Verdandi yawned, waking in the comfy space of being surrounded by a dozen pillows, two blankets and the sunlight slowly shining into her room. The princess would get up. Trace her fingers along the many crystals that were dangling from the roof and moved into her own personal shower. Dropping her PJ as she stepped in to let the water slowly rinse down her skin. Humming a little tune about it being a good day, Verd would proceed to get herself dressed in her usual battle kimono. Leaving the eye patch in her room, but taking the snow protecting vest with her as she was supposed to go on a longer walk today.

Stepping out of her room, she could see Avalanche tugging on the cook's robe with his paws and teeth. The poor lad was carrying a fish cake and the smell had attracted the little nom monster. Verd moved in to cut a piece of the cake off with her kunai, shaking it in Avalanche's peripheral view and going all. "Puuut put put put. Nice little bear cub. No eating the cook." As the polar furball let go of the poor mans robe and quickly huddled off in direction of Verdandi. The cook quickly used the chance to flee the premise and Verd got to feed her little monster before she ruffled the cute furball and caressed his chin. "You're just an oversized dog, aren't you?" she said and Avalanche growled in return, obviously insulted and feeling the need to show off his intense power as a bear.

Verd giggled. Her sisters had already gone to work. Skuld moved past her with her guard outfit, probably off to a meeting to fix the new schedule for the patrols. Urd was already in her study buried in books. Mum was busy upstairs with some Kiri traders that asked for more money on their shipment than previously agreed on. Dad was making his way to the hospital. Generally, a normal day for the Yuki family to begin with. Had there not been a very strange message from Verd's messenger owl the other day.

After Verdandi's findings in the burned village of Xshu, someone had replied to the local newspaper agency. Implying their interest into the fact that a remaining shard of Amaterasu had been found and also implying that they were able to remove the flame. Dandi had sent her own private and royal invitation to the person in question and was looking forward to meet him today. Supposedly an ally of her aunt Ayakashi's regime in Kiri. Verd rarely dealt with the politics of Kirigakure despite her involvement in several missions that auntie had given her already. Dandi preferred to remain in Yuki. Rebuilding their home country was her personal wish.

The ship in which her guest was supposed to arrive in today was about to dock down in the lower levels behind the walls of the main part of the city. Verd could hear the ringing noise of the lighthouse watchtower already. Signalling for an incoming ship. Dandi checked her clothes once more to make sure she was presentable on behalf of her mother and made her way down the long long stairs to the docks.

Takao would eventually dislike the general weather within Yuki no Kuni, the snow and wind would splat cold water in various forms in his face if he dared to move outside from the combuse he was appointed to in the ship's ride. Passing by the large watchtower to see the unusual mechanism of Heidel's way to allow ships into their territory. The sea around Heidel was basically constantly frozen. Takao's ship would stop on line with the watchtower. Soon a loud horn could be hear from said lighthouse and the guards at the docks would activate the mechanism.

Upon the tug of a lever, a large trapdoor would be opened way beneath Heidel's water surface. Below the trapdoor was nothing else but the entrance to the lava brooding caves from the volcano beneath Heidel. The boiling water would start to rise towards the surface and quickly melt away most of the quick ice that was covering Heidel's shore. After a bare few minutes, Takao's ship would start to proceed its course. The remaining quick ice that lingered on the surface of the water now weak and easily crumbling against the front of the large boat as it passed through.

Another characteristic feature would be, that despite the snowstorm that surrounded the whole area. The village of Heidel was neatly places into what seemed to be the 'eye of the storm'. This artificial weather control was something created by no one else but the princess. One of the few fun things one could do if they learned to conjure a snowstorm by themselves. Verd didn't really control the whole storm around Heidel, she simply made sure that the eye of the storm would remain right where it was and not move further into the mainland.

