The Gift Of The Gods

Gramiber, the Ancient One as she was affectionately known, was lonely and called on Shuihit, Erbudi and Gainubes. Gramiber called upon the three and commanded them to make her a gift. Gramiber gave them some rules “You must have no help in making your gift and it must be complete in one day.” Erbudi went to the forests, Shuihit, the water’s edge and Gainubes went to the tallest mountain.

Shuihit sat by the water’s edge, thinking about the best gift he could give to Gramiber. As he sat, thinking, he heard a noise coming from the water. He watched intently as a fish-like creature poked its head up. It looked at Shuihit who looked back. “A gift?” it asked, its voice hoarse and raspy ‘I could help you with that”. Shuihit was confused “How do you know anything about a gift?” This creature wasn’t present when Gramiber gave the task. “Oh, I have my ways of knowing.” it smiled slyly “you do want to win don’t you?” Shuihit thought about this “yes, I do want to win Gramiber’s parise and recognition, but she said we have to do this alone.”

“Do you seriously think you’re going to win by doing this alone? Erbudi is likely to win just on his beauty alone.”

“But what of Gainubes?” Shuihit was now becoming more intrigued by what this creature had to say. The creature began to move towards Shuihit and out of the water. Its fish-like body was wrinkled and slimy, while its face looked smooth. Shuihit shuddered when he saw the creature. “Gainubes will be of no trouble at all” it said, rubbing its fins together as the two began to create Gramiber’s gift.

Gainubes sat atop the mountain, closing his eyes. He thought hard about what Gramiber would need. After hours of meditation, Gainubes slowly opened his eyes and picked up a handful of soil. He meticulously formed it into two small figures, one male and the other female. Gainubes admired his work and smiled, pleased with what he had made.

At nightfall, Gramiber summoned Gainubes, Shuihit and Erbudi. She was surprised to only see Gainubes and Shuihit. “It appears Erbudi has not shown himself and you must show your gifts without him.” Gainubes stepped forward, placing the two figures in front of Gramiber. He closed his eyes, breathing over them. As he did, two adult figures emerged from the earthen dolls. “Mieros and Tynen,'' Gainubes said, gesturing to the male and female. “Humans. They will live on the land, form cultures and societies. I  can’t promise to you that they will be perfect, but they will do the best they can.” As Gainubes finished his sentence, Erbudi entered, carrying a large creature over his shoulders. “It’s about time.” Shuihit muttered to himself.  Erbudi placed the creature on the ground and it stood up elegantly. Grambier came to inspect the creature. She ran her hands over the creature’s reddish brown fur coat as she admired its two strong  antlers protruding from its head. “It is a deer.” Erbudi said. Gramiber smiled at Erbudi and looked over to Shuihit. Held in his hands, was a small golden boat. This boat can be folded up and fit in one’s pocket, then unfurled to great size when needed. It will never lose its course.” Gramiber took one look at the boat, grabbed it out of Shuihit’s hands and crushed it. “How dare you!” She bellowed. Gainubes and Erbudi took a step back, they had never seen Gramiber like this before. “How dare you engage Gammisk for help” her voice was now booming. “You must be punished!” Shuihit tried to protest, but it was useless. Gramiber picked him up and with all her might tossed him into the ocean. “You will live out the rest of your existence here.”

Shuihit was enraged. He tried to leave the ocean, but he was stuck, as if someone had bound his legs with the strongest of chains. Shuihit’s temper began to rise, as did his size. He grew until he was the size of a mountain. Bringing down his fist, large waves were created, swirling the oceans. Shuihit raged for many days until his temper ceased. Shuihit realised that he was bound to the oceans and it him.