Van Royo

[Kai]

Kairi stood at the bow staring ahead to the cold harbour that danced on the horizon. She glanced down to see the once smooth waters now taking on a slushy texture.
Why was she going back? Why was she agreeing to the madness of all of this? She looked back over the last 24 hours. How she wished she still sat at that bar, and ignored that man who came in crying about vampires. She never would have been bit, given this stupid black curse that her best friend's brother --that I never even knew existed somehow-- couldn't remove fully, been nearly seduced by a tainted mask, died, and was forced to--
Her mind stopped abruptly as the image of Stryfe pierced through. She tried to suppress the memory of his blood; the smell, the taste, the intoxicatingly glorious power it gave her. She shook her head violently and bent over the railing, her head down. She wanted adventure...
She chuckled bitterly. "Careful what you ask for." She glanced up once again to see the thick blanket of ice in the distance. She could still run. Dante thought she was dead, so he has no reason to look for her but to go back to his lands sounded like a surefire way to get found out.
Assuming that random guy on the other ship didn't already rat on me. The thought sent a chill through her. She wrapped her arms around herself, now unnaturally cold. Esfrodante had that effect. No. She couldn't go back now, Sully was counting on her to help her, and she had already sworn to do so. Dejected, Kairi tore herself from the bow to reteat from the cold and hopefully find Fenric to ask him if he was sure his ship could handle the ice ahead.

[Lovely]

Waves crashed by the base or Fenric's ship. From a distance stood Sully looking down on Kai who seemed to be troubled within her thoughts. "The seas are going to be more treacherous going forward" shouted Fenric from across the deck. Sully approached her friend tightening a shale across her shoulders. A small brim mist parting her lips as she excelled. "You look troubled" her words escaped as her taller form stood next to Kairi. Her shadow almost towering from the magical lamps that lit the deck and circling them.

"There's a lot I still don't know about you yet Kairi but there's going to come a point you're going to let us in" she smirked her gaze still remained at the sea that seemed to be getting angrier as the approached Esfrodante. The ship had roughly 10 other ship mates assuring that captain Fenric had the necessary help that was needed. One in particularly a young woman hair almost as white as the captain that ferried the ship, perhaps a sibling? Carried a arm full of blankets and was approaching the two women that overlooked their next adventure.

"My brother as instructed me to give you Blankets, these desolate lands are cold and even colder at sea I strongly advice you take one" in agreeance Sully took one her eyes turning to Kai awaiting her response.

[Kai]

Kairi had not expected anyone to be around and startled internally as she turned to see the redheaded woman appear beside her. She was about to greet her friend when Sully unintentionally cut her off.
"There's a lot I still don't know about you yet Kairi but there's going to come a point you're going to let us in."
She sighed internally; there was a lot they didn't know about each other, this was uncomfortably true. But she didn't want to burden her friend with her past. Except for when it randomly decides to show itself and kill off a Vampire. she scoffed remembering the ball when Dante showed himself.
She struggled with how to respond when the young girl saved her with blankets. She smiled awkwardly and shook her head, "I'm alright, thank you."

She kept her back to the cold, and her past. She knew Sully was right, maybe not about the letting people in part, but definitely about needing to eventually let them know a bit of what possible challenges might present themselves. Afterall, Sully dropped her wild bombshells about being the daughter of a God-King. So Kairi's secrets weren't all that wild.
She raised her gaze to the crew, and the young woman that had now wandered away with her blankets offering them to others. A strange pulsing sensation rippled through Kai and once again everything sharpened, her hearing heightened. Flowing rivers of blood echoed in her ears as the pounding of the hearts around her beat against her skull. A tightness gripped her throat and slowly, without thought, everything honed in on the woman who stood beside her. Kai had taken on a very statuesque appearance; glassy eyes, a very still frame, and she didn't even seem to be breathing. Internally, however, she tried to ignore the desire to lunge at Sully and tear into her flesh.
Do it, urged a familiar voice. Give in to your true nature. This is what you are. Amid all the noise, Kai now heard her own heart pounding inside her head. And slowly she became aware of it in her chest. There's no way, Kraven is dead. So who's voice was that?
As quickly as it came on, everything faded and returned to normal. Hoping no one noticed the small trance that just took place, she released a forced sigh and nodded at Sully. "Should we prepare for our adventure." Without waiting for an answer she shuffled off towards the cabin.

