Keep Cool

"Keep cool." Anivia the Cryophoenix. A cryophoenix who lived in Freljord long before any humans arrived, Anivia is a creature of great age and wisdom. (I follow the tags phoenixofice and FoJAnivia and I'm on the GMT+12 timezone.)

[phoenixofice]

Quinn ventured to the Freljord and threw Valor off of her back. "You are being a pest, I'm leaving you in the cold." Knowing full well that he'd just fly back to her she ran away very quickly and found a bunch of tunnels where Valor couldn't sense her. In response, he flew up higher and higher, until he saw a cave in the distance "Oh hey! My girl!" He cawed as he flew straight towards the entrance.

The wind was cold that day, so cold that the Cryophoenix was surprised when she peered out her cave entrance to see a being winging its way towards her. Anivia sometimes had the few winged survivors of the extreme cold visit, but this one was far larger…and of a different colour-

Oh.

She didn’t speak until the Demacian Eagle landed in front of her. “Valor. A pleasure.I take it Quinn is not far behind?”

[on-the-wings-of-demacia]

Valor’s feathers ruffled from head to toe. Did she really say that? He breathed deeply and pretended to groom himself as he hid his embarrassment. He had to be cool, be… cool… "I’m… honored… to have… met you too." He cawed, choosing his words carefully. Feeling his confidence return, he puffed up, ”And I would take you anywhere you wanted to go!” 

[phoenixofice]

"I do not know where I would like to go. As I've said before, my duties meant that I stayed in Freljord to protect her and aid her people. They and she are both mine to watch over - to protect. Perhaps I have done my fair share of learning, both over the many years of my existence, and my time as a Champion of the Institute. That being said, nothing is a substitute for the firsthand experience."

Anivia paused in her response, uttering a light trill to display her contentment. "Then, no doubt the feeling is most definitely mutual, Valor." She finished her words by dipping her beak in acknowledgement, her eyes sparkling.

[phoenixofice]

Quinn ventured to the Freljord and threw Valor off of her back. "You are being a pest, I'm leaving you in the cold." Knowing full well that he'd just fly back to her she ran away very quickly and found a bunch of tunnels where Valor couldn't sense her. In response, he flew up higher and higher, until he saw a cave in the distance "Oh hey! My girl!" He cawed as he flew straight towards the entrance.

The wind was cold that day, so cold that the Cryophoenix was surprised when she peered out her cave entrance to see a being winging its way towards her. Anivia sometimes had the few winged survivors of the extreme cold visit, but this one was far larger…and of a different colour-

Oh.

She didn’t speak until the Demacian Eagle landed in front of her. “Valor. A pleasure.I take it Quinn is not far behind?”

[on-the-wings-of-demacia]

"I love to fly over the Solari…" He said, "They worship the sun… so it’s always warm over there…" He then trailed off, immediately worried that Anivia wouldn’t like flying in the sun because she was made of ice. Hopefully he didn’t look too panicked. 

[phoenixofice]

"The warmth, you say? I must admit I have never travelled to Mount Targon. I always felt that my presence was needed in Freljord. I think that, without the Institute, I would no doubt have spent my existence in the Ironspike Mountains, and within Freljord's borders." Anivia nodded decisively. "And no doubt I would not have had the pleasure of meeting you."

[phoenixofice]

Quinn ventured to the Freljord and threw Valor off of her back. "You are being a pest, I'm leaving you in the cold." Knowing full well that he'd just fly back to her she ran away very quickly and found a bunch of tunnels where Valor couldn't sense her. In response, he flew up higher and higher, until he saw a cave in the distance "Oh hey! My girl!" He cawed as he flew straight towards the entrance.

The wind was cold that day, so cold that the Cryophoenix was surprised when she peered out her cave entrance to see a being winging its way towards her. Anivia sometimes had the few winged survivors of the extreme cold visit, but this one was far larger…and of a different colour-

Oh.

She didn’t speak until the Demacian Eagle landed in front of her. “Valor. A pleasure.I take it Quinn is not far behind?”

