The day was a mild yule's day, the roads were covered with white, glimmering, powdery snow, the trees reflected the beauty and the elegance of the season. The Holly family's carriage was laden with their own goods, supplies to last them a while in Bree, be it out in some guild's camp, be it Thornley's for example. The Holly family originated in Bree-town, but moved to Trestlebridge during the time it was being constructed. The leader of the family, most likely a stuck up male ancestor of Dawkin, thought this to be a golden opportunity. But, it was time for their family to return to their proper home and continue to grow their family business as hunters and brewers of fine drink. Dawkin sat in the back with his younger brother, Ted, with their spears rested alongside their legs, June and Geoffrey Holly had sat up front, the two parents of the family. It was rather quiet until the two brothers sought to question the current actions and make an argument out of it like they always do.
"Ted.." He paused, Geoffrey looking back at him shaking his head preemptively, "You know we're leaving Trestlebridge because not only that it's ransacked and looks like a horse's shit, burnt horse shit even, and because of those queer folk, right?"
Ted sighed, closing his eyes, "We've been through this a thousand times, yes I know! I was the one that brought up the fact it smells like burnt horse shit, piss and alcohol. But if you want to talk about those queer folk, the shire-rats or those woodland rangers? We've seen a couple of those, ya hear! Right, Paps?" Ted threw his head back to get a look at his father, waiting for a verbal response. Unfortunately, and to the disapproval of his wife, a swift back-hand was delivered to Ted's head. Dawkin chuckled for a moment while Ted rubbed his head with annoyance.
"Cheer up little brother! Father may not share our views, whether he knows they be true or not. Speaking of cheering up, and Father, perhaps you could hurry up? I'm getting anxious, I don't like this part of the road," And for good reason; Home to plenty of brigands and unruly folk that would think not one minute the carriage they're driving isn't worth anything. Dotted with hills and brush, easy for anyone to hide from cautious eyes. Smoke went off in the distance, east about where they would be, Geoffrey hastened the mules, discomfort taking a portion of his thoughts. It wasn't long before the loud clapping of hooves were behind them. Quickly the brothers grabbed their spears and aimed it in that direction. A small murmur came from June, a simple nod from Geoffrey, and quips from the brothers. Either this was simply a traveller that was behind them, highly unlikely, or brigands wanting their daily fill. Bree had the house-fields, ran by a man called Eogar. A queer name, for a queer man, the Holly family agreed. It was decided by the parents they would camp in a thicket of oak. The brothers were tasked with watching around them, taking turns, usually for two hours and rotating. The next morning was much calmer than yesterday's. But it took a toll on the family, they were getting impatient, eager, dare some would say reckless to simply head to Bree. It would be slow, of course, it would, with Mules and a carriage but in due time the family got to a house that the Watch used. Small talk was exchanged before they continued on their way. Some hours (uncounted due to impatience) was all it took to get to Bree-town. The hedge was marvellous to see, but for them, it was more of the hearth and Barliman's best that would be even more marvellous. And it truly was...
