ʟᴏᴄᴀᴛɪᴏɴ : ᴛᴏʀᴇ
Rhydal appeared unfazed by the effectiveness of their overall protection against the cold, which Yuuta was quite impressed by the performance of a small crystal attached to his badge, himself. Perhaps due to Rhydal’s body’s constitution as a fire mage made his natural temperature warmer than others, keeping him from feeling cold when he was in his own habitat during winters, hence it might not feel odd for him to standing in the snow and not feel anything. Not that Yuuta was feeling cold himself at the moment . Rhydal’s statement somewhat confirmed his assumption. He shook his head in disagreement when asked about feeling the cold. [It feels kinda odd, crossing a snow field and feeling nothing. Since my ears are basically of no use , my other senses helps me get through. It’s not the best feeling when your tactile and visionary signals are contradictory.], he explained. [It’s no big deal though. Shouldn’t get in your way. Haha.], Yuuta reassured quickly with a chuckle, somewhat apologetically and shrugged off the matter.
‘𝕾𝖙𝖔𝖕 𝖆𝖈𝖙𝖎𝖓𝖌 𝖘𝖔 𝖕𝖆𝖙𝖍𝖊𝖙𝖎𝖈.’
Yuuta stiffened, staying silent and inexpressive for the rest of their way until they reached the frozen lake.
A bittersweet smile seeped through his lips as Rhydal understood what he meant to say without even having to interpret his thoughts into signs. He voiced the same concerns. Additionally, Rhydal mentioned that the mana trail was the only clue they were both following. Knowing he was not being left out on anything somewhat relieved the insecurity that tormented him with every step. Yuuta nodded his head in agreement. [Let’s search together.] Initially the plan was to consider this frozen lake as their landmark and starting point, and then venture into the forest leaving marks on the almost identical trees so that they could trace their steps back in case they got lost. But then it happened out of the blue, before they could set out.
The mana concentration in the air surged suddenly surged, all trails converging into the centre of the lake. Yuuta glanced at Rhydal before they both stepped on the frozen surface, nearing with vigilant steps. Even with all the cold-protection on, the mana infused chilled air pierced through the warm layers and made itself known. Looking down, Yuuta watched, stationary at his spot, as the shadow thrashed against the transparent surface, some sort of magical barrier as it seemed, or else it would have shattered or at least cracked from the impact. Yuuta crouched down, his left thumb on the hand guard of his sheathed Katana, now suspended from his belt with a sageo, as he placed his right palm on the surface. He looked up at Rhydal, [It’s a barrier.]
But what exactly was this shadow? An endemic creature of this lake? A spirit of nature? Yuuta’s world despite being as silent as ever, he too felt the sound waves and raw emotions of rage and sorrow tingle his other senses. Whatever it was, it was trapped inside, doing everything it could to break out. Yuuta considered his options. What if it was a monster? Releasing it would land them in a bigger trouble. But what if…just what if… It was the boy they were looking for? Yuuta held Rhydal’s arm to make him look at him, [There was a noise, right? Should I break the ice?]
@viiel.x - 
