Firestone Hot Springs chimes

For @Scarlett !

While his wandering paws generally led him upwards from Stavanger Bay and along the coastline (sometimes before veering off and heading into the forests that lined the beach), today the aspiring Outrider decided to scout inland. While winter made travel a little harder, it didn't deter Atreyu from pushing through the freezing fields and snow banks, intent on exploring past the dark forest he had visited a few days ago. He wasn't exactly sure what he would find past it — he couldn't remember if he had ever actually journeyed that deep into the heart of the Wilds — but he hoped he wouldn't stumble upon claimed lands. He should've asked Thistle what territories she knew were claimed before heading off.

Shaking off the thoughts (he would deal with the possibility of pack wolves when got there), Atreyu turned his head into the wind, breathing in as he tested for foreign scents. A strange, almost moist sort of smell wafted into his nose and, curious, the boy began to follow it. It didn't take long before the snow began to thin upon the ground, disappearing completely as he wandered further towards the fascinating smell.

Coming to a halt upon a small hill, Atreyu gazed in wonder at the scene before him. Tiny pools dotted the rocky area, steam gently rising from each one. They reminded him or rock pools but...heated? The entire place felt like it had removed itself from winter, a little haven for the wolves who preferred the summer months. Being one of those wolves, the Iota grinned in delight before leaping onto a nearby rock, balancing precariously on it as he leant forward, eagerly touching his nose to one of the steaming pools.