[on-the-wings-of-demacia]

"Glacial… is a color?" Valor said, looking up at her, but didn’t question it any farther, "I love it!" He pulled off a big grin and listened to her talk about her flower and food. "You have a very fine taste in flower, too, Violet is rather astounding. Oh! And I’d happily bring you said birdseed anytime you wished!!" Valor bounced eagerly up and down. Then he shook himself free, “So, my dear, do you have any questions for me?” His eyes shone brightly up at her, then went easily back to being cocky and proud not a moment later. 

[phoenixofice]

Anivia ruffled her feathers cheerfully at Valor's words. "The gesture is very much appreciated, Valor," she said sincerely. As she looked over at her companion, she felt her chest grow and compress in a soft sigh as the bird happily replied to her. She tilted her head at his question, thinking for a moment over what she could say. At last she responded with "Well, I must ask your favourite colour, flower, and food too, out of curiousity. And...I've always wondered if you've had a favourite place to fly."

[phoenixofice]

It was a cold day at the Institute. The snow was falling slowly, but the temperature was so low that most mortal people were staying indoors. Luckily enough, he wasn't mortal. Thresh walked through the snow, his chains leaving drag marks in the snow. As he stared up in the sky, he heard someone nearby. His gaze shifted down to a certain Cryophoenix observing the snow as well. Thresh grinned, deciding to converse with her. "Hello, Cryophoenix. Lovely weather today, hmm?" He said with a grin.

A snow day - and obviously, the favoured weather of the Cryophoenix. The Freljord bird in question was taking the time to savour the snow around her when her silence was interrupted by a voice that crawled along her wings and up her spine.

"Thresh," she replied in greeting, turning to speak to the Chain Warden. "It is indeed good weather. What brings you out here?"

[wardenofchains-thresh-blog]

"Peace isn’t real, Anivia. There’s only the idea of peace, the misconception of peace existing. In truth, there will always be struggle. People will always fight over something. Your situation is a perfect example of it. There are never two sides to war. There are many, and so peace cannot be achieved. If Ashe does defeat Sejuani, is peace achieved? If Lissandra beats them both, is there truly peace in subjugation? The only outcome of war is silence. Not peace." Thresh finished, staring off in the distance.

[phoenixofice]

Anivia was silent for a long time. At last she said, "Perhaps, and perhaps not. Total and Valoran-wide peace? I myself doubt that can be achieved. There are too many different peoples and cultures for there ever to be true peace. But there is...civility, and that is a peace in itself." She paused, swivelling her head to peer at the warden. "I lived with Avarosa, when the people grew into a mighty power. It is true that there was war then - but before that, there was only prosperity. I would fight for that again - for I know, that the people of Valoran have it in them to reach an accord. They have that potential. It is a potential that is worth safeguarding. I have lived long enough to know that mankind is capable of many miracles. Whether or not they will achieve this is one thing, but I know that it can."

[phoenixofice]

It was a cold day at the Institute. The snow was falling slowly, but the temperature was so low that most mortal people were staying indoors. Luckily enough, he wasn't mortal. Thresh walked through the snow, his chains leaving drag marks in the snow. As he stared up in the sky, he heard someone nearby. His gaze shifted down to a certain Cryophoenix observing the snow as well. Thresh grinned, deciding to converse with her. "Hello, Cryophoenix. Lovely weather today, hmm?" He said with a grin.

A snow day - and obviously, the favoured weather of the Cryophoenix. The Freljord bird in question was taking the time to savour the snow around her when her silence was interrupted by a voice that crawled along her wings and up her spine.

"Thresh," she replied in greeting, turning to speak to the Chain Warden. "It is indeed good weather. What brings you out here?"

[wardenofchains-thresh-blog]

"An admirable thought, none the less. Though in truth I can’t really care who wins the war up there. All I know is I want to be around for it." Thresh grinned, laughing as he thought of all the souls he could collect from that frozen tundra. He quickly hid his expression, as he didn’t want to Cryophoenix to pay too much attention to his comment.

"In my nature? My dear Anivia, you wound me!" He mockingly holds a hand over where his heart should be. He keeps up the look of sadness for a little longer, before breaking out into hysteric laughing. "I couldn’t keep that up. But no, that isn’t point of a wedding, but I wanted to officiate, but Soraka had other ideas, so I might as well make their special day all the more scarrin…memorable." He said, quickly correcting himself.