By the time the ship would move into the harbour. Verd would have arrived along with her furry little polar bear pet. Waiting on shore to greet the arriving guest. Leading him past the stairs into the village, past the inn and the town's square, up into the entrance way towards the castle and further into the courtyard. In the courtyard, next to the obvious training ground, was a table set up for the princess and her guest. Thanks to the eye of the storm, the weather was nice inside Heidel and despite an occasional lingering cold breeze the sun would shine down into the gardens surrounding them.

Offering her guest a place to sit and a hot tea, Verd would take place while her polar bear seemingly untouched by the whole royal behaviour would run around the courtyard, scaring a myriad of guards by bumping into them and eventually ripping some nice flowers out of the ground much to the dismay of the gardner that demanded the playful creatures banishment for messing with his duties every day.

"Welcome to Heidel I guess. I'm aware it isn't much but I hope we can make you feel somewhat at home. My name is Verdandi Yuki, it is a pleasure to meet you Sir... uhm?." Verd would sip on her tea and smile at her guest. "I was informed that you know a way to extinguish the black flame in Xshu. May I ask how?" she wondered. Being well aware of how many ice users had failed to remove that seemingly immortal flame. "It has been blocking our attempts to rebuild Xshu, none of the workers is willing to step a foot into the place while the flame is about and I honestly cannot blame them…" Verd formed a pout, considering that Hao's flame pretty much destroyed her whole country and others, including Kiri, twice.


1150

Background infos:

Verd smiled as she slowly gazed up and down her guests figure. He was cute of sorts, but Verd had the distinctive ability to feel someone's aura. Her empathy allowed her a slight insight into the man's personality. Strangely enough, the stronger someone was, the less likely it seemed to be possible for her to read them. Hence, realizing how her attempts to read him were naturally blocked would then again tell her that he was indeed as strong as it had been suggested to her. For once she was glad that Gin was still somewhere in the castle. Verd disliked the thought of having no means to defend against… a potential bomb amidst her people. She was cautious. Maybe a little too much. Considering he was supposed to be a renowned ally worthy of her aunt's recognition was one thing, Verd preferred to judge people on her own accords. The number of guards manning the walls wouldn't help her in this very situation. So being in close vicinity of her sensei was keeping her at ease of sorts.

That thought put aside. Safety ensured. Verd returned to appreciate the looks of her guest while sipping her Tea. Avalanche was busy biting the maid that scolded him into her buttocks before being chased all over the courtyard. Verd chuckled at the silly Sir Uhm joke but refrained to dwell upon it. Her mother had implied times and times again that Verd's weird humour and sarcasm were not befitting the likes of a princess. She was biting her lower lip to keep herself from saying something incredibly weird and, or stupid. Her eyes would return to follow his body gestures, trying to read him the old-fashioned way since the empathic or psychic attempt didn't seem to work here. Verd would be following every mime and facial expression, trying to feel a weak spot, read a lie or a certain show of discomfort but it seemed that he indeed remained honest. Despite the fact that his claims were intensely odd. Especially the last part made Verd unsure if he was messing with her or not.

Having not heard of the Kimura and not being a renowned scholar like sister Urd, the ability to eat flames seemed rather odd to her. She was aware that Auntie had offered to send a team of specialist chakra-cancel shinobi but wasn't sure if it would work on a flame that had endured years of imprisonment. Dandi had yet to keep it in the back of her head. "I see… you will eat the flame…" she added. Her two differently coloured eyes were gazing at him, she still expected to see the slightly hint that would prove that he was messing with her or trying to trick her into something. But apparently, he was speaking the truth. "Alright, to be fair I've expected to see someone who is simply able to extinguish the flame. You claim to have been hunting it, chasing for it even. What exactly happens when you eat this flame?" Verd simply tried to understand what kind of bargain she was indulging into here. After all, there was always the concept of letting the flame be until another option arrived for her. The only person to know the actual position of Xshu was no one else than herself anyway. Having stumbled upon the village by pure accident. Hidden beneath the glacier, not been mapped properly before it's fall, part of a largely populated area. Without her directions one wouldn't find the caged flame.

