[h1][color=Gold]Drosil[/color] and [b]Stark's[/b] Summoning Adventure[/h1][sub](guest stars: Ian and Sir Mauls)[/sub]

[color=Gold]"How many times do I have to tell you, Mr. Blackwood, if you wish to observe the ritual, then I must have [i]absolute[/i] silence. No singing, no humming, no strumming that instrument of yours, none of it. If I make just one mistake, the results could be catastrophic."[/color]

In the morning of the group's second day at the Renata Mansion, Drosil was busy preparing for something within the gardens that Karin had mentioned the previous day. However, he had a rather bothersome intruder by the name of Ian Blackwood, who seemed happy to see another Jasian and was trying to lift the Summoner's spirits with a song or two, despite the individuals insistence that he was completely fine and would be much better if Ian were to leave the area. 

Unfortunately for Drosil, the bard was a persistent sort and didn't seem likely to leave anytime soon. Wearing what could possibly be considered his casual attire, it was a simple get-up of brown leather breeches and a what was once a white tunic, though it had been splattered with so many different colored dyes that it was hard to think of it as being such anymore. Not to mention that the man smelled as if he had bathed in a pool of spices, the strong, if pleasant, scent making Drosil's head dizzy with its intensity.

"Come now, what endeavor can't be made better and more entertaining with the inclusion of musical accompaniment?"

[color=Gold]"Anything that requires silence and focus, for one. Now I must repeat that you either be quiet, or leave. Your presence is grating on my nerves, and I'd rather not be performing this summoning while annoyed."[/color]

"Why, I have just the song for irritation, my Jasian frie-"

[color=Gold]"HOW MANY TIMES DO I HAVE TO SAY THIS BEFORE YOU GET IT THROUGH YOUR THICK SKULL!?!?! I DON'T WANT TO HEAR ANY MUSIC RIGHT NOW!"[/color]

"That's just because you haven't gotten the chance to truly experience it, so if you'd just let me play something for you-"

Drosil tuned out Ian as he suddenly brought up his staff, pointing the spherical tip right in the man's face. The staff's crystalline look was a bit less . . . vibrant then it usually was, something that had given Drosil some pause when he awoke this morning, but he passed it off as him just being a bit under the weather after his . . . . 'operation' from the other day. Moving on from that, however, Drosil summoned a gout of spider silk webbing to wrap around the bard's mouth, keeping him from speaking in anything but mumbled screams as he tripped over his own two feet  in his attempts to get it off. Drosil gave a sigh of relief as he turned to get back to work, only to feel something grab on to his leg as he attempted to walk forward, causing him to fall flat on his face as his body tumbled over. Getting up on all fours, Drosil turned to glare at Ian, who only gave a small wave in return, the smirk that was assuredly on his face hidden beneath the spider webbing around his mouth.

[i][color=Gold]This man is infuriating to such a degree, I'm surprised that Lady Renata tolerates his presence. If only someone else could come along to take his attention off of me, if only for a few minutes. Merciful Divines, please send somebody, anybody over to help get this oaf of a bard away from me.
[/color][/i]

Stark had been wandering since the early hours simply out of habit from her days as a guard in Jasi. Through the halls of the Renate house she walked, fingers toying with the silvery stones seemingly forever attached to her wrists, until she came upon a very particular scene. One of the bard, Ian Blackwood, with his face covered in white and Mister Maeneld on all fours looking defeated. 

At first Stark simply stood there with a dead eye'd look before her words got the better of her, [b]"As much as I could care less about the hanky panky you indulge yourselves in, do you honestly think it is appropriate to do so outside within the Renate grounds?"[/b] A grey brow rose as her odd eyes flitted back and forth between the two. There was a slight up turn of her lips as she realized that her previous words didn't hold any truth; instead moving forward and helping to pull Drosil to his feet before giving Ian a curious look at the webbing on his features.

She turned her head to Drosil, [b]"Too much singing?"[/b]

[color=Gold]"Among other things, and the only thing I'm [i]indulging[/i] myself in is a rather delicate summoning ritual. Given how the lady of demons has told us of stronger foes in our future, I'd rather have stronger beasts to summon and have by my side.[/color] Drosil slowly rose to his feet, wiping the dirt from his cloak as he went back to looking over the summoning circles that had been laid across the grounds, the arcane writing pulsing with power, seemingly strengthened by the ambient energy that was present within the pocket dimension the mansion currently resided. As he did so, Ian would give Stark a look as she entered, as if to say 'Me? and him? Really?'. THis look turned to one of mock shock as she suggested that he was singing too much, as if she had just spoken the gravest of blasphemies. [color=Gold]"Oh, speaking of strong beasts, be on the look out for Sir Mauls would you? He was getting hungry so I sent him back to the mansion to get himself something to eat, but if he doesn't find something . . . well, just keep an eye out and tell me as soon as you hear a really low clicking sound. Everything should be fine, but you know, never hurts to be careful."[/color]

Now that Ian was currently busy trying to remove the webbing from his face(which he realized rather worryingly seemed to be growing down his neck like the tendrils of some hungering beast), Drosil was able to continue with checking that everything was in place, having only to edit a few mistakes here and there. Overall, it was solid and would suit his purposes rather nicely. Turning back to address the two, where he'd likely find Ian with his hands stuck to his face in a rather awkward and uncomfortable position as the webbing had trapped his grasping hands against his face. Needless to say, Ian was panicking a little, trying with all of his might to get the webbing off of him, but never seeming to break a single silken strand. 

