Breaking the Ice | Eldritch Academy

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264 posts

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   VITALITY • 3

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   STAMINA • 4

Atranoch Telemindred

Mar 5, 2019 22:10:53 GMT -6

Post by Oras Aventra Auro on Mar 5, 2019 22:10:53 GMT -6

Oras had received a message from Ryse, asking if he could come and visit her room, wishing to talk. Oras was... Well he was extremely uncomfortable with the very idea of this. Namely that he was going to be in a secluded space with a pretty girl. He didn't like the idea of this whatsoever. He could tolerate it in the dorm section because it was bigger, and even though it was night, there was a sense of others in the area due to it's semi-public location. Oras walked through the halls and as he approached the dorm, someone nearly ran into him. The turned and smiled at him. "Hey there! You a new student?" Oras rolled his eyes. "Oh yes! That's why I'm wearing the standard uniform for newcomers in the Academy! Oh wait! No I'm not~ Use your eyes idiot," he said as he walked past the person without another word. He walked quite arrogantly towards Ryse's room. Upon reaching it he sighed, took a deep breath, and knocked on the door three times. Each time cooling the area around on both ends of the door by ten degrees, to a total of thirty degrees cooler.

Ryse Azar

Student Scholar

350 posts

GRADE • B-

   VITALITY • 3

   STRENGTH • 2

   SPEED • 3

   RESILIENCE • 4

   STAMINA • 2

Spirit's Fire Church Grim / Phoenix Terra

Mar 5, 2019 22:33:39 GMT -6

Post by Ryse Azar on Mar 5, 2019 22:33:39 GMT -6

Ryse had been sitting in a chair, reading a book as she waited for Oras to arrive. Candles flickered, illuminating the room as she read the book. The present she'd gotten from her mother, a carved wooden charm made of mahogany, hung from a chain around her neck. The charm was of the sun and moon, halves of a whole. Golden detailed were meticulously painted on it. No doubt it had taken her mother days to make it, even with her talent and skill.

As she heard the knock on the door, she perked up, putting the book to the side and standing up, walking towards the door. Opening it, she shivered as the cold air hit her. But she gave a small smile at Oras anyways. "Hey, Oras." she greeted him. "I'm surprised you actually came, being honest. I didn't expect you to, with you wanted to be close to your summoner and all."

As the Atronach would walk in, she would shut the door behind her. "Sit anywhere you like. There's another chair next to mine. Or you can sit on my bed. Whichever you like." It would be clear that she was nervous, as she didn't have people over to her room very often, if at all.

Oras Aventra Auro

Traveler

264 posts

GRADE • A-

   VITALITY • 3

   STRENGTH • 4

   SPEED • 3

   RESILIENCE • 2

   STAMINA • 4

Atranoch Telemindred

Mar 6, 2019 8:16:25 GMT -6

Post by Oras Aventra Auro on Mar 6, 2019 8:16:25 GMT -6

When she opened the door, it was clear she was cold and yet she still smiled. Damn it, he tried to make this easier, not harder. It was worse when they were in uncomfortable positions and still smiled. Better do what he did best to put a stop to it. He pushed passed her into the room with a scoff. "Oh yeeeaaah, and pass up the chance to mock you more puppird? I could never do that~" he finished with a smirk, turning around to her. "And besides, I called an elemental or two to keep watch while I'm away. Even still, I'd rather not wait too long so please make this quick." When she told Oras he could sit anywhere he liked, even the bed, he did the exact opposite, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed and a big smirk on his face as he did so.

"So then. Puppird do you have an answer for my question?" he asked, pushing for her to answer the: 'do you accept your lineage yet' question. He had warned her he would ask her at least once per conversation until she accepted it. She was making good progress too.

