A Wolf's Howl, A Fairy's Wing

The giant's wisened eyes looked at Erik with a mixture of pride and amusement. Slowly, he nodded, thereby moving the only part of his body that wasn't wrapped in a harness of vines and roots. "That is indeed my name, little friend. I'm glad to see you have not wasted your return to this world."

There was an air of geniality around him that was causing Erik's defences to drop slightly. Well, that and the fact Ymir didn't appear capable of movement. Erik would never assume that meant he was safe from this ancient being's wrath, but the giant's seeming confinement did give him a false sense of security.

Erik cocked his head and inspected the giant in front of him. There was an aura of antiquity, a kind of primordial feeling floating around the giant that made him feel intimidated and small. But the pride and defiance in his heart refused to buckle under this ancient being's gaze.

Plus, this guy was ostensibly an ally of Audumla, who supposedly was Erik's ally as well. Through the process of transference, it should be safe to assume he wasn't in danger here. Tentatively, anyway…

Thus, with some effort, Erik managed to keep himself calm. "My wife, Elora, loves gathering information," he shrugged indifferently despite the obvious warmth in his eyes. "She would have been disappointed if we'd still not figured out your name by now."

Surprisingly, the giant started frowning as soon as Elora's name was mentioned. His demeanour became less like a genial grandpa, and more like a stern father.

"Right…" he muttered, with clearly suppressed emotions. "That should be the fairy who came with you, right? I noticed her presence when I first pulled you back here… At the time, I attempted to sever your bond, but I'd already used all my power to get you here."

Instantly, an explosion went off in Erik's head. "You attempted what?!" he snarled furiously, instinctively taking a step closer to the giant despite the obvious danger.

Ymir chuckled with amusement at his threatening stance. "Relax, little friend. Even if I'd succeeded, she would still come with you, and you'd just have had to reestablish the bond… assuming you still wanted to at that point."

Seeing Erik open his mouth to respond with an indignant expression, Ymir immediately sighed and shook his head. "I know, little friend. She's not enslaved you. But fairies are devious creatures, and even a bond of equals has the potential to influence you. Being constantly bombarded with another's emotions inevitably leaves one affected by them."

Erik immediately snorted and waved his hand dismissively. "Whatever you say, just keep your oversized fingers away from our bond, alright?"

Before Ymir could respond, an annoyed Erik looked down at his body, which was naked and in human form. "Now, if you're done throwing around baseless accusations about my dear wife, maybe you could be a good host and provide your guest with some clothes? I'm quite proud of my body, but I'd still prefer not to converse naked."

Ymir blinked once. Twice. As if baffled by Erik's attitude and words. But then he chuckled amicably. "Of course, little friend. Where are my manners?" Stay updated through My Virtual Library Empire

Instantly, a kind of loose-fitting, fantastical, and comfortable robe appeared on his body, which kept his chest slightly exposed. Feeling the soft texture on his skin, Erik was not surprised by the illusion's realism. Elora was easily capable of doing the same.

He nodded with satisfaction and then looked back at the giant with a frown. "I'm sure you have some reason for pulling me in here, but first, I'd like to know how my allies are doing. Has that insane fairy opened up any more portals?"

Ymir smiled, as if happy with Erik's concern for his allies. "They're fine, little friend. There's no one left on that battlefield who can threaten them, and Imogene can't open such stable portals without direct eyesight."

With his concerns mostly alleviated, Erik sighed in relief and then sat on the grassy floor, legs crossed, across from Ymir. That's good," he nodded before raising an eyebrow and looking at his conversation partner. So, Imogene, huh? I suppose that's a little better than Primus… or Corpse," he finished with a chuckle.

Ymir sighed and nodded sadly. "Imogene's story is quite tragic… If you want to hear it?"

But Erik shook his head. "Not necessarily. Maybe if we have time later. At least, I assume that's a finite resource?"

Chuckling, Ymir nodded his large head. The leaves and roots binding him rustled slightly, but refused to let his body move. "Very astute, young friend. I can't keep you here for too long."

Erik nodded back in understanding. "That figures. So, why don't you tell me why I'm here?" He raised an eyebrow curiously. "Are you about to shed some light on that strange dream you sent me a little over a year ago?"

Just after returning to Earth, Erik had a strange dream about some of Ymir and Audumla's goals, and he could use a little clarification.

"I can certainly do that, little friend," Ymir nodded genially. "But first," he smirked wryly. "I need to ask you to stop being so reckless. Your survival is important. Not just for me or little Audy, but for this world and all other Runebound as well. And Runebound themselves are important for the future of all worlds!"

Despite the giant's serious tone, Erik couldn't help but feel amused at the way Ymir called Audumla, 'little Audy.' But, he quickly moved past it when Ymir sombrely continued. "That Elorium of yours is an interesting and powerful variation to runic power, but you almost died this time. In fact, you would have if I hadn't interfered."

Erik blinked as an uncomfortable feeling rose within him. Knowing how close death came to finally claiming him was… not a pleasant realization. But this feeling didn't last long.

Less than a second later, he remembered why he did that and frowned. "I did what I did to save my wife. If you think I'm going to stop risking my life for them, you are sorely mistaken. No matter what grand destiny you and 'little Audy' have planned for me."

Sombrely, Ymir nodded. "I understand your desire, little friend, but… would you really save one, only to doom the rest?"