Silvertip Mountain loss of breath

it takes a little while to regain her strength, but once she'd taken her leave from Sapphique, she wastes no time. Karst is still, to her knowledge, on that mountain; he belongs with her. or at least her father. but she thinks, at least—

she's traveling, and musing along these lines when the scent hits her, a direct blow to the solar plexus.

Ursus.

her heart is beating faster than she seemed possible as she draws closer, nostrils flaring. Ursus. how? why? so far. . . right? she'd come so far from the valley, and this definitely wasn't it.

she stares up the mountain, and the smells only grow stronger as she approaches.

mother.

a sob wrenches up her throat, lodging tight at the top. she stands, swaying slightly, afraid—unwilling—unable to call out.