It took Niariel a few seconds to notice Katsumi's predicament. Even when she did notice, she just gazed at the girl for another few seconds before she actually realised how much trouble Katsumi was in. Slowly, she got back to her feet and finally saw the situation for what it was.<br/><br/>Niariel panicked for a few seconds, bringing both her hands up to her mouth before running across the counter. The food froze as she approached it but it was still just soft enough for her to shove her arms into it and grasp Katsumi, pulling her free and hugging the tiny, ice covered girl to her chest. After that, she dropped to her knees and started crying again.<br/>"You're not dead are you? Please tell me you're not dead! I knew this would happen. I'm hopeless, I can't do anything right!"<br/><br/><br/><br/>"Let go of me!" Akzariel shouted, flailing his arms and sending sparks flying into the air until he clawed his way out of Valarinth's dress.<br/>"I know how to take care of myself! I know what I'm doing! You don't think I haven't been this mad before?" He flew over to the tree that was blocking the path and with a single flash and a loud crack, the trunk had vanished into a shower of splinters. He flew back over to Valarinth and grabbed her finger, leading her towards the now clear path.<br/><span style="font-style: italic">Now I've got to protect the stupid councillor.</span>He thought, the static in the air around him repelled the smoke, creating a small pocket of semi-breathable air for him and Valarinth.<br/><br/>((I wasn't intending the flames to get so fierce but I can work with that.))