Arielle stood by the frost-kissed window of her small room, her pale reflection melding with the snow-covered landscape beyond.

Her white hair, long and straight, cascaded down her back like a waterfall of fresh snow, the strands almost blending into the icy scene outside. Strands of hair framed her delicate face, where sharp, angular features hinted at both youth and an air of cold determination.

Her skin was fair, almost as pale as the snow. Her eyes, the color of the deepest glaciers, were a mesmerizing shade of blue, shimmering with an intensity that hinted at the power she wielded.

 At just over twenty years old, she carried the presence of someone who had seen and learned far more than her years suggested.

She wore a robe of deep midnight blue, edged with silver embroidery that caught the light like the first stars of twilight. The fabric clung to her slender frame, flowing down to her ankles where it met boots lined with fur, practical yet elegant, designed for the harsh conditions of her journey. Around her neck, a crystal pendant rested, its faint blue glow pulsating in rhythm with her heartbeat, a relic of her days at Sylvarius Arcane Academy and a conduit for her formidable frost magic.

The room she occupied was as modest as the inn itself, but it was enough for her needs.

The walls were paneled in dark wood, polished by years of care but still retaining a rough, rustic charm. A small hearth in the corner emitted a soft, orange glow, the flames crackling quietly as they battled the pervasive chill. Though the fire warmed the room, the cold seemed to linger in the shadows, a reminder of the unforgiving world outside.

The bed was pushed against one wall, its frame made of the same dark wood as the rest of the room.

Thick furs and blankets were piled upon it, offering a cozy refuge from the biting cold.

A small nightstand beside the bed held a single candle, its flame flickering softly in the slight draft that crept through the wooden walls. A battered but sturdy wardrobe stood in another corner, containing the few belongings she had brought with her—a second cloak, a few books on ancient magic, and a leather satchel that never left her side.

The window, framed by heavy, deep blue curtains, was the room's most striking feature. The glass was old, slightly fogged around the edges, but clear enough to reveal the snow-covered streets of Svelgar.

The town, nestled in a remote valley, seemed almost deserted, with only the occasional flicker of movement as someone braved the cold. The mountains that surrounded the town loomed like silent sentinels, their peaks lost in the swirling clouds that threatened another snowfall.

A small desk was placed beneath the window, cluttered with parchment, ink, and quills. Arielle had spent hours there since her arrival, poring over maps and notes, planning her journey to Winter's Peak.

The surface of the desk bore the marks of her studies—doodles of arcane symbols, hastily scribbled notes in an elegant script, and a small vial of ink that had spilled, leaving a dark stain that spread like frost across the wood. Arielle's gaze drifted from the window to the desk, where a leather-bound journal lay open. It was filled with her thoughts, observations, and theories on the Grimoire she sought.

The pages were covered in neat, precise handwriting, the ink as dark as the night outside. She had been writing in it earlier, documenting the peculiar feeling she had upon arriving in Svelgar—the sense that she was on the verge of something monumental, something that would change her life forever. She turned back to the window, her breath misting the glass as she exhaled.

The night outside was still, the snow blanketing the world in a silence that felt almost sacred. As the fire crackled softly in the hearth, Arielle let her fingers trace patterns on the frosted glass, lost in thought.

A soft knock at the door pulled her from her reverie. Arielle turned, her hand instinctively reaching for the hilt of her staff, propped against the wall nearby. The innkeeper, an elderly man with a weathered face and kind eyes, peeked in."Miss Arielle," he said in a voice roughened by years of mountain air, "your meal is ready downstairs, if you'd like.

"Arielle offered a small nod, grateful for the warmth of the inn and its simple comforts. "Thank you," she replied, her voice steady, though her mind was still on the path ahead.

As the door closed softly behind him, Arielle cast one last look out the window, towards the distant mountains.

Tomorrow, she would leave Svelgar and begin the journey to Winter's Peak.

Arielle descended the narrow, creaking staircase, her steps light but deliberate. The warmth of the common room below beckoned, a welcome contrast to the icy chill of her small room. The fire crackled brightly in the hearth, casting a golden glow over the rustic furnishings and filling the space with the comforting scent of burning pine.

