The Winter kingdom

Version 2.0

As the first light of dawn tiptoed into the small bedroom, Brandon stirred from his sleep. His bed creaked softly as he shifted, his cotton blanket threatening to fall off the bed bearing his body to the harsh cold. His pillow cradled his head with familiar comfort, a sack filled with straw bundled, perfectly snuggled him. 

Beneath the low-hung rafters of their modest abode, Brandon roused himself from the straw-filled mattress. The creaking floorboards whimpered beneath his weight as he stretched, the lingering traces of sleep giving way to the anticipation of a new day.

Padding across the worn wooden planks, Brandon entered the heart of their home as the family had gathered around the sturdy oak table, where rough-hewn chairs carried his family. Torrhen, was busy at the hearth whilst Alarra was fussing over Alys, tending to her hair. Alys beamed with morning energy.

"Morning, Brandon!" she chirped, smiling brightly.

"Morning," Brandon said, as he started rocking on his feet.

"Well, aren't you an excited bunny?" Alarra said, her beautiful smile gracing her face. "Let me guess, off to the forest again with Jon and Edric."

"Yeah, I can't wait to get there," Brandon said, sitting down his leg starting to bounce.

"Be safe, dear," Alarra said.

"Remember, Brandon, it's about the journey, not the destination."

"Yes, Dad, I know." He says shaking his head.

"What can I say, I'm-"

"Filled with wisdom," Brandon and Alys finished.

"I'm glad that what I say is sticking with you," Torrhen said, smiling.

Seated at the table, the family shared a breakfast of simple abundance—eggs and slices of freshly baked bread. The eggs, golden and warm, coated the bread like its own blanket, keeping it warm and ready to be eaten. As they broke the fast together, the clinking of utensils against plates and the crackle of the hearth settled the rhythm for the day.

With the warmth of finished breakfast still lingering on his palate, Brandon bid farewell to his family with kisses from mom and waves from father and sister. Stepping out of the cozy enclave, the village square beckoned. The quaint cottages, the bustling trading square, and the rhythmic cadence of work and joy. 

Brandon found his friends Edric and Jon engaged in animated banter.

"Morning, lads!" Brandon called out, grinding wildly.

Jon clapped Brandon on the shoulder. "Look who finally decided to join the land of the living. Sleep well?"

"Like a babe, but enough of that we are going to see the children of the forest, and you guys are coming along," Brandon said, returning Jon's grin, as Edric shot Brandon a sidelong glance.

"Really? I thought you would have been up all-night thinking of magic, maybe even Acorn," Jon teased, as he nudged Brandon.

Brandon rolled his eyes. "Nah, I slept quickly so that I could wake up sooner and get to see magic again. Now come on, we are going to go see Halvar and see if he will take us into the forest."

"So pushy in the morning, Bran," Jon teased, feeling the gentle shove from Brandon.

"He is always like this with something new, he becomes so demanding," Edric said, grinning at Brandon.

"Gods, can you imagine when he gets interested in a woman, poor her," Jon said.

Brandon's cheeks flush pink. "Less talking and more moving, people. Let's go," he urged, giving both friends a more purposeful push toward the edge of the village. The banter continued as they ventured toward the outskirts of Winterhaven, Brandon's excitement building with every step.

The familiar sights of Halvar's hut emerged, nestled on the boundary between woods and snow lands. Halvar's home, a modest structure woven from sturdy thick logs, and thatched with materials from the forest itself, from branches to leaves, its walls decorated with skulls of animals of every kind, proudly displayed. Manny racks led off from the house, hanging skins of every animal in large quantities, many types of meat dried and even a smokehouse was underway as meats were divinely enriched inside.

The winds, crisp with the scent of smoke and meats greeted the trio as they neared Halvar's dwelling. Cried echoed from the trees as they approached as a nesting pair of eagles took flight into the sky, disappearing into the distance. The three friends approached and were greeted by Halvar working on skiing some hides.

"Good morning, Halvar!" Brandon greeted, practically vibrating.

"Morning, lads," Halvar replied, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. He knew that whenever the trio showed up, a request for another escapade wasn't far behind.

"We were thinking, you know, maybe today's the day for another trip into the forest," Brandon suggested, his voice filled with eagerness.

"Ah, you lot never tire, do you?" Halvar chuckled, casting a glance at each of them.

"It's just... we want to see Acorn again. And maybe, you know, a bit of that magic," Brandon added, his eyes widening with hope.

"And you two want to do this as well then?" Halvar asked.

They both shrugged their shoulders.

"I am not so fussed, besides, it's fun seeing Brandon so excited for something, and we had nothing else planned. The magic was also cool," Edric explained.

Halvar scratched his beard, considering the request. "You've got to understand, the forest isn't a playground. There are dangers, and not all of them are as friendly as Acorn, as you so kindly saw yesterday."

"We know, Halvar. We're not afraid," Jon said, as he puffed out his chest.

"And we won't be any trouble. We'll listen to your every word," Edric said.

Halvar sighed. "And I imagine like all the other times that when I say no, you will continue to bug me for the rest of my life until I do it. Or do it yourself and get hurt?" He asked with exasperation in his voice.

The three just smiled as they looked away from Halvar swaying with the winds.

"What I do for you three and peace and quiet. All right, but remember, we go where I say, and you follow every instruction. The forest is old, and it has its rules, and we don't break them."

A triumphant cheer erupted from the trio as Halvar agreed to guide them once again into the heart of the mysterious woods, where the secrets of Winterhaven and the enchantments of the forest intertwined.

Brandon fired off a series of rapid questions, his enthusiasm bubbling over. "How do we find Acorn again? Will she show up in the same place? Will she want to meet us?"

"I haven't delved much into the history of the children of the forest with your lot. Each part of their woodland territory is tended to by one of them. It keeps the area safe and healthy. By returning to the same spot, where we met Acorn last time should bring her to us."

"Excellent! What are we waiting for? Let's get moving!" Brandon exclaimed, taking charge as he headed towards the forest.

Edric chuckled. "It's been a while since he wore that much excitement."

Jon grinned, "Puppy mode go."

"Shut up, Jon," Brandon said as he came back and started to drag his friends off.

And so, the party resumed their journey, forging ahead toward the towering woodlands where mysteries awaited.