...

The days in the frigid Mountains of Rafelon were always calm.

The winds were less harsh and the blizzards would vanish, leaving only gentle snowflakes to slowly fall from the sky. Admittedly, everyone was pleased with the hours when the sun was up in the sky.

A while five days have passed since the return to the camp. In those five days, the hostages had most likely calmed, relishing the safety and their freedom. They were clothed, ate satisfying meals, and stayed in the warm comfort of their tents. Although the nights were undoubtedly cold, they felt safe and warm within their sheets.

However, rations were rapidly decreasing with a great number of people. Therefore, they planned to leave as early as possible and return the hostages to their homes.

Under the gentle falling snow of the sixth day, the ground was covered with a soft bed of deep snow, reaching almost to one's knees. A step before the inner part of the barrier was Moulin wearing his guild uniform. The white cape elegantly draped down his back and shoulder. Silver eyes stared at the mystical beyond the barrier where one of the tallest mountains around could be seen. Snowflakes gently fell on his wavy white hair and the slender curve of his covered shoulders. He looked like he came from a painting.

There was longing in those eyes where one would think that the youth was yearning for a beloved. However, Moulin thought none of that. He gazed deeply at the white covered mountains with yearning. Wishing to leave his post and just run off with the little fox in his hands.

"Ao?"

Moulin lowered his gaze and met the questioning look of the little creature in his arms. Snow looked as if he was asking 'what are you waiting for?'

Moulin helplessly sighed. "You know I can't..."

"Ao!"

Snow suddenly jumped off Moulin's arms. Paws falling delicately on the fluffy snow. As if realizing the softness of the ground, Snow dug into the deep snow and tunnel his way beyond the barrier.

Moulin furrowed his brows. "Snow, come back here..."

The brat stopped and his head popped out from the snowy ground. Blinking, he tilted his head as his master was like an adorable dumbo.

A smile leaked from Moulin's worried countenance. Honestly, he really couldn't go against that look. Hesitatingly, he glanced behind him and returned his gaze to the mountains before him.

...

Sighing, he looked at Snow who was blinking his little beady eyes at him. "One hour. And after that, we'll head back, alright?"

"Ao!"

Excitedly, Snow jumped from his little hole. His tiny paws created small paw prints on the white surface of the snowy earth. Moulin chuckled. What a child...

When no one had entered the area, Moulin let Snow transform into his Opallian form. The large paws dug deep in the ground and the beautiful tails swayed. Moulin stepped past the barrier without hesitation and a pale rosy hand was lifted to caress the golden marks on the majestic creature's crown. Snow nuzzles his snout into Moulin's neck as he let his master dotingly caress him.

"You are so mysterious..." Moulin muttered with a faint smile as he recalled the time when Snow leads him to the pit at the lakeshore. He dismissed his thoughts as he turned to Snow's side. The mystic beast lowered himself so that the youth could reach up and mount him.

Elegantly seating himself on the large fox's back, Moulin secretly glanced behind him. Making sure that no one had seen them, he turned to Snow and whisper.

"Let's go..."

• • • • • •

Heavy paws dug into the deep snow and the frigid wind brushed against the softness of the beast's fur as well as the white dazzling hair swaying against the rushing wind. Flushed fingers curled around the soft fur of the beast as silver eyes were filled with enthusiasm and wonder as it gazes around them.

Snow was a fast and agile mount.

A blanket of white had covered the ground towards the top of the mountains. Only naked trees decorated with hanging icicles and large crowns of white snow could be seen. Moulin had to admit, the woods under the sun of the mountains were fascinating and heavenly.

When Moulin and Snow had reached the treeless part of the mountain, they gradually stopped. Moulin dismounted from Snow's back and turned to take in the enchanting view of the land beneath the mountains. The marvelous clouds decorated the tips of the mountain tops and without the dimming snow clouds, as the gentle sun bathes the land with light, stretching as far as it could and creating shadows behind mountains, it was majestic. A sheet of white stretched as far as the eye could see, it was an enchanting view indeed.

"Beautiful..." Moulin muttered with a smile.

"Ao!"

Turning his head, Moulin chuckled when he saw Snow, who transforms into his small form, roll on the fluffy snow playfully. Moulin was reminded of the time when it was only the two of them back in the northern mountains of Zenin.

"Don't run off too long, or I will skin you!" Moulin yelled when Snow threatened to roll down the steep side of the ground. "We still need to go back!"

Snow yipped happily as he scurried off.

Moulin shook his head with a faint smile. That little brat...

With furrowed brows, he sat on the soft bed of snow beneath him and started to unlace his boots. His pink toes curled as he set aside his boots and slowly stood. He sighed as he felt the soft snow beneath his soles and between his toes. His eyes squinted as he restrained the urge to smile giddily.

His back bent as his arms lowered to pick up the boots by his side. It's been so long since he'd walk barefooted on snow. Fingers tied the laces of the pair of boots together and a finger hooked them as the youth began to walk with ease. Feeling pleasant, silver eyes stared at the majestic landscape.

