Chapter One----------|

Ice was everywhere. It capped the stalagmites and blanketed the ground in a fresh layer, where small cracks spread in waves, ranging from a finger's length to an arm's length. The region was mostly made up of these caves that showcased tainted mirrors of ice to any soul who was unlucky enough to venture in. To those who dwelled in the area, the dangers were still there but they'd grown accustomed to their way of life.

The chasm of caves that were carved throughout the mountain was endless; like the wind they changed directions so suddenly in a full 360 scale that they seemed to be carved from the air themselves. But anyone with common sense could realize ice caves were not carved from air but by the essence of their solid form. Deep inside the maze of tunnels was a newly frosted over pool of ice, that used to flow without the burden of a heavy coat to delay its flow. Stretching far above was a rocky overhanging of solid gray stone. And seated on top of that was a draik.

He held a jaded look while obviously waiting for someone to accompany him. Two clawed feet, which resembled cat paws more than anything, were crossed luxuriously and jutted slightly off the edge. His bulk rested askew with one back paw tucked underneath and the other stretched languidly to the side.

Duibheas, you're early this morning," a familiar voice echoed from behind.

Startled by this new presence, Duibheas stirred slightly and grinned bashfully. He turned his head, tail swaying rhythmically in an unconscious motion.

You think I'd get used to your stealthy ways after a few months," he spoke to his sister.

Calipole, what everyone knew her as, was a vivacious Christmas draik, no quip intended. Her pelt was a lightly seasoned coffee color with a variety of deep red and forest green markings. A golden band held silky white locks that where always coming loose from the side.

Duibheas stood and observed the ice down below, trying to make out something of interest. He straightened his pose to jump but a large Christmas colored bulk flashed before his eyes. She chortled as she hit the mirror of thin ice and dove into the slowly running stream of water two inches below the ice.

The male draik's gaze darkened in mild frustration before he jumped in after her. The water overcame him; a cold sensation consumed him that would normally be deadly to any other species that weren't accustomed to the cold environment. He strained to open his eyes, never quite growing used to the sting that came with the frigid morning temperatures.

A few meters away Calipole carried on the appearance of a ghost, whose silky white mane had come loose of the gold band. Her jaw was set and puffed up, reserving her breath.

It was a daily routine Calipole had made up to ride the current. When they were younger Duibheas had discovered a slow flowing current while he had accidentally fallen in.

He panicked at first with a puffed up face, vigorously trying to swim up to the surface. At his first attempt he managed to collide with the ceiling, which left him seeing stars. When he had began to worry if he'd ever live another day, he was spat out of a two by two meter hole and into a frigid pool of non-frozen water below. Calipole had joined him shortly after, having chanced jumping in after him. To both draik's relief, another tunnel linked them back to a familiar empty chamber, which in turn led them back to the main chamber.

When they grew a little older, Duibheas found Calipole riding the flow of water every morning; like performing a little ritual; she never missed a ride. It always took a day for the ice to reform above the current but one dose of water was enough, even for Duibheas's cold resistance pelt.

Calipole burst through the opening and Duibheas came after, lying on his back and flipping to belly flop on the water. The miniature explosion of water sprayed far and pelted Calipole who had already shaken off. The Darigan draik surfaced and shook off a cloud of water droplets. What little mane he had was stubborn and would take an hour more to dry fully.

Why must you always carry a need to go first?" he asked with a sigh.

The female draik shrugged and Duibheas led them out and they went their separate ways. His mindset changed to the task he had been assigned the night before. It was concerning a situation that had threatened their clan for many months now. They were even beginning to violate their home, the ice caves in a hope to kill off the heir, next in line to be the princess. It wasn't like a royalty bloodline, just the small hierarchy their tribe had voted on to take care of things. Calipole was that unfortunate soul, right after her sister who was fully aware of the situation and not the least bit concerned.

He emerged from a particularly small opening and breathed in the crisp morning air, letting a gentle wind caress his face. The sun was only beginning to raise, a sea of pastel spinning across the horizon, high above the snowcapped glaciers. Duibheas climbed a less steep incline slipping a few times due to his incapability to recognize ice from dull gray rock. The only hint at this time of day was that the ice shinned, but even that was hard for him to distinguish.

On the top of the incline was a flat sloped platform wide enough for ten draiks to stand vertically, tail to nose. It was known as 'The Peak' and a place where it was anywhere but novel for them to meet. This morning a few old draiks of the clan had gathered. Two where in hushed discussion because they were afraid that the wind would carry their voices away. The third spotted him instantly with a practiced eye and approached Duibheas with a content air.

I presume that you decided to accept my inquiry," he stated while Duibheas bowed in respect.

It would seem so," he replied placidly, as to not reveal his real feelings.

I've already summed it up but I'll repeat it once more," the old leader glanced over his shoulder at Duibheas and then gazed at the rising sun. "You're already aware that the Shoi Clan must be stopped. You'll be sent clandestinely with Kyntarah to-

I have to go undercover with a gnorbu? How obvious will that appear to them?

Calm yourself Duibheas, it's only natural you're accompanied with one. It isn't a rare sight to see a gnorbu hopping plates of ice out on top of the frosted sea. After all, it was they who let us make rest in the ice caves. They make excellent messengers if I may add so myself." The old draik sighed.

Continuing, if all works out as planned, we can move on," his words contained a deeper meaning, which were vital to grasp.

I'll do my best," he