Complete Private High March [Reaping Season I] Purifying Phantasmal Holds

[Siondhe]

Kyra Vashtana

220 / 220

Kyra's hand remained stationary over the dialogue box that hovered above the letter she'd written. It was one thing about this world, the ways in which things correlated oddly - like how you could write a letter on a piece of parchment, only to have it send as a digital message to another player, another Starcalled. It many ways, it was a wonderfully intuitive, interesting, and inclusive system. Something that any creator would be proud of - if only anyone knew who the creators were.

"More important things to focus on right now..."

She shook away the thoughts as she stared down at the parchment again. It was an odd situation, all around. Rumours about a young boy, a Caenis of all things, that was supposedly seeing Phatasmal creatures. The weird thing, at least in Kyra's mind, was the fact that the boy was stated to be blind - unable to see the world around him, yet claiming to see creatures from another plane of existence.

The entire situation had been...eye-catching, to Kyra. It had immediately brought to her mind another Starcalled that she had encountered not so long ago. A man who had also claimed to be connected to the spirits of this world, to hear their voices in his head. Which is what had brought her to where she was now; her hand paused in thought over top of a letter that she wasn't sure if she should send or not.

Mail

To: @Ash Vargold
From: Kyra Vashtana
Hey Ash! So, I know it's been a bit of time since we last worked together! Which, by the way, thanks for all your help on that project, I can't even begin to explain how helpful it was! I actually might submit the final paperwork to the Magical Institute...well, that's not important right now. What is important is this rumour I heard recently!

So, not sure if you've heard any of the things going on around Terrasphere or not, but apparently there's this child...well, a young Caenis individual in this place in the High March area of Astorea, who's apparently seeing...well, ghosts, if the rumours are to be believed. I thought maybe this was something you'd be interested in, because, well spirit and all that, right?

Anyways, hit me up and let me know if you're interested? I may head out in the next few days if you want to go check it out!

Sincerely;
Kyra Vashtana

Growling as she finished reading the letter again, and knowing that she needed to make a decision one way or another, she pressed the send button - closing her eyes for a brief moment and letting out the breath she'd unknowingly been holding as she forced herself to push it. Giving in to the reality that she'd just have to wait for a response from Ash before she'd have any sort of resolution.

"He better not take to long to response...otherwise I'll...I'll give him a talking to..."

@Ash Vargold

 

[Ash Vargold]

It was later in the day when Ash finally logged in. Most of his day had been lost to unpacking - a task with seemingly no end in sight. Normally such work would be followed by a long nap, but...

...well, Terrasphere was kind of his job now. He still wasn't used to the idea, or if he ever would be used to it.

He began his standard check of his needs, noting with some frustration that he was going to have to get a solid meal soon. This damn hunger never seemed to stay satisfied for long...

...oh, I've got a message.

He brought up Kyra's letter and began to skim. It had a familiar tone - the sort of nervous formality he'd fallen victim to himself when sending emails to coworkers and the like. More interesting was the letter's contents - something about a kid that was seeing ghosts, which Kyra wanted to go investigate..

...did she sign this with a scythe? Yeesh...

It'd be a long trip, but... well, Ash didn't have any plans. And he did know a thing or two about seeing ghosts. If he tried, he could even convince himself that it might help him learn something useful about the game...

Mail

TO: @Kyra Vashtana
FROM: Ash Vargold

Sure, I'm up for it. Give me a time and place and I'll meet you there.

Ash

It felt short, but there really wasn't much else for him to say, was there? It got the point across in the end - it wasn't something he needed to agonize over in the end.

 

[Siondhe]

Kyra Vashtana

220 / 220

Kyra nearly jumped as the ding arrived, several hours later. She pulled open the UI, drawing the message forth in parchment format as she preferred to do. Laying it on the table in front of her, she quickly glanced over it, a bit of disappointment hitting her at the small length of the message.

Still, he's interested...that's something, right? The message requested a time, and a place. Kyra's brow furrowed as she realised it would take some time to cross to the High March area. Especially seeing as she...well, she would need to walk. Sighing heavily, she pulled out her parchment again, scribbling quickly with the pen.

Mail

Ash;

Looking at heading to High March soon. Hoping to get a few more details, but if you're a ways out maybe start on your way and I'll message you as soon as I can. Still located in the Encampment in Lyrwick - bit of work to be done here, but can head out shortly. Going to need time to walk there, so...might be a day before I can be there fully. Think you can be there by...end of day tomorrow?

