The great hall of Rakelstake lay still, lacking the boisterous carrousel it once so proudly held. Only the dim light of torches harkened to such times, their warmth overshadowed by the lingering cold that permeated through the stone and wood. It was hushed for a few moments more, until the mighty doors were thrown open by the King and his entourage, letting in the biting air and a few tufts of snow. He strode forward with steady steps, the sound of his boots hitting soundly against the floor. At that time, there was a stray guard moving to a post for the evening only he knew. Once he saw the King and his guests, particularly the avian creature of ice he recognized as the Cryophenix, he stood at attention, proceeding to bow his head in respect.
"My King." He stated, declaring both his loyalty and station as a servant to the King. Tryndamere approached the man, stopping just a few feet from his position.
"I need you to take this man, Tormund, to the infirmary. His arm has been injured and needs attention."
"Yes, my King." The guard curtly responded. He then turned to Tormund and spoke one last time.
"If you'll follow me." He said, indicating the direction he intended to walk with the angle of his shoulders. The King wanted to bring Anivia to a completely different place inside the palace, but he waited until Tormund was escorted out of the room.
Post by The Cryophoenix on Dec 31, 2013 15:49:48 GMT -5
Caves within caves. These people do so love their caves. Anivia’s talons clicked as she stepped upon the solid stone floors of the palace. The perfect regularity of the ground must be a comfort to them, but to her it was a nightmare, impossible to grip or find purchase upon. With a shuddering lurch, the great double doors behind her closed once more, the scratching of wood upon wood making her wince. The door was latched tightly against the cold of the Freljord, and she was that chill. She couldn’t help but wonder whether these guards would respect her wish to exit should the need arise or bar her escape.
She wandered a few scrabbling steps into the hall, struggling to peer past the brightness of the torches. The palace was cool. Far cooler than she had expected from a human dwelling, and for that she was grateful, exhausted as she was by the strain of protecting the King from her chill. The ringing of his voice died away in the unseen corners bringing her attention once more to her host. It was then that she realized that the man she had injured was leaving by a different path.
“Tormund, of the Barbarians,” her voice shattered the silence of the king’s will being done. “Tell me, can you feel the touch of your fingers on you palms, warmth of the torches in this room?”
Post by Tormund Hammerbearer on Jan 1, 2014 21:52:16 GMT -5
A strange relief washed over Tormund as he entered the palace. He always found it very homely and comforting to be here. A seat of gathering for his people, now that they had a true place to call home. The thick walls and warm fires kept the icy winds at bay, another relief to the old barbarian as his recent ordeal with Anivia had left him aching for some warmth.
The old man grumbled as he being escorted to the infirmary. He was fine, the coldness of the Cyrophoenix was already leaving his hand and Tryndamere's doting on him was comforting, but not needed. Still, he was his king, so he turned to leave the room. It was not his place to talk with kings and immortals.
But then Anivia called on him. He turned to face her and nodded. "Aye." he replied, slightly moving the fingers on his frosted hand. "Feeling is beginning to return. Just a matter of time."
Post by The Cryophoenix on Jan 3, 2014 18:22:38 GMT -5
As expected. “He will be fine.” Anivia lowered her head in thought, subconsciously moving away from the fire of the torches. She knew not what it was that she was facing, what force was powerful enough subvert even her vision. This was not the first time she had touched the flesh of man, but never before had she felt such pervasive wrongness. She shuddered at the very recollection of warmth overtaking her. Whatever story she must tell the Freljordian royalty, this man was now a part of it.
She noted that all eyes were on her, awaiting the next step. Always they would hurry the world, fighting to realize the next stage of their hurried lives. She approached the king, her purpose decided. “I believe it would be best that this man speak with us.” She watched Tryndamere closely, that she might understand his trust in Tormund. Could she include him as an equal, or a citizen to be protected with the others? “His experience today may yet be important.”
Post by The Barbarian King on Jan 4, 2014 1:35:39 GMT -5
Tryndamere had no reason to question Anivia's judgement, as it was solid, sound advice. Even on the fields of justice he listened to her words, if only to be better directed for what he was: a tool of war. It was really as blunt at that; on the fields, the Barbarian King excelled at taking out one target at a time, and his wrath along with the full arsenal of items and skills he had was something to be feared for those unprepared to face his wrath.
