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[sub]Location: Eye of the Beholder → Aelios Temple Hot Springs[/sub]
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Ivor wasn’t sure how long he had been standing there, staring at the door, hand inches from the handle and latch. He worried for the woman he left behind back there, worried that maybe he left something unsaid. Kira was a mystery, her past remained shrouded, but she did not sow doubt in the giant’s trust. So why did he stay? Not because he didn’t trust her, but perhaps because he worried that he only added to the growing pile of secrets upon her back. Still he had to trust that she could handle herself and he had his own duties to attend to.

Stepping back away from the door, he began back down the hallway and steps to the main hall. He noted the clarion had crescendoed before dying down, a sign that that rambunctious four-armed pirate had made his exit. As he reached the bottom step he scanned for the Sya’s cerulean scales, their blued hue catching his eye, he waved over and shouted, [color=9a45dc][i]“Syraea! I’m off to get more firewood, I’ll get supplies from the back!”[/i][/color] With that he made his way over the door, making sure to slam it secure as he exited. 

Making his way around the building he found the dwindling cache of firewood, along with an axe and a snowcart for loading up logs. As he grabbed the tools, hoisting the cart over his shoulder, he caught a rather strange scent in the air. Sniffing for its source, something foul, sour and extremely fishy, he realized the odor was emanating from his person. He scrunched his nose and face in a recoiling gesture as he tried remembering the last time he bathed. Aside from taking a small swim in the crystal cave lake, he hadn’t visited the hot springs in quite some time. More often than not he partook in cold deep dives in the lake as a way to clean, but given recent events something warm felt warranted for the blightborn. Determined just to take a small soak, he knew there would be plenty of trees marked for cutdown further beyond the springs afterwards.

After some time making his way from the town center, Ivor found himself back at the Aelios Temple. The blightborn began approaching the front doors, but his mind flashed back to the rather severe armored woman. Ivor wasn’t exactly prepared for a chance encounter with the shieldmaiden, especially didn’t smell well enough for such an interaction. Opting to rather not deal with her ire, nor face the overwhelming pressure forcing itself upon his insides, Ivor walked around the wooden structure, bypassing the changing areas directly to the hotsprings. For the most part, all was quiet and Ivor wondered if he’d have the place to himself.

As he made his way closer to the waters, movement suddenly caught in his eye and he stilled his body as he scanned the source. Something was…swaying gently in the wind, the form seemed thin, gaunt, tall, its most distinguishing feature; bright pink trailed by hues of greens and blues. What manner of creature did Ivor stumble upon disturbing these grounds? Or perhaps it was some miserable creature so desperate for a drink it plunged itself at the first sign of water.  How far did it travel? How had it survived so long, so vivid and bright? Whatever he found, it was a meal the people needed, one they deserved.

Slowly he lowered the snow cart along with his body, gentle so as not to disturb the beast. The axe in his hand he let slide down the belly of the shaft, catching it by the throat. One moment passed; then another. Like a cannon he lunged his frame forward, one long stride after another, he was quick upon it. WIth a mighty heave Ivor cleaved into the creature, one strike, twice, thrice. As Ivor assessed his work he realized there was no blood, none at all. Confused, he struck the axe to the ground and picked up the tattered remains of the ‘creature’ he had just slain. As his eyes traced the cloth in his hands, they slowly moved upwards, he grimaced at the tattered cloth hanging limply from an empty sconce.

[color=9a45dc]“What is this?”[/color] Ivor asked nobody in particular as he hefted the clothing in his hand. It seemed like someone had bird feathers woven into the fabric to mimic the appearance of a creature. [color=9a45dc]“Who would be stupid to run around like some kind of…boird man?”[/color]
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[sub]Interacts with: Sya [@PrinceAlexus]; Mentions: Kira [@The Muse][/sub]