2 Beginning, People, and Magic

I opened my eyes to a breath taking view of a valley surrounded by a mountain to my left and right, and the biggest mountain I've ever seen behind me. I look around and see 5 new people I assume are my new pantheon. There is obviously Hephaestus with her crimson hair, eye patch, curvy body with her white blouse and leather pants with black knee high leather boots. Next is a woman you can only describe as warm and motherly. Forest green hair, flawless mocha skin with a creme colored sundress. Her eyes are a glowing turquoise. To her right standing stoically is a mountain of a man. Black hair down to his shoulders with a well trimmed beard. Steel grey eyes that look to always be on guard. He's wearing what full plate Damascus steel armor. the chest piece has the Roman/Greek style to it with the defined muscles.

A blonde haired beauty with ice blue eyes and light freckles wearing a white full length dress with gold trimming and a black cloak with black fur on the collar is standing next to another woman talking quietly. The woman has long ginger hair in a braid hazel eyes and is quite tall and muscular but not overly so. She is wearing a full what looks like silver chest plate with Norse engravings. Silver arm guards that stop at the elbow, a black leather battle skirt with metal plating that goes down to just the knee, and silver greaves with more engravings. The most eye-catching thing about her though is the large pair of white feathered wings on her back. These two women are Freyja and whom I assume is the head Valkyrie respectively.

I'm stunned for a moment by the sheer presence these people have. They all have their separate auras but each is powerful in their own right. They all turn to look at me and Jade as we arrive and I immediately bow. I feel a hand on my shoulder and see Jade smiling at me, "There is no need for that young Reinhardt. Though they are gods you are as much a part of this pantheon as they are. You are also the one to bring them here so don't stand on formality with us please." the god-queen says to me. I hesitate a split second then rise and greet everyone.

"Greetings, I'm Reinhardt Axeblade, it is an honor to meet all of you. I thank you all for coming to join this pantheon and thank you in advance for and guidance and help you will give me and my people in the future." I say this with genuine honesty. Gaia is the first to walk up and hugs me which shocks me at first then I remember how I specified for her to be like. I awkwardly hug her back then she takes a half step back but keeps her hands on my shoulders. "Hello Dwarf King, I am Gaia, Goddess of nature or Mother Earth if you prefer. Please don't thank us, we thank you, you have let us get away from our boring lives and brought us here by your own choice. I can't speak for all of us but I was getting exceedingly upset with my world. Too much pollution and not enough regrowth, but now that I can directly work with you and your future people I can make sure we don't have that issue." She scowls at first remembering her last world but then smiles warmly at me and rubs my cheek gently then steps back.

Hephaestus then steps forward and inspects me before nodding. "I'm going to enjoy working with you dwarves. Natural Craftsman indeed, I can feel it ingrained in your very DNA. We shall make the best armor and weaponry this world will ever see. I'll tell you this now, when you get settled in I'll come back down and first I will apprentice you if my craft, then when I feel you are up to snuff I will choose another. That person will stay with me and be my personal liason, assistant, and when I'm not there control my workshop until the day he or she retires and I will choose another. Only you and my assistant will have my blessing at one time unless special circumstances require it otherwise." And then she steps back. Straight and to the point, I like it, and I'm extremely excited to learn from the god of the forge.

Mars is next up. He holds out his hand as soon as he gets in arms reach. We grab each other's wrists and he gives a stern shake before speaking. "I am glad you picked me out of all the war gods out there. Especially over that arrogant ass Ares. That boy has no battle sense besides how to start a fight. I will instruct you how to fight with any weapon, how to lead your people into battle and win, and how to make sure you enemies bleed more than you. When you are done you will be a true warrior king." When he finishes teaching he nods then steps back and stands at parade rest.

