The blizzards raged on and Rev's cries faded away. The time he spent waiting out of the blizzard was unclear to him. It had felt like multiple days, but there was no way to tell. Rev had run out of food, but not eating wasn’t anything new to Rev. He lays in the corner of the shelter taping the cold hard ground. “Am I really going to die like this” Rev thinks. More time passes through the blizzard, not seeming to take any rest. Revs' breaths are cold and heavy. He lay there, letting his eyes close once more at an attempt at sleep. He dreamed of his time with Ein running and training in the jungle. He remembered how, when they had reached the snow on the other mountain, he had climbed on Ein’s back. Why did this all happen to him? Why did Ein have to die? Why did he live while everyone around him dies? Rev thoughts are only going in circles. He can’t take much more of it. He breaks out of the stone shelter from the roof of it, blasting it in all directions. He climbs up out of it and starts to dash through the air, creating stone plate forms to keep him going toward.

“Am going to make my own plan and it starts by now,” Rev yells at the blizzard ahead.

“YOU HEAR ME TWIN GODS, ILL MAKE YOU RESPOND,” Rev says.

He keeps pushing through the blizzard. The snow sliding off his cloak as he weaves through the air and up the mountain. He’s eyes struggling to contain the flame inside them. He sees the approaching cloud ahead. He rushes to break through it.

Poof…

Rev flies above the cloud. He takes the red band off his eyes for a clear view of the thing. He stares at the mountainside, seeing through the illusion that’s a bit put up. Pressing his hand on the cold stone and flowing source into and through it. He then pulls back and around and the stone mountain side opens up. Seeing a staircase in front of him, Rev proceeds. The stone hall way opens up massively to a stone gate depicting two figures unfamiliar to Rev. At each side of the gate stand a cyclops guard.

“Hello…” the guard says looking behind Rev.

“Is…it just you here?” The guard asks.

Rev’s cloak drapes over him. “Yes…is that a problem?” Rev asks.

“No, not at all…Could you state your business here” The guard asks keeping a close eye on Rev’s movements.

Rev unties the red band around his neck, showing the guards the emblem on it. “This was given to me by Ein. He told me to go here.” Rev says. His hand is steady and voice is firm.

“Ein! you traveled with him. Where is he now? Still in Morton?” The guard asks.

“He’s dead. Killed by a black dragon.” Rev says. His hand starting to shake partially.

He quickly recreates it and ties the band around his neck.

“Ein has fallen. Let his passage to the beyond be a of haste,” the guard says. He looks down at Rev, then at the other guard.

They open the gate, revealing the marvel that is the mountain palace. Rev looks up at the massive structure not resembling anything he had seen before.

“Woah…” Rev says under his breath.

One of the guard guides Rev to the entrance, walking through the courtyard to the gate twice the size of the gates before depicting the same two figures. The guard walks through the gate.

“Please wait here as I get you requested.” The guard says.

He walks over to a desk with a human at it. They exchange some words and a surprised look appears on the guard's face. He walks back to Rev.

“Well, it seems it's your lucky day. The over sear has asked to meet with you. Please follow me.” The guard tells Rev.

Rev looks around, then follows the guard. He follows the guard through many halls. Then up a spiral of stares. Then more and more and more halls. Rev watches as they pass human and cyclops alike, even some an elf or two. Finally, they reach a door and the guard knocks.

“I’ve brought the child,” He says.

“You are dismissed,” the voice on the other side says.

The guard leave Rev standing in front of the door. After a moment, it opens a tall lanky cyclops and opens the door. Seeming to be even older than Ein was. He looks forward, then down.

He smiles a familiar smile. "Hello there child, you look like you could eat.” The man says, his voice smooth and calming.

He starts to walk off. Rev follows, still not saying a word to him. “I could eat” Rev thinks.

They make it down the halls and steps once more, now arriving at a dining hall much larger than the one at Morton. The cyclops grabs them a meal and sits down at one of the tables. People pass glances as their whisper start. Rev looks down at his food, smelling the familiar frequency.

“Mushroom soup” Rev whispers.

“Your correct. I think one of the best ways to meet someone is over a meal. We thank the twin gods for this meal. We shall not let any of it go to waste. Having that said, my name is Paul am the overseer of this palace. I was informed that you knew Ein and that he has passed away. I also know Ein…well everyone knew Ein he was a pillar of faith. Bringing as many people as he could to the twin gods and for him to give his band away to you. Well, he must have had tremendous faith in you. So, could I ask your name?” Paul says.

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Rev is taking a visually closed off stance. “My name is Rev and am a dark elf” Rev says. The hall holts to a dead silence. For no one even dares to whispers.

“I see…well even if you where a dragon, if Ein saw you as a friend, then that more than enough.” Paul says.

Rev looks up at him, his eyes flaring like an untamed flame covered by his silk like hair.

“So…Rev what would you like to do here? Do you have a goal in mind?” Paul asks.

“Ein told he would teach me to become strong. Strong enough to protect those who can't protect themself.” Rev responds.

Paul smile and the people are let out a breath of relief as they continue along their days.

“I see the band you carry. I have no intention of taking away from you as Ein left it in your care, but I believe it would be beneficial for you to go through some of the procces of what earned Ein that band.” Pauls suggest.

Rev looks at the band, then back at Paul. “And what is so to mean,” Rev says.

“I would suggest for you to join the warrior program under the twin god of strength.” Paul tells Rev.

Rev thinks it over, remembering how Ein would talk about his challenges as a warrior. “Could I really be as strong as Ein…no I need to be even stronger than he ever was.” Rev thinks.

