Lone Star Mountain you make my heart spin sorrow into silk

Muscles ached as the male stepped, each paw digging into the side of the mountain taking him a step further and higher than he had ever been before. Something about the height caused his heart to hammer against his chest, but it was not from fear. The woodland boy was awestruck, often taking pauses to glance back and see how far they had come. Part of the boy wondered if he could spot the stones that marked his home from here, but everything was so small from the mountainside. What once seemed huge might as well be ants when compared to the height of the mountain peak.

A silence had grown since the base of the mountain, one West wasn't sure he should disturb as they climbed, so for now, he didn't. As the altitude changed so did the weather and cold fought to move past his thick fur. While he much preferred the warmth of the sun, it did not bother him now. Instead, the cold that seeped into his bones held his attention causing the Eastholloian to be more alert and alive than ever. He was aware it might not be the same for the dove though. She had already seen the wonders of the mountains, perhaps even what laid beyond them and the girl was much smaller than he was. Pausing once more, West glanced at Polaris then tore his eyes to the colors that painted the sky's horizon.

For a moment he found himself speechless, a cloud of hot breath escaping him as he let his sore muscles relax. It's beautiful up here— He wondered if Polaris felt the same or if this was just normal where she was from. He had seen sunrises before of course, but even the trees of the plains blocked the intensity that bled from the sun's first rays. Were they always like this? Had he truly missed so much staying at home while his siblings traveled? Finding the strength to look away he resettled his gaze on the dove once more in hopes of an answer.