374 Team Viper (1/2)
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Gil wrapped the blanket around his shoulders and exhaled slowly, the warm vapor of his breath pushed visibly into the cold air. ”I can't believe a fire mage did this.”
Jaro didn't comment; his dark eyes stared at the block of black ice that used to be the infirmary. ”Nix said it's the coldest ice he can manage.”
Gil knew his friend well enough to guess he wasn't going to leave. ”I'll start a fire, no sense in freezing to death before Nix gets back with the antidote.”
Jaro nodded and watched while he started gathering tinder from the steel box that was placed next to the fireplace. ”Who was that Ice woman that helped Nix?”
Gil looked up from the kindling he'd been stacking. ”Her name was Shi, some sort of ice princess.”
”You're stacking that all wrong.”
Gil scowled at his friend. ”I'm a turtle. I know how to make a fire.”
Jaro's frown faded for a moment. ”What does that even mean? Turtles are water creatures.”
Gil blew on the small flame until it slowly caught hold. ”Think about it, fur-nuts.”
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Haven: Nix's Horse Ranch
”You should head out, hun.” Hyai had her arm looped through his while they both leaned their elbows on the railing of the balcony overlooking Nix's horse ranch.
Nix nodded, his eyes straying toward the sliding door. ”Dad will get them settled; you don't have to stay.”
The tall redhead shrugged slightly. ”I'll stay here until you get back from the mission, the break will be nice.”
Nix leaned closer and kissed her lightly before heading toward the stairs. ”Fine, remember to enjoy yourself. You don't have to wait on everyone.”
”Hmm... I like doing that.”
His long strides took him past the stable, where Randa and the two friends she brought from Ever Flame were inspecting the latest arrivals. ”Damn, Randa... Are they all mountain ponies?”
Randa looked up at the sound of his voice. ”Hey, Nix! This is Nyle and Chez. Say hi to the Boss, guys.”
Nix nodded at the two young men, the three of them were as thin as rails. ”How many horses?”
”Twenty-five. Three stallions and the rest are mares.” Randa's short brown hair hung down in her face, from a distance she'd pass for one of the guys.
”Did these come from Gideon?”
”Yep. Call me Rand, Boss.” Rand pushed back against one of the smaller ponies that nudged her. ”You've got a great mix; we should talk about different breeding lines at some point.”
Rand jumped slightly when he raised his voice. ”Problem boss?” The young woman trotted toward him.
”The f*ck is that thing?” Nix pointed towards Nightmare's stall.
Rand's face reddened slightly. ”That's your goat, Boss. Although technically, I believe it's a mountain ram.”
”I know what it is! Why is it here?” Nix stared at the brown devil with its curved horns and missing ear.
”Are you worried about him? His presence seems to calm Nightmare.”
Nix cursed under his breath. ”How did it get here?”
”Mr. Pon brought it by. I guess he bought it from someone named Yuli. Apparently, he paid a hefty sum.”
Nix scowled at the mangy goat and grabbed an apple from his inventory. Nightmare peered over the top rail at him, her nostrils flaring. ”I bet he did.”
Rand offered him a shy smile. ”They get along, but I'll put him in his own stall if you like.”
”No. That's fine.” Nix fed Nightmare the apple and waited until Rand walked away. The annoying bleat of a goat echoed in the small stall. ”Keep quiet bastard, or I'll cut off your other ear.”
His pleasant mood had faded by the time Nix made his way toward the Temple a few minutes later.
/Inferno: Jun Li: Officer meeting at the Temple training grounds in five minutes.
/Inferno: Nix: Almost there.
[Whisper Nix to Hyai] Any plans for tonight's meal?
[Whisper Hyai to Nix] We have some canned leviathan in the pantry, thought I'd make a stew.
[Whisper Nix to Hyai] I brought a mountain sheep back from Everspire, someone mentioned that they are perfect for grilling.
[Whisper Hyai to Nix] Change of plans then, I'll prepare it like deer. Where is it?
[Whisper Nix to Hyai] It's in Nightmare's stall. Don't turn your back on it; the thing is vicious.
[Whisper Hyai to Nix] Perfect. Thanks, hun.
A few minutes later, the Inferno officers sat in a circle in the center of the training yard. The mood was solemn; everyone was concerned about the events in Nescari.
Jun Li had her hud map up and was displaying the lands belonging to the Serpent Clan.
/Inferno: Officer: Jun Li: As you can see, the Serpent Clan is located in the southern section of Titania. They're relatively close to the Great Desert, which means that things will be warm.
/Inferno: Officer: Nix: Only those with a Snake form and poison immunity on this mission.
/Inferno: Officer: Semmi: That's pretty limiting.
/Inferno: Officer: Nix: I know. Given that this Terror poison is persistent, I'm not taking chances.
/Inferno: Officer: Sharl: I have the snake ring from the Desert King, does that count?
/Inferno: Officer: Nix: Yes. Immunity also?
/Inferno: Officer: Sharl: Yep. It's listed as one of the ring properties.
/Inferno: Officer: Milat: I have poison immunity but not snake form.
/Inferno: Officer: Ronnie: So just the two of you?