RYLIE
There was no Orion at the base of the trees to meet me.
I assessed the environment carefully, knowing this was some sort of test that would have me rolling in the snow soon.
The sun was a pale disc in the sky, barely casting any warmth. It looked as if it needed a cardigan as well. The sky was a muted gray, heavy with the promise of more snow. I took a deep breath, the cold air stinging my lungs, and focused on the stillness around me. It was always quiet out here since winter came. Everything had gone to sleep, it seemed. The only sounds were the occasional creak of the trees and the soft crunch of snow under my boots.
I heard it then, something whistling through the sky quickly and heading for me. Unbothered, I moved a step to the side, and a large ball of snow flew past me.
I cocked an eyebrow at Orion who was emerging from behind me.