[Lovely]

Before Kai could return to the cabin the magical lanterns began to dim, and the ship mates began to hurry to prepare their defenses. Sully looked around nothing but a dark sky peppered with stars and dense clouds. Before she could question Fenric answered her, "We're being followed those who aren't managing the ship into the lower deck." She could see a dark ship floating near by, an ominous air began to raise Something was wrong who could be following them, was it pirates? A ghost ship? Her father's men trying to retrieve her. Her mind fabricated different scenarios. She placed her hand on the hilt of her sword. Worry prominent on her face but shadowed by the dimness of Fenric's ship.

"We can fight!" Insisted Sully though from the silence that came from him she knew he didn't want more then he bargained for.

[Kai]

Still too caught up in what happened moments ago, Kai didn't notice the shift in atmosphere until she nearly got shoved back by a crewmate as he exited the cabin. Grabbing the door frame to steady herself she turned to see everyone scurrying, and Sully's attention fixed on something out of her current line of sight.

Fight? Fight what? She made her way back to Sully's side and followed her gaze to the shadow in the distance. Her heart sank; this couldn't be good. Given where they were it could be anything. Pirates, Dante's men, adventurers who are foolish enough to assume they can brave the icy waters and frozen wastelands... Or-- she tried to suppress it but the thought would not be held back, what if Sully's father somehow heard of our intentions and sent his men to stop us?

An audible growl rumbled in her throat. "No. If we fight, we risk giving everything away. If it's pirates, then we can take them by surprise from below. Same with other adventurers who might want to try and raid us thinking we're pirates." She shifted her gaze to Fenric, then to Sully. "We can't risk it being someone who could report our whereabouts to anyone, especially your father. So, as much as I hate to say this, I'm with Fenric on this; we should hide below decks until we know it's not a threat to our mission."

[Lovely]

Sully was at a loss for words they all made sense but despite her eager and positivity that generally radiated out of Sully the thought that her father may be pursuing her or worse made her anxious. She gripped her mage's staff. I don't know about this she ran towards Kai her hand gently resting on her shoulder and guided her to the lower deck. She knew Kai could have guided herself but the touch of her best friend was a for assurance to know that whatever they would face she had her to help.

The lower deck was dark and ominous Sully removed her hand off Kai and raised her staff tapping the red gem at the and illuminating that darkness enough to not give away their destination. A few others were already hiding including the girl who handed off blankets. Worry and fear is what Sully could feel and from the corner of her eye was a man who she hadn't met yet was he here this entire time? she dismissed the thought and turned Kai.

"We should changed the mood in here" the smile returned to Sully's face though her concerns were still evident on her eyes. "Let's talk about what we look forward to"

***********************************************
As Fenric took out his bring Em' near telescope and opened it to see the ship gradually getting closer he noticed at it's tip a massive blade. Instantly he knew and lowered his telescope "Azure Lupis Lavonn...but how?"

[Kai]

Kairi did not protest as her companion ushered her into the darkness, she knew Sully shared her distaste at the idea of running from a battle and this was probably her way of coping.
As the dim light from the staff lit the room, Kairi felt her heart tighten when the others came into sight. Oh no. She quickly, and subtly, ran her tongue over her teeth to find they were normal. Thank the Gods. She tried to focus on the red-headed woman as she began to speak, but she was quickly drowned out by the the drums that once again attempted to beat her into submission.
It wasn't going to happen, she wasn't going to lose control. She'd mastered the hunger before, she'll do it again. Drink them all.. "Shut up." she hissed under her breath. You can't fight forever. "Shut up!" Her hiss was a little louder, just loud enough for Sully to hear. Do it! Kai stumbled back, as if shoved. Her head whipped to either side; she could have sworn someone was right beside her and growled in her ear. Panting, she slowly remembered the others in the room, who were undoubtedly now staring at her. "Do you hear that?" she asked quietly, trying to cover her freak out as just her being concerned about whatever could be going on above deck.

Well this was going to be fun...

