The Winter kingdom

Version 2.0

As Edric and Lyanna continue their escape from the relentless pursuit of bandits, their journey takes them far from the river, weaving through the hills of the lonely landscape. The air is crisp, and the snow-covered hills stretch endlessly around them, a desolate yet breathtaking sight.

For an entire day, they navigate the challenging terrain, a landscape that offers good concealment. They find temporary refuge in rocky outcroppings, sparse groves of twisted trees, and natural alcoves. The bandits' relentless pursuit forces them to remain on high alert, whispering conversations and glancing nervously over their shoulders.

They weave through the hills, taking advantage of natural contours and rocky formations to avoid detection. As the sun dips below the horizon, they find a secluded spot to rest briefly, catching their breaths and sharing a quick meal.

The weariness sets in, and their legs ache from the constant uphill and downhill trekking. Hunger gnaws at them after a relentless chase. They tread silently, moving like shadows through the lonely hills, constantly vigilant to avoid both bandits and any other potential threats.

Eventually, the bandits' pursuit stops, and they seize the opportunity to break away. The night sky provides some cover as they head back towards the river. Their steps are slow but deliberate, and they cautiously make their way through the hills, retracing their path towards the familiar waters.

Reaching the river, relief washes over them, and they decide to follow its winding course back to the meeting point that they had set. The cold water reflects the moonlight, and the sound of its gentle flow is a soothing companion on their journey.

/

"And after a cold sleep during the night and a trek through the next day, we made it here," Edric explains now clean and with his bandages done up.

"I'm so proud of you sis." Jocelyn says with light tears in her eyes, as she wraps her sister in a hug." You were so brave and cool, you managed to escape the bandits, and help people at the same time."

"Thanks, sis," Lyanna said whilst squeezing her sister tighter.

"Nice work Edric, you managed to get out of there and save the villagers in distress, so heroic," Brandon said smirking at him.

"Har, har. You dick." Edric laughs.

"It's good you are back because I don't know who else I would have silent conversations with." Jon smiles trying to pat Edric's head only for his army to get slapped away.

"Well unlike you I don't feel a never-ending need to chat, the quiet is nice."

"Sounds dull," Jon responds smiling at Edric whilst he rolls his eyes.

"So, what's next then," Lyanna asks.

"Well first you two need to sleep, we have time so you two are going to have the rest of today off, we can continue tomorrow," Brandon explains.

"Alright," Edric says whilst rolling over and wrapping himself in his blanket falling asleep instantly.

As the group settles into their campsite, the evening unfolds with a mix of training and well-needed rest. The crackling campfire casts a warm glow against the backdrop of the looming forest, its branches creating intricate patterns against the darkening sky.

The night breezes by, as enjoyable moments tend to do, and the new day unfolds. Fuelled by a hearty meal, the group embarks on their journey into the forest, venturing north while still tracing the meandering course of the river. The woods are reminiscent of the familiar Winterhaven forest, with towering trees creating a canopy that filters the sunlight to the birds that fly above them.

Each step is met with the soft crunch of fallen leaves mixed with snow and the occasional rustle of unseen creatures darting through the underbrush. The air is tinged with the earthy scent of moss and decaying wood.

As they advance, the terrain shifts, as they witness an increase in wildlife activity near the water's edge. Animals, drawn to the nourishment provided by the river, frolic along the banks or dip into the water to quench their thirst.

As the group follows the river's course, they soon find themselves standing at the threshold of their first checkpoint in the journey — Long Lake. The air is crisp, carrying the scent of pine and damp earth. The looming tree part reveals a serene expanse, where the tranquil lake mirrors the surrounding forest like a liquid-looking glass.

Long Lake stretches out before them, its surface partially frozen. A delicate layer of frost decorates the edges of the water, shimmering in the soft daylight. Despite the frozen veneer, patches of clear water reveal the lake's depths, allowing a glimpse into its hidden world.

Beneath the surface, fish navigate the cold currents, their silvery scales catching the sunlight as they dart between submerged rocks and aquatic vegetation. The presence of perch and pike, native to these waters, adds an element of natural beauty to the scene.

At the lake's edge, a variety of wildlife converges to partake in the nourishing resources it offers. Waterfowl, their plumage reflecting the muted hues of the winter landscape, gracefully navigate the shallows. Mallards and goldeneyes paddle through the partially frozen sections, creating ripples in the still water as they search for aquatic vegetation and small invertebrates.

On the snowy banks, their keen eyes spot tracks left by creatures perhaps red deer or smaller mammals that frequent the area. The calls of distant birds echo through the air, as eagles and crows call out into the sky.

Beside the lake, feeding off its nurturing waters are weirwood trees, their large roots diving into the waters. Their faces watching them as the group treads carefully.

Among the aquatic plants, hardy species like water milfoil and pondweed sway gently beneath the surface. The group takes a moment to absorb the serene atmosphere before continuing their northward journey past the lake and further into the forest.

The decision to make Long Lake a checkpoint in their journey was deliberate, for beyond its serene beauty, there was the potential presence of a small group of the Children of the Forest. The ancient woodlands here were said to be a place where one of their groves was, and specifically, an old friend of Elder Oak was to meet them.

The group explores the surroundings, the towering trees, their branches reaching towards the sky like the spires of nature's cathedral, cast dappled shadows on the snow-covered ground. A hushed ambiance surrounds them, broken only by the occasional creaking of branches weighed down by snow.

In their quest for the Children of the Forest, the group pauses by a cluster of gnarled trees, their bare branches intertwined in a snake's pit that was overflowing. Ravens flit through the branches above, their calls harmonizing with the ambient sounds of the forest.

As they step closer, the group discovers a weirwood tree nestled within the foliage of the surrounding trees. Its pale bark contrasts with the dark trunks of the others, and its red leaves rustle in the breeze like whispers of an age-old secret.

Within the intertwined branches of this sacred weirwood, a natural nesting site emerges as a sanctuary where ravens have chosen to roost. The air is filled with the caws and callings of these intelligent birds, their ebony feathers creating a stark contrast against the snowy landscape. The group observes the ravens, and the ravens watch them back.

This, they realize, is the messenger grove, where the children are believed to communicate with the True Tongue, an ancient language that transcends the mundane. The children of the forest learn much from the ravens and can speak to others as well through them.

The rustling leaves, the rhythmic cawing of ravens, and the interwoven branches seem to match perfectly with each other, as they wait in anticipation that Elder Oak's friend will be here soon.