5 Chapter 5

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The midday sun hung overhead, casting a soft glow across the expansive fields that surrounded the village. Rolling fields of snow-covered farmland stretched out before them, a patchwork quilt of pristine white interrupted by the occasional dark furrows where crops would try to find their roots. Farmers, bundled against the chill, toiled in the fields, their breath visible in the crisp air as they tended to the winter crops that would sustain Winterhaven through the colder months. 

The rhythmic sounds of working life filled the air—the soft crunch of boots on snow, the occasional laughter of labourers sharing a moment of camaraderie, and the distant lowing of sheep from the barns. Plumes of smoke rose from chimneys of nearby farmhouses, carrying the comforting scent of hearth and home.

As the quartet approached the outskirts of Winterhaven, Halvar nodded to the kids. "I'll be off for a bit more hunting. You three take care and stay out of trouble."

"Trouble? Halvar, you make it sound like we actively seek it out."

Edric chuckled. "That is literally you, Jon."

"Thanks, Halvar, for staying with us in the woods," Brandon said.

"Yeah, thanks, Halvar," echoed Jon and Edric in unison. 

Halvar waved off their thanks. "It was no problem, and it's good to see you kids interested in the woods. Now, get back to the village and give that firewood to whoever needs it."

"And tell everyone about the Children of the Forest and magic, it's so cool," Brandon said, bouncing on the heels of his feet.

Halvar chuckled. "Yes, yes, now off you go. I have some traps to check."

With that, the quartet split up, Halvar disappearing into the forest's embrace while the three kids headed toward Olga's house.

The trio arrived at Olga's quaint cottage; their hands laden with bundles of firewood. The air around her house carried the comforting scent of burning wood, as smoke curled lazily from the chimney. Olga smiled sweetly at their return. "My adventures, back already? And with firewood, no less. You're such sweet boys."

As they entered, Edric proudly presented the firewood. "We thought you might need a bit extra, especially with winter getting so bad."

Olga's wrinkled face broke into a smile. "You sweet lads, always looking out for this old woman. Now, tell me, what adventures have you been up to today?"

With bouncing feet and wildly exaggerated movements, they regaled Olga with tales of their foray into the woods. They animatedly spoke of Acorn, the Child of the Forest, and the wonders of magic, even showing the berries they got. As true masters of tales, they remembered the best and forgot the rest.

Olga listened with rapt attention; her eyes sparkling as she smiled along with their story. "Children of the Forest and showings of Magic. Oh, you've had a quite the day, you little munchkins."

Brandon grinned. "It was incredible, Olga. You should have seen it—the woods are like a different world."

Olga chuckled. "Yes, they are, I've seen my fair share of wonders and the woods sure are one, and hearing your tales is a joy."

As the fire crackled in the hearth, the trio continued to share their adventures with Olga and ask her for more of her own. Their innocence begged for more to fill their minds with new joys, wonders, and interests.

" Quite an adventure, and the check of you boys to try and not mention the dire wolf, you'd best have learned your lesson with that dire wolf. If Halvar wasn't there with you, I would have given you a smack for being so reckless," Olga reprimanded, her tone stern.

The three lads scratched their faces, looking away shyly.

"But you are smart boys, so I think you have learned your lesson. Thank you for the wood; this has been a long and cold winter, so it is much appreciated. It's around lunchtime, so would you like some bread and cheese freshly made?" Olga offered, her demeanour softening.

"Thank you for the offer, Olga, but we best be heading home for food, and we still need to drop off some firewood at Tobias's," Edric responded before Jon and Brandon could say anything.

With that, Edric led the trio out of Olga's cosy cottage, and they made their way in the direction of Tobias's house while Olga waved them off.

"Edric, why did we not have food?" Brandon asked.

"Olga makes some of the best food ever," Jon chimed in.

"Winter has been tough, so we can't be a burden to Olga. She needs to take care of herself; we can fend for ourselves," Edric said, though the grumble of his stomach disagreed with him. The trio continued their journey through Winterhaven and headed towards Tobias to drop off their firewood.

The trio arrived at Tobias's workshop, the rustic space filled with the earthy scent of wood shavings and the rhythmic sounds of carpentry. Tobias was diligently working on an oak table, moving around and adding his finishing touches, a small chip here, an uneven piece there.

As they entered, Tobias cast a glance in their direction, his eyes following them. A grunt was all they got. The trio exchanged knowing glances and smiled at one another. 

Edric stepped forward, the bundle of firewood in his arms, and placed it neatly by the workshop door. "The firewood for you, Tobias."

Tobias, without looking up from his work, grunted again, before awkwardly smiling at them. The trio lingered for a moment, observing the carpenter at work, the air heavy with the scent of freshly cut wood.

"Thanks for the wood, boys," Tobias said as they waved the boys off before getting back to work.

As they left the workshop, the rhythmic sounds of Tobias's craft continued before they reached a familiar village square.

"So, Edric, fancy some of my mom's stew tonight? She's been brewing it all day, and it smelled amazing," Jon offered with an inviting smile.

Brandon nudged Edric, "Yeah, and you can tell her all about our adventure. You know how much she loves a good story."

Edric considered the tempting offer but shook his head. "Thanks, guys, but I've got some things to take care of at home. Maybe next time."

Jon nods, "Alright, your loss. Tell your dad we said hi."

With that, they all split off, each heading toward their respective homes. 

/

Brandon pushed open the door to his home, greeted by the warmth emanating from the hearth. The room unfolded into a combined dining room and kitchen, where a sturdy wooden table and chairs sat in a corner. The table, filled with stains, scratches, chips and scraps on the floor, felt like home.

In the kitchen area, dented pots and pans hung from shiny hooks, gleaming copper in the soft light reflecting scratched bases. The scent of a hearty stew lingered in the air, crackling over the spitting fire.

A corridor led deeper into the house, flanked by two bedrooms. The room on the left, belonging to Torrhen and Alarra, bore a simple neatly made bed with tick wool blankets and a small tightly packed dresser.

On the right, the door to the kids' room stood ajar. Two beds lined either side, blankets unmade and half falling onto the floor and pillows strewn on the bed. A wooden floor scratched up near every part of the room, and bed posts with a slight wonkiness.

In the corner of the combined dining room and kitchen, a rustic fireplace stood, its worn stone covered in soot kept the fire back. The crackling fire danced within, casting a warm and flickering glow that played across the room's wooden furnishings. The flames danced up the walls highlighting the odd marks and colours on the walls and showing the cracks and splinters in the wooden walls.

The hearth, adorned with a wooden box of obsidian jewellery (for special occasions.) and a simple wrought-bronze poker, served as the heart of the home. Its warmth dispels the cold. As Brandon entered, the welcoming heat from the fireplace enveloped him, drawing him closer, hugging him close, as its embers lit up.