She was dancing with the snowflakes, twisting and turning with them as they

tumbled from the sky. When a gust of wind blew from the north, she stretched out her

arms and closed her eyes, smiling as the crisp air blew the loose strands of hair away

from her face. It was another beautiful day on the floating ice island of Koorime, and

she was taking full advantage of it. Instead of doing her normal chores, she was enjoying

a walk out in the freshly powdered forest behind her home.

And he was watching her. Though badly hurt and exhausted, he fought off the

overwhelming urge to completely collapse. An evergreen concealed his presence from

her, but he had to stay awake long enough to make sure he wasn't seen. A few hours

before, he stumbled onto this unknown territory by accident after narrowly escaping a

deadly battle; he was in no condition to take up another fight. Even if it was between an

ice maiden.

She looked so innocent, though, as she chatted with the cardinals in the branches

above. He was sure she would bring him no harm, but what if she had bigger, stronger

friends that were also watching her? Grimacing as he clutched his freely bleeding wound

that penetrated his abdomen, he tried to lift himself into a better hiding position. The

sudden movement did not register well with his injury, and caused him to gasp with

immense pain.

Startled, she turned sharply around, gazing intently at the source from which the

sound erupted. He inwardly cursed himself as she advanced upon the evergreen,

cautiously pulling back the branches in order to get a closer look.

There he lay, bathed in crimson snow; shirtless and powerless to do anything

except scowl at her.

"If you make one move, ice girl, or raise your voice to call any of your friends,"

he emptily threatened her, "I'll kill you long before help will arrive!"

He glared at her, expecting to see fear in her facial expressions, but finding only

compassion.

"I can sense that you have a strong spirit," she said softly as the stepped toward

him, "but you have a very serious injury. May I examine it? I might be able to help

you…"

She slowly sank onto her knees beside him. Their eyes met: her eyes (snowflakes

adorning her long lashes) mirroring his own in a bright, ruby red color. She smiled,

reassuring him that she would not flee or cry for help. That was all he needed; he finally

lapsed into unconsciousness as she caught him in her arms.