[center][h1]-Collab Between Pezz570, 13Org-

[color=598527][b]Viktor Frost[/b][/color]
[color=6ecff6]Karina Frost[/color]
[color=f7976a]Malkev O'Kal[/color][/h1][/center]

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Viktor Frost grimaced as he got his first look at Shimmertown beyond the eastern gate. He could tell right off the bat that this town had taken a toll larger than he would have liked. Once they had finished establishing control, they would need to expend precious resources here just to rebuild. Still, a swift victory here was better than a prolonged siege.... Now… if only they could find a way to rid the town of this gloomy Distortion.

He pondered the oddity of the Distortion as he rode horse onwards. The eerie way the shadows of the living stretched towards the light of the setting sun, or how the sun set in a direction that was most certainly not west. The blackness of the sky despite it seeming to be bright as day... Everything just seemed to be visually off. Like one giant illusion come to life. 

Viktor made sure to capture a few odd images he noted with the spectacles he wore. He stored them away for later use. One could never know when a seemingly useless image could make for a useful illusion. 

Colonel Raelar’s mount trotted alongside Vicktor all the while. The man cleared his throat, catching Viktor’s attention. He then nodded off towards the gatehouse. There, a familiar face caught the General’s eye. A soldier standing proudly and at attention. She saluted the general without meeting his eye. The girl...

General Frost drew his mouth in a line, steeling himself as he did everytime he looked upon that face. If given the choice, Viktor would have ignored the girl and moved on. Acknowledging the girl, especially now of all times, could be viewed by others as showing favoritism. Something he refused to do. However, due to circumstances now out of his hands, there were matters between him and the girl that required discussing.

His horse coming to a stop, Viktor dismounted and approached the girl. Hands clasped behind his back, he didn’t wink or smile. No. He needed to mask all emotions from her. She had chosen the life of a soldier. And so, he would treat her as one.

Vikor came to a halt a good distance away from the girl and took a moment to take in all the unfamiliar faces standing behind her. They stood together with a sort of familiarity likely having worked together through this whole ordeal. There did not appear to be any order to them, however. Viktor grimaced at that.

As he soaked in her companions, his eyes lingered on the tall, well dressed, dark skinned man. The man stared back at him defiantly, as if daring Viktor to pick a fight. 

Frowning, his gaze fell back upon the girl. His daughter. Karina.

[color=598527][b]"Soldier."[/b][/color] He said at last. 

[color=6ecff6]"General Frost, Colonel Raelar, Lieutenant Karina Frost reports."[/color] Karina replied, saluting the two men as they approached the group in a firm and proud, but at the same time, elegant posture as she waited for General Frost's salute before lowering her arm and assuming an 'at-ease' posture.

While Karina had a deep respect for General Frost, not because he was her father, but due to his skills and his unparalleled intellect and strategic thinking, it wasn't really a secret through the military base that she and Colonel Raelar didn't like each other. Whenever the two met, the only thing that held the sparks from flying every time their gazes crossed was the pride each one had and the position they were in the military.

Despite Colonel Raelar's unpleasant presence, Karina still carried herself with pride and elegance, traits of her personality which, along with her appearance, earned her quite the fame through the military of touch and quite a bit of prejudice as well from those who justifying her position and even her pride as solely because she was the daughter of the general.

Viktor raised his head ever so slightly, his expression unchanged. While he said nothing, his stare indicated that he was waiting for her to continue.

With General Frost's silent permission for her to continue, Karina finally lowered her arm and stood at attention as she began making a brief but detailed report of the current situation, how the group helped her in contacting the Military of Touch, Malkev's promise to aid the military (Which earned her a stare from Malkev), and finally everything that she was able to discover about the Cult, including the strange powers they had, how they could affect a person, the tactics they used and even the aberrations that were called 'the sightless' and their connection with "the seed", which was, apparently the origin of the distortion and the cult's powers. While it would sound like nonsense for anyone else, Karina's tone was dead serious and the fact that they were currently seeing the inexplicable event that was denominated the 'Distortion' made it hard for them to dismiss Karina's words as exaggeration or anything other than the truth. If General Frost paid close attention to Karina's report, he would soon understand that the Cult was a bigger threat than they had initially thought. Much to Colonel Raelar's dismay, Karina was right since the beginning about them.

[color=6ecff6]"That concludes the report, General Frost."[/color] Karina said, still standing at attention.