Looking forward to seeing you again;
Kyra Vashtana

She quickly hit the send button, before putting the parchment and pen back in her backpack before tightening the piece up and closing it over. Slinging the piece over her shoulders, Kyra collected a few minor pieces - including her scythe before making her way to the door of the apartment she'd been staying at. Closing and locking the door behind her, she made her way through the encampment, determined to finish her work quickly.

---

The road had been less comfortable than Kyra would've enjoyed, and she was excited to reach the end of her journey. Pulling off the side of the road, she pulled out another parchment and pen as she settled against a rock for a moment.

Mail

Hey Ash;

Not sure if you've made it to the High March yet, but learnt some further details. Rumours state the Caenis boy can sometimes be seen at some place called the Dream Field. Not entirely sure what it is, but the few who would tell me anything about it spoke about it with some sort of reverence. Managed to get a map, so on my way there now...assuming I don't get lost.

Hoping to see you in a bit;
Kyra Vashtana

She put away the parchment and pen before pushing herself off the rock and forcing herself back on the road, her tail swaying behind her in anticipation of seeing Ash again.

@Ash Vargold

 

[Ash Vargold]

If Ash had to travel in real time, this whole thing would have been too tedious to do. Days to investigate a kid that could see ghosts for no clear reward and no real motivation, when he could be actually playing the game?

It was incredibly lucky that he could just log out and let the carriage do the rest of the work. So long as he checked in occasionally to do some avatar maintenance and took on a few guard shifts, he could cease to exist while Aisling went and played retro games or something.

---

As the caravan continued into High March, a familiar anxiety sputtered in Ash's chest.

He'd been here once before, four years ago. His memories of Titanius, faded as they were, had lost none of their potency. This had been the first time he'd come face to face with death and its consequences - when he'd followed the trek back to civilized lands with his heart pounding and his chest squirming with a foreign presence...

He shook his head, and took a deep breath. Nothing was moving. He was fine.

Mail

I mentioned Dream Field to the caravan, and they knew exactly was I was talking about. Apparently it's one of the few green places in the area, over next to the canyon. They seemed pretty excited about it. Said I was "lucky" I could go.

Little spooky, actually.

Shouldn't be hard to find. I'll meet you there.

@Kyra Vashtana

 

[Siondhe]

Kyra Vashtana

220 / 220

"Huh...excited? Yeah, alright...that's definitely a bit weird, and offputting..."

She rolled up the parchment, putting it away in her backpack before reshouldering the piece. She still had a little ways to go, although she'd made better time than she had expected. That was definitely one of the few bonuses to walking everywhere, you got better at it the more you did it.

---

It was starting to get dark out when Kyra finally arrived at the designated area. She glanced about, looking for any sign of her companion that she had been meaning to meet here. Even in the growing darkness, it was easy to spot the man relaxing in the distance.

Smiling, she made her way across the area, skipping a few steps as she went. Regardless of the reason, she was actually happy to see the man again - she'd never properly thanked him, and he'd provided her so much assistance with her research. Literally giving his blood, sweat and tears for the progress she'd made.

Crossing the area, she gave a quick wave before calling out to him, bouncing across the area with a gleefulness that was likely easy to spot.

"Hey Ash! Make it here alright? Sorry it took so long, walking and all that! Did you find anything interesting while you were waiting? I figure you probably had some time to search around, seeing as you got here first and all! Oh, and by the way it's good to see you again! Hope you've been well and safe and all!"

@Ash Vargold

 

[Ash Vargold]

Ash yawned and lifted a hand in greeting as Kyra approached. He'd stayed logged in for the last stretch of the trip, and the natural progression of day to darkness was enough to make him feel like he should be sleeping, even if his energy was fine and he was running on caffeine out of game.

At least knowing Kyra was around was enough to calm down his heart. He smiled as she came into sight, tail swaying slightly as he relaxed.

"Hi, Kyra. Trip was safe enough, thankfully."

"...wait, did you walk all the way here? I know you're playing for immersion, but a taking a cart is well within that limit..."

He shook his head, mostly so he could cut himself off - he wasn't here to get into a debate about differing playstyles with Kyra. Again.

