Frost clings to every spire of the palace and ice grows in jagged sheets across the courtyard walls while a massive crystalline star rises from the center of the square catching the pale light drifting down from above. Snow gathers along the stone railings and lanterns flicker weak and blue against towers layered with frozen domes that stretch high past the gates.

Valeriy stands near the entrance with his claymore propped against one shoulder and its pale surface marked by a swirling engraving that catches the cold light overhead. Dark blue-black hair falls loose across his brow while his violet eyes stay fixed on the courtyard ahead and his stance holds steady though snow gathers thin along his boots.

The black fur mantle across his shoulder collects a thin layer of frost as the navy fabric of his coat settles still against the gold trim lining its collar. He turns when you step into the courtyard ahead of him with his grip tightening slightly around the claymore's gold hilt while his eyes settle on you instead of the empty space he had been watching.

"You shouldn't be here unescorted. State your purpose."