the curse of dark mountain

Pyrrhic wandered the land aimlessly. Though he was fatigued he couldn't sleep. Any attempt to rest was quickly stymied by restless tossing and turning, and a mind that wouldn't be quiet. The ash clouds loomed in the distance. Though they weren't here yet they lurked in the distance a dark and ever present threat. Pyrrhic had fixated on this. He fretted over the next step. Today they were safe but what about tomorrow? His father and Benkos both always had plans but Pyrrhic wasn't sure where to go from here. This time of year Boreas was usually in the throes of a snow-filled winter which would normally make Auster a better choice, but the clouds that now blotted out the sun threw things out off. It felt like winter here too and it was that that stalled Pyrrhic. Did they take their chances and stay here or did they keep moving?

By accident Pyrrhic stumbled upon Erystotle. His ears slicked back as soon as his eyes found the boy's ghostly shape. For a moment he deliberated about approaching. Briefly he contemplated just leaving, but then it occurred to him that the boy had no doubt heard him. There was no escaping so he approached. "Erys? Why aren't you sleeping?"