Ain't No Mountain High Enough (Freya)

[Freya Elensar Ashe]

This mountain had Freya worried. Really worried, but as soon as she heard the door of the Inn open she quickly disguised the emotion, glancing over to Rory as he spoke. Straight up? Great.... If she wasn't so worried about causing an avalanche she would have just offered to use her power to send them flying up to the spot... With a sigh she followed, no more times for her games apparently. Well, it was fun while it lasted. Now, they just had to see who would last the longest.

It was sweet how protective Rory could be, and understandably so, conditions like this, getting separated was a bad idea. "Don't worry, I'll be right behind you the whole way." Hopefully. She could tell by the seriousness in his voice that the fun and games were long past. If they made a mistake now, they could die. It wouldn't be that bad if Rory got himself killed, he'd just come back, Freya wouldn't though...

[Rory Ashe]

"Good..." Rory yelled back, glad that she was being serious now too. There was a time for games, and a time for passion, then there was a time to realize that you needed to take things seriously, and that was now. One wrong step, one false move and both of them would be dead faster than they would realize. Though Rory wasn't worried about his death, he was worried about Freya. If anything, anything at all, ever happened to her he would never live it down.

Several hours passed in silence as they climbed. They were high enough up now that you could no longer see the town below and the mountain was getting incredibly steep. Climbing up onto a small outcrop of rocks that was somewhat flat, Rory finally stopped for a moment, turning back to Freya.

"The snow's getting harder and I keep seeing rocky cliffs like this everywhere." Rory said, glancing up the mountain, which he could only see a few feet before the clouds blocked his vision. "I think it might be ok for ye to fly us up a little ways." He knew that sudden changes in heat could break the surface of the snow too much and cause an avalanche, but so far the snow had seemed fairly well packed. "If you feel comfortable with it that is." Rory said, walking closer to Freya so he didn't have to speak as loudly.

[Freya Elensar Ashe]

The climb so far hadn't been to much of a difficult one, but it most definitely didn't fall under the easiest. Sadly, Rory didn't seem to be having the same problem climbing that Freya did. Finally though, Rory came to a stop and for that Freya was grateful.

On the flat surface of rocks, Freya sat down, more then a little tired. It irked her that Rory didn't look at all exhausted, but... She just had to remind herself that he'd gone through severe training before, so this was probably nothing to him. There was one good thing about all the hiking. And that was it kept the cold away.

As she listened to his words she paused, looking at him with an eyebrow raised. He knew the risk involved with her using to much of her power in these kinds of conditions. Sure the snow wasn't as powdery as it had been at the start, and powder was the most likely culprit in most avalanches...

With a sigh Freya pushed herself back to her feet. "Alright. Let's do it." There was still the worry in the back of her mind, but Rory thought they'd be okay, so she just had to trust him. She quickly covered the distance that was between them, taking his hands in hers. She gave no warning this time as flames kicked up at their feet, propelling them into the air. As soon as they were high enough, the flames vanished, letting them free fall for a moment, before kicking up again to slow their descent onto one of the rocky cliffs Rory had been referring to. Finally, their feet touched ground...

[Rory Ashe]

Rory watched Freya as she sat down, she looked a bit tired, and he couldn't blame her. While it wasn't too hard of a climb, climbing something as steep as this could wear a person down fast. Rory wasn't too tired, mostly from the fact that his powers kept his body at peak human condition, so he was always well trained for things like this. However, he was starting to get tired too.

They had been climbing for quite a while now, if Freya using her power to get them a bit further up the hill faster worked, Rory would probably set up camp. Not to mention it looked as though another storm would be coming for the evening and he didn't want to get caught in it. Rory nodded as Freya said let's do it, and grabbed her hands as soon as she reached for him, and then they were off.

As soon as their feet touched the ground, Rory took a slight step away from Freya, but still held one of her hands in his; mostly out of habit. He was quiet for a moment, listening and waiting to see if anything happened, when it didn't... yet... He laughed a bit. "Hehe, that worked pretty good." He said as he turned and looked off the cliff's edge, a break in the clouds showed an almost breath taking view across the Himalayas. "Not bad... This would be the perfect time for a kiss, eh?" He said with a sly grin, though it was hidden by his mask his eyes showed it. It was the first time he had joked since they left the Inn.

