The Final Frontier

Nicolai Johansson | 27 | Son of Tyr

[timedandtaled]

Armando gave a shrug, shoulders momentarily breaching the water as he did, and he smiled at Nicolai. "It's okay, there are worse people that could be here." Things could always be worse, that was the mindset he was currently living in, a way to make all the shitty things happening to him feel less shitty, somehow. He watched Nicolai finally submerge, watching as he disappeared under the surface and then reappeared, their eyes meeting. There was a long moment of silence, neither of them speaking, and he assumed Nicolai wasn't here for conversation, given how things were the last time they spoke. Armando was the one to finally break said silence. "So...I found out that Forest isn't actually a werewolf. Turns out the labyrinth we were in really affected our minds." Not that he needed to tell that to Nicolai. He understood the awkwardness that came from their own hallucination state.

He waited a little longer before continuing. "Are...we okay?"

[nicolaijohansson]

Confusion was evident on Nicolai's features as he raised a brow and cocked his head slightly at the statement. But once the labyrinth was mentioned an honest "oh..." escaped his lips. That was until embarrassment washed over him, somehow more deeply than the warm water he was soaking in. "Yeah... the insanity..." This was the first time that his eyes looked away from Armando, as he lost the strength to do so after being reminded by what happened to him after their time there. The son of Tyr was lost in his own world again, thinking about how he should reveal what happened, or if he even had the courage to do so. But once again, the other man was the one that tethered him back to reality.

"YEAH," Nicolai said way louder than he actually intended, almost as if he was forcing out his words. "If I have been weird, just know it isn't because of you. Actually–for a moment I was feeling some type of way because of–Okay but that wasn't your–" Then he caught his own words off, sure as hell that he wasn't making any sense. Cole took a deep breath and decided to go back from the start. "So... I know about the effects that labyrinth had because at the end it affected me as wall," he said normally, but then he swallowed hard, almost alerting Armando that it was going to be some shit even before he said anything. "God, this is so embarrassing... but the way it played with me is that it made me believe that you were going to propose to me. I-I..." The words were stuck, as he fought with the awkwardness he was experience. He felt like that shy little kid that he used to be. "I don't know why it chose you, but it didn't really matter. At least not until you confided your fear to me and I thought you were going to propose to me. Do you know how stupid it was that I managed to experience a full-on heartbreak for a guy I didn't know for too long?" This time Nicolai couldn't help but laugh at the confession, a coping mechanism just to keep him sane.

"Anyways, I want to say I'm sorry for making you think something was wrong between us."

[timedandtaled]

Armando De Leon // Cove // Open

"The water is surprisingly warm," Armando called out to the person approaching the edge of the water, surfacing a little so that bare shoulders emerged from under and into the moonlight. Perhaps their intention had been to come for a dip in the coves waters, or perhaps they had seen his discarded clothing and decided to investigate. "Not to mention, at this time of night, it is quiet. Rarely any interruptions."

[nicolaijohansson]

"Sorry for being the one to change that," Nicolai said as he finally dipped his toe, surprised that the water was indeed warm. Somehow, he still expected the shock of cold waters to spread across his system despite what the other had just said. "Feels better than I expected," he barely said with a mumble. However, the son of Tyr submerged himself in the waters, even immersing his head for a brief moment before he came back up and leaned of a surface. The reason why he wanted to come was to relax and stay in silence, so he was unsure if he should speak with Armando if that was something that he was looking for as well. The problem was that Nicolai was awkwardly looking over at the man's direction as he was having the inner discussion.

[munitumaltare]

the  first  interaction  that  he  had  with  nicolai  was  the  man  swooping  in  and  stealing  his  pot.  aleki,  stevie,  mai,  and  him  were  all  betting  on  it.  yet  the  man  seemed  to  take  it  without  even  trying.  just  the  5  coins  seemed  to  be  enough.  that  alone  made  them  think  that  luck  was  always  on  his  side.  although,  they  didn't  see  him  during  the  other  games.  gambling  wasn't  the  same  as  riding  a  dragon  or  shooting  a  bow  across  a  field.  it  wasn't  the  same  as  commanding  a  dragon  to  fly  or  run  faster  than  the  others.  still,  a  win  was  a  win.

pranav  wasn't  that  strong.  even  though  nicolai  seemed  content  in  ignoring  his  current  state,  they  couldn't.  he  took  out  a  napkin  from  his  pocket  and  handing  it  over  to  the  other  half  god.  then,  he  also  popped  open  a  bottle  of  water  and  passed  it  to  him  as  well.  a  silent  way  of  telling  him  to  clean  himself  up.  cole  certainly  wasn't  going  to  be  the  one  giving  the  ark  a  bad  name.  pranav  wouldn't  have  it.  “hello.”  a  small  smile  formed  on  his  face,  at  least  trying  his  best  to  ignore  the  blood.  “it's  been  a  unique  experience  to  say  the  least.  i  am  enjoying  it  though.  found  out  i  really  love  to  gamble.  what  about  you,  are  you  having  fun?” 