As she stepped onto the wooden floor of the common room, her senses sharpened, and she instinctively surveyed the area. The room was sparsely populated, with a few travelers scattered among the tables, huddled in their thick cloaks, exchanging quiet conversations over steaming mugs of mulled wine.

Arielle's eyes swept over the patrons, lingering briefly on each face, when suddenly, she froze. Sitting near the bar, his back turned to her, was a figure she recognized immediately. The tousled brown hair, the slightly hunched shoulders—there was no mistaking him. Davin.

Arielle's heart skipped a beat, but she quickly masked her surprise. She hadn't seen him since they had both graduated from Sylvarius Arcane Academy, and she certainly hadn't expected to find him here, in the remote town of Svelgar. Her initial reaction was one of suspicion—how had he found her? Had he followed her all the way from the capital?

As if sensing her gaze, Davin turned, his eyes widening in feigned surprise as they met hers. "Arielle?" he exclaimed, his voice a mix of disbelief and enthusiasm as he rose from his seat, almost knocking over his chair in the process.

"What a coincidence, seeing you here!"

Arielle approached him, her expression calm and composed. "Davin," she greeted, her voice steady. "This is a long way from the academy. What brings you to Svelgar?"

Davin ran a hand through his hair, a gesture she had seen countless times during their days at the academy—usually when he was trying to appear casual.

"Oh, you know, just exploring," he replied, his tone light.

"I've always been curious about the northern territories, and Svelgar seemed like an interesting place to start."

His smile was easy, but there was an undercurrent of something more in his eyes—something Arielle immediately recognized.

He's lying, she thought, though she kept her face impassive.

He had followed her, likely from the moment she left the capital, and was now pretending their encounter was a mere coincidence. But why? What was he hoping to achieve? Was it simple curiosity, or something deeper?

"Really?" she replied, raising an eyebrow slightly.

"Svelgar isn't exactly a popular destination. But I suppose it's nice to see a familiar face."

Davin felt relieved, clearly pleased that she hadn't pressed him further.

"Why don't we sit together? It's been a while since we've talked."

She hesitated for a brief moment before nodding, and they both sat down at a table near the fire.

The innkeeper, Thorne, a burly man with a weathered face and a kind demeanor, soon brought over two steaming bowls of stew, along with thick slices of bread.

Arielle wrapped her hands around the warm bowl, savoring the heat that seeped into her cold fingers.

As they began to eat, the initial awkwardness between them started to fade, replaced by a more comfortable rhythm of conversation. They spoke of the academy, exchanging stories about mutual acquaintances, reminiscing about the long hours spent in the arcane libraries, and the challenges they had faced during their stay in Academy. Davin was more talkative than she remembered, his words tumbling out in a stream as he filled the silence.

Arielle listened, her responses brief but not unfriendly. She could sense his underlying nervousness, the way his eyes kept darting to her, as if trying to gauge her reaction.

She knew that he had always admired her from afar, his quiet respect tinged with something more—a fascination, perhaps even infatuation, that he had never fully managed to hide. And now, here he was, in a remote town on the edge of civilization, sitting across from her as if fate had brought them together.

But Arielle knew better. Fate had little to do with it. Davin had come here with a purpose, and she was determined to find out what it was.

"So," Davin said after a while, his voice dropping to a more serious tone,

"I'm guessing you're not here for a vacation, either."

Arielle's blue eyes met his, her expression unreadable. "No," she replied,

setting her spoon down. "I'm searching for the Grimoire. It's said to be hidden somewhere in Winter's Peak."

Davin nodded, as if he had expected this answer. "I thought so," he said quietly.

"I've been asking around since I arrived, trying to find out anything I can about the area."

She studied him for a moment, the faintest hint of suspicion in her gaze.

"And? What have you learned?"

Davin leaned in slightly, lowering his voice as if sharing a secret.

"The locals have a lot of stories. Most of them are just rumors, of course, but some are... intriguing. They say Winter's Peak is cursed, that it's been abandoned for centuries. But there's something more—something darker." Arielle's interest was piqued, though she kept her composure. " Darker?"

Davin's expression grew serious, his eyes reflecting the firelight as he spoke.

"There are tales of a mysterious entity—a fallen knight, headless, who roams the peaks. The villagers call him 'The Frozen Guardian.' They say he wears ancient armor, and that his sword can freeze anything it touches.