[Lovely]

Before Sully could react to the manic behaviour that Kai was showcasing. “Hear what?” Was all Sully could muster. It seemed as though everyone’s attention in the room was focused on Kai all but one man and he seemed to be heading up on the main deck. “Excuse me? You shouldn’t be going up there” his grey eyes turned to look over at the girl behind Sully and replied with no words but a smirk. Something was off, definitely not right and Sully felt it not only with that man heading up on deck but with the very companion that was before her. Sully approached Kai in attempt to calm her down but before she could lay her hand on Her the boat began to rock viciously causing Sully to drop her staff and fall on her behind.
**********************************
Fenric had no choice but to stop the ship the faster he got the quicker the other boat approached. Both boats aligned with each other a mist began to surround their ship. Fenric’s men stood as they helped the board connect between both ships, as several pirates walked along the deck but one in particular was a taller woman hair thief back and hair gold like corn, she was the woman that Fenric worried about. “What business have you on my ship Azure?” Her hands grazed the frame of the ship as though comparing the make of it in comparison to her ship. “I’m looking for someone” she said turning her ocean blue eyes to look up at “and someone told me you’ve been keeping her here, and she’s worth quite a bit of money” Fenric laid his head to the side “I don’t believe I know what you mean if it’s the princess your seeking I feel like you’re a little late as she’s made a deal with me” “she’s with the princess” broke out a voice that submerged from the deck, the elven man walked pass Fenric and continued toward Azure bending the knee, “The one named Kairi is with the princess” “Well done Skye” Azure’s attention looked to Fenric who stood teeth grit “it’s seems Fenric according to my spies you’ve made this deal with princess but you carry precious cargo that I must return to it’s rightful owner”

[Kai]

As Kairi met Skye's gaze, a feeling of uneasiness washed over her. What was his problem? She was about to tell the guy off, but the rocking of the boat sent her toppling over with Sully. "Shit, they're here." She looked over to the others, then to Sully. Something didn't feel right. She closed her eyes, trying to hone in on her hearing, willing whatever lingering powers of Stryfe's blood may still be in her. She slowed her breathing in time to hear Skye mention her name. Jarred, Kai opened her eyes, How does he know my name?? Focusing on the conversation once more, her eyes never moved from Sully's face as someone above mentioned her being cargo and returning her 'to its rightful owner'. Her blood boiled at the woman calling her property. "Dante."she spat, her face melting into a concerned scowl. "But how?" Panic and anger fought within her. She wanted to find a way out, to get away, but she also wanted to go upstairs and beat that woman to a pulp for calling her Dante's property. She ran to a gun port, lifting the heavy shutter and tying it to a nearby beam.
How does he kn-- "Bastard!" The shadow from the other ship floated into her mind and her eyes darkened. So he did tattle. But how did that make sense? Why would he toss the teeth at her and tell her to tell Dante if he was just going to see him. And how was Kraven still alive?? Ugh, this doesn't make sense.
Light poured into the cabin and she turned to look at Sully. "Time to go!" Without waiting for an answer, she pulled herself through the porthole and glanced down.
Could it have been Stryfe? Did he know anything? That seemed unlikely. So how the fuck did Dante know she was still alive?

The ice was a bit further than she had hoped, but she'd be fine. With a final glance at Sully, she forced a smile and jumped into the water below. It was much colder than she had anticipated, causing all the breath she had just taken in to expel from her lungs in shock.
She couldn't move, or breathe. She tried to will herself to move, to tell Sully not to jump in after her because it was too cold, but she lost all feeling. You're just going to give up? Kraven taunted. Kai was beginning to fade into darkness. Allow me to help you, my sweet. A fire ripped through her and she pulled herself to the surface, gasping for air. But she couldn't take any time to enjoy it before she was pulling herself onto a sheet of ice and darting off towards the abandoned village. She had to wait for Sully, surely she would try to follow, but she kept running. Her mind was so foggy, yet she seemed to move more gracefully, and with more agility than ever. The only other time this happened was when-- Sssh Love, I've got you. Impossible! She wasn't controlling her own movements, no matter how much she tried. You can't fight me anymore, you are mine now.
Kai crouched in a building, her body burning with a mix of what she could only assume was hypothermia, and rage. She tried to clear her mind, will herself to move of her own accord, but it seemed to be of no use. Well this can't be good. Peeking over the edge of a window, she could see the ship was very close to the shoreline now. She just needs to stay alive, and not get captured. If she can keep low and avoid them, she could make it out of here alive. Assuming her body doesn't fail completely under these conditions. She was still half-human after all.
What little of her mind that wasn't covered in a haze worried for Sully; she essentially abandoned her friend for her own selfishness. Don't worry, my sweet. We won't let harm come to her, I have plans for her too.

