Sawtooth Spire lebensunterhalt

mahler had taken @Emmerich to sagtannet this day. they had left the hollow behind hours ago, and the ageing man had not found himself so advanced in years that he did not challenge the boy to a race here and there. the great sharp spires of stone which jutted from the base of the mountain reminded him of all wylla's protestations about this place.
up they had gone, the trail steepening and his muscles aching.
once he rested.
but otherwise, mahler did not stop, even as the air grew thinner and more frigid, as the snow of the lower elevations gave way to heavier flakes. and windholme roared beside them, the thick rushing river studded with floating ice, which poured from somewhere at the top of the mountain.
"your sister and brother, phaedra and thade, vere born here. phaedra came back for a time."
emmerich was the last child remaining, the others dispersed.

a long, arduous climb. sliced pawpad. pained breath.

but the reward?

величанственост.

on the tip, where air was scarce, view opened to the western plains, deep blue in shadow; to the unexplored eastern valley, pristine in whiteness; to its sibling peaks off of which sunlight glinted in goodbye.

( so near was she to knowing their name. )

only the south remained obscured, a thick cloud wrapping itself around the peak, hiding even the mountain's base. yet, even it brought wonder - to stand beyond where the clouds reached.

medalina knew that sting behind her eyes. habit would've quelled the tears before they were shed. but here? in this untouched spot, thousands of meters above flat ground?

here, truly, she was alone.

and her tears shed like glinting diamonds.

***

near the peak's base, slender paws had made tracks in deep snow. light and measured and taken with great care, as if out of respect for the untouched, unmarred scene they thread upon.

and within each pawprint, was a spot of brilliant red.

literally don't mind her, if there ever comes a moment you wish for a third just have someone follow her tracks. skippable ofc <3