Ryse Azar

Student Scholar

350 posts

GRADE • B-

   VITALITY • 3

   STRENGTH • 2

   SPEED • 3

   RESILIENCE • 4

   STAMINA • 2

Spirit's Fire Church Grim / Phoenix Terra

Mar 6, 2019 9:33:21 GMT -6

Post by Ryse Azar on Mar 6, 2019 9:33:21 GMT -6

Ryse frowned, glaring slightly at Oras. “I already know you don’t think I’m a freak. So I don’t see why you like making fun of me...” Did he like making her upset? He knew she didn’t like that nickname. It was irritating and infuriating.

At the Atronach’s question, she looked away from him, fiddling with her sleeves. “Not... entirely...” She replied softly. She’d accepted that she wasn’t a curse; Oras’ comments a week earlier had helped with that. But she wasn’t quite ready to accept the fact that she was what she was. She knew what she was, but accepting it was another thing entirely. She’d fought against it for so long that it was difficult for her to do the complete opposite. To let go and accept it.

Oras Aventra Auro

Traveler

264 posts

GRADE • A-

   VITALITY • 3

   STRENGTH • 4

   SPEED • 3

   RESILIENCE • 2

   STAMINA • 4

Atranoch Telemindred

Mar 6, 2019 13:59:48 GMT -6

Post by Oras Aventra Auro on Mar 6, 2019 13:59:48 GMT -6

Seeing her start getting very upset, frowning and glaring, was relieving to Oras. He'd rather deal with an angry woman than a happy one. Most people would call him crazy, but they of course didn't know the context. He didn't even spend time with women of his own species, that's how bad it was. Oras shrugged with a grin. "Too bad you won't get an answer~" When she turned away from him and fiddled with her clothes, he sighed knowing what was coming. When she gave her answer he nodded. Figures. "Alright answer this then: What's holding you back this time? Why do you yet refuse to accept your lineage as who you are?"

Ryse Azar

Student Scholar

350 posts

GRADE • B-

   VITALITY • 3

   STRENGTH • 2

   SPEED • 3

   RESILIENCE • 4

   STAMINA • 2

Spirit's Fire Church Grim / Phoenix Terra

Mar 6, 2019 14:50:32 GMT -6

Post by Ryse Azar on Mar 6, 2019 14:50:32 GMT -6

The teenager grasped her head in her hands, shaking her head. "I.. it's just that I've been against it, for so many years. I've hated it and wished I could be just a normal Phoenix for so long. It's just hard for me to suddenly start thinking the opposite."

It may seem idiotic to the Atronach, but for her it was a big deal. He couldn't expect her to just say "Hey guess what? I accept what I am!" when she'd been struggling with bullying and threats for the years she'd been alive. She knew she wasn't that old, compared to most Phoenixes, but her seventeen years of life have seemed a lot longer than they were.

Oras Aventra Auro

Traveler

264 posts

GRADE • A-

   VITALITY • 3

   STRENGTH • 4

   SPEED • 3

   RESILIENCE • 2

   STAMINA • 4

Atranoch Telemindred

Mar 6, 2019 16:01:54 GMT -6

Post by Oras Aventra Auro on Mar 6, 2019 16:01:54 GMT -6

Oras listened to her talk as she grasped her head. He wasn't amused, that much would be obvious. He sighed as he reached over and flicked her forehead. "You worry way too much idiot. Just shut up and listen," He said as he walked over, dragged a chair over and sat down, crossing his legs. He waved his hands and an image appeared in front of her. Specifically an image of frost. The image was what she was: A phoenix and grim crossbreed. "This is you." he told her. Then more frost was added, shaping as a cage around her. "This is your fear and doubt." He then added more frost, taking the shape of fire beneath the cage. "This is the jealousy, pain and frustrations of your bullies taking form as hatred, seeking to destroy you where you stand." Another figure was formed outside the cage, seemingly vaporizing the cage one inch at a time. "This is me showing you how stupid the cage is and how easy it is to escape."