[Lovely]

Sully looked to the side both Kai and her were now on the ground, and keeping their breathing to a reasonable rate. Until Kai pulled herself up in a panic. Before Sully could respond Kai already had her intensions on running away. Sully had no words. She watched her friend escape just as quickly leaving her stranded on this boat. She looked around the innocents around her whispering among themselves Sully grabbed her staff as she brought herself up to stand. The light at the end of her staff began to glow once more. She looked up the stairs and over her shoulder to where her friend jumped out of. The need to throw herself out after her was over powering, she knew these rivers could not keep a person alive. But without a single thought Sully dove in afterwards. She couldn't risk losing her companion, if it meant she would have to venture on without here she would risk it all. She coughed up her body instantly shocked by the submersion but her luck prevailed ice was accessible and able to keep her out of the water. Esfrodante was not far, but she couldn't see her friend.

"KAIII!!!"

She called out the screaming waves crashing against her, her body shivering as the cold sunk under her drenched clothes as the cold winds blew against her. Why was she stupid to assume that they could swim to shore while two pirate ships hung by each other. That's when she noticed from a far near the coast lines Kai was dragging herself into a hunt and something was terribly off.
***********************************************
"I'm sorry I don't understand" Fenric looked at Azure and Skye. This entire time he believed that everyone on board the ship were allies to the cause but now he felt betrayed. "There's nothing to understand Fenric, this is strictly business and I've got spies everywhere, and I should really thank you" Azure smirked, "my employer paid very generously and as recommended that I bring back all who assisted the hidden whereabouts of his prized possession had I known a whole ship, I would have requested double. But that's not me, you can keep the princess I just need the prize, men go get her" she waved her hand as several swashbucklers made their way to the lower deck.

Azure was confident she knew she would get what she wanted, "captain...both the princess and our bounty are missing" "What!?" Insulted she was as she marched her way to grab the shirt on Fenric "what have you done to them??" No sane person would jump over board.

[Kai]

Still trying to fight to regain control, while also fighting to stay conscious, Kai's heart seized at the sound of Sully's distressed call. "Sully." She tried to shout back, to answer her and let her know she was okay, but she couldn't manage anything but a whisper.
Excellent. Kraven purred. Go to her. Kairi crawled out of the hut to see a mass of red hair violently tossed about by the harsh waves, clinging onto a small sheet of ice. A determination coursed through her and she found herself running as fast as her stiffened limbs would let her, to save her friend. As she neared the edge of the water, she slid and reached a hand out to Sully. But Sully was still a ways from the edge of the ice. Her eyes lit up and she pulled her halberd from it's hook and held it out for Sully to grab. Her whole body ached, and burned in protest as she held her weapon out for her friend, but she wasn't going to let Sully freeze. "Grab on." she croaked, her voice still refusing to work.

From a distance a large raven with silvery feathers watched the weakened woman attempt to save the other. It cawed quietly, as if answering an unheard voice.

[Lovely]

*cough cough*
Sully had swallowed more then she can take from the salted water she floated on. Why was she convinced that she could take on the elements in order to save her friend. When she thought all hope was lost; a halberd was in front of her. She grabbed it, because at the end of it was a person she trusted. She was pulled to the shore lines, shivering, from the cold. Sully brought Kai into a tight hug "please don't ever do that again" her voice was raspy, scratchy, and she didn't seem to realize the bird that toward over them. Whatever the case was both of them were safe, and Sully couldn't contain her tears. She borrowed her face into Kai's shoulder in attempt to hide the emotional wreck that was surfacing out of her.

[Kai]

As Sully pulled her into a hug, Kai spotted movement on the ships in the distance. They must have realized they were gone. "We should go." Her voice was barely above a whisper, but the lack of quiver in it, and her no longer visibly shivering wasn't a good sign; hypothermia and frostbite were setting in. If they didn't get somewhere warm, and find dry clothes, they would freeze on the shore in an emotional embrace.
But Kai couldn't move. She couldn't feel anything, not even Sully hugging her. Why did she think jumping off the boat was the smarter idea than fighting whoever Dante sent after her? If she hadn't been so reckless, and impulsive, Sully wouldn't have followed and be in this predicament. Of course, she'd probably be trying to fight to defend her. Why would Dante send someone to get her when he knew she was heading back to Esfrodante? Why not ambush her here? She grit her teeth, he was so unpredictable it was infuriating. All these years, and now she suddenly matters? Since when does he care about her, a hybrid; an abomination?
Get up. Kraven growled. Kai lifted herself into a hunched stance, lifting Sully to her feet in the process. Her eyes were glassy, and her movements were too smooth for someone in this situation. Go. Kai grabbed Sully's arm and attempted to drag her towards the cabin she was in earlier. "We have to hide." Her voice was monotone, and not at all hers. At this point she wasn't even remotely trying to fight Kraven. In fact, she welcomed his ability to manipulate her if it meant getting them to safety.

