Years ago, when knights of valor guarded magnificent castles, and when kings and queens ruled over great kingdoms, when wizards and sorceresses roamed the lands, and dragons flew freely across the sky. A child was born. Her face was the color of ice, with hair as black as midnight, and eyes as blue as the sea. Her skin was perfect in ever way, except for a small birthmark on her head. And as she was born on the midnight of the winter solstice, she was called Winter the Snow Maiden. As Winter grew up, she became wild in her mind. She roamed the grassy fields, and the white snowy mountains. The one place that she was forbidden to go, was the Darkwood. That being so, it became her greatest dream to break free of the perimeters that held her back form the wild forests. She longed for the freedom that was promised in the deep green folds of the leafy trees. And time and time again, she would be found gazing longingly at mysterious woods that surrounded her home. The tiny fairy servants in her fathers household would scold her saying, “Why do you pine away after something forbidden? Go play where you are safe, and can run freely. Stay away from there.” At this they would point with trembling fingers to the Darkwood. So she lived her life for years and years. Growing strong in mind and body, and swift in foot. She was like a deer, beautiful, and cunning. She was like a wildcat fiercely protecting the ones she loved. She was like a swan, graceful in her all movements.  But even with all that beauty she was like a mule, stubborn in every way. As she grew wiser and more like a woman, men came from every region, and every land, to try for her hand in marriage. (For her father was a well known and respected man, and she herself was famous for her beauty.) But she turned them all away, for while many men possessed great riches, and lovely things none had what she really desired. Freedom. For even after all those years, She still wanted to travel the world at her own whim. Winter wanted to run free with the wild horses, and soar high in the sky with the mighty dragons. But alas! For this was a power no man could give her. One night, on the eve of her nineteenth birthday, Winter was sent out into the garden while her father met with a rich young prince from the western land. As Winter strolled along the garden path, under the pale gaze of the full moon, a small movement caught her eye. She looked up, and stood still. For there on the edge of the Darkwood, was a unicorn. White as the brightest star, the unicorn stared at Winter with the same interest as she stared at him. Then, with a small toss of his long, silky, snow white mane. He was gone. Winter gave a small cry. For at her first glimpse of the beast, she had loved him. In an instant she was after him. Running like the wind desperately searching for the unicorn. She ran unceasing throughout the night, until the first light of morning peeked over the horizon. And it was then, she saw him. rearing up on his powerful hind legs, he stood. The bright golden sunlight caressing him gently. It began to snow softly, and the icy flakes kissed him with tenderness of a mother kissing her child. A sigh escaped Winter as she watched the beautiful beast lay down on the downy green winter grass. The unicorn beckoned to her, and she approached him. He spoke to her in a voice like clear crystal bells. “I am Camthalion, the Ice Prince of the North, I have come seeking the hand of Winter, the Snow Maiden.” As the unicorn spoke these word a mist settled over him, and when it lifted he was transformed into a man. He was strong in mind and body, graceful like a sawn, and in his eyes Winter could see that he was cunning like a deer. Winter answered the unicorn saying. “None are allowed to see the Snow Maiden, unless the come bearing a gift.” For Winter wished to see if this mysterious unicorn man could give her what she truly desired. Camthalian nodded his head and answered her. “I come bearing the greatest gift of all. I come bearing the power to run alongside wild horses, and soar in the skies with the mighty dragons. I come to give the gift of freedom. “  So Winter guided the unicorn back to her home, and they were married. And Then Winter received her  greatest wish. For she was able to roam through the Darkwood, and travel the world at a whim. She was free and she was happy. And she lived on in peace to the end of her days