Skadi
-
General
-
Appearance
-
Personality
-
History
-
Family&Relationships
-
Other
<
>
General Information
Name: Skadi
Pronunciation:
Name Meaning: Norse goddess of winter
Name Origin: Norse
Other Names: "Grandma" (Thanks, CF!)
Gender: Female
Titles: The Snowcaller
Race: Asmodian (Originally ancient Atreian)
Level: 68
Class: Spiritmaster
Dominant Hand: Right
Catchphrase:
Autograph: yes
Handwriting: Neat and elegant
Pronunciation:
Name Meaning: Norse goddess of winter
Name Origin: Norse
Other Names: "Grandma" (Thanks, CF!)
Gender: Female
Titles: The Snowcaller
Race: Asmodian (Originally ancient Atreian)
Level: 68
Class: Spiritmaster
Dominant Hand: Right
Catchphrase:
Autograph: yes
Handwriting: Neat and elegant
Appearance
Height: 5'5"
Weight: 125lbs, or around there
Species: Atreian
Race: Asmodian
Blood Type:
Symbol:
Skin Color: An icy pale-blue
Birthmarks:
Extra Anatomy:
Somatotype: ectomorph
Locomotion:
Hair Color: A pale silvery-blue
Hair Length: Medium
Hair Type: Soft, straight
Hair Style: Pulled back into a very messy mage's ponytail, with her bangs falling over her right eye
Widow's Peak: no
Ear Shape: Elven, pointed
Ear Type: attached
Eye Color: Stormy blue-ish-purple, they seem to catch the light in an odd manner
Eye Type: almond
Eyebrows: arched, silvery
Nose Color:
Nose Shape: sharp,very slightly hooked
Teeth: straight and white, small fangs
Face Shape: heart
Complexion: pale, icy
Facial Hair: no
Hat Size:
Shirt Size:
Waist Size:
Shoe Size:
Weight: 125lbs, or around there
Species: Atreian
Race: Asmodian
Blood Type:
Symbol:
Skin Color: An icy pale-blue
Birthmarks:
Extra Anatomy:
Somatotype: ectomorph
Locomotion:
Hair Color: A pale silvery-blue
Hair Length: Medium
Hair Type: Soft, straight
Hair Style: Pulled back into a very messy mage's ponytail, with her bangs falling over her right eye
Widow's Peak: no
Ear Shape: Elven, pointed
Ear Type: attached
Eye Color: Stormy blue-ish-purple, they seem to catch the light in an odd manner
Eye Type: almond
Eyebrows: arched, silvery
Nose Color:
Nose Shape: sharp,very slightly hooked
Teeth: straight and white, small fangs
Face Shape: heart
Complexion: pale, icy
Facial Hair: no
Hat Size:
Shirt Size:
Waist Size:
Shoe Size:
Health & Image
Diet:
Exercise:
Fitness:
Maximum Load:
Running Speed:
Posture:
Dexterity:
Reflexes:
Abnormalities:
Vulnerabilities:
Handicaps:
Aids:
Medication:
Augmentations:
Allergies:
Diseases:
Illnesses:
Disorders:
Imperfections:
Broken Bones:
Reason for Health:
Wardrobe:
Accessories:
Equipment:
Musical Instruments:
Amulets:
Piercings:
Hygiene:
Makeup:
Perfume / Cologne:
Scent:
Scars:
Tattoos:
Exercise:
Fitness:
Maximum Load:
Running Speed:
Posture:
Dexterity:
Reflexes:
Abnormalities:
Vulnerabilities:
Handicaps:
Aids:
Medication:
Augmentations:
Allergies:
Diseases:
Illnesses:
Disorders:
Imperfections:
Broken Bones:
Reason for Health:
Wardrobe:
Accessories:
Equipment:
Musical Instruments:
Amulets:
Piercings:
Hygiene:
Makeup:
Perfume / Cologne:
Scent:
Scars:
Tattoos:
Voice
Accent / Dialect:
Voice:
Pitch:
Range:
Volume:
Laughter:
Impediments:
Voice Actor:
Voice:
Pitch:
Range:
Volume:
Laughter:
Impediments:
Voice Actor:
Detailed Appearance
Appearance
Psychology
IQ:
Languages: Ancient Atreian, Elyan, Balic, Asmoth, Mau, Skurv, Krall
Vocabulary: Sophisticated
Memory: good
Temperament: relatively even-tempered
Learning Style: Logical/Tactile
Emotional Stability: Stable
Mental Health: Stable
Instincts:
Bodily-Kinesthetic:
Interpersonal:
Intrapersonal:
Linguistic:
Logical-Mathematical:
Musical:
Naturalistic:
Spatial:
Existential:
Languages: Ancient Atreian, Elyan, Balic, Asmoth, Mau, Skurv, Krall
Vocabulary: Sophisticated
Memory: good
Temperament: relatively even-tempered
Learning Style: Logical/Tactile
Emotional Stability: Stable
Mental Health: Stable
Instincts:
Bodily-Kinesthetic:
Interpersonal:
Intrapersonal:
Linguistic:
Logical-Mathematical:
Musical:
Naturalistic:
Spatial:
Existential:
Perception
Audition:
Gustation:
Olfaction:
Tactition:
Vision:
Intuition:
Synesthesia:
Gustation:
Olfaction:
Tactition:
Vision:
Intuition:
Synesthesia:
Philosophy
Religion: Having been born before the Empyrean Lords were created, but having ascended not long after they did, Skadi was never one to pay to them for "guidance" and keeps her prayers, seldom as they are, to Aion alone.
