Permafrost Hollows I cannot stay where nature's embrace is lost

blackfell watches as faust lowers himself into the pit, the heavy thud of his landing echoing in the hollow space below. he waits, breath curling in the cold air.
when the woman is lifted, he braces and clamps his jaws around her scruff. a single sharp motion: he hauls her up, the weight nothing he cannot bear. she stumbles onto stable ground, and blackfell releases her, stepping back.
he only offers a manful grunt in response to her thanks.
faust appears from the hole next and blackfell fixes him with a measured stare. i thought that had been you i saw before. he appraises the man, silent, numb as he does so. it has been long, and the time has weathered faust—the same as it has blackfell. you are far from home, cousin.