Oras waved the images away and folded his hands. The second he did so, ice began to spread from his position on the floor, freezing everything in its path. Inch by inch. "You're coming close to a point Ryse, where you must face a decision: Either you choose to leave the cage through the opening I have provided you, and be free. Or you can stay in the cage and let your fear and doubt consume you entirely. Sometimes there isn't any time to think, and you must be quick to choose. However," he said as the ice made it's way closer to her, resisting the heat of her flames. "Even though hiding in your corner and burning bridges won't help you anymore, you still have some time left to decide." The ice was nearly on top of her now. "So I suggest you decide what you fear the most: The bullies? Your own self? Or fear itself? Stop running away you stupid girl, and face your fears." When he finished speaking, the ice would instantly vanish, Oras sucking up the cold until it was once again thirty degrees colder than usual, rather than freezing.

Ryse Azar

Student Scholar

350 posts

GRADE • B-

   VITALITY • 3

   STRENGTH • 2

   SPEED • 3

   RESILIENCE • 4

   STAMINA • 2

Spirit's Fire Church Grim / Phoenix Terra

Mar 6, 2019 19:51:35 GMT -6

Post by Ryse Azar on Mar 6, 2019 19:51:35 GMT -6

'flick'

Ryse felt Oras's finger flick her forehead, and she flinched backwards, releasing her head to rub her forehead with a hand, slowly lifting her head to look at the Atronach with a quietly grumbled "Ow."

He began to speak, and she looked him in the eyes, the worry clear to see as she did so. He'd moved to sit across from her in his own chair, and some of her worry faded, replaced by intrigue as Oras began drawing an image made of frost in the air. The image sparkled in the light of the candles. It was pretty, in a way. She was tempted to reach out and touch it, but refrained from doing so.

She watched as the image changed as the Atronach continued speaking, beginning from one of just herself to a depiction of her fears and doubts. A very accurate depiction, if she said so herself. It constantly felt as though she was trapped or cornered in a place she couldn't escape. Fire was added next. And then Oras himself appeared. By the time he was done with his explanation her worry had disappeared, and she was simply listening with solemn eyes. He'd laid out everything perfectly; her view of the fear she held, the events she'd gone through, and even Oras's sessions with her.

Then Oras waved the images away, and the air dropped to nearly freezing, ice beginning spreading towards her. At first she didn't think much of it. But as it began freezing everything, steadily spreading and creeping towards her, did concern appear on her face. She caused the air around her to heat up, to try and keep the cold at bay. The Atronach began speaking, however.

"You're coming close to a point Ryse, where you must face a decision: Either you choose to leave the cage through the opening I have provided you, and be free. Or you can stay in the cage and let your fear and doubt consume you entirely. Sometimes there isn't any time to think, and you must be quick to choose. However,"

The ice was still coming towards her. Ryse heated the air even more, making it shimmer. The candles around the room flared brightly, reaching heights and brightness no normal candle would be able to achieve on their own. But still, her efforts did nothing. Why? Why wasn't the ice melting?! "O-Oras, this isn't f-funny. Stop." Ryse stammered. She was beginning to get frightened now.

"Even though hiding in your corner and burning bridges won't help you anymore, you still have some time left to decide."

The ice was still coming. The teenager pulled up her legs, curling into a ball as the chair began to freeze, the legs of it turning to solid ice, and part of the cushion she was sitting on. "Oras, stop!" There was nowhere she could run. The floor was solid ice, and she was afraid that if she touched the ice she too would become nothing but a frozen statue. She looked at the Atronach, terror on her face, a tear rolling down her cheek.

"So I suggest you decide what you fear the most: The bullies? Your own self? Or fear itself? Stop running away you stupid girl, and face your fears."

When he finished speaking, the ice vanished completely, the air turning back from freezing to just cold. Ryse sat in the chair, afraid to move for several seconds. Then anger overrode her terror, and her gaze snapped to the Atronach. With one quick movement, she launched towards Oras, transforming as she did so. She barreled into him, knocking him from the chair and onto the ground. She stood over him, snarling, pure fire in her eyes. "Don't you ever do that again! You hear me?!" She practically howled in rage, her face an inch away from his. The air was practically blazing around her. It was a miracle that the floor or the rug they were on didn't catch on fire. The candles were blue, the color of a flame that was around 1,500 degrees Celsius. The hottest color a flame could be. "If you want to freeze someone else, by my guest! But don't you ever do that to me!"