[color=Gold]Anyway, Miss . . . Stark, yes? You're skilled in water magics, am I right? Tell me, could you summon a large amount of it at a moments notice, or only shape and manipulate it? Also, do you have any ability to manipulate Ice and/or cold as well?[/color]

Though Stark did visibly flinch at the mention of beasts she kept her mouth shut, instead her hands toying with the bracelets again. Rather, gave a small smirk towards Ian with a raised brow and a slight shrug, [b]"Don't make that face. With the rate those threads are spreading your face is going to get stuck like that."[/b] She held back a giggle before taking a few steps forward with keen interest. Without missing a beat while slowly circling the runes, [b]"Sir Mauls wouldn't eat me. "[/b] Simple and confident. 

She'd circled back towards where Ian was, still eyeing the runes and trying to memorize as much as she was able to, [b]"Just Stark is fine. I'm far from a lady."[/b] She coughed a moment when asked about her powers, [b]" It is easiest for me to use water that is present but I am able to summon it from my own spell circles. As for manipulating it I tend to be creative in my uses of water. I can get my water just to barely above freezing, I haven't masters manipulating ice yet."[/b] The Mage squared her shoulders, looking Drosil dead on. [b]"What is it that you're trying to summon?"[/b] Another pause, [b]"Also shouldn't you let him out? Doesn't he need to, you know, breathe?"[/b]

[color=Gold]"No need to worry about him, the webbing will only spread downward and I'm . . . pretty sure I left his nose uncovered, so he'll be fine."[/color] Drosil said as he suddenly started to cast a spell towards a patch of earth a little ways away from his summoning circle, carving another such circle, though this one was much simpler to create. As he went about this, he'd answer Stark's former question, placing a foot up to stop the hobbled charge of Ian, who had seemed to have enough of being treated as a non-issue just because he couldn't speak. [color=Gold]"As for what I'm trying to summon, that would be a Northern Phoenix, a species you likely haven't heard off do to the fact that most doubt they even exist. Said to live in the highest mountains of Gurata, they're the embodiment of fire and cold, a mutation that was created out of necessity to survive in the rugged winter climate after being driven their by some unknown force. While the migration of a sizable number of the Phoenix population is a well-known event, many believe that the beasts perished due to the cold and lack of food sources to fuel their ability to resurrect themselves. I, however, think a beast as powerful in the magical arts as a phoenix would certainly be able to adapt to the new climate."[/color] Try as the bard might, the summoner was stronger than he looked and was able to easily keep him at bay while he explained the nature of his endeavor. Soon, he had finished the secondary circle, and quickly spoke a few arcane words over it in order to activate the sigils it held. A flash of light would burst from the circle, the center of the circle glowing brightly for a few lingering moments before it died down, revealing a still pool of water being held within the confines of the circle.

[color=Gold]"There we go, that should suffice if worst comes to worse, though you'll need to offer up a drop or two of blood in order to draw from it . . . oh, and don't worry if you see something in the water, there is a barrier that'll keep anything living from passing through the portal from that side. Now, that also goes for anyone on this side who falls in so~ . . . don't. I don't quite know what's in those waters, but I do know you won't want to meet it, cause if the pressure doesn't kill you, something else will. Most likely in a way that's very painful and very, very bloody. . . the deep ocean is a scary, scary place."[/color] As Drosil said this, Ian seemed to realize that he was uncomfortably close to the edge, and began to wriggle and writhe in an attempt to get away from it. Before the bard could accidentally get himself killed, Drosil grabbed the webbing at his neck and was quick to drag him away, as he was basically cocooned at this point. [color=Gold]"Now, if I do end up summoning the beast, I'll attempt to bind it to me so I don't have to worry about it trying to kill me. Nothing should go wrong, but if things do, then I'll need you to douse it with that water. Theoretically, the cold that they'll expel will freeze the water, trapping them within it long enough for me to complete the ceremony or, if things are really bad, banish it back to where it came from. Simple, right?"[/color]

Stark simply eyed Ian a moment longer, giving a face of sympathy before turning her attention fully to Drosil and his explanation of the beast he wanted to summon. The word 'phoenix' made her very uncomfortable due to her particular fear but that fear was pushed down by intense curiosity the more he spoke about the non flaming beast. [b]"So you're telling me that the legendary fire bird is....an ice bird?"[/b] She couldn't help but grin at that prospect and potentially seeing such an intensely rare creature with her own eyes. That curiosity and clear interest to know more was only stoked further as Drosil brought about summoning that pool of water. 

The mage took a few steps closer, probably closer than she should have, before looking into that darkness. What with her nonhuman senses it only took a few moments before her eyes caught sight of something swimming in the water. Her eyes focused in on the dark object before she took a step back hissing at the pool. It only took her a moment to realize her lapse before she straightened her back and un-furled her hands with an embarrassed blush on her features. [b]"Ahem."[/b] Stark fixed her shirt before falling back into her obedient servant position she was so used to be in. [b]"You're going to summon a giant frozen bird and if it starts squaking put it on ice-got it."[/b] She turned to Drosil with a bit of curiosity as another question came to mind, [b]"What happens if it gets lose? What do we do after that?"[/b] 

[color=Gold]"Well, a subspecies of it is, yes. Normal Phoenix are very much intuned with the element of fire-"[/color]

Drosil's explanation was cut short by Stark as she proceeded to hiss at the pool, apparently having seen something in the depths. That brought up a sizable number of questions in his mind, but he focused himself on the task at hand. He could figure out the cause of the hissing at a later date.

