Event - The White Dragon Travel Log

[bravenewmods]

[It's a lengthy journey even by air, that our intrepid heroes find themselves on. The veteran fliers set a quick, but not grueling pace at the suggestion of the Valkyries. Arriving to a battleground when a god had taken the field tired was not wise, they'd said, and who could really blame them? The prospect alone of facing down one of the beasts of legend would be enough to send most men fleeing in the opposite direction, but one who was working with a human? That was all the more reason to make sure that proper care was taken on the trek. And so for a day the party traveled, a caravan of birds, dragons, reptiles and the odd flying robot making steady time across the Rolling Plains before setting down at the north-eastern edge.

The curious would find that not far from where the tents were pitched, the green hills turned jagged, the land going from verdant to a sea of dark glass. Obsidian shards spiked upwards, spires gleaming in the moonlight like razor sharp teeth, setting an ominous tone for the evening's respite. Tents were pitched, fires were lit, and the more warlike companions even began a drum circle and dance. Valkyries and shirtless Calderan volunteers, a small number of visiting mages, and other more mysterious folks all curious to see the god and to help with the relief efforts. The camp, despite the circumstances, was at least a lively one.

And then came the final day.

Over the Obsidian Flats they went, the massive shapes of Boldore and Tyranitar visible even from up in the sky. And...further perhaps even more stunningly, a gigantic lake almost large enough to call an inland sea, sprawled out below. Rivers snaked out of it all around, and the water itself was a pure crystal blue. But perhaps the most awe inspiring sight of the whole journey came once they cleared the Flats and the area around Glacier came into view. An expanse of white, thick snow covering the ground this early in the year. Arctic forests cropped up here and there, snowcapped trees and a frigid looking river marring the perfect canvas beneath. And more Pokemon , of course. Gigantic Avalugg shook the ground below, and a new species plodded along, chewing amiably on the trees, largely unconcerned by the humans overhead, and the occurrences in the distance.

Along the coast a city was in flames, people streaming out of its ruined gates, desperately fleeing along the rivers before whatever it was came back. Smoke curled up along the skyline, burned hamlets and outlying settlements that'd already been destroyed.

It seems like they weren't too late, and it in the moment of respite there was a chance for our heroes to at least get their bearings and prepare for the Dragon God's return...]

[OOC: We will be opening some of these areas for bonding within the next few days for everyone who is taking part in the expedition.]

Comments

Fai Flourite | OTA

[comparative_insanity]

a; and I've been flying ever since

[He has missed flying. Out in the wild, he's used telekinetic power and his own lightness to hitch rides with Dotty, but... well, it's not quite the same. He's had the freedom of space and distance, but at time he has still felt tied to the earth as surely as he's been tied to his search. Now he's strapped in, his movements restricted, but he feels as if some heavy burden has been cut away.

He's heavily bundled up in preparation for the cold, and that's just as well, because he's leaning into the air resistance as if he is trying to break through it, gaze wild and exuberant. If he sees anyone watching him, he smiles widely, spreading his arms wide like wings.]

Best feeling in the world, huh~?

b; saw the earth and I saw the sky

[The bustling camp, while welcome, is also overwhelming to someone who can barely remember what spending time with other human beings is like. So after watching the purposeful bustle, the dance, the debates for a while, he bundles up Sweetie Pie in his arms and goes wandering off for a while.

He's trying not to fall into the same grim mentality as he's had while looking for Yuui before, but nonetheless he can't resist exploring. The sharp obsidian formations fascinate him, and he moves cautiously closer, tips of his talons meeting those of his own distorted image, reflected back at him from a dark, mirror-like surface.

He jumps and tenses a bit at the sound of sliding rocks close by, cocking his head like a bird in the direction of the sound.]

I'm not alone here, am I?

B.

[platinumlucifer]

[ It wasn't just the cold that bothered Excellen, although if anyone asked why she was so quiet, it would be the first excuse she gave. Calderans didn't do well with cold, she explained with a bit of a forced laugh, hiding deeper in her coat.

