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She charged at him through the water bursting forth from it with ease. Surtr stood waiting energy surging through his body to prepare a counter attack but mere feet from him she halted. The water washed forward to engulf him but as it did it suddenly parted around him crashing behind him as he stood resolute looking upon the silent guardian waiting. It was a stand still an immovable object meeting an unstoppable forth. Both entities eying the other with such unparalleled intent that the world itself was likely to stop rotating. A smile crept across the Fayes lips he hadn't experience something like this in quite some time. It unearthed pain from the past things that he had long since buried. He leaned over hunched before falling to his knees.

In doing so his hands fell forward touching the surface of the sea and crossing whatever imaginary line had just divided the two. He looked upon the still surface seeing his own reflect before drops of water hit the sea blurring whatever it was Surtr was looking upon. Tears, they were falling from the creature and not by his own motivation. Seeing someone so resolute in their actions, a woman so fierce in her duty and unperturbed by whatever distractions Surtr could muster. There was only one other woman who achieved this, one other specimen Surtr had witnessed in almost 14000 years of living that was able to achieve such a thing. A woman that Surtr killed and a woman he loved. He thought of her now and his guard for the moment was down. The pain that he had hidden within himself she managed to unearth and it wounded him now more so than it had in many years. He closed his eyes his brow furrowed attempting to compose himself and for a brief moment forgot about the monster than lurked below.

Her monstrous form burst through the sea and water was about to spill over him but seemingly parted around him once again. She looked over him and scooped him up as she did he looked upon her a breath moving up and down through his body to center the man. "This isn't because of them." He said as she moved him back and set him down giving him the opportunity flee or something. He rose from his knees watching the creature sink below his lavender eyes looking upon the abyss that was Navandes eyes as she disappeared out of sight. As she left from sight Surtr felt a surge of energy which caused him to bring his hand up to his head rubbing his face extraordinarily disappointed in his country.

Though as he turned to face the ships he saw an unmistakable purple haired woman leading the ship. Rage suddenly flared from within the man as the sea beneath him began to hiss at his touch evaporating under the heat that he was suddenly giving off. His wings unfurled and with a single flap he rocketed out with incredulous speed knocking up a huge wave of water determined to halt the company so that he would prevent his progeny from suffering the same fate as the fools that had arrived before them. Each flap of his wings propelled him faster the very air itself screeching around him as his form pierced through it. Upon reaching the ship he opened his wings and arched his body coming to a suddenly stop. He landed upon the bow of the vessel his rage now boiling over as he looked upon the one thing he didn't wish to be here. "WHY HAVE YOU COME?!?!" He bellowed disdain lacing his words a strong breeze now blowing behind him taking the wind from the sails and slowing the ships to a halt.

His voice echoed across the vast expanse and caused several of the crew members to cower in fear due to the thunderous nature of his voice. The clouds began to darken and the wind behind him picked up bringing the ships to a full halt now his lavender eyes glowing with fury and power as he eyed his daughter. How could she be so foolish? He had always encouraged her whimsy but this, this was different. It was ignorance, something that in this world was a lethal mistake. He looked upon her the tears from before long gone and all that remained was anger, a side of him she was unlikely to have seen in a long time if ever.

She looked upon him obviously rather scared with the blood that coated his plumage now. The crew beginning to whisper amongst themselves rather taken aback while his appearance. She inquired while he was covered in blood and then went on to explain herself and speak about why she was there in the first place. He sighed looking upon her and then the crew seeing that everyone here was scared. Which was good they should be given what lurked below. "This blood is that of the ships that preceded you." He said softly turning to the crew. "Turn around and return to Karst this instant, and take my daughter with you...." He said with an intense resolve that caused some of the crew to immediately begin readying the ship to depart.

He turned to his daughter now and walked to her. "I do not need assistance, I need you to leave. There is a creature that guards this place and it massacred the ships that came blindly charged in." He said jumping from the ship and landing on the water before it waiting for them to turn and leave. "I can handle what lays beneath but I cannot deal with it while worrying about you." He said intently moving his hands as the water began to turn the ship so that it hastened the process and his daughter could leave. It was quite obvious Surtr was in no mood for games and this was a very serious matter. He was not looking for her to be in this fray nor anymore people. Surtr couldn't protect them and himself. He needed to devote his full attention to Navande and with Lillian her he would likely get himself killed because she would be his sole focus if she remained.

As Lillian tried to trump his orders the archmarge whirled around on the surface of the water his ire growing at the stubbornness of his progeny. "Ignore Professor Tasai's command. She cannot overrule my order. You will return to Karst or face incarceration." He said in a tone that clearly conveyed his conviction. While he didn't yell it oddly enough all of the crew could clearly hear his words despite the distance between them. The crewsman no longer conflicted began to assist the ship in its ability to turn.