Verd sighed. One of the gardeners apparently did catch on Avalanche by his collar but the strong little fella just kept running around with the person hanging idly and helplessly clinging on to him. Dragging him along like an accessory of sorts. Making even Verd chuckle for a second despite her being used to the fact that he was creating a large ruckus and mess among the castle. Sipping the tea cup empty as she would slowly let go of her paranoia for a little. "Please don't misunderstand my cautious behaviour. I do not wish to be rude or imply my distrust too deeply despite your obvious well intended offer, but I feel you have a very personal gain in view and not just the public safety. I must be sure that weapons such as the black flames would be treated with caution and the respect they deserve and to make sure their power won't be used in ill attempts to cause further harm and destruction among my people." Verd seemed to underline the fact that she was speaking of her people. As if she was asking whom could be harmed within the flame but putting specific effort onto the matter that she wished the damn thing gone and as far away from Yuki no Kuni as possible.

Verd sighed. She felt uneasy and as if the decision to lead this man to the black flame would potential cause things to happen that she'd feel responsible someday. But She did have a simple idea. Verd could lead her guest in direction of the flame and keep interrogating him gently so she'd still be able to decide if he was worthy of facing it or not. If he turned out to be a complete lunatic Verd would probably have to abort the whole thing. Maybe act as if the flame had vanished. He couldn't possible do much worse than kill her? Again, her eyes would roam astray towards Gin's room in the castle. Unsure if her paranoia at this point was still justified or if she was just overreacting.

Meanwhile some of the servants that weren't occupied with keeping Avalanche in check, were visibly preparing a backpack with some food. "We will have to leave in a bit I guess… I'm afraid this will be a good one-day travel to get there. I hope you don't mind to do a little camping on the way." She knew he was probably a good tad faster than her but he would have to adjust to her. If he was indeed her in well intent, this could turn out to be quite the fun adventure after all.


1050 / 2200

Verdandi's smile would fade over the time as Takao spoke. It was not because she was shocked, ill tempered or even displeased. She simply expected her guest to beat around the bush and play coy. Maybe even try one of those oh so famous tactics that would lure her into thinking the way he desired her to go. Verdandi was smart. Based on education royal families had access to while others did not without pure, raw talent. She would have seen through most lies and tactics of deception. Not without fail but with a very high chance to feel that she was being played of sorts. Takao placing all cards on the table, including a rather bold statement as to his intents with Hastur, left Verdandi indeed speechless for a while. His reaction towards his emotions over his own clan or ability in that retrospect, was unusual and duly noted. However, she was kind of processing his previous words rather then overthinking any detail at this point.

Once they got up, Takao would be offered a complementary coat made of snow wolf fur. A side product of what the hunters would bring in when they were up to hunt for meat. Most other creatures like snow owls or polar bears were almost holy to the people of Yuki no Kuni. They preferred to fish casually and kill the wilder creatures that sometimes dared to step into the human's realms. The bears of Yuki no Kuni usually lived far away from the civilization and the snow folk had always shown deep respect towards them. That Verd was keeping a cub of them as a pet was some sort of an inter political trouble maker for the servants. They were basically compelled to worship the creature while at the same time being forced to prevent Avalanche from ruining their garden and other property of the castle.

When Verdandi would whistle and Avalanche came jumping her way, the servants seemed heavily relieved that he would be gone for a while. Caressing the young beasts neck and telling him to move along. As they left the courtyard, Verd was still lost in thought. Giving her occasional nods as he requested confirmation if everything was alright. "I'm thinking." She would reply in any case, making it clear that she was processing the whole of the situation without going simply to an emotionally fuelled decision.

