Today I broke camp, and decided to continue moving north. I took with me what food I had, and bottled some of the fresh water from the lake, just in case I could not find any more for a few days. As I walked up the path that led out of the valley, fewer and fewer trees lined the path, it must be difficult for anything to grow in this cold climate.
After leaving the valley, I came across a plateau, which contained an enormous ravine, cut in the ice. I made my way down into the ravine, by means of a steep slippery path, and went further. The ravine went on for a few miles, with a few crossroads in between. A general path seemed to have been made, perhaps from Lossoth hunters.
The ravine seemed to ascend and descend many times, a common theme in this treacherous terrain. The steep ice-walls could prove useful for an ambush, thus I tread with caution at a slower pace. The ravine began to go underground in a cave, or perhaps just a section of the ravine that collapsed in on itself. I chose to enter the “cave”, as I was curious as to what it may contain.
The cave was warm, at least compared to the outside. The wind could not make its way underground, thankfully, but I could still hear its echo down the long corridor. As I continued, I came across something odd, a stone wall lay frozen in the ice, perhaps the remains of an old fortress? The designs resembled that of the dwarves, or perhaps early men. Cracks in the ice released steam, most likely locked in the ice many years ago.
The cave finally reopened again. As I looked out, I saw that the sun was more than halfway across the sky, it was at least the middle of afternoon. Some large creatures lurked at the exit of the ravine, they were almost like men, but seemed more savage in their posture. I believe I read they are called Gauradain, but only have I heard of them in a few old tales, and I know little of them.
Finally leaving the ravine behind me, the landscape opened up into a vast ice-covered plain, with small hills scattered about. I could see no trees anywhere, which leads me to believe that the wind must be intense. I think the best way to move onward from here, would be to keep close to the hills, and keep from to much exposure in the windy plain. As the day was growing darker and colder, I set up my camp, and tried to kindle a small fire before preparing a small meal.
