24th Day of Winter, 514 AV.
A chill had run over the land. Game that was readily available for the hunt during past seasons had all begun to grow scarce, along with roots, berries, and other vegetation at the onset of winter. The cold paralleled the barren nature of the desert causing everyone to depend on each other for survival. The farmers rested from their long harvest, communities gathered by warm fires to keep warm, and unity was built through enduring the elements. Despite his upbringing in Eyktol, never knowing the luxury of cold, Nayato enjoyed winter. Winter was when he felt closer to those around him. Although at the moment, he couldn't be further from civilization on his hunting expedition.
Nayato found some comfort from the cold after stuffing two of the three wolves hides that he owned into the front, and the third into the back of his chest plate to insulate his armor. It took him half the morning to adjust the straps of his armor to accommodate the extra layers of clothing, but it was time well spent since he didn't have much when it came to winter clothing.
A cool breeze kicked up, breaking his flesh into goosebumps beneath the full plate armor that he wore. He steeled himself, tightening his legs against the sides of his horse while gripping the reins in his gauntlet covered hands. The horse pulled and tugged on its lead, straining to wander off the path to go its own way. He nudged the Eyktolian Desertbred with his heels lightly to quicken its pace into a jogging trot. Pulling the reins to the left to guide the horse back into the right direction. Nayato's dog, a large Akinva Deerstalker, followed closely beside the horse barking sporadically as it chased after its owner.
Ahead of him were trees. The distant horizon filled with tree trunks of brown, cream, and blackened colors with canopies decorated in fallen snow. His attention curiously shifted from the distant environment to someone else that seemed to be trekking the wilderness. Lifting his hands to pull at the reins to slow the horse to a stop. It was only natural for the squire to stop and make sure that the stranger was alright. He lifted the visor to his helmet before calling out to her.
"Hello there, are you alright?"
