(Yep)
Zuni nodded and copied the Cherokee's instructions so not to fall, being delicate with his grip so he didn't damage the tree.

(Teacher: Gotta do the homework
Me: -Is doing homework mentally-
-Computer freezes every 10 minutes-
-Last questionnn-
-Freezes-
-AUGHH I have to do all 30 questions again-)

They practiced tree climbing for several more hours. Zuni got practice looking for the most stable holds and weaving his body through the branches. They visited several more trees and Vanneau pointed out the differences and how they affected climbing.
"Willow branches are long and slender. You must be quick and light the climb far on this tree. An oak however, has very strong, thick, and sturdy branches. But a dead branch is often less obvious and can crack easily under your weight. A good climber, like a good hunter or warrior, must be able to observe every detail of his surroundings, then make split-second decisions and act on them."

he nodded, determined to make it. "And if I step on a dead branch, how fast do i need to have my reflexes, Cherokee?"

"Well different branches crack at different rates, some may not even break off completely. Regardless, you don't have much in way of telling what the branch will do, and sometimes you have less than a moment to get to safety.
Now I think we should practice falling."

Zuni nodded and scampered up the tree, resting his hands on a dead branch without putting pressure on it. he waited for further instructions

Vanneau smiled as he looked up at the boy, "Well for starters, we don't want you to get hurt and we don't need that branch. Now if you were to be on the branch when it broke, you have three options. If you can, make your way to a stable branch. If you can't do that and are close to the ground, just jump out of the tree, land on your feet and roll. Lastly, if there is no way for you to do those, you fall. Try to slow your fall if you can, and use an arm to shield your eyes from branches. Relax your whole body and try to land on your feet then roll to the side." He demonstrated the last bit.

Zuni winced before launching himself out of the tree slightly, knowing he was nearish the ground and placing his hands out in front of him for balance, bending his knees as he fell so the impact would have less of a shock. He wish he'd taken his father's carving knife out of his pocket, he could feel it horribly poking him as if threatening. Feeling himself get distracted, he hit the ground hard and wasn't completely prepared. Although his legs broke his fall and stopped complete shock, out of instinct he touched the ground with his hands before whipping them round to where his bow and quiver would be instead of rolling. His ankle was twisted slightly at an awkward ankle, but not broken. Slightly strained. It hurt badly.

Holly's best friend walked a little behind her, kicking stones. She was bored, not understanding what Holly saw in the colt. She was a daughter from the rich family and loves the white fillies in the stable, she was wondering why she was here, but then they'd always supported each other.


Lily. She's the daughter of the richest family and owns the most beautiful white filly. Her and Holly have been best friends since a young age, although her parents disapprove. She disappears later in the story as she gets eating alive by wolves.

(Bremia is nearly a week's walk from the forest, btw.
Also, I'm changing the colt's age to three months, because he would never survive without milk otherwise. )

You had finally reached the forest yesterday, and the unfamiliar terrain was rather frightening. The trees covered everything in shadow, and the rustling of small critters was a never-ending orchestra.
You are hungry, tired, and cold. Looking around, you find some long grass underneath some bushes and lay down to rest for the night.