“ Winter Solstice“ - The Golden Thread Week 50

This is week 50 of the Golden Thread challenge.

A year-long drawing challenge I have been participating in called the "Golden Thread," organised by @Jehane Ltd.

This is the last theme of the year: "A Forager's Tale" and this week's prompt " Winter Solstice”

I decided to make a story with each illustration as a thread woven into the weekly prompts.

Let’s continue with this week's story.

After the feast of berries, Mouse brought out a map. He said, "Look, Owl, you are not that far away from the Apple Orchards — the place where your three friends live."

Softest snowflakes started to fall ever so gently to the ground. Mouse continued to talk, "No wonder you all feel lost, as the landscape has changed since you started your journey in the autumn. Today is the Winter Solstice. Winter is here, and you need to fly now before the heavy snow starts to arrive."

The sun was starting to fade into the horizon as the three friends climbed onto Owl's back.

They waved goodbye to their wonderful new friends who had been so kind to them.

Owl, being a smart bird, had memorised the map Mouse had shown him.

As they flew into the darkness of the night, there was no moon — only the twinkling stars to guide their way home.

Where will the three friends go next on this adventure?

What will it be? No one knows until next week's Golden Thread.