Freyja and the Valkyrie come up next. When Freyja gets close I can feel something wash over me and my mind immediately starts to cloud. I feel an irresistible pull to do whatever she says, to please her in any way I can. All I want is to serve her and no one els....I wrench my mind back from where ever it went. and glare at the offender. I was ready to attacker where she stood when she starts to clap with a brilliant smile. "Bravo! Bravo young king. To through of my Charm with no practice in the magical arts is simply astounding. Yes you will be an amazing student. I apologize if I angered you but I wanted to test your strength and will power, and you passed with flying colors. I am Freyja your new teacher and Goddess of magic among other things. Though Odin was more battle magic oriented, when I'm done with you the only limiter will be your imagination." She compliments me. I calm down but I'm still a bit irritated, but I'm also happy to know I can throw off the charm of a god. Though it took some power I didn't know I had.

"This is Hilda the matriarch of the Valkyries. She is ridiculous with her spear and shield. Her and her death angels will be able to help out and train your soldiers in the early days of your kingdom." Freyja explains. To have Valkyries train my men would be an amazing boon to receive. "Well met Reinhardt Axeblade, it will be a pleasure to whip you boys into shape. My ladies and I will also be there to make sure the fallen receive there rightful place in the great halls when it is there time. We shall have to spar after you get to battle experience under you belt, or beard as it were." Hilda smirks at the end. I laugh, "It would be a great honor to be able to spar with the legendary Valkyries. I'm sure I have much to learn before I can put a scratch on you though, but I look forward to it." I then turn to Freyja, "I will appreciate any help I can get for my magic training. I have always dreamed of being able to use magic. It will be very exciting to start using it." I nod in thanks.

When both ladies walk back to the other deities Jade steps forth and says, "Well then now that all the pleasantries are over it's time to create your new people. There will be an even mix of gender to make sure everyone gets a chance to have little ones annoying them." She winks at me before she spreads her hands forward and exhales. There is a brilliant flash of light and suddenly there are dwarves everywhere. Some have dark hair or light, some are shorter than the rest, there are females with curvier bodies and some are made of sturdier stuff. The men all look about the same body build but some are definitely bigger than the rest. The largest of the men steps forth and kneels in front of me and Jade. "My Goddess, My King I thank you for our creation and live to serve." The dwarf has a deep gravely voice. You can hear the sincerity and awe in his voice. I first look to Jade and she nods so I step forward. "Rise friend.what is your name?" He stands immediately and smiles "Baldur Axeblade is my name. It is a pleasure to meet you brother." I blank out for a moment then realize he does look remarkably like me. his hair is a little lighter but his eyes give it away. Bright gold like mine. They don't have the liquid look to them more of a jewel but still, the resemblance is there. I look up to to the Goddess next to me silently questioning if this is real. "Yes he is your brother. By blood and magic, he will be your right hand and general, your confident and friend. He will be by your side in battle and celebration." She smiles warmly at me and gestures to my now brother. I look at him before smiling full of teeth and stick my arm out to him. He quickly grabs it "Well then brother it seems I won't be doing all the work myself. Welcome to the family. By the way I'm the older one." I laugh. I was worried when I came here that I would be alone. I knew I was going to be king but I miss my family. I've always been a family man though I wasn't married yet. I was only 22 when I died, so I never really had the chance. My parents, aunt's, uncle's, and cousins though we're always there for me. We were a big family so we always had someone there for each other. It's comforting to know I will have ATLEAST a brother again.

I let go of Baldur and look past him at my people. My people, that just sounds good to me. I will do my damnedest to make us the greatest kingdom in the land. We will be a force of nature on the battle field and a warm bed at home. I step up on a rock close by to get an over view of everyone. "Welcome my friends and family. Welcome to your new life. We shall rise to the top of this world, our enemies will fear us and allies love us. Our people and family come first above all else here, but we will not sit and hide in our mountains when we can help. We will be fearsome and honorable, Masters at our craft, and caring to our people. We will be start building our home soon. We will need farmers, Craftsmen and women, soldiers to guard our people and hunt for food. Miners for our Stone and minerals. We are long lived but that does not mean we will sit by and do nothing. We will progress to heights unimaginable in this world. None shall be our equal!" I start out strong and even but end up practically shouting with excitement and determination.

