"The jungle...." Mindy mumbled, thinking about her earlier scouting attempts. "Yes, I've seen it once before. Supposedly, it is Gyriax's handiwork. Proof to his vassals that he will end the winter once the Pact Nation has fallen. Apparently, he can make lands lush and vibrant as easily as he can make them desolate."<br/><br/>"One thing bothers me though.The elevation of the valley, not to mention it's latitude, should make it impossible for this jungle to exist. And as you said, the plant and animal life in that jungle are abnormal. Many of the beasts appearing in the frigid areas of the valley are unnatural as well, not appearing until the winter began."<br/><br/>The elf rested her right hand under her nose, subconciously trying to nibble on a gloved thunbnail. "I hope I'm not right about this, but this could mean Gyriax has the power not to merely change the weather, but to reshape whole ecosystems. Gyriax may ancient and extremely powerful, but this seems beyond the abilities of even a dragon like him. The phenomenom in the valley wouldn't be so perplexing if it was a naturally occuring ability in older, true-blooded dragons. He must have found something, or someone, that is giving him this power over nature."