Devotion:
Superstitions:
Spirit Animal:
Deathwish:
Allegiance: Lords Azphel, Lumiel, Marchutan. Crimson Fury, Asmodae as a whole
Political Party:
Political Awareness:
Morality: Neutral
Etiquette:
Alignment: Good
Attitude:
Outlook on Life:
Perception:
Philosophy / Motto:
Taboos:
Vices:
Virtues:
Devotion:
Superstitions:
Spirit Animal:
Deathwish:
Allegiance: Lords Azphel, Lumiel, Marchutan. Crimson Fury, Asmodae as a whole
Political Party:
Political Awareness:
Morality: Neutral
Etiquette:
Alignment: Good
Attitude:
Outlook on Life:
Perception:
Philosophy / Motto:
Taboos:
Vices:
Virtues:
Character
Primary Objective:
Secondary Objectives:
Priorities:
Motivation:
Self Confidence:
Self Control:
Self Esteem:
Quirks:
Hobbies:
Closet Hobbies:
Guilty Pleasures:
Habits:
Desires:
Wishes:
Lures:
Manias:
Afflictions:
Traumas:
Worries:
Nervous Tics:
Instigators:
Soothers:
Savvies:
Ineptities:
Soft Spots:
Cruel Streaks:
Accomplishments:
Greatest Achievement:
Failures:
Biggest Failure:
Obituary:
Favorite Dream:
Worst Nightmare:
Earliest Memory:
Fondest Memory:
Worst Memory:
Funniest Moment:
Happiest Moment:
Saddest Moment:
Most Prized Possession:
Most Valuable Possession:
Collections:
Embarrassments:
Mannerisms:
Humor:
Regrets:
Secrets:
Darkest Secret:
Pet Peeves:
Phobias:
Greatest Fear:
Confidence:
Creativity:
Generosity:
Honesty:
Loyalty:
Insecurities:
Patience:
Predictability:
Reliability:
Respect:
Responsibility:
Trustworthiness:
Secondary Objectives:
Priorities:
Motivation:
Self Confidence:
Self Control:
Self Esteem:
Quirks:
Hobbies:
Closet Hobbies:
Guilty Pleasures:
Habits:
Desires:
Wishes:
Lures:
Manias:
Afflictions:
Traumas:
Worries:
Nervous Tics:
Instigators:
Soothers:
Savvies:
Ineptities:
Soft Spots:
Cruel Streaks:
Accomplishments:
Greatest Achievement:
Failures:
Biggest Failure:
Obituary:
Favorite Dream:
Worst Nightmare:
Earliest Memory:
Fondest Memory:
Worst Memory:
Funniest Moment:
Happiest Moment:
Saddest Moment:
Most Prized Possession:
Most Valuable Possession:
Collections:
Embarrassments:
Mannerisms:
Humor:
Regrets:
Secrets:
Darkest Secret:
Pet Peeves:
Phobias:
Greatest Fear:
Confidence:
Creativity:
Generosity:
Honesty:
Loyalty:
Insecurities:
Patience:
Predictability:
Reliability:
Respect:
Responsibility:
Trustworthiness:
Common
Compliments:
Insults:
Expletives:
Farewells:
Greetings:
Mood:
Words:
Emotional Status:
Insults:
Expletives:
Farewells:
Greetings:
Mood:
Words:
Emotional Status:
Preferences
Likes:
Dislikes:
Favorites:
Least Favorites:
Dislikes:
Favorites:
Least Favorites:
Home & Work
Abode: Skadi is a vagabond at heart, although she prefers the coldest reaches of Atreia and will almost never be seen anywhere that snow is not frequently occurring, and is extremely prone to heatstroke in even milder climates. Frequently around Beluslan's Roof, or sometimes the very northernmost reaches of Pernon.
Hometown: Somewhere in what is believed to now be remote Heiron
Citizenship: Asmodian
Culture: Ancient Atreian, Asmodian
Traditions:
Routine:
Sleep Patterns:
Eating Habits:
Pets: Several large and ancient wind spirits
Employer:
Job Title:
Experience:
Community Service:
Rank:
Supervisor:
Hours:
Work Ethic:
Transportation:
Criminal Record:
Dream Job:
Hometown: Somewhere in what is believed to now be remote Heiron
Citizenship: Asmodian
Culture: Ancient Atreian, Asmodian
Traditions:
Routine:
Sleep Patterns:
Eating Habits:
Pets: Several large and ancient wind spirits
Employer:
Job Title:
Experience:
Community Service:
Rank:
Supervisor:
Hours:
Work Ethic:
Transportation:
Criminal Record:
Dream Job:
Combat
Ability: Spiritmaster
Element: Wind/water?
Martial Arts:
Immunities: the cold
Resistances:
Strengths:
Weaknesses: fire, hot weather in general
Futilities:
Restrictions:
Origin:
Source:
Specialty:
Signature Move:
Special Attack:
Courage:
Element: Wind/water?
Martial Arts:
Immunities: the cold
Resistances:
Strengths:
Weaknesses: fire, hot weather in general
Futilities:
Restrictions:
Origin:
Source:
Specialty:
Signature Move:
Special Attack:
Courage:
Reactions
Angry:
Anxious:
Conflicted:
Criticized:
Depressed:
Embarrassed:
Excited:
Frightened:
Guilty:
Happy:
Mistaken:
Nervous:
Offended:
Praised:
Rejected:
Sad:
Stressed:
Thoughtful:
Anxious:
Conflicted:
Criticized:
Depressed:
Embarrassed:
Excited:
Frightened:
Guilty:
Happy:
Mistaken:
Nervous:
Offended:
Praised:
Rejected:
Sad:
Stressed:
Thoughtful:
Impressions
First:
Self:
Family:
Lover:
Friends:
Associates:
Authority:
Strangers:
Enemies:
Post Mortem:
Creator:
Self:
Family:
Lover:
Friends:
Associates:
Authority:
Strangers:
Enemies:
Post Mortem:
Creator:
Detailed Personality
Personality
Birth & Death
Birth Name: Skadi
Birth Date: 1,035 years before Cataclysm
Birth Length:
Birth Weight:
Birth Place: What is present-day remote, northwestern Heiron
Manner of Birth:
First Word(s):
Death Date:
Death Place:
Manner of Death:
Resting Place:
Last Words:
Birth Date: 1,035 years before Cataclysm
Birth Length:
Birth Weight:
Birth Place: What is present-day remote, northwestern Heiron
Manner of Birth:
First Word(s):
Death Date:
Death Place:
Manner of Death:
Resting Place:
Last Words:
Detailed History
-1,035 before cataclysm - born to an unknown human couple in remote Heiron, physically weak and sickly kid, did not tolerate the extreme heat well at all, often fell prone to heatstroke if overexerting self.
-1,020 BC - Meets a mysterious White Mage, who began helping Skadi in her studies of magic. Skadi has surprisingly ample power, particularly over wind and water, but little skill to actually use it. (15 years old)
-1,015 BC - Becomes romantically involved with another human - Oulixeus, a cleric (20 years old)
-1,014 BC - As is custom for this time period, Oulixeus approaches her parents and asks for Skadi's hand in marriage. Skadi's parents accept him, after a few weeks of quiet argument and grilling him harshly. ("What are your intentions with our daughter?" among other things) Skadi is happy, and the wedding itself is a small affair. A few of the meaner villagers spark a rumor that the marriage was never consummated, that Skadi was either too weak or Oulixeus was unwilling. Skadi, in a surprising show of energy, defends her husband's honor as Oulixeus defends hers. (24)
-1,010 BC - The White Mage helps Skadi make an ice necklace which keeps her cool, which slowly begins to improve her health, alongside her now doting human husband. (25 years old)
-1,009 BC - Skadi's parents die in one of the ever-increasing attacks on the village and surrounding areas, Skadi is badly injured but survives thanks to her husband's healing and care. White Mage vanishes, Skadi receives a warning from an Earth Spirit - "Do not trust in Ice-Hearted Queens" (26)
-1,005 BC - Skadi gives birth to a boy with her stormy purple eyes, pale skin and Oulixeus' hair. (30)
-1,000 BC - Empyrean Lords emerge, Skadi's ice necklace breaks, sending her health into an excruciatingly sharp spiral. Late in the year, White Mage returns as the leader of a group of balaur and Skadi's village is decimated. White Mage viciously burns Skadi with a hail of fire bolts, Husband ascends when he thinks Skadi dead, but realizing she lives still, struggles to keep Skadi alive when the Mage leaves her for dead, and she ascends. Their kid is lost in the battle, Skadi does not know if he managed to escape, but thinks it highly unlikely and is evidently stressed out and frets for her missing son. (35)
-935 BC - Skadi and Oulixeus find their son again, who ascended as a teenager after being lost in the aftermath of their village being burned by the balaur. The son's appearance marks him as unmistakably Skadi's son - same eyes, same sharp features, Oulixeus' hair. So the son tells it, he was found some time later by a search party from a nearby village, and was taken in by them. He has a few scattered memories of the attack and his parents, and seems happy enough to discover them again, although their relationship was never really father-son/mother-son as one would expect. In the end, he keeps his distance, feeling awkward.