[Lovely]

Sully was loyal a fault. If Kai told her to return to the river she would have. As Kai recommended that they found shelter her voice sounded off. But anything to be out of sight from those willing to be traitors was better then freezing and being exposed to not only the elements but to their enemies. Sully accepted and followed and attempted to keep up with her pace despite feeling like her feet didn’t want to move. “I’m sorry I’m so cold” Sully plead, it made sense considering the attire she chose for the adventure had skin exposing around her stomach, back and shoulders. Her lips a light purple evidently hypothermia was sinking in.

[Kai]

Kai's movements had started to slow, her body now aggressively protesting every movement. The burning had long since faded, indicating she didn't have long before she stopped moving and likely died. Kai laughed internally; hope that pirate bitch wasn't expecting payment for delivering her dead body.
She could feel Kraven growing frustrated at her body's refusal to keep up with his manipulations, this also pleased her. He over estimated his hold over her human body, and now he wasn't going to get his prize either.

As she lazily pulled Sully deeper into the village, towards the entrance of a fairly intact cabin, she was thrown off by the small fire that burned in the hearth and the warm clothes laid out near it. She stopped so abruptly that the sudden loss of momentum caused Sully to lose her balance and fall forward, which in turned puller her down as well. Though it was distant, the warmth felt like the fire was applied directly to her nerves and she wanted to scream. She glanced down at her blue hands, then over to Sully, who also now seemed to have stopped shivering.
'This is a trap. You should keep moving.' She knew he was right, but if they didn't stop, they would die anyway. At least this might give them just enough to time to regain some strength and at least -try- and fight for their lives. She once again pulled herself, and Sully, forward towards the closest corner and out of the doorway. The heat wasn't as bad here. But they were still soaked; she glanced back at the clothes by the fire. Great. she groaned. Making sure Sully was propped against the disheveled sofa, she struggled towards the clothes. Only this time she was fighting against the heat, a searing pain that tore through her nerves with white hot agony. The pain was almost too much to bear, but Kai made it to the clothes, grabbed them and retreated to the comfort of Sully's side.
There were two large cloaks made of dark wool, and what appeared to be two sets of simple gowns. The first one Kai examined a little closer turned out to actually be a moss-green high-waisted tea dress with 3/4 sleeves, commonly worn by noble women. She glanced over at Sully and smiled; suits her. She began to usher Sully out of her wet clothes; she wasn't sure how well a half-God could handle the cold, but Sully seemed to be fading faster than Kai was, probably on account of Kai being more or less a demon. "Come on Sul, let's get you warmed up." A quiver had returned to her voice, indicating she was feeling again. She removed the main outer layers, then tried to dry her companions remaining undergarments with one of the cloaks before putting the warm chemise and dress on her friend's now-bluish frame. Once the dress was tied, she wrapped the dry heavy cloak around Sully and rubbed her arms to try and warm her friend up. "You'll be okay, do you hear me?"
With a little less care, Kai removed her own wet clothing and used the same, now semi-damp cloak as before to dry off the undergarments she was keeping on. She quickly put on the chemise and second dress, then sat beside Sully and wrapped the dry cloak around her as well. She hugged her friend as she started to shiver again. With these dry clothes, this warm cloak, their body heat, and the warmth of the fire they should warm up enough to move on soon, hopefully before the pirates happen upon them. Luckily for them, the cabin was very well hidden, so there's no way they could be found.
'Don't be foolish, Kairi!' The use of her name was jarring, and harsh. She wasn't even sure he knew what her name was. 'Whoever lit this fire and set these clothes out knows your location.'
And they want to help, obviously. Otherwise they wouldn't have set out warm clothes by a warm fire, in a well hidden cabin. she argued, still rubbing her cold friend. "We're fine."