They would pass by the Mammoth Inn not far after leaving through Heidel's main gate towards the north. Verd moved into the Inn and was quickly greeted by the bartender and the service gals. Stocking up on a bit of fish meat for little polar bear boy and some snack even Taco could lift up if he dared to try. Mostly chocolate filled pastry. Being in the snow didn't mean that culinary instincts had been abandoned by them. Bakery goods were a speciality of the Mammoth Inn. Verd picked up a little flask of plum wine as well. One of the many sins she liked to indulge into. If Takao desired any kind of alcoholic beverage to take along he was free to do so. The charge would go to the Yuki family's tab. Verd rarely every paid anything herself here. Much to her father's dismay in most cases.

As they finished their purchases at the inn, Verd would lead on towards the crossway. From the many paths that lead from here. They would choose the one that would go north past the former location of Yukigakure. She didn't mind of a stranger would see the whole destructive force that Hao's wrath had unleashed in their lands. But if she wasn't forced to, she didn't really enjoy visiting the ruins of their former pride. Having taken this road many times before to visit the Aisu temples, Verd would engage in simple small talk with Takao on their way. Until they would reach the mountain of the large Yuki mountains. Past this point would only come glaciers and rocky ground. Verd decided she wanted to set up camp before they would go too deep into glacier territory and while the snow was still mild and comfortable.

Moving towards the mountain's end, they would walk a bit along until one of many cave entrances came into vision. The polar bears used those caves often as hibernation chambers when they were visiting the southern planes. Knowing the way, her holy creatures followed, she was aware that it was long before that season yet though. Moving into the small cave, to place her things down. Avalanche would quickly bury himself under the bag of fish meat and occasionally sniff inside, munching away at the meat at his heart's content.

Verd would turn her primary weapon, Wyrm's Tooth, upon click of a button into a saw and cut down some tree remains into sizable wood branches. Returning with a proper amount of it back to the cave while Takao had the chance to hunt down some wolf or hare meat if he dared, unless he wanted to share the smelly fish food with Avalanche that is. Back in the cave, Verd would allow herself to ask for the obvious fire user to do his thing. She did have ways to start a fire but they were sadly not as elegant as doing it with chakra.

In return to her lack of fire, she would use her Hyouton affinity to let the entrance of the cave slowly freeze shut as night approached and the wind grew colder. With the warm fire in their midst, the smoke of the fire would be carefully aimed at a hole above them, that lead deeper into the cave system. If at some point oxygen would become a problem, Verd could always open the ice locked 'door' for a while. But for now, getting all warm and cozy was of primary intention. Despite her being cold blooded by nature and rarely felt bad within even freezing temperatures, she still deeply enjoyed the comfort of warmth.

As they sat by the fire. Verd would start to prepare some of the available meat to cook it by the fire. Avalanche would soon fall asleep and nap next to his fish filled bag. Verd would close it to keep the smell it gave off contained within. With a content smile she would place her aunt's gift, Wyrm's tooth, back into her lap and start cleaning the shark tooth from any oak raisin that might still stick to it. Obviously, content and finding the act of cleaning her own weapon somewhat meditation-like.

"Well, small talk aside. I see that you have your own reasons for all of this. I do believe you and I could ask simply for you to remain the damage outside of Yuki or Kiri even. But I do have a request that is easier said but then again might be harder to keep. I will show you the flame. It is not far from here anymore. However, you wouldn't find it without me. Believe me. I will show it to you. If you promise that you will do everything within your powers to make sure that the flame will not hurt any civilians. That is all I ask for." She would eventually place her blade back in it's sheath and put it aside. Offering her palm to Takao. It's not that promises couldn't be broken. But Verdandi could sense, despite all his masked attempts to remain a mystery to her. He seemed to have a deep sense of duty and honour. If honour would indeed mean anything to him. Shaking hands with her would be a binding contract. Once that she'd ultimately accept as payment for what he would gain in return.