[nicolaijohansson]

Nicolai's brow shot up when Pranav handed him a napkin, but despite the look of his face he was quick to take it from the other man. However, there clearly was a miscommunication between the two, because he tucked it into his pocket and reached for the water bottle, believing that he was offering him a drink. The son of Tyr shot his head back and took as much of the water as he desired before settling back down. Once he pulled the bottle away from his lips and saw the blood stained rim, that's when Cole realized what Pranav was trying to do. "Oh shit," he mumbled before he pulled out his phone and now noticed the red splotches all over his face. Without any water, Nicolai started wiping the blood off his face, leaving on faint red stains behind. "That's as good as it's gonna get," he said with a wide grin, clearly unbothered by the whole ordeal.

"That's good to hear and I am! I am finding out that I am never good at many of these games. Gambling on the other hand, I'm weirdly amazing at it." Nicolai didn't recognize Pranav as one of the other participants at the booth. As a matter of fact, Cole simply bet his money and went on his merry way when he won. If he knew, he probably would be more conscious about what he was saying. "Did you get to win a big pot?"

[savioresque]

aleki wouldn't really say that he disliked nicolai, but he wouldn't say he liked him all that much either. it was petty, really. a trivial conflict that started with nicolai's comments on the ark's nest ────── but aleki didn't really want to hold onto such silly grudge, and maybe they just needed to spend some more time together to find some common ground. he had all of their daily training to come up with something to say, even rehearsed a few lines in his head that would make nicolai like him more. but once dusk had began and it was time for his approach, his mind seemed to suddenly go blank. " you smell like those fish put out on display for a little too long ... " aleki said as he entered the norse demigod's proximity, each word rolling off his tongue easily. tact completely thrown out the window. but aleki didn't really mean it ; just the first thing that popped into his head, which was also almost the exact same comment that started the whole inconsequential pettiness. an awkward laugh slipped past his lips, attempting to salvage the situation. " anyway, i've got some drachmae to spend. wanna go out for drinks ? been awhile since they've put us in a mission together, wouldn't hurt to catch up ... " @nicolaijohansson

[nicolaijohansson]

Nicolai wasn't the type to really feel embarrassed about much. He was the one who enjoyed being the clown just so could uplift the spirits of the people around him. Or if he was trying something new, he didn't mind going at it head first and falling on his ass because of it. However, the beetles wasn't something that was new to him. He's done it several times by now, and this last time he participated for shameful. Just constantly missing his attacks, ones he's practicing and trying to hone since he's arrived. And the added blow of having the newer folk do way better than he did. Nicolai prided himself to be one of the last ones standing, but that he just wanted to die, especially after his plea being ignored by his father.

Now, the man was training like crazy. Isolating himself just so he could be catch up with the rest of the Ark. All because he was humiliated at something that was meant to be fun.

There was a look of desperate focus on his face as he was counting the amount of times he has jump roped. But, like a smack to the face, Nicolai was pulled out of his world and onto Aleki. "You smell like those fish put out on display for a little too long ..." Cole repeated in his head, his brows raised as far as they could, leaving his blue eyes wide in a state of shock. But after a brief pause, the man laughed for the first time in some days now. "You're repeating the joke back to me now," he said with an amused grin, his Swedish accent becoming evident for once with how caught off guard he was. "Funny." The son of Tyr was going to return to his workout but the next part was just as much of a surprise. "I wouldn't mind joining you, but maybe I should shower so you don't sit beside day old artic char." Though he didn't acknowledge the last quest together, because that felt like another failure on his side.

[nicolaijohansson]

Nicolai's can-do attitude will be the death of him. However, since he's arrived at Acoma, there was a lull where the man wasn't really present. He either chose to keep to himself or simply wandered the paths of the flying city like a ghost. Barely acknowledging his surroundings unless he was put to work. The reason for this behavior was strange, and he was oblivious as to what was plaguing him, but he knew he wasn't like this. So, in an attempt to get himself to snap out of it, he just threw himself at any and every game that was offered.

