Sawtooth Spire all ashore

It made Nikai glad that Alya suggested stopping. He'd never admit it because he wanted to be tough, but Nikai's muscles were killing him after the long journey they'd already made. "Good idea." He glanced up at the stars again, watching them as they stood in the sky as silent sentinels. Alya's next words surprised Nikai; it was unlike her to admit her weaknesses. He hid his surprise, not wanting to dwell on it for too long because he doubted that she would like it. As Alya lay down he took his place beside her and said: "At least you're used to mountains." He wasn't very much, for though he'd travelled a bit in his time, Nikai couldn't compare to someone who had lived on one from the day she was born.

Laying down only made Nikai realise how much he had overasked his muscles, so he was glad for the rest. He'd be sore when they continued their journey, he was sure of it. Nikai wondered if this visit to Easthollow was before or after their travels together, but he didn't ask. It didn't really matter, because she had never reached it anyway. "Oof. Seems like taking it easy's a good choice, then." He wondered why they had picked this route. There were less daunting ones, after all; but he didn't ask. "I wonder how everyone is over at Easthollow. If Valette and Stark had pups..." He trailed off, wondering about his baby siblings. It was a weird thought they wouldn't even know him at all. And what about Steph? He'd been gone half her lifetime. Would she be happy he was back, or barely remember him?