The Return of Giants (Asterion)

[Nimue Stormson]

Nimue was still in awe as she looked around the entire area, moving about and seeing everything carved in such an elegant manner. Given how old everything looked it was clear this all existed long before Effekt had integrated into the more current technologies of the galaxy. Everything finely carved and built and crafted added to the old wonder of the place. Even where things were destroyed they still held an old beauty to them. Nimue found herself moving further and further back towards the end of Valagrad, eventually coming to what looked like a sort of courtyard with a number of destroyed statues. All looked human-like in appearance but had some odd animal feature to them; some like bird, a hound, a bear, and even one more like horse. There was one still intact, one that looked more like a snake, but sitting there was something that made Nimue's heart skip a beat; making her pull her hood down to fully see it. ​

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A person was there, skin and hair and eyes as pale as the moons. He wore armor that covered all but his arms, yet he didn't seemed bothered by any of the cold air. He seemed old and yet still strong enough to fight, but instead his nose was currently buried within a book. Nimue's storybook. The one that held all the legends and stories inside. As Nimue slowly approached he didn't look up, as if knowing they were there but not acknowledging at first. ​

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Finally he spoke and said "You know your people have always said no man would come this far up Brimgard." He looked up, his eyes pale blue, and added "Though I suppose there's no account for women." Looking to [member="Asterion"] he then added "Or outsiders." He closed the book and stood, saying to the warrior "Yes, I can tell you're not from Effekt. You don't ave the same....smell as they do."​

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[Stephanie Swail]

Losing himself in the architecture of the city – kingdom, town – whatever it was, Asterion slowed beside Nimue as he followed her gaze to the living, breathing being standing there, her book in hand.

"I’m not from this place, nor this planet, you’re right. However I know one such common law that applies to all – theft. That book is not yours my friend."

The Knight turned sideways and placed a hand on Nimue’s arm gently, resting his other on the saber hilt and focusing his dark eyes to the strange creature who looked to be quite at home as it spoke.

[member="Nimue Stormson"]

 

[Nimue Stormson]

"Really? I should think a book that has so any stories about me and my people would entitle me to some sort of ownership." the man said before seeing the look on Nimue's face. "Oh? Haven't figured it out yet. Then allow me to introduce myself." He gave a little gesture of his hand before saying "You may call me Reyax. Former royal advisory to High Lord Ofradir. God of the mountains, winter, the moon, and deceit. And, as of nearly five hundred years ago, the last remaining thing to live in this place."​

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Nimue was still shocked before she repeated "Reyax? THE Reyax? Who...?"​

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As if another revelation came to her Nimue suddenly dropped to her knees and prayed in old Effekt. She was quiet yet loud enough to where both Reyax and [member="Asterion"] could hear her. While she did the pale "god" had a bemused look on his face while listening and watching for a moment. ​

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He sighed before commenting "I do miss that sometimes. Having people bow and pray before me. Truly makes me feel like a god." Looking to Asterion, knowing he wouldn't bow, he scoffed before saying "It's more than what you think, boy." Holding the book up he added "You should really read your histories." before opening it to one story. As he continued Nimue still continued to pray. "The history of House Borish states that their patron is none other that Reyax, god deceit and blah, blah, blah. Taking the crest of the two snakes and thus honoring him for all time. But the reason why is because, as the story goes, the first of the Borish house had made a pact with Reyax to bestow upon them them the gift of magic." He closed the book and shrugged, saying "Hard to refuse someone as 'physically blessed' as Lady Maldanna Borish. You'd kow if you'd seen her."​

 

[Stephanie Swail]

Shifting his stance, watching the creature called Reyax, Asterion didn’t do or say anything; this was something out of his comfort zone and while Nimue made a show about praying to some strange fish-snow creature thing, he would remain focused and alert.

There was nothing evidently proving a danger to them – but then, were these beings who Reyax belonged to Force sensitive? Was there a block that Asterion couldn’t pick up, and if so were they surrounded by an unknown force?

