His scales were light- and yet thicker than the skin she pressed against them. He could feel her liberal scratches moments before but this was a mere pressure, soft and insignificant though the gesture made his inner fire feel even warmer. She was so close with her face rubbed against his and if not for their compromising position he would hook his arms around her and squish her to him but the wind was persistent as was the cold. Instead he turned up the corners of his mouth, his smile gummy and smug.

Some time passed- the stones gradually cooling once more and the snow pelting down as slush against Blizzard’ wings and back. He listened to the storm: every creak of the trees and howl of the wind, waves were tearing at the rocky shore, pounding the earth. Wait. There was a rumble from beneath them. He sprung up as a whispering death burst from the ground, teeth rippling in its mouth as it rose up and then buckled down with a long spiky body coiling after it. It continued thrashing and Blizzard backed Ava away, wary and silent.