The Frostians

Chapter 17

### Chapter 17

Kristian and Alysandra returned to the village, their spirits high after their intimate night together. They had resumed their preparations to leave for the mountain, with Mimir’s head safely secured behind Kristian's hip in a small, protective pouch. Alysandra, although still feeling the afterglow of their passion, was also anxious about the journey ahead. Her eyes frequently darted to the pouch containing Mimir's head, a reminder of the task at hand.

As they made their way through the village, Alysandra's concern became apparent. She glanced nervously at Kristian, her voice low. “Do you think we’ll still have time for… intimate moments? With Mimir’s head, I mean? It feels like we’re constantly on the move.”

Kristian chuckled softly, his hand reassuringly squeezing hers. “Don’t worry, Alysandra. We’ll find moments for ourselves when we can. Right now, we have a mission, but once that’s done, we can have all the time we need.”

Their conversation was interrupted by a sudden commotion. From the edge of the village, a familiar figure appeared—Baldur, the topless stranger with rune tattoos that marked him as formidable. His presence was imposing, his eyes cold and unfeeling.

Without warning, Baldur charged toward Kristian, his movements swift and precise. Kristian’s instincts kicked in as he swiftly drew his frost axe, its icy edge gleaming in the morning light. The clash between the two was immediate and intense.

Baldur’s attacks were relentless, his body seemingly impervious to pain. Every strike he delivered was powerful, his movements fluid and almost godlike in their precision. Kristian, driven by the need to protect Alysandra and himself, met each blow with equal ferocity. The air crackled with the force of their combat, the ground shaking with the impact of their strikes.

Alysandra watched with a mix of awe and concern as Kristian and Baldur fought fiercely. She could see the strain on Kristian’s face, the effort it took to match Baldur’s seemingly indomitable strength. Determined not to be a passive observer, Alysandra readied her Valkyrie sword, prepared to assist if necessary.

Their battle wove through the village, causing panic among the villagers who scrambled to safety. The once peaceful setting was now a battlefield, with Kristian and Baldur locked in a fierce struggle. Each combatant’s movements were a blur, their strengths on full display.

Baldur, his rune tattoos glowing with a dark aura, roared in frustration as Kristian continued to resist. The two clashed in a whirlwind of fury, their weapons striking and deflecting with incredible speed.

Kristian, fueled by both desperation and resolve, managed to land a powerful blow, sending Baldur staggering back. The stranger's expression remained unflinching, but Kristian could see a flicker of surprise in his eyes. He took advantage of the momentary lapse to push forward, his frost axe cutting through the air with precision.

The intensity of their duel reached its peak as Kristian, in a final, decisive move, channeled all his strength into a devastating swing. The impact of his blow was immense, and Baldur was sent crashing to the ground, his body finally showing signs of damage.

Breathing heavily, Kristian stood over his fallen opponent, his eyes filled with a mix of exhaustion and triumph. He glanced back at Alysandra, who had approached with a worried expression.

“I’m fine,” Kristian assured her, though his voice was strained. “We need to move quickly. There’s still much to be done.”

Alysandra nodded, her concern tempered by relief. She quickly joined Kristian, and together they began to make their way back to the mountain, their path now clear of immediate threats.

As they continued their journey, they both knew that their trials were far from over. The encounter with Baldur was a reminder of the challenges they would face, but it also reinforced their resolve. They were united in their quest, and their bond had only grown stronger through their shared experiences.

With Mimir’s head securely in place and their spirits bolstered by their victory, Kristian and Alysandra pressed on, determined to uncover the truths that awaited them at the top of the mountain.

### Chapter 17 (Continued)

As Kristian and Alysandra made their way back to the mountain, the atmosphere between them was a mix of determination and relief. Mimir's head, still carefully secured behind Kristian’s hip, seemed to have a life of its own in the form of sardonic humor.

Despite the seriousness of their mission, Mimir’s voice cut through the quiet as they walked. “Well, that was quite a display of brute strength, wasn’t it? Though I must say, Kristian, I’ve seen gods with more finesse.”

Kristian’s eyes narrowed in annoyance, but a smirk played at his lips. “And I suppose you have a better way of dealing with such nuisances, Mimir?”

“Indeed, I do,” Mimir replied with a haughty tone. “But considering the state of your combat skills, I’d say you managed reasonably well for someone who’s clearly been out of practice. How long has it been since you last fought someone of real skill?”

Alysandra, who had been walking beside Kristian, couldn’t help but chuckle at Mimir’s antics. She leaned in and whispered to Kristian, “Looks like Mimir’s humor hasn’t been dulled by his imprisonment. Try not to let him get under your skin.”

Kristian gave her a sidelong glance, a grin spreading across his face. “Oh, don’t worry. I’m more amused than annoyed. Besides, I think it’s good to have someone keeping me on my toes, even if it’s just a disembodied head.”

Mimir’s head bobbed slightly in what could be interpreted as a nod of approval. “Ah, the old-fashioned charm of a good rivalry. Keeps things interesting, don’t you think?”

As they reached the base of the mountain, Mimir’s teasing continued. “So, what’s the plan now? Climb up, fight some more monsters, and perhaps take a nap at the top?”

Kristian sighed, though his eyes twinkled with amusement. “If only it were that simple. We have to find the imprisoned man and unravel the mysteries that await us.”

“I wouldn’t worry too much,” Mimir said cheerfully. “With Alysandra by your side and the power of a god in your hands, I’m sure you’ll manage. Just make sure to keep your wits about you. We wouldn’t want another unfortunate encounter like the last one.”

Alysandra glanced at Kristian, her lips curving into a playful smile. “Don’t let him get to you too much. I’m sure you’re doing just fine.”

Kristian chuckled and gave Alysandra’s hand a reassuring squeeze. “Thanks. I’ll keep that in mind.”

As they began their ascent, Mimir’s voice continued to interject with a blend of humor and insight. “And remember, if you find yourself in trouble, just ask me. I may be a disembodied head, but I’m full of useful advice. Or at least, I like to think so.”

Alysandra shook her head, laughing softly. “I’m starting to think you’re the real master of distractions, Mimir.”

The journey up the mountain was long and grueling, but Mimir’s constant banter made the trek more bearable. His lighthearted comments and occasional jabs kept Kristian and Alysandra entertained, even as they faced the physical challenge of the climb.

As they neared the top, Kristian felt a renewed sense of purpose. The teasing from Mimir, while somewhat frustrating, had also served as a reminder of the stakes of their quest. With Alysandra by his side and Mimir providing a mix of annoyance and encouragement, he felt ready to face whatever awaited them.

They reached the top of the mountain, where the imprisoned man awaited them. Mimir’s head, still perched behind Kristian, seemed to look forward to the encounter with a mix of anticipation and irreverent humor.

“Ah, we’re finally here,” Mimir said. “Now let’s see if our imprisoned friend is as wise as he is old.”

With that, Kristian and Alysandra prepared to confront the challenges ahead, their spirits bolstered by the humor and camaraderie of their journey so far. The road ahead was still uncertain, but with each step, they grew more resolute in their mission.

To be continued...