Some believe he's a guardian of the Grimoire, cursed to protect it for all eternity.

Others think he's a warning—a remnant of those who sought the Grimoire and failed."

Arielle remained silent, her thoughts racing. A headless knight, bound by a curse to guard the secrets of Winter's Peak—it sounded like something out of a legend, yet in this world of magic and mystery, such things were not unheard of. She had expected challenges on her quest, but the presence of a cursed knight added a new layer of danger.

"You've done your research," she finally said, her tone neutral but with a hint of acknowledgment.

Davin smiled, a mix of relief and pride in his expression. "I just want to help, Arielle. I know you're more than capable, but if you need someone to watch your back—"

She cut him off with a slight shake of her head. "Thank you, Davin, but this is something I have to do alone."

He looked momentarily disappointed, his gaze dropping to his bowl. But after a pause, he nodded, though the hint of hurt in his eyes was unmistakable. "I get it," he said softly. "Just... be careful, okay? This isn't like the academy. There are real dangers out there, especially if the rumors are true."

"I know," Arielle replied, her voice softening slightly. "But I'll manage. I always do."

The conversation tapered off after that, the atmosphere between them settling into a more subdued silence. Davin finished his meal quietly, his earlier energy seemingly spent, while Arielle's thoughts drifted toward the challenges that lay ahead. The headless knight, the cursed peaks, the elusive Grimoire—there was so much at stake, and she couldn't afford to be distracted.

As they rose from the table, the tension lingered in the air, a mix of unspoken feelings and the weight of the task ahead. Davin hesitated, as if he wanted to say more, but in the end, he simply offered her a faint smile. "Good luck, Arielle," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Thank you," she replied, her tone distant. "And take care of yourself, Davin."

They parted ways, Davin retreating to his room, while Arielle lingered by the fire for a moment longer. She stared into the flames, her thoughts turning over everything Davin had said. The presence of the Frozen Guardian, if real, would be a formidable obstacle. But she was determined—this was her quest, her obsession, and she wouldn't let anything stand in her way.

The fire crackled softly, its warmth a stark contrast to the icy resolve that settled in her chest.

The first rays of dawn filtered through the thin curtains of Arielle's room at the inn, casting a soft, golden hue on the wooden floor. The frost witch opened her eyes, the warmth of the sun contrasting sharply with the cold magic that always seemed to linger around her. She had only intended to nap for a few hours, yet the weariness of her recent travels had overtaken her, granting her a deep, undisturbed sleep.

Despite the thick blankets and the fire that had long since gone cold in the hearth, the chill of the northern air had seeped into her bones, leaving her feeling more fatigued than refreshed.

She lay still for a moment, staring up at the wooden beams of the ceiling, her mind still heavy with the weight of what lay ahead. The inn was quiet, the usual sounds of bustling patrons and clattering dishes replaced by the serene hush that came with the early hours. Sighing, she pushed herself up, the cold air biting at her skin as she swung her legs over the side of the bed.

Her breath formed small clouds in the air, a reminder of the unyielding winter outside. Arielle stood and stretched, feeling the tension in her muscles ease slightly. She moved to a barrel in the corner of the room, splashing her face with icy water that jolted her fully awake.

Her reflection in the cracked mirror beside the barrel showed a young woman with pale skin, her white hair falling in soft waves around her face. After washing up and dressing in her usual attire—a simple, yet elegant, blue robe lined with silver embroidery.

Sitting up in bed, Arielle took a moment to collect her thoughts. Today was the day she would leave Svelgar behind and continue her journey toward Winter's Peak. Her destination was the elusive Grimoire, known to mankind.

Before she left, however, there was one last indulgence she allowed herself—the hot spring behind the inn. The natural spring was a rarity in this frozen land, its steaming waters offering a brief respite from the cold. Arielle had discovered it on her first day in Svelgar, and since then, it had become a part of her morning routine. It was the only place where she could truly relax, letting the warmth seep into her bones and melt away the tension that had settled there. Arielle gathered her belongings and wrapped herself in a thick cloak, as she stepped out of her room, the wooden floorboards creaking underfoot as she made her way down the narrow hallway.