Every dwarf shouts and cheers, feeling the energy coming off of me subconsciously. I'm already using my magic and abilities without knowing what I even have. I raise my hand silently calling for quiet and it comes almost instantly. I grin and wave my hand behind me gesturing to our gods. "These are our patron god and goddesses. Hephaestus Goddess of the forge and craft. She will be our backing for all Craftsmen. Mars our God of war and battle. He shall have our backs when battle comes, we will never be alone on the battle field. Gaia, our motherly Goddess of nature. She will grant us bountiful harvest and bring nature's fury if any dare March on our halls! Freyja The Magical Goddess. She will be our guide in the magical arts and teacher when needs be. And finally this is Hilda the matriarch of the Valkyries. An all female group of warriors. I would recommend not to look down on them for there gender, for there on no fiercer in battle. They are our guardian angels in war and our guiding light if you fall. They shall bring us to the Great Halls of Valhalla for our eternal rest and feasts." When I finish I turn to my left and gesture to Jade.

"This is Jade Goddess of life, creation, nature, and reincarnation. She is our God-Queen, the leader of the Dwarves Pantheon." Every dwarf kneels to them and I step forward to face them and do the same. Just because they said I don't need to doesn't mean I'm not going to show my respect to the very person who made this all happen and the ones who will help us grow.

All the gods step forward and flank Jade. She smiles down at all of us before motioning us to stand. "Stand all of you. Children do not kneel to their parents. Today is the beginning of the Dwarves kingdom. The last race to join this world. Work diligently all of you and you will do as your king said. You will reach the top and be the greatest of them all. I will not be around much because I have to watch over all of creation, but this world is my current objective to make sure it succeeds. If you are ever in dire need all you need do is pray to me. I will here you and if I cannot come then I will make sure one of your other patron will." Everywhere there feels the warmth and care The God-Queen radiates out to us.

"Now everyone here will have a screen appear in front of you to help show what you have ability and affinity wise. These are not permanent, they are only there to show you what you shall be doing when we get started. For example if you have a nature affinity and have innate abilities for agriculture or forestry, you will be the farmers and lumber Jack's. After you are finished identifying what you will be doing fall into groups with the same abilities as you. Reinhardt come over here you will need extra explaining for yours." When she finished speaking blue screens appeared at eye level for everyone. the blacksmiths and Craftsmen grouped up along with the miners. the farmers and woodsmen formed together as well. A smaller group of nature mages were together because at the top showed "healer" in bold letters. The largest group was mostly comprised of men but they were a few women. They were the warriors and hunters. Baldur was taking the lead of this group. The last group was 10 builders already scanning the vicinity planning where to build temporary homes.

As I approach Jade I see another person joining me. She appears the same age as me, as are everyone else here, dirty blonde hair with silver eyes. She is the most beautiful dwarf here and looks very delicate but with the grace she walks shows she is just as dangerous as the warriors. She is wearing a forest green shoulderless blouse with the top two buttons undone. Her skirt is a dark brown with white lacing on the right side. The right side of her skirt stops short of the left coming down to the knee. She is also wearing a calf length black leather boots. When she meets my stride we lock eyes and she smiles warmly at me and has a slight blush dusting her cheeks making her ever more stunning in my eyes.

When we finally get to Jade I almost run right into her because I never stopped staring at the angel next to me. I cough trying to not show my embarrassment, but if the mirth in the goddesses eyes says anything I didn't do a good job at it. "Young King this is Rivira our 101st dwarf and also your priestess. She will be the go between for the most part unless we come directly or it is an emergency. She won't be of much use at first because we will be here to help guide and teach, but when we leave you to your devices she will be there." Rivira turns towards me and curtsies with a quiet "My King" before half turning back to Jade.

