Badlands — [AW] Beyond The Blizzard

Overnight a quiet snowfall, gentle and serene, had transformed the landscape into a winter wonderland. Gatlin roused early, as usual, stepping out of their home to see the gentle floating snowflakes falling, covering the world in a soft, white blanket. The air was hushed, with only the faintest whispers of flakes brushing against one another as they settled on the ground. Winter was finally here. That meant they would have much more work to do, as the first snowfall had come earlier than usual this year. As the snowfall continued, it seemed to muffle all other sounds, creating a profound stillness that wrapped itself around the world. Trees and rooftops were adorned with a delicate layer of frost, and the ground beneath lay in tranquil repose, yet to be touched by pawprints or other disturbances. Gatlin began his trek out to the pastures to relieve the ranch hands who had taken up the night shift to watch the grazing cattle. It wasn't uncommon for them to allow the herd to wander around and feed, especially now, they needed to fatten them up as much as possible before the first snow..but now that it had come early, they would have to bring the herd in. Closer to the barns, so that they would all have shelter away from the elements. When he arrives, the wolves who were supposed to be standing watch were sleeping, a thin blanket of snow dusting their bodies. Leaving Gatlin to think they had only recently hunkered down. An exasperated sigh drew past his lips, the warmth from his breath creating a cloud of vapor in the air. "Rise 'n shine boys!" He hollers to them, rousing them from their frosty beds. Most of them groaned in protest, but get up they did, stretching and shaking off the snow. "Let's move 'em out, gotta get 'em close ta home!" With that the large male moved to take the lead, the others help in gathering the livestock together and pushing them back toward the homestead. They would arrive an hour later, and urged the cows into the barn. As Gatlin turned toward the home, he saw in the distance, there was a subtle shift in the atmosphere. The sky, once a tranquil gray, darkened and thickened with ominous clouds. The flakes, once gentle and serene, began to fall more densely and with a determined purpose. The hushed whispers turned into a quiet murmur, as the snowfall intensified. The world, once wrapped in peaceful silence, started to shiver under the onslaught. The wind picked up, its voice growing louder and more insistent. Snowflakes now hurled themselves from the sky, as if in a frenzy, swirling and twirling in chaotic patterns. The air was no longer hushed but filled with a tumultuous symphony of howling wind. Quickly he hurries inside. The Westwood's had done their best to withstand the storms fury, but their supply was running low after seven moons and they had already lost a decent number of cattle. So when the storm had eased up, the family and their help loaded up three wagons with as many supplies and important items as they could fit, and set off. Three of their biggest wolves would pull the wagons, and the other able bodied wolves would push the cattle. Gatlin wasn't sure where they were going, but he had faith that their mother would not steer the family wrong. She often had visions and glimpses into what was to come, and she had very firmly explained that if they stayed, they would all perish. It was four days into the journey when the snow started up again. At first, it was a quiet and gentle snowfall. And then, it had become heavy and violent a blizzard that would rage on for the foreseeable future. Snowflakes, delicate and intricate, swirled in a relentless dance, filling the air with a blinding flurry of white. The winds howled like tormented spirits, their chilling breath slicing through the landscape. Amid the maelstrom of swirling snow, an eerie stillness overtook the senses, save for the distant rumbling of thunder, an unexpected companion to the icy tempest. The very atmosphere seemed to quiver with anticipation. They had a hard time keeping the cows together, and managed to lose several in the chaos. Everyone was cold; frozen to the bone, tired and weak. And then, as if conjured by some otherworldly force, a rift in time and space appeared. It was an anomaly amidst the chaos, a portal, glowing with an otherworldly radiance that stood in stark contrast to the desaturated white and gray of the blizzard. Its edges shimmered with a prismatic light, casting surreal hues upon the snow-covered landscape. Gatlin and the rest stood in horror and awe. The portal's arrival seemed to defy the very laws of nature, a rip in the fabric of time itself. As it hung in the midst of the blizzard, it beckoned with an irresistible allure, promising a journey beyond the confines of the present. A strange and unsettling beauty emanated from this interdimensional doorway, a landscape that looked dry and warm; evoking both wonder and trepidation in equal measure. No one dared to move. Except Gatlin, who spooked the cattle into running through the portal. The rest of their crew, the ones who had survived following eagerly behind; looking for a taste of warmth. The cattle all rushed out of the portal, becoming lost from sight and scattered. Gatlin, nor his family seemed to take notice for they were in awe and shock at what had just happened. They had been transported from a snowy hell to stand amidst the rocky desert terrain. They all looked around, taking in the sights and soaking up the warmth. The earth is parched and dry, the sun's hot rays beating down upon it. Sparse dry desert grasses, hardy shrubs, and resilient cacti dot the landscape, their green hues a stark contrast to the earth's sandy and rocky tones. These hardy plants eke out a living in this harsh environment, their roots seeking water in the most unlikely of places. The air is filled with the subtle fragrance of desert flora, their leaves releasing an earthy, resinous scent that mingles with the dry, dusty aroma of the sun-baked ground. While everyone else stood in wonder, Gatlin moved into action, setting out to try and locate their lost livestock before they got too far off. [Notes]: I know, its super long! Don't feel intimidated or the need to match length! I was just trying to set the tone for Gatlin's story! This thread will be open to anyone who wishes to join! --- Speech.