[color=Gold][i]Well that was an . . . interesting reaction.[/i][/color] 

Focusing back on the ritual at hand, he began to focus his magical energies into the circle, causing it to pulsate ever so slightly, the color of the circle running the gauntlet of colors, hues, and shades, the many circles within the summoning sigil beginning to turn clock-wise and counter-clockwise, as if try to adjust itself. While this was happening, Drosil would take out an odd implement and clutch it tightly in hand. All the Stark would be able to see of it was a sliver of dull black metal before he brought it up to his chest, his body keeping it hcidden from sight. While this was happening, he was trying to think on a way to answer Stark's question in a way that wouldn't cause any undue alarm.

[color=Gold]"You and Ian have little to worry about, as the Phoenix is not a violent creature by nature, so it should be content with taking vengeance on me and me alone if it does manage to get out. As for what we do, I guess pray that the i merely loose an appendage of mine, rather than get turned into a frozen statue. That being said, i do suggest you take Ian and run away if things do turn sour. Summoning is a type of magic that has a way of culling those who are unworthy in a rather effective, if normally gruesome manner. All it takes is one wrong rune, and you find yourself at the mercy of whatever great beast or being you tried to bring into our world."[/color]

As Drosil spoke, the summoning circle's pulsations would begin to quicken, the glow growing brighter and brighter as the inner circles ceased their turning, seeming to have locked onto their prey. Extending one hand outward in a claw-like gesture, Drosil spoke in a deep droning voice the incantation to bring the creature to the fore, slowly bringing his hand back and clenching it into a fist as he did so. He'd repeat this action, each time causing a ripple to pulse through the air, carrying with it brisk mountain air and an intense feeling of cold. Sweat would quickly form on his brow from the exertion of trying to bring his target through, his previous motion seeming to take a rather large amount of effort as he tried to draw it back, only to have his hand go fly forward a little, nearly unbalancing him as his prey sought to escape. This would continue for sometime, almost as if Drosil was fishing, but finally, the moment of truth would come.

With a seemingly herculean amount of effort, Drosil would pull back his arm one final time, and with it would come a resounding crack and boom that would echo throughout the area, like a peal of thunder. The others would also be able to see the large flash of light that accompanied the action, as well as a rush of freezing cold air rush through the garden, carrying with it a rather sizeable amount of snow as well. For now, it seemed that Lady Renata's abode would be a bit of a winter wonderland as flurries of ice crystals blew their way across the Mansion and the area surrounding it, giving everything a coat of white to balance out the redness of everything. Shadar would certainly approve, though really he just wanted any color besides red to be apparent in this place.

At the epicenter of the event, the entire garden was coated with a much thicker coating of snow, the portal that had brought it already dispersing into nothingness, leaving only the binding circles left, the only thing separating the creature inside the circle from them. The creature, however, was not what many had likely been expecting. It wasn't that big, for one, only marginally bigger than a Peregine Falcon, and while it certainly had a rather regal appearance to it, with snow-white feathers the slowly transformed into the most beautiful shade of Deep blue he'd ever seen, it also looked a bit . . . fat and owlish. While clearly a raptor, it did have feet and a thickness of feathers more akin to Owls. The one thing, however, the set it apart from everything else was the intense glare it was focusing on Drosil. It's eyes, which were a solid ice blue in color with two black pits in the center, where full with so much intelligence and clarity that it was clear to see that this was no ordinary creature. Still, the overall effect was rather underwhelming at first.

Then it opened it's beak.

With a sharp piercing cry akin to that of an Eagle, it summoned forth a ball of blue and white flames nearly twice it's size before launching it at the young mage. While Stark would likely be about to summon up he water to take the creature out, she would be (hopefully)stopped by a single hand motion from Drosil, pleading her to wait. The ball of fire would smash against an invisible barrier spreading around the beast in a circle before dissipating  into nothingness, leaving behind a thin sculpture of ice that was formed from the flames rapidly condensing the moisture in the air. The Phoenix was quick to take to the air, coming down to alight upon the higher most spires of it's creation, looking down at all of those present as if to say [i]'What do you want.'[/i]

Ian, now completely covered, wriggled around a bit as he tried to get the snow off of him, as well as trying to inch away from the scene, not wanting to get caught up in this madness while he was incapable of defending himself from terrifying shit like this. Drosil, on the other hand, simply had one thing to say.

[color=Gold]"Well then . . . someone's rather moody, aren't they.[/color]

Stark tried to ignore Drosil's curious gaze at her reaction to the water, simply taking  Drosil's words and instructions in stride, [b]"Well let us hope that you're as skilled as we all assume you are."[/b] Perhaps a bit of sarcasm perhaps a bit a teasing-she wouldn't tell. It didn't matter as he began to do his work. She prepared herself as her own magic flared to life and her own water came forth to her beck and whim. She was poised to strike with the runes pulsing and the magic running thick in the air Stark had been ready for something massive and glorious and yet she got, [b]"It's so little."[/b] 

Then the damnm thing opened its mouth and her own reaction kicked in as her hand shot out stretched in front of her with a torrent of water following after towards the screeching bird. However the swift movement of the Drosil's hand shooting up to stop her brought her open hand snapping closed into an extended fist and her water stopping dead in it's tracks. Her body was tense and ready to spring into action as her eyes remained trained on the bird.