"Anyway. I can't say I've seen anything exciting... but I was actually logged out for a good part of the trip over... and kind of dozing off here, now that it's getting dark. Good think we don't have to actually camp if it comes to that."

He shrugged, squinting as he peered through the darkness. The grey shapes of the wasteland made him nervous - what if there was some dissonant beast creeping in the darkness out there, waiting for them to let their guard down...?

"...hard to think it's been four years since I last saw this place. Doesn't seem to have changed much.

Now, what was this about a caenis that could see spirits?"

@Kyra Vashtana

 

[Siondhe]

Kyra Vashtana

220 / 220

Kyra's ears twitched as she glanced up at the sky, murmuring a response to the question about walking. She'd known it was a bit of an odd behaviour, even for one focusing on fully being immersed in the world - the Landers used carts and other means of travel, beyond walking.

"I mean...yeah, I did walk...I...I could take a cart or something to make it faster, but...horses..."

She shrugged off the sudden shiver that had run up her spine, trying to cast away the image of the animal that suddenly appeared in her mind's eye. Instead, she focused on the reason that she had asked for Ash's help here, glancing around them as she spoke.

"Yeah...yeah, there's supposedly a Caenis boy around here somewhere, who supposedly sees phantoms or something along those lines...I figured that might be something you'd be interested in, seeing as you..."

She waved a hand towards Ash, as if trying to signify that she was referencing him, specifically. She shifted in place for a second, before realising that she should likely explain her idea a bit more.

"...well, seeing as you can do the whole 'talks with spirits' thing...it just seemed fitting, after all. Besides...I mean I know Spirit magic, but not in the same way you do, and...well, I thought that maybe we could help here somehow, y'know? Like the boy must be somewhat terrified, if he's being accosted by these things..."

She doubted there was any need to explain her actions, but still she found herself doing so. She had just opened her mouth to provide another argument, when another voice spoke out from behind her.

"That is a very interesting thing, isn't it? Not only seeing ghosts, but talking to them? Wondrous story, really...

Kyra shrieked slightly as she spun on the spot, stepping closer to Ash even as she did so. The small, white wolf child appearing almost as if from thin air.

@Ash Vargold​

 

[Ash Vargold]

Ash blinked. That was... not quite the reaction he had expected, but it did explain a few things at least.

"...ah, I see. I won't push it, then. So long as you feel safe out on the road."

He listened to her story, still checking his surroundings now and then. He didn't smell anything off, but that wasn't a guarantee that they were alone.

Well, I can't say I'm particularly good at communing with ghosts, but I can give it a try-

"GAH."

Ash jumped at the sudden interruption, fur standing on end as he turned towards the voice breaking through the silence. He hadn't heard or smelled him approaching - he might as well have been a ghost himself. He didn't smell like one, fortunately...

Ash shook his head, taking a breath to calm himself down, then looked down at the boy. White fur... he distantly recalled that was auspicious among caenis.

"Interesting is a word for it, I suppose.

Hi there. I'm Ash. What are you doing wandering around such a dangerous place this late?"

@Kyra Vashtana

 

[Siondhe]

Kyra Vashtana

220 / 220

"Dangerous? This place? Well, perhaps...if you're unprepared. This place is no danger, to the awake at least. Falling asleep, well...that's a different story now, isn't it?"

Kyra's ears twitched. It had been startling to have someone sneak up on them, but something about this boy's presence was...disturbing, to say the least. She felt her nerves on edge, her body tense in preparation for a threat she didn't yet perceive.

"If this place is so dangerous, then why have the two of you come here? What would bring you to such a place, where you warn those who you come across that such an area is unsafe to be in?"

Kyra shifted her gaze towards Ash, her eyebrows lifting as she tried to pass her question silently to the other man. The whole experience was...uncomfortable to say the least.

"We're...actually looking for a small Caenis boy, a very specific Caenis boy. One who supposedly not only sees the ghosts of those who have come and gone, but one who speaks with them, as well..."

The responding smile was unsettling, to say the least. It made Kyra shiver, reminding her of some of the horror movies that she had seen before. She looked over the boy again, noticing for the first time the glazed over eyes that seemed to stare at the ground all the time. Glazed over...is he blind...?

"A Caenis boy who not only sees spirits, but speaks with them? That would be interesting, wouldn't it? Where would one find such a boy, much less what would one ask of such a child? What would one say to such a boy?"

