mahina ·

She ranged east because the scent of pine was strongest that way; it wasn't worth it to go too far in case Vi needed to rest, and so movement would be slow. She wanted to keep to the other woman's pace. If they did stop to rest, it would be as long as necessary, and she would insist they cluster together as often as possible - especially as the wind picked up and began to stir chunks of ice across their path.

Once they reached the tree line Mahina did a cursory investigation out of habit. It would be a good idea to get some warm meat in to their bellies (more for Vi's sake) but Mahina wasn't keen on abandoning the woman so soon after her near-drowning. She still held her own questions about this place. Better to stick together even if they were strangers to one-another - or so she figured.

There was enough shelter among these trees to prevent the worst of the wind from reaching them, and they could make a decent camp here among the ferns and fallen trees. Mahina finally took a moment to breathe and - not quite relax but, settle - when the sound of a distant voice competed with the shrieking wind. For a beat or two it was all Mahina could hear - and she knew that voice.

Did you hear that? She looked to Vi, having risen immediately to-attention on her feet. There was an intensity to Mahina now that could not be denied. I know that voice. My captain - my friend, she's another valkyrja. I think she's up the mountain. The urge to leave Vi behind and start climbing was hellishly strong, but it wasn't something she'd truly entertain.

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References: Vi (), and Gjalla ()

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Vi followed closely to Mahina, if only to survive this icy place. She was pretty sure every part of her was frozen. The only thing keeping her going was the anger under her skin and just her will (or stubbornness) to survive. She tried to keep moving as much as possible, occasionally needing to rest. And while not saying anything when they did need to stop, the scent of shame and embarrassment would roll off of her.

Every time Mahina paused to listen or look around, Vi would do the same. Mahina seemed to know what she was doing, and Vi... well she had absolutely no clue.
When they reached a place that was good enough to rest at, Vi lay with a huff. How could ones muscles ache and be numb at the same time? Even still, it wasn't the worst she had endured... she could get through this.

Suddenly, Mahina had risen saying she had heard a voice. Vi turned her ears, straining to hear anything, but she could only hear the wailing of the wind. She stood, careful not to make too much noise and got closer to Mahina. Her body tensed just in case, even if she was positive Mahina could handle herself. She did say she was a warrior, a valkyrja.

At the mention of her captain, Vi saw her expression shift, a feeling she knew all too well. She would feel the very same if she saw Marcia. And she set her shoulders, ready for a blow she was sure would come.

Do not worry about me, go to your capitán. I will be ok if you want to leave.

mahina ·

There was a moment that sparked within Mahina as Vi spoke, allowing her to leave for the mountain; that sense that the challenge before her was absolutely worth it, and she felt the deep pull of that need to see Gjalla again, to go back to her work as the protector of the Brehn family. She knew it was her true commitment to be there at their beck and call, but...

Don't worry, you're stuck with me, she quipped and gave a grin to Vi, turning back to their shelter and settling against the earth. One ear remained turned towards the howling wind, just in case - and had she really wanted to, she'd have competed with that wind to send her own message up the mountain, but that was pointless. If she had heard Gjalla at all, it was a miracle embedded in the storm.

Once the winds die down I'll try to contact my captain, and we can figure out what to do from there. Three bodies are better than one. Although she wouldn't rely on Vi just yet, she had recovery to think about. Sequestering themselves at the foot of this mountain and waiting out the winds seemed like the best option for now. Are you hungry?

Don't worry, you're stuck with me.

Vi let out a breath she hadn't known she was holding and tried to cover it up with a cough. She knows she's the one holding them up, and the thought made her anger rise. Why couldn't she be stronger? Right... it wasn't her fault. It was their fault. She was just surviving. Its all she could do at the time. She stood looking to where Mahina had looked, trying to squint through the wind and listen. Mainly giving herself time to breathe, now wasn't the time to lose herself. After not hearing or seeing anything out of the ordinary, she turned towards their camp and lay down. She listened as Mahina said she'd try contacting her captain in the morning. Probably for the best.

Do you really think three better? Even if one is not useful?

She looked away, out at the wind around them, at the dirt beneath her, anything but at Mahina. She couldn't stop the embarrassment, shame, and anger this time. As far as the hunger, Vi was pretty sure she could eat a whole deer, but there's another issue and the thought made her wince slightly.

Maldíceme ahora mismo. (Just curse me now.)

She muttered under her breath with a sigh, and finally looked at Mahina.

Never hunt before...

More shame fills the space and for a second her eyes are filled to the brim with emotion. Until slowly the emotion gets blown out like candles, one by one leaving and being locked away behind steel and ice.

Would be willing to learn if you teach...but doubt I will be helpful.

She's not sure why she cares what Mahina thinks of her. She was sure Mahina would find her captain and they would both leave her. Who would choose someone who can't even hunt or help provide for the pack?

mahina · exploration.

you've never...? it was a surprise, given her age and health. how could anyone born in to the body of a wolf, with fangs and teeth and all that muscle, not know how to hunt? mahina did not intend to judge the other woman but could not help the incredulous look upon her face - she quickly sheltered her expression and quickly said, of course you will learn. we all must learn to care for ourselves.

that was a problem for another day.

for now, we must wait out the weather. when it gets easier i will go out and find you something warm for your belly. if the woman protested, which she expected, mahina would be ready to counter her. you need your strength for the climb. once we're united with my captain, things will get easier.