Sarne also sat and got comfortable the best Sarne could in the freezing weather. Waiting for Videl's answer to Dante. Sarne was wondering about the Rime Guardian or Rime Guardians. Sarne had heard some things through his training in the Frost Gale. Like, no one has seen them yet or not lived to tell the story to everyone he talks to.

Sarne gazed into the fire thinking what he knew about the Rime Guardian. They were or are like Dragons possibly ice elementals. The embodiment of a winter storm. Their gaze will freeze you in place and your body gets covered in ice and you freeze to death instantly. They live on the northern borders of Frost Gale. Some people think they are deities of the sea and sky, or considered to be primordial manifestations. They are highly Protective of the Frost Gale and highly territorial.
They can kill hundreds of armed men in a swipe of a claw.

Sarne would love to see one and its power but not at the cost of his or someone else's life. "Videl I am also interested in the Frost Gale's Rime Guardians. I would be honored if you could share what you know," asked Sarne humbly.

While he couldn't fault the pair for believing the Rime Guardian to be nothing more than a ghost story, from the way that his people had told it, Videl was certain that they most assuredly weren't. He had been lucky not to encounter one thus far and quite honestly, he would be considered lucky if he were to never meet such a being. On this trail of his to become strong though, strong enough to protect all of Frost Gale, he was likely going to need to hold as much power as such a being someday. Given how badly the pair had wanted to hear about the Rime Guardians though? Well he figured that he would accommodate them and give them an answer or two.

"Hm.. Well let's see then. Rime Guardians are said to be the embodiment of the harrowing conditions of the North given shape. They usually take on the guise of a dragon but that are supposedly incidents in which that isn't the case. They are often spotted when groups of ten or more travel together through Frost Gale, acting as a guardian of nature itself, from what I've heard. A feat made all the easier by their glacial nature." While it wasn't something that he had considered until now, there had always been the possibility that his glacial magics had stemmed from elsewhere. If not as a direct result from a curse pertaining to the blessing of fire, and if not a result of Salina's involvement, it could certainly be said that a Rime Guardian had been involved. Something that he had yet to consider up until this moment.

"Some believed them to be gods back in the old days but we have since come to know that that isn't exactly the case. Rather than gods, they are primordial beings. Or so some of us believe. More often than not, among the T'saya people, there are outliers to our beliefs. Some still believe them to be the guardian deity of Frost Gale. An understandable thought given the role that it fulfills. Especially if one were to consider the stories of old.. How there were those that had spoken with the Rime Guardian, reasoning with it for their own safety and guidance. I.. suppose that I'm willing to share the story in which I speak, considering how much you guys seem to hold interest in the topic."

With a soft sigh, Videl would turn his gaze off towards the mountains that were far off in the north. The location in which people had supposedly encountered the primordial being. "In the land where frosty gales do howl, Beneath the peaks, where icy whispers prowl, A tale unfolds of travelers bold, And a guardian ancient, a story to be told. Through snow-kissed valleys, a party treks, Wrapped in fur against the wind's cold vex, Elara leads, her senses keen, In the frozen north, where the air is serene. Glacial eyes watch from the shadows deep, The Rime Guardian, its secrets to keep, Dragon-like form, from ice it's born, A spectral presence in the winter morn. Ethereal glow, a shimmering grace, A creature of frost, in its icy embrace, As the group nears a frozen lake, The guardian rises, a decision to make."

"Crystal-clear waters reflect its might, A serpentine being in the pale moonlight, Elara steps forth, a plea in her eyes, "We mean no harm, beneath these frozen skies." "I am the guardian, Rime by name, Of Frost Gale's secrets, keeper of the flame," Its voice, like the winter wind's eerie song, Intelligent, ancient, where frost and shadows throng. The air freezes, a moment in time, As the guardian judges, the travelers' climb, Tokens of peace, offerings fair, Glisten with magic in the frosty air. The Rime Guardian, a sentinel wise, Uncoils its form, majestic it flies, "Prove your sincerity, let deeds speak true, In this harsh realm, where only the genuine breakthrough." Trinkets and offerings, humility shown, The guardian, appeased, with a nod and a drone, Beneath the icy waters, it disappears, Leaving the travelers to quell their fears. As they tread on, through the glistening vale, The guardian's presence, a lingering tale, Of respect, of humility, in the frosty night, A ghostly encounter, in the guardian's icy light."

Dante wasn't expecting the fey like rhyme about Rime Guardians, and the pun the story forced into his mind did not go unnoticed. He looked to Sarne briefly and then back to Videl as he recounted the rhyme and said, "Well that is certainly illuminating. I've heard of oral traditions before, but I've never been privy to one until now. As for trinkets, offerings, and worthiness I'm sure our troupe will be fine. Who could be more worthy of a guardian's approval than heroes who preserve the entire realm of Charon? I cannot fathom such being being cross with such gallant and heroic hearts."

He looked to Sarne again and said, "And you seem like an honorable type. Honestly I'd be more worried for myself. I've been known to be called devilishly charming scoundrel before. I doubt a Rime Guardian would understand or appreciate erudite speakers."

Dante yawned and stretched, saying, "Well, this has been quite the day and very much an interesting tale. Perhaps we ought to find respite in slumber as it's getting cold, maybe even more than to our native friend's liking." He gave Videl a wink and opened up his tent, saying, "I do hope you all have a good night." With that, he withdrew into the tent and went to bed unless he was addressed in some fashion.

Sarne thought for a moment He did not know about Rime Guardian but did know some things about dragons and if they were ice dragons then that would be a site to see. Whatever they are Sarne did not plan on meeting one.

As Dante headed to his tent Sarne gave him a nod "Have a good night Dante," replied Sarne with a smile. "Videl, I think you for sharing with us it is good to hear from other cutlers and people about what they believe," remarked Sarne laying out some furs and tarp. "Do we need to set up a watch tonight?" asked Sarne putting some more stuff on the fire.  Sarne would be going to sleep to if there was no need for a night guard Sarne also thought the animals would worn then if anything got near them.

With Dante turning in for the night and Sarne adding a few logs and the like to the fire, Videl would proceed to mount his Frigid Steed. Once he had managed to secure himself atop of her properly, he would nod to the pair. Much like Dante had mentioned, it was starting to get a bit colder within the region. With night rolling in, it was no surprise that the temperatures would drop. To one such as Videl though, it was all the same. Something that he wasn't too worried about, considering how he had always felt cold. "I'll be sure to let you both rest for the night then."

Gesturing for Lumi to spin on the spot before ultimately ending up in the direction of the Pale City, Videl would speak out to the pair once more. "It would be in your best interest to maintain a watch of some kind. There's no telling what kinds of dangers might lurk around the corner, just past the woods. The smoke from the fire might deter some of them but for others, it might serve as a beacon. So long as you don't stir up too much trouble though, I'm sure that everything will be okay." A soft laugh would then escape from his lips as he had lightly nudged Lumi in her hindquarters, letting her know that she could begin to move. "If either of you need me for some reason or another, be sure to send a letter to the Winter's Howl back at the Pale City. I take the time to stop by there from time to time so if anything, I'll come upon your letter eventually."

With nothing more left to say to the pair, Videl would request that Lumi pick up in her pacing. She would acquiesce rather quickly, heading off towards the Pale City at a quickened pace whilst galloping through the snow coated lands of Frost Gale. After a time they would come to make contact with the city, finding a place of refuge for the night, and eventually sleeping away the events of the day.

[EXIT]