The winter was melting away, replaced by fresh blooming flowers and leaves. The forest was still incredibly cold and rather barren. The silence was broken by the gushing waters of a flowing stream.
This stream was endless and its surface was deceptively calm. Also parts of it were even deeper than a lake. The current was dangerously strong and it could envelop anyone like a heavy blanket that wouldn't let go. It was known for taking the wandering travelers to unexpected destinations which was always different.
The hero felt lost, she had been walking in circles, or maybe she hadn't moved at all. She didn't want to enter the stream just yet, the water was just too cold for her. This place felt too much like an uneasy dream, but she was quite certain she wasn't sleeping, as her senses were on a full alert.
She needed some rest, to re-focus, because the chaos was dangerously close to taking over. She wasn't sure if it was her thoughts, or an external spell, but the urge to give in was overbearing. Her mind couldn't slow down, replaying memories, thoughts and fears in an endless cycle. Her erratic mind raced as she held back tears of frustration. Her stream of consciousness was only broken by her firm decision to finally accept the waters.
She took a deep breath, hoping it would help her nerves, but instead the cold air sent chills down her spine. She steeled herself for the freezing water, but to her surprise it was pleasantly warm. She laid on her back, floating on the surface as the waters carried her away.