"How nice..." Moulin muttered to himself. Back in the northern woods, he had always spoken to himself and he never felt weird about it. "It isn't so bad living like this."

"Is that so?..."

Moulin froze. His steps halted as he slowly turned his head to look behind him.

"H-Hadrian..."

The man wore a thick black cloak, the collars of his cape was adorned by thick black fur. His sword hung at his leather belt. He looked warmed and comfortable as well as appearing like he was sneaking out to assassinate someone. Golden eyes dimmed as they gazed intently at the slender figure before them. The expression worn by the man was unreadable and slightly amused.

Moulin blinked at him.

"How did you find me?"

"Why would you think that I wouldn't find you?" Hadrian cocked an eyebrow as he neared Moulin. His boots trudge in the snow as the man finally stood before the youth.

"I planned to return..." Moulin defensively uttered as he turned away.

"You plan to explore"

"And return!" Moulin narrowed his eyes at him. "And since you're here as well then maybe perhaps you can join me."

Hadrian stared amusingly at the glowering eyes silver. LMirth filled his chest as he slowly brought his hand and interlock his fingers with Moulin's cold ones. Moulin stared dumbly as Hadrian smiled. "If you insist..."

Moulin scoffed as he let Hadrian lead them as they walked. It was like they had gone back when they were taking a stroll under the stars at the lake in the northern mountains. They walked unhurriedly, leaving footprints on the snow behind them.

"How is it that you can teleport wherever you want?" Moulin muttered silently.

Hadrian glanced at him. A smirk, playing on his face. Listening to the silent mutterings of the youth beside him. "One's power is not boundless. If they were they wouldn't have a physical body... I'm walking beside you now, aren't I?"

Moulin glanced at him. "Does that mean your ability to teleport has limits?"

"I can only use it a few times a month... and I can only take a number of two people with me. However, the amount of utilization with decrease." Hadrian explained, feeling the tightness and warmth of their connected hands. "Furthermore, I didn't teleport my way here." He added, with an amused glance.

"Hm..." Moulin's brows curved upwards as they continued to walk. The cold breeze swirled around the pair strolling up the mountain. It brought a flurry of snowflakes as it gently brushed around them.

There was silence between the both of them as they walked. Their steps were simultaneous as they walk. It was a comfortable silence, filled with the presence of the other. Nothing was more peaceful than

the silence around them, the joint of their hands, and the warmth between their connection.

⁵Suddenly, Moulin halted his steps. This movement made Hadrian pause as well. Moulin narrows his eyes.

Far ahead from where they stood.

Within the shadow of the black boulders around it, a triangular cave was located between two broken columns that intersected with each. From afar, it appeared pitch black inside. Moulin knew that Rafelon country was the land of ruins. Where the last ancient civilization had dwelled and perished.

"You're curious..." Hadrian suddenly spoke.

"A bit... " Moulin glanced at Hadrian. "However, I don't think it looks safe."

"Your little pet doesn't seem to fear it..."

"What?" Moulin squinted his eyes at the mouth of the cave. There was a small ball of fur sitting at the entrance of the cave. Silver eyes widened.

"Ao!"

The noise echoed throughout the cave. It was loud enough to be heard from where Moulin stood.

Moulin narrowed his eyes, "Snow! Come back here!"

"Ao!" Snow tilted his head at him blinkingly while watching his master drag the lord behind him, refusing to let go of the hand. Right before Moulin could chase the little brat, Snow scurried inside the cave

"Snow! Wait!" Moulin shouted. He and Hadrian stepped into the cave. The ground was smooth and, fortunately, the cave mouth was large enough to fit two people inside. "Ugh..." Moulin's groaned echoed loudly.

Wait till I catch that brat!

"Not as obedient as I thought..." The man shook his head as he stared into the darkness. The faint breeze behind them seemed to want to push them deeper inside as snowflakes blew inwards the cave's entrance. Hadrian glanced at the troubled Moulin, "He's just like his master..."

Moulin glared at him before he materialized a glowing ice crystal. It hovered brightly above his palm. Afterwards, both people began to enter deeper into the cave. The ground felt slightly smooth beneath Moulin's bare feet. It felt like stepping on thin flakes of glass, however, it wasn't sharp.

Not long after, there was light at the end of the cave. Moulin sighed when he heard Snow's energetic yipping resounding throughout the cave-like tunnel.

What met Moulin's sight the moment he entered the bright cavern at the end was a hill of bones. Thankfully, it wasn't human-like. It was a hill of beast bones. A crease appeared between Moulin's brow as he saw Snow digging into the pile of bones.

What is he looking for?

"Ao!"

As if he had found treasure, Snow happily leaped away from his hole of bones. He stood before Moulin's feet proudly presenting what he had found.

Moulin's eyes widened in surprise.

Snow had cleaned away the bones that had buried something beneath it. Black and small. Curling itself while whimpering. Honestly, it looked extremely thin.

A baby wolf...

Hadrian and Moulin looked at each other.

...