I can hear the lost crying
Solo seasonal
12-29-2022, 04:39 AM
Raylan's head tipped back to stare up at the sloped crags of the mountainside. While technically a volcano, it appeared to be dormant given a lack of ash spewing from the top and lava running down the sides. So in his mind it was simply a mountain until it decided to become active once again. His red gaze visually explored the treacherous terrain of the mountain, figuring out a somewhat safe pathway up from where he stood at the base. To look out across the lands from so high up would soothe the wanderlust coursing through him for a brief time. But first he needed to make his way up there without injuring himself or falling off. Given the lack of volcanic activity he wasn't worried in the least about lava, but from what he could tell there were a multitude of fallen trees and unstable-looking outcroppings. He stood there for a good while, mapping out a path that would avoid him stepping too close to the edge and risk tumbling all the way back down. That was a death sentence for a long wolf such as him, but he wasn't afraid of a little danger. Some scrapes and bruises were good for the body, and if he accomplished his task he would have one hell of a story to tell. Finally he began his trek, heaving himself up the base of the slope where it was still covered in dirt and foliage. Very quickly the terrain turned to rock: sharp, smooth, and a little slippery in some places. Raylan wobbled a little as a hind leg momentarily slipped out from under him, digging his front claws into the gritty igneous rock to stabilise himself. While not that far up the mountain yet, an injury this early on would prevent him from climbing further up. He exhaled heavily, taking a moment to compose himself before continuing ever upwards, still intent on making his way closer to the top. For a good distance he managed to climb upwards without too much trouble, taking his time on the more hazardous sections where the smooth obsidian rock jutted out at all sorts of sharp angles to avoid slipping or cutting his paws. Once he figured he was about halfway up to where he wanted to reach, Raylan paused next to a fallen tree, using it to steady himself as he caught his breath. He turned to look down at the lands now quite far below. A river snaked by through multiple different forests, the brown and orange of the dying leaves creating a picturesque scene for him to admire. Compared to the mountain he was currently scaling, the forests and river looked so peaceful and safe. Visually satisfied, and having regained his breath, Raylan grunted and heaved himself over the fallen tree, moving ever upward at a reasonably fast pace, but still taking care where he stepped. A fall from this height would most likely leave him paralysed, or even just kill him outright. He quite liked living and wasn't planning on moving on to the afterlife so soon. There was still so much to explore and see, such as the view from near the top of this mountain, or at least as high up as he could get. After that view? Who knows where he'd end up. The pathway up was full of sharp twists and sections where he had to practically heave himself up over a clump of gritty igneous rock to the next ledge. It was not safe by any means, and he probably should have been doing this with a companion just in case something went wrong, but he was of the mindset of doing what he enjoyed with the time he had in this world. If that meant braving a dangerous mountain that he could die on, then so be it. He would climb the damn mountain regardless, letting his stubbornness win out over his common sense like it usually did. Unsure of just how much time had passed since he started the trek, Raylan experienced multiple slip-ups and near-falls. But not once did he even considering giving up and going back down the mountain, even as the smart part in the back of his brain told him to be afraid and pick the safe option. He'd made up his mind, and he was going to accomplish his goal one way or another. The day was beginning to get late, the sun starting to dip down low near the horizon, but Raylan knew the sunset would make the view just that much more beautiful and worth it. Upon reaching a large rock outcropping Raylan paused, sitting back on his haunches as he breathed heavily to get more oxygen into his body. He glanced up at the precipice of the mountain, seeing that it would be nigh impossible to go any further up given how late in the day it was unless he wanted to be making his way down in the dark. Now that would be a stupid idea, even for him. He turned to face away from the mountain side, letting out a drawn-out but contented sigh as he took in the sight. The forests stretching out looked so beautiful from this high up, and the rivers so small even though he knew that some of them were quite large in width. The wind gently buffeted at him, playing with his fur and bringing a sweet and fresh smell from the air at this height. For once he wasn't inundated with animal scents or the smell of the dirt. It was peaceful, even if all it took was one misstep and he'd probably be dead. Raylan was glad he had decided to brave the dangers of climbing the mountain upon seeing the lowest point of the sun kiss the horizon, gaze locked on the golden rays that bestowed their glorious light upon the world. Had he not already been out of breath from his climb he would've said the sight itself stole his breath away, leaving him gasping for more. He sat there for a bit longer, at least until the sun began to dip below the horizon. His light would run out quickly once the sun fully set, but from past experience in climbing he knew he could make his way down a tad faster than the length of time it took him to get up. Satisfied with accomplishing his goal for the day, Raylan took one more glance at the dipping sun, ever grateful for being alive, before beginning his trek down the mountainside. Word count: 1,099/800 |
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