"Now look at your screen Reinhardt so we can discuss any questions you may have." Jade states as I start to read my card.

[Reinhardt Axeblade]. (First King of the Dwarves)

•Affinities

-Earth magic -Nature magic. -Fire magic.

-Reinforcement magic. -Runic magic

•Innate Abilities

-Natural Craftsman. -Natural Born Warrior.

-King's Aura. -Natural War Mage

-Pseudo-Immortality(Connected to the Crown)

I was shocked at everything that I had. There was definitely some extras on my card but I wasn't going to complain. The biggest question I had though was the immortality. "What does it mean my immortality is connected to the crown?" I question. "As long as you are king you will not age past 25 years of age physically. Your magic will continue to grow stronger like normal with age though." Jade answered already knowing that would be my first question. I look to my right and see Rivira inspecting her card before she looks at me and quickly looks away. It's seems she's a little shy.

"Your ability "Kings Aura" helps people follow you easier. You obtain there loyalty faster and hold it for longer. It also pressures you enemies making them anxious or out right fear you. The weaker willed might fall unconscious. Finally the last one, "Natural War Mage". This one gives you a basic instinct in battle with your magic. Which type to use, where to use it and how. It also gives you a boost in power for all attack based magics. Your affinities are pretty self explanatory but you must understand you Fire affinity is your highest by far. It will work together with you "Kings Aura" warming your allies and burning your foes. At this moment you could easily melt stone, and that's while your untrained." Jade answers all my questions before I even ask. Gotta get me some mind shields or something. Jade giggles at that thought.

I thank the goddess and turn back to my people. "Has everyone finished with your screens?" I get an affirmative from everyone. "Good! We still have plenty of daytime to get our homes started. We will start with a temporary village at the foot of the West mountain here. In the next few days our miners and builders will start to plan and begin work on our mountain home. Anyone with earth magic will be helping when they need it. Everyone will work for there keep here. For now let the hunters go and scout out the surroundings and when they come back our woodsmen and builders will begin there work. farmers and healers you will go with the woodsmen and collect herbs and any farmable food you can find. Food water and shelter will be our main priority. Let's get to work and build our home!" After giving out my orders I get a resounding "AYE" and everyone starts bustling around.

When I turn back to the pantheon all of them are looking at me with appraising eyes. Gaia is down right beaming with pride. "You will make a wonderful king my dear! I will be on my way to start blessing the land." Gaia compliments me before she starts walking around glowing slightly. You can smell honeysuckle on the wind from her magic. "Come young king we will discuss the last important issues and then I will leave you to your work. The other gods will stay and watch over you while I check up on the rest of the planet." Jade says before waving me to follow her. We walk around the area talking about what needs to be done first and foremost and major plans for the near future.

Just before she is about to leave she turns to me and says, "Take of your shirt Reinhardt it's time to get your familiar. The rest of the people will get there's as I leave." I nod excitedly and take off my leather chest piece and then my Black long sleeve tunic. It feels great to have the wind blow on my bare upper body. My guess is it is early spring here. "Good, now close your eyes and focus on your inner magic. You will feel a slight tugging. Follow it, when you finally see you companion call it forth, Push you magic out and it will follow. This will be slightly tiring but you have the reserves so you will be fine." She instructs. I do as she says and focus on the constant pulsing warmth I feel by my heart.

I feel the tug Jade was talking about and follow. Once I get there I'm shocked and thrilled when I finally see my life long companion.

(AN: Please don't be mad at the cliff hanger!! This chapter just went alot longer than I expected. I will have another chapter out tomorrow. well technically later today because it's midnight. I hope you all enjoy the first look at my world. We got the people and magic started. Home shall be up soon. Now the first two chapters were a little slow. So I will be doing some time skips but nothing substantial. like a few months at first then a year and so on. but I will continue to add character development and kingdom building. more things will be explained next chapter also. If you have any questions or ideas and or criticisms please comment and let me know. Hope you enjoy this chapter goodnight everyone <3