“I’ll go to whatever it takes,” Rev tells Paul.

Paul smile “You're an eager one. Am sure Ein loved that about you.” Paul says.

They finish their meals, and Paul directs Rev to a filing room.

“Hello there. I would like to requester a new member of the palace.” Paul tells the guy at the desk.

Rev steps up “Hello there am just going to ask you a couple of questions.” He says.

“Ok…” Rev responds.

“Good am going to need your name, age, height, weight, any allergies,” He says.

Rev looks at him blankly “My name is Rev…I don’t know any of the other stuff.” Rev says.

The human pokes his head out, taking a look at him. “Hmm…how about you come over hear lets get your height and weight? That should be good enough for now.” He says.

Rev walks over to the wall and presses up against it “Well done…seem to be 5’6. Ok, step on there.”

Rev walks over stepping on a scale and watching the number go up. “What weird…things” Rev thinks.

“Ok 95 pounds and looking at you, well, it’s hard to tell what age any elf really is.” He says as he laughs.

He walks back around and creates a file for Rev.

“Thank you, sir. Now I would like to register him in the warrior program.” Paul says.

“…What? the warrior program…are you sure?” The man asks.

Paul smile “He made it all the way up the mountain by himself. If I am confident in one thing about the child is his abilities. Ein doesn’t mentor just anyone.” Paul says.

The man shoots up “The child was mentored by Ein. What an honor it would be. Ill get him registered right away. His first lesson should be tomorrow morning.” The man says.

Rev and Paul left. “Was Ein really that important” Rev asked

“Yes, he was. He was a famous warrior before fully turned to the faith. Ein is a name many know, but to some he is viewed negatively, such as most elves, as he was the one that helped turn Judas against them. Or the dragons, as he’s age has drained him of the strength he once had. There will always be someone that will dislike you for any reason. These are the people Ein wished he could save.” Paul tells Rev.

Rev followed Paul. “well they just never got to know him,” Rev says

Paul smile “I couldn’t agree with you more Rev.” Paul says.

They keep walking through many halls and door until they reach a hallway with many doors.

“This is the living quarters for those in rolled.” Paul says.

They keep walking down the hall until Paul stops in front of a door. He then puts the key in to unlock it.

“Here you are. This is your. room usually you would have a roommate, but sense you’ve joined the program latter the usual, you won’t be assigned one.” Paul tells Rev.

Reg walks in to the mostly empty room, just a bed in each corner. Rev feels the sturdy ground below him. He walks over to the window and looks around, seeing a garden below. There stand a giant tree not like any Rev had ever seen before and it was emitting source.

“What is that” Rev points to the tree.

Paul walks over and looks at what Rev is pointing at. “That tree is called the gift. That in which source was given to us all those years ago. The story goes hundreds of years ago, a cyclops was given a vision. He was to plant a tree in the mountains. To climb up and push through the endless blizzard that covers it. He must plant the tree and help it grow. The cyclops climb the mountain and planted the tree digging a hole in the snow. He waited and waited and did all he could to make the tree grow, but it didn’t work. It was only when he turned to the twin gods when the tree started to grow and once it did, the blizzards were cast out wards. The fruits that would come from this tree were rich in source. They said that those who eat from the tree would be given the power to control that which lies in everything, the power to control the source itself... a gift that was unfortunately partially shared with the wrong people.

“The elves you mean,” Rev asks

“Evil lies with in ever race…well I should let you get settled in. Please come to my office if you need anything or have any questions,” Paul tells Rev.

Paul then leaves, shutting the door behind him. Rev is left alone, staring at the tree. It’s leaves a soft purple and park a dark grainy brown. “So that’s where it all comes from,” Rev thinks. Rev lays his backpack on the ground and gets settled in. Laying on his bed, which was much firmer than the ones he had slept in before, but softer than the ones at the farm. He decided to get up and explore. There’s still plenty sun light and Rev could go for another meal. He gets’s out of bed and heads down the hall retracing his steps to get to the main hall. Once there, he makes his way to the dining hall and waits in line.

“Hello there, my name is Clare. You must be the new student I’ve heard about.” The server, Clare says.

Rev is to focus on the food to pay much attention. "Yeah, my name is Rev. I would like some more of that mushroom soup…please,” Rev requests.

“Well sense you ask so nicely…here you go,” Clare says handing the bowl to Rev. “Enjoy Rev.” she says.

“Ok, thank you…Clare” Rev says taking a moment to remember her name.

Rev sits down with many stares once again directed at him. Then a human man comes up, his shirt is off, revealing his toned body. His hair is brown and curly. He takes a seat next to Rev.

“Hey kid, I heard you're joining the warrior program.” The man says.

Rev is to focus on downing the soup to give a response.

“….Am Shane, by the way.” He says.

Rev finishes his soup and licks his lips. “My name is Rev” He says looking over at Shane “Do you want something from me?” Rev asks.

Rev looks at Shane into his source. It was much higher than a normal human, but compared to an elf of cyclops, it was nothing special.

“Am in the warrior program, so I just wanted to introduce myself, that’s all. I heard that a kid was joining the warrior program that was said to have traveled with Ein. My curiosity lead me here to be honest with you.” Shane tells Rev.

“All you heard is true, but Ein is dead now. Am only here because he told me to come here.” Rev says.

He then stands up and takes a better look at Shane and the surrounding people.

“I also heard that you are a dark elf…” Shane adds.

“As I said. Everything you heard was true.” Rev says as he leaves the dining hall.

Shane smiles and turns to Rev. “Have the twin gods delivered us our savior or our calamity?” Shane thinks to himself.