"Still, that book isn’t yours. Hand it over to the Empress."

Reaching down, Asterion tried to get Nimue to stand.

"We mean you no harm, and if we are on sacred ground then we will leave without any hostility when we have the book."

[member="Nimue Stormson"]

 

[Nimue Stormson]

Reyax chuckled in his throat before saying "Scared ground? Look around you, boy. There's nothing truly sacred left here. This place is a ruin, and it's people are all but extinct." After that he underhandedly tossed the book to [member="Asterion"] , saying "Here. Take it. I've read all I needed to see. A surprise, actually, what her people can think up and twist to their own liking." He indicated Nimue, still praying. "They like to shift stories around so they look the heroes. But they're no better than we were." He looked around and sighed at the ruins around him before adding "And eventually this is all they'll have. Nothing but rubble." Looking back to Asterion he continued with "My people were the original source of magic in this world. We were the rulers and the architects. But we became too cruel and complacent. We let our seed spread to many and they in-turn used their gifts against us. We remained int his sanctuary to let the destroy themselves, but we never thought we would destroy ourselves in the process. And I was the only one left to remember." He went quiet for a moment before looking down to Nimue, who finally stopped and looked at him. "They really are incredible things, aren't they?" The question wasn't clear if he was talking to Asterion or Nimue, or even if he was referring to Nimue. ​

 

[Stephanie Swail]

Uncertain of the intentions behind his words towards Nimue, Asterion stepped forward, taking the book and holding it out behind him for her to take.

"Listen, whatever you think our intention is here then you’re wrong on either count. We’ve passed through your little booby traps so at least give us credit for that, which in turn was a walk in the park anyway. Either move aside and let us explore this place or I’ll move you myself. I don’t care for this magic crap, so drop it with me and leave her out of your games."

His eyes burned into Reyax, irked by the connotations that he was belittling Nimue. This was the first time he truly felt protective over her.

[member="Nimue Stormson"]

 

[Nimue Stormson]

Nimue had only taken the book while still on her knees, but when [member="Asterion"] began to threaten Reyax she stood and tried to hold him back. She warned him with "Don't, Asterion. Please."​

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Reyax smirked and said "I'd listen to her if I were you, boy. You may have your fancy tricks and a sword of pure fire, but I could bring this entire mountain top down if I so wished." And for a moment his eyes flared with magic while the sound of thunder boomed and the mountain quaked a little. Nimue seemed afraid until he stopped and sighed. "Ah, but there's no point. I've seen too much destruction and death already. I used my sentinels to keep you people from bringing more conflict to this place, but I suppose there's little point now. I'm done anyway." He turned and looked at the statue of the snake-like human, who was apparently himself, before looking to them and saying "I suppose you want the grand treasure of this place, correct? Then I will give it. But only...to you." he pointed at Nimue. "I have many gifts to teach, but only one you are worthy to learn. I will show you how to create the same sententials that have guarded this place for so long. Though you known the better as Snow Giants."​

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Nimue was aghast to realize this, looking to Asterion in disbelief before practically speechless before Reyax. She only bowed her head to him in thanks. ​

 

[Stephanie Swail]

While he was no slave, Asterion would answer only to Nimue and her plea for him to stop was enough. He was still the warrior of old, who knew only conflict first and moral questioning later. His knuckles relaxed slightly from tension as she touched his arm. He was clearly out of his depth, but he had to remember it wasn’t just his well-being his actions now affected.

Watching the ice wizard as he spoke, focused only on acting to defend them if he turned violent, Asterion wasn’t fazed by his demands. He glanced sideways to Nimue, again clearly swept up in the prize of myth and magic.

Rolling his tongue over his teeth in a closed mouth, Asterion stood and folded his arms.

"Where she goes, I go. Unless you have a problem with that?"

Whether Nimue would want a brute unaware of the power of magic by her side in the audience of such a wizard was, however, her choice and not his.

