Sunbeam Lair Wind

we can still continue our other thread, but i figured we needed a more recent one, too

Well, @Kirain? Winter’s Wake turned to his polar owl companion. Have you ever seen a place such as this? They stood together, looking into the belly of a mountain. Light and snow trickled in from weathered holes in the rock above, leaving piles of the wintry powder heaped up among large swaths of ground that were still green and growing.

The rustling of sleeping bats could be heard further in, and air warmer than outside brushed at their pelts. Wake, himself, preferred the invigorating cold. It made him feel like a frisky pup. But Kirain was still regaining her strength, and he wondered if this place would be somewhat of a reprieve for her.

Shall we venture inside? Or did she fear the long damp shadows that lie ahead of them?

It's wonderful, Wake! Kirain's voice brimmed with an energy and excitement she hadn't felt in ages. The cavern's vastness left her feeling almost giddy as she soaked in the surroundings. Sunlight streamed through the holes in the ceiling, illuminating patches of resilient fauna and flora that managed to thrive in the cave's shelter.

Look at the plants! she exclaimed, her attention captivated by clusters of greenery. Despite the lingering soreness in her body, she padded forward cheerfully, nose close to the ground. She eagerly inhaled the various scents, mentally cataloging and identifying the diverse plant life before them.

Wake watched the snow angel gladly, a lazy smile carved upon his features. He followed her excited prowling at a languid pace, taking in their surroundings with leisurely glances. His tail wagged to observe her exuberance, though he hoped she wouldn’t get too attached to this place, as they hadn’t yet reached their eventual destination.

There is a place like this in the heart of the Four Points. We called it the Undergreen, he told her more of his birthplace. I believe there will be plants here throughout the seasons that you might not find elsewhere, especially this time of year. And this mountain is not far from the valley I have chosen for us.

Is that peppermint? She leaned in quickly, snagging a leaf and chewing on it delicately, releasing the cool, minty flavor. It is! Wake, there’s peppermint here! Look, little purple flowers! Her voice was triumphant as she lifted her head high, pride lighting up her expression at her small discovery.

Invigorated, she pressed her nose back to the ground, sniffing eagerly for more hidden treasures.

Lost in her excitement, she completely missed Wake’s comments. Her tail wagged furiously as she carefully wandered through the cave, her voice dropping to an excited murmur. Ooooh, wood sorrel! Look at the lovely little blooms... And dog-violet! I know that flower anywhere…

Her words tumbled on and on, a soft stream of enthusiasm as she cataloged her findings, utterly oblivious to the world around her.