[phoenixofice]

Anivia tilted her head in a very birdlike manner as she caught the Chain Warden's comment - but then again she was a bird. She made no response to the matter - in all honesty, she wasn't too surprised at Thresh's reply. The Chain Warden thrived on his collection and...treatment of souls. Other than a faint gleam passing through her eyes, all she said was "Action for peace is something Ashe and I at least agree on. Of course, Sejuani thinks peace is weak, and snowstorms only know what Lissandra is planning..." her voice trailed off, the Cryophoenix not noticing that her eyes had narrowed ever-so-slightly at the mention of the witch. 

"I have no doubt that Soraka and Diana have already organised their officiator," Anivia replied confidently. "And no doubt your presence will serve to make a very special day indeed." Perhaps she'd have to keep an eye on the warden on this occasion.

[phoenixofice]

Quinn ventured to the Freljord and threw Valor off of her back. "You are being a pest, I'm leaving you in the cold." Knowing full well that he'd just fly back to her she ran away very quickly and found a bunch of tunnels where Valor couldn't sense her. In response, he flew up higher and higher, until he saw a cave in the distance "Oh hey! My girl!" He cawed as he flew straight towards the entrance.

The wind was cold that day, so cold that the Cryophoenix was surprised when she peered out her cave entrance to see a being winging its way towards her. Anivia sometimes had the few winged survivors of the extreme cold visit, but this one was far larger…and of a different colour-

Oh.

She didn’t speak until the Demacian Eagle landed in front of her. “Valor. A pleasure.I take it Quinn is not far behind?”

[on-the-wings-of-demacia]

"What’s your favorite color, flower, and food!?" Valor instantly said, happy she accepted the offer. 

[phoenixofice]

"No doubt you'd think it obvious, but my favourite colour is..glacial," the Cryophoenix chuckled ruefully. "It reminds me of time and age. Do you know that glaciers move? Of course, nobody can see them...but they shift slowly over time. Also, there is something brilliant about seeing through the clearest ice for the longest distance." Anivia blinked, then shook herself out of her thoughts. "As for flower...we do not get many flowers. There is a violet which sometimes makes itself known in Freljord - if you know where to look, that is. During one of my many flights over the Ironspike Mountains I spotted the colour of the flower among the white. I suppose it is a sign that everything holds beauty. And as for food...well, I must admit that Demacia has rather good birdseed."

[icebornqueen-deactivated2015082]

Lissandra simply shrugged, though her icy eyes betrayed her annoyance. “Those who loathe the rapture of cold are merely weak. Their fear is natural; ice culls the weak. But for the strong and accepting, the reign of ice will only make them stronger. I once thought a being of frost as yourself might understand that…”

But Lissandra visibly bristled at the mention of the Abyss; the ice beneath her shifted and cracked sickeningly while her lip curled in disgust. “That,” she spat, “was the work of a spoiled, ungrateful brat. That the avatar of Freljord would take her side is only more proof that Freljord has become weak and pathetic. Only my work can restore it to greatness — and save you, Anivia, from your own pathetic downspiral.”

[phoenixofice]

Anivia ruffled her wings calmly. "Ice is unchanging - it melts when summer comes, yet returns in winter...even in the Freljord, that happens - though not to the same extent. I understand that, with time, ice can be worked with. Tamed? No. Perhaps never. Ice is a force of nature unto only herself, and takes only those foolish enough to challenge it unprepared. It is pure by itself in its strength...and needs none of the change you bring to it."

Her gaze darkened, ice shifting and speaking of moving glaciers long past. "Avarosa was no brat. She sought a unified Freljord - a vision which came to pass, however briefly. She achieved peace and prosperity for the whole of Freljord - and Ashe seeks the same. It is a vision I would see come to pass again. All you promise is darkness and cold."

[phoenixofice]

It was a cold day at the Institute. The snow was falling slowly, but the temperature was so low that most mortal people were staying indoors. Luckily enough, he wasn't mortal. Thresh walked through the snow, his chains leaving drag marks in the snow. As he stared up in the sky, he heard someone nearby. His gaze shifted down to a certain Cryophoenix observing the snow as well. Thresh grinned, deciding to converse with her. "Hello, Cryophoenix. Lovely weather today, hmm?" He said with a grin.