Luck certainly wasn't on his side, which wasn't necessarily something he was used to, but that was part of the fun. Although he let his less than stellar performance at these games slide off his back, he could not give up so easily with the dragon rodeo. He didn't know what it was but something about this event had his full attention. Nicolai was having fun, the problem is that he was not good at it. At all. The demigod has spent so much time trying despite the dragon punishing him every which way. But even the attendant was telling him to take a break.

"Fine," Nicolai groaned out playfully, dusting off the dirt off his clothes before stepping out. Soon, he stretched his arms in front of him, holding them together before raising them over his head. In this moment of clarity, Cole managed to see someone familiar. "Oh hey," he said with a bright smile, his muscles now easing up. The son of Tyr was in a good mood again, which made him unaware of the blood on his face, and the few tears on his shirt. Or maybe he's just choosing to ignore it. "Have you been enjoying your time here?"

[nicolaijohansson]

TYR'S LONGHOUSE: Home of Nicolai Johansson

Nicolai's cabin was modern in design, but with a quick look, one can easily notice the clear inspiration taken from traditional longhouses. Something Cole welcomed with open arms. It allowed him to feel in touch with his history, which he believe made for the perfect home as he continued to learn more about himself and his connection with Tyr. It was beautiful, he couldn't deny that. However, it was deceptively huge, with a second floor and even a basement. Though, it was not exactly a basement as one side of that particular floor was exposed on one side since a small portion of nearby hill was carved to build the house into it.

Still, couldn't help to think that perhaps they forgot that only one person was going to live there sinceUnless there meant for be more inhabitants. Or maybe it was just all for him.

The location where his lodging was built may have felt dark and brooding at first, with the sprawling land that covered his view, or the river that always made itself known with the hum of the stream. However, as Nicolai went on and began to call this place his home, he began to realize how peaceful it was. There was a lot he appreciated, but it was in his nature to add his own touch. He could acknowledge that he was his father's child, but he was not his father. So, he slowly began to add colored led fixtures, almost as an homage to the runes that would glow on his skin. And has even added a bar outside for anyone who would visit him to enjoy.

[sonofstorms]

OPEN! prompt #10: giving thanks

After a full day of games and exploring, Hugo followed the crowd toward one of the more impressive buildings. Where visitors could give thanks to their generous hosts and the dragons. Hugo stepped aside after collecting a complimentary scroll and pen. With a moment and some space, he could work up a traditional thank you note, but when he spotted a familiar face nearby, he did wonder if it would be quicker and more sentimental to pair up.

"Are you just starting yours?" Hugo asked, ready to rely on himself if they were finished. "My writing can be a bit... stale."

[nicolaijohansson]

"Starting mine would mean that I have picked up a pen and paper. I haven't even done that," Nicolai answered plainly. These past days, the son of Tyr has felt like he has been floating around. Barely able to focus on anything in front of him. Even with the event going around him, there was just something missing, and all he did was exist and not be present in the moment. It was strange to say the least. Considering that the man would be the first to enjoy any kind of festivities, but this time around he's just been another body in this world.

"Oh a highly doubt that is the case. Though, would the gratitude you offer be so bad if it is given plainly?"

[blackandwhitebutblue]

@nicolaijohansson Location: Arena After After Party

Well that was...an experience. While it wasn't his first time at a fight club, it was the first time attending one with mechanical bug opponents and Charli djing in the background. This whole demi thing was an unexpected experience at every turn. He loved it but also wasn't a fan of some of it. Like getting knocked on his ass for the first time. Not exactly the highlight of his time with the Ark. But he would be back and he would redeem himself. But for now, he was in a mood to party. Some of the others might've been quick to return to camp base but Dio wanted to stick around because this crowd seemed like they could go all night. And after that loss he needed a pick me up.

He danced a bit, got passed some weird green pill he had to turn down (afraid of magic drugs) but was then passed a couple shots from the bar. Too many for one person. And as luck would have it he wasn't the only that stayed behind. "Please help finish these or I might never make it back." Gesturing to the four shots left at the bard. One clear, two blue and one that kept changing colors every couple of seconds. "No clue what any of them are but this one..." The color changing one. "...has my tongue feeling weird but in a good way." A quick peek into his mouth would show the color changing effect is on his tongue now.

