Sunspire Mountains and they will run you down, down 'til you go

Morwenna’s eyes were set upon little Caliste, her question lingering in the quiet mountain air. The altitude was crisper here, certainly—but he had a feeling that winter was not far from them down in the valley, either. “No, mine are all grown,” he offered, eyes drifting from the sleepy girl and back to their newest recruit. “Physically, at least. Mentally…” He shrugged—a half-hearted joke, to keep at bay the fact that Mae was away from home and with a pack of strangers as she healed…

To keep at bay the fact that just this summer, he had buried his eldest daughter by her mother.

Etienne attempted some comforting words—a wane smile given, but before he could respond, the snap of a twig had him on his feet—abruptly rising, already his form moving to block the view of Caliste from whoever had come to them.

He had hoped they could avoid attention on the mountains—but he was wrong. His gaze narrowed, tongue sliding over his lips as he assessed the man who, at least, seemed good natured. “And you are?”