@Ash Vargold​

 

[Ash Vargold]

"What would we say, hm...?

He had more than a few guesses as to the identity of this child, with his odd mannerisms and knowledge. Ash took a deep breath, getting his thoughts in order, then drew out his runestone. If this was the boy, then he would surely see the power that wreathed it - the faint miasma of the spirits that lurked within, waiting to be called upon.

"I suppose I would say that we weren't much different, that boy and I."

The stone spun gently above his palm, suspended by its own power, as Ash glanced Kyra's way with what he hoped was a reassuring smile. He twitched an ear the boy's way, mouthing the words "probably him" her way.

"To see the dead and hear their voices... I wonder how that boy must feel? If his story reached so far, then there must not be many in his world that share the same gift."

Was he doing this right? He wasn't sure, but it seemed worth the attempt to play along...

@Kyra Vashtana

 

[Siondhe]

Kyra Vashtana

220 / 220

"Hearing the dead, is one thing. Communicating, even overcoming them..."

The boy seemed to shift his head to the side, still staring off into the distance with an empty gaze. A flicker of a grin spread across his face, and disappeared. When he spoke again, it was with a hint of humour to his tone.

"That boy would likely tell you that you and he are not the same. One dwells upon the negativity that they have seen; loss, depression, discomfort. The other considers the closure that can be had, should one only overcome that which haunts them. Can you guess which is which?"

Kyra's eyes darted back and forth between the Caenis boy and Ash, clearly forgotten as the two spoke. She resisted the urge to write everything in her journal, not wishing to disturb what was occurring before her. She'd just have to trust her memory on this, and note it all down later.

"That boy would offer you a chance, a chance to chase away the things that haunt you - in your waking moments, in your dreams, when you close your eyes. A chance to chase away whatever bothers you, in those silent moments of the darkest times."

"Oh that sounds fun! We'll do it!"

Kyra jumped at the offer from the Caenis boy - this time a grin appearing on his face and remaining. Her excited, once burning with a growing fire, suddenly disappeared. She turned to Ash, her tail hanging behind her, and her ears deflated slightly.

"Only issue is...I'm not really haunted by anything. Except...well, I don't think that would count. Do you know anyone we could use? I mean, not use but like would benefit from this? Anyone who's haunted by...the dead? Spirits? Ghosts? Whatever it is that haunts people?"

She was already headlong into this, her curiosity at the entire endeavour taking over any logical that might once had stopped someone - besides, who doesn't like a good ghost story?

@Ash Vargold​

 

[Ash Vargold]

"Well, I-"

He didn't get too far before Kyra enthusiastically agreed. She is way too energetic after walking all that way, he thought with a frown.

Ash crossed his arms. He wasn't quite so willing to go charging in to do... whatever this was. Exorcism of... negative emotions? That's what it sounded like, but...

"I don't think he means ghosts, Kyra. It sounds more like... exorcising negativity. Spiritual therapy, I guess...?

Well. There was plenty of negativity in his life, both in and out of game. But he wasn't comfortable with the idea of putting that on display. Donating some blood was one thing - letting someone or something pry fingers into his... soul? His thoughts? Whatever the case, it was the one "real" thing he had in this game.

"...and what would be the cost of such a thing? Spirits and people both have their cost, especially something as significant as what you're suggesting..."

 

[Siondhe]

Kyra Vashtana

220 / 220

Her tail swayed softly behind her as she smiled at the boy, then Ash, then the boy. It took a while for her to understand what Ash had stated - about the spiritual therapy, and the lack of ghosts. Slowly, the dawning of understanding slipped across her face, her tail drooping behind her.

"Oh...no ghosts?"

The boy almost fell over, laughing so hard at Kyra's commentary. She stomped her feet slightly, huffing in response. She found herself growling as she waited for the boy to finish his fit, not stopping even as the boy began speaking - answering Ash's questions and ignoring the Vulpine girl entirely.

"Yes, of course...there's always a price to pay. You know that all too well, Ash Vargold, Keeper of the Whispers of the Night. Don't you?"

Kyra's growling stopped almost immediately, her eyes shifting to stare at Ash, a look of curiosity and guarded questioning on her face. There was something there, she was sure of it...

"Quid...pro...quo. I believe that's how the expression goes, is it not? Perhaps more commonly know as, you help me, I'll help you. Assuming, that you're willing to take that risk...so many aren't..."