"Very well." He said, turning to his guard once more. "Do not worry about Tormund, I will show him to the infirmary. Instead I want you to go to the Queen and tell her I am there with Tormund and Anivia. After that, tell one of the cooking staff to prepare something for us, nothing too lavish."
The Barbarian King turned to look at the Cryophenix once more. "I do not know if you would like anything to eat, but the kitchen is open to that which might feed you. If you want anything, tell him" with a hand directing her attention to the guard whose orders had rapidly changed, "what you would like." The Barbarian King would wait until she said something, and would proceed to lead the small troupe of people to the infirmary where Tormund's arm could be better tended for.
Some time after Anivia, Tryndamere, and Tormund made their way to the infirmary, the guard whom the Barbarian King was talking with found himself in front of the Royal Chambers, where Ashe would most likely be. With the solid rap of leather-bound knuckles against wood, the guard would attempt to summon the Queen of the Avarosa from said chambers, to relay her the current whereabouts of the King and his... guests... and the request for her presence to be there. He would soon be off to the kitchen to have them prepare something for both the majority of the humans present as well as the Cryophenix, as well as a small bite of something for himself, but right now he had other priorities ahead of those. As well as knocking upon the chamber doors, he called out.
Post by The Cryophoenix on Jan 4, 2014 19:34:40 GMT -5
Anivia tilted her head at the query. Under normal conditions, she would reject the humans’ food on principle, sustained by the flows of magic and the very occasional meal. Yet in her haste to find allies, she had forgone hunting since her revival, and the mention of food awakened the hunger within her. “A freshly slaughtered animal. Your cooks may prepare it as they will, but be sure they know that flavor would be lost on me.” It had been long since she had eaten amongst humans, and she recalled that her limited means of attacking food would disgust some, but she had rent even royal pair’s flesh upon the Fields of Justice and felt her own wings shatter under the weight of their blows. They were no strangers to savagery.
She followed Tryndamere quietly to the infirmary. The night would no doubt wax long under their discussions. There would be more than enough time for talk.
It seemed that the endless nights would last forever, one after another after another. Ashe found herself inside her small, candlelit room when she was not around the Palace, surrounded by stacks of old and new papers, feathered pens and old ink pots. Her mind could not rest - there was too much to do and the days were too short here in the snowy lands. Ever since her incident, Ashe had become more reserved if that were even possible. Her words to her people had not changed, but she was less willing now to return to the forests beyond the walls. She did not want anyone knowing about her affliction.
It was then did the paralysis take her again, when she moved her arm to draw the ink pot closer. Her fingers twitched, seizing and a hot needle of pain shot through her veins. She gasped once before her arm knocked the well over, its black ooze twisting dark rivers on the paper she had been writing on. This was not the first time, judging by the stains on the desk. She slid her chair back, waiting for her arm to regain feeling - these 'attacks' lasted only for a few seconds up to a minute. That was when she heard the knock.
Ashe shook her head and stood. She could already feel the blood flowing into her fingers as she swung her cloak around her shoulders and opened the door. A guard was standing there, looking at her expectantly before she asked what he needed. When he spoke of Tryndamere, Tormund the Barbarian and the Cryophoenix, Ashe lifted a thin eyebrow delicately. She politely thanked the guard before stating that she would be there momentarily and that he was free to leave. The guard did just that.
She watched the man stride back down the hallway, hearing his soft footsteps down the stairs. The guard had said the trio were waiting for her in the infirmary, though he did not give much detail other than Tryndamere's friend had been injured. From what and when were facts not given. But for Anivia to be here as well... she hadn't seen the Cryophoenix in a long time and her wisdom would be welcome.
Ashe shut the door behind her as she made her way to the medical wing, her good hand wringing at the paralyzed one unconsciously. Upon arrival, she knocked on the door softly and waited for a response.
Post by Tormund Hammerbearer on Jan 9, 2014 13:16:21 GMT -5
Tormud answered the door, using his good hand to open it. It took a second for it to realize who has knocking on the door. He immediately moved out of the so she could enter, lowering his head as she did. "My Queen." he addressed her.