[color=6ecff6]"I recommend for our forces be prepared for the confrontation with the cultists. The full extent of the cultists' powers, especially the beings called the 'sightless' is still unknown. We cannot dismiss the possibility of them being able to affect our soldier's minds like they did with the population."[/color] she finished, looking towards General Frost with a serious expression.

Surprisingly enough, even the mischievous and talkative [url=https://i.postimg.cc/5yMQK1dY/24660ea0e8b3948bc3e065280d171790.jpg]Akai[/url] was nervous, feeling the weight of General Frost's gaze, being dead silent as Karina spoke. It was her first time seeing General Frost and while she knew that he was Karina's father (even if Karina haven't told her so, it was obvious they were father and daughter, due to how much they resembled each other), the pressure she felt from the man was unlike anyone else she had seen until now. Getting on his bad side was [i]definitely[/i] a bad idea.

Viktor said nothing, instead waiting to see if the girl had anything else to add. After an uncomfortable long moment, he finally spoke. 

[color=598527][b]"Soldier. The Empire thanks you and… your friends… for having completed your mission by opening the gate."[/b][/color]  Colonel Raelar raised an eyebrow at the choice word ‘mission’, before smoothing his face over. He knew just as well as the General that it was for show more than anything. 

Karina made a quick and brief salute as General Frost 'thanked' her and the group for their 'mission'. The hidden meaning behind his words was not lost on Karina, as she, more than anyone else, knew the implications of her actions. Even if she was in fact, correct about the cult, she still went against direct orders from her superiors.

Viktor looked to the unconscious cultist, Tayla according to the girl. [color=598527][b]"Colonel Raelar. Have the men lock this one up in chains. She’ll need constant doses of taste deterrents. See to it that we have any water given to her treated as well. Have a field medic to treat her wounds."[/b][/color]

Again, Raelar raised his brow. The man remained silent. The judgement, however, was ominous. Giving a quick salute, he placed the girl upon his horse and rode off.

While Tayla would probably have a rough time, waking up only to find herself chained, Karina still thought that she could be very helpful for them in the fight against the cult. Especially since she was one of them. While it would be unlikely for her request to be granted at that moment, or even heard to be honest, once things got a bit calmer and Tayla was no longer considered a threat, she would go forward with her request. For now, silence was the best option.

Viktor turned his gaze back to the man, Malkev O’Kal. Just as before, he stared back coldly. They had been in communication with the man’s brother until recently, negotiating a surrender behind the Mayor’s back. This one, however, did not look to be nearly as agreeable.

[color=598527][b]"Lord O’Kal."[/b][/color] Viktor said carefully. [color=598527][b]"Tell me. What became of your brother?"[/b][/color]

Malkev’s frown deepened. [color=f7976a]”Dead."[/color] He said.

Viktor frowned. [color=598527][b]"His son?"[/b][/color]

[color=f7976a]”Alive. Though under my care and supervision."[/color]

Viktor nodded. [color=598527][b]"And your wife… Barren, is she not?"[/b][/color]

Malkev said nothing. Just the cold stare. Viktor took it as a confirmation.

[color=598527][b]"Once this town is back under control, we will depose your Cousin seat as Mayor. He will be named traitor to the Lord of Senses and exiled from our lands as a slayer of his own kin. What I would like is for you to take his position. The people will respect one of their own more than anyone we put in his place."[/b][/color]

Malkev’s face grew darker with every word. [color=f7976a]”Kin slayer?”[/color] Malkev repeated. The irony of the title not lost on him. [color=f7976a]”My cousin was no kin slayer. Your lies stain the honor of the wrong man."[/color]

Viktor raised his brow ever so slightly. [color=598527][b]"White lies."[/b][/color] He said  [color=598527][b]"Lies meant to keep the peace and give legitimacy to your elevated position."[/b][/color]

[color=f7976a]”A position, I did not ask for.”[/color]

[color=598527][b]"You wish to serve. Well, this is how you will serve."[/b][/color]

[color=f7976a]”Except the agreement your [i]daughter[/i] claims that I made, were not the terms that I agreed to.”[/color]

[color=598527][b]"Daughter?”[/b][/color] Viktor repeated, his voice going cold. [color=598527][b]"Terms? Agreement?”[/b][/color] His gaze slowly shifted back towards the girl. His presence looming.

