Rubedo stood in the biting cold of Dragonspine, his breath forming small clouds in the frigid air. The leyline anomalies had been increasingly erratic lately, casting unsettling waves of elemental energy through the mountain. The familiar energy traces that were once sporadic now seemed almost purposeful, almost as if they were trying to send a message—or a warning. Durin's looming shadow was never far from his thoughts, tainting every trace of elemental energy he examined.
As Rubedo methodically noted down the anomalous readings and behaviors of the environment, a shiver ran down his spine. He could feel the unmistakable sensation of being watched—a familiar and unwelcome presence. Irritation flared within him. He knew exactly who was observing him from the shadows. What was Albedo doing here, of all places? Wasn't he supposed to be engrossed in some grand expedition?
"Albedo," Rubedo called out, his voice cutting through the cold air. He tensed, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword, ready for any immediate threat. "If you’re going to keep lurking, you might as well come out. I don’t have time for games.” While he was prepared for a confrontation, he didn’t make any aggressive moves. Instead, he stood his ground, waiting for Albedo’s response. - @ask-rubedo
Something was stirring in Dragonspine. Something horrible.
Albedo knew it, and all he could do was examine and prepare. Durin's fate to rise from the dead was no longer simply a far-off theory. Multiple unseen and dangerous anomalies having shown themselves in Dragonspine as of late. If there was even a chance his hypothesis was correct, then he couldn't let his guard down. He had to examine any and every anomaly he encountered, and study it to see what it meant.
...Though, the irregular flow of elemental energy wasn't the only thing Albedo had to be cautious of in the mountains.
He had only been following the traces of elemental energy he could sense in the snow. It was a clear path — almost as if it was purposefully laid out for him — and one that was interrupted by an unexpected figure just ahead.
Albedo hid behind a nearby tree, thankful for the wide enough trunk to provide suitable coverage. He peeked around and, not wishing for a confrontation, simply observed as Rubedo took note of the environment. "...Strange." He muttered under his breath. Was he looking for irregularities as well?
Albedo clutched the hilt of his sword as Rubedo called out to him, knowing there was no real way out of this now. Rubedo would see the glow of his elemental magic before Albedo himself, who then cautiously stepped out from where he was hiding. There were the faint lines of a crystallised shield around him.
He sighed. "...Why are you here?" It was a confrontational question, yes, but part of Albedo was genuinely curious to know the answer.