The real reason? Much more complicated. Much more personal.

The normally bubbly blonde found a bit of quiet solace in the shiny, purple rock formations, when she did manage to get a few moments to herself. And yet, looking at herself reflected back, distorted, she felt even more uncomfortable in her own skin. Uncomfortable with the changes she had begun to notice. Uncomfortable with what they could mean--what she tried not to think about.

Hopefully getting the blood flowing with a good old fight would be just the thing to knock some sense back into her. Make her forget everything that that cave forced her to remember.

Usually light on her feet--an added perk of being a Flying type--feeling the bit of rock slip out from under her feet, as well as a voice call out in the solitude, startled her, and Excellen stopped like a deerling caught in the headlights.

Then, all at once, she was her bubbly self again, the mask hardly getting a chance to slip. Smiling, she appeared from behind a larger obsidian stalagmite, sticking her tongue out a bit playfully. ]

Whoopsie! Sorry, I'm usually not so loud. I hope I didn't interrupt anything.

B

[untalented]

[He didn't know Fai, but he understood enough to know that Fai was an acquaintance of Yuuna's and was a person of extreme importance to Feliks. After months of trying to understand the spunky and sometimes moody Fairy-type, Waver felt like he had finally had a breakthrough in understanding-- and he knew how easily people could get lost in the wilderness as well. Inexperienced and preoccupied with staying warm as he was, Waver maintained enough presence of mind to keep tabs on the faces he recognized. Merrill, Yuuna, and Feliks were all friends. Isabela was a disconcerting but seemingly good natured individual who had helped him during his first weeks in Union. But Fai, for all of his jokes and games, was a complete mystery. Though he was just as infuriating to be around as Feliks could be, Waver was having a hard time understanding how much was a joke and how much was said in utter seriousness.

And, not trusting the mentality of a person who had been estranged from civilization for over a year, Waver decided to grab his Vulpix and attempt to tail Fai.

Too bad his physical agility was highly lacking.]

--You caught me, [he said, barely nudging his way out of his scarf so he could speak properly. His tone was unamused, but not hostile either.] It's pretty barren out here....

a

[rainsrespite]

[From the back of the Dragonite she favored, Yuuna looked over at the flying man she'd helped to pluck out of the swamp a few days ago and snorted a laugh. He sounded just a touch silly, all in all, but at least he was smiling. That...well...that was good to see. They'd need that, if they were going to make it through all this.]

Of course! The only thing that really even compares is a good fight...and that requires a lot more effort!

B

[victimlessdetails]

[A woman, actually dressed for the cold in spite of her normal reservations in regards to clothes, steps out of the darkness.]

Just prospecting a bit, kid. I only sneak out of habit, promise.

[True to her word, Isabela leans in to study the rocks.]

Interesting stones here. I think I've seen the like around volcanoes, but never in this amount. Shiny stuff that takes an edge better than steel.

Lenna Tycoon | OTA

[my_father_is_a_tycoon]

[At the Camp]

1:
[Throughout the flight, and even at the camp itself, Lenna doesn't seem to be bothered one bit by the cold despite the prominent Dragon-type heritage displayed by her small horns and the tiny pair of wings on her back. She's bundled up, of course, wearing a fancy pink coat with fur trim and white leggings, but the choice of attire doesn't seem to be chosen out of warmth so much as style. Even odder are the slippers she's wearing during the entire trip. Not exactly great winter footwear, but they seem to be doing the trick just fine as she traipses through the camp in the snow.]

It's so exciting to be traveling again!

2:
[After the initial thrill of the journey has worn off, Lenna is looking a bit more serious and somber. Walking to the edge of the camp, she hugs her arms around herself, staring out into the distance where smoke can be seen faintly rising into the sky. She's not paying much attention to whether or not anyone has followed her or is watching, and those with sharp ears may hear her as she wonders aloud.]

Father... is this the danger you felt in the east? Is this where you've been all this time?

