Morning in the North Sea realm. If it could be called morning without the sun's rise. Began with a soft chiming that resonated through the ice walls of Grim's chamber. The sound was not unpleasant, like delicate crystal bells being gently struck.
Grim rose from the bed, which had been surprisingly comfortable despite being formed entirely of ice covered with soft, silvery furs of some unknown sea creature. He had slept better than expected, though his dreams had been strange—fleeting visions of vast underwater cities and ancient battles that slipped away as he woke up.
A gentle knock at the door preceded the entrance of a servant unlike any Grim had seen before. This creature looked human, but clearly was not human—its skin was pale blue and translucent like the ice sentinels. It had no hair, and it looked delicate, almost childlike.
"Lord Ao Shun permits his guests to tour the palace," the servant announced. "I am to be your guide."