-786 BC - Skadi gives birth to a daughter, once again bearing her signature iciness in appearance. Unlike her older brother (who is often far afield, fighting and doing things that are unfitting to tell here) she remains human and settles down to live a quiet life, although two (out of six!) of her children ascend.
-683 BC - Skadi tames a wild wind spirit by the name of Jenifer.
-CATACLYSM -
-Skadi found herself in Azphel's corner, and stands firmly with his ideals. During the Cataclysm she is thrown violently from her post while standing guard at the tower when the fighting breaks out and the tower shattered, and was flung into cruelly cold Beluslan, losing track of both her husband and Jenifer in the midst of being thrown around like a ragdoll.
-35 AC - Skadi finds Oulixeus again while traveling in Brusthonin, he is sick and wounded, still recovering from injuries sustained in the Cataclysm, but Skadi, having advanced considerably in power, is able to help him back to health alongside an earth spirit and clerics in the local town.
-43 AC - Jenifer reappears in Beluslan's Roof, Skadi is quite relieved.
-471-504 AC - Meets Cain and Hel Blindye, figures out a way to bind spirits she has summoned to other people. Binds a wind spirit by the name of Solana to Hel, and teaches Hel how to properly handle her new guide, while teaching Solana to not rush headlong into bushes and leave Hel stranded, but instead to act as Hel's eyes and guide her to where she needs to be. (Guide wind spirits?)
-837 AC - Tames Zephyra while in Tiamaranta, a mere pup in comparison to Jenifer, but docile and sweet-tempered than the much older, fouler-tempered spirit.
-1xxx BC - Meets Occam Grey and Bleidd at the Apellbine Tavern, seems to get along well with both, if thinking Bleidd a bit of an arse.
-UPHEAVAL-
-Out of the need for something to do, decides to join Crimson Fury through one of their legion meetings. Is introduced to Lumin, and meets Avressa again, whom she had actually met a few days prior.
-While in the newly-discovered Enshar, Skadi is tasked with helping the Tehji tribe friendly to the Asmodians. They perform a strange ritual, and Skadi is made to wear more "traditional" garb, which isn't that far off from her own. After the ceremony though, something happens and Skadi's clothes morph into the Sea Feast set, as does anything else she tries to wear. Much to her chagrin (and the amusement of several Crimson Fury members, not to mention her husband) the watery outfit sticks around for several weeks, and when it finally wears off Skadi is left with a single outfit and her normal clothes are returned to her. (Seaslut Skadi)
-At taverns, encounters Markonn, a red glittersparkle mage. They get along about as well as water and oil mixing. Skadi threatens to turn him in an ice sculpture, and actually does turn him into one, albeit briefly.
-1,020 BC - Meets a mysterious White Mage, who began helping Skadi in her studies of magic. Skadi has surprisingly ample power, particularly over wind and water, but little skill to actually use it. (15 years old)
-1,015 BC - Becomes romantically involved with another human - Oulixeus, a cleric (20 years old)
-1,014 BC - As is custom for this time period, Oulixeus approaches her parents and asks for Skadi's hand in marriage. Skadi's parents accept him, after a few weeks of quiet argument and grilling him harshly. ("What are your intentions with our daughter?" among other things) Skadi is happy, and the wedding itself is a small affair. A few of the meaner villagers spark a rumor that the marriage was never consummated, that Skadi was either too weak or Oulixeus was unwilling. Skadi, in a surprising show of energy, defends her husband's honor as Oulixeus defends hers. (24)
-1,010 BC - The White Mage helps Skadi make an ice necklace which keeps her cool, which slowly begins to improve her health, alongside her now doting human husband. (25 years old)
-1,009 BC - Skadi's parents die in one of the ever-increasing attacks on the village and surrounding areas, Skadi is badly injured but survives thanks to her husband's healing and care. White Mage vanishes, Skadi receives a warning from an Earth Spirit - "Do not trust in Ice-Hearted Queens" (26)
-1,005 BC - Skadi gives birth to a boy with her stormy purple eyes, pale skin and Oulixeus' hair. (30)
-1,000 BC - Empyrean Lords emerge, Skadi's ice necklace breaks, sending her health into an excruciatingly sharp spiral. Late in the year, White Mage returns as the leader of a group of balaur and Skadi's village is decimated. White Mage viciously burns Skadi with a hail of fire bolts, Husband ascends when he thinks Skadi dead, but realizing she lives still, struggles to keep Skadi alive when the Mage leaves her for dead, and she ascends. Their kid is lost in the battle, Skadi does not know if he managed to escape, but thinks it highly unlikely and is evidently stressed out and frets for her missing son. (35)
-935 BC - Skadi and Oulixeus find their son again, who ascended as a teenager after being lost in the aftermath of their village being burned by the balaur. The son's appearance marks him as unmistakably Skadi's son - same eyes, same sharp features, Oulixeus' hair. So the son tells it, he was found some time later by a search party from a nearby village, and was taken in by them. He has a few scattered memories of the attack and his parents, and seems happy enough to discover them again, although their relationship was never really father-son/mother-son as one would expect. In the end, he keeps his distance, feeling awkward.
-786 BC - Skadi gives birth to a daughter, once again bearing her signature iciness in appearance. Unlike her older brother (who is often far afield, fighting and doing things that are unfitting to tell here) she remains human and settles down to live a quiet life, although two (out of six!) of her children ascend.
-683 BC - Skadi tames a wild wind spirit by the name of Jenifer.
-CATACLYSM -
-Skadi found herself in Azphel's corner, and stands firmly with his ideals. During the Cataclysm she is thrown violently from her post while standing guard at the tower when the fighting breaks out and the tower shattered, and was flung into cruelly cold Beluslan, losing track of both her husband and Jenifer in the midst of being thrown around like a ragdoll.
-35 AC - Skadi finds Oulixeus again while traveling in Brusthonin, he is sick and wounded, still recovering from injuries sustained in the Cataclysm, but Skadi, having advanced considerably in power, is able to help him back to health alongside an earth spirit and clerics in the local town.
-43 AC - Jenifer reappears in Beluslan's Roof, Skadi is quite relieved.
-471-504 AC - Meets Cain and Hel Blindye, figures out a way to bind spirits she has summoned to other people. Binds a wind spirit by the name of Solana to Hel, and teaches Hel how to properly handle her new guide, while teaching Solana to not rush headlong into bushes and leave Hel stranded, but instead to act as Hel's eyes and guide her to where she needs to be. (Guide wind spirits?)
-837 AC - Tames Zephyra while in Tiamaranta, a mere pup in comparison to Jenifer, but docile and sweet-tempered than the much older, fouler-tempered spirit.
-1xxx BC - Meets Occam Grey and Bleidd at the Apellbine Tavern, seems to get along well with both, if thinking Bleidd a bit of an arse.