2

[actsmagnificent]

[ Haruka does happen to overhear this woman - Lenna, right? - talking to herself. But Lenna's worries are private, so Haruka won't pry. Keeping everybody in good condition to fight, though, is common sense.

So she slips behind Lenna and hangs a blanket on her horns. ] It's warmer by the fire.

1

[comparative_insanity]

[The young man wandering the camp wearing something quite like this underneath a white fur lined cape isn't going to raise his eyebrows much at her choice in winter fashion - though he does wonder a bit about the footwear. His own shoes are admittedly on the dainty side, but warm and practical even so.

It's her comment, seemingly not directed at anyone in particular, that gets a small laugh out of him.]

I think I'd like a little of that enthusiasm, if you're willing to share. I seem to have temporarily mislaid mine, which is a shame. [It's not that he's unhappy, far from it, but... well, he had just returned from wandering about the wilderness for a very long time. It's a bit hard to get excited about traveling in itself, and now that they're on the ground again, the exhilaration of flying has faded somewhat.]

1

[lunchleader]

[Right's been forced to keep his small Fairy wings beneath his thick woolen coat just to keep them warm. Annoying and a little off-balancing, but it's the only way, especially since the front inside of his coat is now also home to his vocally grumpy Tepig.

Even with all of that, however, he can't help but give Lenna a huge grin in return.] There's nothing like being on the road, huh?

Morgiana | Open

[flying_chains]

Morgiana stood, wrapped up in various cold weather gear. Boots, heavy pants, mittens, at least two jackets, a wooly hat, a scarf...The works. She didn't like bundling up so much, but it was too damn COLD out here.

That's how she thought of it, anyways. To anyone else at the camp, the slowly growing circle of snow free ground around her was plain to see. She stared into the obsidian flats, thinking about what had been done to this land and what she would need to do to UNdo it. While she did this, she was unconsciously projecting an aura of heat around her, making her excellent company if you don't like cold weather either.

[conquerorofwaves]

Well someone is taking advantage of that wave of heat radiating off of her - not surprising given the teenager's dragon-typing, and frequent complaints during Union's much milder winter.

While he's shivering with his tail curled around himself, the growlithe Furfur was barking quite happily, bouncing from the snow to the snow-less ground as if it was a great game to gather as much of the white stuff on him as possible, let it melt, then shake it off on someone.

Haruka Tenoh & A Sailing Uranus | OTA

[actsmagnificent]

[ Uranus the Salamence can fly!!

She has dreamed of this moment since she hatched from her egg - maybe even before. It's all she's lived for, all she's desired, the height of everything she'd hoped from life. And now at last she has a powerful set of wings. Now at last, the sky is hers.

Even if it's cold and getting colder the longer she flies. And the higher she flies. And she doesn't think she likes the cold, not even a little tiny bit. Flying is worth it, though. Flying is worth everything.

So the longer she flies, the higher she flies. As they soar over the Obsidian Flats, she ends up casting a shadow across a good chunk of their party, the Trainer atop her showing no indication of distaste for the cold from within a heavy layer of the best insulation Union money can buy (and that a single Leavanny can sew with a few days' notice). Yet their breath is coming in clouds, and there's frost on Uranus's tail.

This is not ideal. ]

[faithfulflame]

[No ideal for her, perhaps, but Haruka and Uranus aren't the only enormous Pokemon that are airborne today. A dark shape dips out of the clouds, swooping low like a Michael Bay shot comet. Olympus Mons and Rei were coming into view now, and the larger Fire type let out a roar. The cold doesn't bother them anyway.]

Haruka-san! I like the coat! Natto?

Teddie | OTA

[bearlydressed]

A:
[There was no way Teddie was going to stand by and let a bunch of grizzlies hurt so many innocent people! He was going to help one way or another, and had put on the most serious face he could muster! Granted, it didn't last long once he took to the air.]

Weeeeeeeeee! This is so much fun! [The Cubchoo was having the time of his life, having never flown before. Additionally, all that he needed to keep warm was the fur on his back. Being an ice type did have it's advantages.]

