False Stirrings by GrayOverload, on Flickr
The air was no longer cold, nor was the earth hard and desolate. It was a strange occurrence, seeing this much emerald colored grass after the first snowfall. Instead of feeling as if winter had its grasp on the Middle Continent, those within and around Dragon Valley felt as if spring had made an early, unsolicited appearance. Clearly, something strange was afoot.
Nonetheless, the travelers were very thankful for the change of weather. After spending most of their time trudging through autumn’s crisp days, the renewal of warmth to the region raised the company’s spirits.
Instead of risking mountain travel, Scott had made the decision to voyage around the rim of the Black Hills and escape through the low-lying hills of the northwest on the border of the Black Forest. Once they were free of the valley’s clutches, they would travel south directly through Minten and continue into Angten, where their journey would end once and for all.
For the time being, however, they remained within the humble valley, admiring all the sights and sounds of its people in this post-snowfall moment. While crossing a small, steadily constructed bridge in the village’s woodsy countryside, Ryan voiced something that had been of concern to him for quite some time.
“Hey, Scott. I’ve noticed something strange over the past few days, and I was wondering if you noticed too. Has the sky seemed brighter to you, even during the night?” Ryan asked, his face twisted in thought.
Scott ceased walking and pondered for a moment before declaring, “Now that you mention it, yes. I did happen to notice the change. I didn’t think much of it, to be fair. I figured it was some phenomena due to the change of seasons."
As he finished speaking, a low rumbling shook the earth beneath them. Droning and deep, the grumble was not enough to cause concern, but certainly enough to raise suspicion.
The three waited for some time before resuming their voyage. “Something peculiar is happening, that is certain,” Scott stated, “But we’ve got a journey to make before we even think about what’s going on here!”
Ryan nodded, and that was the end of that conversation.
The brook continued to churn quietly, and the snow glistened in the evening sun. Whatever was happening elsewhere, the party would not falter. Whether this was a wise decision, though, had yet to be decided.
A mystery weaves it's way into the path of our travelers. What could all of these almost otherworldly instances mean?
C&C welcome?