Oras Aventra Auro

Traveler

264 posts

GRADE • A-

   VITALITY • 3

   STRENGTH • 4

   SPEED • 3

   RESILIENCE • 2

   STAMINA • 4

Atranoch Telemindred

Mar 6, 2019 20:14:44 GMT -6

Post by Oras Aventra Auro on Mar 6, 2019 20:14:44 GMT -6

The terror in her eyes was clear, but that was the point. She needed to see that she was walking down a dangerous path right now. Of course, what he hadn't anticipated was the rage that would follow that fear. When she rushed at him he was unprepared and knocked off his chair. He rolled to his feet however, his battle instincts kicking in and saw her ignite into flames. She yelled at him, her flames increasing. 'sweat' would appear on his body from his skin beginning to melt. Even after shifting his body to his fire resistant ice, he still continued melting under the blue flames. However that wasn't about to stop him.

Oras stood up and punched her hard in the jaw, causing her to fly back into her bed. However, it was not without cost. His fist cracked, shards of ice flying off of him, and a long crack shooting up his arm as well. It was such a damaging blow that he had to hold his damaged arm with his left hand as he continued to drip. "YOU NEED TO GROW UP!!!" he roared. His eyes colder than ice. "This world is full of dangers! I intended to open your eyes now OPEN THEM!! You let your fear take over you anytime you are in danger. When your body, identity, or personal feelings are exposed or in jeopardy you either flee or cower. Instead you need to grow up, face your fears, and take the matters head on!!" Oras held his right arm up, a piece or two falling off as it did so.

"I'm in mortal danger right now because of you. But do you see me running with my tail between my legs? NO! Instead I am confronting you and your foolish childish thinking! You can't walk around every day thinking everyone will treat you nicely or that mommy will come and save you. You need to learn how to stand on your own! You have to learn WHERE THE LINE IS, and how to cross it!!" Oras jabbed his finger downward towards the ground. "Well HERE'S the line! Do you want to live in fear and doubt for the rest of your damn life, or do you intend to get out of the cell you put yourself in before it crumbles down around you?!"

Ryse Azar

Student Scholar

350 posts

GRADE • B-

   VITALITY • 3

   STRENGTH • 2

   SPEED • 3

   RESILIENCE • 4

   STAMINA • 2

Spirit's Fire Church Grim / Phoenix Terra

Mar 6, 2019 21:11:31 GMT -6

Post by Ryse Azar on Mar 6, 2019 21:11:31 GMT -6

Ryse yelped in pain as Oras punched her in the jaw, the flames around her being extinguished as she was sailing through the air, landing on her bed. She whimpered slightly, seeing stars in her eyes. She looked up at him, anger still in her eyes, and opened her mouth to say a retort.

And stopped as Oras began his lecture.

As she listened, her anger faded away. Oras explained that he had done what he had because he wanted to open her eyes. That the world was dangerous, that she needed to stand up for herself, instead of running away whenever she was in danger. And she felt shame wash over her. Looking over the Atronach, she realized the shape he was in. What she'd done in her anger. She'd hurt him. She may not have meant to, but she had done so.

Her ears flattened against her head, but for once she didn't change back into her human form. She stayed in her hybrid form, looking at the angry Atronach. "I'm... I'm sorry for hurting you. I'm stupid and idiotic, like you said." She said softly, feeling guilty she had hurt him like she did.

"You're right....... the world is dangerous. I'm naive, yes, but I've met enough people to know that not everyone is nice. But I-" She stopped herself, shaking her head. Her eyes dark. "When you think of someone as a friend, you don't think that they would try to hurt you. The bullies I've met, they would try. I didn't think you would though."

She fell silent for a few long moments, gathering her thoughts. She took a deep breath, stood up, and padded over to Oras. "I'm not like you, Oras. I don't face the people who make fun of me. But....... I would... like to try."

