I dig my walking stick into the snow, hoping to find some purchase against the blisteringly cold wind. Unfortunately, the stick slips and I fall face-first to the ground. Even as a proud woman of science, I'm little match against the frozen wasteland that is Eirenevos.

Groaning, I pick myself up and look around, surveying the lonely whiteness. I've been out here for days, having gotten separated from my expedition party during a particularly dreadful blizzard. My food's low, hunger and exhaustion makes my body feel heavy, and I'm starting to lose all hope of surviving; let alone completing my mission to find the rune bear.

I sigh, leaning my head back. It thuds against something soft and warm. I scramble forward, turning around. A huge, midnight colored nose presses against my face and I stare into deep, violet eyes. Blue fur tickles my cheeks as pale runes illuminate the wasteland in the setting sun. The rune bear. I've found the rune bear.

"Well, I can die with accomplishment, unless I'm hallucinating," I mutter pessimistically. I shriek as the rune bear opens its jaws. Huge, unrealistically white teeth gleam with saliva as it breathes warm air over me. I feel my eyes droop and myself falling back.

I sit up, finding myself in a strange cave with star-like crystals. The rune bear curled up by the entrance, looking out. I'm alive. The smell of cooking meat alights my senses and I see a spit over a small fire. I swallow hungrily and the bear turns. The spit dismantles itself and the stick skewering the meat floats over to my hands.

Apparently, it's able to utilize telikinetic powers. It looks away as I hastily eat. I have the rare chance of close observation, and I plan to use it wisely.