There's a Llama

Aristaios registered Rakia's subtle acknowledgment of his presence and her whispered resolve. Her small, dry smile matched his own internal satisfaction. Their ascent began with careful, calculated steps, each movement deliberate and precise. Aristaios felt a grim satisfaction in the way their journey unfolded – cautious, yet driven. Every pause to study the llama's tracks was proof of their combined expertise. The llama's path was as erratic as it was challenging, weaving through the jagged rocks and icy patches with a cunning that Aristaios could almost admire. But not really. He’d rather admire its dead body at his feet. Each twist and turn only fueled his determination to see that happen.

As they climbed higher, the cold intensified, biting into his skin and gnawing at his endurance. But Aristaios thrived in these moments of adversity. He pushed through the discomfort, driven by a singular goal. Finally, they spotted the llama. Before it turned, to continue up the mountain.
A fierce grin spread across his face. The chase was on.

He surged forward, every muscle in his body primed for the final push. The llama might be built for this terrain, but so were they – through sheer will and relentless pursuit.


""