POV Dawkin Rosepeak:

Gentler dreams greet me during my deep slumber. A little less pain and agony, a little more relief and happiness. My body feels warm as if it's wrapped in a heavenly cocoon, made from the softest fabric. It seems that I’ve recovered a bit more, my body isn’t aching as much. I feel so comfortable, I don’t want to wake up… not yet. A long peaceful sleep can do wonders, maybe I can just sleep forever. No troubles… no pain.

Suddenly an image flashes in my mind, breaking my delusional trance. I mustn’t sleep. A time for rest will arrive, but not today. My focus returns and I concentrate on my surroundings without opening my eyes. A cold shiver crawls down my spine, it feels like I’m being watched. I quickly sit up, unable to shake this feeling.

I open my eyes, I’m finally able to properly see. I’m in the same room that I awoke in previously, the same giant bed and the same white walls. I turn my head to the other side of the room, and I suddenly jump back from shock. My suspicions weren’t misplaced, I am being watched.

On the opposite side of the room, sitting on a large wooden chair, I spot the same person that I saw meditating in the forest. Now only a couple of meters away, I can properly distinguish his feature. My attention is drawn to his deep blue eyes, luring my soul into its depths and piercing through every piece of my body. I fall into a trance, but just before I completely lose myself, a deep voice brings me back to lucidity, “Seems like you’re awake, wonderful, you’ve been asleep for the past couple of days and I was starting to get worried.”.

I stare at the person in front of me, a giant man, wait, is he even a man? “You’ve been cooped up in here for the past few days and it’s unhealthy. Follow me and we’ll get you some warm sunlight.” The old man continues in his baritone voice, seemingly oblivious of my baffled expression. Unabated by my expression, the old man stands up and in the same moment, my mouth hangs open slightly.

"A true giant", this is the only thought that comes to mind as I see the old man standing up. He's easily several times larger and taller than my me. How did I not notice this previously!? What sort of place is this, the home of giants? “Come.” the old man says in a calm voice, beckoning me to follow him. Still dazed by this realization, I follow the giant man without protest.

Having to double my usual pace, just to keep up with his long strides, we exit the room. Giant halls greet me, white walls made from granite and high ceilings clearly not built for people my size. I keep observing the giant corridors and when the giant man suddenly takes a sharp right, I almost miss a turn. I could get lost in this place.

With a few more turns, we’re outside and I’m momentarily blinded by the sharp sunlight. Slowly my eyes readjust to the brightness and I find myself in a large courtyard of some sort. I look over and see the giant man make his way towards a set of oversized table and chairs. I approach and climb onto the opposite chair. It feels like I’m climbing a tree.

I take my place on the chair and stare out, over the table. While sitting, my head is barely able to see over the table. I look over at the giant man, unsure of what to do next. “I believe some introductions are in order.” The giant man starts, in what seems like an attempt to break the ice. “My name is Zohn, I’m the protector of this wonderful place.” The oversized man introduces himself.

What a strange name, wait… did he say, protector? I look over at his giant home and a sudden realization hits me. Just who is he? How long has he been here? Why is he so large? So many questions. I need to calm my mind, one step at a time, just like father taught me. “And you are?” Zohn asks and I’m suddenly brought back to reality.

I didn’t respond when he introduced himself and only stared silently at him like an idiot, I should really focus. “Ah, sorry about that. My name is Dawkin.” I say clumsily, still shocked by my current situation. “What a strange name, but it doesn’t matter,” Zohn remarks. “I have a strange name, just look at yours!” I shout internally. Calm down, calm down, I need to focus.

“Now that the pleasantries are out of the way, let’s get to the main topic. Why are you here?” Zohn suddenly asks out of the blue. “What do you mean?” I ask, slightly caught off guard by his straightforward nature. “Why would any being climb a mountain, over ten kilometres tall, risk his life and almost die in the process, not have a damn good reason for being here,” Zohn answers, looking slightly irritated by my dumb response. Well, he’s got me there.

I take a deep breath and start, “When I was a child, my people told stories and legends about this mountain. The mysteries that it holds and the power that it contains. The legends never stated what this power was, but I’m in desperate need of it. That’s the reason that I came to this mountain, to find this unrivalled power.”.

A complicated look surfaces on Zohn’s large chiselled face, betraying his previously calm expression. “I’m sorry young man, but what you seek is not here. I permitted you to stay here because you were hurt and because you are my first visitor in many years, but as this wonderful place’s protector, I have to ask you to leave” Zohn replies, suddenly turning unwelcome to my presence.

The sudden change in moods shocks me. Were all the legends fake? Was my journey pointless? I can’t give up. I can’t fail my people, besides, there’s still one thing nagging at the back of my mind, “Why would a place without some sort of power need a protector?”.