[nicolaijohansson]

That last fight was a... bummer. Which is crazy to think about because all of Nicolai's team did so well, and he was happy for what they accomplished, but he did lose his self-appointed title of being the last man standing. Rather considering that no one was keeping track of that and that he didn't do as well this time as he did previous go-arounds. Either way, he was never the type to end on a bad note, so he thought it would be a good idea to stay for the afters. It would have been a good refresher, and would maybe finally hear the songs he was waiting for during the combat.

Nicolai was already a few shots in, it was the basic stuff, but he didn't care as long as it got the job done. By this point, he was already dancing, unbothered by his surroundings. So, it did take a bit for Cole to realize Dio was there offering him drinks. "Oh shit, my bad, my," he chuckled, before losing his balance. Only for him to quickly regain it by pressing both of his hands on the nearest table trying to keep himself up. "They look so... gnarly," he said impressed by the selection. But his grey eyes moved from drinks to the man. "Maybe you should show me how it feels on mine," he said with a boisterous laugh, unsure if it was a joke or not. Still, initiative to drink one of the blue ones. "Shit's weirdly sweet."

[nicolaijohansson]

username: nicolaijohansson

There was nothing particularly flashy about his username. It was his first name and his last name since he needed people to know where to find him without any hassle. Although not a worldwide celebrity, he has garnered a lot of attention from people in Sweden and surrounding countries. What he posts is what you expect anyone with a platform to post, meticulously selected pictures with perfect lighting and thought out staging. Though he's been thinking about creating a private account for friends, though he knows all he's gonna do is post memes and some selfies.

content:

[timedandtaled]

It was strange how Nicolai was acting, coming across more bashful and nervous that he usually did, or maybe that was just the way the guy was, without the need to be strong and capable when positioned as the leader of a quest, facing vicious adversities and difficult choices. Not to mention Armando had just come at him in the middle of the gardens with no warning, not even intentionally sneaky either.

"Talk, yes," he reiterated, "it's important, and it can't wait." He was deliberately being vague, keeping the exact details he needed to discuss as close to his chest as possible, until they were out of eyesight, and ear shot. "You sound nervous?" Nicolai's voice hitched, another irregularity, but given the circumstances it made sense. Soon they were out of sight, obscured by a long hedgerow, various topiary creatures shaped and in bloom along the top of it. Armando leaned in close, words slightly whispered, "I need to ask you a very important question," a hand came up to squeeze at Nicolai's, hoping to expel his own nerves.

This could change the dynamic of everything.

Armando took in a deep breath, looked around one final time to check no one was near, before he finally popped the question. "Did you know Forest is a werewolf?"

[nicolaijohansson]

"I sound nervous? Why would I be nervous? You sound nervous." His words were rushed, clearly nervous by this situation. But the way he played it off could have come across as a joke. A way to lighten the mood after what could have been an awkward little moment. Which he was fine to not think about with what was next to come. And boy was he excited.

Here it comes! Nicolai thought to himself. And when Armando spoke and asked the question that's been on his mind, it was like glass shattering for the son of Tyr. "Huh?" Cole reacted, still reeling. Not only was it not a question about a proposal, but it was about someone else. And a very odd question at that.

"What?" Nicolai couldn't help to blurt out another confused ridden question. "What do you mean if I know Forest is a werewolf?" He asked as he gently rubbed his right temple. His brow raised as to what could have made the other ask something like this so... suddenly. "Why would he even be a werewolf. He's the son of Amaterasu."

[timedandtaled]

Gardens // Nicolai // @nicolaijohansson

Armando hadn't sought the other man out, but fate had decided that the two of them were to cross paths today and Armando increased his pace to a light jog until he was next to the other. "Nicolai," he started, offering his warmest smile, "I meant what I said on the beach the other day. You really did an exceptional job leading us on that last quest. And I didn't get a chance to thank you."

A hand rested on the younger man's shoulder, and Armando smiled again. He had been a good leader, and Armando had trusted him and his direction, which made him the perfect person to approach with something Armando considered important. "I was uh...wondering if we could talk." He looked around the gardens, nobody else seeming to be about, but he ushered Nicolai to a slightly more secluded area.

[nicolaijohansson]

In truth, ever since they have arrived from their mission, Nicolai remained in his room studying. It would have distracted him from the one thing he could only think about when they finally escaped from the labyrinth. Maybe he was just waiting for the right time? Regardless, Some good came out of it, Cole felt like he was able to understand his divinity better and that weird brain fog that afflicted him would soon dissipate—that was until he bumped into the other.