A snow day - and obviously, the favoured weather of the Cryophoenix. The Freljord bird in question was taking the time to savour the snow around her when her silence was interrupted by a voice that crawled along her wings and up her spine.

"Thresh," she replied in greeting, turning to speak to the Chain Warden. "It is indeed good weather. What brings you out here?"

[wardenofchains-thresh-blog]

"Insanity can sprout from long times spent alive, watching people you’ve come to know die all around you. I can see how making the choice to protect make you think you’re crazy. Personally, I was crazy even before I became immortal. But insanity can also be a gift. Whether or not what you are doing is stupid, evil, futile, or foolish, insanity helps us follow our decisions and justify what we are doing. Sure, torturing souls may seem horrible to sane people. But to me, they deserve it. They got themselves caught by me, and they don’t deserve pity. And you believe that what you’re doing will help, even though history has said it won’t. At least the insane are the most committed." Thresh explained.

"Yes, indeed I am. I’m surprised I’d be invited before you, but I’m sure you’ll get to come. I’m over the moon about this wedding, and I can’t wait to go. What’s better than creeping out those around me while two people get married?” He chuckled, leaning on his knees in joyful thought.

[phoenixofice]

I hear a great many artists, creators, and the like also have some form of insanity. Then again, if I consider what you've said on the matter, perhaps what one calls insanity may just be that individual's single-minded focus to finish something....or create something new." The Cryophoenix's tone was thoughtful. "And yes, the only other option is to take no action - and I've lived long enough to know that's the worst decision of all. At least make a stand for something, rather than sit down for reason."

A soft sigh left her beak as she ruffled her wings, Anivia noticing the pun but making no remark on it. "I'm not entirely sure that creeping people out is the point of a wedding, but then again, that is in your nature, no doubt? It sounds like quite the event."

[phoenixofice]

It was a cold day at the Institute. The snow was falling slowly, but the temperature was so low that most mortal people were staying indoors. Luckily enough, he wasn't mortal. Thresh walked through the snow, his chains leaving drag marks in the snow. As he stared up in the sky, he heard someone nearby. His gaze shifted down to a certain Cryophoenix observing the snow as well. Thresh grinned, deciding to converse with her. "Hello, Cryophoenix. Lovely weather today, hmm?" He said with a grin.

A snow day - and obviously, the favoured weather of the Cryophoenix. The Freljord bird in question was taking the time to savour the snow around her when her silence was interrupted by a voice that crawled along her wings and up her spine.

"Thresh," she replied in greeting, turning to speak to the Chain Warden. "It is indeed good weather. What brings you out here?"

[wardenofchains-thresh-blog]

"Ah, I can see what you mean. I do enjoy torturing souls a bit more than what’s healthy. If you consider it healthy at all!" He lets out a laugh, holding his sides as he slowly regains composure. "I have not lived as long as you, but I can understand immortal life." Thresh says as he gestures to himself. "We immortals are funny creatures aren’t we? Going through life as observers, seeing the ways mortals handle their lives. Things can start to lose meaning, you know?"

He turns towards the bird, smirking. “May I ask, will you be attending the wedding coming up? I know I am, and I can’t wait to see those two together. You know how I’m a big supporter of couples.” Thresh said with a grin, leaning back into the bench while staring into his lantern.

[phoenixofice]

"Immortality," replied Anivia slowly, "A blessing in many ways...yet a curse in others. Living to watch different mortals make the same mistakes as their predecessors. Have you ever heard the quote 'Insanity is repeating something over and over to expect different results.'?" she asked wryly. "Sometimes i feel that, under that alone, all of mankind is insane. Yet here I still am, taking a region under my wings, electing to protect them - perhaps I might be insane from the long life." Her voice turned introspective with a large touch of amusement.

"The wedding? Personally I have not been invited - though should they desire my presence, I would be all too happy to attend. It is about time that something more joyous was celebrated. I take it by your tone that you are attending...."

