It was true, the bitter winter’s cold was taking a dramatic tole on the Lady, one which she had not anticipated. Her aching limbs pressed on, stiff joints almost frozen in place, were forced to work against their will. The focus and drive that filled the woman had all but blocked out the cries from afar.

The sudden stop of her companions pulled her body to a halt with a light jerk. Slowly a stunned and questioning gaze turned to peer around the Guardian at Faye. With the new spark of life that had suddenly ignited in her friend, Mystical found herself tilting her head to the side, seeming lost. The bite of the cold had not only frozen over her body, but her mind as well. Only now did she finally register the call in the distance.

Faye dashed off, and all began to sink in very slowly into her numb mind. Keovari’s words now caught her attention, and she mustered a quick nod before whispering in a ghostly voice, “I shall run with thee... Let us go then..” Her frozen grip, tightened even more around the man’s arm before she summoned all her remaining strength, drawing from deep within. Long crimson skirts rustled to life as she bolted forward, running alongside the Spirited man.

She could still feel her friend’s presence close by, and then.. something or.. Someone else as well. Pressing on in her blind chase, she was so focused on finding dear Faye, that she completely missed the large tree root caked in snow. Her bright eyes may have missed it, but her narrow foot certainly did not. In a instant she went from running along at Keovari’s side, to laying face down in the frigid snow. The crumpled form of the woman remained motionless for a moment before a soft whimpering moan emitted from the slowly rising heap. Clinging onto the same tree that tripped her, she leaned heavily against the trunk and gasped in a breathy whisper, “Please Keovari... go to her. Go on.. without me...”