The midday sun ascended directly overhead, marking the arrival of the afternoon on Thursday, the fifth day of Bloom Week holiday. The Heartwood Mountains, bathed in the intensified sunlight, exhibited their spring splendor. The slopes were adorned with a profusion of blossoms, their colors ranging from soft pastels to vibrant hues, creating a mosaic against the evergreen foliage.
Theo and his companions reached the Valley of Serenity. This mountain valley, a natural basin cradled within the Heartwood Mountains, contained several geothermal hot springs. The approach revealed a landscape softened by the season. Pockets of lingering snow, remnants of winter, contrasted with the emerging green grasses and the pervasive floral display.
