[Center][img]https://i.imgur.com/Gli5XnJ.png[/img][hr][hr][b][colour=dcf3ff]Event:[/colour][/b] Cold Comfort [b]|[/b] [b][colour=dcf3ff]Location:[/colour][/b] Kirimansk, Vossoriya[hr][hr][/center]

[hider=Awaiting their arrival]
Oksana's anticipation grew as she waited, the passage of time only amplifying her mounting anxiety. News had arrived from the academy, indicating that students from Ersand'Enise were en route to Vossoriya through the trade routes. The purpose behind their arrival remained shrouded in mystery, an enigma that seemed to align with the unfolding events in their homeland.

Last year, during the trials, St. Yuri's Academy had made an impressive mark, a noteworthy achievement for an academy situated on the distant side of Sipenta. Efforts were being concerted to foster relations, yet the Zeno’s there couldn't help but question the true intentions of the Violet Enclave. It fell upon her shoulders, her duty, to unravel the hidden motives, an honour bestowed upon her due to her participation in the trials and her intimate familiarity with the terrain.

Oksana understood that her role went beyond mere silent observation; she would need to employ her knowledge and skills to uncover the deeper truth behind the students' arrival. With determination etched on her face, she stood ready to face the challenges that lay ahead, prepared to fulfil her duty in safeguarding the interests of her academy and the realm.

She found herself standing on a snow-covered mountaintop, the crisp air filling her lungs. The vast expanse of the frozen landscape stretched out before her, dotted with towering peaks and endless forests. She could feel the biting wind on her cheeks, but it was a familiar sensation, one that had shaped her spirit.

In her memories, she relived the exhilaration of leaping into the void, feeling the rush of the wind against her face as she spread her arms wide, her own feathered cloak catching the air currents. She soared through the crisp, clear skies, the panoramic views of the mountains and tundra stretching out in every direction. It was a feeling of freedom and liberation, a communion with nature that filled her heart with joy.

Oksana and her Niflirunner spotted the group of travellers in the distance. Their figures, wrapped in warm cloaks against the chill, moved steadily along the trade route, their presence seemingly small against the vast expanse of the snowy terrain.

With a gentle touch, Oksana guided her Niflirunner closer to the travelers, her presence making itself known. The air crackled with an air of curiosity and caution, as the group turned their attention to the approaching duo. Oksana's steady gaze and welcoming smile sought to convey her intentions—curiosity, but also a willingness to assist.

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[hider=Introductions]

Oksana moved excitedly between the students, engaging with each one as they were introduced. Extending a welcoming wave, she gently rested her hand on their shoulders. With genuine effort, she endeavoured to repeat their names in a friendly and sincere manner to make them feel welcomed through the simple act of learning their names.

[colour=dcf3ff]"Says-Mi,"[/colour] she nodded excitedly, [colour=dcf3ff]"Shrubbery. You be Mi-Mi."[/colour]
[colour=dcf3ff]"Vain,"[/colour] she pondered the name, [colour=dcf3ff]"You a No-bell."[/colour]
[colour=dcf3ff]"Mrrrz,"[/colour] she spoke out with a rumble, [colour=dcf3ff]"Fierce name."[/colour]
[colour=dcf3ff]"Phven,"[/colour] she contemplated for a moment, [colour=dcf3ff]"You Sven with Ph."[/colour]
[colour=dcf3ff]"Juli,"[/colour] she affirmed with confidence, [colour=dcf3ff]"Me Juli."[/colour]

However, with Khaliun she simply nodded toward her direction, [colour=dcf3ff]"Straz."[/colour]

After the introductions, Oksana's hands danced with excitement as she began signing animatedly towards them, vibrantly with expressive gestures. Mimicking the universal gesture of bringing a stein to her mouth, she conveyed her intention clearly. With a swift motion of her thumb moving away from her hand, she expressed her warm smile and enthusiasm.

[colour=dcf3ff]"Best Drink,"[/colour] her signs emphasized, followed by a sweeping motion of her hand, indicating the idea of indulging in a satisfying beverage. [colour=dcf3ff]"Best Krovat,"[/colour] she gestured, outlining the shape of a comfortable bed with her hands, assuring them of a good night's rest. [colour=dcf3ff]"Good Place! Deshevo!"[/colour] She gestured location within the bounds of the no magic zone.

In contrast, Khaliun, whose spirited nature belied her Stoic demeanour, responded with a hint of detachment. [colour=78CBE8]"Kozak,"[/colour] she curtly replied, her voice devoid of any overt emotion. Extending her index finger, she gestured towards a distant landscape adorned with rolling hills blanketed in evergreen trees. Wisps of smoke gracefully rose from a chimney, subtly signalling the presence of habitation. The location lay beyond the confines of the village, where the enchantments of magic still thrived.

With a deliberate gesture, Khaliun beckoned her companions to follow her lead, directing their attention to a humble shack nestled amidst the undulating hills. Its modest appearance held the promise of respite and shelter from the elements, a temporary abode awaiting their arrival.