-UPHEAVAL-
-Out of the need for something to do, decides to join Crimson Fury through one of their legion meetings. Is introduced to Lumin, and meets Avressa again, whom she had actually met a few days prior.
-While in the newly-discovered Enshar, Skadi is tasked with helping the Tehji tribe friendly to the Asmodians. They perform a strange ritual, and Skadi is made to wear more "traditional" garb, which isn't that far off from her own. After the ceremony though, something happens and Skadi's clothes morph into the Sea Feast set, as does anything else she tries to wear. Much to her chagrin (and the amusement of several Crimson Fury members, not to mention her husband) the watery outfit sticks around for several weeks, and when it finally wears off Skadi is left with a single outfit and her normal clothes are returned to her. (Seaslut Skadi)
-At taverns, encounters Markonn, a red glittersparkle mage. They get along about as well as water and oil mixing. Skadi threatens to turn him in an ice sculpture, and actually does turn him into one, albeit briefly.
Family
Mother: unknown, deceased
Father: unknown, deceased
Guardians:
Siblings: none
Children: several, including some still living
Close Relatives:
Distant Relatives: Most presume them all to be dead, and unbeknownst to many Skadi has a great (many times over) grandchild, or several. Skadi doesn't interfere with their lives, although she has made her presence known to them, should one ever feel the need to call upon her. Generally, she prefers not to darken her distant descendant's doorstep.
Ancestors:
Family Dynamics:
Communication:
Discriminations:
Reputation:
Dominance:
Expression:
Cooperation:
Sociability:
Status:
Class:
Livelihood:
Father: unknown, deceased
Guardians:
Siblings: none
Children: several, including some still living
Close Relatives:
Distant Relatives: Most presume them all to be dead, and unbeknownst to many Skadi has a great (many times over) grandchild, or several. Skadi doesn't interfere with their lives, although she has made her presence known to them, should one ever feel the need to call upon her. Generally, she prefers not to darken her distant descendant's doorstep.
Ancestors:
Family Dynamics:
Communication:
Discriminations:
Reputation:
Dominance:
Expression:
Cooperation:
Sociability:
Status:
Class:
Livelihood:
Social
Best Friend:
Close Friends:
Confidantes:
Friends:
Allies: She has forged an odd friendship with Hel Blindeye (perhaps she sees a bit of herself in her?), and has taken a liking to the younger ranger. And even if she doesn't interfere with her family, family is family to the old mistress of spirits, and she will not hesitate to come to their aid should they ask. As of late, she's been more social and even joined <Crimson Fury> who can count on her for support when needed.
Acquaintances:
Followers:
Subordinates:
Rivals:
Enemies: There are many, as naturally comes about when one is as ancient as she. Balaur, Mau, Lepharists, Elyos, perhaps more than a few Asmodians. The White Mage that tricked her into giving information to the Balaur while Skadi was still human is on her "kill on-sight" list, although it is highly doubtful that she will ever come into contact with her again.
Inspirations:
Role Models:
Heroes:
Mentors:
Memberships: <Crimson Fury> legionary, <Fenris' Fangs> legionary, Beluslan Shadow Legionaries (former) <DragonBlood> centurion (former) Sarpan's <SandStorm> (former - disbanded) <NightsRage> deputy (former - kicked then disbanded)
Community:
Close Friends:
Confidantes:
Friends:
Allies: She has forged an odd friendship with Hel Blindeye (perhaps she sees a bit of herself in her?), and has taken a liking to the younger ranger. And even if she doesn't interfere with her family, family is family to the old mistress of spirits, and she will not hesitate to come to their aid should they ask. As of late, she's been more social and even joined <Crimson Fury> who can count on her for support when needed.
Acquaintances:
Followers:
Subordinates:
Rivals:
Enemies: There are many, as naturally comes about when one is as ancient as she. Balaur, Mau, Lepharists, Elyos, perhaps more than a few Asmodians. The White Mage that tricked her into giving information to the Balaur while Skadi was still human is on her "kill on-sight" list, although it is highly doubtful that she will ever come into contact with her again.
Inspirations:
Role Models:
Heroes:
Mentors:
Memberships: <Crimson Fury> legionary, <Fenris' Fangs> legionary, Beluslan Shadow Legionaries (former) <DragonBlood> centurion (former) Sarpan's <SandStorm> (former - disbanded) <NightsRage> deputy (former - kicked then disbanded)
Community:
Romance
First Love: Oulixeus
Love Interests: Oulixeus
Marital Status: Married
Orientation: Heterosexual
Significant Other: Oulixeus
Love Style: playful, gentle
Flirtiness:
Turnons:
Turnoffs:
Fetishes:
Virginity: no
Love Interests: Oulixeus
Marital Status: Married
Orientation: Heterosexual
Significant Other: Oulixeus
Love Style: playful, gentle
Flirtiness:
Turnons:
Turnoffs:
Fetishes:
Virginity: no
Thoughts on Others
Person (relationship, status) - stuff here
Person (relationship, status) - stuff here
Person (relationship, status) - stuff here
Person (relationship, status) - stuff here
Person (relationship, status) - stuff here
Unique Abilities
Ability (passive/active, controllable?) - ability description
Ability (passive/active, controllable?) - ability description
Ability (passive/active, controllable?) - ability description
Ability (passive/active, controllable?) - ability description
Ability (passive/active, controllable?) - ability description
Other Information
Other information here
The Colours Of Aether
By Shienar of Aion NA & FFNSomething was wrong. The air in the Frost Spirit Valley unexpectedly changed and woke Skadi up from her meditation trance. She frowned. This vale was her favourite place on Atreia, it was pleasantly cold here and there was frequent spirit activity, which she both enjoyed. The whiff of foreign Aether was faint, but she knew every part of this area. And something, or someone, clearly didn't belong here. She stood up and followed the strange sensation. As she was nearing the glacier on the east side of the canyon, she noticed eerie silence around her. All the spirits and petrahulks, who inhabited this area were now avoiding it. One more reason to investigate it and get rid of any threats. The glacier looked as a solid piece of ice from the distance, but Skadi already knew it was full of smaller or bigger ice caverns, some of them appeared and disappeard during every thaw, but other lasted as long as she remembered. In one such caverns she found what was she looking for, a rift embeded into the wall of ice. From the flow of Aether she could recognise the rift was two-way, which was highly unstable, but the ice around prevented it from collapsing. And it would do so for very long time. Skadi touched the ice and examined the rift. Even through the ice it felt strange, as if it didn't belong to this world. She had to act, no matter how or why it was created, it couldn't stay. She poured some Aether to the ice to free the rift from its hibernation, hoping it will collapse on its own. The ice cracked and broke. The rift woke up, lashed out and exploded in one giant flash of bright light. The Asmodian shut her eyes and covered them with her hands, but even like this the shine was painfully piercing through her. She threw herself to the soft snow.
After several seconds she heard and felt the rift collapsing and then there was silence. She stood up and looked around. Something was wrong. Although it was still cold and snow around her, she was no longer in the ice cavern in Beluslan. She was standing on a cliff surrounded by a blizzard. And the Aether felt differently here. There were remnants of the rift, but they were quickly fading, this wasn't her way back home. She walked around the area few times and found only one path leading out of the place where she appeared. She has decided to follow it, maybe she'll find someone or something that will tell her where she is and how to get back. As she was walking, she practiced few spells to get hold of this foreign Aether.
