"Captain, there's no more snow" - One of the Shadow Guards whispered, awe in her voice. She stared down at the brown soil beneath her boots, real earth, no longer hidden beneath layers of frost. Around them, the trees grew taller, and their leaves richer in color. Greens, deep and alive, swayed gently in the breeze.
The further they walked, the more alive the forest became.
Leier stopped, raising her hand to halt the others. Her single eye scanned the forest ahead, taking in the unfamiliar and brimming life surrounding them - "Keep your guard up. And your ears sharp" she commanded. Despite the calm tone in her voice, she couldn't completely hide the glimmer of surprise and expectation in her expression. This place was indeed beautiful.
