Thunder Dome one of many hiccups

Her brain played and replayed events best forgotten. A dale full of sunlight, but no warmth. She wanted so much to be loved. So, so much, it pains her. Life was little more than a chore. They had very little freedom. So long as they sat and endured their 'teachings' - likely the crowing of lunatics - they were fine. Those teachings - how much was true and how much was word of mouth? She wished to know dearly. Most of her mentors were anything but patient. Screw up one too many times and death was sure to follow. She swallowed thickly, Mallaidh's nose numb of her cheek. Her past was a blur of faces, of scents. Except for one.

His eyes were yellow.

Mallaidh's constant nudging grounded her, in a way. Nine long minutes had passed since her malfunction. When she came to, she realized she was laying down. She was still on a mountain, in a land she's barely explored. She looks around with a glazed expression. Mallaidh was laying down beside her, wide awake with concern. Varinril can see the questions burning in her eyes. Varinril cannot find her voice just yet, opening and closing her mouth several times before the words slip from her.

"Are - are you alright?" An earnest sentiment with a broken delivery. She was a mess and still recovering.