As she was trying to pull the arrow out, a person covered in furs cautiously approached her, with a bow ready to fire. A young female voice came out of the furs, but Skadi couldn't understand the words.
“I'm not here to cause harm,” she replied in hopes they could find a common language. “And I don't understand you.”
The archer watched her for a few moments. Then she pulled down her hood and revealed her face. Skadi was shocked. Right half of the archer's face was young with few scars and beautiful, kind purple eye, but the left part... pieces of metal covered her left eye and everything left of her nose and mouth, leaving a purple gem instead of an iris. All that contrasted with rough green hair cut under her chin. Who could have done such thing?! The gem glowed and the girl said something, which Skadi still didn't understand, but the tone was calming and her hand was pointing to Skadi's wound.
“Is it going to kill me?” she asked to show effort in communication, rather than hoping for an answer.
“Kill,” the girl nodded, knelt and quickly pulled the arrow out. Immense pain flew over Skadi, but in few seconds it was replaced by a soothing sensation, caused by green light coming out of the archer's hand.
“Thank you,” the Asmodian said, when the healing was finished. The archer was already at her feet and aiming arrow at her. So she doesn't want to kill me, but she doesn't want me to kill her either. “You understand me?”
The girl nodded.
“Can you tell me where I am?”
As a response the archer frowned and then said some words she didn't understand. “Can you say that in a language I understand?”
“You... tell me,” she replied as someone who was learning a new language and was thinking about the words.
“All I can see are trees, rocks and snow. I have no idea what this place is, that's why I asked.”
“Snow,” the archer frowned and then as if she suddenly realised something, she took off her top cloak and offered it to Skadi, who looked surprised with that gesture. Sure, she wore only very light dress, but it wasn't a problem for her.
“Thank you, but I'm fine like this.”
“Fine?”
“Yes, I'm perfectly fine with cold. Look, girl, I didn't come here on purpose. There was accident and I appeared here. I don't know this place and I don't want to harm anyone. I just want to go back home and ensure everything is alright. Can you help me or not?”
“Help... come...” the archer pointed at a seemingly random direction, her gem-eye stopped glowing and she started walking. “Home.”
Skadi could only roll her eyes at the strange behaviour and even stranger choice of words. During the way through low trees and rocks she realised that all the words the girl used, she had used first. Does she have some ability to understand spoken words even if it's the first time she heard them?
After a while they arrived to a hut built as an extension of a shallow cave. It was very simple and humble place with one bed, one fireplace and various things lying around. How can anyone live in a place like this?
“Here,” he girl pointed at the bed, prompting Skadi to sit down, then she added some wood to the fireplace, put a kettle on a simple construction above it and took of the outer layers of her clothes, which she folded and sat on it. Skadi noticed metal wires incorporated into the left side of the girl's neck and the fact she took off only her right glove. Her gem-eye started glowing again. “I help, but you tell,” she said.
“Tell what?”
“Language, understand.”
“You can learn a language just by listening?”
“No... I...” she sighed. “Yes. You tell, I tell.”
“Fine. But first, tell me your name. I don't want to call you just girl all the time. I am Skadi.”
“Phi.”
“Alright, Phi, I'll tell you a story about the Cataclysm.” Skadi was narrating the history and legends of her home for about two hours, while drinking tea and eating bread-like pastry. During that time Phi got enough of the language to start asking questions. Then Skadi told her about finding the strange rift and being transported here.
“I thought you were invader, but they only use colorless, Pale Ether, you used White Ether back then,” Phi pondered.
“White Aether? I've never heard about Aether having colours,” Skadi was surprised.
“There are four colours of Ether: Green, Blue, Black and Red. And if you combine all of them, you'll get White. It's very rare, only few people in the entire history were able to use it. I've set up wards on that cliff where you appeared, there are often portals, Pale creatures who devour our Ether are coming out of them. But your portal was different, I didn't even notice it was active, until the wards informed me about you. Hm, yes, we will need White Ether to get you back.”
“What should I do then?”
“Rest. We will need a lot of it. I think. I have been educated, but I don't have experience with creating portals. But I know someone who might help us. We'll go to Abandoned City tomorrow.”
“We?”
“Yes, we. You don't know the way and even if I described it for you, it would be too dangerous for someone who doesn't know a thing about this land. Especially when one of the weakest Synthet poisons can almost knock you down. You wouldn't stand a chance if you got caught. And I'm worried about what impact can your presence have on the Ether stability in long term. Since you want to go back, there's no need to hold you here.”
“I will welcome your help, Phi,” Skadi said. “Can you tell me more about the Aether colours? You can use the Green one, right?”
“Yes,” Phi nodded blankly. “And Black. I... I'll tell you more tomorrow, let's go to sleep now. You're a guest, you can stay in my bed.”
~x~
The blizzard stopped during the night and they woke up into cloudy morning with chill breeze. Skadi was happy to be outside again, as Phi's hut was too hot for her. It wasn't insufferable heat in there, but she still felt better in the cold. She helped Phi with packing some supplies and then they headed towards a mountain range in south.
“The Abandoned City lies in the center of the continent, all four realms have access to it, but no one is going there, except for occasional adventurers and thieves,” Phi started. “It will take us few days, if we're careful.”
“Thieves? Is there anything worth of stealing?”
“It's an ancient city, there used to be a lot of treasures, but they're mostly gone now. The only valuable things I know of are the Relics of Heroes, artifacts from quite recent history, about two hundred years. They are really powerful and I can imagine many people would want them, but they are also not always reliable. And they have a guardian, who won't let anyone to take them.”
“And we're going there why?”
“We need to talk with the guardian. If anyone can know how to get you back, it would be her. She's a bit crazy, but don't worry, we're friends, sort of, she shouldn't be hostile. If we make it all the was to the City, convincing her to help you shouldn't be that hard.”
“If we make it? That's not much reassuring,” Skadi frowned. “What are the dangers of getting there?”
“Well, we'll go along the border of Synthet and Kinet realms, if we get spotted by any patrols, we'll be in trouble.”
“These Synthets and Kinets don't get along, I suppose.”
“It's not as bad as... ah, right, you don't know. So, this continent is divided into four almost equal parts, based on which Ether is most frequent where. The south-west is inhabited by Vitals, they use the Green Ether, which symbolises nature, like forests, plants, animals and life in general. Sounth-east is domain of Red Ether, it means fire and lightning and chaos. It's a land full of volcanos and lava pits, the Chaots live there. On the north there are Kinets,” Phi pointed to the east, “and Synthets. Kinets use Blue Ether, air and water and some really creative enchantments. Their land is divided into numerous islands, unlike the Synthets, who mostly live in desert and mountains. Synthets use Black Ether. It's... the Black Ether doesn't do well to living organisms, that's why all Synthets who can modify their bodies with machine parts do so. They call it enhancing, but... nevermind,” Phi shook her head. “The biggest animosity is between Synthets and Vitals and between Kinets and Chaots. They are often willing to ignore the others, if there's no danger, but we will have to go on the Synthet part of the border, there is a lake on the Kinet part and it would be quite huge detour.”
