362 Meaning of the Cres

The Palace, unlike the Palace of Clovis's childhood, was built up rather than out. Instead of many buildings that interlocked and weaved amongst themselves, the palace of ice stood tall over the landscape. It was clear by the number of windows staggered up the stone walls it was many floors high, at least a dozen. It was impressive with towers and bridges attaching different levels to other levels directly.  One bridge even seemed as though there was no floor, except for the soft gleam of sunlight reflecting off a glass surface. It was a staggering site for the young prince who had never seen such a interesting palace. In truth it was much more a fortress or a castle than a palace.

Behind the building though, a single tree grew tall. Its branches dressed in white leaves reached for the sun in all directions. Blooming flowers at random intervals nested in the branches. Most the blooms were pale blue, but a select few seemed to be made of silver and white petals woven together  in a complex mix of color. Kyera smiled, having not seen this tree in so many years. It was still just as impressive as it had been when she was a mere child. Clovis, seeing this for the first time instinctively knew this was the tree from the legend.

The power coursing through the air radiating from its branches was unbelievable. Through the snow covered the ground, and the cold too much for flowers to bear, he could feel it all around him. Life. The vitality of the forest hidden in banks of snow. The magic seemed to seep into his skin filling him with the same power as the world around him. He followed Kyera closely as his eyes took in the Winter World's wonders.

"Welcome to The Castle of the Snow Flower." Crystalsis swept her arm in a wide arch as if presenting the scene to them. It was a grand gesture, more for Clovis than Kyera. The people took great pride in their buildings, and this was the most exquisite they had ever produced to date.

"Thank you, it is charming." Clovis replied honestly floored for what else to say. Kyera couldn't help but smile as memories flooded back. Snow ball fights with her brothers, bonfires and little treats made better by the flames, and the winterfest tale tellers all came back to her. Some of her best moments with her brother's had been built here before their mother left.

"It has been so long, and yet she has gotten better with age." Kyera whispered as she looked around at the tapestries and sculptures that adorned the outside. Even the gargoyles looked as though they were crafted from marble.