B:
[Drums and dancing? Well you can count Teddie in! He gets really into the swing of the music, and any thought of the upcoming confrontation was far out of his mind.] I've got dancin' fever! Heehee!

[Feel free to dance with him! Or watch him bust out some moves from afar.]

C:
[As they passed over the Obsidian Flats, Teddie's attention focused on the scenery below. His jaw was hanging loose at the magnificent sight of the lake and rivers, but once they were close enough to see the snow covered land that was Glacier, his eyes would widen to the size of dinner plates.] Oh wow! It's beartiful!



[Of course, once the city was in view, Teddie's mood significantly dropped. Right, the Dragon God. The scene broke his heart, especially since he's never witnessed a disaster like this before. How could anyone willingly do this? He didn't understand why people would go out of their way to hurt one another in such a way.

His own thoughts reinforced the resolve to help the people of Glacier, but fear gripped his heart. There was a god prowling around out there. One that brought destruction along it's path and Teddie didn't want to be face to face with such a powerful grizzly. The very thought of it sent shivers down his spine. He was here though, and there was no turning back.] I-I can do this...

B.

[miracle_miko]

[ Whoa! That Cubchoo had some sweet moves! Color Sanae impressed! Clapping along with the beat, the young priestess bobbed to and fro to the music. She seemed to be keeping pretty good rhythm too. Maybe the beary nice gentlebear should ask a lady to dance? ]

Yuuna

[rainsrespite]

Airborne

[Yuuna's no stranger to flight, and usually she's a lot more joyful and just happy to be in the air. But something about this just didn't sit well with her. A dragon god? A human master? Whatever was going on was bad. Really, really bad.

She leans against Susume's back, urging her friend forward at the vanguard, two other flying Pokemon at the ready. A Salamence and Flygon flanked the Dragonite, and she was more than willing to give other people a ride if they needed. That was part of the point, after all.]

Hey, careful not to sit too high in the saddle, you might fall!

At the Camp

[For once, Yuuna's not at revel. Friends might find her oddly jittery, and when she talks it's often accompanied by a nervous giggle. Memories of a conflict a little over a year ago come to mind, troubling ones.

She's sitting near the fire, with Gouken sitting stoically beside her, and Uzushio resting in her lap like a strange froggy child. Her hands are stroking the Politoed, and she's obviously lost in thought, humming an old song to herself.

Still, if she feels eyes on her, she'll look up.]

Hey. You feel ready?

Airborne

[a_gentle_boy]

[There doesn't seem to be much danger of that as Yuuna quickly surpasses one of the flyers - or attempted flyers, anyway. Lucas is securely wrapped like a sausage by all three appendages of the Drifblim that idly and haphazardly floats about in the breeze. He's hanging partly upside down now in what seems to be a terribly uncomfortable position.]

Drifter, if you don't go a bit faster, we're going to get there when it's already burned to the ground.

[Drifter acknowledges this and doesn't seem terribly bothered by the possibility.]

...Hm.

Lucca

[sparkofgenius]

At Camp

[Well, surprise surprise. Lucca was not the sort to sit still during this sort of thing. Sure she was flying into the jaws of doom on a borrowed Fearow, but that didn't mean she wasn't excited to be here. She'd wanted to help, and a chance to study a new god up close? And to take a step down the path that Articuno had mentioned.

So, she's totally partying it up, with a big cup of something strong smelling in her hands and her faithful Gato beside her. Not far off, beatboxing it up was her Hariyama, the Shiny pokemon spewing out a sick beat for anyone that would listen.

And hey, if you look like you're taking this too seriously? She'll wander up with an extra drink.]

You look like you could use this, dude. C'mon! Let's dance!

Re: Lucca

[commissionergrump]

[Looking for people taking stuff seriously? Well, there's an old guy who almost always fits that description. He momentarily blinks at Lucca, and takes the drink with a nod, taking a sip.]

Not really much of a dancer.

[He gives a small self-depreciating smirk.]

Old joints.

[Of course, anyone who's seen him move when he needs to would know the excuse is largely bullshit, his limbs a bit more crackly and poppy than they were a few decades back, but still fully functional.]

