Icestorme, Thale

In the reception hall of Icestorme Hall, Morganna waited along with her three sons and a few officials and guards scattered around. This is where they agreed to meet the envoy from Silubra.

Marius Icestorme was already over thirty, his icy teal eyes sharp. His dark hair was cut high and tight, emphasizing his strong face and regal nose. Slightly darker and larger than his siblings. He had recently taken over the duties of his late father, the High General of Thale. His sword-like brows in slight frown, his face serious. His pointed ears were starkly adorned unlike the usual fashion of Thale, with only one dangly earring in one ear and a stud in the other. Shimmery yellow, insectine wings were folded on his back while his arms were folded across his chest.

The twenty-four year old Mason was a little more flamboyant with his hair slightly longer and carefree, several gold earrings decorated his ears. He was lighter than his older brother but darker than his mother. He took after her more than their late father. His pale blue wings would twitch every now and then as they waited. Unlike his older, and to an extent his younger brother, he had no interest in military matters. After finishing his schooling, he became a law clerk in the judiciary.

The youngest son was Maddox. He was only ten. He kept his dark hair long. It was currently in a braid. He was the palest of the family, but looked the most like their mother, with his wings even the same color and shape as hers. Despite his delicate looks, he was tough as nails, and always wanted to fight with his big brother.

The three of them were similarly dressed, in clothes suited more for desert living than harsh antarctic environs, with loose clothes, sandals on their feet, and light fabrics. Maddox leaned against his mother. "Is it time yet?" he asked. He was an active child and all this waiting around was incredibly boring.

Mason reached out and pinched the tip of his little brother's ear. "Can't even wait a few minutes for important guests. You're the face of Thale. Learn some patience," he scolded gently.

Maddox jerked his head out of his brother's reach. "Ugh. Stop it," he complained, puffing his cheeks in ire, looking like an angry little chipmunk.

Marius cleared his throat and shot both of his brothers a neutral look, that still effectively stopped their bickering.

Morganna chuckled lightly and patted her youngest son on the head. "It's almost time. After they arrive and we greet them, you can go play," she assured him.

The boy gave a childishly dramatic sigh. "Fine," he agreed. He straightened up shoulders, tugged the cloth wrapped around his waist and straightened the inner edges of the sleeveless robe he wore over his loose white shirt. 

Mason snorted in amusement while Marius ignored the antics. 

They didn't have to wait too long. After only a few more minutes, a crack rent the air and a luminescent purple Drake appeared in front of them with a bag draped across her body. She flew around for a second to decelerate before disappearing into a purple mist that then solidified into a girl wearing the silver-gray robes of a Mage of Silvermoon Mage's Tower. Patterns stitched into the fabric denoted her identity as an apprentice of a high ranking Mage. 

ZsaZsa bowed to the noble family of Thale. "Countess Icestorme, High General Icestorme, young lords Icestorme," she greeted. "I am Shoshannah Morningstorme of Silvermoon Mage's Tower," she introduced, producing her identity token for verification.

Morganna smiled in welcome while Marius double checked the silver scale-shaped identity token before handing it back. He nodded at his mother to indicate there was no problem.

Mason was a little curious. "I heard that Earthborne Dragons could turn into Drakes, but seeing it for myself is something else," he commented.

Maddox's eyes, on the other hand, were shining. "Awesome! I wish I could do that," he declared.

ZsaZsa smiled slightly uncomfortably, not really knowing how to respond. She forgot how unusual her constitution was. 

Morganna came to her rescue. "Welcome to Icestorme. Come, we'll take her to a place where you can awaken the others," she said. As a unit the family of four led her to a comfortably attired sitting room. "When you're ready, just let one of the guards know," she instructed. She then led her sons out of the room.

ZsaZsa waited no time in pulling the capsules out of her bag and setting them on the ground. Britiana created these special cloaks in order to help Delaney Crowley bring more people through the Shadow Dimension so she wouldn't have to make multiple trips. They've also found that they're useful for capturing enemies.

It put the person inside into a type of stasis sleep, allowing them to be put into storage devices, which could not support life. The only drawback was that after awakening, there would be a few minutes of lethargy and drowsiness. 

As she set down a capsule, she said the activation word that freed the people sleeping within. After they were freed, they sat on the furniture to recover their senses.

"No matter how many times I do this, it always feels like a Dragon sitting on my head," Amadeus complained slightly.

This was Isa's first time going for a capsule ride. He had to agree with that statement. He was a bit pale.

Britiana noticed this immediately. "Are you all right? I haven't found a way to get rid of the sequelae," she said apologetically.

He shook his head. "It's fine," he assured her with a smile.

Darius took stock of everyone. The least affected seemed to be the Noxies, who were standing patiently, waiting for their comrades to recover. One by one, the members of his team shook off the after effects and stood at attention under the eyes of their commander.

Isa stood when he noticed Britiana perked up and took up a position behind her when she stood as well. She fluffed her skirt, patted her bodice, and smoothed her hair. "Everything in place?" she asked ZsaZsa quietly.

ZsaZsa looked her over seriously, adjusted one of her silvery blonde curls, then nodded. "All good," she assured.

Britiana nodded, ignoring her brother's somewhat flabbergasted look. He grew up with her, he should know how she is by now. If he doesn't, then that's on him. She sniffed. "Please inform our hosts we're ready," she said.

Lazarus, being the senior officer, took charge. He opened the door of the sitting room and told the Icestorme guards that his Lord and Lady were available. The guard then led the group back to the reception hall. Britiana and Darius walked in front. Isa and ZsaZsa walked behind them. Amadeus and Lazarus led the other six guards behind.

When they arrived, Britiana and Darius bowed in greeting to the Countess and her family. Due to ranking, Morganna didn't return the bow, but her sons did. 

"Do you need to rest first?" Morganna asked.

Britiana shook her head. "That's unnecessary. Please have someone lead us to the site. The sooner we get started, the better," she said politely.

Morganna was about to agree when she heard a low tone of a call stone chiming. She excused herself to see who was trying to contact her, only to see that she'd received a message from Dahlia Blackheart. "Marius, please lead our guests to the site," she said. "Please excuse me, I have something important to see to," she said apologetically to the guests.

"Please, see to your business, my Lady," Darius assured her.

Morganna left her guests in the hands of her sons and went on her way.

Marius poked his younger brother. "Go play," he instructed.

Happy for the reprieve, the boy excused himself in an upright and official manner before darting off. "Lady Britiana, Lord Darius, please follow us," he said.

"Lead the way," Britiana said cheerfully.

Marius inclined his head and began to lead the siblings and their delegation out of Icestorme Hall and into the city of Icestorme Dome as they made their way to the site they had prepared for the Bridging Array.

--