The cold didn't seem to affect her as her body relaxed with her chin trained upwards towards the creature. Without missing a beat, [b]"Anyone up for trying some frozen chicken?"[/b]

[color=Gold]"You've just born witness to the confirmation the existence that had been eluding scholars and adventurers for years, a creature I'd been studying in theory for a few years now, and [i]that's[/i] how you decide to introduce yourself to it?"[/color] Drosil incredulous tone and somewhat astonished face was matched only by the cold glare of the Phoenix, who didn't seem to appreciate the comment, having begun to stare down Stark with a much greater intensity. Upon noticing this, Drosil could only groan in frustration, pinching the bridge of his nose with one hand as he began fingering the object he was currently holding. Now, Stark would be able to see that it was a small rod of dark metal, tipped with a blood red orb that seemed to pulse with ever so subtly under the crimson light of the similarly colored moon that hung overhead. [color=Gold]"And, as I suspected, it can understand you. That's great, it's not like Phoenixes are one of the most prideful magical beasts to exist upon this planet. Ugh, just. . . just keep at the ready. This is where things get tricky."[/color]

Turning towards the Phoenix, Drosil raised the rod out before him, his eyes suddenly taking on a purple-ish gleam to them as a violet flame suddenly sprung to life around the crimson orb, spreading quickly around his form as he begun a low chant. While it was unlikely that Stark would be able to understand the language of the chant, as it seemed to be an amalgamation of the Arcane language of magic and something old and wreathed in darkness, she'd feel a compulsion beset her. While not overpowering(it actually started out rather weak), it was a persistent against the edges of her mind, yet at the same time, barely noticeable. A constant thrumming sound that seemed to worms it's way into her mind, trying to find some purchase there in order to force her to submit to it's will, slowly growing stronger and stronger the more she listen to the melody, to make her follow a single order.

[i][color=DarkViolet][sub][sub][sub]obey . . .[/sub][/sub][/sub]

[sub]Obey . . . .[/sub]

OBEY! ! ! ! ![/color][/i]

As much as she probably disliked this feeling, it was much, much worse for the Phoenix, who was currently throwing a veritable fit inside of the summoning circle. The moment the violet flames had appeared, the creature had begun letting out a series of high-pitch screeches, letting loose a cascade of Ice-blue flames within the area in it's attempts to break free of it's restraints, but within the veil of flames, one could see the violet haze the was slowly coiling around the creatures head as the magic sought to take hold of it's mind. However, it seemed that the flames were stronger than Drosil had expected, for they were able to break the barrier within a minute, though this could also be attested to the desperation that the phoenix put into it's attempts as well. Either way, the Icenfire would shoot upwards and outwards, looking like a blossoming flower of flame to any onlookers from afar, before it began to converge above the Phoenix as it seemed to be preparing a large and rather powerful spell to launch at Drosil, who was too lost in his current trance to do anything to defend himself.

Stark ignored Drosil's comment, staring back at the beast with an intense curiosity and yet with a gaze of respect. If what Drosil was saying was true then this bird was far more powerful than it looked. She would keep her slitted gaze upon the bird as she paced back and forth in the room; only looking away from the beast until the very last moment as she gazed upon Drosil instead. Something about the orb made her stomach churn but she pushed it aside, [b]"Then the creature will know I simply made an observation. There is nothing particularly wrong with being small, I should know."[/b] She offhandedly gestured to her petite stature with a smirk at the bird.

A smirk that would promptly fall off her face as Drosil began his chanting. The change in her stature was not immediate but the initial change sent a massive chill up her spine and as less than pleasant sensation to fill her as mind. Stark was having difficulty focusing her gaze on something as the sensation grew stronger, trying to keep it together as her instincts told her of the growing magic in the air. Struggle as she might to keep her senses her body acted upon its own. The purple flames that sprang to life would have been interesting to her if her mind wasn't fighting the one thing that she was tired of doing-obeying.

Three things happened. First would be that the meaty part of Stark's hand would be cut by a soon disregarded blade-allowing that tingling sensation of her body shifting to clash against the pressure building in her head. Second would be that in the process of this her left hand would shoot out towards the circle of water that Drosil had created for her- the water coming to her touch after the first few splattered rops touched the surface. Third would be Stark's lips pulling back in a snarl as her clawed scaled arms controlled the water that would circle around Drosil, his flames, and the bird. [b]"Drosil! Hurry up!"[/b] She exclaimed through clenched teeth as her natural reaction was to not only push Ian as far away from the bird as possible with an extension of her own watery control but to place her body between Drosil and the bird-not touching the runes or the rod in his hand but enough to protect the mage better at a closer range as the ring of water surrounding them grew and grew-ready to strike if Drosil wasn't able to seal the bird quick enough within his flames. She'd have already frozen the bird but with the mounting pressure in her mind she couldn't help but think back on Drosil's words of freezing it at the last moment if it were to strike...of needing to listen and do as she had been asked. 

Alas, Stark's cries would go unheard, for Drosil had gone into a deep trance in order to forge the bond between him and the Phoenix. By using Lilith's Domination magic to temporarily subjugate the creature's soul, he could more rapidly create the bond needed to tie them together, allowing him to call the rare beast whenever he desired without needing to search for it. 

