[i]"If we do this in earnest, we must remember that it will be bloody, old powers falling to new powers always are. That means in the end we will only truly have each-other, against all of the odds. That we must chose to do this, and stay true to that conviction. Gone are the days of being alone, it appears we have lost that luxury."[/i]

The old man had left them to sort out their feelings. Like some kind of group therapy for Elementals. For the most part, Hygrons seemed to find banding together not too shabby of an idea. The fire's warmth was making them all cheese heads. 

Annoyed. [b]"You've all forgotten the danger we're volunteering our necks for. Vygorns have one, more resources. Two, the ability to spy on the city. And three, that Void power they got doesn't sound like they're BSing around."[/b]

Cora toed at the dying fire, finding herself at the front of the room. People couldn't decide who to look at, her or little Irys. [b]"Listen, I don't mean to be a downer. Trust me, I've been through fucking hell tonight. And if I see any of you out there, I'll say hi and we'll team up or something. But this is gonna be no cake-walk, and I won't have any ditz 'guiding' me. When I'm on the job, I work better alone." [/b]

Of course the first words she said to fellow elementals were cold. Who did they think she was? The element of rainbows and ponies? 

She cursed her own apathy.[b] "Sorry, that came out harsh. My name is Cora, everyone. I lost my home and everything I treasure earlier tonight and I just... I'm not feeling the best. When did humanity get so low that every day was a struggle in agony? Once upon a time we were a proud, great race... At least from what my mother said, rest her soul.

"I'm going to go lie down. If I've offended you, we can chat at breakfast. Please, pardon me." [/b]Cora said, holding her temples with a grimace. 

She found a some-what secluded area with soft grass and a mushroom umbrella. Judging the temperature was warm enough, she rolled up her black hoodie and used it as a pillow. Folding her hands on her belly, she looked up at the cave ceiling. Gloworms and other bioluminescent bugs dotted the stone canopy like stars, twinkling in Nature's Haven's sky. 

[i]"You miss nature, don't you?"[/i] Irys twirled into her vision, landing on her forehead.

A forlorn smile rippled over her lips.[b] "I've never truly experienced it. They polluted the sky and the stars hid themselves. The moon in her sorrow dimmed her own light, and now it's a struggle to even see Luna at night."[/b]

Cora rolled on her side, moving Irys to hover over her temple.[b] "My mother told me of a land once covered in trees and animals, fresh springs and all wildlife. Why would Vygorns take away something so innocent and defenseless?"[/b]

[i]"Why did Jesse fearfully send you away? Irys thinks its all perspective. Like the following: Beauty is nothing. That would hold true for the Vygorns."[/i]

Cora winced at the sound of Jesse's name. [b]"Yeah, if they even know what beauty is."[/b]

[i]"All living things do."[/i]

[center]***[/center]

Next morning, with everyone up and about, the old man made his 'big speech' face. Cora, nomming on some cheese, resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Irys seemed far more attentive, probably because of the fact they were both spirits. 

[i]"This is a big day for all of you. You must set out today and prepare your first offence on the Vygorns. They won't know you're coming if you do it right, but they surely know of your existence already. 

"For the journey itself, I have prepared three days worth of food, and a little bit of water. I believe your Fluvius Hygron can take care of water for you."[/i]

[b]"I have endless amounts of water access too." [/b]Cora grumbled under breath.

When the old man revealed his gift to the Elementals, Cora felt a pang of humility. If he was going to impart them with tools to even the playing field, maybe his advice was a little more sincere. 

[i]"These items are special, they are Zars, meaning that they are infused with an element."[/i]

She looked closely at the homemade rack. Each Zar was different from the next, changing form and need to suit it's user best. She saw things from swords to chain-mail, bows and axes, and items she couldn't label. The blades and metal were freshly polished, and leather recently treated. [i]Keeper of the blades, old man?[/i]

She debated which she wanted when her hand passed a belt with two filled sheaths, making the metal within hiss and crack like ice. Slightly panicked, she grabbed the belt, revealing one of the blades. It was of exquisite design, with lots of grooves and artful flair, plus the overall design reminded her of an extinct snake. The blade was coated in frost patterns, freezing to the touch. Both blades were identical in their cold beauty.

[b]"Fates that be, they know me well. I was training with something like this before bankruptcy shut down my master's dojo." [/b] Cora mentioned to Irys.

The black belt fit snug in her jean loops, clasped at a metal buckle below her belly button. The sheaths for the twins daggers were angled at a 45 degree at the back, making the wielder unsheathe from behind and bring the blades forward. They were at the right level where Cora's hoodie hid them, so she could easily blend in if the need arose (no one just walked around with antique knives anymore.)

[b]"I can feel my non-shitty attitude rising. That's good, that means these little blades just made my day." [/b]Cora said, patting the back of her belt.

[center]***[/center]
[OOC: What the dagger's blade looks like: [url=http://thumbs4.ebaystatic.com/d/l225/m/m-huNrc0_jTlIxjNtMlzgwg.jpg]Click here[/url]]