Feliks - OTA, a couple of different possible time points in each prompt

[niepokonany]

[A - Traveling]

[Feliks makes the flight on the back of his Altaria, a tiny, sparkling figure nestled in between warm, cottony wings. As they make their way across the plains and the flats, he's in high spirits, occasionally darting forward to check what's going on in the distance or swooping low to get a better look at something, but never going outside of a certain radius from Fai.]

[The new sights of the Obsidian Flats in particular seem to get him very interested -- when they first spot the Aurorus down below, his eyes go wide as dinner plates, and he drops lower into the sky to watch them. How does he make friends with one of those? He is going to find out, and they are going to be the best of friends ever.]

[B - Camp, night 1]

[The campfire calls to him, even with all the strangers in their large group. The warmth of the fire itself, the beat of the drums, the singing and dancing... Feliks curls up near the edge of the group, in a comfortable heap with a Gardevoir, a Dragonair, and a Growlithe (and probably Fai for at least part of the evening before he steps out for some privacy), watching the crowd and talking quietly to them in spite of his lack of ability to really understand their replies.]

[Around people he knows, he's more chatty and animated -- but as he grows more tired and more familiar with the people around him, his guard comes down little by little, starting with little jokes and comments and moving on to trying to teach people silly old songs, until eventually he gets up and casts off his coat to join in the dancing himself.]

[C - Camp, night 2]

[The sight of the wrecked city in the distance and the refugees pouring out of it is sobering, to say the least.]

[Still, Feliks doesn't let it show on his face, or too obviously in any part of his demeanor. After he sets up a tent for himself and Fai and makes sure that his Pokemon are all doing well, he starts to wander around the rescuers' camp and its immediate environs, looking for anything he can do to help people. If nothing comes up, he starts to approach people with a simple question:]

So, what do you know about the whole dragon thing?

Camp 2

[untalented]

[One thing travelling had yet to instill in Waver was the ability to pitch a tent. Even with the insistent fussy help of his Vulpix and the height of the Amaura he had befriended when their group had explored the environs close to camp, he still had managed little more progress than a pile of sticks on the ground and a swath of canvas drapped over the confused Amaura's head.]

...Just that it's big, [he commented, pouting in his frustration with the tent. The Amaura, tired of pretending to be a ghost-type, threw the canvas to the ground with a shake of it's head. The Vulpix , tired of cleaning up, leaped back onto Waver's shoulders and started trying to bury herself in the hood of his coat.

Waver sighed, and tugged at the flaps of his hat to draw it tighter over his head.]

Have you heard anything?

[bokukotantei]

[Although Caldera was a city that was noted for it's deserts and heat, people from beyond the city limits neglected to realize that deserts quickly grew cold at night. Even with the heat of the volcano mitigating the harsh effects of the winter weather, there was no denying that the cold still came to affect the city every year. The cold of the Obsidian Flats was a different kind of cold-- it was deeper, harsher. But, it was also blissfully dry.

And dry was something that Naoto could work with.

Bundled up in a woolen cap, mittens, and the heaviest coat she could find in her size, Naoto looked positively pleased with herself. This was the furthest she had ever ventured from her home in Caldera-- and it was a venture into unknown territory as well. This, surely, was something that she would need to relay to her Grandfather once the trip was done....

Evening finds her near the campfire, meticulously documenting her observations and thoughts in a simple, leather-bound travel log she had picked up before she left Union. A cast-iron kettle was sitting amidst the flame, to boil water for the spicy, earthy tea she had brought with her from Caldera. The scent of the dried leaves was quite pleasant, and the perfect accompaniment for a cold, cold night.]

[commissionergrump]

[Gordon's dressed warmly himself, his long coat and hat in place. A Rhyhorn at his side as he walks up. The Rhyhorn lays down near Naoto, almost immediately dozing off, the rock-type's steady breathing sounding like shifting stones. Gordon sits on top of the pokémon, that doesn't seem to mind in the least, glancing down at Naoto and her notebook.]

