In the serene embrace of the night, illuminated by the gentle glow of fires within homes and the celestial beauty of the stars, Luvi embarked on her jog. Wrapped in layers of heavy winter clothing, Luvi initially found her movements restricted, the bulky fabric impeding the natural flow of her run. The winter ensured that every step felt laborious until she patted the strength runes on her body, activating them in order to invigorate her body with power.
Her legs were then capable of propelling her with enhanced force. This newfound strength allowed for longer strides, her feet pushing off the ground with a vigor that sent her tearing down the streets faster than she’d ever gone before.
However, the increased stride length necessitated adjustments in her running technique. Longer strides meant a higher impact with each step, requiring Luvi to pay even closer attention to her form to prevent injury. She focused on landing softly, distributing her weight evenly to absorb the shock of each powerful step. The rhythm of her run transformed, the extended strides demanding a synchronization of breath and movement that challenged Luvi to adapt and overcome.
The heavy winter clothing, while still a hindrance, became less of an obstacle under the influence of the runes. The enhanced power at her disposal allowed her to counteract the resistance offered by her attire, turning what had been a cumbersome burden into a manageable challenge. Yet, she remained vigilant for patches of ice. Travelling faster meant she’d have less time to react so the angle of her eyes was always slightly downwards, scanning the path in front of her. It was harder than usual, given the darkness of the season.
As Luvi approached her home, she allowed herself a moment of relief. It was this brief lapse in concentration, this singular moment when her vigilance waned, that led to the unexpected. Just steps away from the safety of her doorstep, her foot found a patch of ice hidden beneath the powdery snow.
The slip was sudden, her feet losing their grip on the slick surface, sending her careening forward with no time to correct her stance or brace for impact. The world seemed to tilt, a brief sensation of weightlessness overtaking her before she landed heavily on her side. The impact with the ground knocked the wind out of her and was so unexpected that it was momentarily paralyzing.
Luvi lay there, gasping for breath, the cold air biting at her lungs as she struggled to inhale. Thankfully, the snow she tumbled into, along with her layered winter clothing, cushioned her fall, preventing injury. With a cautious glance at the patch of ice that had been her undoing, Luvi carefully rose to her feet and shuffled slowly towards her door.
