Winter went by at a happy simple pace. Life had developed into a once again comfortable routine. The children were well settled for the most part and life was good. Several key things happened over those months.

Odin introduced us to his new bride, Hiila. He made her from the ash of his fallen wives, the sweat of his brow, the waters of the Oakhaven lake, and the soil of Twilight. She was mesmerizing! She stood tall, straight and proud, though only reaching about five foot five. Her skin was creamy and the color of honey, warm and glowy. Her hair the color of the deepest, greenest grass was thick and long, trailing behind her as she walked. She had warm brown eyes and the first time she looked at me, she winked. When she spoke it was like a whisper but strong with authority. Her touch was warm and soft as she bowed to me, taking my hand when we met. I liked her immediately!

The next was Emily met and fell in love with Hamish, a blacksmith and one of Raven’s newly appointed and must trusted guards.

Another was introducing Winter holiday. There is no Christmas here. I fretted over it until Em suggested we introduce something like it. And so we did and the word spread far and wide that Wintermas was approaching. A time to bring your families in for the winter, and thank Father Odin (who found it quite funny) for the bounty to keep you through the months. Gifts were giving as well. All in all it went extremely well, and is now a firmly placed tradition.

The next, which was very alarming was Izzy fell down a rock, cutting her side which became infected. It was a terrible realization to me that once again I may lose my children.