The Phoenix, however, was very much aware of it's surroundings, and what the rude woman from before was trying to do. As such, it suddenly brought forth all of the magical magical energy it could, causing it's body to shine like a blue-white Sun. This would not only blind whoever gazed upon it for a short time, but also force the water surrounding it away with the sheer magical force of it. With this power, the Phoenix would let out a mighty cry before blasting it at the summoner before it, the barrier halting it for naught but a few seconds before it gave out.

But those seconds were all Drosil needed to complete the bond, the flames quickly dispersing as he opened his eyes to see a raging inferno of Icenfire rushing towards him, much too powerful for Stark to completely stop in time to save them both. In a split second decision, he charged a large amount of magical energy into the rod he know held and used it to shove Stark to the side, knocking her out of the danger zone and into relative safety . . . but leaving him defenseless as the wave of ice-blue flames washed over him. The cold heat would spread through his body like a wave of burning ice, stealing the life force from him by the second as his flesh, bone, skin, and sinew froze and cracked into an ugly, bloody mess. As the summoner hit the ground, his arm simply broke into pieces, and all he could do was stare in silent horror, for his near frozen lungs had already failed him, no breath coming in nor out of him. The worst part of it all, as he laid on the ground, slowing suffocating to death, blood beginning to leak out in wide, sluggish droplets from the fractured mess that used to be his shoulder, was that he felt no pain. All he felt was a mix of bitter, numbing cold and somewhat comforting heat. It filled his being and ate away at him with a terrible fervor. 

[color=Gold][i]I'm . . . dying?[/i][/color]

Drosil's final thought was a question aimed towards the heavens. He had only just begun his life in earnest, taking his first step towards his lifelong goal . . . how could it all be over just like that. In the hours hidden between ones final seconds of life, he ruminated on his life, and could only thing of one thing near the end. [color=Gold][i]My life, short as it was. . . is one I'm proud to have lived, even with the many mistakes I've made. Maybe now, with me out of the way, Shadar can start living his own life. He deserves that, after all this time following behind me. . . *sigh* and to my Divine Mother or Father, whatever the Masked maybe, please do this . . . one thing, if nothing else, for your child. . . Don't let Shadar die because of me.[/i][/color]

And with that final wish, Drosil's body would go still, his struggling breaths slowing to a halt as his body's lifeforce drained away. For the second time in his life, Drosil Maeneld was dead.

[hr]

Ian, thanks to Stark, was safe from all the ruckus and mayhem. Even better, the water used to push him out of harm's way had also weakened the webbing enough for the bard to break out of the cocoon with some effort. After freeing himself of his silken restraints, Ian wouldbear witness to the Drosil's final moments of life, and what a way to go it was. The arm breaking bit seemed like it must of hurt quite a bit, but the kid didn't even let out a moan or a groan. Walking over, Ian could see that the Icebird (which was strangely absent from the scene, he noted) had caused a lot of his flesh to break up, revealing all of the messiness that was best left inside of the human body. Seeing it all, Ian could only offer a soft clicking of his teeth.

"Man, I've heard about giving a guy the cold shoulder, but this is overboard. Truly a sad, gruesome, and . . . woefully predictable end for one such as he. I shall be sure to let him live on again in my songs." The minstrel would offer a low bow, before turning to stark, seeming very unperturbed by this series of events. "Come now Stark, I need to get a shovel so we can give the poor guy a proper burial . . . do they bury people in Jasi again, I've been away for so long I can hardly recall any of the customs nowadays."

As Ian spoke, a soft, mournful clicking sound could be heard from behind him. Turning around, Ian saw that the mage's pet monster bug, Sir Mauls, had returned and was currently probing Drosil's body with it's antennae, the movements becoming more and more frantic as the creature began to realize the truth about the situation. To those who k ew the intelligence Air Mauls had, it was easy yo see how distraught he was becoming. Ian, however, saw something completely different.

"Huh, guess we don't need the shovel, we'll just let his pet monster clean him up."

Everything went to seven hells as Stark was not only forced away from the charge she was to protect but in her own lapse, and as she would refer to as weakness, the creature has seen right thought what it was that she wanted to do and had batted away her magic like it was nothing. Her scaley clawed arms would cross before her face in an 'X' to block the flames that the bird had aimed at Drosil. The chill kissed her scales but nothing more than that...it would be a thought she would think on later.

For now she would deal with hitting and sliding across the snow covered ground with a grunt before opening her eyes and scrambling to her feet. 

But it had been far too late. She knew the moment it happened-when the pressure on her head had disappeared- and the odd scent of cold iron filled the air. She could only stand there with horror on her face staring at Drosil's frozen body. The air was struggling to make it's way from her throat to her lungs and back again; it was a suffacating and all to familiar scenario. She'd been charged with protecting another and she had failed and her charge had ended up dead on the ground in a bleeding mess while she'd been thrown away from the scene like useless trash. 

Ian would see her large non human arms and hands shaking, her mouth slack and her eyes opened wide with pure fear and sadness. Stark would see two scenes as though they were over laid on top of the other. One of Drosil's frozen body and another of a young pretty girl with a face like porcelain with hair as black as night and eyes as blue as the ice in the Northern Mountains. Both bodies broken and both bodies very dead.

