The airship has made its (hopefully) final stop for fuel and supplies at the paquebot (an ocean-borne supply station) known as Little Rephidim East. It now continues its easterly trek toward the continent of Ai, where it should hopefully intercept Rephidim not too long from now … the exact time being dependent upon all manner of factors, not the least of which being just how accurate the charts are that predict Rephidim's location.

The sooner the trip is over, the better, probably. It was a harrowing experience from the start. First, Snowstorm performed a lengthy ritual that at first seemed to have no effect … but once it finished, the spell took effect quite quickly, taking up the supply of water that served as a "material component" and using it to encase Cryona's body in a protective, frozen shell. Snowstorm assured Roho and Envoy that Cryona's body was quickly and uniformly frozen, and that his tests verified that no crystallization had been allowed to occur in the blood, and no rupturing of tissue due to the process. (If that had been the case, then all they would have at the end of their journey when they thawed Cryona out would be a freezer-burned corpse.)

Due to time constraints, Snowstorm had to start his ritual before the airship arrived … and then the delicate procedure of moving the frozen bat onto the airship had to be dealt with. Snowstorm then had to be on duty almost round the clock – basically just with breaks long enough for him to catch short naps and take care of daily necessities.

And, of course, there were all the inquisitive mages who just had to know what was going on. On the positive side, many of them were impressed with Envoy's technobabble (or else just put on a good show). On the negative side, they would invariably try to grab Snowstorm during his few breaks … and at some points, he was so fatigued that he came precariously close to stumbling on some crucial incantations part-way through the ritual. So far, though, Cryona is still encased in ice, and not so much as a puddle has been allowed to accumulate on the floor. The room she's kept in is a bit on the chilly side, full of icy mist … and Snowstorm hasn't exactly been the sociable sort, with more pressing concerns on his mind.

It's night now, and clear sailing as the stars and the Procession come out to shine down on the ocean below. The bulk of the envelope of the airship blocks out a great deal of the view for those who have to be content to look at it from the deck. But then, not everyone is overly concerned with scenic vistas.

Not needing much time for sleep, Envoy prowls the open deck, just in case a Babelite warship materializes out of nowhere. At least she has her own clothes back, after a good washing and some needlework.

A female Jupani in earthy orange robes makes her way along the railing, not far from Envoy, and stops along the way, pausing to take a deep breath of the fragrances of the ocean.

Roho stands patiently next to a male Jupani, as the wolf leans over the railing. After several moments, the large canid slumps back down onto the deck. The fennec doctor hands him a pill. "Okay, think you can keep one down now? It will really help."

The female Jupani looks faintly alarmed at the … symptoms exhibited by her fellow lupine, and subtly steps away. This takes her a little closer to Envoy, and she now notices the Exile. "Oh. Good evening. You must be Miss Lothrhyn?"

Envoy bows in greeting, "Yes, Ma'am. I am pleased to meet an Earth Mage."

The Jupani smiles and nods. "I am Iona – of the Sphere of Earth, as you guessed. I wanted to express my gratitude to you – and to Doctor Roho – for your help in that disaster."

Roho finishes with his patient, and heads over towards the others. He smiles, "Good evening, Miss Envoy." He turns to the Jupani, "Pleased to meet you, ma'am. I am just glad nobody was seriously hurt."

Iona frowns. "But what of Mage Scarlet? I understand that she was seriously injured."

Roho chuckles, "Aside from the obvious, of course. I'm not certain what exactly is wrong with her, though, and that is the whole reason for this trip. There is no apparent physical injury."

Iona raises her eyebrows. "Oh? I was not aware of that. I had figured it was damage from being attacked by the ice monster. I've been hearing all sorts of stories going around – since no official announcement was made, of course."

Envoy smiles and blushes slightly. "Thank you, Mage Iona. I'm hoping to study in your sphere if I pass the requirements."

Roho nods, "I have heard the stories as well. Despite what they say, Mage Scarlet is in very good health by all appearances. I am hoping the equipment back at my hospital can show if her decline is something internal, harder to detect. If not, it could be something in the magic has affected her mind."

Iona nods. "Well … I sincerely hope Mage Scarlet recovers. And … " She turns back to Envoy. "Really? The Sphere of Earth? Why in particular, I wonder?"

"I have a certain affinity towards living things," Envoy says, "And to planets as well. I was made to study both."

Iona looks faintly amused. "So … it's true about this business of you being 'made'? What were you made out of? Or was it some Life Magic used to blend your traits from different species?"

There's a crashing noise from below decks.

Roho immediately stiffens at the noise, "That sounded like it came from near where Scarlet is being kept. Lady Envoy… would you accompany me?"

