affect. Must be some form of magic that I'm not too familiar with. Such bardic magics are surely capable from what I am seeing." He would then laugh whilst continuing on with what he had been doing. With every few feet of movement, Videl would drive his spear into the ice below, further placing cracks and holes within the ice below. After a few minutes time, he would eventually finish up with the ice that had surrounded one of the boats.

"Honestly, it's just too bad that I can't take on the role of an elemental or a golem. While I may have the capacity to do great things with my magic, it's not like I can grow in size with my magic and deal an overwhelming blow. I'd likely have to do things in a manner similar to what you are thinking. Bringing forth an elemental of sorts to handle the load for me. Even then, those kinds of things only last for as long as your mana holds out. And from what I've heard, they can take quite the toll on you. But perhaps in the future.. Perhaps."

It was then that an idea had come to the T'saya. One that might expedite the process of breaking up the ice. "Honestly, I can be so dumb sometimes.. I'm not sure why I hadn't considered this earlier." Opting not to go into detail about what he had planned, Videl would carefully make his way on over towards the larger chunks of ice that were away from the workers. Once he was sure that he had been a decent distance away from the others, Videl would gesture a hand towards the larger chunk of ice whilst channeling mana into his silver bracelet. "Shatter." With a single word, Videl would call upon his magic to force the very ice itself to shatter into tiny little shards ^{[Brittle Shatter]}. These shards would shatter in every direction, sending some of the ice towards Videl himself. Rather than take on the shards with his front however, Videl would simply turn around and call upon the power of his mantle, hardening the material until the point that it had been as strong as steel.

Dante tilted his head and said, "Videl, why would you say something like that? I'm sure you have your own talents to be sure. And I'm sure you could learn magic that would allow you to possess far greater strength. Those heroes I mentioned earlier? I'm sure someone from their number would have more knowledge in how to accomplish such a feat. Honestly Videl, I wouldn't have expected it but I suppose we all have our doubts and anxieties. Have a bit of cheer my friend. I'm sure what you desire will come to you eventually."

He watched him pull out the necklace and blast some of the ice away. Dante applauded him and said, "See? You have talent yet. Though now that you mention it what with the golems and what not, I can't quite put a finger on who would know about such crafts except perhaps Kamille whom I've spoke about with you prior. I will be sure to pair you with her at the party should the fates find you both there."

Dante then took out a small flask of alcohol, taking a swig more for the warmth it would provide than any mind altering buzz. He set the silver container back in his satchel and said, "Tell me friend, where will your travels take you once this task has finished? Leaving the Frost Gale for a time?"

When compared to several others that were out in the world, one could certainly say that Videl had held a considerable degree of strength. When compared to those that he had cared for though, and those that posed a threat to even them, Videl had been firm in the thought of his strengths not being enough. There was no way that he could feasibly stand at the top, comfortably, with his current level of strength. And as such, he wouldn't be able to protect those that he cared for. It simply wasn't enough. Still, Dante had had a point. He could always learn more.

"Perhaps with enough time and training, I can reach new heights. Until then though? I feel as though I'll grow stagnant.. That is something that I have to avoid at all costs." And the first step to accomplish such a feat was to get back to his beloved companion. Knowing this much, Videl would continue to draw upon his mana whilst shattering the chunks of ice that had been below. With each casting of brittle shatter, he would turn about and take the blow with his mantle in its steel like form. It wouldn't last for much longer at this rate but it was better to do this than nothing.

"I am certainly looking forward to the day that I can meet this Kamille of yours. If she's as great a mage as you say than I'm sure that I can get a few of the answers that I'm seeking. And if even she can't provide the answers that I seek? Well I guess that I'll just have to continue seeking them out on my own." A simple shrug was offered in response as he thought about the last question that Dante had asked him. "As for where I'm heading after all of this? Well I'm not quite sure, if I'm being completely honest. All that I know is that I'll find myself standing by Sylvari's side once more. Wherever her journey may take her, I am likely to follow. How about yourself?"

Dante pondered and thought on the question, the golem banging ice to the sound of his inner mental cogs turning in thought. He tapped his chin and said, "Well, I've been trying to become more world traveled and what not. It's why I'm here in the Frost Gale. That and searching for party venues and the such. At least I won't have to pay for a leasing of the space this time around."

He drew a sharp grin and said, "Sylvari you say? What an enchanting name for who I imagine is a rather enchanting person. Are you two dating? I'm rather versed in romantic locales should you wish for privacy and a breathtaking location. And that 'standing by her side line' is quite lovely, you should say that to her when you see her again."