[color=f7976a]”What [i]I[/i] agreed to, was to support your takeover. But, in return, I asked that my family be kept safe. What I didn’t agree to, was becoming your puppet.”[/color] 

In silence, Karina heard as Viktor addressed Malkev O'Kal, his words were cold and calculated as he gazed at Malkev, a gaze Karina knew all too well. A cold gaze that seemed to see right through any lie, any mask, any [i]illusion[/i].

Viktor's proposal to Malkev wasn't a bad one in Karina's opinion. The political move of branding his cousin a traitor would solidify Malkev's position and give the military of touch a powerful pawn. Malkev was still showing reluctance and proving himself to be quite a difficult man to deal with though. The moment he mentioned her, not by her name or her position in the military but referring to her simply as 'General Frost's Daughter', the air around Karina started to immediately cool down and freeze, betraying her emotions despite her collected demeanor. Even though General Frost's gaze moved to Karina, she showed herself to be unfazed by it, instead simply gazing back towards Malkev with frightening eyes.

Viktor’s frown deepened ever so slightly as the air frosted around the girl. He didn’t like this one’s small loss of control over her powers when her temper flared.

[color=6ecff6]"Lieutenant Colonel Karina Frost. If I were you, I wouldn't push my luck addressing me like that again."[/color] Karina said, looking to Malkev with cold, threatening eyes, the air around her cold enough to make other's breath visible.

[color=6ecff6]"I don't like to play games, [i]lord[/i] O'Kal."[/color] she said, with an acid tone as she said his title.

[color=6ecff6]"Your family's safety in exchange for your cooperation. That was the deal. It's up to you if you will accept my offer or not."[/color] Karina finished, her tone of voice making it clear that there would be no negotiation nor any other 'added terms'.

[color=f7976a]”With all due respect, this is no game Lieutenant.”[/color] Malkev said. He said the title not because he feared retribution, but only because poking a bear does not help when there is little room to escape. [color=f7976a]”Words matter in politics. In your report you stated that I would [i]aid[/i] the military. Aiding the military is not a term I agreed to. What I agreed to do was to support the military and their take over. My name holds weight in this town, and my support would make your transition here all the easier. What I will not do is lead under your rule. I can not lead in a cause of which I do not believe.”[/color]

Viktor turned his gaze away from the girl and back to Lord Malkev. [color=598527][b]"Lord Malkev. Your concerns are valid and righteous. You’re right. Words do matter. Although, normally, it is not a Lieutenant’s place to speak such words.”[/b][/color] Viktor pointedly did not look at the girl as he spoke the last sentence. 

[color=f7976a]”But-”[/color]

Viktor held up his hand indicating that he had not finished. [color=598527][b]"But to go back on an agreement, that would be a stain in the eyes of the Lord of Senses.”[/b][/color] The defiance in Malkev’s eyes seemed to cool cautiously at this.

[color=598527][b]"I will keep your family safe as you so desire. However, it will be done on the Emperor’s own terms. Not on the terms of some... soldier you met out on the field.”[/b][/color] This time Viktor did eye the girl.

[color=f7976a]”And… just what are these terms?”[/color] Malkev asked cautiously.
[color=598527][b]"The same terms your brother had agreed to.”[/b][/color] Viktor said, pulling out his trump card.

[color=f7976a]”My… Just what are you saying?”[/color] 

[color=598527][b]"What I’m saying is your brother saw sense. He saw the hopelessness of your position. The betrayal of your cousin Mayor O’Kal. He saw that there was only one way out for your home that involved the least amount of bloodshed. And that way out was through us.”[/b][/color]

[color=f7976a]”My brother… was a traitor?”[/color] Malkev said aghast.

[color=598527][b]"No.”[/b][/color] Viktor said. [color=598527][b]"Your brother was brave. Before he died during whatever chaos happened here, he came to us and negotiated his family’s safety just like you.”[/b][/color] 

The vision Malkev had seen. The vision that came before the Day of madness… It showed his brother as a traitor… The vision had been real after all… except… it had left out one important detail. The reason behind why his brother had betrayed his country. And now, his brother is dead. Dead by Malkev’s own hands. One of the people his brother had been trying to save.

Malkev took a sudden step back. An itch crawling up the back of his neck. [color=f7976a]”No...”[/color] He whispered. [color=f7976a]”No… It can’t be...”[/color]

Viktor eyed the man carefully. Uncertain about the source of Malkev’s distress. [color=598527][b]"I would have you.”[/b][/color] Viktor said carefully. [color=598527][b]"Just as I would have your brother. As you said, your name holds weight in this town. I need you to lead them. Nobody else can do that but you.”[/b][/color]

[color=f7976a]”I can’t...”[/color] Malkev said. He didn’t deserve the position.