There was almost a sadness to his final words, and Kyra felt her hand rise up slowly, as if to reach out and comfort the boy, before it was pulled back slowly. She glanced over at Ash, her expression one of sympathy and a desire to help, the emotions and intent obvious in her face.

"I...I think we can help you! Or...well, I can try and help you. This is more of Ash's expertise, but if he's not willing to, then I'll do what I can!"

She sent a pleading look at the other player, hoping upon hope that he would accept the request, and help the poor boy with whatever her wanted. Her mouth moved, whispering unspoken words. How can you say no to this face?

@Ash Vargold​

 

[Ash Vargold]

Ah. The kid knew his name. That... would be the case in a situation like this, wouldn't it? Spooky child, mysterious bargains, all just what to expect from this... October-y quest.

What the hell is that title, though...? Must have made it up...

Everything about this made him nervous. This game messed with his head enough without inviting someone to do more. He glanced between the boy and Kyra. He had two pairs of puppy eyes to deal with, apparently - one more literal than the other.

Resist it, he told himself, mouth pressing into a line. You've got better things to be doing...

He took a deep breath. It was really hard to tell himself to walk away when faced with those kinds of expressions.

"...we'll work on it together, Kyra. Maybe two different approaches to 'Spirit Magic' will make this go smoothly."

...besides. Even Ash couldn't help to be a bit curious, even it it ran contrary to common sense. Worse case scenario, he could just back out...

@Kyra Vashtana

 

[Siondhe]

Kyra Vashtana

220 / 220

Kyra's eyes had flicked to Ash's form, a glazed over curiosity in her eyes as she considered what the boy had said. Did Ash have experience with this child? And what was the title that the child had used? Perhaps something from his past experience in the game? Or is the creepy child lying in order to drag us into some horse-layered hell that would be the end of our three lives and trap us in here forever?

She shook off the thought, giggling aloud at the concept before realising she was probably pulling in questionable stares. Coughing, she straightened herself slightly and placed on what she hoped was a soft smile.

"Err...yeah, working on it together would be...yeah that's what we can do. Perhaps we can...combine our abilities? I mean, I can heal. So maybe it's a matter of healing the soul, or something?"

She was clueless, truly. Sure, she was familiar with spirit magic, but only in the sense that it would help her heal other people - tearing away her own soul in order to provide to others. This was the entire reason she had called on Ash, hoping he would be better suited for this task.

"Perhaps it would be better to give you a more...eyes on approach."

She was about to object when everything simply, shifted. The area they had been standing in was gone, in its place a dark landscape that reminded her of a barren wasteland. She could see Ash, standing where he had been previously, almost as if the landscape around them had moved, instead of them having moved.

"Where...what is this place? Where are we? How did we get here?"

Kyra's voice seemed hollow, both floating on the air and yet somehow feeling like it was entirely deadpan - as if there as no life to it. She felt a chill head down her spine in response, disliking it immediately.

"Hello Ash, been a while, hasn't it?"

@Ash Vargold​

 

[Ash Vargold]

That was.

A familiar voice. One normally filtered through layers of technology or echoing through empty spaces.

"Getting into trouble again? Typical."

No matter how deep Ash sunk into Terrasphere, there was no way Aisling would forget the sound of her own voice.

He stepped back automatically, ears pinned back. He didn't know what he'd expected - perhaps some memory from within the game, or the wailing of one of the specters that followed in his wake. Not... this, this plucking from memories that existed outside the game...

"...mmph."

At least it didn't look like her. It was more a suggestion of a person - a suggestion of red hair here, a hint of more modern clothing there. Nothing truly identifiable, though that didn't make him feel any better. It looked up at him, seemingly ignoring Kyra's presence as it approached and jabbed what was probably a finger into Ash's chest.

"Letting her drag you into things that let this game sink its claws deeper. Thought you were trying to avoid that."

@Kyra Vashtana

 

[Siondhe]

Kyra Vashtana

220 / 220

Things had changed so suddenly, and Kyra found herself wondering what was happening. The Caenis boy had said that they were going to defeat a spirit - something that had been plaguing them for a time, something that the Caenis boy would help them defeat. And yet he doesn't seem to be here...some help he's going to be...alright...first we figure out who this ghost is, then we figure out what it wants?