[Freya Elensar Ashe]

When they had landed, Freya tensed a little, as if waiting for a disaster to happen. It wouldn't have surprised her, but they would be in a lot of trouble if one did happen. Waiting was agonizing, each moment feeling like an eternity. When Rory started to laugh though, she finally released the breath she'd been holding, letting out a sigh of relief. Oh Thank God nothing had happened! Sure... Something could still happen.... But the chances were a little slimmer now.

And then, Rory had turned away to look out over the cliff. A little hesitant at first, she followed suit, and just about gasped. It really was a sight to behold... And then Rory had completely ruined the moment. She chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Yeah. But I'm not gunna give it to you. Sorry, hun." She smiled a little, but obviously she was missing all their kissing right now. She was going to prove she could go all day with out kissing him once.... Already though it was starting to feel like even a little temptation from him could ruin the whole plan.

[Rory Ashe]

It really was an amazing view, there was probably nothing like it anywhere else. Massive snow topped mountain ranges stretching out as far as the eye could see, and as the sun was barely starting it's descent, the light seemed to reflect off all the clouds and snow and the sky was blasted with a beautiful variation of blues, pinks, reds, and purple. A painter couldn't have painted a more beautiful scene.

"Oh, you will eventually, don't wor-" Before he could finish a gut wrenching crack filled the air and Rory froze, slowly turning toward the massive mountin behind them. He almost held his breath, waiting for another sound. Perhaps he had heard wrong? Then suddenly, the entire mountain side seemed to give way a few hundred yards above them, and a massive wall of snow barreled at amazing speeds toward them.

Without even a brief moment to be afraid of what was happening, Rory grabbed Freya's hand and pulled her as he ran along the cliff's edge. The avalanche only looked to be so wide, if they were lucky, perhaps they could get to the edge before it came to the cliff. Rory was moving as fast as he possibly could, which was far faster than the average person.

[Freya Elensar Ashe]

Freya had been smiling softly, taking in the view, wishing they could just stay there forever. IT was funny that he thought she'd be the one to crack before him! After all, she was the one that knew more ways to drive him crazy then he did!

The happy moments though were cut short by a thunderous cracking. Freya's eyes widdened. That did not sound good... Not at all. She slowly turned, hoping and praying that she had just imagined it. Then, Rory had grabbed her and was running as fast as he could.... Which was a lot faster then Freya could.

She couldn't possibly keep up with Rory, stumbling and tripping more often then being able to get her feet under her to run. Freya knew instantly though that they probably wouldn't make it, not with the difference in speed. If she could have run as fast as Rory was, it would have been fine, but...

[Rory Ashe]

If Rory had been only, then maybe, just maybe he might have been able to get out of the avalanches way before it hit. However, as he practically drug Freya behind him, the small chance of them making it was disappearing very quickly. Rory finally slowed down for a moment and tugged on her hand, pulling her in front of him and as he did so, scooped her up in his arms. Once again he began running as fast as he could for the far side of the cliff, where the cliff sloped off and the mountain began.

It was getting closer and closer, but the thunder from the avalanche was as well. He knew he wasn't going to make it, so he threw Freya toward the snow at the edge of the cliff, but couldn't see whether she made it or not as the avalanche blind sided him, knocking him off the edge of the cliff and engulfing him as he and the snow toppled over the edge.

[Freya Elensar Ashe]

Freya just knew they wouldn't make it, the difference in speed was slowing both of them down to much. But, Rory was determined. He'd pulled her in front of him enough that he could scoop her into his arms, finally letting him run at his top speed.

The avalanche was getting closer, the thunderous sound being the only thing she could hear. They just had to make it! Had to! But then.... She couldn't feel Rory's arms around her any more... He'd thrown her.

Landing on snow wasn't a painful landing, but she was sure she'd probably have plenty of bruises after this mission. She lay where she landed for only a moment, as if waiting for Rory to come and ask if she was alright... Only... He didn't. With a groan she rolled onto her hands and knees, slowly looking to where he should have been.