Keeping notes?

[commissionergrump]

At the Camp
[Gordon is not the most experienced of fliers, appreciating the mercy of the pace. The old man breaths heavily once they set down, but gives his thanks to his Skarmory for transporting him safely. While others join in on the celebration, or explore the strange landscape, he sits with his Pokémon, raising an eyebrow at the dancers.]

Later that night
[Gordon has departed from the camp, burning off some restless energy by running his Pokémon through their paces some small distance from the camp, so as not to disturb anyone attempting to sleep. His focus appears to be on closely coordinated teamwork. An attack command rarely issued without another immediately on its heels. Many of his Pokémon are well used to working together in this way, Skarmory and the Swellow looping and spiraling around one another, Susan or Rex gladly and comfortably providing a launching board for Mac to throw a leaping, haymaker of an Ice Punch. The cubone, however, gets in the other's way slightly, or vice versa, requiring quiet encouragement from Gordon, the stern little creature dedicating itself fully to not being a hinderance.]

Near the City
[Gordon frowns at the destruction, giving Skarmory a pat on its neck. Anyone who knows the man would easily recognize the analyst's metaphorical gears turning as he dismounts, looking momentarily grateful to have the ground beneath his feet again. The man sighs heavily, and, with a touch of his Warp Band, dismisses the Skarmory and summons Ace the Swellow and Rex the Stoutland.]

We should get an idea of the lay of the land. This is unfamiliar territory, and maybe taking a closer look might give us an idea of why the city was attacked, or what we can do about it. Anyone want to come along?

Camp!

[niepokonany]

[It takes a little while for Feliks to get comfortable enough with all the strangers around to join in the dancing, but when he does, he gets into it completely, casting off his coat and whirling around to the beat of the drums, trading dance moves with some of the Calderan volunteers, laughing and sparkling.]

[Eventually, he notices someone watching, and since his only responses to things that make him feel shy are running off or getting overconfident and pushy to hide the shyness, he ends up coming over to the edge of the fire's circle and giving Gordon a cocky little smile.]

Not a dancer?

Raine Sage | OTA

[wise_maiden]

[Camp, Various times!]

[- Yet another first time flier, and on a borrowed Fearow at that, Raine's just a little dizzy on her feet after the landings.

- Most of the time, she can be found taking notes and making small sketches, though she uses her own light instead of getting too close to the fire and revelry. Which makes it more than a little cold, sitting like that. Still she'll look up to respond to anyone who might be hanging out nearby if she's not too distracted.

- In order to get more information for her notes, Raine has to ask some questions to begin with, since getting involved in all of this was rather a whirlwind. She takes it upon herself to either beckon or approach some of the other travelers if they don't seem occupied, however cautiously.

- Other times, she can be found checking on the Sawsbuck she recently bonded, since it's still recovering from a twisted knee. ]

Third prompt!

[niepokonany]

[As Feliks is sitting outside of his tent at the outskirts of Glacier, bundled up in a warm coat and a number of scarves, he notices someone he doesn't know approaching. He smiles up at her, arms slung lazily around his knees.]

What's up?

[lunchleader]

1 - In The Air

[Right's wings feel like they're freezing over. Even though they're folded beneath his woolen coat, even though he's keeping himself warm by letting Momotaros the Tepig nestle within the front area of his coat, they still feel cold. However, one would never know how off-putting he feels about that, should anyone approach him at any point in the skies. Riding aboard an Altaria on loan from Citadel, there's a huge grin on his face as he soars above, below, and around various riders and cloud formations...all at top speed.]

Waaaah-hooooo~!


2 - On The Ground

Yami! Get out of there!

[Not far from the main fires, Right has pitched his tent, and allowed his Pokemon to freely roam. This last bit, however, proves to be an error, since his Diggersby has immediately taken to make a hasty burrow in a good-sized snowdrift. Out of that hole in the snow, anyone passing by will hear a bunch of protests. Those who understand Poke-Speech will hear that as the following:] No way! This is warmer! And safer!