[b]"Shut up you useless man. Can you not see he is mourning his lost master? Must everything be a joke with you?"[/b] Those arms returned to human flesh as her eyes blazed and focused those churning emotions of sadness and regret into pure anger. [b]"Silence yourself or I will do it for you with my teeth."[/b] She kept her ground for a moment longer before slowly taking shaky steps towards the frozen body and Mauls, keeping her eyes away from Drosil's body and focusing on the creature with a light touch. [b]"If you must speak then do it to the Lady. This is her home and if she doesn't already know what has happened she may as well hear it from one who isn't responsible for it."[/b]

"Yes, pretty much," was Ian's response to her angered shout, simply shrugging his shoulders as she walked over to the frozen remains of the mage. It was this action that allowed him to see what Stark would likely miss in her grief: the slightest of twitches. Ian opened his mouth in order to alert Stark of this, but before he could get out a single word, Drosil's body would explode into a torrent of White and blue flames, completely incinerating the summoner's body and turning it into a fine white ash, which would begin to coalesce over head into a rather spherical shape. This sphere would grow to about 7 ft in size as it seemed to absorb the flames into it's core. This would continue for a few moments until there were no flames left, in which the sphere would simply implode on it's safe with a crack, letting loose a blinding flash of light.

Once the light died down and vision returned to those witnessing the event, Stark and Ian would find a human figure standing where Drosil's body was. Their form was covered in a number of crystalline feathers feathers, sparkling in the light of the red moon with a certain inner glow, but they would not remain for long as they soon fell away, starting near the top and making their way down. In this way, the figure was revealed to be Drosil himself, though it was clear that something had happened to him(besides his coming back to life from a rather gruesome death), as the black of his hair was completely replaced by a deep Ice Blue, not to mention that his eyes had gone through a similar transition, with the green being replaced by a similar coloring, if a few shades lighter, though the golden starburst still remained. As more of his form was revealed, the two would see the red crystalline scar that crossed his chest, as well as the strange scar of black flesh that was located over his stomach area, and new to his collection of strange scars was a strange feather-like pattern that seemed to cover the parts of his body that were previously broken apart. 

As soon as the last of the feathers were broken apart, Drosil's form would fall to the ground, but would never make it as Sir Mauls was quick to rush forward and catch him on his back. The Deathcrawler would be careful to let the mage down gently to the ground, prodding him lightly with his antennae. After a few moments of this, he would begin to clatter excitedly as it circled Drosil's body, undulating it's body up and down as it did so in obvious happiness. If Stark went to check Drosil's body, they'd find him to be unconscious, but very much alive, though his body would feel strangely cold to the touch.

Stark's initial reaction was to leap backwards and prepare for some kind of an attack but everything happened so quick that when all was said and done she stood there stunned and beyond confused. However, that confusion would be pushed back as she took a few strides forward and found herself on her knees next to Drosil's form with her hands on him in the most clinical of manner. Fingers pressed gently to the base of his oddly cold throat and an ear pressed to his chest. She could hear a beat, though the cold emitting from his body sent a chill down her spine. [b]"I don't know how Sir Drosil did it but I can hear a heartbeat and he's breathing."[/b] 

She sat up straight again as she spoke to Drosil's face, [b]"I don't know what I'm supposed to do at this point Mister Drosil but judging just you-"[/b] It clicked in her mind what had happened. [b]"You fucking bonded with that Phoenix didn't you."[/b] She wasn't expecting an answer by any means but the expression on her face was one of being fully fed up and one of intense curiosity. 

At first, Drosil didn't seem to respond, but as Stark spoke, his eyes seemed to gain the shine of life. After about a minute, he'd let out a huge gasp, his head would rise up quickly as he suddenly sprung forward. . . only to be stopped by coming into direct contact with Stark's own head, leading him to fall back with a groan, rolling over on to the ground. 

[color=Royalblue]"Agggh, What the-, How the-?!?!?[/color] Drosil quickly rose up, his gaze confused as he grabbed at himself, feeling the pulse beneath his skin and the (relative) warmth of his breath. He looked around a bit, seeming to want to scream and shout and over all just have an all out panic attack, which he had a right to do after being suddenly brought back from the cruel touch of death, but instead, he simply took a few deep breaths, exercising breathing exercises in order to slow himself down and anchor him in the moment. This almost had an adverse effect as this seemed to have a reaction with . . . whatever the hell happened to him, as spouts of Icenfire seemed to burst to life around him, but he managed to control his emotions after a few more moments. Once he was calmed down, he got up and walked over to a nearby pack, his face becoming rather flushed as he realized his rather telling lack of  dress(and he tried to cover himself up with his hands as best he could), before he brushed the snow off of a pack he'd set to the side before starting the business of summoning the phoenix. He soon found himself a spare tunic and some breeches to put on, as well as what he had originally been looking for. Within the pack where the three vials of Dragon's Breath Rum that he had made back when he had made a fool of himself with the Paladin. He then quickly walked back to where Stark was, took a seat, and tossed a vial her way.

[color=Royalblue]"I've no idea what just happened to me, but I do know that I just died, then came back from death. As our privateer friend Dalious would say. . . I need a fucking drink. I don't know if you do, but take a hit if you want. It's strong, but right now seems the perfect time.[/color] And with that, Drosil popped open the remaining two vials and down them both, one after the other. The  effect was instant, as he fell over with a rather intense blush on his face, not to mention that the area around him was literally heating up. So much so that the snow was melting at an accelerated rate in a circle around him and Sir Mauls started to back away, as it was getting a bit uncomfortable. He also began to take out a few purple and silver leaves, and was probably going to start chewing on them in order to further separate himself from whatever just happened.