1300 / 3500

Training Devastation Collapsing Spiral Sphere || 5000 (S-Rank, Rasengan) - 20% (Genius) - 30% (a the scroll of seals) = 2,500

Verd's eyes widened the very moment Takao produced a whole cooking set from his body seals. Intrigued by the display she never had much skill, understanding or deeper interest in sealing things. One of these days she would have to ask her squad member Haka to explain the basic concept again. Dandi's knowledge was merely limited towards the book entries she had read for the academy tests. Being a lazy princess, she did not rarely skip out on some subjects. This was one of those moments where she had to face the sad truth that every time one would skip such knowledge hoarding, there would come a day where you might have needed that very wisdom.

Then again this was about Takao pulling a frying pan and stuff alike from his arm. It wasn't necessarily about the utter fate of the world at this point. Verd admired and complimented the big catch the hunter had made. Making it clear that she admired such quality. Yet she tried to hide a certain level of discomfort to how he was handling the remains of the creature. She agreed with the fact that the inedible parts towards humans would best rest in the wild where even those things would sooner or later be broken back down into their very natural base components and feed a myriad of creatures.

Hands would be shaken, promises would be made. Verd's oddly miscoloured eyes would burn themselves vividly into Takao's memory. She smiled but she was serious. Even as he might have tried to tug his hand back, Verd's palm would remain firmly onto his. Not breaking it until at least a minute passed and sixty seconds could feel like an eternity within the premises of a somewhat awkward situation. But Verd didn't mind. Awkward or not. This would be burned into his memory and every second he might have dared to even think of using the black flame, Takao would be forced to think of this very moment and this very handshake. Verdandi was in no position of power, she could have easily thrown some trashy proverb at him about how she's going to 'hunt him down' or 'make him pay' if he dared to break this promise. No, Verdandi believed in karma and in the fact that all the gods she had met so far seemed to have an incredibly odd humour and sarcasm. So, she wouldn't threaten him. She would simply pray silently to herself. That if he dared to break this promise. The most undesirable of unfortune, unlucky curses would strike him and unleash the very worst of natures ill-tempered humour onto him.

That being said, or rather, that being thought. Their palms would part. Verd deeply believed and yet also hoped into the honesty of the man sitting here with her. She yet had to trust her own judgment. But while she did so, she had yet to remind herself that sometimes a little snowflake could set a while avalanche of frost in motion. Yet the topic was closed. No need to linger further in it. Decisions were finalized and now all that would count is to enjoy the ride.

"This little furball?" she replied to his question about what the polar bear was named. "That’s Avalanche. I found him not far from where we are now a few months ago. His mother sadly died protecting him from the wolves here. I guess I'm his new mommy now." She chuckled a bit. The bear was snoring now that he had eaten his fill and napping time was the second-best thing to do next to eating time.

Verd stood from her position and boldly sat down right next to Takao, while he was handling the meat, Verd would slowly start to cater to the animal's skin he had peeled away. Hare's provided good leather despite their size. Without fail and without splattering even a single drop of blood onto her well-preserved clothes, she severed any remaining flesh from the skin and tanned it very lightly once with her knife. The actual work on this would eventually be done by the professionals in Heidel. But the furs were well prepared and Dandi would pick a few single strands of her hair, using it as improvised string. Adding a little chakra to her hair would turn the otherwise fragile thing into a pretty good makeshift rope. Since she didn't have any fancy seals on herself. She pouted and visibly placed the furs next to the rest of her baggage. Cleary implying that she intended to carry them the normal way. She really had to get her hands on some basic sealing scrolls one day…

However, she was not finished. As the moved the meat and separated it from the bones. Verd would make sure that every thicker bone would b broken into easily transportable pieces. With a continuous motion to scratch the remaining flesh off those bones, severing any tissue clinging to it. She would clean the bone with water, producing it within her own palm, basically just concentrating some well available moisture within the air. Once cleaned, she would put the bones aside, string packed with another plucked hair. The potentially dirty organs had already been removed by Takao earlier. Verd would simply close her eyes and whisper a few chanting words in old Hyougaan language. Nothing spooky. A simple and quickly perfumed prayer to thank the beasts that they sacrificed their life force so the princess and her strange friend could continue on with their paths and fates.