"Armando," Nicolai responded, more surprise than anything. Swallowing harder than he should have when he looked at the other smile. "Well—I... Thank you." The demigod simply accepted the compliment as he thought it would have just made things tougher if he didn't. But, despite his best attempts, it seemed like life wanted to toy around with him because the hand on his shoulder did not make things easier, especially when it was paired by the word's Mando decided to utter right after. "Talk?" Cole managed to say with a steady voice, despite it being the only word he could muster. "Yeah we definitely can talk." His voice was becoming obvious with how it was slowly becoming higher in pitch. He's finally going to do it! Nicolai thought to himself. And the place he chose is so beautiful too! "What is it that you wanted to say?"

[nicolaijohansson]

For an instant there was a little wind, and a little a flicker of the light bulbs as if Tyr was answer. However, after a moment of having his eyes closed he finally realized that he had opened his opened, and that the bulb was starting to go out. Okay, that was a little bit embarrassing. But, it gave him a chance to look at his notes once more. Hagalaz had appeared often as of late, the words Seth have said ringing in his head. 'Hagalaz, it could mean a major shift in energy if you try to process and dispel the shadows in your subconscious and past so you can move forward with your life," and that's exactly what Nicolai needed.

So, this time, he made sure to be more direct with his desires, because he was determined to change and grow. "Tyr, I have thanked you for what you have done for me, but now I have to tell you, show me the power of Hagalaz." Clearly it was a piece of the puzzle that he needed to complete himself.

[nicolaijohansson]

This desk and Nicolai's little noteback were going to become closely acquainted with him with all the shit that he discovers during his time here. Still for now, he just needed a place to sit down and recompose himself after the quest that he had just done. Shit was rough and although they succeeded, at least he think they did, things could have definitely gone smoother. However, after a moment of respite Nicolai decided to get back to work.

The son of Tyr began to study deeper into the World Tree, Yggdrasil, and how he was able to connect it to—somewhat—when he needed the help. But there were also the runes that Astrid's old journey that were kept being highlighted: HAGALAZ, ISAZ, THURISAZ, MANNAZ, and URUZ. And how HAGALAZ reappeared when he went to Seth, along side KENAZ and ANSUZ. There was so much that he could study and learn that it was just making his head explode at the moment. So, he called for Tiwaz, maybe not to lead him, but for comfort.

"Tyr," Nicolai began, confused if he should add some titles, to his dad's name, or just call him father. "Thank you for assisting me in the last quest and helping me make an acquaintance with Ratatoskr, but now I need assistance with these runes and what they mean. I need to become better in connecting with Yggdrasil—with my divinity—so I can be a light that can lead on."

[sundisc-deactivated20240702]

“Initiative, huh?” Grab the bull by the horns and just kick stuff off? Gabriel liked the sound of that. He could get behind that. Unfortunately, he was so damn green when it came to all this that he didn't have a clue on how you'd go about it. He ran one hand over his jaw, enjoying the scratch of stubble on skin as he thought on it a little more. “Could be. But if they're not around to see it, don't think they'd let it count.”

That's about when the axes caught his eye. He'd thought about wielding something similar when he first arrived- thinking it'd be something close to what would be expected from a son of Inti. But he mixed it up and went with one big one, instead. Gabriel jutted out his chin at the twin weapons and then looked up at the other half-god. “You like the feel of those?”

[nicolaijohansson]

"That might be true," Nicolai said as he continued playing with the twin axes as if they're some toy. "But they're going to ask—tell us to do this training many times going forward, so it won't be much lost if they ask us to do it again"

Once the attention was on his weapons, Nicolai instinctively had to show off again. This time, flipping both at the same time, even adding a nice little spin just because he could. "They're slowly becoming an extension of my limbs." And as if to emphasize his point, he swung both of his axes. The right one first then the left, his whole body moving alongside it as if he moving accordingly to attack someone who wasn't in front of him.

"It's fine and dandy, but it's not as cool as this." Cole's skin lit up with a runic symbol, and before he knew it, the same weapon that the stranger had was levitating in front of him. Although the two of them were fairly spaced apart, that didn't mean much to this ability. Suddenly, the giant zoomed and swung right in front of the other, slamming a couple feet in front of the man. "This one packs a bit more of a punch!" Nick said proudly, only to remember he's never introduced himself. "I'm Nicolai by the way! Son of Tyr." It was probably useful information to have. However, who would have expected the God of War to have a son like him?

