When they finally reached Frostfall Hollow, Eliora didn't need anyone to tell her they had arrived.
The structure stood ahead of them, large in the middle of the dark forest. Built from thick timber and stone, the place looked like one of those grand traveler lodges nobles would rest in during long journeys.
A large wooden board hung above the entrance, the name carved deep into it;
FROSTFALL HOLLOW
The letters were old but polished, like generations had passed under that sign.
Many horses were tied outside.
Some were the normal kind Eliora was used to seeing, brown, black, grey. But a few were like theirs, bigger and stronger.
Zarek guided their horse to a post and tied the reins securely before helping Eliora down.
Her legs protested the moment her feet touched ground, but she didn't complain this time.
They began walking toward the entrance, and without thinking, Zarek took her hand.