The General frowned. [color=598527][b]"It need not be forever.”[/b][/color] He said.

[color=f7976a]”How long?”[/color]

[color=598527][b]"Until your nephew, Taleb, comes of age.”[/b][/color]

Malkev hesitated, and raised his gaze from his feet. [color=f7976a]”Taleb...”[/color] He repeated, before nodding finally.

[color=f7976a]”Yes...”[/color] He said more to himself. [color=f7976a]”It’s the least I can do… I’ll raise the boy properly. He’ll make a fine Mayor.”[/color]

Viktor frowned. [color=598527][b]"My apologies, Lord Malkev. There is one last one last term to this agreement.”[/b][/color]

Malkev frowned as he raised his head. A hint of defiance returning to him.

[color=598527][b]"The boy. He’ll be taken in as a ward until the day he comes of age.”[/b][/color]

[color=f7976a]”What?!”[/color] Malkev asked, the itch on his neck returning.

[color=598527][b]"One of the emperor’s cousins will raise the boy. He’ll be provided a proper home and education.”[/b][/color]

[color=f7976a]”You mean to brainwash him!”[/color] Malkev spat.

[color=598527][b]”What I [i]mean[/i] is to give the lad a proper opportunity. To be viewed as an equal, your boy will need to learn the ways of the Empire.”[/b][/color]

[color=f7976a]”You agreed to my family’s safety!”[/color]

[color=598527][b]”That is what I’m agreeing to.”[/b][/color] Viktor said in a collective tone.

[color=f7976a]”A [i]family[/i] can no longer be called a family when you go around ripping its members apart! He is my flesh and blood! All that is left of my brother! I will not have you take him from me!”[/color] Malkev cried.

Viktor said nothing. He knew this man’s pain. Albeit in a different manner. However, to lead meant making hard decisions and having assurances that one’s allies will cooperate. Taleb was that assurance.

[color=f7976a]”I. Cannot. Agree. To. These. Terms!”[/color]

Malkev stood defiantly, staring face to face with Viktor. His defiance had drawn the attention of a few nearby soldiers, who cautiously stepped up in case their general needed defending. Viktor calmly raised a hand signalling for them to stand down. 

[color=598527][b]”Lord Malkev.”[/b][/color] Viktor said respectfully. [color=598527][b]”Today has been a long and hard day. Please allow my men here to escort you to a suitable chamber for you to get some rest. We shall speak more on this in the morning.”[/b][/color]

Malkev said nothing. He simply stared daggers at the General while the soldiers came up to escort Malkev away. He shook off their attempts to take him by the shoulders and shot one last look not at Viktor, but instead at Karina.

[color=f7976a]”You spoke as if you could have done better for me.”[/color] He said, a look of betrayal on his face. [color=f7976a]”I was a fool. I should have known better than to have put faith in you.”[/color]

Viktor gave one last look at Malkev as they took him away. They would need to find a proper holding cell for that one. Nothing too bare but not too excessive.

With a shake of his head, he turned a disapproving gaze to the girl, as if to ask if she had anything to say for herself.


Karina was about to reply to Malkev when General Frost began speaking once again, making her go silent. Malkev's insolence was almost insulting for Karina. Not only he was in a terrible situation that he wouldn't be able to get out of by himself, but he was making demands even after her and the Military of Touch offered to help him and let him keep an elevated position in exchange for his cooperation. What would be his next demand? Would he want a seat besides the Emperor as one of his counselors as well?

What maybe made Karina even more angry was how General Frost was, for some reason, taking Malkev's side, agreeing that words do matter in politics and saying that it wasn't a Lieutenant's place to speak about it, even referring to her as a 'soldier that Malkev met in the field'. By now, the air around Karina was so cold it was starting to create a thin layer of ice in the ground around her, as she stared daggers towards both Malkev and General Frost. When Karina had spoken about the threat of the cult, no one believed her. Officers mocked her and dismissed her words, unable to see what was really happening. If it wasn't for her 'insubordination', the Military of Touch would only even consider the cult as a threat when it was already too late. Despite that, despite the dangerous mission she took upon herself to infiltrate behind enemy lines to bring valuable information, her efforts were still being belittled and ignored.

