Cold winds from the mountains raced across the open expanse of a barren plane, each gust capturing a cloud of snow and hurling it across the ice of a frozen lake. From the shoreline, a figure cloaked in black was barely visible amidst the tempest, despite the contrast of their drab garments in comparison to the sheer, textureless white of the surrounding landscape. Overhead, only a faint yellow glow through heavy clouds gave light. All was washed in a pale glow, dim, yet somehow blinding if one focused too hard.
The figure on the shoreline stepped forward, placing a tentative foot onto the smooth, cold surface of the frozen water. Powdry flakes began to settle against his boots instantly, piling into a minature wall. Cautiously, he continued forward, ethereal white fluttering and swirling from his swift steps and flapping cloak. Each step was taken with care, placed solidly before proceeding to the next in order to maintain his balance on the slippery, treacherous surface. Up ahead, a second dark form could be discerned, wrapped in the fluttering arms of the storm.
The approaching figure raised his voice, calling out in a deep, loud hailing. Before the sound could travel the distance, the wind tore his words away, burying and tossing them on a whim. He murmured an imperceptible curse for his own ears and quickened his stride, foregoing a certain measure of caution. As he drew nearer, he began calling out repeatedly, until he stood not but an arm's length from the immobile form of another human soul.
"Princess!" He called out, struggling to be heard over the tumult even at such close proximity. She turned slowly, her face hidden under a large golden hood. "Princess - it's time to return home!"
The gentle, peaceful calm of her quiet voice cut through the roaring winds as if a part of the storm itself. "I am home, now."
The wind swirled in a single burst, lifting the snow in a rushing blast that for a moment, was nearly solid. When it passed, nothing remained in it's wake.