Kyra moved towards Ash's form, eyeing the figure as she went. It seemed content to let her move, the whisper of cloth as it moved its head the only sound it made. Her eyes never left the figure, even as she leaned in close and spoke to the wolf-man at her side, trying to keep her voice down.

"Someone you know...right? Perhaps someone from your past? Maybe someone you've come across in conflict with, previously? Is it like...a family member...? Or like a friend you had lost in here...or something like that?"

The voice that spoke startled Kyra, more because she hadn't expected it, than the actual chill tone it used. Her eyes narrowed in response, and she felt a growl building in her throat as she took a half step in front of Ash's form, as if to protect him with her own body.

"You could say it's something like that, couldn't you, Ash-ling?"

@Ash Vargold​

 

[Ash Vargold]

Ash stiffed, too startled to even growl - of course it would know her name, Terrasphere had pulled this straight from her own thoughts, one of those two things the game could reach out and twist to it's liking...

He found his hand reaching towards his sword.

"No. You don't get to say that name-"

There was the impression of eyes flicking down towards Ash's belt, and the curl of a smile.

"Someone has to. After all, you certainly love to run from it."

The shadow circled, as if trying to get Kyra out of its way. No feet, but the echoing sound of footsteps still followed in its wake. Tap, tap, tap...

"Always running. Into things, out of things... but always away from something.

Can't run forever, pup. You'll hit a dead end eventually."

The spirit scoffed - as if laughing at its own joke. Ash stayed tense, fingers playing along the sword handle as he turned to keep the shadow in his sights. His gaze turned to the young boy who had summoned the shade and narrowed.

"...so, what now? Am I supposed to fight this thing? I'm getting tired of listening to it bitching at me."

@Kyra Vashtana

 

[Siondhe]

Kyra Vashtana

220 / 220

Kyra glanced over towards where Ash was staring, where he was directing his words. She saw only open air, only the expanding nothingness beyond. For a moment, she wondered if there was something wrong with her systems, if it had failed to load, or perhaps there was some sort of lag. That was, until the voice spoke, as if from nowhere - and yet loud enough to have been spoken right in her ear.

"Can you truly fight an apparition that is little more than a creation of your own subconsciousness? Unless, of course, you mean to fight it with words. That would certainly be amusing, at least."

Kyra's ears flattened in response to the words, disliking that she couldn't see the speaker, disliking that she couldn't solve the riddle. If I could see him, I could at least smack him for not being helpful. Although, that might not really help us much.

Taking a chance, she stepped up to the hooded figure - it appearing to entirely ignore her as it focused on Ash. She reached forward, passing a hand through the thing, before stepping back. Her expression bespoke her befuddled thoughts, trying to figure out what was going on.

"Hey...Ash? You can see me, right? I'm not like...disconnected, or something? Like I'm here, right?"

She didn't take her eyes off the hooded figure as she spoke, trying to figure out what was going on. Either the thing wasn't really here, or she wasn't. Am I just a spectator in whatever I instigated? That would be...bad... The sudden worry caused her heart to clench, as she wondered if she'd even be able to help Ash if it suddenly became dangerous. Did I...lead him to a place where he's not safe? Did I kill him?!

@Ash Vargold​

 

[Ash Vargold]

Ash glanced Kyra's direction, ears turning towards her.

"Yeah, I can see you just fine. Guess you can see and hear this all too?"

He wished she couldn't... but as Kyra attempted to interact with the shade that hope fizzled away. Who knew what she was thinking - what connections might be forming in her mind. Aisling wasn't exactly set on hiding things about herself, but keeping that line between Terrasphere and reality strong was important-

"-and yet that line gets hard to see every day."

Of course it could respond to his inner thoughts. Why wouldn't it? Ash knew how these sorts of stories went... He drew out his sword. Perhaps Kyra couldn't touch it, but maybe he could...

"A chance to chase away what haunts you, huh... I wonder how literal that is-!"

He stepped forward and swung his sword horizontally as he did. It sliced through the shade, bisecting it into two rippling halves - and then it dissolved into a black mist, crawling up the blade with lightning speed and wrapping around Ash like a serpent.

He dropped the sword and reached up to try and pry the black coil from around his neck. His fingers found no purchase, passing through it like fog. There was no pressure (at least, not yet), but the bitter cold it radiated was sharp enough to make his breath catch in his chest...

"Strike one."

@Kyra Vashtana