Esmii, smiled at the name that Oksana had given her, even gave a little giggle.  [colour=#b08cc9]"Mi-Mi, That is so sweet. I like it. Do you have a nickname I can call you?"[/colour]

Oksana's face lit up with a warm smile as she received Esmii's kind welcome. She focused intently on Esmii's lips, diligently trying to follow the spoken words. After a moment of careful concentration, Oksana nodded in affirmation and responded, [colour=dcf3ff]"Sana."[/colour]

Esmii upon further looking around, she wondered what could have happened here, to cause all this damage. She wants to help them. Even if shei can't use her magic to heal, she'll still be able to bandage people up, providing that the resources are available to her, if not she keeps some on her in her first aid bag. Sage pokes her head out her usual resting place to look around, feeling a bit uneasy, she scurries back down into Esmii's chest.

Esmii then says [colour=#b08cc9]"Do you need any help, to treat the injured."[/colour]

Marz nodded to Oksana as she spoke his name, it was rough, yet better than [i]some[/i] who had mistaken his name all together. It was until she spoke of drink Marz finally spoke, a smile crawled on his face as he looked to the others and thumbed towards Oksana while saying, [color=#933A16]"I like this one already, a drink after an annoying encounter sounds great"[/color].

Penny's eyes did not meet Khaliun's, but she shot a hooded glance at her back. In truth, she did not trust the tethered. It was hard to say why this was. They both held Yuli as a friend. And yet... something from the Trials, nearly a full year earlier, lingered. [color=f7976a][i]You're shadowy,[/i][/color] she thought. [color=f7976a][i]Shady.[/i][/color] Anyone who kept their face hidden that much - who was [i]that[/i] short with words - set her instincts afire.

It then occurred to the Perrenchwoman, however, that they would have a decision to make, and she found herself wondering how many here would get along without magic. Certainly, if they walk was long she, herself, would tire. [color=f7976a]"In town or out?"[/color] Penny inquired of the others, glancing between Oksana and the retreating figure of Khaliun, trying not to pause on Yuliya.

[color=pink]"I will explore, but we should not linger. The town is collapsing, we need find problem. And I don't want be in collapsing inn with no magic."[/color] Yuliya spoke, turning to Oksana and nodding in acknowledgement of the other guide. It was good to know that this wasn't a curse, but something she was all too familiar with - anti magic zones - as she possessed one herself.

[color=00e600][i]No magic? How dare they ask such a preposterous thing?[/i][/color] Yvain scoffed at just the thought of going about without it. His entire being is magical, after all! He'd then turn to his cousin with a smile. [color=00e600]"I'd prefer not going there, but if you want to I can make the exception."[/color] The Perrenchman gave a comforting smile. [color=00e600]"And besides I know you sometimes have a hard time without magic."[/color] He patted his back as if signalling an offer of a piggyback ride if deemed necessary.... Of course, with his natural grin.

Sven glanced over at Esmii. [color=385403]"I think we can do more in the town. Maybe we should meet shomewhere a couple of timesh each day. People on the outshide shweep the area for anything that looksh like it could be our crate."[/color] He looked, in particular, at Khaliun. [color=385403]"People [i]inshide[/i] can follow up."[/color] He scratched at his chin, brow furrowed. [color=385403]"There are a dishturbing number of myshteries in thish town: how did the crate jusht go misshing, what happened to the magic - and over shuch a big area, and now thish queake? Doesh anyone elshe think they might be connected shomehow?"[/color]
[/hider]
[hider=The Tavern]
With a sense of excitement and anticipation, Oksana led her new friends that came with her into the tavern, as she guided them to a cosy corner table As the group settled in, she caught the attention of the tavern's server and placed an order for a round of Niflirunner's Breath. With a spirited twinkle in her eyes, she made a sweeping gesture with her hand and her fingers, mimicking the swift movement of the majestic Niflirunners' antlers. Her hand then moved towards her mouth, miming the action of sipping from a drink.

Moments later, the server returned with a tray of Niflirunner's Breath, the glasses adorned with a delicate blue glow. Oksana's gaze danced with excitement as she distributed the drinks among her friends, encouraging them to join in the delightful experience. The beverage combined spicy rye whiskey with hints of mint and cinnamon, leaving a delightful tingling sensation on the tongue reminiscent of a frosty breeze.

She played the good host as she began to introduce a drinking game known as ‘Feather Flight’. She mimicked the flapping of wings with her hands, in an animated and playful fashion. With a mischievous grin, she motioned for them to pick up the vibrant feather-adorned shot glasses. With her turn, she raised the glass, she motioned as if she were a bird in flight, then swooped with the glass as she tilted her head back with the shot, downing its contents with one go. She extended her arm toward the next, inviting them to take their shot. [colour=dcf3ff]“Like Bird. Drink.”[/colour] Though she neglected to mention the fun began when they struggled to keep their balance and fell upon the fall clumsily. 

They were going to get very drunk tonight.
[/hider]

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