He chuckled and shifted gears, saying, "As for Kamille? I'm sure she'll be able to point you in the right direction. If you are as inadequate in mystical understanding as you claim, I'm confident she will be able to assist you. She's frequently in Moonglade, but she's been known to move around much like myself. I can drop her a line, mention there's another eager student of the arcane arts asking about. And it'll better guarantee your arrival at one of my gatherings. Oh how I just love networking! That reminds me, do feel bring to bring Sylvari should you find yourself at one of my galas. There's never enough excuses for dressing up and having a good time!"

Videl would come to find that his cheeks had taken on an incredible crimson hue at the mention of himself and Sylvari dating. While Dante couldn't have been farther from the truth, Videl would be lying if he were to claim that he hadn't though about what such a thing would be like. She was the most important person to him after all. His first friend and his first love. But she would never see that. Not with her oath blocking off her view from such things. And that was something that he had come to accept by now. So long as he had the opportunity to keep her within his life, he hadn't cared what their relationship was.

"N-no, no.. That most certainly isn't the case." So as to erase the thoughts that had just crept back into his mind, Videl would return to thrusting his spear back into the ice below. "She would never think of me in that regard.. Honestly not sure if she could ever see someone in such a light. Still, she is my favorite person. Such a person that I would do just about anything for." A dangerous claim to make while out in the open, considering how one might try and take advantage of these feelings of his. Something that he hadn't even considered as he had spoken on the subject, his head getting flustered whenever he had thought about her.

Thankfully the topic would pull away from his infatuations with Sylvari and would quickly return back to the topic of Kamille. Whilst he hadn't believed himself to be inadequate in arcane understandings, it was more that he hadn't thought of magic in such a manner. Rather than holding a wealth of knowledge about said magics, he had simply held a feeling for the glacial magics that he had embodied. That was how it had always been. "Hm.. Well, much like I have stated in the past, I would be glad for the opportunity to meet her. Not sure about taking on the role of a student but discussing a few things with her in general would certainly be appreciated. And as for whether or not Sylvari would be willing to accompany me to one of these galas of yours? I honestly don't know whether she would accept or not. But I could certainly ask."

Dante grinned and said, "Oh my Videl, you're getting a little rosy in the cheeks. There's no shame in matters of the heart once you realize most people get a little butterfly flutter from time to time. The most important thing to do is to tell her how you feel. Even if she says no, you'll feel better once you know where you stand. Who knows, she might surprise you."

He didn't press the issue further. This was the first time he was learning of this, and he didn't want to frighten the boy. Yes, he was an adult but he could see the youth in his cheeks and knew if this wasn't his first crush it was certainly in the first few he ever had.

"As for Kamille, again I would not fret on that front. She's very approachable despite the dark beauty witch vibes she carries herself with. I think you and her will get along just fine. She's currently tutoring me, and I'm already a master of one of the magical arts. I'm sure she'll have much to show you." He looked to the golem who was reaching the end of its lifespan and finishing off htel ast of the ice. He said, "It seems that we're reaching the end of our task. Perhaps we should retire for a drink and a meal in a more comfortable environment."

Whilst he had both heard and accepted the words that Dante had offered him, he simply couldn't believe that it would be in his best interest to discuss such things with Sylvari. Not with how dedicated she had been to her oath. Not now anyways. Perhaps in a few years.. Decades even. However long it would take for him to get through to her on the fact that she had deserved to be loved. Not wanting to bring this much up to Dante though, given that it was a rather personal matter between himself and Sylvari, Videl had chosen to keep this tidbit to himself.

"I'll take what you are saying into consideration. As a fellow master of one of the magical arts." A soft laugh would escape the T'saya's lips as he had moved to place his spear back into its holster on his back. "I'd be more than willing to join you for a drink after all of this is said and done as well. In fact.. Let me finish up our task here and now." Rather than taking the time to shatter the ice below this go around, Videl had decided that he would call upon the natural force of gravity. That being said, Videl would take the time to climb aboard one of the nearby ships before leaping from its bow. Once he had reached his peak in regards to his jump, Videl would reach back and grab ahold of his spear once more, plunging it into the ice below and causing several of the cracks from before to grow is width. With the combined weight of both himself and the spears piercing abilities, the ice would rupture before ultimately sinking beneath the surface of the water.

This had unfortunately left Videl rather soaked.. but it was a risk that he had foreseen and taken either way. A dangerous thing to have happen in such a frost region, given that it would enhance his risk of hypothermia, but Videl wasn't too concerned. The ever-chilling cold was a feeling that had always accompanied him.. So this was something that he had grown rather used to. Either way, once he had climbed out of the frosty waters below, Videl would make his way on over towards Dante. "Let us be off then.. I'll need a fire to dry my clothes."