"What can you do?"

[sundisc-deactivated20240702]

starter: open location: amphitheatre

a training exercise.

there were worse ways to get initiated into things, he guessed.

gabriel just wished he didn't have stand around like he had nothing else better to do until they decided to pull the trigger on the whole thing. he didn't have anything better to do, sure, but that wasn't the point. his time was important to him, even if he'd be wasting it just as much. but he could play along, for now. he could be enough of a team player to see what's what and sate his curiosity.

the giant axe he'd chosen as his weapon was head-down so that he could casually lean against the haft and take in anyone else walking by. the newcomer was awfully relaxed for someone who was about to get his first taste of action but that was just the air he gave off all the time. unbothered and too cool for school. but he was pretty ready for it, too, considering what he said to whoever bothered to stay near him too long.

"they gonna start this shit soon or we just gonna wait around for five hours? 'cause I might go take a nap."

[nicolaijohansson]

Nicolai was couldn't have been any more experienced than the man opposite to him. He may have known about his divinity and even has visited the Norse camp, but he really never took this lineage into consideration and just went back to living his normal life until he got the call. Hell, even in his first quest, Cole wasn't able to land a single hit.

So maybe he needed the training.

"Maybe we're supposed to take the initiative and just start on our?" Nicolai said as he stretched, his arms over his head as he attempted to hide his yawn. "Ooh, a nap sounds good right about now actually." The demigod held onto his twin axes, one in each hand. He may not have a lot of combat experience with them, he sure has practiced how to toss them in the air and be able to catch them in his hand again. There was nothing wrong in wanting to be cool. Though, the other just appeared to be naturally.

[fatesfighters]

Masyn would not even attempt to repeat the name of the bear. Instead, he just grabbed it with a gracious nod of his head. "Hm....Never had it." Masyn admitted with a shrug of his shoulders. Hearing hte other man's description of it, Masyn nodded his head. "I can handle it. I enjoy sour craft beers. I doubt this one is going to be stronger than those."

Masyn took a nice swig of it. Allowing the beer to run down his throat and into his stomach. Thinking back, he probably should have eaten something more hearty other than bacon and eggs before training and drinking a beer. But he was pretty confident that beer probably wouldn't have as strong of an impact on them with them being demigods...Right? "Nope. Don't have to worry about that from me." Masyn says with a smirk. "So I won't be making a fool of myself from one beer, unfortunately." He smirked.

[nicolaijohansson]

"I'm not really surprised," Nicolai said with a little snicker, watching the other's broad shoulders move as he took a swig of the beer. "Oh, so you're a man with some hair on your chest?" He quipped, again accompanied with a small laugh. "I mean, I prefer the ones that go down smoothly, but I can drink just about anything." The words he chose weren't meant to be flirtatious but the tone that he had sure was.

When Nicolai noticed the other man pull the bottle to his lips, he leaned back and watched the other drink the beer. "You really are confident about your alcohol tolerance." Not that the man didn't look he could handle his drinks. He was bigger than him after all. However, he did just see the man train, so that dehydration might catch him by surprise. "Interesting." Cole then leaned down and reached for the cooler that he had with him, opening the lid and showing the assortment of drinks that he has. "So how many would it take for you to act a fool?"

[nicolaijohansson]

It's been a minute since Nicolai has returned from Norway, and he really hasn't had the time to unpack. However, tonight he accidentally bumped into the chair where he dumped his backpack, causing the book inside of it to fall out. Cole remembered taking this book just to keep it out of the wrong hands but he really think about reading it himself. Now that he was back at the camp, maybe it wouldn't hurt to read it. Maybe he would learn something new.

The demigod set himself in front of the desk, the warm light of his lamp illuminating the text on the pages. The contents were foreign to him, but he tried his best to focus, using Astrid's amulet to keep him composed. Slowly, he was getting through the book, noticing the section that Bjørn probably used to conjure the blizzard. For a moment, he thought about trying it himself. However, as cool as that may have been, he also thought about him not knowing how to dispel it and just keep the camp in an eternal snowstorm. So, for now, he would skip that and continue reading, studying up on all the information it had to offer on runes, sigils, and glyphs.

He needed to more about these things, and by the thought alone, it somehow managed to summon the rune of Tiwaz on his skin.

Nicolai reads and studies SPAKONA'S JOURNAL ON CONJURING WEATHER PHENOMENA