"Watch me. I can handle this creature, I cannot protect you and handle it at the same time." He said while turning back around to face Nevandes position. He heard her cry and then felt her energy surge likely stirring the creature that slumbers below. Hopefully it wouldn't matter, the ships were will outside of Nevandes range and he had yet to set foot into her domain. He intended to speak with her and he would not be deterred. His focus was temporarily broken by his daughters barrage of cries yelling out to him many messages. Things that served him very little right now but he would respond to ease her worries. "I am not the many. I know what I am doing..... I will not die today, I will have words with you when I return." He said glancing back to her as he finished the sentence. He was not happy with her need to push the envelop. It would get her killed someday and Surtr wasn't sure what he would do if that were to happen.

After seeing his most precious possession one last time her turned back to the sea waiting for her to rise. He knew she would likely come inspect what that was and he aimed to speak with her when she did. She had killed his people though he would not hold that against her. You don't break into someone's home and expect there to not be consequences. No Surtr couldn't hold her at fault.

Surtr watched and waited knowing what would come from below. As predicted the woman burst forth from the sea in a very impressive manner expressing her power and force with a flamboyant nature. She blocked out the sun with her impressive form and it only added to the intimidating feel she was conveying. He stood his wings tightened to his back waiting for her to speak. His lavender eyes gazed upon her waiting.

She spoke her words shaking the water and potentially Surtr himself as he stood waiting and watching. "I don't want anyone else killed. I have come to speak with you." He said looking to her waiting. "I extend my previous deal. I will not attempt to reach the dungeon or try to get in without your permission. In return I'd like to be able to walk around the water and talk to you without being killed." He said extending his hand to her as blood once again pooled. He stood at the border of her domain waiting. He turned help away he once again extended that olive branch and wanted to see how she would react. Had that bridge been burnt? Or would she still see reason?

If she decided to decline he would unfortunately have to show her this was the best alternative. He wasn't sure how she would react though he was prepared for anything. His energy was beginning to build his power and she would certainly feel it begin to surge. He was getting ready for the worst but hoped for the best. He was interested in her and was tired of their little back and forth. He just wanted to be able to speak with her without having to worry about being killed.

He looked at her noting how she explained their death. It was true, she came into her house and threatened her so why should they be spared? Surtr wouldn't try to argue the merits of mercy with a creature like this. It saw the world in a very binary perspective so trying to argue something in between was pointless. He was focused on making progress not fighting an impossible battle. She inquired why he wished to walk about but not enter the dungeon and it caused the Faye to smirk softly. "I wish to see the area and explore what is inside. Though I recognize your purpose and am willing to make a compromise. While I would like to explore that dungeon." He said softly looking to her closing his palm and beginning to walk back and forth on the other side of the imaginary line while contemplating.

"I understand that it is your sole purpose to protect that dungeon so I am willing to make a binding oath that I will not enter without you permission." Surtr said halting and turning to face her. "So long as you let me speak with you. If you decline I will unfortunately leave and eventually return. Or I'll tell others what lays beneath...." Surtr said his energy still building this entire time him being prepared for her to respond to his words. "You let me come and speak with you as well as explore everything here but that dungeon and I will not speak of this place nor of you." Surtr said bringing his hands behind his back and intertwining his fingers awaiting to see her reply. His lavender eyes watched her closely studying her. "We are of decent, and as such you know I am quite powerful. This offer makes it so I will help you rather than fight you." Surtr said looking to her waiting. He had posed his argument and set it for her now waiting to see what she would say. He was unsure if she would go for it, but Surtr would not be deterred and if she declined he would return. He would win this war.

She seemed angered by his words, no she was angered by his words. As Surtr had feared she didn't take kindly to his logic. Assuming a threat rather than following the trail of statements to its end. In her defense she had likely never met someone like him so it only made sense for her to believe him all like the others. She had likely been hardened by deceit and now Surtr would have a nigh impossible task to gain her trust.

She declined all offers, going so far as to yell at him and even attempting to display force as her body arched and the waters surged around him. It was impressive but did not intimidate the Faye. He sighed running a hand through his hair disappointed in how this had turned out. It seemed like he was soo close but was foiled when his uninvited guests came. No it appeared whatever sliver of trust he had was gone. He fell backwards into the sea floating atop its surface and looking up at the stars above. A move he often did when he was met with a puzzle he was having difficulty solving.

