HARRY POTTER:The Witness of the First Breaths

They continued in silence, but the exchange, brief as it was, spoke of their camaraderie. The forest, despite its shifting shadows, seemed a little less hostile in their presence.

The path leading to the rangers' camp wound between the trees and followed a stream—a trail known only to those who were part of the group. The sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows across the ground as Aragorn and Calion carried their catch with the coordination of a seasoned crew. The sounds of the forest gradually faded, replaced by the murmur of conversations, bursts of laughter, and the crackle of campfires.

As the first structures appeared among the trees, the rangers' camp slowly came into view. It lay at the foot of the Barrow-downs, nestled in a hidden clearing, protected by the gnarled roots of ancient trees that formed natural ramparts. The dense vegetation surrounding the area and the massive trunks of beech trees gave the impression that the camp was wrapped in the forest, as if it was an integral part of it.

A crystal-clear stream flowed through the clearing, meandering between the tents and structures. Its clear waters, sparkling under the setting sun, provided not only a source of fresh water but also served as a natural defense line. Its bends carved natural trenches around the camp, adding an extra layer of protection. In some places, small wooden bridges had been built to ease the rangers' passage, reinforcing the impression of a well-organized and enduring settlement.

The tents, made of thick, dark canvas, were arranged in orderly rows along the beaten dirt paths. Each tent bore the personal mark of its occupants, whether small carvings on the wood of their stakes, bunches of dried plants hanging at the entrance, or shields propped against the canvas. They served as temporary lodgings, but some had been carefully set up, as if their occupants had made them home for an indefinite period.

Beside the tents stood wooden and stone structures, solidly built. These shelters served as gathering places: large common halls where the rangers shared their meals, sheltered from the weather, and workshops where essential tasks were carried out. One of these buildings housed a forge, its roof venting a thin trail of smoke. Inside, the steady ring of a hammer on an anvil echoed, and the red glow of the embers reflected on the faces of the blacksmiths, focused on their work. Weapons were forged there, blades were sharpened, and leather, gathered from hunted animals, was crafted into light armor and scabbards.

A bit further off, a group of rangers busied themselves around a rudimentary pen where several horses were tethered. Young rangers brushed the animals, replaced horseshoes, and checked the condition of saddles and harnesses. Their laughter and animated exchanges mingled with the rhythmic hammering of hot iron.

Near the stream, men and women knelt, washing clothes or preparing medicinal herbs. Some, hands plunged into the icy water, rinsed hides, while others, seated on flat stones, wove fishing nets or mended travel-worn cloaks. Their gestures were precise, honed by a daily routine that showed the importance of each task for the community's well-being.

At the center of the camp, a large open space served as its heart. There stood the great campfire, a circle of stones surrounding the crackling logs. Around it, wooden benches had been set up, allowing the rangers to gather at the end of the day to discuss recent events or share stories of their travels. At the rear of the space, a more imposing structure made of sturdy wood and stone served as the council hall. Its walls were adorned with marked maps, hunting trophies, and flags whose colors had faded over time.

Every corner of the camp buzzed with activity, and the rangers moved with an ease that showed their familiarity with the place. Although it was a warriors' camp, a sense of camaraderie and solidarity emanated from it, where each person found their role and every task, however modest, contributed to the collective life.

Aragorn and Calion crossed the first lines of tents, and familiar faces turned towards them. A group of rangers, busy repairing a cart near the forge, lifted their heads when they saw them. A welcoming whistle sounded, followed by a few joyful cheers. "Aragorn! Calion! Back with a fine catch, I see!" called out a man with gray hair and eyes twinkling with mischief, raising a hand in greeting.

A young, tousled-haired ranger approached with a mischievous smile. "How much do you bet it was Calion who made the shot again?" he said, laughing, prompting bursts of laughter around him.

Amused, Aragorn set down the deer to join the conversation. "He has the eye, that's true," he admitted with a wink at Calion. "But this time, it was me who spotted the beast." The rangers laughed, shaking their heads as if unconvinced.

Calion, standing slightly apart, smiled and nodded, his green eyes observing his companions with a hint of affection. Halbarad, Aragorn's lieutenant and loyal friend, approached Calion, patting him on the shoulder. "So, master archer, will you ever teach us how you shoot so precisely, or will you keep us guessing?"

Calion raised an eyebrow, a playful smile spreading across his lips. "It's no secret, Halbarad. You just need to aim true." His reply, simple yet filled with implication, elicited laughter from the rangers.

"Easy to say!" Halbarad responded, crossing his arms with a grin. "But I'm sure even if you explained, we'd never have your eye."

Calion shrugged, feigning indifference. "Perhaps I was born under a lucky star," he replied, casting a sly glance at the sky. The subtle humor didn't go unnoticed, and the rangers returned his smiles, enjoying these moments of camaraderie with him.

Aragorn, watching the scene, felt a deep sense of satisfaction seeing Calion so well integrated within his company. "It looks like they know you well," he murmured with a smile. Calion, still with that same wry smile, quietly replied, "They're starting to understand that I like them... when they're busy working."