Karina continued silent while General Frost spoke with Malkev, although her presence was still clearly felt by the coldness in the air and the hoarfrost forming in the ground and anything too close to her. Despite all the arguments General Frost gave, making it obvious the situation Malkev was in, he still couldn't afford to throw away his pride and doing what was best not only for him, but for his people as well. Malkev's words spoke of betrayal as he mentioned he shouldn't have trusted her, which could only cause an acid chuckle as a reply from Karina. That fool was still unaware of his position, making such senseless demands.

With Malkev being taken away, General Frost once again looked at her, with a disapproving gaze, which made Karina feel even more angry and frustrated.

[color=6ecff6]"With all due respect, General Frost, I did what was necessary to complete my mission. Punish me for my insubordination if you want, but you know more than anyone else how devastating our losses would be if we proceeded with our plans, without taking the Cult in consideration. Considering their powers, we could have suffered an even worse fate... Becoming their puppets like the rest."[/color] Karina said in a defiant tone.

[color=6ecff6]"The threat of the cult is now clear and we have enough information to plan against them and more importantly, to avoid becoming under their control. Puppets, just like the rest of the town and even the king. [i]Thanks to me[/i], who put my own life into danger, going into a dangerous mission behind enemy lines to bring back valuable information to our strategists, even risking my own position by disobeying orders from my superiors."[/color] she continued.

[color=6ecff6]"Malkev is nothing but a fool. Unable to realize how dire his own situation is and still making senseless demands. Let him run his mouth any longer and I'm afraid he will demand a seat besides the Emperor of Touch as one of his counselors."[/color] Karina finished with a serious expression.

Viktor listened in silence. He frowned at her comments about Malkev. Not only were such words were best said behind closed doors, or better yet not at all, but he also didn’t feel as though Malkev’s reaction was so unreasonable.

Viktor knew compliments were due, but not at the expense of pushing aside the wrong she had done. Choosing his words carefully, he spoke.

[color=598527][b]”Great soldiers put their own lives in danger on a daily basis, but the best do so without undermining their superiors.”[/b][/color]

In truth Viktor was proud of the girl’s accomplishments here. But the costs of her accomplishments were more severe than she realized. While some would buy the story he told about sending her on a mission, many of the higher ranking soldiers knew better. Viktor was their general. He could not be viewed as showing favoritism to anyone, not even his own daughter. Especially his own daughter.

[color=598527][b]”Now, clean this up.”[/b][/color] He continued while nodding downwards towards the ice pooling around the girl’s feet. [color=598527][b]”As you know, a soldier without control is no soldier at all.”[/b][/color]

With that, Viktor nodded. He turned to his mount and grabbed it by the reins. 

[color=598527][b]”Besides,-”[/b][/color] He said, his back turned away from the girl. [color=598527][b]”It seems I spoke too soon. It sounds as if your mission is not done yet after all.”[/b][/color]

Karina didn't try to hide her reaction to General Frost's words nor her dissatisfaction, despite his subtle complement as she slammed her heels against the ground, making the ice that was forming around her instantly shatter like glass in hundreds of small shards before it melted. Again and again, similar situations have put a dent in Karina’s patience and her discipline. No matter how much of a talented genius she was, no matter how correct her assumptions were, she would [i]always[/i] be just an inexperienced child for the other high ranking officers. Even now, after she clearly showed how much of a danger the cult was and after bringing back vital information about them, she was admonished instead of congratulated for her achievements. How much would she have to do in order for her talent and her effort to be recognized? She didn’t need a parade for her efforts, nor a medal. She just wanted the respect she deserved. 

[color=6ecff6]"Great soldiers know how to consider the risks and benefits in order to take the correct decisions to complete their mission."[/color] Karina said, replying to what General Frost said before.

[color=6ecff6]"That was exactly what I did. The benefits of my actions far outweighed the risks. We now know our enemy, how they fight and how to beat them."[/color] she said.

[color=6ecff6]"Means are nothing if no result is achieved in the end."[/color] She said with a serious expression just as the ice finished to melt and gave a quick and brief, defiant salute before walking away.

Viktor shook his head, choosing not to respond. How could one have so much discipline yet at the same time show none? She knew better than to make a scene like this, and yet more often than not, he found the girl seemed to do so anyway. 

The time for reprimand was not now. That time would come later. After the girl disposed of this Distortion, and hopefully behind closed doors.
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