As she told him to leave he rolled his eyes, like he hadn't heard that before. This corner of the map was a mystery, it laid untouched and blank. Surtr intended to fill it in and the likes of her would not keep him from it. At least not forever. You inquired clarification on his last statement and it caused Surtr to tilt his head toward her his now soaked hair laying against him. "My offer included my dissuading people from coming. Which meant at least my kingdom would not come snooping about. I would report back that I found nothing but a sentry guarding strait. Since there is no value of using this route there is no value in returning thus no more taikemas..... at least from my people." Surtr said clarifying at the end that he didn't have the authority to keep everyone from coming but he could keep some. It was true he could certainly do that. He certainly would too. Though if she declined his help he would return, not with more mages though. Just himself, he has chipped away stone before and he could do it again.

His head titled towards her watching as she launched the trident back below and in turn began to shrink. Surtr had noted this before and while many would think this form easier to deal with he would contest it far more difficult. Him being in the water now was become a liability one he doubted he'd be able to overcome. If she chose to attack in that form he'd have to retreat to the skies and await her. As she completed her transformation she did a rather acrobatic move launching herself up before plummeting into the deep. He remained in his vulnerable position though deciding he'd get a bit more comfortable. He rose and sat atop the waters surface crossing his legs and awaiting her return. She had yet to lie to him and he didn't believe she would so he decided to allow his opening to remain just that while waiting.

As she broke the water she began throwing things at the faye. Lazily moved around the objects and then looked upon them floating in the surface as she began to speak. It seemed many had offered this before. Many had come with paper and claimed to bind themselves to their deal only to go back on it. As she spoke he looked to the scar she revealed and nodded. Surtr himself was coated in scars his chest which was barren of any plumage was riddled with them, all animalistic in nature save one. One across his rib line was precisely obviously done with a blade. Though the rest were bite and scratch marks as if the faye had been mauled by some beast. He had experienced his share of deceit he knew the pain she likely felt or at least the distrust she harbored.

He sat silently watching and listening to her speak studying her as she did. He dare not interrupt her when she was giving him such intriguing information. She dove back down and it only caused Surtr to look at the sea of parchment that lay before him and scan them to his memory. His mind may not be as sharp as his daughters but it was enough to complete the task at hand.

Upon her return she released more parchment upon him even a message from the fallen which Surtr lifted and read attempting to discern a meaningful date from the article. At this he held the parchment aiming to inquire about it after she finished.

She spoke, finally emotion in her words and upon her face. She was a guardian, one that had long since been forgotten and yet here she was continuing her duty. He could relate to that. Surtr had but one goal, to eradicate what his people unleashed upon this world. His enemy had long since fallen to legend and fairy tales but he would continue to pursue them until he could conclusively know they were no more. He had taken much abuse along his path and perhaps if his beliefs had faltered he would be just like her. Though thankfully he had several ties to keep him from sinking into the abyss that had long since swallowed Nevande.

Once she finished her looked to her shifting his body to get a bit closer but still remaining outside of her territory. "I do not speak for my people. I do not claim I can prevent all from coming here. I am but one, I can lie and say there is nothing but if my people overrule me they will come. I can only promise that I will not be among them." He said looking to her. His words were careful and full of intent. They were calm and soft attempting to be sure his point was made clear. "I am not a scaled one, I am not a short one, I am not a human, or a fallen. I am an old one." He said looking to her before setting the parchment he held down in his lap.

"My word cannot be broken." He said holding out his hand and watching as a cut formed before a few drops of blood fell into the water. "My blood binds me. I am unable to go against it." He was not trying to trick her. He wouldn't tell her he didn't want to go inside to know what secrets lay within. He wanted that so badly, but he couldn't kill something as unique as her for an unknown. So he aimed to settle, he would have her instead of what was inside and he would relinquish his right to even try. If he made this deal he couldn't go within without her permission. "I wish to speak with you and to perhaps see what is below, but I will not go inside what you guard unless you let me.." He said looking to her waiting. He didn't offer parchment or seals, he didn't come with gold, or treasure, his word word be etched in his blood. It was a very concrete bond and something he didn't make lightly, but for the progression of his own knowledge and a chance at a lead for that which he sought to destroy he had to make it.

This was the first thing he'd seen related to the fallen that could be after the great war and she could very well have more information on them. He had to try he had to. "If you kill me, my people will come. They are strong and vast in numbers. I don't wish to see you killed." He said looking to her now and waiting every so often a drop of his blood falling into the water between them spreading out a bit before dissipating into the sea below. He was ernest in his words and intentions but he knew now without a doubt she had experienced a tale similar many times. He was not confident his offer would be accepted but he was hopeful.