Ocean's Breath Plateau these are the things that i never will learn

For @Pier! whenever you have the time <3

There was a tune in the wind that blew over this plateau, Valentine swore it by now. It was such a lovely song, siren in nature he could bet, for he could not keep away from this place.
He’d scaled the plateau’s side for at least the few dozenth time he’s been here now. All the journeys upward had been silent thus far. Today though, his thoughts did not cease. Teka’s words echoed in his mind, as did what he had told the gull. Valentine told him he had a crew at his back. Not a lie outright, but not the whole truth. The wolves that followed him hadn’t a clue what he was here for, and that would have to change one way or another.
When Valentine reached the plateau’s peak he sought out the eldest of their little group.

As he was hiking the plateau, he had no clue that his younger companion was at the other side. Pier's tawny head crested the slope and broke into a brilliant smile at the sight of Skua. The sunlight glinted off of his teeth.

Skua! Alla buon'ora!

Counting on the wind to carry his voice, he picked up his pace and greeted him with a generous wave of his tail. The Montanari wolf was in high spirits today - his stomach full, the skies blue, the end of winter drawing ever nearer - it was a veritable utopia.

Valentine found him soon enough, or rather heard his voice. It rose above the plateau’s ambiance, just as radiant as the way the man carried himself. His mood was infectious.
Pier. The seaman beamed. Care for a little stroll?

Yes, why not? he offered, still a little breathless from the work of climbing up the slope. The ocean air stung the back of his mouth but could not dampen the simple happiness he felt, buoyant and true. The fact that it was reciprocated by Skua only made him feel as if it would never end, and though his childhood had not been a particularly happy one, rose-tinted memories of boyhood called to him.

When he had fully caught his breath, he turned to the younger man. Anything you wanted to talk to me about?

sorry this is late!

Nothing in particular, he thoughtfully hummed. The answer was only to buy him time. Valentine didn’t know how he’d weave into the question, much less an explanation. To find out the man you’ve been traveling with was a thief under an alias would be a shock at the very least. But he would find a way.
Valentine fell into a steady step. When you were a child would someone tell you fables? Ones with action? Romance maybe. Or the ones with the morals at the end?

No problem!

Yes, yes. I loved them as a kid, he responded, his brows furrowed with a cautious curiosity. As clumsy and ill-read he was in social situations, he could tell that Skua was leading him towards a point, a revelation. Where their final destination was, he had not an inkling.

His face returning to a smile (though still slightly perplexed), he seeked to make eye contact, as if the answers could be found in his gaze.