Nova Peak ε

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ayovi laid claim as they moved, capturing skorpa's attention the higher they moved. her determined aura refocused the man from his internal griping about the caribou hide's weight, or his sore belly, or even the land of plenty that they had left behind.

an emerald shrug of thick ancient pinewoods hugged the shoulder of the mountain as if it were a wrap, spilling out in an unbroken blanket in a southwestern direction. thinner trees climbed the southern stone face, now turned toward the travelers, growing scraggly and less pronounced as snow took over from tangled roots.

just east of he and ayovi was the scent of water and deciduous weald, and the starker reek of hog shit. wild pigs, a dangerous and gamy treat for strong hunters. tatters of cloud announced where winter might storm again. he threw off the skins and the meat with a grunt, having overlooked the nuance of his mate's interaction with the den.

they had not yet discovered the guarding tangle of thorns far from the foothills, nor the steep slopes of scree and shale on the other side of the mountain. skorpa turned in a protective angle, adjusting against the wind for ayovi, just a moment's time. her growl brought the light of curiosity to his eyes — and more.

they were vitally alive here, with alpine reaches and the sweet ice of cold water. skorpa knew the large beasts would travel the mountain on their various pilgrimages, and he looked forward to finding places to trap them.

for now he sighed loudly, shouted into the cold grey sky, and thumped his chest once. "regnvand!" skorpa exulted, grabbing her waist with the exuberant circle of one hard arm. much as he would have liked to toss her down among the pelts, he saw the sparkling want in her for exploration, and released her with a grin. where first? he would follow and forge. at last purpose had come for skorpa, and he clung to it.

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