Thread: Maelstrom (RustyRedhead and darjeeling)

Anivia has decided to stay here and protect the city in my stead. She was happy to do so and I cannot be grateful enough. It was obvious to see that Ashe held an extraordinary amount of respect for the Cryophoenix, for all that she stood for and represented. As the phoenix dies and is reborn, never to remain a shadow for very long, Freljord too was also similar. Though the tundra was barren in one place and fruitful in another, the winter-lands were too strong a force to eradicate. Not even the combined forces of Noxus and Demacia alike could claim Freljord for themselves. She was wise enough not to say as much and remained quiet as the ring of knives echoed about the stony walls with purpose. The sound was oddly soothing, reminding the Ice Queen of the assassin's indisputable talent with her blades. To the stream of uncouth descriptors, the archer simply shrugged lightly as the guards escorted them away. As you say. If Katarina wished to call Tryndamere all manner of ugly names and insult him the entire way, then Ashe could not stop her. She could only tighten her grip on her satchel, her fingers wrapping around the pouch protectively and sigh. If it is as you say, then your job will be that much easier. She very much doubted that the Barbarian King had lost his way. For one, Barbarians were never lost so long as they were in the Freljords, they were always home. Tryndamere always had a keen sense of direction, almost as well-versed in these lands as the Avarosan nomads of yore. The price you proposition, within reason, will be delivered to you either upon the completion of our mission, or if we return home without Tryndamere and the others. Her voice was all business but her mouth tightened into a stern line as she shook her head. Though I pray it does not come to that. Ashe purposefully ignored Katarina's rather sultry comment, albeit just as lewd and riddled with intentions the Frost Archer deemed inappropriate, especially whilst still in the presence of her people. Children waved at her and company, daring to duck their heads out into the bite of winter and women offered small loaves of bread. She declined, of course, but made sure to thank them thoroughly for their kindness. The few men that had been privy to the Queen's plans had offered their services, which she also turned away. The envoy from Noxus, Ashe was careful to say, would be more than adequate. They had conceded albeit with no lack of disgruntled whispers much later. They were lead towards the high gates where even they seemed to shiver at the storm it shielded the city from. The guard motioned for Ashe to wait as they opened the great oaken doors. She nodded her head as four ran towards them, bundling their coats about their necks and readying themselves for the inevitable howl as they pried the gates open with a pair of long iron bars designed and crafted for this very reason. The second a single crack showed, the chill seeped in, stronger than ever. The gates would not be opened for fear of letting the weather have its way with the innards of the city, so Ashe gestured for Katarina to follow her, slipping through the gates when she was able to. As soon as Katarina had also made her way out, the doors would slam shut, a booming, resonating sound that signalled the final beginning. The temperamental gales were unrelenting as the storm wasted no time in battering snow against their faces and would have blinded Ashe too had she not been who she was. Her sight in a flurry was not so much better than another but she could make out the shapes and the dark outlines of trees she knew lay just beyond the walls of Rakelstake. She was determined not to look behind her as she took Katarina firmly by her hand, with consent or no, and pulled her towards the cover of the small forest. The trees were tough, with thick trunks rooted firmly beneath snow and soil alike and bushels of black-green lining the strong branches. When Ashe was satisfied that they were situated safely beneath the swaying canopy, she dropped Katarina's hand and brushed the wet snow from her own eyes. If I may propose a starting point, Tryndamere would have headed northward. Rakelstake is much closer to the outskirts, so venturing deeper into Freljord territory would be the safest conclusion. We may have to scale some mountains. Ashe paused as she glanced into the wintry storm swirling in front of them. If her eyes didn't deceive her, she might say the weather had calmed a tad though not enough to make a difference. We will have to avoid Sejuani at all costs. Though her tribe may also be feeling Freljord's wrath, it may be that the lands beyond the mountains will be clearer and easier to navigate on.