Winter settled over Moonvalley with unusual severity. Snow fell heavily and persistently, making travel difficult and isolating the pack lands more than typical seasonal patterns. Aria found the enforced stillness both frustrating and oddly peaceful.
"We cannot get to the quarterly working group meeting," Liora reported, studying weather patterns and road conditions. "The passes are completely blocked. Even messenger ravens cannot fly in these storms."
"Send word explaining the delay," Aria decided. "Master Corinne will understand. Weather affects everyone equally."
The isolation meant intense focus on local work. The training center continued operating with students who had arrived before the heavy snows. Aria performed several restorations for victims who had traveled to Moonvalley during autumn and were now waiting out the winter.
She also had extended time with Petra, whose apprenticeship deepened during the forced proximity.