Freya froze in shock. He wasn't there? Had.... Had he gone over the edge with the avalanche?! She struggled to her feet, looking everywhere around her found him. "Rory?!" She knew yelling on a mountain covered in snow was a horrible idea, but she really couldn't care less. Rory was gone! Stumbling to the edge of the cliff, she stared down, trying to figure out where the avalanche might have carried him. It really was quite a drop.... Was he alright?! Freya had to find him. She stumbled back to where he'd tossed her, at least it wasn't a straight drop like the cliff, but it was more of a climb then anything else.

As she climbed down, she kept calling out Rory's name, hoping he'd answer back...

[Rory Ashe]

When the avalanche hit him and engulfed him, it was sort of like flying. Flying while getting rocks thrown at you by a thousand people and getting slapped all over the body with a metal rod. In other words it hurt, a lot, and Rory could handle pain better than most. Not to mention while being tossed around inside the avalanche it was as if there was train roaring on a track right beside his ear. After a few moments of it he finally just wished he would die already and get it over with.

Then as suddenly as it had started, it stopped. Both Rory and the avalanche came to a halt and on the newly snow covered rocks below the cliff, there was no sign of a body. It was eerily quiet after the snow slide, until suddenly a fist burst out of the snow and sputtering slightly, Rory pulled himself out on top and fell on his back. His clothes were ripped, with half of his coat and shirt hanging off of him, he simply laid there staring up for a few moments. Amazingly his body felt fine, even though he was surprisingly winded. He must have died on the fall and not even known it.

The only thing on his mind, however, was Freya. The thought of her being hurt on top of the mountain made him jump to his feet and stare up the cliff face. There was no way he could climb it, he would have to move around it. So he began his walk to get around the cliff to climb back up. The winds from the coming storm were picking up and the snow was beginning to come down heavier, preventing him, unfortunately, from hearing the calls of Freya.

"Freya!" He yelled out, also knowing that yelling up here was dangerous, but he could care less until he found her. Though the winds that likely prevented him from hearing Freya, likely worked in reverse. However, he had to find her, he was going to find her and if she was hurt.... No, she would be fine, at least that's what he told himself.

[Freya Elensar Ashe]

Freya had reached a dead end. She couldn't climb down any farther with out probably getting herself killed. Another drop.... She was suddenly angry. How dare a mountain tear her and Rory apart like this?! How dare it force her to be far to cautious in using her powers?! If she wasn't worried about starting another avalanche, she would have gone right after the first one, that or melted the whole thing before it had reached the pair to begin with!

Her gaze started to wander, searching for a way down to where Rory had fallen. It looked like it might be possible off to the right. Actually, it looked like the only spot where someone might be able to climb up. That was where Rory would head. She just knew it.

Freya called out once more, hoping to hear an answer this time, before hesitantly heading in the direction. It wasn't an easy climb, just like most of their journey had been so far, only this time, when she slipped she fell on rocks. By the time she'd broken free of the cliffs she'd given herself a pretty good beating, a few of the rocks tearing at her coat and skin when it could.

The longer she walked, the more frustrated she grew. Rory could hear her calling for him, and if he was calling for her she couldn't hear him. This stupid storm blowing in! She finally stopped, her anger at a boiling point. She really didn't care anymore if she caused an avalanche. If Rory could figure out where she was, they'd be able to find each other easier. Thankfully for her... she didn't need flares. She held out her hand, fire igniting in her palm and flashing into the sky, blowing apart like a firework, and hopefully letting Rory knew where she was...

[Rory Ashe]

Blood speckled the snow white clothing Rory was wearing, and there were quite a few scratches and bumps all over him, not to mention he was incredibly sore. All that put together made him guess that he hadn't been killed, he had just been incredibly lucky. When he died he could heal from some of the most grevious wounds, such as one time have his head cut off and body burnt, so a few minor scratches wouldn't still be there.

