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

faust pulls himself up, shaking dirt and snow from his coat. satori is safe, standing, whole. that’s what matters.
but his cousin’s voice draws his gaze, sharp and knowing. far from home.
a breath huffs from his nose, half a scoff, half something else. home’s wherever a man can keep it, he answers, eyeing blackfell in turn. the years have been unkind to them both.
but he grins, weary but real. didn’t think i’d find you in a place like this. his gaze flicks between the two—satori, blackfell—before settling on the latter. or are you following me? a jest, but there’s weight beneath it. a question unspoken.