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Hush now little one, the hour grows late and your grandmother weary. Hurry yourself to bed and I shall leave you with one last tale to carry you into your dreams.
Long ago, before the first bricks of the Citadel were laid, The Ancient had already earned its name. Neither monster nor machine, it is a giant like nothing else in this world.
You think it frightful? Maybe upon the surface, but its story is one filled with sorrow; after all when your life spans a millennia eventually you lose all that you hold dear.
You see long ago Mina the Solar Maiden fled these lands, scared and alone, she was hunted by the many headed beast Kira; for he knew those blessed with magic to be the most delicious of morsels and he desired to claim her for himself.
Whilst travelling the Northern Isles, Kira summoned a great blizzard to consume Mina. Lost in the tundra she took shelter in the chamber of a mountain, Kira fought for many moons looking to gorge himself upon his prize but the mountain stood firm protecting her until the beasts strength was spent. Knowing she owed her life to this silent defender she pressed her lips upon its cold stone and in that moment breathed life to its core.
From that day forward the pair were inseparable, the maiden and her stalwart protector: He loved her with all he had, as she did him.
As the years passed stories of their adventures could be recounted upon her worn and aged frame. It was in her twilight years the stars began to whisper to Mina, as they do us. Calling her to join them in the skies above, onto the adventure of new lands; lands where an immortal such as her friend could not follow.
Shielded in his hands Mina slipped peacefully into the next life. Her final moments filled with the love of their eternal friendship.
Since that day, The Ancient has grieved for the loss of his great love, but always he watches from a distance, protecting the yikona; for we are the descendants of the Solar Maiden and he shall always be bound to our people.
Sleep now child, and do not fear the night, The Ancient will watch over you.
Grandmother Cassini
Yikonan Folktale