Lone Star Mountain today, you were far away

The storm had passed to reveal a rare bluebird sky above fresh snow.

Seal, roiled with emotion, took it upon herself to briefly break away from the wolves of the Vale to hide her feelings. She did not want them to think her weaker than they already knew!

She paused atop a ridge that overlooked the wintery taiga to the north: a place she did not know. Seal slumped against the rough bark of a sequoia and felt hot tears prick at her eyes. Then, covering her face, she began to cry.