“You did this?” Mars, the First Son of Heaven, stared disbelieving at the dozen or so frozen creatures in front of him.
“Why? Don’t I look like I’d be capable of that?” The Crystal Maiden floated a foot above the ground, her staff in hand. She had done that, had frozen them all into solid blocks of ice.
“Well,” the First Son of Heaven turned towards her and crossed his massive arms in front of his chest. “actually you don’t, no.” He towered above her even though she was floating above the ground, but Rylai was not intimidated by his height.
She laughed and spun in a circle once, swinging her staff with the movement and creating tiny snowflakes in it’s wake. “Should I show you? I could freeze you, so you can experience first-hand what I am capable of.” She winked at him, though she could and would freeze him, if he was an arse.
He seemed to believe her enough, though, because he raised his hands in a sign of surrender. “No thanks. I’m fine. I was just surprised.” Then he grinned. “I guess I should keep you close by my side, with these mad skills of yours.”
“And what,” the Maiden leaned close to him, her clear blue eyes wide, “do I get out of it?”
That was the clue for Mars to show off his own qualifications. He pulled a huge shield forward, almost big enough to hide his whole body behind it and definitely big enough to hide at least two of the Crystal Maiden, and a matching spear. His muscles flexed as he did so. “You get my mad skills in close combat, my shield to protect you and my spear to slay anyone that escapes your magic and comes too close.” His grin got wider, sharp teeth bright against his dark skin. He looked crazy and dangerous, much to Rylai’s delight.
“Deal.” She held her hand out and Mars took it, completely engulfing it in his huge paws. She was grinning, too, though she suspected she didn’t appear as crazy as the warrior in front of her.
“Deal.” He answered.