[icebornqueen-deactivated2015082]

Lissandra merely stared down at the Cryophoenix, corrupted ice shifting to elevate her even farther over the smaller champion. Hearing her name, her black lips twisted into a cold smile; it brought her a perverse joy, hearing her true name spoken with such hatred.

"What is this? It seems a lost bird has flown into the Institute," she laughed, her voice sharp with mockery. "Have you come to oppose me, Anivia? How many times must I tell you? You may be Freljord’s avatar, but I am Freljord’s salvation. You shall understand in due time…”

[phoenixofice]

"If that is what you think, then I will not stop you. I will only say that one man's salvation is another man's doom. The people will not accept your form of salvation - in fact, we abhor it. That is why it was cast into the Abyss to begin with."

Did it bother her that Lissandra towered over her? No. Anivia was the Cryophoenix - she'd witnessed countless beings tower over her, and she was very much immune to it now. After all, someone's appearance did not say anything about their true personality...

[phoenixofice]

It was a cold day at the Institute. The snow was falling slowly, but the temperature was so low that most mortal people were staying indoors. Luckily enough, he wasn't mortal. Thresh walked through the snow, his chains leaving drag marks in the snow. As he stared up in the sky, he heard someone nearby. His gaze shifted down to a certain Cryophoenix observing the snow as well. Thresh grinned, deciding to converse with her. "Hello, Cryophoenix. Lovely weather today, hmm?" He said with a grin.

A snow day - and obviously, the favoured weather of the Cryophoenix. The Freljord bird in question was taking the time to savour the snow around her when her silence was interrupted by a voice that crawled along her wings and up her spine.

"Thresh," she replied in greeting, turning to speak to the Chain Warden. "It is indeed good weather. What brings you out here?"

[wardenofchains-thresh-blog]

"I see. Well, I wouldn’t know all too much about being a representative of anything. The Shadow Isles don’t care all too much about being ‘represented’ or anything like that. I admire Ashe. She truly is a good archer and she excels at her role on the Fields." Thresh nodded, taking a seat on the nearby bench.

"So Anivia, how goes the life of the Cryophoenix? Any problems going on in the Freljord?" Thresh inquired. While he didn’t normally care about the lives of mortals, but Anivia was an exception, as she was immortal and he felt as if he had to try harder to scare her.

[phoenixofice]

"Hmm yes," Anivia hummed in reply, "Ashe does carry the title of 'Frost Archer' for a reason. Her gift of accuracy and dexterity is one that is legend in the Institute. It's a pleasure to see a good friend of mine conduct herself both on and off the Fields of Justice."

"As for me...well my life proceeds much like it always has over the many years. The rise and fall of civilisations, watching as people fight over the throne of the land I consider my own...Mankind and their wars...even the Institute has not sated the bloodlust of some." Anivia shrugged fluidly. "But then I've lived longenough to know that for every activity there is a few who enjoy it just that bit too much."

[phoenixofice]

icebornqueen started following you

The Cryophoenix's gaze sharpened, her eyes beginning to whirl with white ice and snow as she stared the Ice Witch down silently.

"Lissandra..."

Well, almost silently.

[phoenixofice]

It was a cold day at the Institute. The snow was falling slowly, but the temperature was so low that most mortal people were staying indoors. Luckily enough, he wasn't mortal. Thresh walked through the snow, his chains leaving drag marks in the snow. As he stared up in the sky, he heard someone nearby. His gaze shifted down to a certain Cryophoenix observing the snow as well. Thresh grinned, deciding to converse with her. "Hello, Cryophoenix. Lovely weather today, hmm?" He said with a grin.

A snow day - and obviously, the favoured weather of the Cryophoenix. The Freljord bird in question was taking the time to savour the snow around her when her silence was interrupted by a voice that crawled along her wings and up her spine.

"Thresh," she replied in greeting, turning to speak to the Chain Warden. "It is indeed good weather. What brings you out here?"

[wardenofchains-thresh-blog]

The warden grinned. “Ah, I love the cold you see. I come from the land of the dead. Not too many warm things there so it’s the temperature I’m used to. If I could feel temperature that is.” He laughed slightly, putting his hand out and catching some snow. “What brings you out here, Cryophoenix? Wouldn’t you much rather to be in the Freljord where it’s always like this?” Thresh questioned, scraping the ground with his scythe, drawing pictures of souls in the snow.

