#i dont know why i wrote about winter/early spring when its still august

[lukas-crowsong]

there was no thought process behind this other than da kids go camping

i hope you enjoy if you read :)

Walking on clouds became more and more plausible as the ground fell away from sight, the path ahead declining steeply and disappearing over the ridge. There is nothing like rising over the crest of a hill and seeing the entire landscape splayed out before you like a drawn map come to life. Windmills and farms dotted the countryside, hazy specks against lush pale fields. Over distant Epona -- a rocky splotch against the ocean -- sunset was just fading, casting a rosey shadow over the island of Jorvik.

Evergreen branches of pine trees laden with snow were packed thickly on either side of the trail, casting long shadows against the light. The first flowers of spring were just beginning to sprout on either verge: snowdrops and daffodils and witch hazels amongst the snow.

Lukas pointed into the trees. "There's a clearing through there. Campsite?"

Judging her map, Lily gave her affirmative. Without much need for prompting, the two horses turned away from the ridge and plodded off the path, heads low to avoid hanging branches. Lukas and Lily ducked under those same branches and let the horses pick their way through the shrubbery.

Emerging into the clearing was like taking a breath of fresh air; sharp in the ice of shade, pine filled Lukas' lungs. The open space was perfectly sized for a campfire and a collection of tents. Young saplings had been planted in the previous places of felled trees now used for seating. The only sign of the campsite being used recently was the ring of grass devoid of snow around the firepit.

Lily stretched luxuriously in the saddle, arms over her head. "This feels like a good place to make camp." She yawned in sync with Milkbread.

Lukas nodded and slipped off Moose's back. Dismounting from the tall Andalusian was no easy feat; the distance to the ground was almost equal to that of Lukas' own height. Only horse riders can truly appreciate the feeling of sitting astride a beast at a point where your eyeline, when stood upright on the ground, would barely graze. It opened so much of the world to your sight. It was jarring to re-adjust to his usual view.

Ankles aching upon impact with packed snow on top of frozen earth after hours spent suspended, Lukas steadied themself by gripping the seat of his saddle. Despite thick boots and thicker socks, the ice beneath their feet was biting. They'd ridden for much of the day to get up here before nightfall; setting out at dawn, riding through a snowstorm and stopping only to rest the horses at thawed streams. Even for a pair of Druids, this was not something they had time to make a habit out of.

Moose snorted and shook like a dog after Lukas stepped away, and Lukas couldn't blame him. Confident that the horse whose thoughts he could hear wouldn't wander off, he untacked Moose entirely then threw on his rug. In expression of his gratefulness, Moose nuzzled their shoulder. Telepathy or not, sometimes words were unnecessary.

Unpacking saddlebags, the two riders found a suitably firm patch of grass on which to pitch their tent, clearing snow while the horses identified the sweetest patch of grass. Some hellish time later, the damned tent was as stable as they could hope for. Lukas was warmer for the activity, at least. Lily rolled out her sleeping bag and nodded appreciatively.

When Lukas yawned, she poked them playfully. "No falling asleep yet. We have traditions in which to undertake!" She took his arm and lead them out to the clearing, where the dormant firepit awaited them.

"We should really get some sleep. Our mission isn't done yet."

"No exceptions," Lily said, and rolled up the sleeves of her thick winter coat to strike a match. The appeal of a warm fire and warm food dissolved any protest in Lukas' mind.

Shadows layered on moon-shadow, surrounding sentinel trees were distorted dark shapes looming at the border of the clearing. Distinction between ground and sky blurred, firelight only deepening cloying darkness beyond its reach. Anything could be lurking just outside the light, drawn by the appetising smells of their cooking... Lukas shuffled closer to Lily on the felled log they shared; she didn't seem to mind as leaves rustled behind them like a thing possessed.

"How about a ghost story?"

Lily shuddered. "I really don't need to be any more creeped out right now."

Lukas tilted their head. "Where's that loyalty to your traditions?"

She glared at them. "There's a time and a place and a mood. This is not it." Lukas shrugged and blew on his burning marshmallow to extinguish the flame.

Soon after filling up on s'mores, they doused the fire and retreated inside the tent out of the cold, leaving the horses in their rugs to stand guard. Moose wickered softly and stepped closer to Milkbread as they were left with only the wind for company.

Before stars had faded from the Jorvegian sky, the rising sun just beginning to warm the island, both riders were in hurriedly buckled saddles. Lighter for the lack of ridiculous quantities of marshmallows, the horses stepped eagerly as they navigated a slim path along the ridge that would lead them down to moonlit Valedale.

Thank Aideen for civilisation, Lukas thought, watching thin tendrils of smoke curl into the frigid air from cheery chimneys below.