[member="Nimue Stormson"]

 

[Nimue Stormson]

Given the request made by [member="Asterion"] he shrugged and said "Fine with me. I can do it all here anyway." Finally looking to Nimue he said "Come here, child." She walked past Asterion, handing the book to Asterion, before she was standing only a few inches in front of him. He looked down with those cold eyes and said "You look so much like her." His hand reached out and touched her hair and cheek. "Especially those eyes. So much like her eyes..." ​

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Upon hearing this Nimue asked "Is...is that why you tried to take me? Your giants, they tried to take me away. Is that why?"​

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He did not answer her. His hand dropped away before he stood back and said "I've seen your skills. Your abilities to move things at will and jump and move with tremendous speed. You power to summon fear in the minds of others and the ability to create animals of shadow." Nimue was a bit astounded, given that she'd not used any of those tricks in front of him. Yet somehow Reyax knew. "But this ability requires ore than focus or concentration. You need to truly feel what it is to be...cold." After that he gestured again and said "Undress."​

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Nimue gave a confused look before glancing back to Asterion. She knew he wasn't pleased by that command. But looking to Reyax he didn't seem to flinch or anything from it. He only gave her a look that said "do you want this power or not?" making her sigh before she began to disrobe herself. When she finished she would be down to nothing but her undergarments, not letting any deeper satisfaction for the snow god to go fulfilled at the sight of her naked. She shivered violently at the cold air, covering herself as best she could. ​

 

[Stephanie Swail]

Arms folded to keep himself warm as he wasn’t moving, and also keep his hands from lunging at the snow-man’s throat, Asterion rocked on his feet as he watched the proceedings. Nimue was willing, that was evident, but she looked uncomfortable and cold and he didn’t like it. Nor did he like the fact this was some strange voodoo initiation he wasn’t used to – hokey religion and ancient magic was no match for a good lightsaber by your side and a strong fist to smash a face with.

There was no point speaking – he was an adult, they all were, and they knew what they were doing. His eyes looked up her near naked body. She was a gorgeous creature, but this wasn’t right.

"What the hell is this? She’s freezing!"

He went to move forward, but stopped himself.

[member="Nimue Stormson"]

 

[Nimue Stormson]

Reyax seemed to ignore [member="Asterion"] until he tried to move towards Nimue. He looked ready to react but stopped once he did, Nimue glancing back and shaking but confirming she was alright. Tension was too clear between the two men but Nimue had already gone this far. It was all a matter of surviving whatever Reyax had in store for her to learn the ability. ​

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"To control the cold one must first experience it as you are now." he said to Nimue. "You need to accept it if you want to control it. Now concentrate. Breath. Adapt. You humans tend to be good at that sort of thing."​

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Nimue closed her eyes as she continued to shake. She had to use the Force to somehow integrate the cold air into her body. It was harder that it sounded as she;d not learned any sort of ability. But she tried. She had to fight the violent shaking as she put her arms to her side. She was breathing harder and her whole body was starting to go red to pale. She tried to fight it, taking deep breaths and trying to keep herself still, all the while using the Force to try and slowly let herself deal with it. It had taken a few moments and in all that time Reyax did not move or say anything. He stood and watched and calculated before finally Nimue seemed to be alright. Her whole body felt like ice but she did not shake or quiver from it. To her the cold seemed normal now, integrated and comfortable as any other temperature. Reyax smirked. ​

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"And now for the final part. Use your gifts to reach out all around you. Give it shape and form and then...give it life." ​

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She nodded before looking around to the mound of snow and nearby ice. Her hand reached out as she began to feel it like water all secured in one spot. Now that she had felt how cold snow and ice were she could not further "understand" it. This made it easier as she pulled piles together and began to form a familiar shape of a Snow Giant. It was similar to the ones from before, if a bit smaller. But once it was formed Nimue then used both hands, holding the up and focusing on giving it life. For a few moments nothing happened until the fingers twitched. Life began to show in the hollowed eyes. And finally the Snow Giant let out a little grumble of birth as it began to move for the first time. Nimue was surprised beyond belief, looking to Asterion to see his reaction. ​

 

[Stephanie Swail]

It was hard enough watching Nimue put herself through this ordeal, but harder to see her start to react to the cold and their host doing little to compensate. However that changed when they began to embrace the cold and Nimue began to mould the Force with the magic of the planet.

