we go north

Her obvious excitement was enough. Without a word about the fields of rock they would have to cross and cross again, Scimitar moved forward. Bazi followed close behind, her nose near his flank, watching every step she took.

The crossing took longer than she could have imagined. The tangle of rocks, shrubs, spines, and slopes kept them both on their toes, throwing challenges at their feet with every step. Grass disguised sudden drops, and constant obstacles forced their route to meander and twist. When they finally reached the narrow ribbon of trees that marked the end of the natural minefield that had successfully traversed, Bazi's paws ached.

But it was worth it. In the golden light of the setting sun, the forest-cloaked peak before them was utterly magnificent. Bazi stepped into the close-cropped grass of their new front yard with wide eyes and an open mouth, staring. For someone that had become accustomed to the flat, the sheer variety of this potential home was jaw-dropping.