“From what you described, you're a Synthet, right? Why it would be trouble?”
“Hm... I was born as Vital, but when I grew up, I was injured in a battle and captured by Synthet scientist who made me like this. He found some ancient notes about experiments on the legendary Diamanda and I was supposed to be the first step in creating a being who could wield all Ethers. He succeeded, I have no problem with Green and Black and I know few Blue spells, but when the others found out what was he doing, they wanted to kill me. But he convinced them to send me into exile instead. To watch over the Pale portals.”
“So he was quite a nice guy, huh?”
“No, not at all. He's a Synthet scientist. He was horrified by the idea of his creation being destroyed. He cared about my living parts only because the mechanical ones would lose their meaning without them.”
“Oh, I'm sorry to hear that.”
“So, that's why it would be a problem if we were discovered on Synthet territory. Well, you could say you're a Kinet and they would just escort you out of their land, but me? They see me only as some bloody greenie who stole their precious technology. They don't care that I have never wanted these parts. Although I would have died without them, Omega saved my life by attaching them to my broken body. But hey, it allowed me to understand you, so not bad.”
Skadi remained silent, there was nothing she would find appropriate to say. The girl obviously didn't want a pity, she was only telling unpleasant memories. And that's always emotional. They spent the rest of the day and three other days with mostly walking, observing the landscape and occasional friendly conversations. Phi was on alert all the time, even in sleep. The threat of running into patrol was very disturbing for her. Twice they had to hide for few hours and Skadi could see the real Synthet warriors with their artificial limbs and mechanical mounts. They definitely didn't look as friendly as Phi.
During the afternoon of the fourth day they saw walls of once a great city. Phi didn't have to say anything, Skadi immediately guessed this was their destination. To her surprise, she could feel bursts of Aether from the ruins.
“Is that normal?” she asked her companion.
“Depends on what you consider normal. It looks like a fight, come, let's get closer,” Phi unmistakably chose the most direct path through the maze of fallen buildings and soon they stood on a balcony and watched four people fighting in the street under them. Three robust warriors were cooperating, trying to defeat a slender black-haired woman, but even though they commanded a wolf and pair of rats, she was able to avoid their attacks and spells without any trouble. Phi prepared her bow and aimed.
“Don't,” she said quietly when she noticed Skadi preparing a spell. “Miriell doesn't like when someone is interfering with her fights.”
“Then why are you aiming at them?”
“I want the wolf skin. She's going to burn it, if the wolf gets too close. It would be a waste,” the archer explained and let loose her arrow. It pinned the wolf to the paving. “And now we're going to watch.”
It was indeed an impressive battle. There was no shortage of fire and lightning, which in combination of Miriell's shields and ice and wind techniques created an unforgettable show. After few minutes the Miriell looked bored, so she jumped into the middle of their group and channeled the greatest chain lightning Skadi has ever seen.
“She can wield two Aethers as well?” the Asmodian asked in surprise.
“Yes. She's like me, outcast, because her people see her as an abomination. Though her story isn't as happy as mine. Her mother was a Kinet, her father is a Chaot. It was not a willing relationship.”
"Regardless of who her parents were, she's good."
“Yes. She learnt to use the Red and Blue Ether in very creative ways. Let's go greet her. I'll translate for you,” Phi smiled and descended from the balcony.
When the guardian noticed them, she greeted with an old friend and for a moment they were arguing about the dead wolf. Then Phi led her to Skadi.
“Skadi, Miriell, Miriell, Skadi,” she introduced them. “I've told her about your problem and she needs to hear your story from you. The one how you got here.”
“Nice to meet you, Miriell,” Skadi smiled. “Alright, well...”
Skadi started talking and after every few sentences she waited for Phi to translate her words. Miriell had some questions related to rifts and Skadi's perception of Aether in general, but they got over it shortly. After that Miriell clapped her hands, said something that sounded optimistic and ran towards the dead wolf.
“She's inviting us for dinner,” Phi smiled. “We'll have roasted wolf, she was able to get some new spices. Come, I'll better help her with skinning, or there won't be much left of the pelt.”
Miriell's home looked similar to Phi's on the north. A bed, a fireplace, few shelves that survived the destruction of the city and a lot of stuff all around. Though one difference was striking for Skadi. As the weather in the city was warmer and without snow, the room with lit fireplace was almost hell for her. After taking few bites from the delicious meat, she had to excuse herself and seek the fresh air outside.
“Are you alright?” Phi appeared after few minutes.
“I'm fine, it's just too hot here.”
“Ah, right, you need snow and cold, right? Wait a moment,” she ran inside and after a while she appeared with Miriell. The guardian summoned Blue Aether and created ice walls around one of the fallen pillars, that could be as good substitute for bed as anything else in these ruins.
“It won't last forever, but it should keep you fine over night. Miriell needs sleep before we try to create the portal for you.”
“Thank you,” Skadi smiled gratefully. “For everything, Phi.”
“That's fine. It's not like we'll meet friendly face too often here. Good night!”
Skadi slept only a little during that night. Her thoughts kept whirling in her head and she couldn't stop them. Why are they helping me so much? Are they really so happy about seeing someone who doesn't want to kill them? Or are they trying to get rid of me because of unstable Aether? If they can create a portal to Atreia, aren't they danger? If I get back, I'll have to do more research about the rifts and where they can lead to.
Due to the restless sleep she woke up very early. When the outcast girls joined her, she had a surprise for them. Two small wind spirits were playing around her feet.
“What are these?” Phi yelped. This time she didn't wear gloves, so Skadi could see that her left arm is artificial too.
“Gifts. You didn't have to, but you helped me, so I decided to give you friendly companions. They can't talk, but they understand thoughts of the person bound to them. If you want, I'll bind one to each of you.”
Phi translated Skadi's offer to Miriell, who immediately agreed and picked up one of the spirits right away. After the spirits were bound, the girls led Skadi through an underground labyrinth to a chamber with four items placed on pedestals: a tiara, a mechanical staff, a sword and a horn.
“Two hundred years ago there was a Pale plague that came from the portal on the north,” Phi said with respect. “It took half of Kinet and Synthet lands, which resulted in Kinets and Synthets invading south. Four heroes were able to stop the plague and avert the all-out war. Eileen of Rowan clan, Konnar of Fire Valley, Alpha 100F Steel and Mirabell from the City of Eight Gates. These Relics belonged to them, each is imbued with the Ether they mastered. Now, if the heroes allow, we will use the Relics to help you return home.”
“You can do that?”
“We hope so,” Phi donned the tiara and held the staff, Miriell took the horn and the sword. “Please concentrate on some place that's dear to you, we will need to use you as a focus.”
The Asmodian closed her eyes and thought about her favourite Frost Spirit Valley. The Aether whirled around her for few long minutes. When the flow stabilised, she dared to open her eyes. The valley was around her. She scanned the Aether in every part of it and checked behaviour of the local spirits. Only after she was done, she smiled. She was back home. And her home was safe for now.
