The Hollow Woods used to be quiet.
It was gradual, then all at once; like everything on Jorvik, you knew it was coming, and when it did, you could never return to the way things were. The enchanting light of fireflies, treasures hidden in the undergrowth, even Birdie’s flashing bright red feathers - all different in the loaded space between one breath and the next.
Valedale’s people came together quickly. When there’s magical science to be done, they’re the first to answer the call. It’s why, of course, Aideen’s druids settled there. Groups of specialized individuals were formed, and they sent you down path after path to solve the mystery of why the Hollow Woods changed, and why now. Something about Birkir, and Hanami, and - honestly, you couldn’t remember. It all mixed together in the frantic chase of knowledge and the exhausting length of history. The only thing you could remember was the familiar, burning-strong kindness behind Wynna Sunbeam’s eyes.
The Hollow Woods used to be quiet and peaceful. Now it’s full, and you feel every piece of Aideen’s light as it floats through the air. No matter how quick you and your horse are, you can’t collect them all; some sink into the river or get caught in tall branches before fading away in the filtered sunlight.
And you wonder - why is nature coming back if Garnok is growing stronger?