Ashe looked different than he remembered. She usually had a cold air to her, but she had a regallity to her. Now she seemed more frail. He made no remarks though, letting her talk with her husband and Anivia.
Post by The Cryophoenix on Jan 13, 2014 5:07:56 GMT -5
The infirmary was a simple room, and the smallest yet in the maze of tunnels and chambers. In its center a great hearth burned bright, bringing about a stifling heat, no doubt for the benefit of those who lie ill upon the scattered cots. Staff and patient alike struggled to look toward the entrance as Tryndamere entered with his entourage, yet the looks of confusion and hope quickly shifted anger as the first waves of cold spread through the room. Her feathers seemed to crawl with the oppression, but resettling her wings against the discomfort only deepened the scowls.
Anivia lowered her eyes, shrinking from the unwanted attention. She would follow her host, moving as little as possible. Though she knew the importance of life and death amongst humans, Anivia rarely encountered the weak, enfeebled, and near-death. Each step carried her farther into the foreign and hostile environment, where her power was meaningless and ever her freedom was in question. She did not belong.
Crossing another threshold, Anivia realized that her party had been left alone. Of course a King might have separate chambers to care for his needs, even amongst the sick. No doubt the privacy would be welcome in their discussions. As a surgeon appeared to care for the barbarian’s wound, Anivia allowed her thoughts to drift, worrying her feathers with her beak as if it might help relieve the tension she felt. A fire-warmed bath of water was brought for Tormund to soak his hands, yet it seemed that at the knock of the door, he could not help but be the first to respond.
The room seemed to brighten with the queen’s presence, an old friend in the midsts of the gloom. Aniva stirred from her corner of the room, approaching the queen almost timidly. While her nature was undeniable, her form was twisted from that which Ashe was familiar with. Ruby eyes peered out from a nearly transparent body standing no more than two feet tall. A spiderweb of silvery veins ran throughout her body, their languid pulsations hinting at the power she carried.
Sweeping her wings to stir the air of the room, Anivia bowed before the Queen, the runes adorning her body flaring with a familiar sapphire light. The ground around her roared its response. The ice of the castle itself groaned and quaked as a blinding light filled the room, its source indescenable. Anivia squawked her protest, the force of the eruption beneath her throwing her from her feet. All was clearly not well with the Cryophoenix.
Post by The Barbarian King on Jan 15, 2014 12:11:41 GMT -5
The Barbarian King shielded his eyes and braced onto the bed from the sudden quake that groaned through the castle. Things settled as quickly as they came, and Tryndamere was standing once again, looking at Anivia in confusion and slight annoyance towards her... condition, which had yet to be explained. His eyes darted up from the Cryophenix to Ashe, his expression shifting to a more stoic mood with the acknowledgement of her presence in the room. Staying where he was Tryndamere looked directly at her, speeding her up on current events.
"Anivia crash-landed into a tavern. I thought it best to bring her here. Tormund touched her wing; his hand is thawing out."
Trailing in behind the Queen were workers from the kitchen, bringing in very humble, but hearty soup for the humans currently present. One carried a large pot full of stew while the other carried bowls and spoons. A third worker followed the two, carrying a large metal platter with the freshly butchered and sectioned parts of a pig resting on its surface. The whole of the swine was used, and not knowing how much the Cryophenix would eat they gave it all, and any remains would either be thrown away or used in something else, like sausage or something of the like. The two who were to serve food to the humans present in the room did so, noting Anivia but trying not to make eye contact or disturb her. She was something they were far from accustomed to, so once they filled up the bowls with stew and handed them to their respective recipient, they left in a hurry.
The poor sod who had to give the plate to Anivia though did it slowly and carefully, and was generally very timid about the whole ordeal. He slowly presented the plate before the Cryophenix, setting it in front of where she stood. After doing so, he backed up slowly, turned around, and slowly walked out, breathing at the same forcefully calming pace. He shut the door behind him, and now everyone was with food in the infirmary. Tryndamere didn't know about the rest of them, but he definitely started to dig in, scooping up bits of beef, carrots, potatoes, celery, a multitude of spices and broth with every spoonful.
