The jagged and ice-covered rocks that made up the mountain created dangerous hand-holds for anyone trying to climb up. And the high itself could wear out even the most sturdy people. With these facts, Adonis almost felt guilt about having Flauros carry him upwards. But the demon was faring much better than the bard ever could, even if the cold didn’t affect him and he would never tire physically. The familiar was panting slightly but not enough for Adonis to even consider the idea that it was tired. “Cold,” Flauros grumbled audibly. The songster gripped the coarse fur on the demon’s back as it leaped to another precipice.

“Unfortunately, it’s not going to get any warmer,” he commented. The undead could barely feel the cold with his dead skin. In fact, most of what he felt was probably just mental, his mind creating the cold that he should be feeling. The demon leaped once more and landed on another outcropping. However, a sharp crack warned the familiar of its weakness and Flauros leaped to another rock before the one it had been on fell away. “That could’ve hurt,” Adonis stated tonelessly. “Flauros, can you tell if there are others coming to the mountain?” With the large flash the item had created, no doubt more people would be determined to find out what it was. Which could only created problems for the bard.

The familiar raised its nose to the air and sniffed. “Cold,” it muttered once more, “can’t tell.” Then it growled in protest to the environment.

The undead sighed, “So we won’t know who’s here until we meet them. That can’t be good.” He carefully slid down the demon’s back, “You’ll cause problems if they see you first thing. You’re dismissed, Flauros.” With that command, the demon turned into an undefinable shadow and slid into the undead’s own shadow, tinting it dark red. Thankfully, the demon had almost carried the bard to the top, leaving only a few more ledges to clear. However, considering the bard didn’t have much physical skill, getting over the rocks would be an arduous task in itself. Testing the nearest hand-hold, the undead began to pull himself up the rocks, careful to avoid as many ice-covered holds as possible. He almost slipped once was able to grab another rock before falling. Finally, with a large heave he clambered over the edge to see a great hole in front of him. And another person staring at it. So, another has already arrived. This will be difficult.

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[Siggy by the Lady Knives. Banner by insaney.]
[Ranarath's Amazing Oddities]