Envoy takes Roho's arm, "I'll have to tell you about it later, Mage Iona, sorry."

Roho nods to Iona, "It was a pleasure to meet you, and I am sure we will get a chance to speak more before the journey is over." He heads below-decks with Envoy, towards the source of the noise.

Iona waves after Envoy and Roho. "Take care!"

As Roho and Envoy head downstairs, Roho is the first (naturally) to pick up the sounds of Snowstorm chanting in a frenzy, and shuffling about.

Envoy opens the door as quietly as she can, at least far enough to see inside.

With the door open, Snowstorm can be seen up and about, hastily making new markings on the floor, and with a number of his books thrown open here and there. A lamp stand has been knocked over, but the lamp has guttered out, so it doesn't look like too much of a fire hazard just now. What's alarming, though, is that there are several cracks in the ice, though the frozen form of Cryona is intact for the time being.

Roho whispers to Envoy, "Can you tell what's going on?"

"The ice is cracking," Envoy whispers back, "and Snowstorm looks like he needs help. There must be other Water Mages aboard that could assist."

Roho nods, "You can probably find them faster than I can, I'd just stumble around. Shall I wait here with him, in case he needs anything, while you try to find one?"

Snowstorm notices Roho and Envoy at last. He gets to a stopping place in his chants, and looks back at Envoy and Roho. "It's happened," he pants, then gets some more breath. "The other body – the one the link was with – it must have died. We have to find some way to break the link, or Cryona will die as well!"

Roho stops talking, and turns to Snowstorm, "Break it? Do we have any spirit mages aboard, or life mages? Hopefully it will be easier now that only one half is still alive… "

Envoy sucks in her breath. "Which Spirit Mage aboard can we trust though? Does this mean we've lost Scarlet?"

Snowstorm pants. "I'm sorry. They must have learned we were moving 'Scarlet' to Rephidim. They must have killed the other body. That's my only explanation. And … yes, there has to be a Spirit Mage somewhere. As to who we can trust … I don't know!"

"We need the Life Mage first then," Envoy says. "Can you recommend any? Is Latania here?"

Roho rasps, "Are you bringing her out of her stasis now?"

Snowstorm says, "I have no choice. If we're to get anyone to work on her, it'll have to be while she's out of this spell. The conflicting magicks could have disastrous results. But we need someone to be on hand as soon as she's out. Time will be precious!"

Roho nods, "I will do my best to keep her physical body alive once she's free, until a mage can be found. But I don't know how much good I can do."

Snowstorm barks, "A Spirit Mage … ah … that … that white snaky fellow. He's just down the hall. Just follow your nose! He's really stinky. HURRY!"

"Qing?" Envoy asks. "He might know what to do. I'll go find him!" With that, the exile runs out of the room and starts sniffing for the telltale scents of embalming fluids.

Meanwhile … the wolf turns back around … "Can't hold it off any longer … " He gestures with his hands, and barks a few more arcane words. There's a gust of cold air, and the ice shatters, turning quickly into white vapor. Cryona's form lies on the floor, still … as the color slowly returns to her ears…

Roho rushes up to Cryona's side, and quickly starts checking her vital signs…

There's a pulse … but it's weak. What's more … Roho can sense a tenseness building up in the muscles … twitching.

A familiar scent builds, that of a chemical lab fire in a morgue. A pale Rokuga arrives soon after, his white mantle gathered around him. "Why have you brought me, Exile?"

Snowstorm barks, "Ah! You are a Spirit Mage, yes? My apologies, but we have an emergency!"

Roho looks very worried at Cryona's state. He quickly begins resuscitation on her, and calls out between breaths, "Someone get me a short stick, or something … she's going to be seizing in a moment!"

"There's a spirit bond between this Eeee and an animal," Envoy tries to explain. "We think the animal was just killed. Is there anything you can do to recover the spirits?"

"I am." A pallid arm reaches into a pocket of the mantle, and Qing withdraws a crystal lens draped with a gauzy material. "I will search for them."

Snowstorm grabs a battered-looking wand and hands it to Roho. "Here, doctor!"

Roho takes the wand, and continues trying to keep Scarlet alive…

The bat's muscles start to twitch. Her head jerks faintly from side to side.

Envoy tries to stay out of the way, but still gets agitated. "You can put them back into the body, right Qing?"

Roho takes the wand, and blocks it into Scarlet's muzzle, keeping her tongue pinned and her teeth apart…

Qing stares at the fallen bat through his lens for a few moments, before lowering it, and adjusting his dark glasses. "It is difficult to say. There is a backlash of spiritual energy building from the other point of the link this person shared. She will die if it is not severed, but I am not certain as to why it was created in the first place… severing will save the Eeee immediately, but I do not know what other adverse effects it could have."