Oras Aventra Auro

Traveler

264 posts

GRADE • A-

   VITALITY • 3

   STRENGTH • 4

   SPEED • 3

   RESILIENCE • 2

   STAMINA • 4

Atranoch Telemindred

Mar 6, 2019 21:39:35 GMT -6

Post by Oras Aventra Auro on Mar 6, 2019 21:39:35 GMT -6

As Ryse calmed down and her flames gone for good, Oras scanned the area for some ice and spotted an iced drink. He took the ice cubes out of the water and they were absorbed into his body. Immediately the melted sections of his body were restored, and that was enough for him to put his pieces back on. The cracks would take a while to restore though. He turned to her as she apologized, stating how she was stupid and idiotic like he always claimed her to be. He said nothing, letting her speak as he knew she wasn't done. She told him that while she was naive and knew not everyone was nice, she didn't expect a friend to hurt her. She called him a friend?

Oras was honestly not sure about this. She wanted to call him a friend after everything? Sure there were people able to put up with him, but how long would she last? She already snapped from his fear tactic, what next? Still... She walked over to him and stated how she wanted to be able to try. To try and confront people and things like Oras did. Oras took a deep breath and let out hot air, slowly expelling the heat and restoring his body.

"Ryse. You idiot." He kneeled down and pulled her in a hug. "If you know me, you'd know that I wouldn't hurt you. Not really. I use extreme methods to teach, but they aren't to the point of maiming or hurting. If you, for lack of wisdom or reason, consider me your friend, remember that there is no way I'll let you become hurt or killed." He pushed a way, promising to himself never to do that again. Just this once since she was literally falling apart at the seams. He stood up and moved back over to his chair, picking it up and placing it nice and neat again. "If you want to learn and practice confrontations Ryse, then I've got the perfect place for you to start: I'm notifying faculty that you and I will be taking a trip in three days. We're going to see your mother. And you'll be getting some answers from her."

Ryse Azar

Student Scholar

350 posts

GRADE • B-

   VITALITY • 3

   STRENGTH • 2

   SPEED • 3

   RESILIENCE • 4

   STAMINA • 2

Spirit's Fire Church Grim / Phoenix Terra

Mar 6, 2019 22:35:25 GMT -6

Post by Ryse Azar on Mar 6, 2019 22:35:25 GMT -6

Ryse had expected Oras to lecture her some more. To call her a moron, or stupid, or idiotic. That she was a coward. To say that he was leaving and never speaking to her again, after what she did.

What she did not expect was to be pulled into a hug. She stiffened and her eyes widened in surprise. But after a moment, she relaxed, a smile gracing her face as her tail wagged slowly. It was nice, and it had been some time since she'd been hugged by anyone.

Her smile grew wider as she heard Oras say that he would never hurt her. That he would never let her be hurt or killed. He'd called her an idiot of course, but for once she didn't get angry at him. Spreading her wings, she gave him a strange hug of her own, wrapping her wings around him and licking his cheek. "Thank you Oras." She replied quietly, smiling.

When he pulled away, she sat there, watching him put the chair back to rights, then turning back to her. And perked her ears in surprise. Did... did he just say they were going to see her mother? "We're going to Hisakawa to see my mom?" She asked, tilting her head. "But, what about school? We both have classes. Well. Me more so than you. And it takes about a week to get to the mountain range. It takes about another day or so to cross the mountains. And about a week to get to my home from there."

Crossing the mountains was always dangerous. She had flown with her mother in an airship when she first came to Mistere, as it had been too dangerous for her to fly across with her wings. The mountains were known for their freezing temperatures and terrible snowstorms. They would probably have to take another one when crossing back over. As for Hisakawa itself, the terrain was humid and full of jungles and forests. It was dangerous to go traversing through the terrain without someone who knew the dangers well. She grew up in Hisakawa, it was true, but she never went far from her home if she could help it, even when hunting.

