Sunbeam Lair ii. i say

"the world is at least half devastation, this much is true," elenwë had whispered to her daughter. "and much of life will be a trial of surviving it."

"this knowledge will not free you from surviving. it will not make it easier to bear. bear it anyways. there will be nights when you feel stars dancing in your bloodstream. times you will hold a child or lover in your embrace. the pines will still smell sweet on the morning you pull yourself from your knees." 

it was for this that the four-year turned to the mountains. pale emeralds flickered uneasily and caution rose within her chest, still the doe braved the echo of grief that shadowed her along the ridges and summits. 

"the bear is a strong totem," the words were a breath to herself, careful not to let the ostrega some paces behind her hear. it took great strength for a hunter to carry the mark of such a beast. the bear could not destroy her, nor could these mountains. 

it was midday when the duo stumbled upon the cavern, good ear cupping forward to capture the strangely hollow air currents whistling through the stone sanctuary. she slowed as the gaping maw of the grotto came into sight, verdant eyes growing wide as she stilled in shock. she glanced to @Saviguk, wondering silently if he'd seen such a cave as this.

on slow, hesitant steps, arässo crept into the lair, sniffing the pungent air inquisitively. the light was dimmer here, the contours of stone softened by a patchwork of lichen and moss. plants crept in vines and clumped in low growths. a soft chattering ahead and a gaze upwards alerted her to a family of bats huddled in an alcove -- the sound produced by squabbling adolescents for the best spot. 

enchanted, aiwë padded further into the cavern in search of water.