Maximum Nightmares, Icy Awakening

[Ashla]

Closed to Max Dirks.

Keep your cool, Ashla...

In a quick burst of speed, Ashla Icebreaker swerved past a blow delivered by an axe user. The giant man, a teifling, chuckled as Ashla entered a defensive posture with her blade. In a small town, Cazt, just several miles from Corone, a group of mercenaries had caught the attention of P.A.L.E. P.A.L.E. was a group dedicated to bringing justice against the evil doers of Althanas. Their leader was Ashla Icebreaker, the duchess of Eiskalt.

The thief growled, "Pretty girl, you'll never beat us!"

Ashla scoffed, "You guys always say that... and I always have to say this: just wait and see!"

She ran up to the man, ducking from his axe blows and nimbly thrust her broadsword into his knee.

At the direct hit, the man jumped back with a gasp. He looked up at the skinny fighter with a twitching eye. "What do you want?"

Another thing these people commonly say, Ashla rolled her eyes. "Just stay out of here."

The man growled, the darkness of the ally hiding both people. "We'll see if the boss agrees with that demand..."

Same old, same old. Ashla smirked, "We'll see..." The Icebreaker pointed her blade at him.

So, given his misfortune of a sword in the knee, the man limped off. Ashla sheathed her sword and walked on out, excited for the next round. The town was very simple, but still spoke of Corone's beauty. The dirt streets and wood cabins were modest but lovely. It was noon, and some torches were being lit for light in the night.

Ashla was staying in a stone inn at the corner of the street, as marvelous but plain as the rest. As she entered the inn, she was welcomed by the smells of expertly cooked foods. The warn fire sizzling across the room cracked happily. Several round, oak tables were set across the grey room with matching, masterfully carved chairs. The bar counter, also oak, was at the side of the room. Few people were here, one of them being the obviously over tired bartender wiping the counter clean.

Icebreaker walked over to the counter and took out some coin, tossing it on brightly, "Do you guys serve apple cider?"

The small man pushed up his crooked glasses before silently turning to fetch her drink. Ashla leaned against the counter, surprisingly cheerful. There was nothing like a good pint of apple cider to celebrate a victory on round one! Her eyes were still grim though, knowing round two would be a lot rougher... wherever it took place.