The Prize

[Erasmus]

That night after the tag team tournament, Erasmus made his way back to the Outback. He walked to his room, and closed the door behind him. His stride brought him over to a small wooden desk, and he slid into the chair that sat before it. On the surface of the desk was a carved, wooden box. Erasmus focused on the box. He was contemplating on what was in the container, and what he was going to do with it. It seemed uncanny that he would be participating in the tournament that night, much less winning the prize. Icedancer, the blue Opal. This was a huge responsibilty.

Erasmus gingerly lifted his hand to open the wooden box. He pushed the hinged lid back slowly, revealing his prize for dueling so well in the tournament. As soon as he caught sight of the gem, Icedancer inside, it began to glow. Soft at first, then it gradually got brighter until his room was lit with a neon blue cadescence.

The hair on Erasmus' body stood on end simultaneous to the glow of the Opal. The same hand that so cautiously opened the lid, slammed it closed. It was enough though. The damage was done, so to speak. The power of Icedancer had recognized its bearer. Erasmus stood up and walked over to his cot on the opposite wall, and that was when he noticed that same icy-blue aura emanating from his eyes. Gooseflesh covered his body, and cold sweats began to pour from his pores. (Yes, the pun is intended) His head swam and Erasmus dropped down onto his bedding. The glow vanished. Leaving behind a freezing ache in his head. Then, he slipped into a somewhat katatonic state.

Erasmus was drenched in sweat, and he had the worst headache when he finally came to. Not to mention his stomach being in knots. It had been a full thirteen hours since he opened the box... Erasmus sat up for the rest of the night, trying to figure out why this happened. The only explaination he could come up with was that Icedancer was trying to merge with his being, but his body was rejecting it. His blood was denying it. It seemed though, that Icedancer was adapting, like a virus, to infect him with its power.....

[Erasmus]

Ice Dancer

Erasmus and Querylon met in the Outback on the following evening. The meeting started out particularly atypical.

When Querylon first arrived at the Outback, it was only to see Erasmus leave, and that without as much as a glance in her direction. She wondered about that but decided to stay around for a while to see if he would back. He did return some time later. This time around he spotted Querylon right away and started in her direction.


Querylon smiled upon seeing him, but her smile faltered and was replaced by a look of concern as he came closer. His face was alarmingly pale and his clothes appeared wet, and he appeared to be ignorant of the state of his clothing.

“What happened to you?” In her worry Querylon completely forgot to bid him a good evening first.

“I don't know... I've been having, what would you call it..? Episodes, I guess?” He forced a smile and his voice trailed to a whisper throughout, and his eyes began to wander.

“Might you care to elaborate some further?” Her dark blues were wide with surprise as she looked to Erasmus, trying to make sense of what he told her.

“I think the gem's power is adjusting itself to my body.” Erasmus nodded.

“The gem the governor presented to you Sunday and that you were so happy about having won? What kind of gem is this to do such terrible things to you?” Querylon continued to study him, her concern growing.

”Yes, but I'm sure you have noticed before, and I've even mentioned my wariness around magic... My body has a somewhat opposite polarity towards the energy created by the arcane. I'm rejecting the power, because of my bloodline, but the elemental magic of Ice Dancer is adjusting itself to my genetic makeup. Or so, I believe...” He sighed and shrugged his drenched shoulders.

”It feels like a virus of the stomach and the head...” He gave another sigh and made the attempt at a smile.

”You will have to devise a way to get rid of it.” Querylon was alarmed. Those gems were supposed to help those who had won them, not ruin their health or destroy them. “And you should probably change into some dry clothes before you catch cold.”

“I don't think this will last the whole time... Like I said, it's adjusting. I was worse off earlier.” Erasmus shook his head.

“Still, walking around in soaked clothes can not be healthy. I will wait here.” Querylon struggled to make her voice sound firm.

Erasmus nodded in agreement and headed to the back to change his shirt and vest. He closed the door behind him. The wet clothes came off, and he changed into a fresh shirt and a brand new dark green vest. His eyes wandered to the open box sitting on his small desk's top before he opened the door to walk back into the common area.

Meanwhile Querylon contemplated what she had seen, witnessed and heard with a serious mien. None of her thoughts served to alleviate her worry. When she heard Erasmus return she looked up. His color had come back a bit and he was dry now. A smile was on his lips for Querylon that touched his oh-so-blue eyes.

“Let us try this again...” She smiled back, somewhat relieved that he appeared to feel a little better for the change of clothes. She held out both hands to him. “A good evening to you, Erasmus.”

“I can only wish yours has been, dear. I cannot tell you how long I will be feeling okay. If you would like to go someplace, we should do it soon.” He took both of her hands into his and squeezed them gently. Then he bowed his head to kiss her left hand.

“I am ready to leave whenever you are.” She replied, giving his hands a gentle squeeze.

”Where would you like to venture to, dear?” A grin sprung up on his lips.

”The tavern should not be that far and is certainly closer than a certain porch swing I know.” She smiled as Erasmus was acting more like the man she had come to know him to be.

“I don't think I would feel comfortable in a tavern right now, if you don't mind. I could use some fresh air though.” He winked and his grin grew wider.

”A walk sounds wonderful, too.” She gave him another warm smile. She did enjoy their walks together far more than sitting comfortably with him in a public place.

“Let us walk, then.” He offered his arm to her and once she had accepted he led her outside. “It is a beautiful evening for a walk...”