After several seconds she heard and felt the rift collapsing and then there was silence. She stood up and looked around. Something was wrong. Although it was still cold and snow around her, she was no longer in the ice cavern in Beluslan. She was standing on a cliff surrounded by a blizzard. And the Aether felt differently here. There were remnants of the rift, but they were quickly fading, this wasn't her way back home. She walked around the area few times and found only one path leading out of the place where she appeared. She has decided to follow it, maybe she'll find someone or something that will tell her where she is and how to get back. As she was walking, she practiced few spells to get hold of this foreign Aether.
As she was trying to pull the arrow out, a person covered in furs cautiously approached her, with a bow ready to fire. A young female voice came out of the furs, but Skadi couldn't understand the words.
“I'm not here to cause harm,” she replied in hopes they could find a common language. “And I don't understand you.”
The archer watched her for a few moments. Then she pulled down her hood and revealed her face. Skadi was shocked. Right half of the archer's face was young with few scars and beautiful, kind purple eye, but the left part... pieces of metal covered her left eye and everything left of her nose and mouth, leaving a purple gem instead of an iris. All that contrasted with rough green hair cut under her chin. Who could have done such thing?! The gem glowed and the girl said something, which Skadi still didn't understand, but the tone was calming and her hand was pointing to Skadi's wound.
“Is it going to kill me?” she asked to show effort in communication, rather than hoping for an answer.
“Kill,” the girl nodded, knelt and quickly pulled the arrow out. Immense pain flew over Skadi, but in few seconds it was replaced by a soothing sensation, caused by green light coming out of the archer's hand.
“Thank you,” the Asmodian said, when the healing was finished. The archer was already at her feet and aiming arrow at her. So she doesn't want to kill me, but she doesn't want me to kill her either. “You understand me?”
The girl nodded.
“Can you tell me where I am?”
As a response the archer frowned and then said some words she didn't understand. “Can you say that in a language I understand?”
“You... tell me,” she replied as someone who was learning a new language and was thinking about the words.
“All I can see are trees, rocks and snow. I have no idea what this place is, that's why I asked.”
“Snow,” the archer frowned and then as if she suddenly realised something, she took off her top cloak and offered it to Skadi, who looked surprised with that gesture. Sure, she wore only very light dress, but it wasn't a problem for her.
“Thank you, but I'm fine like this.”
“Fine?”
“Yes, I'm perfectly fine with cold. Look, girl, I didn't come here on purpose. There was accident and I appeared here. I don't know this place and I don't want to harm anyone. I just want to go back home and ensure everything is alright. Can you help me or not?”
“Help... come...” the archer pointed at a seemingly random direction, her gem-eye stopped glowing and she started walking. “Home.”
Skadi could only roll her eyes at the strange behaviour and even stranger choice of words. During the way through low trees and rocks she realised that all the words the girl used, she had used first. Does she have some ability to understand spoken words even if it's the first time she heard them?
After a while they arrived to a hut built as an extension of a shallow cave. It was very simple and humble place with one bed, one fireplace and various things lying around. How can anyone live in a place like this?
“Here,” he girl pointed at the bed, prompting Skadi to sit down, then she added some wood to the fireplace, put a kettle on a simple construction above it and took of the outer layers of her clothes, which she folded and sat on it. Skadi noticed metal wires incorporated into the left side of the girl's neck and the fact she took off only her right glove. Her gem-eye started glowing again. “I help, but you tell,” she said.
“Tell what?”
“Language, understand.”
“You can learn a language just by listening?”
“No... I...” she sighed. “Yes. You tell, I tell.”
“Fine. But first, tell me your name. I don't want to call you just girl all the time. I am Skadi.”
“Phi.”
“Alright, Phi, I'll tell you a story about the Cataclysm.” Skadi was narrating the history and legends of her home for about two hours, while drinking tea and eating bread-like pastry. During that time Phi got enough of the language to start asking questions. Then Skadi told her about finding the strange rift and being transported here.
“I thought you were invader, but they only use colorless, Pale Ether, you used White Ether back then,” Phi pondered.
“White Aether? I've never heard about Aether having colours,” Skadi was surprised.
“There are four colours of Ether: Green, Blue, Black and Red. And if you combine all of them, you'll get White. It's very rare, only few people in the entire history were able to use it. I've set up wards on that cliff where you appeared, there are often portals, Pale creatures who devour our Ether are coming out of them. But your portal was different, I didn't even notice it was active, until the wards informed me about you. Hm, yes, we will need White Ether to get you back.”
“What should I do then?”
“Rest. We will need a lot of it. I think. I have been educated, but I don't have experience with creating portals. But I know someone who might help us. We'll go to Abandoned City tomorrow.”
“We?”
“Yes, we. You don't know the way and even if I described it for you, it would be too dangerous for someone who doesn't know a thing about this land. Especially when one of the weakest Synthet poisons can almost knock you down. You wouldn't stand a chance if you got caught. And I'm worried about what impact can your presence have on the Ether stability in long term. Since you want to go back, there's no need to hold you here.”
“I will welcome your help, Phi,” Skadi said. “Can you tell me more about the Aether colours? You can use the Green one, right?”
“Yes,” Phi nodded blankly. “And Black. I... I'll tell you more tomorrow, let's go to sleep now. You're a guest, you can stay in my bed.”
The blizzard stopped during the night and they woke up into cloudy morning with chill breeze. Skadi was happy to be outside again, as Phi's hut was too hot for her. It wasn't insufferable heat in there, but she still felt better in the cold. She helped Phi with packing some supplies and then they headed towards a mountain range in south.
“The Abandoned City lies in the center of the continent, all four realms have access to it, but no one is going there, except for occasional adventurers and thieves,” Phi started. “It will take us few days, if we're careful.”
“Thieves? Is there anything worth of stealing?”
“It's an ancient city, there used to be a lot of treasures, but they're mostly gone now. The only valuable things I know of are the Relics of Heroes, artifacts from quite recent history, about two hundred years. They are really powerful and I can imagine many people would want them, but they are also not always reliable. And they have a guardian, who won't let anyone to take them.”
“And we're going there why?”
“We need to talk with the guardian. If anyone can know how to get you back, it would be her. She's a bit crazy, but don't worry, we're friends, sort of, she shouldn't be hostile. If we make it all the was to the City, convincing her to help you shouldn't be that hard.”
“If we make it? That's not much reassuring,” Skadi frowned. “What are the dangers of getting there?”
“Well, we'll go along the border of Synthet and Kinet realms, if we get spotted by any patrols, we'll be in trouble.”
“These Synthets and Kinets don't get along, I suppose.”
“It's not as bad as... ah, right, you don't know. So, this continent is divided into four almost equal parts, based on which Ether is most frequent where. The south-west is inhabited by Vitals, they use the Green Ether, which symbolises nature, like forests, plants, animals and life in general. Sounth-east is domain of Red Ether, it means fire and lightning and chaos. It's a land full of volcanos and lava pits, the Chaots live there. On the north there are Kinets,” Phi pointed to the east, “and Synthets. Kinets use Blue Ether, air and water and some really creative enchantments. Their land is divided into numerous islands, unlike the Synthets, who mostly live in desert and mountains. Synthets use Black Ether. It's... the Black Ether doesn't do well to living organisms, that's why all Synthets who can modify their bodies with machine parts do so. They call it enhancing, but... nevermind,” Phi shook her head. “The biggest animosity is between Synthets and Vitals and between Kinets and Chaots. They are often willing to ignore the others, if there's no danger, but we will have to go on the Synthet part of the border, there is a lake on the Kinet part and it would be quite huge detour.”
