The Ice Witch

[The Ice Hag]

She could hear the staccato beating of her heart, feel its heavy reverberations with every rise and fall. Trapped in this dreamlike state she succumbed to the unending monotonous timbre using it as a focus to center her consciencnous.

Time had become irrelevant, an unnecessary measurement used to quanitify her mealleable state, for within this living chrysalis of ice her acension had began.

The pain of rebirth was overwhelming. Burning fires of agony permeated her every nerve sending spasms of exquisite ecstasy to wrack her weakened body. Her screams went unheard, unnoticed, for the torturous process of the birthing had not yet blessed her with a voice to cry out in protest.

And so it had began.

[The Ice Hag]

Her anger seethed and festered. Harbored within the confines of the icy womb it became a palpable entity, consuming it it's primal fury, shaping and molding the hag in its own chaotic image.

The very fabric of her reality was torn assunder as the power of her ancient bloodline was unleashed. The visage of the pitiful hag, decrepit and scarred had been merely a protective shell which hid the remarkable truth of her origins.

The frostmaiden had planted her seed of destruction amongst the Remorhaz many years ago, but now the time had come to reveal its secret, and unleash the harbinger of the eternal winter.

[The Ice Hag]

She awoke suddenly, the bright light of the midday sun refracting across the snow covered ground. The sight blinded her temporarily as she struggled to find the strength to rise.
Setting both hands firmly on the ground she pushed herself up slowly, awkwardly; it was then that she first noticed the miraculous change. Looking down at her delicate hands, the lithe fingers, the smooth, bluish tinted skin. No longer did her calloused hands end in long broken talons, but with supple digits exquisite in their perfection.

Pushing herself up to rest upon her knees she examined her person, traced her fingers about her face and chest, slowly taking in the gift of rebirth that had been granted. She was beautiful, perfect, no longer an outcast, no longer a creature to be despised and hated.

Standing tall and straight, no longer haunched and broken, she smiled.
The biting winds of the winter storm no longer seemed malicious in their affections. She embraced the raw fury of the storm, allowing it wash over her in its passing, cleansing her body and soul.

Her destiny had been revealed, her nature unveiled. The truth of her origins exposed through the blessing's of Auril. She walked confidently down the treacherous slopes leaving behind the remnants of the feral creature she once been.

A beast had ascended the mountain in search of vengence, but a Queen had descended in it's place.

[The Ice Hag]

She had come to view the world in a whole new light, her divine transformation not only altering her appearance, but her perception as well. She quickly grew accustomed to the trappings of her new form, relishing in it's strength, it's power, it's beauty.
Her hideous appearance had always limited her interaction with the settlers of this land, but now she would walk amongst them, a contagion upon their wretched existance.

The irony of her death was not lost upon her. The druid and his companions sought to destroy her, forever eradicating her threat, and although they were successful in their attempt, their actions merely assured their inevitable destruction.
If not for their interference Braghuru would still be trapped within the guise of the crippled hag, but their actions had proved to be the catalyst of change.
Perhaps she would thank them for their unexpected gift?

To her enemies she was dead, and for all intents and purposes, the hag was no more. She would use her new found anonymity to bring down the Triumverate and it's allies.
She would corrupt the paladin Hano Fetten, turning his companions against him, casting doubt upon his actions, and breaking his spirit.
Her plans would require patience and manipulation, but the rewards of her efforts would far outweigh any suffering she would endure.

For the first time in her existance she walked among the throngs of the Exigo, not as a creature to be hunted and despised, but as an equeal.

[The Ice Hag]

She gently pulled the supple black cloak around her shoulders, allowing the dark hood to fall over face as she walked the bustling streets of the city. Melding easily into the crowded throngs, she followed the winding path of the Tormite Hano and his woman Tamryn.
Her eyes flared at the sight of the woman, such strength hidden behind the facade of a delicate frame. She wielded her flaming sword with the strength of a warrior and the conviction of a priest.
Instinctively Braghuru clutched at the fresh wound on her shoulder, recalling the pain the fiery weapon had inflicted. She had been a fool to confront them atop the snow covered peaks. Had it not been for the sudden appearance of Wyrm she would have assuredly met her fate.

She paused at the corner of the narrow alley, watching as the pair entered the temple side by side. Their allies were many.
Such was the key to their strength.

It was time to foster relationships with those who shared her goals, alone she could not hope to defeat the righteous, but no longer would she remain so.
Her thoughts drifted back to the words the servant of Bane had spoken.

She would not serve the Banites, groveling beneath their iron fist, but perhaps strength could be gained from such a venture. Her power grew rapidly, soon she would not require their aid, but for now.......

Turning from the temple she made her way towards the city of Aquor.

The time had come to forge alliances.

[The Ice Hag]

The invitation has been discreet, an ever so slight creaking of the lock that could have been easily mistaken for an errant wind.
The Master of this shadowy domain had charged her with an errand, a minor task that would prove her worth and deepen his trust in her abilities. She smiled coldly, pleased by the oppurtunity fate had granted her.

The frigid winds of the Cold Climb enveloped her as she walked through the deepening snows.
Her task was set before her....she would not fail.