The inn was still quiet, the other guests either still asleep or preparing for their own travels. Arielle descended the stairs and slipped out the back door, her breath forming small clouds in the crisp morning air.The hot spring was just a short walk from the inn, nestled in a small grove of snow-covered trees. Steam rose from the water, creating a misty veil that hung in the air like a dream.

Arielle stepped out of her boots, removed her cloak and slipped into a simple robe, shivering slightly as the cold air touched her skin. She quickly slid into the warm water, sighing in relief as the heat enveloped her. For a moment, she simply sat there, letting the water soothe her aching muscles. The sound of the bubbling spring was the only noise, a gentle counterpoint to the silence of the surrounding woods. Arielle closed her eyes, allowing herself to drift for a moment, her mind blissfully blank. It was a rare moment of peace, and she savored it, knowing that it would be a long time before she would have such a luxury again.

Soon, she submerged herself fully, letting the heat relax her muscles and ease her mind. The contrast of the hot water against the cold aura of her magic was a sensation she had always enjoyed, a reminder of the balance she had to maintain within herself.

As she soaked in the spring, Arielle reflected on the events that had led her here. The Academy, where she had outshone everyone, the endless hours spent in the library, her obsession with frost magic, and the many times she had distanced herself from others to pursue her goals. But there was one person who had always seemed to find his way into her life, no matter how much she tried to push him away—Davin.

Davin had been a fellow student at the Academy, an ambitious young man with a knack for enhancing magic. He wasn't as naturally gifted as Arielle, but his determination and perseverance had always impressed her. They had worked together on several occasions, and she had even helped him enhance his magic, a favor he never forgot. Despite his easygoing nature, Arielle had always kept him at arm's length, not wanting to get too close to anyone. But now, as she prepared to leave Svelgar, she couldn't shake the feeling that maybe she would never be able to see him again.

After what felt like an eternity, Arielle reluctantly pulled herself from the warm embrace of the hot spring. The cold air hit her like a wall, but she steeled herself against it, quickly drying off and dressing in her warmest clothes. She wrapped her cloak tightly around her shoulders and made her way back to the inn, her mind already shifting back into focus.

When she returned to her room, she took one last look around, ensuring that she hadn't forgotten anything. Satisfied, she shouldered her satchel and picked up her grimoire, cradling it gently in her arms. With a final glance out the window at the snow-covered landscape, she turned and left the room, her footsteps echoing softly in the quiet inn.

As she descended the stairs, the familiar creak of the wood beneath her feet was accompanied by the sound of muffled voices from the common room below. The inn was starting to come alive as the other guests began their day, and the smell of breakfast wafted through the air, mingling with the scent of the wood smoke from the hearth. When she reached the bottom of the stairs, she was greeted by the sight of the inn's owner, Thorne, a grizzled old man with a thick beard and a perpetual scowl. He was busy wiping down the bar, but he looked up as she approached, his expression softening slightly when he recognized her.

"Morning, miss," he grunted, nodding in her direction. "Are you, Heading out today?"Arielle nodded, offering a small smile. "Yes, I'll be leaving shortly. Just need to settle my bill."

Thorne nodded and reached under the bar, pulling out a small ledger. "That'll be 20 mils for your stay," he said, glancing up at her.Arielle reached into her satchel and pulled out a small pouch of coins, counting out the necessary amount. She placed the coins on the bar, and Thorne scooped them up, tucking them into his apron pocket. "Safe travels, miss," he said gruffly, his tone indicating that he meant it. "The road to Winter's Peak ain't easy, especially this time of year."

"I'll be careful," Arielle replied, her tone polite but distant.

She was already thinking ahead to the journey, her mind focused on the path she would need t

Just as she was about to step out of the inn and continue her journey, a familiar voice called out to her. "Arielle, wait!"

She turned to see Davin standing at the entrance, his breath slightly visible in the cool morning air. He was dressed for travel, with a sturdy cloak draped over his shoulders and a pack slung over one shoulder.

"Davin?" Arielle said, surprised.

"What are you doing here?"

"I knew you'd be leaving today," he replied with a warm tone.

"I couldn't let you go off on such a dangerous journey alone, so I decided to join you."

Arielle's brow furrowed. "Join me? Davin, this isn't some casual stroll through the countryside. It's dangerous. "

Davin's expression softened.

