The ice does not forgive

trying to get more discovery points for risnjak <3

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The ice king had decided to venture out into the heavy woodland that lined the base of Risnjak to acquaint himself with the land he had claimed as his own. Risnjak was home to various species of fauna, from the large caribou herd to the small squirrels that squeaked from the conifers. Even the elusive lynx crept about in the shadows of the peaks. Lucian recognized some from his homeland; others were foreign to him. But they all had earned his respect for the gifts they were.

Lucian could hear the soft birdsong that filled the forest and, with it, brought the rising sun. The prince had always been fond of the sunrises, even as a young boy. The daybreak reminded him of his mother's eyes, of the glow she had before her illness took her from him. The memories still pained him, though Lucian tried to repress them. There was no need for him to reminisce on a past he could never return to or change. His mother was gone, as were his other family members.

As Lucian came to the very edge of the forest, he paused to scent the air. It was quiet this far down the slopes, too quiet. He scanned the trees with narrowed eyes, half-expecting someone to magically appear before him. But if they did? Well, he wouldn't question the peculiarity of the lands he now called home.

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Vanille was never a morning person despite her commitment to her duty, the earliness of the morning had a beauty to it but nothing compared to the slow sunsets of dusk. But even as she woke to the howling winds, seeking out her childhood companion for comfort, it hadn't been a surprise. The woman hadn't been sleeping, swarmed instead with the memories of her family—of their home.

Lucian seemed to be blending well among the ice of Risnjak, finding a freedom lacking within his Fontaine home. For that, she was happy for him, happy he was content. But even Vanille couldn't deny the disappointment she'd felt at that fact, that he wasn't missing home as much as she. So, when she'd sought him out and found an empty den, there was a hope rekindled in her heart. As selfish as it was.

So she'd followed him, greedily taking in his scent until it was trees that lined her sides instead of ridges of ice. Then he was there, poised with a strength she'd never truly cared to notice. Words had fallen silent on her tongue, efforts of greeting feeling more futile than worthy of his attention. So instead she simply watched, the softness of her gaze diverting from him when a heavy breeze ruffled the pines of their trees.

Risnjak's beauty would never be lost on her, but there would always be something lacking. It was a void she doubted anything could fill, but leaving...it was out of the question. She didn't know how to feel about it.

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She awoke to a world that she could not quite remember it as, eyes blurry and lashes heavy from the morning's frost. Something was strange- she clocked it near immediately when her pupils straightened, black pins ahead into the distant horizon. Was it the taste of the air? The color of the snow and trees? Or the touch of the snow underfoot? Her head was foggy with drowsiness she had never quite experienced before. Attempt at further recollection left the tall dame rather stumped; she did not know where she was nor did she know why she was there. Tracing back her steps only helped up until a certain point- asking too many questions left her with a headache pulsing behind her eye.

The tall dame straightened herself with a sigh. If there was one comfort to take, it was in the way the snow and cold reminded her of her home. Yes, the sharp and bitter twinge when she inhaled was all too familiar, the strange comfort screwing her head on just right. Buffy needed to think, but she could not do that sitting around. Rising to her paws, she began a slow slink- filing and categorizing her surroundings, a frown remained on the dame's soft muzzle for a while. Buffy had no idea where she was, was going in blind to the terrain and completely vulnerable to the elements and any stronger predators.

She'd faced similar situations. It was quite like breathing.

Food was important. Water could be gotten from the snowmelt that surely had to be nearby. Blood was also an amazing source of hydration. A rabbit would get her down the mountain. A goat would let her survive for a while on it.

In her quiet ponderings, Buffy remained ever aware. Thickly-lashed eyes took in the sight of another traveling along the line of the mountains. Sniffing the air dashed the assumption he was alone- there was another faint scent somewhere behind him, leaving her sure that she'd rather flee than engage in combat should conflict break out. For now, she carefully weighed her options. Buffy did not yet know if this land was claimed- she could find out now, or risk finding out later in a much harsher way. The answer seemed easier than one would expect.

Buffy glided forward, dipping her head when she was in the line of sight. The wolf beamed brightly, tipping her head to the side, "Greetings." Buffy said. "I take it you might be from here?"

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@Lucian @Vanille

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