My breath suspends in frozen clouds around me with every step I take, hugging my cape closer and tighter to try and conceal me in the shadows of the path I’ve taken and weighted down with what food I could stuff into the bag I carry. I didn't know how to prepare for a long walk into the wilderness, especially since I didn't even know how long I would be gone, so I tried my best to be practical. Food, fire supplies, a knife, and water. I wore layers of clothing instead of packing them to make carrying easier, and I am using my cape as both a shield in case I come across a patrol guard at this hour and for camouflage. Its dark, shapeless form blends with the surroundings. If I crouch down in this light, I look like a giant boulder and have been lucky so far not to pass anyone since I snuck o
