Lion Head Mesa ashes

She did not know she was being watched. It was common for others not to look at her as she worked within the halls, and she did not expect to see anyone outside the mesa at all — so even if Nazli had become aware of the sensation of eyes upon her, she was so accustomed to it that it meant nothing. Besides, the snow had her full fascination.

Her shoulder dug sharply in to the snow and with a wriggle, Nazli was on her side and skating forward with the ice beneath her. When the slippery surface ended she kicked at the air, rolled, wriggled again, and righted herself. Her fur was disheveled and her face was flushed with warmth; but there was also the bite of cold which was refreshing.