The bat, meanwhile, bites down HARD on the wooden wand … and if it hadn't been there, she probably would have done severe damage to her tongue, as she has very sharp teeth.

Roho hangs on tightly to the rod, keeping Cryona pinned as much as possible to keep her from hurting herself.

"Then we can't save both ends?" Envoy asks, "What do you need in order to sever the link?"

"I will see what I can do." The witchdoctor begins muttering under his breath, and his robes flutter around him as the room feels colder. "Guardian Spirit of the Sixth Plane, come to me… I command it… "

Snowstorm raises an eyebrow, impressed. "He had a spell held! We may be in luck!"

Roho braces Cryona's head as her neck muscles tense, "I think her 'other' had its neck broken… "

A milky swirl develops in the air, and spins as it grows. With a faint flutter, it unfurls into a wide figure, ghostly robes and wards hanging from its form. Its features resolve itself into looking vaguely reptilian, and in a hollow voice, it responds, "I obey." Qing begins making his way toward the bat, unfolding pair after pair after pair of arms from beneath his mantle.

Envoy just blinks at the apparition. "Being a remote must be very alien to individuals," she whispers, more to herself than to anyone specific.

The bat's head struggles back and forth … but her head is held securely by Roho.

The pallid Rokuga clutches the Eeee's head in his hands, and another pair take hold of her hands. The last pair, the upper set, rise up, and what seems like white smoke begins drifting up from the palms. It wavers, then starts streaming towards the broad ghostly figure hanging in the air as Qing begins a level, droning chant…

Stepping a little close, Envoy tries to "see" the magic happening.

The bat's body shakes and convulses, and she bites down even harder on the wooden wand.

Snowstorm just watches, helpless, his part in this being done for now.

Flares of ghostly light stream into the room, coming through the wall. A line of faint light becomes visible … no, not a line, exactly, as it drifts and slackens, on its way to the prone body of the bat.

Pulses of brighter light course through the "line", toward the bat … but they seem to be building up for a moment where Qing's body blocks the flow … and then they form a new line, passing over toward the ghostly apparition that the Rokuga conjured up. As each pulse surges into the ghost, its form seems to be momentarily less distinct, jarred by each impact.

The convulsions in the bat's body die down … The wooden wand – with deep tooth marks in it – falls out of her mouth.

Snowstorm looks wary. "Is … is she dead?"

Envoy switches her attention between the specter and the body, then back again, trying to watch what happens to both…

Roho puts his head against Cryona, listening…

Roho lifts his head, "She's alive… "

Qing lowers his head, his black bowl hat mostly obscuring his face. "Put… the stick back… in her mouth… "

More pulses of energy hit the phantom. Its form seems warped now … like fabric strained almost to the point of tearing.

Roho puts the stick back in Cryona's jaws quickly.

Envoy decides to take a few steps back now, away from the apparition.

The witchdoctor grows still. He tilts his head, as if listening to something, and murmurs something to himself which, even to the fennec's sharp ears, sounds meaningless. His grip on the Eeee doesn't change, and the upper pair of arms stay where they are, as if the mage had forgotten they were up there.

Roho stays where he is, waiting, keeping a close hold on Cryona in case she should start convulsing anew.

"I think something is going to happen soon, Roho," Envoy says, still watching the writhing spirit. "Something violent."

The phantom is still intact … but it's barely recognizable as anything remotely reptilian anymore. It's just a faint, blobby luminescence, slowly stretching and contorting.

Envoy glances at Qing, to see if he's still holding up alright.

A small gap appears in the phantom. It looks like … it's starting to dissolve.

"Mm." Qing finally releases the Eeee, and stands up straight with his arms to either side. He spreads his hands out. "Great Serpent, I call upon you… devour the essence of spirit, and cleanse this place." From top to bottom, the serpent's hands come together with a deafening crack far louder than any clap should be.

It's as if a wave of energy … or the absence thereof … rushes out with the clap, spreading out through the chamber. The glowing line of light breaks up upon contact with it, and the phantom – already tearing apart – disintegrates entirely in the wake of the passing wave.

The bat's body jerks momentarily – but between Roho's two arms and the pair of Qing's, she doesn't move far.

Snowstorm staggers, as if struck by an unseen force. "Ungh."

Roho tenses noticeably…

Roho keeps close tabs on Cryona's vitals… He relaxes a little as she does.

