The snow-covered pine forest growing over rocky, uneven terrain awaited.
Kiran and Laila have time for 6 different rolls between them to Seek Advantage before the combat starts. They may be used to prepare the terrain, find hideouts or escape routes, create weapons or traps, coach and motivate other kids for combat etc. I am open to your inventiveness. Triumphs and Advantages can be pooled for combat. Pooled Triumph can also be used to nullify a Despair on a Seek Advantage roll. A Triumph used immediately after roll can give 3 successes. Every 10 successes translate into a free upgrade to their combat rolls until the end of the encounter. Despair means gaze hounds find them and combat starts early. Rolls can presume acting together with Duncan, Xard, or Thra Yoll - you get one Assist Boost and can interact before you roll to get some feedback from them on what can be done if you want their ideas. Ailar dark pips still apply on Presence and Cunning rolls - 2 for Kiran and 4 for Laila, or to Kiran's Farsight. As usual, pay attention to your statements, including those that contradict, for additional upgrades. The basic difficulty for all rolls is Average with a Challenge and a Setback.
