The Winter kingdom

Version 2.0

As the group quietly chatted to themselves, a small figure emerged from the forest. A Child of the Forest, with almond-shaped eyes that gleam, and finely crafted grass robes though frayed along its edges. Their skin was as smooth as the birch trees, and their hair, the colour of moss, was wild and uneven.

"Welcome, travellers. You seek the guidance of the woods, and here you find it," the Child of the Forest says, their voice a melodic whisper. "I am Pine, a guardian of these ancient woods. Oak has told me of your purpose and for that, I extend my gratitude for your sacrifice."

"No need Pine we are all in the same boat and if what Oak said is true then we all need each other to fight against it," Brandon said.

"Still my thanks, Brandon, now kindness would dictate that I bring you to the Grove however humans are not much loved there. History has made it so that your kind are … not loved much. So, I would not bring you in case of harm. But a friend of Oak is a friend of mine so I offer you my home, stay and rest the night here and I shall look after you." Pine said.

"Oh," Jocelyn exclaims quietly to herself, whilst Lyanna pats her head.

"Thank you, Pine. It would be much appreciated," Brandon said, glancing at the group, who wore expressions of gratitude.

Pine guides the group away from the heart tree and towards a towering tree. The tree parts to them, revealing a hidden entrance within the bark. The entrance opens into a cozy dwelling lit up by soft light through the leaves. Stepping through they feel the ground underfoot cushioning them by a carpet of moss, as it softly catches them.

The furniture, expertly crafted from branches and vines, with elaborate patterns and symbols, reminiscent of the forest's flora, adorn the surfaces. In one corner, a hearth made of river stones radiates warmth, surrounded by comfortable cushions fashioned from woven vines. The walls are lined with intricate tapestries depicting scenes from Pines history.

Pine gestures toward a communal area with low tables and cushions, inviting the group to make themselves at home. "This is my sanctuary, where the heart of the forest beats in harmony with me. Rest here and let the whispers of the leaves lull you."

Jocelyn, still processing the marvel around her, whispers to Lyanna, "This is so cool sis."

Lyanna nods, her eyes raking over every detail of the home. "It's incredible. I never imagined such a place existed."

"It is quite something isn't it; the gods of the world have given it life so that we get to experience it," Pine says, as he happily gazes upon his home.

With a graceful motion, the Child raises his slender arms to the heavens, their fingertips tracing patterns in the air like notes upon a celestial score. And then, with a voice as pure and sweet as the babbling brook, he begins to sing.

The melody that spills forth is unlike anything heard by mortal ears, a symphony of nature's creation. Each note hangs in the air like a gossamer thread, weaving a sound that transports all who hear it to a realm beyond them.

The music swells and cascades, rising and falling like the ebb and flow of the tides. It speaks of ancient forests and forgets thoughts, of whispers carried on the wind and secrets whispered in the shadows. And as the Child's voice reaches its crescendo, a wave of emotion washes over all who listen, their hearts swelling with a profound sense of awe and wonder.

For at that moment, in the presence of the Child of the Forest and their hauntingly beautiful song, time seems to stand still. All who listen slump in their chairs finding a perfect position, as a warm air blankets them as the temptation of basking in the moment takes over. And when the final note fades into silence, leaving only the gentle rustle of leaves and the soft murmur of the breeze, tears glisten in the eyes of those who have been touched by the magic of the Child's music.

For they have borne witness to something truly miraculous, a glimpse into the timeless beauty of the natural world and the boundless power of the ancient beings who call it home.

"Wow," Jocelyn says, wiping a tear that had ticked from the corner of her eye.

"Few humans have ever had the privilege to hear the True Tongue, let alone hear it sung, but I hope that it shall give you the strength of the beauty that is in life."

As the group settles in still revelling in the moment of music, Pine prepares an herbal incense gathered from the forest, its soothing aroma filling the air. The walls seem to echo with the forest's song, welcoming the weary travellers into the embrace of their newfound sanctuary.

"Come rest yourself and feed yourselves whilst you can, for I fear as you travel further north things are only going to get more difficult for you."

"Do you know anything Pine?" Edric asks.

"Only what the raven whispers, tales of humans crazed with hunger, beast brazen with fright. I can only gather information that I hear from my ravens, but they speak between themselves. They tell me of the white monsters."

"There are no white monsters, not that I know of," Brandon says as he rubs his face.

"It makes little sense to me, and for them to be up at Fist of the First Men. More concerning is my ravens never wanting to get close, fear that it will kill them just like everything else. It is becoming increasingly dangerous out there so make sure to look after yourself, we have already lost some of our people to it."

"Can I ask how that happened?" Jocelyn asked.

"Jocelyn you should not ask that, it's rude and personal," Lyanna said as she covered her sister's mouth before she moved it away when Jocelyn licked it.

"It is quite alright, one of our elders did not return after they went north trying to look into what was happening. Aloe was his name. They have not replied with raven and no raven can find them either."

"Apologies for asking Pine and we are sorry for your loss," Lyanna says.

"It is fine, they knew what they were getting into and although their body is gone their spirit is in the forest now with the gods." He said with a slightly peaceful smile on his face. "Now enough of that, tell me of your journey and how it has been, I wish to know of the world that is outside the reach of my ravens."

Their vivid narratives paint a poignant picture of a dying land, its once-vibrant spirit succumbing to winter. Pine, though rooted in the heart of the forest, feels everything they speak seeming to know exactly what they mean.

The stories of abandoned villages and the desperation that drives bandits to dark deeds. As Brandon shares the group's journey, Pine's expression shifts, always changing and expressing everything he feels leaving nothing hidden.

The tales continue until Brandon, perhaps noticing Jocelyn's sleeping breaths, sees her leaning on her sister for support. The realization prompts a collective agreement to conclude the day's storytelling. Pine bids them a restful slumber, and the group disperses to find reprieve in the embrace of sleep.