and she’s burning it down

And when that sky rains fire on you
And you're persona non grata

The night was young when Nina left the First Flame where it burned and made her way out into the Citadel, winding through streets covered in a fresh swath of snow. It was rare for her to venture out after dark, far preferring the light and warmth of day to the dim cover of night. But with Ember by her side, nothing was ever truly dark, and the little fire sprite led the way readily enough to Safrin’s Mirror, where Nina was more than happy to strip down to a swimsuit and sink into the springs.

It had been some time since she’d last ventured to this part of the Citadel, and it was sorely needed. After helping repair the trenches surrounding the city as a part of some regional quest, she was sore in places that she hadn’t realized existed until now. The hot water was a balm to soothe those tense muscles, and Nina sank in to her shoulders, leaning her head back against the edge of the pool as she relaxed for the first time in what felt like eons.

I'll tell you how I've been there too
And that none of it matters

Nina

the harder the rain, honey, the sweeter the sun

Amhran does not often visit the hot springs unless it's necessary - he's still learning to swim (even though, no, the springs are at no risk of drowning him really) and he has yet to make it down to Torchline for some real lessons. But with the healing properties of Safrin's Mirror now abundant and with his own magic in need of practice, sometimes it's necessary to drop by. This evening he had managed to catch himself with a pair of small shears whilst working in the greenhouse, and the wound on his palm is still weeping a bit despite him bandaging it up.

So here he is, the Raeling having unbuttoned his coat as he approaches the steam and stone, already carefully unwrapping the dressing on his palm as he gets close enough to see the first ripples of the water. It's about then that he realises he isn't alone, and at the sight of the woman soaking in the springs he can only offer a polite smile. "Hello," he says quietly. "Apologies to interrupt. I should only be a moment."

So saying, he's already grabbing one of the several wooden ladles leaning against boulders, stepping to the edge to fill one with water. He doesn't want to simply dunk his bloody hand in there whilst she's bathing, so this feels much more appropriate.

And when that sky rains fire on you
And you're persona non grata

Nina relaxed into the water, a relieved sigh passing her lips as its healing properties worked their magic on her tense muscles. Aside from the springs' magic, the Keeper had always been a fan of hot springs - despite having been born and raised in a frigid climate, her role as Keeper required that she be comfortable in the heat, too (at least to some degree). Safrin's Mirror was, perhaps, the perfect mixture of two extremes and, therefore, a place that Nina quite enjoyed.

A voice interrupted her relaxation, and Nina cracked an eye open to spot someone by the edge of the springs. She sat up a bit, watching as the man grabbed a ladle and procured some of the water. "It is no trouble," she called. "Please do not feel you must rush on my account. The springs are plenty large enough for two." Although, given the man's state of dress, he did not appear to be interested in joining her. Ah, well - either way was fine with Nina. Company or no, it was all the same to her, though she would regret chasing someone off if they were wanting a dip.

I'll tell you how I've been there too
And that none of it matters

Nina

the harder the rain, honey, the sweeter the sun

"Ah, thank you," Amhran says with a grateful smile across to the woman. "I should take some of this away with me, I think. I always forget with the springs being so close." It's a good idea, though, and the Raeling makes a mental note to visit in the morning with a bottle or two, before heading about his day. "Are you hurt, or just relaxing?" he asks, mostly to make idle small-talk, which he has learned is an important part of socialising.

If it isn't obvious from his bleeding hand and his ladle of spring water, it's the former for Amhran, and he steps back from the edge of the springs to carefully bathe the cut. Tension drops from his shoulders almost immediately to feel the sting of pain ease away, and he flexes his fingers. "Much better," he says, offering her a wry smile. "I work in the greenhouse quite often," he explains. "I cut myself."

A plump, round-bodied bird flaps down nearby with more enthusiasm than grace, followed immediately by several others. Ningos quickly claim every available perch, their fluffy forms puffed up against the cold as they wobble into place.

They chirp loudly and constantly, hopping from ledges to shoulders to packs with no sense of personal space. One pecks inquisitively at a strap while another settles somewhere inconvenient, blinking wide eyes as though daring anyone to object.

Even when shooed away, the Ningos only flutter a short distance off before returning, undeterred and endlessly persistent. Whether they eventually lose interest or continue their cheerful harassment, they show no signs of leaving quietly.

