"Precision is key," Arpious replied simply, standing and brushing snow from her knees.
With the waterway clear and the firewood ready, the trio began their trek back to the farmhouse. The shadows of the forest stretched longer as the sun began its descent, casting the snowy landscape in shades of gold and gray.
Back at the house, they stamped the snow from their boots and shed their winter layers, the warmth of the hearth a welcome reprieve. Though the work had been steady and demanding, the sense of accomplishment and the camaraderie between them made it feel less like a chore and more like a shared ritual of resilience.