Stark wasn't quick enough to avoid Drosil's head colliding with her own-receiving a near instant headache from the contact. She fell back onto her haunches with her face scrunched up and her palms pressing into her forehead. [b]"Relax! You're fine Mister Dro-ah!"[/b] She exclaimed as she did something akin to a crab walk to get away from the instant chill that came from the cold flames. With her headache forgotten for the moment she pushed to a standing position with a scrunched face. His state of nudity didn't phase her int he slightest, still being respectful enough to lok away as he stood, but not making mention of it for the time being. However, as he sat back down with a few vials and even handed her one she chose to speak again, [b]"No thank you, Sir...."[/b] Stark observed with a keen eye at the affects of the crudely named liquid and even going so far as to arc a brow at the leaves he was pulling out.

[b]"Alright Mister Drosil. Before you start chewing and getting blasted,"[/b] She coughed realizing she didn't mean the pun but continued anyways, [b]"...we need to get you to somewhere that isn't here. Mauls, help me please?"[/b] Stark looked towards the skiddish beast who gave a few clicks as Stark pulled Drosil to his feet and kept under him to keep him steady as they moved back towards the castle. [b]"Please Mister Drosil. Don't[/b] [i]ever[/i][b] do that again."[/b]

As Stark spoke, Drosil couldn't help to chuckle a bit, his eyes seeming strangely focused, though notably off due to the fact that the gold and blue were constantly mixing together to crate a strange kaledioscopic effect.

[color=Royalblue]"Come now Stark, if I can't use formalities, then you shouldn't either. Divines know I don't deserve after everything I've done. B-besides. . ."[/color] The mage took a slight pause, his mouth hanging open for a second before he suddenly let out a muted sneeze, which was accompanied by two gouts of Icenfire blasting out of his back, incinerating the upper shoulder area of his tunic. The flames, while giving those nearby a rather sharp numbing sensation, wouldn't harm their flesh in the slightest. Drosil, seemingly unaware of what he just did, simply rubbed his nose, then his shoulders as he suddenly seemed to feel the cold that suddenly emanated from his body. [color=Royalblue]Damn Phoenix . . .*sniff*, Anyway, as I was saying, I don't deserve any such formalities. That honor goes to Sir Cyril, the Queen, even Vesta probably deserves the titles more than I do, for all the stock she probably puts in them. Me? A Sir? Hah, that's a laugh. I'm a failed scholar, a terrible, self-righteous, naive fool who dabbles in powers he can't understand, no matter who it hurts. My curiosity and thirst for knowledge has always been my worst trait. . . Also what gets me into the most trouble, and since that never changes, then I can't promise you that [i]that[/i] will never happen again, if what you're talking about happens to be me dying. You know what they say, 'A Fool and his life are soon parted' . . . or was it a fool abnd his money, which would also be rather apt know that I think about it.[/color]

It seemed that, even in his addled state, Drosil was still prone to talking quite a bit more than was needed, though any possible humor in this was undercut by the self-disparaging and defeatist tone that could be sensed past his slight slurring of words. As the two walked forward, Drosil stuck the silver leaf into his mouth, sucking on it softly, his pupils widening ever so slightly as he did so. Every now and then, a few puffs of flame would come out of the side of his mouth, floating through the air like glowing mist and leaving any who touched it with a slight numbing feeling. As he walked, his vision would suddenly leave him, the redden winter wonder land the Phoenix had created replaced by a vision of his homeland, the Orphanage that he called to be precise. It was the dead of night as a group of men in dark clothes snuck into the building. The vision would suddenly shift to the inside of the building, apparently a few minutes in the future. The bare, yet comforting interior was covered with gore as the bodies of children were strewn about, all of them wearing expressions of terror and pain, apparently cut down in the process of running. How Drosil was viewing this apparent atrocity, it moved forward with an unnerving slowed and awkward gait, his line of sight rising and falling as if he was making a strange lurching motion with his legs. Soon, he'd come to a door, which would open to show the face of a gruff-looking man, obviously Jasian, with his Skin darkened to a dark brown, his stern features twisted into a sadistic, self-satisfied smile, which was made even crueler by the large scar that parted his face in a jagged line from his left temple all the way down to the bottom of his right cheek, as he carried a figure over his shoulder, draped in black and gold robes that were stained with red and ripped in places to show pale skin and glistening red wounds beneath. 

As the man walked through Drosil's apparent position, he get a long, horrifying look at a familiar face. Before him, blleding out onto the floor with the rest of the men in dark clothes, was the Husband. As Drosil looked on,he could swear the man's eyes widen in recognition, before he gave a comforting smile that Drosil had knwon for all his life. This apparently was to the displeasure one of the men, who quickly grabbed the man by his color. All Drosil could see was the glint of steel, followed by the sound of metal parting flesh. The Husband's body spasmed for a bit, only to soon fall still. Their were muttered sounding shouts and curses as the man's compatriots got on him for killing their hostage, to which the man in question pointed to the other one, who Drosil could now identify to be the Wife, but at the moment, Drosil couldn't really focus on that, as the vision he was seeing was soon turning red as a deep dark emotion flowed through his mind.

The vision would end after that and, while Drosil wasn't aware of it, Stark would also have been privvy to what Drosil had just seen, if not the emotions he felt while viewing it. In any case, Drosil's eyes would be covered by his hair, the luminesence of which would slowly dim as the white would slowly turn first to gray, then dark black as the magical pressure around him suddenly began to build, before he suddenly let out a breath, followed by a dry chuckle. 