---

Ningo Areas Found: Halo — Common A fat all-white bird that produces high-quality meat. Its feathers are often used to line jackets and hats because of its insulating qualities. Challenge Rating: Moderate HP: 70 | To Hit: +20 | Dmg: 8 Movement: Walk 20 ft.; Fly 30 ft. SPECIAL SKILLS Down Harvest: yields premium meat and dense feather lining prized for winter gear; Alarm Waddle: when startled, a flock moves in unison with loud honks, distracting predators and masking allies’ movement; Winter Roost: tightly packed roosts share body heat, reducing exposure effects for nearby creatures

TRAITS Insulating Down: exceptionally warm feathers ideal for cold climates; Cold-Hardy: unbothered by most natural cold and light snowfall; Snow Camouflage: all-white plumage blends seamlessly into winter terrain; Ground Forager: adept at finding seeds and shoots beneath crusted snow ACTIONS Peck: a quick defensive jab of the beak; Wing Flurry: a burst of wingbeats that kicks up snow and loose down to obscure vision; Warning Honk: a sharp call that alerts the flock and may startle approaching creatures

And when that sky rains fire on you
And you're persona non grata

Despite her invitation, Nina was rather unprepared to make small talk. "I am unhurt," she assured the stranger. In an attempt to lighten her rather brusque response, she quickly added, "Unless you count sore muscles." Fortunately for them both, the man seemed to be better at idle conversation than she, and she learned quickly that he had hurt himself. "Oh, I am sorry," she said. "I am glad the springs are available."

There was a momentary silence, but then a plump bird plopped into the snow nearby, drawing Nina's attention - as well as that of her companion. Ember promptly bounced towards the offending creature, hissing and spitting as it attempted to drive the bird away. Nina half-rose from the water. "Ember," she called. "Leave the ningo alone." To the stranger, she added, "I apologize for my companion. It has more energy than sense."

I'll tell you how I've been there too
And that none of it matters

Nina

the harder the rain, honey, the sweeter the sun

"Sore muscles or even a sore mind are still a type of hurt," Amhran says easily; relaxing is just as necessary as traditional healing, after all, and the fact that the springs can provide both is a boon he often finds himself admiring. "And it's alright - it wasn't a very deep cut. But I was using shears that might have been dirty with soil, so..." So it's better to be safe than sorry, and as he wipes at his palm with the sleeve of his coat, the cut has already dissolved away.

It's at about that time that a ningo whumps down nearby; Amhran likely would have paid it no mind (the things are everywhere) were it not for the glimmer of fire that draws his attention. More than fire, even - living fire, and the woman is addressing it directly. "Is that a... a fire elemental?" he asks, before memory puts two and two together; there are very few people indeed with companions like that. "Forgive me but... are you the Keeper of the First Flame?"

And when that sky rains fire on you
And you're persona non grata

The ningo squawked indignantly as Ember chased it from the snow around the springs. Unfortunately for all involved, the bird had little sense, and as soon as the fire elemental retreated, it returned to its previous perch. The result was that Ember would chase, the ningo would flee, and Ember would retreat again; and then the cycle would continue, again and again and again.

"It is," Nina confirmed, her eyes narrowed on her wayward companion. "And I am. My name is Nina." She quickly tired of the game that her companion played. Standing, warm water dripped from her figure as her skin pebbled against the cold. "By the Flame, Ember!" she scolded. Hearing the command in its bonded's voice, Ember rolled quickly back to the edge of the springs. Nina sank back into the water. "Thank you." To the young man, she added, "My apologies. I did not catch your name."

I'll tell you how I've been there too
And that none of it matters

Nina

the harder the rain, honey, the sweeter the sun

Unable to help himself, Amhran breaks into soft laughter as Ember and the ningo are caught in a game of kiss-chase, with the kissing looking as if it might leave the large bird with far fewer feathers than when it opted to first land in the springs. "It is... quite exuberant," he confirms with a gentle nod, having to stifle the smile that still wants to tug at his lips when the little elemental is scolded and returns to its mistress's side. 

"Nina," he repeats, quietly awed to be able to address someone of her position by first name. "It is good to meet you," he says earnestly. "My name is Amhran. I don't have a companion to introduce, I'm afraid." Though he'd certainly love one, however mischievous they seem to be to a lot of their bonded. "Apologies if this is a strange question, but I did not expect to see the Keeper in a pool of water. Do you not prefer to be beside the fire?"