[phoenixofice]

"I would...but Ashe, as you may well know, has requested Freljord's acceptance as another state...and as such, a state requires representative champions," Anivia replied. "In any case, being here is quite an educational experience. As a bing of wisdom, I know that learning never stops - and much can be learned from such a wide combination of different people and beings here, from all different walks of life."

[phoenixofice]

Quinn ventured to the Freljord and threw Valor off of her back. "You are being a pest, I'm leaving you in the cold." Knowing full well that he'd just fly back to her she ran away very quickly and found a bunch of tunnels where Valor couldn't sense her. In response, he flew up higher and higher, until he saw a cave in the distance "Oh hey! My girl!" He cawed as he flew straight towards the entrance.

The wind was cold that day, so cold that the Cryophoenix was surprised when she peered out her cave entrance to see a being winging its way towards her. Anivia sometimes had the few winged survivors of the extreme cold visit, but this one was far larger…and of a different colour-

Oh.

She didn’t speak until the Demacian Eagle landed in front of her. “Valor. A pleasure.I take it Quinn is not far behind?”

[on-the-wings-of-demacia]

"Actually could we…" Valor looked around to see if anyone was watching, even if he knew that no one but Anivia was there, "could we just… talk? I, uh, kinda wanna learn… about you." He fluffed out his feathers, and quickly added, "S-So that I can tell all my guy friends, y’know!" He shifted his gaze away from her, in slight embarrassment that he was so interested in learning about her. 

[phoenixofice]

Well, that was an interesting development - and one that Anivia wasn't expecting. Perhaps there was more to Valor than just his tendency to puff his chest a lot.

"Very well. We can do that instead," she replied comfortably. "There is a lot I could tell you though - seeing as I am well...I've been around a long time. What do you want to know?"

[phoenixofice]

It was a cold day at the Institute. The snow was falling slowly, but the temperature was so low that most mortal people were staying indoors. Luckily enough, he wasn't mortal. Thresh walked through the snow, his chains leaving drag marks in the snow. As he stared up in the sky, he heard someone nearby. His gaze shifted down to a certain Cryophoenix observing the snow as well. Thresh grinned, deciding to converse with her. "Hello, Cryophoenix. Lovely weather today, hmm?" He said with a grin.

A snow day - and obviously, the favoured weather of the Cryophoenix. The Freljord bird in question was taking the time to savour the snow around her when her silence was interrupted by a voice that crawled along her wings and up her spine.

"Thresh," she replied in greeting, turning to speak to the Chain Warden. "It is indeed good weather. What brings you out here?"

[wearallthebelts]

*Jinx’s face twisted into confusion at the Cryophoenix’s response, she really had no idea how that sort of activity could be at all fun or entertaining.  She finally just shrugged after a second.*

Well whatever lights your fuse!  I don’t think that’s really my thing though.

[phoenixofice]

"I don't think it's your thing ether. I think you're much more interested in...movement."

Fast movement...especially running away from a certain pair of Piltovians. Anivia ruffled her wings in amusement, lost in thought.

[maw-of-the-void]

Anivia approached her friend, looking down with at Kog'Maw. "An important question, my friend...would you like to build a snowman?" ((I REGRET NOTHING))

Kog’Maw’s antennae perked up as the Cryophoenix approached him, his tail starting to wag furiously as she asked her question. “A snowman?” The Voidling asked, nodding quickly “Kog’Maw loves building snowmen!”

[maw-of-the-void]

Kog’Maw nodded happily, trotting down the hall in front of the Cryophoenix. The snow had been coming down for days, and the Voidling had wanted to go outside with someone, but many had left him be. 

"Kog’Maw hasn’t built a snowman before, Anivia." He said, looking back at his friend "How does Kog’Maw build a snowman?"

[phoenixofice]

"I do not build snowmen often, but I see enough of the children of my home do it to have a fair idea of what to expect," replied the bird as they made their way outside. "You roll the snow into snowballs, each one of different sizes, then stack them to make a body - and add things later for limbs and such. It seems an activity between loved ones - and, knowing you, I thought you would enjoy it."