Note: I have plans to continue the story line and characters, even after this story is finished. There will be a new story when this one is finished, continuing with the same characters- Im not going to say too much, but It will have to be set in another story.

Amber's POV:

I hissed, "Alex. What is this?" As we walked through town, my paws were cold and everything was cold. Kayla stood, looking around in shock. Alex calmly lead us through the small town, which appeared empty. "It's snow. It's like some sort of frozen water."

Frozen water… I reached down, and cupped some of the strange white fluff in my hands. I brought my paw up to my muzzle, licking the 'snow'. It tasted bland. I bit into it, freezing my sharp rows of teeth in the process. The snow melted in my mouth, turning into water. I looked up to see Alex staring into my eyes, a look of content on his face.

He told me "See? It's just water." We walked on, having no destination in particular. I led us ahead to a shop, eager to cover up. The cold air nipped at my skin, my fur providing little protection. A bell sounded as we walked into the shop. There was nobody at the counter.

Suddenly, a short, old man came hobbling around the corner. He found his way behind a small counter, addressing the three of us. The shelves around were messily stocked with rags and flasks. Among the items at the end of the shelf were some rugged boots. Alex understood and took them from the shelves, along with two robes.

"Ah. Winter traveling, eh? I've only seen a winter like this once before, in my whole lifetime." He took the boots from Alex and inspected them. Demandingly, he said "4 silver coins." Alex forked up the silver coins, digging deep into his backpack. He told me "I forgot I even still had these…"

The man handed the boots back to Alex, who handed them to me. He offered us our robes, which we both took greedily. I slipped the boots on over my wet fur, instantaneously warming up from the cloak. A fire burned in a nearby fireplace, hardly providing any warmth to the room. We awkwardly left, finding our way out once again. The ragged boots kept my feet warm, and, surprisingly dry. All for 4 silver coins…

The strange whiteness had began to fall from the sky. Kayla giggled, now past the initial shock. A particle landed on my nose. I shook around, only to have it replaced by another. Another landed on my nose, only to be shaken off. Alex reached over and plopped the robe's hood on. I glared at him, my ears twitching around wildly.

"It's the best way to stay dry." He turned back forwards, continuing his path. I was first to speak of the idea. "Alex. I have an idea of where to go from here. Somewhere away far from the control of the Templar. I'm not even sure if it exists…"

He asked "What is the place called? Where is it?" I sighed, lowering my voice. "It is a place far off… The Orchard Valley." Kayla stood rigid. She slowed her pace, her face going expressionless. "Amber, are you crazy? Nobody even knows if that's a real place!"

My head lowered. "I don't know. We are going there, it is your choice to come or go." Kayla growled at me threateningly. I quickened my pace, Alex following. Kayla jogged forwards, glancing at Alex. "I'm following her. She seems to know what she is doing."

Kayla's POV:

Sigh… I guess I don't have a choice. Alex is right… "Okay fine. I'll come with you. This just better be a real place." Amber motioned forwards, suggesting we get moving. The town passed rather quickly, restraining us to the pathway. It seemed impossible to navigate the forest, especially while it was covered in snow. Amber explained "The trail leads on for a few miles. In this weather, we might be able to make it to the next town by nightfall."

The day dragged on, as did we. The going was slow, Amber still not used to the hard going. She cold was getting through my fur, as I suspected it was with Amber's fur coat, along with Alex's clothing. The nearest town was within view, barely visible through the thick, grey fog. Surprisingly, there were people out and around on the hardened stone streets. The snow was somewhat packed down, providing much relief as we entered. Without hesitation, we found our way to the nearest inn.

The day had transferred to night, the darkness setting in. Alex payed the cheaper-than-expected fees, bringing us to our two rooms. Amber explained "Well, I guess this is goodnight… See you in the afternoon." Amber lunged at me, enveloping me in a friendly hug. Alex and her snuck off to their room, obviously eager to get to bed. I slipped away to my room, just next to theirs.

At least they're tired tonight… So I can rest easy.

Alex's POV:

The morning light squirmed its way into the room. The room was illuminated a depressing dark grey, providing hardly any sunlight or happiness. Amber lay in bed, gripping me tightly. I shuffled away from her, only to be pulled back in. Eventually, I freed myself. I snuck out of the room leaving with only a towel. Amber would get the hint to where I left. I snuck, not daring to awaken anyone. I found my way down the hallway, which had yet to be lit by torches.

I came to the door, and knocked. Good. Nobody. I opened the door and slipped into the bath, being careful to close it silently as I entered. I climbed silently into the bath, which appeared to be, once again, magically heated. I snapped awake, as someone knocked at the door.

"C-Come in?" The door creaked open, Amber walking through the door. She was already undressed, the usual for a Keidran. She slid into the bath, speaking directly. "Why did you leave without me?" sigh. "I didn't want to wake you up… You're cute when you sleep, you know."

Amber blushed, scratching at her fur. She sighed. "After walking that much yesterday… this sure is nice." Amber stood up, the water pooling at her thighs. She walked over towards me. I leapt forwards playfully, knocking her over onto her back, me atop her. Suddenly, the door opened. Kayla walked into the bath, catching sight of us.

Amber stammered, trying to explain "It's not wh-what it looks l-like!" Kayla stared down at us, nothing "Well it surely looks like something. One hell of a something…" I threaded my way back to the other side of the bath, blushing at the awkwardness of the moment.

Kayla climbed into the warm bath, sighing aloud at the relief. Back at the room, Amber knocked me to the bed playfully before I had a chance to dry off. Amber's fur had fluffed all over the place, now dry. We resumed in our intended activities, before Kayla joined us in the bath.

We hastily packed our things, wanting to avoid staying in one town for a period of more than one day. We met Kayla in the front area of the inn, making our way out. The grey sustained its hold on the island, to where the snow had stopped falling. The ground had only been coated another inch. The air was warmer, melting the snow. We made our way to a shop, where Alex stole two tents that we wedged into our packs. We found our way out of town, keeping the items hidden. The trail was far ahead, Amber leading the way.