The sun rose, bringing hope after months of a darkness that threatened permanence. A rosy blush tinted the fields of snow, tracing random patterns that soothed the soul and hinted at deeper mysteries. A lone caribou disturbed the horizon, gold limned head raised proudly, silhouetted against the backdrop of sun and sky. A team of dogs ran, free from the traces, bounding and snapping, sharp teeth flashing in wolfish grins. The wind whispered joy, whistling and dancing, pushing randomly to settle into new places always longed for. And found it was already there.

Fraser woke, smiled, and reached for Ray.