POV Narrator:

A new day dawns on the lonely mountain peak situated high in the sky. Soft winds rustle through the sea of leaves that envelops the mountain peak, forming a magnificent canopy of sounds. Two figures, one towering over the other, can be seen weaving through the trees, making their way towards the peak’s edge. Dawkin looks incredibly excited, but also a bit downcast in his expression.

“I’m really going to miss this place…” Dawkin states in a soft sigh as he lifts his head up to gaze into Zohn’s eyes. “Our time together may have been short, but we’ll reunite again when you return.” Zohn quickly follows in his booming voice, his magnificent beard swaying as he talks. “The journey towards your village won’t be nearly as harsh as your journey here, so enjoy your well-deserved journey home” Zohn continues, secretly trying to motivate Dawkin in his, soon to be, not so perilous descent of this towering mountain.

A mixed expression can be seen on Dawkin’s face, but Zohn decided to ignore it. “Before you go, I’ve prepared a small present for your journey home, wait here and I’ll go get it,” Zohn states mysteriously as he quickly turns around and heads back towards his home. “I wonder what he’s prepared for me?” Dawkin quietly contemplates, unable to guess what Zohn could possibly have prepared for him. In his past year here Zohn has never given him a gift before.

In less than a minute, Zohn’s large five-meter-tall towering body can be seen exiting the trees. The sun reflecting off of Zohn’s white hair and beard forms a divine sight. One of Zohn’s hand is behind his back, clearly concealing something. “What’s he hiding behind his back.” Dawkin wonders, his curiosity only increasing with the passing of each minute. “When you first arrived on this mountaintop, half-dead, you had almost nothing on you. Since you need to fend for yourself out there, I thought that maybe this will help.” Zohn explains, revealing what he hid behind his back.

In Zohn’s large hands, an elegant pure white sword could be seen, gleaming off the sunlight from its lustrous body. “You told me that you’re the best swordsman in your village and it’s only appropriate that you have a sword to accompany you home.” Zohn carefully explains while bestowing the sword on a shocked Dawkin. “This is the most exquisite sword that I’ve ever seen” Dawkin blurts out in bated breaths, his eyes wide in shock.

“Did you make this!?” Dawkin asks in an excited voice, unable to hide his curiosity. “Yes, I’ve spent the past year refining this sword,” Zohn answers, proud of his handiwork. “Do you mind if I test it out here?” Dawkin quickly asks, practically trembling with excitement. “Sure, go ahead.” Zohn agrees, anticipating Dawkin’s reaction. With a few careful swings, Dawkin measures the swords exceptional balance. Taking a stance, Dawkin quickly strikes, cutting meter-wide trees cleanly in half.

“What is this sword made of!? I’ve never seen a sword so lightweight and incredibly resilient before.” Dawkin asks, genuinely impressed by the sword that Zohn has bestowed upon him. “The sword is made from a very special metal. This metal, as I call it, is mithril and it can only be found here in very small quantities. I’ve spent most of my supply just to make that one sword” Zohn answers with a proud smile plastered on his large face.

Dawkin’s gratitude towards Zohn only deepens. “I thank you from the bottom of my heart for bestowing this sword to me” Dawkin states genuinely, triggering a small confirming nod from Zohn. “Take this sword with you and return to your people” Zohn states, urging Dawkin to start his descent. “I won’t forget your kindness Zohn, I’ll be sure to bring my people back to this mountain,” Dawkin says with a determined face, his resolution already set in stone.

Meter by meter, Dawkin starts his descent of the lonely mountain, finding the route much more bearable than before. With his newly acquired sword, sheathed and strapped to his back, Dawkin finally leaves the lonely mountain. After a full year, he’s truly a changed man and it’s most likely for the better.

POV Zohn:

I’m going to miss that small man, he made this dull mountain peak much more bearable. I guess it’s back to waiting and training again; it feels like that’s the only thing I’m capable of after so many years here. Sometimes I feel isolated from the outside world, but I know that I’m not here without reason. Sure, my only companion is a giant unmoving elemental, currently stuck inside a dormant volcano, but it could be worse… right? I never thought life would be like this when I was young.

Still, having some company around the base of this lonely mountain would help alleviate some of my boredom. I hope Dawkin can save his people and guide them towards my protection. A small part of me wishes that I can go with him to help, but that is not my journey. My place is here, with my eternal companion.

I don’t believe that Dawkin would be in too much danger. I gave him the best sword that I’ve ever made, it might be a bit overkill, but I find it necessary. Dawkin also has my training, so a lot of the common danger of this world won’t faze him. But those aren’t the dangers that I’m worried about. I’ve seen the monstrosities that roam this world; Giant flying creatures whose roars echo throughout the dark night sky and they are only some of the dangers that can threaten Dawkin’s life.

I’ll keep a watchful eye on the horizon. I’ll wait for Dawkin’s eventual return. It might take a few months for him to come back, but I’ve got all the time in the word. Literally. Besides, Col still has about a hundred years before he wakes up and I might as well do some good in the meantime. I’m sure he would have done the same.