She and her mother lived a ways away from one of the smaller cities on the right side of the river Wakeru, the giant river which split the nation in half. Not one of the main five cities, but a smaller and poorer city farther away. This meant that the inhabitants there were less well off, so crime was an easy way of life. This was one of the reasons the two didn't live in the city itself, but on the outskirts, living off the land. They weren't dirt poor, but they were far from rich. Many of the things they owned and food ate they either made, or grew, or hunted themselves. Except for clothes and other things, they only buy things from the city when they need to.

Oras Aventra Auro

Traveler

264 posts

GRADE • A-

   VITALITY • 3

   STRENGTH • 4

   SPEED • 3

   RESILIENCE • 2

   STAMINA • 4

Atranoch Telemindred

Mar 7, 2019 9:28:51 GMT -6

Post by Oras Aventra Auro on Mar 7, 2019 9:28:51 GMT -6

He knew he made a mistake when he hugged her. Now he was paying for it. This girl wasn't predictable and thus he didn't anticipate what would come, but he knew it probably wouldn't be good for him. Hearing her thank him was bad, but getting licked on the cheek? Dogs licked as their way of kissing people soo..... He reacted on instinct and nothing but instinct, pushing her away when she licked him... In a semi gentle, semi rough manner. "UGH, don't put your slobber on me moron!!" That wasn't at all the issue of course, but he was acting on reactions at this point. It was taking all the effort he could just to not blush from the thought that she had just kissed him on the cheek. Even if she wasn't pretty right now, it still sent shivers through his spine. If she was in her human form and kissed him... There was no hiding anything. So he was grateful she was in dog/phoenix form.

The surprise on her face was clear as day, and he had expected as much. When she started asking him about school he could't tell if it was an excuse or an actual concern. Either way he didn't care. "Pfft. A week. I'll get you there in three days max. Don't you worry about speed or dangers, or have you forgotten who you're dealing with? As for school, while most of it's garbage I can try getting Faculty to help catch you up once your home. They're usually fair with family emergencies. And if they aren't anymore well, I'll have fun beating to a pulp the first faculty I see."

Ryse Azar

Student Scholar

350 posts

GRADE • B-

   VITALITY • 3

   STRENGTH • 2

   SPEED • 3

   RESILIENCE • 4

   STAMINA • 2

Spirit's Fire Church Grim / Phoenix Terra

Mar 7, 2019 10:04:18 GMT -6

Post by Ryse Azar on Mar 7, 2019 10:04:18 GMT -6

Ryse nearly laughed at his reaction. It was just like when kids would say “Don’t get your cooties on me!” It was funny that Oras was the same way.

Then she blinked in surprise. “Three days?!” Ryse exclaimed upon hearing the Atronach’s reply. “How will you get us there in three days? Have you been to Hisakawa before?” It was possible, since he’d traveled with his former summoner. Maybe he knew something she didn’t. But even so.... three days seemed like a stretch. She wondered how he would handle the humidity and the heat. “Will we be able to get back to the school in three days as well?”

Oras Aventra Auro

Traveler

264 posts

GRADE • A-

   VITALITY • 3

   STRENGTH • 4

   SPEED • 3

   RESILIENCE • 2

   STAMINA • 4

Atranoch Telemindred

Mar 7, 2019 10:11:51 GMT -6

Post by Oras Aventra Auro on Mar 7, 2019 10:11:51 GMT -6

When she showed shock and surprise with what he said he expected it. But hearing her exclaim it was just priceless and he couldn't help laugh. "Yeah three days tops. And of course I've been there before. I've been nearly everywhere at least once. I even fought beside them in a war. Give me some freaking credit Ryse." Oras thought about how much ice he'd need for this trip.. Maybe like. A full bag of dry ice? That should do it. He'd need to prod the faculty for this of course. 'hey can I borrow a full bag of dry ice for a trip? Thanks goodbye'. He didn't like asking them anything but it would cut the time. Oras heard Ryse ask if he could do it in the same amount of time going back and he thought for a moment. "It honestly depends on how tired I am, and if I have enough ice to keep me going on the way back. Seeing as how your kind don't really have ice to begin with."