Soft light sprinkles down on me, the water in front of my feet glistening. It’s gentle blue mirrors the crystalline ceiling high above it. The ceiling, a hole that allows the sun to spread its warmth throughout the cave is covered in a sheet of ice, scattering the rays that manage to travel through it. The light that doesn’t hit the water works to illuminate the rest of the grotto, settling on the walls or bouncing off the icicles, dangling from above. The icicles are more comparable to large stalactites, hanging far below the roof of the cavern. The cave feels almost magical, the lights glistening wherever they land. The gentle rays find their homes among the sprouting plant life. While not abundant, the plants that have managed to take root in this environment are perfectly suited for it, thriving off of the limited light and the water they can obtain from the dripping icicles. The ground of the cave, covered in a white powder, seems to have been that way for a very long time. The temperature within the cave a perfect mix of warmth and cold, such that the snow never melts nor accumulates, it simply exists, in a state of equilibrium. Presumably a relic from a time before the ceiling froze over, the snow remains just as pure as the day it first fell. The lake in front of me leads out of the grotto, out into a thriving sea, teaming with life and civilization, but in here, I can have a moments respite. The only evidence of human civilization being the very boat I road in on, almost stationary in the calm waters. I close my eyes and fall backwards into the snow. The soft rippling of the lake and the occasional droplet hitting the ground being the only things I’m left with. The cave is at peace, and I am at peace within it. I’ll need to leave eventually, back out into the world, but right now, in the soft cool colors of blues and grays, I can rest. I’m awoken from my slumber by a quiet rustling behind my ear. I turn to glance at the source and am met with a small creature, a round animal about as big as the palm of my hand. It’s fur was as white as the snow I’m laying on. It’s eyes a brilliant blue, it meets my gaze, seeming to ponder something, before averting it’s eyes somewhere else. I follow it’s gaze to see another creature, practically identical to the first. The two look at each other, then towards a third, and a fourth, and then finally, a fifth. They were unlike any animal I had ever seen. Before I could get a better look at them, they each began to move towards the back of the cavern. Despite staying fully grounded, it looked as if they were gliding along the snow covered ground, they’re journey was only interrupted by their occasional bumping into one another. Their destination was a small opening in the cave wall, a bit larger than a person, leading far deeper into the untouched environment. Upon arriving, they pause, waiting for me to follow. With only a passing glance towards my ship to ensure it would stay still, I stand up, and with little hesitation, begin following the creatures into the further expanse of this sparkling frozen cave.