Verd was basically shoulder on shoulder with Taco while she did her intervention. She didn't wish to imply that he was doing wrong. After all he could just as well have ended up doing the very same without her help. She did yet not need words to explain that the hunt was something sacred to the snow folk and while survival of the strongest would always remain the primary way of life, especially in harsh lands as Yuki, the people have learned to show deep respect towards the creatures that lived here. Somewhat they all belonged together. Unique in their very own way. Simple organisms that learned to adapt themselves and become one with the snow.

Verd shared some of those thoughts with Takao, wondering if he was the kind to philosophy about random things if the chance would rise. While doing so she'd slowly move back into her own seat at the opposite side of the fire. Her shoulder seemingly warmer now than expected. Wondering what Taco was doing that he basically steamed away such warmth. Verd liked it. Anyhow, she didn't feel uncomfortable or cold either. Her natural body temperature could probably turn as icy as the very Hyouton chakra that was gushing through her whole system. Yet the clothes and the fire would keep her warm. Preferring the cozy tenderness of warmth despite her natural love for ice and snow.

Verd would help herself and gradually await Takao's final product that would be but produced and perfected within the help of those fancy utensils he had spawned. Once she was offered. Verd would quickly nom her way into the juicy meat. She was hungry and knew well that the second part of their trip would cost her some energy. After all. She would have to find Xshu again. Even while she so proudly claimed to be the living key to find Xshu or not, Verd was well aware that she wouldn't be so sure it couldn't be found without her, if she didn't somewhat fear that even she wouldn't be able to find it anymore. The dome of frost that contained the village was small. Most of the village had been swallowed within snow and was by now deep below what could be called the surface level.

Rebuilding Xshu would be a pain. But if Verd's dream was to come true someday, sacrifices had to be made and if they were just based on a lot of effort and a little bit of hope. That was just fine with her. Small talk continued. Verd would poke around a bit in Takao's past and while he seemed to brush past the topic of Yuki's fall. Dandi didn't go into the subject too deeply. She wasn't a specialist on politics or history. But primarily because the fall of the snow was a very sad part of history that she preferred to simply forget and rather rebuild than throwing a hissy fit about things in the past. Lingering within wounds of history didn't provide anyone with new insights other than humanity being able to birth a sad bunch of monsters every few generations.

Instead, preferring to linger on the more interpersonal relationship here. Verd would use her chance to get some in-depth feel of whom she might be dealing with. All suspicions aside, he was supposed to be somewhat of a big shot. That could eventually come in handy someday. Peacemakers were a relatively rare breed these days. So, making friends with one might lead to alliances that could yet turn out of positive nature for both of them. While doing so, Verd would casually sup away at the flask of plum wine. She knew how much she could drink without getting too dizzy. But a little warmth in her belly during good company never hurt anyone. At least not that she knew of it... unless Gin was involved... oh well.

---

Many months if not even years later. Verd would look back on the events that had transpired in the snow. She tried to remember how it all turned out. What had happened with her supposed mentor or role model? She enjoyed the part of their fond interactions and their genuine respect for each other. But somewhere something must have gone wrong along way. Did he actually end up removing the black flames of the distant past? Their travels after the snow cave were lost to her memory by now. Eventually, she would have to travel north again during the next training exhibition with Snow Patrol. The fire itself was a caged beauty of destruction. But even if it was still there, there would be ways to somehow extinguish and seal away the dark memory of a distant past. The last reminder of Hao’s grip on the broken continent. A way to walk past the burned ashes frozen below the snow. Someday, the snow people would reclaim this wasteland. Someday the land would be healed and return to its own unique fertility within the cold lands. Someday, be it with or without the little snow princess, people would rebuild from those ashes and forge a new civilization. But nothing ever lasts forever.

[EXIT]

1800 / 5'300

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