“From what you described, you're a Synthet, right? Why it would be trouble?”
“Hm... I was born as Vital, but when I grew up, I was injured in a battle and captured by Synthet scientist who made me like this. He found some ancient notes about experiments on the legendary Diamanda and I was supposed to be the first step in creating a being who could wield all Ethers. He succeeded, I have no problem with Green and Black and I know few Blue spells, but when the others found out what was he doing, they wanted to kill me. But he convinced them to send me into exile instead. To watch over the Pale portals.”
“So he was quite a nice guy, huh?”
“No, not at all. He's a Synthet scientist. He was horrified by the idea of his creation being destroyed. He cared about my living parts only because the mechanical ones would lose their meaning without them.”
“Oh, I'm sorry to hear that.”
“So, that's why it would be a problem if we were discovered on Synthet territory. Well, you could say you're a Kinet and they would just escort you out of their land, but me? They see me only as some bloody greenie who stole their precious technology. They don't care that I have never wanted these parts. Although I would have died without them, Omega saved my life by attaching them to my broken body. But hey, it allowed me to understand you, so not bad.”
Skadi remained silent, there was nothing she would find appropriate to say. The girl obviously didn't want a pity, she was only telling unpleasant memories. And that's always emotional. They spent the rest of the day and three other days with mostly walking, observing the landscape and occasional friendly conversations. Phi was on alert all the time, even in sleep. The threat of running into patrol was very disturbing for her. Twice they had to hide for few hours and Skadi could see the real Synthet warriors with their artificial limbs and mechanical mounts. They definitely didn't look as friendly as Phi.
During the afternoon of the fourth day they saw walls of once a great city. Phi didn't have to say anything, Skadi immediately guessed this was their destination. To her surprise, she could feel bursts of Aether from the ruins.
“Is that normal?” she asked her companion.
“Depends on what you consider normal. It looks like a fight, come, let's get closer,” Phi unmistakably chose the most direct path through the maze of fallen buildings and soon they stood on a balcony and watched four people fighting in the street under them. Three robust warriors were cooperating, trying to defeat a slender black-haired woman, but even though they commanded a wolf and pair of rats, she was able to avoid their attacks and spells without any trouble. Phi prepared her bow and aimed.
“Don't,” she said quietly when she noticed Skadi preparing a spell. “Miriell doesn't like when someone is interfering with her fights.”
“Then why are you aiming at them?”
“I want the wolf skin. She's going to burn it, if the wolf gets too close. It would be a waste,” the archer explained and let loose her arrow. It pinned the wolf to the paving. “And now we're going to watch.”
It was indeed an impressive battle. There was no shortage of fire and lightning, which in combination of Miriell's shields and ice and wind techniques created an unforgettable show. After few minutes the Miriell looked bored, so she jumped into the middle of their group and channeled the greatest chain lightning Skadi has ever seen.
“She can wield two Aethers as well?” the Asmodian asked in surprise.
“Yes. She's like me, outcast, because her people see her as an abomination. Though her story isn't as happy as mine. Her mother was a Kinet, her father is a Chaot. It was not a willing relationship.”
"Regardless of who her parents were, she's good."
“Yes. She learnt to use the Red and Blue Ether in very creative ways. Let's go greet her. I'll translate for you,” Phi smiled and descended from the balcony.
When the guardian noticed them, she greeted with an old friend and for a moment they were arguing about the dead wolf. Then Phi led her to Skadi.
“Skadi, Miriell, Miriell, Skadi,” she introduced them. “I've told her about your problem and she needs to hear your story from you. The one how you got here.”
“Nice to meet you, Miriell,” Skadi smiled. “Alright, well...”
Skadi started talking and after every few sentences she waited for Phi to translate her words. Miriell had some questions related to rifts and Skadi's perception of Aether in general, but they got over it shortly. After that Miriell clapped her hands, said something that sounded optimistic and ran towards the dead wolf.
“She's inviting us for dinner,” Phi smiled. “We'll have roasted wolf, she was able to get some new spices. Come, I'll better help her with skinning, or there won't be much left of the pelt.”
Miriell's home looked similar to Phi's on the north. A bed, a fireplace, few shelves that survived the destruction of the city and a lot of stuff all around. Though one difference was striking for Skadi. As the weather in the city was warmer and without snow, the room with lit fireplace was almost hell for her. After taking few bites from the delicious meat, she had to excuse herself and seek the fresh air outside.
“Are you alright?” Phi appeared after few minutes.
“I'm fine, it's just too hot here.”
“Ah, right, you need snow and cold, right? Wait a moment,” she ran inside and after a while she appeared with Miriell. The guardian summoned Blue Aether and created ice walls around one of the fallen pillars, that could be as good substitute for bed as anything else in these ruins.
“It won't last forever, but it should keep you fine over night. Miriell needs sleep before we try to create the portal for you.”
“Thank you,” Skadi smiled gratefully. “For everything, Phi.”
“That's fine. It's not like we'll meet friendly face too often here. Good night!”
Skadi slept only a little during that night. Her thoughts kept whirling in her head and she couldn't stop them. Why are they helping me so much? Are they really so happy about seeing someone who doesn't want to kill them? Or are they trying to get rid of me because of unstable Aether? If they can create a portal to Atreia, aren't they danger? If I get back, I'll have to do more research about the rifts and where they can lead to.
Due to the restless sleep she woke up very early. When the outcast girls joined her, she had a surprise for them. Two small wind spirits were playing around her feet.
“What are these?” Phi yelped. This time she didn't wear gloves, so Skadi could see that her left arm is artificial too.
“Gifts. You didn't have to, but you helped me, so I decided to give you friendly companions. They can't talk, but they understand thoughts of the person bound to them. If you want, I'll bind one to each of you.”
Phi translated Skadi's offer to Miriell, who immediately agreed and picked up one of the spirits right away. After the spirits were bound, the girls led Skadi through an underground labyrinth to a chamber with four items placed on pedestals: a tiara, a mechanical staff, a sword and a horn.
“Two hundred years ago there was a Pale plague that came from the portal on the north,” Phi said with respect. “It took half of Kinet and Synthet lands, which resulted in Kinets and Synthets invading south. Four heroes were able to stop the plague and avert the all-out war. Eileen of Rowan clan, Konnar of Fire Valley, Alpha 100F Steel and Mirabell from the City of Eight Gates. These Relics belonged to them, each is imbued with the Ether they mastered. Now, if the heroes allow, we will use the Relics to help you return home.”
“You can do that?”
“We hope so,” Phi donned the tiara and held the staff, Miriell took the horn and the sword. “Please concentrate on some place that's dear to you, we will need to use you as a focus.”
The Asmodian closed her eyes and thought about her favourite Frost Spirit Valley. The Aether whirled around her for few long minutes. When the flow stabilised, she dared to open her eyes. The valley was around her. She scanned the Aether in every part of it and checked behaviour of the local spirits. Only after she was done, she smiled. She was back home. And her home was safe for now.