Whitefish River To the place that I have longed and dreamed for

As she sat by the opening of the cavern, the air from the outside world would wrap itself around her slim physique and ruffle her obsidian coat. A chill made its way down her spine, coaxing her body into trembling for a mere second as a shiver had its way with her. It was not a new experience for the girl, neither the cold nor the snow, and was something she’d actually grown quite accustomed to. Her home had been stationed a little ways further north than Teekon was, and the first winter she’d ever experienced had been rather harsh. It was a good thing, really, that her ancestors had been the ones to found the tribe generations ago. It had allowed for their coats to continue to thicken up as generation after generation entered the world, for natural selection was not without its rewards. She worried for Leo, however, uncertain of how thick his fur might become as the cold days continued to grow in number. Keeping him warm would not be overly easy, yet she would always try her best to ensure he was comfortable. Even if it meant having to sleep closer than she currently did, she would gladly invade his personal space if it meant he would not freeze to death.

Silver eyes trailed out over the land, watching as each snowflake touched the ground—some melting and vanishing without a trace, while others contributed to the growing collection that laid spread across the ground. It was a beautiful thing to witness, and filled her with the same sensation a young artist might possess upon the opening of his very first gala. Each little fleck of the soft ice ensnared her with its beauty, tangling itself into her focus and preventing her from looking away. Though a dragon at heart and by name, she did not despise the frozen waterworks, but rather accepted them as a gift from Draco himself. Asterr was so entangled by her desire to see every flake kiss the earth, that she’d almost missed the presence at her side. As his natural warmth reached out to meet her own, she was pulled back to her senses and sent him a smile that almost appeared whimsical. It was then his face turned to meet hers and a question was presented, which she had not been expecting. Instantly, it dawned on her that it must be his first winter, meaning she would have much to teach him in the months to come.

Slowly, she turned her head and returned her vision to the snow-covered land, motion for Leo to do the same. “It is called ‘snow’,” she began, unable to wait a moment longer before giving her explanation. “During months when it is cold, vapors that have collected inside the clouds begin to freeze. When it gets too heavy, the clouds release it down to us, just as they do with rain.” The dragon stood slowly and took a step out into the open. Though close to the entrance still, little flurries had already begun settling atop her dorsal. “Right now, there is not a lot. It is only a slight falling, but there occasionally comes a time when it becomes greater in size and far more hectic. When that happens, it is best to take shelter immediately, for getting trapped out in the open during such a time can be deadly.” Of course, there was no way she would allow Leo even a chance to step out into full-on blizzard. She’d sooner give up her own life than risk his, after all.