The sun was dipping towards the mountain’s teeth, valleys below already shadowed. Mountains of Solace and Solitude stood out against the snow usually, but with the dying light streaking towards her, the entire mountainside seemed bathed in fire.

The snow crunched under her hooves and she sighed.

She had been in the mountains for too long- the ache was calling her back. Not too far away, along what was becoming a well worn trail, the obelisk jutted against the darkening sky, foreboding.

Her lambs would be born here. She was going to make sure of it. They wouldn’t be trapped away from the totoma homelands like she was, able to visit only in brief snatches before being pulled back to the swamp- so warm, so dreary and flat to her. No, her children would live their lives amongst the majestic peaks. Whatever it took.

The swamp would not see snow for some time, and there was usually a dusting at most if it didn't melt the moment it touched the ground.

Tidal Terror felt cold in her flanks this far up. Her winter coat hadn't come in; that was fine. She still had time.

The Motherfather would see to her health and safe passage, she was sure of it.

The Totoma crunched along the mountain pass. She did not usually go up this far, even in the middle of summer, but someone needed her.

"Hail and well-met!" she called once the other doe came into sight. "A fine day to be out in the snow, I should think!"