"I know...., Arielle. I just... I want to repay the favor you did for me back at the Academy. You helped me when no one else would, and I've never forgotten that. Besides, I think I could be of some help. I've been practicing, getting stronger. I won't be a burden, I promise."

Arielle hesitated. Deep down, she knew that Davin wasn't a bad person. He was kind, determined, and had always treated her with respect. But the thought of someone else tagging along on her journey, especially someone she had a complicated history with, made her uneasy.

"Please," Davin added, his voice more earnest. "Just give me a chance. I know I can help."

Arielle sighed. "Fine. You can come. But if you slow me down or get in my way, I won't hesitate to leave you behind."

Davin's face lit up with a smile. "You won't regret this, Arielle. I promise."

With that, the two of them left the inn, the cool morning air nipping at their faces as they stepped out into the streets of Svelgar. The town was just beginning to wake up, merchants setting up their stalls, and the scent of fresh bread wafting from the bakery on the corner.

A Walk Through Svelgar as they walked through the town, Davin led Arielle toward the center, where the market was located. Despite her impatience to leave, Arielle allowed herself to be guided, curious to see what the town had to offer. She had spent most of her time at the inn, preparing for her journey, and hadn't had a chance to explore Svelgar.

The market was bustling with activity, even at this early hour. Stalls lined the streets, selling everything from fresh produce to rusted armor and weapons.

Arielle's eyes scanned the various goods, but nothing seemed to catch her interest—until they passed a small stall tucked away in a corner of the market.

The stall was modest, with a simple wooden table displaying a collection of jewels, rings, and necklaces. Arielle's gaze was drawn to a crystal mounted on a silver ring. It was a deep blue, almost the same shade as the frost magic she wielded, and it seemed to shimmer with an inner light. There was something about the crystal that intrigued her, something she couldn't quite put into words.

Davin noticed her lingering gaze and smiled. "See something you like?"

Arielle quickly shook her head, tearing her eyes away from the ring.

"No, it's nothing. Just... curiosity."

But the crystal remained in the back of her mind as they continued through the market.

Davin seemed to sense her distraction but didn't press the matter, instead guiding her toward the part of town where the wagons and carts were being prepared for departure.

When they reached the loading area, Arielle was surprised to see a group of adventurers gathered around a large, well-equipped wagon. There were men and women of various ages, all dressed in practical clothing and armor, their weapons strapped to their backs or hanging from their belts. They were clearly experienced, and Arielle couldn't help but feel a pang of unease. This wasn't what she had expected.

"Davin," she began, her voice tinged with confusion, "who are these people?"

Davin turned to her with a reassuring smile. "These are my friends. I met them yesterday during my trip, and when I heard you were heading to Winter's Peak, I figured it would be safer for us to travel together.

"Arielle's mind raced. This wasn't just Davin tagging along on her journey; this was a full-fledged expedition. She had always preferred to work alone, relying on her own skills and magic to get her through difficult situations. The thought of traveling with a group, especially one she didn't know or trust, made her uneasy.

"Davin, I appreciate the offer, but... this isn't what I had in mind. I was planning to go alone."

"I know," Davin said, his expression was serious.

"But Winter's Peak is dangerous, and I couldn't bear the thought of you going there by yourself. These people are good, skilled adventurers. They'll be able to help if we run into trouble."

Arielle opened her mouth to protest, but the words caught in her throat. Davin's concern was genuine, and she couldn't deny that having experienced adventurers by her side might make the journey easier. But it still didn't feel right. She had set out on this journey alone, determined to find the Grimoire on her own terms. Now, everything seemed to be spiraling out of her control. Just as she was about to voice her concerns, Davin placed a hand on her shoulder, his touch warm and reassuring.

"Trust me, Arielle. This will work out. Just give it a chance."

Arielle looked into his eyes, seeing the sincerity and determination there. He had always been this way, unwavering in his resolve, and it was one of the things she had secretly admired about him. Still, the idea of traveling with a group was hard to accept.

"Alright," she finally said, her voice soft.

"But if things get complicated, I'm not afraid to leave on my own."

Davin nodded, understanding the unspoken promise in her words. "Fair enough. But I think you'll find that we're not so bad to have around."