Snowstorm shakes his head, then whurfs to Envoy, "He dispelled magic in the area. Ho boy. I can imagine there will be some annoyed mages coming to investigate soon." He looks to the bat. "Is that it?"

The witchdoctor stands there for a moment, his upper arms still held together, then leans back on his coils, letting go of the bat and folding his arms beneath his mantle again. "It is done," he hisses, tugging the edge of his hat down a little lower over his eyes. "She will live."

Envoy kneels down next to the Eeee, and asks Roho, "Who do you think she'll wake up as?"

Roho shakes his head, "I don't know who, when, or if she'll wake up. Her body just went through a lot of punishment." He starts gingerly probing at Cryona's neck muscles, feeling for damage.

Qing nods at Snowstorm. "Perhaps they will. It is no matter." He glances at the Eeee. "My part of this is done, but I wonder about the spell that was on this woman."

Roho settles at the bedside, and begins treatment on Cryona. He splints her neck, and starts checking the rest of her for damage from the convulsions or the freeze.

Snowstorm looks askance to Envoy, raising his eyebrows questioningly.

Envoy smiles to Snowstorm. "Are you alright, Mage Snowstorm?"

Snowstorm nods to Envoy. "Ah … Yes, Mage Envoy. I was just wondering … ah … I was … reluctant to explain things to Qing, since I don't know how … ah … delicate you might consider this, and whether we should bother him with … too many details?"

Qing stands there expectantly, arms crossed over the spirit sigil on his chest. He doesn't look like he's considering going away.

Snowstorm casts Qing an apologetic look. "I kind of stumbled into this myself… "

The bat, meanwhile, makes a muffled grunt, and her eyelids flicker.

"I trust someone has an explanation," hisses the Rokuga. His voice remains level, but sounds somewhat flatter than before.

Roho makes sure Cryona's head is braced, and quietly tells her, "Don't move too much… "

"We can trust Qing," Envoy assures Snowstorm. "After all, he fights the forces of darkness all the time anyway."

Snowstorm nods. "Ah … Well, then. Do you wish to have the honors of explaining this, or shall I give it a try?"

Envoy bows to the Water Mage, "I think I should defer to you on this, since I'm only just getting started in magic."

"And Qing thinks I'm loony," she whispers to the Jupani as she straightens up.

Snowstorm glances over to Roho, as if to check on things, then turns back to face Qing. "To the best of our knowledge, some sort of sabotage was involved at the ritual that went awry at Master Zahirinee's pool."

The white Jupani whurfs in low tones, "We believe that this bat here was used as an agent. You may have heard that she is Mage Scarlet, given a new body, but it appears that this was all some sort of ruse. Some mages used some sort of powers to 'store' enough energy in her for her to cast some specific spells in order to 'prove' that her magic had returned … and then, I must presume, to cast the spell that resulted in the creation of an 'ice golem' in the middle of the scrying pool."

Qing remains silent, but seems relatively attentive. He looks almost directly at Snowstorm.

"Roho and I defeated the Golem though, with the aid of Snowstorm's magic popsicle," Envoy says proudly.

Snowstorm ducks his head, looking sheepish. "Yes … I had made a popsicle for Skiree. The residual magic in the popsicle was sufficient that when it was jammed into the flow-lines of the golem – which were rather sloppily constructed, I must add – it disrupted them."

Snowstorm adds, "I believe that they expected Cryona – that is her real name – to die … but Roho and Envoy rescued her. However, she later attacked them, wounding Envoy."

If Qing is amused, he doesn't show it. Instead, he hisses, "I see." He glances down at the unconscious bat. "Then I wasted my time helping to rescue a suicidal saboteur? Or was she not a willing participant in the assault? Why was the scrying pool under attack?"

Envoy suggests, "Maybe the inner circle of Mages in Babel don't care for the Prince, and want to punish him for making peace with Rephidim by embarrassing him like this."

Snowstorm shrugs. "We … ah … don't know. And … really, I think that Envoy and Roho hoped to fool the agents behind this plan. I put Cryona into a suspended state, so that hopefully anyone magically monitoring her would not notice what we were doing. Apparently, my plan failed."

"Then she is to be questioned upon regaining consciousness," hisses Qing, turning away to glance down the hall. "Summon the guards, and have this Eeee placed under watch. In the infirmary, if you wish."

Snowstorm nods. "I … suppose there's not much point in secrecy any more. The jig is up." He bites his lip. "I really hope they don't have a 'Plan B'."

Roho finishes tending to Cryona's immediate concerns, "Whether they do or not, it is in the hands of others now… as it seems like for better or for worse, our attempt to keep them from being warned failed."

