Krampus & His Elf | RenderHub Forum

FatinChibi · 2024-12-23T00:07:53-05:00

Story: ### A Blizzard's Promise The snowstorm howled like a chorus of lost souls, blanketing the dark forest in icy silence. It was Christmas Eve, a night meant for joy and celebration, yet the air was thick with sorrow and longing. Deep in the heart of the frozen woods, beneath the gnarled roots of an ancient tree, Krampus sat brooding in the dim glow of a lantern. Once a feared enforcer of justice, he had been cursed to walk alone, his monstrous visage a reminder of his punishment. His horns curved like dead branches, and his claws etched sorrow into the frost around him. But even the darkest heart could find a spark of warmth, and his had found one in herEira, the snow elf. Eira had been the one to save him from complete despair. Small and delicate as a flurry, yet fierce and unwavering, she had sworn loyalty to him despite his fearsome reputation. Her laugh could melt the sharpest icicles, and her eyes held the soft glow of moonlight on fresh snow. They had found solace in each other, a love that transcended their cursed existence. But fate had other plans. This Christmas Eve, a blizzard raged, the forest groaning under its weight. Eira had ventured out into the storm hours ago, determined to retrieve a rare bloomthe Icefire Lily, a flower said to grant one wish to the pure of heart. She had hoped to use it to free Krampus from his curse. Krampus waited, the hours stretching like lifetimes. His claws dug into the frozen ground as worry gnawed at his chest. The storm intensified, and fear settled in his gut like a stone. Finally, unable to endure any longer, he wrapped himself in his heavy cloak and plunged into the tempest. The wind whipped at him, claws of frost tearing at his face. He bellowed her name into the storm, his voice swallowed by the howling gale. The world was a blur of white until he saw ita faint glow in the distance. He stumbled toward it, and there she was, crumpled in the snow. The Icefire Lily was clutched in her fragile hands, its blue petals glowing faintly against the stark white. He dropped to his knees, scooping her into his arms. "Eira," he whispered, his voice trembling. Her skin was pale, her breath faint as frost. "I... found it," she said, her voice barely audible. "For you." "You shouldn't have done this," he growled, his heart breaking as he cradled her closer. "You were all I needed." The Lily's glow began to fade, the life draining from its petals. Eira smiled weakly and pressed it into his hands. "Make the wish," she urged. "You can be free." Tears froze on Krampus' cheeks. He stared at the flower, then at her, his mind a tempest of agony. He could save himself or herbut not both. With trembling hands, he held the Lily close and whispered his wish. Its glow flared, then vanished, leaving only silence and snow. The storm subsided, and the forest was still. Krampus looked down, his monstrous hands now human, his horns gone. The curse was lifted, but Eira lay still in his arms, her sacrifice etched into his soul. He buried her beneath the ancient tree, the Icefire Lily blooming anew on her grave. Each year, on Christmas Eve, he returned to the spot, a man with no curse, but also no heart. The snow whispered her name, a melody of love and loss carried forever on the winter wind. Progress: Snow Elf @ MK1 Winter Frost MK1 General Shao Krampus Scene Progress Raw Render FINAL IMAGE CREDITS: MK1 Winter Frost MK1 Krampus General Shao Demone Hall Snow & Frost Shader