As the boat continued its journey across the sea, snowfall began to increase, blanketing everything in a soft layer of white. Shadow looked up at the sky, his mouth dropped, eyes filled with awe and wonder at the snowflakes drifting down.
Cole, trying to steady himself on the gently rocking boat, managed to trip over a loose rope and tumbled into a pile of fishing nets. "Hey! Who left these here?" he grumbled, struggling to untangle himself.
Aurora chuckled, flicking her tail playfully. "You did, Coal. You were trying to help Splash and Reef with the nets, remember?"
Cole's face turned a shade redder. "Oh, right. I guess I'm not cut out for sea life."
Elanor offered him a hand, helping him to his feet. "Don't worry, Cole. You'll get the hang of it. Besides, we're almost to the Crystal Caves. Just a bit longer. I think."
Splash and Reef were at the helm, navigating with practiced ease. Reef took a deep, shaky breath. "Are you cold?" Splash asked. Reef nodded. "Me too," said Splash.
Cole, finally free of the nets, looked around at the falling snow. "Snow at sea? I've never seen anything like this."
Elanor nodded, her breath visible in the cold air. "It's a rare phenomenon, but it does happen, especially near the Tundra habitats
Aurora, her scales glittering with snowflakes, looked ahead eagerly. "Do you think we're close?"
Reef shook his head, shivering slightly. "My fins need a break from all this steering."
As they continued their journey, Cole's clumsiness provided some comic relief. He nearly slipped on the icy deck twice, much to the amusement of the others.
"You need to find your sea legs, Coal," Aurora teased, helping him up after his latest tumble.
"I think my sea legs got lost somewhere back on shore," Cole replied with a grin, brushing snow off his coat.
The boat finally approached the towering cliffs. Icicles hung from the rocks, and the entrance to the caves. Splash and Reef expertly guided the boat into a small cove, where the waters were calmer.
"Let's find shelter inside the caves. It's bound to be warmer." Reef said, still shivering.
As they got off the boat, Cole slipped on the icy shore, landing with a thud. Aurora helped him up, chuckling. "One step at a time, Coal."
"Right," he said, brushing himself off. "One slippery, icy step at a time."
The group walked into the cave. "You poor souls," a voice said from behind them.
Splash and Reef screamed at the sudden voice. The group turned around, there was a snow dragon standing there with a sympathetic smile. "You travelers must be freezing! Come, come! I will take you to my den where it is warm."
The group hesitated, exchanging uncertain glances. The thought of being somewhere warm was tempting. "I have food," the snow dragon added. Aurora's ears perked. "Food?"
"Yes, yes! Warm food and a cozy fire," the Snow Dragon replied, gesturing for them to follow. "Come along, it's not far."
With the promise of warmth and food, the group reluctantly followed the Snow Dragon deeper into the cave. They navigated through winding tunnels, the air gradually warming as they went. Cole, despite his previous clumsiness, managed to keep his footing on the snowy ground.
The Snow Dragon led them into a spacious cavern filled with a soft, warm glow. A fire crackled in the center, and around it were piles of cushions and blankets. The aroma of cooking meat filled the air, making their stomachs rumble.
"Welcome to my humble home," the Snow Dragon said, smiling warmly. "Make yourselves comfortable."
The travelers eagerly settled down by the fire, basking in the heat. Elanor and Cole shed their wet outer layers, while Aurora stretched out her wings, shaking off the remaining snowflakes.
"Thank you," Elanor said gratefully, accepting a steaming bowl of stew from the Snow Dragon. "This is just what we needed."
Cole took a bite and sighed contentedly. "This is amazing. You're a great cook."
The Snow Dragon chuckled. "I'm glad you think so. It's a family recipe."
Splash and Reef huddled close to the fire, their shivering finally subsiding. "This is so much better," Splash said, his voice full of relief. "Thank you for your hospitality."
As they ate, the Snow Dragon told them stories of the Crystal Caves and the creatures that lived there. "Many come in search of the Dragon's Heart," the Snow Dragon said, "but few ever find it. The caves are vast and filled with dangers."
Aurora listened intently, her curiosity piqued. "Do you know where the Dragon's Heart is?"
The Snow Dragon shook her head. "I do not, but I can tell you that it lies deep within the labyrinth of the caves. Only the bravest and most determined can hope to reach it."
Cole, feeling emboldened by the warm food and fire, spoke up. "We won't give up. We have to find it."
The Snow Dragon smiled kindly. "I believe you can do it. Rest here tonight, and regain your strength. Tomorrow, I will guide you as far as I can."
The group thanked the Snow Dragon once again and settled down for the night, grateful for the unexpected kindness. Cole, feeling a bit more confident, lay back and watched the firelight dance on the cavern walls. "Maybe this adventure isn't so bad after all," he murmured to himself.
They drifted off to sleep and the Snow Dragon kept watch. As the group slept, the Snow Dragon let out a quiet call. A Frost Dragon emerged from the shadows.
"You have them?" The Frost Dragon whispered. The Snow Dragon motioned to the sleeping group in her den. "Prepare the contraption," The Snow Dragon whispered.
The Frost Dragon nodded silently and slipped back into the shadows. Moments later, a hushed flurry of activity began in the darker corners of the cavern. The Frost Dragon, along with a few other Frost Dragons and Snow Dragons, worked quickly and quietly, setting up an elaborate contraption around the sleeping group.
The contraption was a network of ice and snow, designed to immobilize and capture anyone caught within it. The Snow Dragon watched over the proceedings, her expression unreadable. She moved to a corner of the cavern where Winter, another Frost Dragon, awaited instructions.
"Go to Lumis and inform him that we have captured the intruders," the Snow Dragon whispered. "Make sure he understands the importance of their capture."
Winter nodded and swiftly took off, disappearing into the night.
Back in the den, the Frost Dragon finished setting up the contraption and gave a nod of confirmation to the Snow Dragon. Satisfied, she glanced back at the sleeping travelers.
"Good," she muttered under her breath. "Now we wait."
As dawn approached, the travelers began to stir. Cole was the first to awaken, stretching and yawning. "That was the best sleep I've had in days," he said, rubbing his eyes.
Aurora, still half-asleep, mumbled something in agreement. Elanor, always the early riser, was already up and stoking the fire.
"Thank you again for your hospitality," Elanor said to the Snow Dragon, who had returned to her warm and welcoming demeanor. "We really appreciate it."
The Snow Dragon smiled. "Of course. Anything for weary travelers. Did you all sleep well?"
"Like rocks," Cole said with a grin.
Just as they were about to gather their belongings and continue their journey, the Frost Dragon reappeared, moving to the Snow Dragon's side. "It's ready," he whispered.
Before the travelers could react, the Frost Dragon triggered the contraption. Ice and snow sprang to life, surrounding the group in an instant. Cole, Elanor, Aurora, and the others found themselves trapped in a freezing, constricting web.
"What's going on?" Cole shouted, struggling against the icy bonds.
The Snow Dragon's smile turned cold. "I'm sorry, but I can't let you continue your quest. It's nothing personal, but my loyalty lies with Lumis."
Elanor's eyes widened in realization. "This was a trap all along!"
Aurora thrashed her tail in frustration, trying to break free. "We trusted you!"
The Snow Dragon sighed. "Trust is a fragile thing, especially in times like these. Lumis will decide your fate now."
As the group struggled to free themselves, Winter was already speeding toward Lumis's temple, ready to deliver the news that the travelers were captured. The fate of the adventurers hung in the balance, and their quest for the Dragon's Heart had taken a dire turn.
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