The ground crunches underfoot with thick frost, and autumn surrenders without a fight.
Days grow shorter and stars hold court in the darkness reigning above.
An unnatural cold permeates the town, and the Foam River's jubilant voice is frozen under the ice.
Birds abandon their nests for warmer climes, their songs silenced by winter's grim embrace.
The frozen riverbank north of town a barren sight of blood and death.
Falcon's Hollow has suffered enough.
** Dinner Time, Home, September 26th, 52 Years After the Fall of Bhall **
Two days ago the Carnival came to town. With it came games and attractions, fun and festivities. The townsfolk were blind to the Dark Ice Fey that slipped secretly into the carnival lead by a Cold Rider of Mulcarn. As the fun went on a powerful relic was used, The Eye of Rapture, to turn the carnival into a macabre freak show of death and murder. Nearly one hundred townsfolk died in the grim spectacle that followed. Thanks to the brave actions of our heroes the town was spared an even worse fate.
A group of locals had been turned into trees, but thanks to the Fey Queen Syntira and her Elohim ally Beltarion those people were just returned to normal. Now back in the house of our heroes talk of an expedition begins as dinner is cooked.
Edgrin and Torrak have done as suggested, the lamb was cut in half and now both are seasoning it as they believe is best. "...its a contest!" The pair are in the background, but every now and then you hear one shouting or laughing at the other's choices as they make ready to roast dinner.
In the room the kids all run to Gunner's side and are hugging and whispering. The little ones don't speak much but at the sight of their 'big brother' they are more active. Even Jurin Kreed is here, he's becoming best friends with Gunner, even if his dad Thuldrin Kreed (the biggest lumber baron in town) doesn't like it. The man can not deny the group has saved his son for him more than once now.
As the talk of 'work' starts the kids move to a corner of the house. The place is small, too small, and it is crowded with everyone here, but it is a good crowding, like when all your family is over for a Winter's Day Feast or other holiday.
Outside Wil makes sure his wolf companion is comfortable in the shed, the place doesn't have a proper stable or barn attached, and the weather starts in on him, but more so the good smells of roasting meat from the kitchen chimney hits his nose and he can't resist coming inside -- only for a little bit.