Against the snow and in the storm, the blood on Rory's clothes was the only thing that stood out. That and the skin on his torso and legs where his clothes had been ripped. He pulled his ski mask off and tossed it to the ground, it too had been mostly ripped in the fall, and it revealed several scratches on his face as well. So while he was thoroughly banged up, he was mostly doing fine.

Rory had finally begun the climb back around the cliff, the wind was starting to get so strong it was nearly blowing him off occasionally though. Despite it only being late in the afternoon, it was starting to get dark from the thick clouds and heavy snowfall moving in. This was just great, if he couldn't find Freya soon, they may never find each other again. After all, you DO NOT go out into a snow storm like the ones this mountain range had.

Suddenly, a burst of fire flew into the sky and exploded, that had to be Freya! Rory began moving much more quickly, at least as quickly as he could on the side of a slick hill like this, toward where he thought the flare had come from. Rory began shouting Freya's name again, every few feet he moved forward, hoping she would call back that she was alright.

[Freya Elensar Ashe]

Freya was starting to give up. It was growing darker and darker, soon, it would be impossible to find each other. Maybe... Rory had been carried down farther then she'd thought. Should she just risk causing another avalanche and 'fly' about until she spotted him? If she didn't though, she shouldn't move to far in her search for him. He knew where she'd last been. She didn't. He'd be able to find her if she stayed put!

She crouched in the snow, sending up another ball of fire every couple minutes like a beacon. God, it was cold! She could feel her whole body starting to go numb. She just closed her eyes, still keeping up the signals. He'd find her soon.

The darker and colder it got, the longer the pauses between her signals got. She wanted to just warm herself up, but if she melted the snow and caused an avalanche, this whole ordeal would start over again! At least her signals into the darkening sky weren't affecting the snow pack at all.

Why did it have to be so blasted cold?! It felt like she was freezing to death! By this point she was rather out of it, the cold getting to her like this, over all depression, it was a rather pitiful sight....

[Rory Ashe]

As Rory moved up the steep mountain, a rock gave way and he slid down through the snow and rocks for a few moments before catching himself, fatigue was definitely starting to affect his climbing. Due to his body's powers, it only took a bit of rest to lose most of the fatigue, but with the cold beating him, then the avalanche, then the climbing it was starting to add up. Worse though, he had lost where the signal from Freya had come from.

Then suddenly in the darkness of the storm, another beacon shot into the sky and a few moments later another. She was still alive! That encouraging thought alone was enough to pick up his spirits enough to move on. The cold was more of an annoyance for him than anything. Yes, it was starting to hurt his exposed skin, but he was partially used to it; not to mention the bruises from the fall were more of a distraction than the cold.

He continued his trek toward the sginal's Freya was sending up. One thing he immediately noticed though was that they were starting to get less frequent, and after a while longer of hiking, there were starting to be longer and longer breaks between each one. His mind raced, was she hurt, dying? What was making her slow down? As he crossed over a large rise he came out on a somewhat flat snow and rock mesa, and this was where he thought the signals were coming from. However the storm was so bad by now he could only see a few feet in front of him.

He could no longer see the flares in the sky and was forced to search for Freya by simple walking, and as luck would have it, in the distance he could see the form of someone, he began running for them, calling out Freya's name as he rushed for the figure.

[Freya Elensar Ashe]

Freya might not be as hurt as Rory was, but until him, she didn't have special training for the weather. And right now... That's what was getting to her. Her whole body had gone numb quite a while ago, but she kept sending the flares. He'd be there soon, she didn't doubt that. He'd come find her...

She'd curled up on the ground, her hands wrapped tightly around her knees, her head buried in them to try and stay warm. Stupid blizzard. It was putting fresh powder on the ground! Now it would be and even stupider idea to go melting snow! She wasn't doing nothing though. The air around her was heated.. a little, lessening some of the skin peeling wind and snow.

Suddenly, she heard her name. Her head perked up, barely making out a dark form racing towards her. Her heart leaped, it was Rory! Stumbling to her feet she called back. He'd finally found her! Freya ran as fast as her legs could carry her, the cold suddenly forgotten as they grew closer. When they space was gone, she threw her arms around him.