The Winter kingdom

Version 2.0

The majestic trees stood muted as few birds dared to nets here any longer, no dens graced the roots and grounds, and no cave or dugout graced the predators. Leaves withered and curled in on themselves as branches slit and flake to dust. The vibrant colours of the foliage had muted, casting a subdued palette upon the forest canvas. The glow that once danced through the branches dimmed as shadows clung to the trunks of the trees.

As they neared the grove, the hallowed ground where the Children of the Forest resided, the very heart of the woodland seemed dead. The once-vibrant symphony of the forest had grown quiet, replaced by an eerie stillness as no bird, tree, animal, or living thing seemed to beath to the rhythm of the forest.

As the trio stepped into the heart of the grove, desolation engulfed them. The once vibrant and pulsating energy that permeated the air had been replaced by a faint wisp. The land beneath their feet seemed to shudder with a silent plea, a cry for help that echoed through the wounded heart of the forest.

Great plants, that lived to rustle in the breeze, now clung to the ground like dying children, their colours muted and life force dwindling. The very ground, once teeming with growth, felt fragile and worn, like a dying man just wanting to go home.

Amid this sombre scene, the heart tree, a symbol of the forest's ancient wisdom and resilience, appeared to bear the brunt of the affliction. The bark groaned under the weight of itself. Fresh tears, like dewdrops, glistened on the face of the heart tree, trailing down its left eye, tracing a silent path down its weathered countenance.

They headed for the only sanctuary in the forest with its great knowledge and wisdom. Despite what was happening around them, this was much the same with a familiar face. Acorn's gaze met theirs, and a subtle smile played on her lips.

"Back for a final time, little ones," her voice laced in melodic cadence. "The elder is waiting for you."

"We are ready." As they looked to one another, eyes burning, matching each other.

"Then step into the room and receive Elder Oaks' final words." Acorn gestured toward the entrance. Stepping through, they were greeted by their elder as he parted with his book.

"You have come, but there is no more learning to give. It is time for you to begin what you started years ago. For through the ages, a silent sage, the forest scribes its boundless page," He stands up, his joints creaking. "You have learned much from us, from magical knowledge to survival, battles to the forests. But now it is time. Through bark and bough, the forest speaks, tales of realms where magic peaks."

"You must now travel far into the north; we do not know what you will see, but know it is where life has been. Find where nature is disturbed and use the knowledge that you have learned. Look for the heart trees and find out what has done the deed," Sitting back down, closing his eyes.

"I still don't understand why he speaks in rhymes," Edric whispers.

Jon moves his head closer. "Because he is a bit mental, must be all that greensight."

Brandon gives his friends a stink eye. "Thank you, Elder; we shall leave."

"Before you leave, I have something for you," Acorn steps out from behind them. "For each of you, weapons so that you may defend and protect one another."

She reveals a bundle covered in smooth cloth. She unfurls, revealing three simple swords. "Bronze weapons that we have kept from past wars with your people, may they do you good now instead."

The three bronze swords gleamed, scratches running along the blade, melding with the runes that ran along its spine. Though the edges drew the eye, as they whistled through the air and rang out as they lightly touched one another. The hilts, adorned with flaking leather, wrapped tightly around the handle and sat comfortably in their hands.

"Lastly our gifts from our people, obsidian daggers, so that you will remember all that you have learned and learn much more."

Smooth reflective rocks gleamed in her hands, the light partially reflecting off it, as it highlighted the runes and patterns upon its edge. They made no sound in her hand, even when dragged against one another, no flakes or chips fell upon them. The handles weaved, bending around her hand, laced with her fingers as she passed each of them their daggers, not moving the hands of their new wielders.

"Thanks. We will use them well, and finish what we started." Brandon effortlessly let the dagger float.

"Don't worry, this'll be a piece of piss."

They made their way back to the village, their shoulders tight and tough but held high and carried with a straight back.

As they reached the outskirts of the village, Brandon peeled off from the group, heading towards his home. The air seemed colder, the skies greyer, and the village more sombre than before. The people, gaunt and weary, moved about their daily tasks with familiar motions but burning eyes.

Entering his home, Brandon found his family gathered in the living area. "Brandon, you're back. How was your talk? You got everything you need, you got your provisions, right?" Alarra asked as she started to straighten out his collar.

Brandon took a deep breath. "There is nothing left to learn, and now we head north."

Torrhen, the fire reflecting off his face, looked up. "So, our time is up then. You're going."

Brandon hesitated. "Aye. The time has come." He sighed. "The North isn't going to get better without someone doing something; we are just the fortunate ones who get to."

Alarra drew Brandon close to her. "Our brave baby boy." He hugs her back. "Be safe, don't do anything stupid, and I expect you home fully intact." She said as she threaded his hair.

"We'll manage here. Do what you must, and then come back to us. Remember, if you don't know what to do, then do what is right." He got up, drawing his family to him. "We're very proud of you."

Alys rested her head on his back, mumbling into it. "Be safe and take care of Jon and Edric as well as yourself. Remember it is better to come back alive than to never come back; we don't want to lose you."

Brandon left his family heading to his room, slowly packing the rest of his supplies. His pack, stitched kindly by Alys and Alarra, was filled with many warm clothes, spare utensils, and polishing stones, all carefully arranged. His secured bronze sword, at his waist, and obsidian dagger across his back. Finally, the last of the family dried foods, wrapped up and placed carefully with the foods of the children of the forest.

And so, he set out to meet back up with Edric and Jon at their designated spot to help the village in the only way they knew they could.