[Care to step in and help resolve this issue?]

[untalented]

[Although the Mageling was quietly terrified of becoming estranged from everyone during this trek, Orpheus the Foongus still found reason to wander the encampment. Bundled up as he was in a tiny scarf, perfectly tailored for his size, he hopped about with one mission in mind:

Find a warm place to sleep. The Mageling was terrible at the basics of travelling, and Orpheus knew that his sleeping bag would only be so much help once darkness fell.

That was why Yami's words drew his curiosity-- and Orpheus scrabbled his way into the hole that the Diggersby dug. With a surprised little squeak he fell in...and was pleasantly surprised to find that Yami was absolutely right!]

You're right! It's much warmer in here!

[heartandsoul]

A--is for Air

[Well. Maka has a Golurk.

And it turns out Golurk can fly.

She looks very nonchalant about riding a giant golem ghost and is patiently reading in between the wind resistance being troublesome. As people go by, she looks up and makes sure Baldwin is steering himself properly so he doesn't run into anybody--the trip certainly can't end in crashing and burning.]

B--is for boooooks

[...And even at the camp, Maka has not stopped reading, where is she even keeping all of those books?? It's a good distraction from all the raucous dancers, at least, Maka's not exactly a huge fan of Calderans' tendency towards going shirtless in celebration. It's gross.]

Who wants to see a gross guy's chest anyway? [She sort of grumbles this, flipping over to the next page.]

A

[ofpromisedvictory]

[Saber's met Goletts in the wild. She was not aware their larger cousins could do that.]

[Pardon the sword-girl gawking, Maka.]

Excellen Browning | OTA (15 minutes late with Sawsbucks)

[platinumlucifer]

[ The trip out was met with relative, almost contemplative quiet from the blond. Even heading into battle, Excellen was often chatty--to ease any kind of jitters, both for herself and her comrades. But that playful nature was absent. Was the cold getting to her maybe, or was it something else?

She had been somewhat distant lately...

But the cold certainly didn't help. If anything, it made it even worse.

While she was distant as they traveled, once they pitched camp, Excellen was her vivacious almost-self. It was a bit forced, admittedly, and she drank a bit more than she usually would, laughed a little louder than she usually would, and cuddled up "friendly-like" with anyone who would let her--and even those who wouldn't.

Especially to those who didn't want to, because what is personal space? ]

Hey, whatcha doin'? Hmmmm?

[steelbeowulf]

[Kyosuke, meanwhile, is sitting on the floor and has disassembled his stake apparatus, which he is in the process of cleaning]

Weapon maintenance.

Lux Crownguard | OTA.

[ladyofluminosity]

[A]

[ Flying never got old. It did, however, get cold. Bundled from head to toe in a winter coat, thick mittens, scarf and hat, her teeth chattered as she rode on the back of a Pidgeot. ]

They didn't. Tell me it. Would be this. C-cold!


[B]

[ Everything was so tense once they started to get close, and admittedly Lux was a bit nervous herself. Another God waited for them in Glacier, and Savior knew what else. But if she let that eat away at her, she would be a little bundle of nerves once they did make the city.

So, catching an unsuspecting victim, the blond silently scooped up a bit of snow, balled it up, and let it fly before darting behind a tree. ]

[indy_wannabe]

Oh. Oh. It's on now.

[A barrage of return fire swiftly follows]

[taudriver]

[Takuto sneezes ferociously]

Man, it's cold...

[miracle_miko]

Yeah, I don't think I've ever been this cold in my life!

[ Why did she sound so chipper about that?

Holding two metal thermoses in her hand, she offered one to Takuto. It was warm, and even sealed he could likely smell a bit of what might have been inside. Hopefully you're hungry.

She settles down next to him, wrapping her hands around her thermos. ]

You're probably not used to it either, huh?

[steelbeowulf]

[As they approach the burning hamlets, Kyosuke's expression is grim]

I need medics to prepare triage operations immediately. Fighters to the front, we don't know what we're walking into. Drive off the attackers and aid the survivors. Move!