During her exploration, Taiga had come across a wondrous sight. There was no one that she wanted to share it with more than Rannoch. The pair had become practically inseparable. Being the last of their kind had created a situation that only the other could understand. That meant something. An odd pairing to be sure and they received looks often. Rannoch's species was typically seen running from Taiga's species, so seeing them side by side was something foreign and strange.

The evening was cold, but they had definitely felt colder temperatures. Spring was afoot elsewhere, but it wasn't felt in this barren place just yet. Trails of steam rose from the pink nostrils of the big cat as they stepped from one landscape to the next. She stopped at the edge of the lake, not stepping on the frozen water just yet. It was thick enough to hold both of their weight with ease, but there was a little surprise in store.

"I thought you might appreciate this," the massive lioness spoke softly to her companion. Reaching out with one paw, Taiga took the first step onto the ice. Beneath the frozen water, blue light flared outward like lightning. With each step, that blue light pulsed and danced below the ice, creating a light show just for the pair of them. Claret eyes rested upon the handsome face of her deer as Taiga waited to see his reaction.

"Taiga"

Rannoch’s antlers were beginning to grow, so the deer felt like he was hungry all of the time. His belly was mostly full now, and couldn’t distract him as Taiga had him follow her. There wasn’t really a base camp their little rag tag group inhabited. They were truly nomadic and slept somewhere new every night, always on the search for fresh grazing. Always together. After the lioness joined the herd the two of them bonded easily. They were both the last of their kind, and that kind of kinship held tight.

The evening found them together on the cool of the night, both creatures were made for such travels through the snow. Rannoch’s thick pelt kept him warm, but the presence of his dear friend made him warmer. Even in a place like this, with snow drifts and ice all around them. They were mostly quiet as they walked, Rannoch’s verdant gaze watching as the sun slowly fell behind the horizon before they arrived. The darkness overwhelmed them, but the flighty ancient elk was safest with Taiga herself. No threats came to the hoofed animals she called her herd. She kept her promise.

The massive deer followed Taiga to the edge of a desolate lake. There didn’t seem to be any grazing, but the ice here was incredibly clear. It looked almost like the expanse before them wasn’t even frozen at all. Rannock blinked in disbelief, but such an incredible sight wasn’t even the reason he had been brought. Taiga’s smooth rumbling voice hinted at her assumptions before she pressed a pale paw against the ice. Green eyes widened in surprise as stretches of glowing blue streaks raced from where her feline paws resting on the ice.

He was far too entranced by the bright blue beneath the ice to realize that Taiga was taking in his reaction of awe and surprise. His own massive hoof was carefully placed on the sheer surface, watching as his own weight created the incredible ebb of color. Rannoch looked back up at Taiga, meeting her crimson eyes with emerald. "It’s so surreal. Is this a dream?” It very well might have been.

"Rannoch"

The giant feline watched her companions face as the first lightning streaks of blue light flared beneath the surface of the ice. The amazement on the bucks sloped features brought a grin to the woman's grey and white face. He stepped onto the ice as well and more blue light flared. The stags words brought a soft chuckle from the feline and she stepped in close, reaching up to let her pink tongue rasp across his cheek as she pressed her heavy, muscled frame against his. "Does it feel like a dream?" She asked playfully.

Pulling away from Rannoch, Taiga moved out across the ice, looking up as she crossed beneath one of the many strange arches that had somehow formed. This was such an odd place, though rather beautiful. She was glad to share it with her friend and hoped that he found it as mesmerizing as she did. Though she cared for Oscar and Kyren, this moment was meant for just the kitty and her deer.

In the center of the spires of ice was a thick blanket of snow. It seemed as though the towers of frozen water had shielded the snow from the blowing winds. The lioness padded within and seated herself. It would make a cozy little place to cuddle which was one of the pair's favorite pass times.

"Taiga"

Rannoch had seen many strange and wondrous things in his time, but the unnatural vibrant blues that blossomed beneath Taiga’s paws were far different from anything else he experienced before. He looked to his hooves, uncertain on the slick icy surface. His movements slow and deliberate his great weight caused a storm of blue to erupt beneath the too clear ice. He couldn't help but bring his verdant gaze back up to Taiga as she chuckled at him, the deep purring noise quite pleasant. She drew more near, kissing his cheek as she leaned her lithe frame against his own.

Taiga asked him if this all felt like a dream, and he couldn’t say it didn’t. "Yes,” He answered with his deep voice. Maybe a dream, but it wasn’t a full dream. He could feel reality and the weights that brought along, especially as she pulled away. He followed her lead as they ducked under strange archways as the moonlight began to shine more heavily upon them. His green gaze lifted from incredible blue blasts to the little gazebo that Taiga led him to.

Perfectly packed snow was shielded from the wind that kept the lake so pristine, but would also keep the two well insulated beasts comfortable as the night went on. He lifted his head curiously before he joined her, examining the structure before him with interest. Rannoch was no ordinary deer to live the usual life of prey. With Taiga beside him, his curiosity and confidence blossomed. "Surely, only a dream could construct pillars such as this.” He teased as he stepped onto the bed of snow.

"Rannoch"

Rannoch soon joined her within the bower of ice, the fluffy blanket of snow creating a perfect cushion for their big bodies. His long legs folded and he settled beside her. Taiga wasted no time in pressing her spotted form against his, a low rumble reverberating through her at the now familiar pleasure. They weren't often apart, and when they were, it wasn't by very far. The lioness hunted alone, of course.

With the elk beside her, Taiga leaned in and gently rubbed her cheek against the velvety nubs growing out of his crown. In no time at all they would be a wide spread of impressive tines. The woman wanted to see her forest god of a companion with a rack full of flowers and greenery. It would be very fitting for him, she believed. In the back of her mind, she made a little note to make this happen. She'd collect the flowers and greenery herself.

Mention was made of the ice spires and red eyes lifted to look at the arches of frozen water. "Where I came from, there were great caverns of ice with similar arches. I believe it had something to do with fluctuations in temperature and a gradual build up of ice over time. Who knows how long these have been standing?" Longer than they had both been alive, for sure.

"Taiga"