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.