It only took her a second to recognize the man as Tormund, a close friend of Tryndamere's and Ashe quickly made sure a warm smile was plastered all over her face as she responded. "Thank you," she made to move past him, but stopped when she caught sight of his hand. She frowned, looking up even as he bowed his head. She wanted to ask what happened, but her words faded into nothing as her eyes drew to the form of the Cryophoenix drawn from the shadows.
Or at least, what she guessed was her friend. Anivia's eyes were the same, drops of crimson against clear water but that was the problem. Gone was the lustrous sheen of ice and feather and gone was the imposing figure that had once presented itself to her. Now all Ashe could see was something small, a shadow of what once was. There was no denying that the Cryophoenix was still a sight to behold, but it was obvious that Anivia was... not herself. Still, Ashe did not give voice to these thoughts. She simply brushed past Tormund, her worry for her cherished friend shoving itself to the forefront of her mind.
Before she could reach Anivia, however, the Cryophoenix attempted a bow of sorts which immediately resonated within even the sturdy walls of the infirmary. She had to look away, the burst of blinding crystal light shaking her to her core. Ashe managed to keep her footing, despite having nothing to hold onto as the palace protested with frozen force. When the glow faded from the room, her eyes snapped open and immediately went to Anivia who was sprawled out on the ground.
The creaks of ice stretched thin went unnoticed as Ashe hurried over to the avian's side, only barely hearing Tryndamere's summary of what had transpired. Her lips twitched in concern at the mention of Tormund, but she otherwise gave no sign that she had even heard the King's voice. Her crystalline gaze roamed over the small figure before her, taking in the white rivers streaking over the thinly feathered body. Ashe knelt, reaching out timidly - gods, she looked so fragile - and placed both hands beneath the other's wing and helped the Cryophoenix up.
The smell of food invaded her senses and plates clattering echoed in her ears, but Ashe couldn't get over how thin Anivia looked. She barely felt the cold beginning to spread, but she decided to remove her grip on the Cryophoenix all the same. Realizing that she had just barged in without a word, she licked her lips and looked Anivia in the eye with a small smile. "It is nice to see you again friend, though... admittedly, not in this state. How are you faring?" She would save the heavy questions for later as she stood and moved aside to allow the server to place food in front of the avian. No doubt she would need it.
Post by The Cryophoenix on Jan 20, 2014 16:08:44 GMT -5
Anivia’s vision was naught but light, the overwhelming force of the world’s resonance clouding the reality of the moment. Her talons scrabbled ineffectually across the stone floors as she fought to regain her senses. From a great distance, some writhing mass of darkness twisted its way forward. Where first it moved slowly, the tentacles bred a growing hoard that engulfed the light until only a forlorn darkness remained.
She began to hear the sound of voices over the ringing her head, shadows shifting in the gloom. At the touch of the Queen’s hands, Anivia recoiled violently. For an instant, the searing burn of a human touch was beyond her capacity to bear. Yet even as her beak descended to savaged that which bound her, she recognized the cool touch of her friend’s hand. While the true ice bow was not present, it’s influence lingered on in its master’s touch.
Anivia leaned her head against the supporting hand gratefully as she spent a moment to gather herself. Dim shapes gradually resolved into bustling workers carrying food into the room. While the need to consume was very present in her mind, the very thought appalled her in her current state. Unaccustomed to such service, it was all she could do to nod her head in what she thought might approximate gratitude.
The room was clear of unfamiliar bodies before she could fully make out their features, yet the Queens words rang true. She let out a heavy sigh, “It has been too long, Queen Ashe. Mountains have grown and sank into lakes since I last felt such weakness, but I shall endure.” She shook her wings as though it might relieve the tension she felt, but their light shimmering was only a further reminder of her condition. She winced before continuing, “What the King says is true. In my efforts to reach this place, I lost control of the winds and found myself crashing upon the dinner of this Tormund of the Barbarians. In his efforts to free me from the rubble, I’m afraid I may have… caused injury. I would ask him now, though, if he felt anything besides the cold as he set his hand upon my wing.”
Post by Tormund Hammerbearer on Jan 26, 2014 22:40:28 GMT -5
Tormund didn't expect to be called on by Anivia. He thought back to what had occurred a few hours before. Entering the bar, meeting the young ones, Anivia crashing, clearing the wreckage, the ice.... A shiver went though the older man as he remembered the coldness of the wing.
