A slight breeze stirred the crisp evening air as a silvery cloud drifted between jagged mountains, its edges glowing with ruddy light cast by the crescent shaped moon that was cradled between two peaks. Streams flowed down the mountain sides from stolid glaciers and glistening snow packs reflecting dim beams of moonlight. Across the ground a brooding mist crept along the valley floor, almost thick enough to obscure the two silent silhouetted figures that stood waiting. Surrounding them the powdery landscape was unblemished by footprints making it appear as if they had simply materialized from nothingness.

The lady was dressed elegantly in a thick sapphire blue cape with silver embroidered snowflakes encircling the bottom hem. The top of her head was crowned with a set of magnificent horns and her skin seemed so pale that it appeared to radiate light itself. Her traveling companion however seemed to prefer an unembellished, dark, billowing cloak that made it more difficult to distinguish his form. If not for the stark contrast of moonlit snow he would have been perfectly camouflaged in the darkness. Despite their minimal arctic attire neither seemed phased by the steadily dropping temperatures as they stood motionless for several minutes with their gazes transfixed upon the horizon.

As if on cue a sudden ribbon of shimmering light snaked its way across the sky until an iridescent blend of blue, teal and violet danced playfully overhead suspended in nothing but the vastness of the star filled heavens. It was a breathtaking display and even the nomadic group of Inuit fishermen camped on the ice several miles away witnessing the same unearthly sight will agree that this was the most magical aurora borealis they had ever seen. However, unbeknownst to the Eskimos who watched in silent wonderment from their distant encampment, this was no common aurora.

When the first hints of light appeared, Vashara and Orlex rose up in unison and hovered side by side quietly. Not wishing to leave a trail they opted to glide rather than walk as a protective measure so that no one could follow any prints that might be left in the sparse and snowy fields. It was also a swifter means of travel and their time was limited, once dawn approached their hopes of reaching their destination would be lost to them. Occasionally they would pause to glance up as if checking the coordinates on a map before setting out again following the guiding river of light in the sky that led them in a northerly direction.

The air was fresh, sweet and very cold yet no puffs of misty breath escaped between the lips of the two deities while they drifted along in tense silence. Ice edged streams and small pools that were completely frozen over passed quickly and the leagues steadily disappeared. By late evening they arrived at the edge of a precipitous ravine where far below a mighty river formed by hundreds of melting glacier streams waged battle against any rocks and boulders that barred its way. A low rumble filled the air growing steadily louder as they followed a faint game trail indicating their arrival at the Aurora Falls. They navigated their way down the steep embankment, until they were close enough to see the river fling itself over the mossy outcropping and cascade down the side of the ancient cliff.

It was here that the aurora’s path halted and unexpectedly shot down from the sky like a brilliant flash of lightning striking at the edge of the falls. The churning pool below the waterfall rippled momentarily then began to spin clockwise, slowly at first then faster and faster until a whirlpool had formed. The now rainbow tinted waters swirled in a dizzying blur of colors and fluid masses until its center had formed a portal that beckoned them to enter. Despite the grimacing height, both of the figures lept forward without hesitation and plunged from the top of the falls into the unknown depths.