And when that sky rains fire on you
And you're persona non grata

The fire elemental quivered quietly as near to Nina as it dared; unlike its bonded, it was not fond of water, and it had no interest in going near the springs. Still, it stopped bounding after the poor ningo, who was looking the worse for wear, and that was enough for the Keeper.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Amhran," she said, one eye still on her exuberant companion. The name was familiar, and Nina looked the Raeling over curiously. It was not every day that one met a demigod, after all. Still, he seemed rather... normal, to have a deity as a parent, and young - as she was - to have such responsibility on his shoulders. Perhaps it was because she was used to seeing her grandmother - a cranky old woman if ever there was one - in a position of power, but she had yet to become accustomed to seeing otherwise.

Amhran's question startled a soft laugh from Nina. "I am sorry - I am not laughing at you. It is a fair question," she explained. "The First Flame is preferable to a great many locations, but that does not mean that I do not enjoy variety. Besides, I assisted with repairing the trenches today. I am... unused to things that require such physical strength. Keeping the Flame is far more spiritual. The water is pleasant after a day of labor."

I'll tell you how I've been there too
And that none of it matters

Nina

the harder the rain, honey, the sweeter the sun

Her laughter is pleasant, girlish almost, and the Raeling is equally as struck by how young she is to be in a position of such power - not that he knows they are viewing each other so similarly, of course. Whether she's laughing at him or otherwise doesn't seem to bother him either way, though he draws closer to where she's soaking in the springs now, leaning back against a boulder close to the edge of the water. "Ah, I understand," he says easily with a nod.

"The trenches?" he echoes. "Is that for Safrin's quest for Halo?" He'd heard about the variety of tasks from Deimos over the dinner table, of course, but as of yet the only thing he's contributed is the stargazer lilies he'd transplanted with Noah. "It sounds like hard work," he agrees either way. "I don't blame you for wanting to take a break - and even if there's no fire, the springs are still hot."

And when that sky rains fire on you
And you're persona non grata

Had Nina been privy to Amhran's thoughts, she might have been taken aback by the idea that her laugh might be girlish - she had never quite been described as such, having always been mature beyond her years and perhaps too serious to be considered so. But as it was, she merely nodded at his acceptance of her explanation, content to allow the conversation to either continue on or fizzle out.

And it seemed that Amhran's preference was for the conversation to continue, so she turned in the water to lean her forearms on the edge of the pool, propping her chin on her crossed wrists as she continued on. "Yes," she said. "It was challenging, but I understand that it is necessary to strengthen Halo." As though that was all there was to it, and that was that. As for there being no fire, Nina grinned. "I also bring fire with me wherever I go," she pointed out, gesturing towards Ember. "Ember came to me through the First Flame, so it is a bit like having a piece of the great fire with me at all times." Not to mention her magic, which was ever-present as well.

I'll tell you how I've been there too
And that none of it matters

Nina

the harder the rain, honey, the sweeter the sun

"Mm, since I arrived here there has always been something ongoing to help Halo and to make it stronger," Amhran agrees, the warmth in his voice all for Deimos as Warden. He doesn't know it yet, but that sense of responsibility and duty is being instilled in him every day, and it's of little surprise that he's often pitching in with those same efforts. (Not building trenches this time though, alas). 

As Nina mentions the fire his gaze is drawn to Ember once more, his gaze softening as he watches the spritely little elemental. "That is amazing." He says it sincerely, forcing himself to tear his eyes away to glance to her once more. "I don't think I have ever even seen a fire elemental before, let alone in a place like this. Ember must be very special." If not a menace to ningos, but hey, you can't have it all.

"I confess I have never come to see the flame in person. Would you mind if I came by to pay my respects?" He doesn't know if there are rules associated with visiting or set hours or anything like that, but he's still interested.

And when that sky rains fire on you
And you're persona non grata

Halo's constant improvements were certainly something to be admired, and Nina had to wonder why her grandmother hadn't insisted that she help in the past. Perhaps the old woman had been so fixated on the First Flame and her role as Keeper that reaching beyond that had never crossed her mind. Nina supposed she would never know now - but as the new Keeper, she could already see how important it was to build not only the region, but the relationships that came along with such tasks.

Amhran's quiet interest was a welcome distractions from Nina's wandering mind, and she nodded regally at his query. "All are welcome to see the Flame," she told him. "Especially those who wish to understand its significance. I am most often there in the mornings and evenings, although you may visit at any time so long as you do not disturb the Flame."

I'll tell you how I've been there too
And that none of it matters

Nina