"No I didn't remember anything else, uh...cryophoenix." he answered, unsure how to address the elemental. "She crashed into the tavern I was staying in. When I helped her get free, I touched her wing, which froze my hand. I don't know what would happen if the king didn't arrive in time."
His injured hand twitched as he recalled the event. The burning coldness of the wing still lingered in his limb.
Ashe barely flinched as Anivia's beak struck forward, stopping just shy of the smooth skin of her hand. She should have known better than to touch the Cryophoenix without her permission, and especially in such a personal way but concern and worry for her friend had won against all logic. However, she was grateful that Anivia's head had come to rest on her hand rather than ravage it to pieces. Once she was certain that the Cryophoenix was able to stand without much trouble, she cautiously moved her hands away. Only then did she note the mild burning sensation traveling through her palms, but she thought nothing of it as Anivia began to recall the events that had transpired.
After Tormund added the story of his own involvement, Ashe remained quiet. While only a hint of anxiety was etched onto her expression, she did not let any other emotion show. She ignored the sound of her husband wolfing down his food, spoons clattering against bowls loudly in the strange silence. Her fingers were rubbing against the fabric of her shirt, a shadow of a frown falling across her eyes before she looked at Anivia once again. "It does not bode well for this land, or us, that even you would lose yourself in the wind." While the Archer never doubted the strength of such gales, she would never doubt the Cryophoenix either. Yet here they were.
She turned to Tormund, her sharp gaze drawn towards the subtle twitch of what she supposed was his injured hand. It was a miracle that he still had that limb; the last time Ashe had seen someone come into contact with true ice barehanded even for a split second, their screams of agony had been unbearable. "I am relieved to see you have not sustained any great injury." Then her attention was drawn away once more as she pondered over the mystery that was this event. She began to pace slowly, her steps slow and thoughtful and mildly uncomfortable as a slight itch had formed on her shoulder.
When Ashe spoke, her words were careful as she tasted the syllables before they spilled forth."I am like to believe that this was no accident," she licked her lips, "Do you have an idea as to what may have caused you to lose control? What may have caused your... transformation?" The gentle questions were directed to the small Cryophoenix, then she turned to her husband. "King Tryndamere? Your thoughts?"
Post by The Barbarian King on Jan 28, 2014 18:27:59 GMT -5
He had a spoonful of soup in his mouth when the question came to him. He took a moment to finish what he had, putting the utensil back inside the bowl. His gaze, formerly on his wife, turned to the Cryophenix, contemplating her current state. A frown weighed on his face as he thought about her predicament.
"Your guess is as good as mine." He eventually chimed in with, not really sure about anything revolving around their frozen friend. "But-" He suddenly began, "-what I do want to know is why your hand didn't freeze on contact while Tormund's arm was encased in ice. That, and like you said, how she's in her current state." The King gave her a look, a knowing look that could see right through her, regardless of her current transparency.
"Anivia, tell us what happened. Why are you the way you are now?"
Welcome to Maelstrom, Original Characters, Summoners and Champions alike. We are a divergent setting roleplay forum for the ever-popular MOBA by Riot, League of Legends. This means we are based in Riot canon, but your characters' actions can have a real, lasting impact on the world. Together, the Maelstrom community endeavors to bring the League of Legends setting and characters to life through collaborative storytelling and meaningful development. We welcome you along for the ride.
Hang out in a citystate, visit the Institute of War, explore the uncharted recesses of Runeterra. Whatever you decide, good luck, have fun and happy writing.
hello new skin yes. gonna work out some kinks but let me know what you guys think. it's not all that flashy but i didn't really like the tabs so the side bar is back. oh and the cbox has also made it's appearance. -rurin.
Maelstrom was created by Swain. Written content is copyrighted to their creators on this site. The skin is created by Wolf and mini-profile template by Kuroya of Gangnam Style. The board and thread remodel is by Kagney and has been heavily edited by Rurin. League of Legends is owned by Riot Games. Maelstrom does not claim ownership to any images used unless stated otherwise.
cbox
Chat box has been removed for the time being. Please contact me at Wyerden@gmail.com, or skype name DearCryophoenix with for any questions or concerns.