He turned to see the landscape around them move; snow and ice came together and fell from overhanging rock all the while she remained still. A shape began to form, and Asterion stepped back in awe as he took in the sight of the Snow Giant, smaller than the ones attacking them but still imposing and nightmarish in form.

The wind whirled around them and flakes of snow and ice blew across his face, but he was too busy looking at the site before him, and then looking to Nimue with an expression of bewilderment and amusement at her creation. He nodded to her, and looked back at the imposing, lumbering beast.

[member="Nimue Stormson"]

 

[Nimue Stormson]

As Nimue watched the Giant stand there she only had to close her eyes and think a command before it did. It walked over to a nearby ruin and lifted a boulder that had fallen there. As part of the command it tossed it to the side, showing it's strength. Nimue had practically seen everything through the giants eyes, further proof of her command over it. When it was finished Nimue waved her hand across and the giant collapsed into snow and ice again. ​

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"Impressive for your first time." Reyax said, stepping up to her "It will take time before you can command an entire legion, but for now you have this gift. I would say use it wisely or something grand as that, but in truth I could care less." a small thunder rumbled in the distance before he said "And now...tie for me to go." When Nimue asked what he meant he said "I've been waiting a long time to see if anyone could actually reach this place, and now that you have and have gained what I've offered there's nothing of any true value left up here. No reason for me to stay. Time I went and joined my brothers and sisters." Before anything else he reached out and held her face, an almost sincere tone in his eyes, before saying "Goodbye...Maldanna."​

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And with that the "god" Reynax had reached out and kissed Nimue. She gave a look surprise, feeling hold cold his skin as against her lips, before, in a grand flash of thunder that struck in the distance, he was gone. His armor dropped to the ground without his body to occupy it. There was no trace of him left. Like a ghost that vanished from this world. Nimue looked confused before turning back to [member="Asterion"] . She had no words. She only walked back to him, hugging him to feel his warmth against hers. ​

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"Let's go home."​

 

[Stephanie Swail]

Things were just getting stranger and stranger, as Nimue managed to eradicate the Snow Giant as easy as she crafted it when hours before they had struggled to stay alive facing four of them. He was too transfixed on Reyax to react when he kissed Nimue – it was a kiss to someone else, not her, but she was the conduit.

His eyes drifted up to the closing skies and he shielded his eyes as the thunder came and the flash of lightning came too close for comfort. Crouching down, he gradually stood again and blinked to see nothing of the strange creature except his armour. There was nothing – the wind blew gently, the cold was still there and the light from above the mountain was waning. Nimue still stood.

She came, and he held her, eyes busy looking after the mountainous kingdom as he stroked the back of her hair.

"I think that’s a, ah….that’s a good idea."

Home sounded good, as this was starting to freak him out a little – the fact he was falling in love with not just an Empress, but one who was coming over like a powerful Force Sorceress.

[member="Nimue Stormson"]

 

[Nimue Stormson]

It would take time for the two to return to the base of Brimgard. During that time Nimue had agreed with [member="Asterion"] they would keep the discovery of what they found at the top a secret. While she had seen a god, or whatever Reyax was, the actual stone city they found was best left undisturbed. While she may have questioned the actual nature of the gods, or whatever they might have been, it was best not to let too many people start to question as well. She knew it would lead to fighting, and she didn't want any of that. Not now. She would tell how all she found as a tome on how to create living constructs of ice made by a group of wizards that lived on Brimgard long ago and were responsible for the rumors of Frost Giants. There was no treasure. There was no grand secret anymore. There was only what Niue now carried with her, the power of Reyax. The power to create Snow Giants. The power blessed to her by a god. She may not have admitted it but Nimue now felt like a giant among mortals herself this day. ​

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END​