[color=Royalblue]"Damn drugs . . . always showing me what I'm afraid of. . . yeah, that must be it . . . just a drug addled halucination. . . nothing more. . . please be nothing more."[/color]

Drosil would soon disengage himself from Stark, walking forward at a brisk, if unsteady pace, almost as if he was trying to run away from what he had just seen. As he walked, one could easily tell how jumbled his emotions and mental state from the effects he had on the environemnt, which was progressively getting less snow covered. Grass would switched between being covered in a rather dangerous layer of frost to steaming and spontaneously combusting as the temperature around him fluctuated wildly. Whatever happened, he'd son arrived at the Mansion physically, though mentally he was somewhere quite different. 

[hr]

"What the hell was that all about?" Ian would say from behind Stark as he caught up to her and Sir Mauls, who was seeming rather concerned for his Master, but unsure if it was safe to approach him. "I took him to be a talky drunk, not a moody one. Also, what were you guys looking at a little while ago, you were standing stock still for a good minute or so before he suddenly started to got his pants in a twist. Oh, and by the way, could you tell him to not fuck up the garden and plants anymore than he already has? I'm almost certain that Lady Renata is going to be pissed off as it is for the impromptu cold snap, so he doesn't need to make it worse by doing . . . whatever the hell he's doing right now. It might be red demon grass, but it's probably not going to survive such dramatic shifts in temperature. I'd tell him myself but . . . well, he doesn't like me much as it is, and I doubt he would be willing to put up with me know anymore than he was before."

The visions startled Stark the moment they began but she didn't pull away from Drosil. Everything he felt-she was experiencing and knew those emotions well. She'd kept a tight lid on her own mouth and her own words as she aided the man further down the path to the hallways to wherever he had needed to go. It wasn't until Ian opened his mouth that she threw a side long glance at the bard with an odd glint in her eyes before quietly saying, [b]"Shut up Sir Drosil. You're a damn genius who just proved not only the existence of a disturbingly illusive creature but bonded with it as well. No fool could do that. So just shut up and let's get you to somewhere you can rest okay?"[/b] She didn't particularly enjoy her wording being so brash but she was tired and just wanted this all to be over with-especially if the Lady of the house was going to kill them. When Drosil separated himself from her she simply rose an arm and with a flick of her wrist put out the flames that were sparking up here and there-even if her arms felt odd and a bit heavy from their changing over earlier. She kept her mouth shut as she didn't know exactly what it was she had seen and didn't think it right to make mention of anything. 

She turned her attention to Ian with a sad smile, [b]"I think I saw some personal things I don't think I was meant to see or speak about so please respect that alright Sir? If Lady Renate get's mad then just place the blame on me-he's a bit more valuable than I am so I shall take any punishment for him."[/b] She gave a curt nod to the bard before taking a few larger steps before pausing and turning to face him fully, [b]"Thank you Mister Blackwood."[/b] Turning quickly and catching back up to Drosil, preferring to keep an eye on him at close range rather than far. Their trip inside of the mansion still sending chills down her spine.

Ian merely grinned roguishly at Stark, giving a small bow as she thanked him.

"Ah, no need to worry yourself with that, my dear. I am a member of the household, and as such, should've done better to protect the Madame's plants from frigid annihilation. I'll be certain to take full responsibility for what happened, as well as any punishments and consequences that may come of it. And please, don't let the mage's self-deprecating nature infect you as well, it simply doesn't suit such a beautiful flower like yourself. You must focus on blooming yourself before your begin to help others, lest you end up starving yourself of the nutrients of life." As Ian spoke, he pulled out a small lute, and began to play a light melody, followed soon by a short sweet hymn in another alien sounding language, and Stark would feel the cold shiver and any negativity held within her heart, mind, and body lessen quite a bit, her mood likely improving as her body was filled with an overall warm, positive feeling.

As the two went towards the mansion, Ian would follow at a distance, giving the two their space while, in his mind, planning, an idea of how to play with the two mages forming in his mind. As he walked, he noticed the Deathcrwaler suddenly scuttle back to the Garden, only return sometime after with the Mage's discarded equipment, including the rod from before. Ian looked on without a word, taking a deep breath before letting out a sigh.

"Better get on with it, I suppose."

Ian's form as he walked suddenly  burst forward in a burst of speed, easily passing by Stark and Drosil as his Boots ate up the ground beneath him, rocketing him towards the mansion at a fast pace as he went to find his Mistress and inform her of the Garden's demise, as well as taking responsibility for the incident.

[hider=Tl:DR]
Drosil summoned a powerful creature, a Northen phoenix, then tried to bond with it. However, it resisted, breaking it's bonds and ultimately killing him in the process, though not before he was able to complete the bond, causing the two to be bonded by their souls(a condition caused by how Drosil's soul now sports a rather sizeble gap due to the removal of Lilith's influence, thus cutting him off completely from the half of his soul the demon held). Thus, the Phoenix's natural regeneration kicked in since they were both, technically, dead at that moment. This caused him to be revived, and after freaking out a bit, then calming down, he proceeded to drink some special rum and take some drug leaves, which lead to a hallucination(?) of his Caretakers getting attacked by a group in Dark clothes at their orphanage, something that Stark also bore witness too.[/hider]