[closed] we played hide and seek in waterfalls, we were younger

[lacere]

WHO: Lace Harding and Katniss Everdeen
WHAT: Harding and Katniss go out into the valley together like they used to when they were kids. In other words, quality bonding time.
WHEN: Wintermarch 18, morning
WHERE: Frostbacks, Hinterland valleys, etc
NOTES: No warnings at present, will update.

It hadn't been planned. They'd talked about it offhandedly, sure, but it wasn't until that morning when Harding had been in the right place at the right time and it had just happened. Not on patrol but awake at dawn none-the-less, her morning had been largely empty. Not anymore it wasn't, and she didn't mind it - there were far worse ways to spend a morning than on a hunt with your childhood best friend.

It's familiar, in a nostalgic sort of way, even if, at the time, it had always been something more of a novelty to not be guarding sheep and rams. This was Katniss' livelihood, something she had done every day, and Harding had followed without complaint, willing and ready to learn what she did not, and to improve upon what she did. Now was different; going down into the valley happened on a fairly regular basis when she and her fellow scouts were instructed somewhere. But, again, today was different than that, too, because it wasn't just about observation and survival. Well, sure, it was, but that didn't take into account the hunt.

And, well. There's far less ears out in the crisp winter air, which makes it a good place to talk if they want to - even if puffs of smoke form as she exhales and trudges along with bow over her back. She's swapped the Inquisition emblem for jerkin, but kept the plate and mail. The mountain is always snow covered (and a pain), and the valley is much the same this time of year, but at least it thins a little, with forest being the dominant feature. Maybe the bears have finally started to hibernate... she doubts it, but she does hope they don't have to fight one off this morning. Less fun.

Harding expertly clambers up a slight ridge to a vantage point she's used in the past for scout detail, even if now, the forest is still and potentially asleep. "As good a place to start as any," she calls over her shoulder to Katniss. "Am I right?"