The barren landscape of the Great White Expanse had been the only scenery for nearly a full day. Artemis had walked on through the monotony of snow dunes and naught else, one foot in front of the other, in a mindless trance. Fleeting moments of reflection crept into his journey, hung up as the ranger was with the encroaching decision regarding the target that awaited at the end of this expedition. More than three score kilometers from whence he'd come, fatigue finally made its home in the ranger's limbs. Despite his supernatural stamina and strength, he was still mortal after all.

"I've forgotten what it's like to feel so tired," Artemis sighed. He walked beneath a fresh sunset and within sight of the Black Forest. The endless horizon had finally acquiesced to the ranger's determination and granted him the passage he'd sought. "I'm going to need to rest," the man confessed. His steps had slowed considerably since he began the long walk.

As he finally reached the edges of the frozen woodland, he began to understand why legends had grown to such an extent. He could almost feel the sinister energy within, incomparable even Dheathain's Luthmor forest. The sheer scale of the trees and their trunks left Artemis awestruck. The width of each trunk could serve as a home for anyone who chose to carve into its base.

Just at the fringes of the canopy, just beneath its shadow, Artemis willed the treads of his boots back to normal and leaned up against the tree. He turned his back to the bark and slid down into a seat. Closing his eyes, he let the sphere of his detection expand. Its limited reach of a hundred foot radius expanded, little by little, until after ten minutes it reached its maximum range of fifteen kilometers. Artemis surveyed what he could, his concentration limited, and entrusted Judicis to process the remaining information of his own accord. The sentient artifact's faculties were far and beyond the ranger's capabilities, and he was always grateful for his ally's aid.

With the line that drew the edge of his reach at its pinnacle, Artemis couldn't help but feel awe at the majesty of this ancient forest. The vastness of life that skittered, crawled, flew, and crept through its immensity felt overwhelming. Tremendous beasts prowled hungrily just beneath the frozen canopy, or among the fungus and other fauna on the ground. The enormity of its woodland trees and the density of its shrubbery made clear that this challenge would be nothing to scoff at, and the most dangerous leg of his journey.

"The hazards within are countless it would seem," Artemis commented, knowing full well that any forest would be filled with dangerous predators and obstacles. "Thankfully, at least the area nearby seems safe enough for some rest."

Artemis dropped concentration on his sphere, letting it snap back to its passive range, and willed his appearance to better blend against the rich browns and darker shades of the forest and its secrets. Trusting Judicis to wake him from slumber should anyone enter the sensory attunement of his host, Artemis closed his eyes and let rest take him after his long and exhausting trek.