Snowstorm turns back toward Qing. "I am very grateful for your assistance. Despite this young lady's involvement in this, we believe her to have been coerced into this beyond her will. They had some sort of a life bond on her … a way that they could kill her remotely if she did not cooperate."

Envoy says, "I'm sure we're too close to Rephidim now for them to send a warship after us."

Roho nods at Snowstorms words, "I believe the other end of the link had its neck broken. It was all I could do to keep the lady's neck here from snapping as well."

"Poor little fuff'nar," Envoy laments.

Qing waves a hand dismissively. "I am concerned only with the misuse of magic. I deal with the Empire, which is complex enough without Babelite politicking. I will be monitoring further supernatural activity, and possibly researching this scrying pool, in case it poses problems of any significance to the Empire or the sorceress community at large."

Snowstorm sighs. "I don't think that pool will be causing anybody any problems – or good – for a long time now."

Envoy comments, "Five years isn't very long at all, really."

Several footsteps can be heard in the hallway. "I sensed the disturbance coming … from this direction!" "What is that smell?" "Oh, Dagh, that's awful!"

The Rokuga coils over himself, waiting patiently. "I suppose we shall see what comes of it."

Looking through the doorway, Envoy smiles and says, "No, it's Qing you're probably smelling. No Orvilles in here."

An old Khatta hobbles into the room, holding his nose. "Snowstorm, blast it, so you're behind this! I'll have you know, I was right in the middle of demonstrating the properties of … and … Hey! What is he doing in here?" The old cat gestures with his cane at Qing.

"That's Mage Zhu ye Qing," hisses an Eeee next to the cat. "Remember? The fox incident?"

"And the defeat of Amaranth in the theatre," Envoy adds.

The old Khatta says, "Ohhhhh! Oh. Well, then! Sorry to disturb you. Don't mind me while I bludgeon Snowstorm with my cane for ruining my whole evening, would you? Now then … where was I? Oh yes … Snowstorm, you IDIOT!"

Envoy puts a hand on the elder Mage's shoulder, "Really sir, he was only doing his best to save the life of a fellow Mage."

The witchdoctor previously mentioned turns his head to look at the new arrivals. "Yes. You misunderstand."

The cat turns to Envoy. "Eh? Now … Oh! Hello there, Miss … uh … Miss … uh … young lady! What's this about, then?"

The bat rolls his eyes. "Miss Lothrhyn. And that's Doctor Roho. You remember … the ones who defeated the ice golem?"

Roho sits quietly by the bedside, listening.

The cat squints in Roho's direction. "Oh! Yes. Hello there, doctor! Ahem. So … Snowstorm saved Qing, then? Well, could you have done it a little less disruptively? Gave me quite a fright, you know."

"Summon the guards," hisses Qing. He gestures at the Eeee. "This Eeee is to be taken to the infirmary and placed under watch. Under my authority as an Imperial supernatural agent, we have performed magic containment operations, with Snowstorm, Roho, and Envoy assisting."

The cat mage says, "Uh … yes … yes, quite." He turns to his fellow mage. "All right. You heard Qing! Off with you, then!"

The Eeee mage looks scandalized. "He meant Scarlet!"

Roho stands, "I will go with her. I think she will need fairly regular tending for a while."

Qing hisses, "Yes. Scarlet. Information on this incident will be disclosed to proper authorities when the situation permits. I will file a report with the Collegia."

"Yes? What about Scarlet? You mean the short puffy one, right?" the cat rasps. "He most certainly said 'Eeee', and if my memory serves – Ah … "

"Well, then, you heard Qing! Off with Scarlet, right away! Time's wasting!" the cat gestures with his cane.

Envoy leans in close to the Rokuga and whispers, "There might be Babelite agents on board, Qing."

The cat and bat mages lean out in the hallway. "Guards!" "Guards!" "Oh, guards!" "Guards! Guards … do we HAVE any guards?" "Yes, but I think they're asleep." "Apprentices, maybe?" "Oh, bother!"

The Rokuga nods thoughtfully. "You are probably right, Exile. We should speak with the captain, and see what security measures he has available to him, and what he would recommend. This is not my area of expertise."

Roho nods, and stands by the bedside, waiting for the guards. He'll be able to treat her better in the infirmary, anyways.

Qing uncoils himself, and begins gliding back toward his cabin. "I will gather ritual supplies and meet you at the infirmary, doctor, as that seems to be what you are. I may have more questions for you and for this woman later."

The air gradually clears as the stubborn scent of open graves and acid follows the Rokuga away.

Envoy assures the two Mages at the door, "Don't worry, we'll take care of everything."