Peaceful Farming (33)

The barn was dark, save for the slivers of light seeping in through the frost-covered windows. The animals were restless, their breath fogging in the frigid air. The horses stomped, their ears flicking as they huffed uneasily. The cows, huddled together in the thick straw bedding, let out deep, anxious lowing.

Arpious ran a hand along the nearest mare's flank, feeling the cold seeped into her coat despite the bedding and insulation. "They're too cold," she murmured, her breath visible in the dim light.

"We'll need to block the drafts," Arpious decided, already moving toward the weak spots where the wind slipped through the wooden slats. She hauled extra blankets and hay to the worst gaps, stuffing them tightly to keep out as much cold as possible.

Elara followed behind, murmuring words under her breath. Magic flickered in her hands as she wove warmth into the air, subtle but steady. It wouldn't last forever, but it would take the edge off the worst of the cold.