[@TheHangedMan]

Azrael looked form the ominous doorway to the creature, wondering if the thing actually believed he would go into that seemingly dark plane. His eyebrow had shot up in disbelief, but figured the beast was simply incapable of not being serious. He took a deep breath, steeling his nerves, but also looking inside himself. His magical power was still strong, but his grasp of Lightning had indeed taken its toll. He nodded to the creature, "Just a moment please. I'd like to make preparations.." Sinking to his knees, he slipped his pack from his shoulders and took out a curious flask, with a silver claps that capped it strongly, never allowing air to touch the contents except when imbibed. Popping it, he drank half a mouthful of the energizing elixir. He felt his strength come back immediately, and just as quickly he'd replaced the cap and slipped the flask back to its resting place.

He could have restored his power by simple meditation, but that would take too long and he sensed urgency was a better option in this instance. The potion his masters had taught him was precious and the ingredients hard to come by outside of the Spirits' homes of forest, mountain, and sea. He was loathe to use such a gift, but took comfort that he still had a second batch. The flask was a quarter empty, even with the small mouthful he'd just swallowed. And it came with a price, a small amount of toxicity that was harmless with moderation. But if he drank more within the next several hours, Azrael would indeed be in trouble. He took another moment to take a few breaths and reconnect with the bond he shared with his immortal teachers. 

[i]"Oh Great Spirits! Continue to lend me your strength, the honor of wielding your gifts, and the privilege of proving your might in this world,"[/i] the elementalist silently prayed, feeling the warmth of affection roll over him as they sent their blessings back to their young disciple. A small smile graced Azrael's face and he came to his feet, a new level of energy stealing over him. His skin practically glowed with the grace and power that the short communion had imparted upon him. He had indeed honored his masters with his skillful victory!

"I'm ready, hopefully we can meet again, ancient One," Azrael said respectfully to the creature. He grave a quarter bow to it, sincerely awed by its considerable magic. "And might it be under more peaceful conditions," he added, before tightening the straps of his bag and determinedly stepping through the door that seemed to open to Hades itself.