[MT-4D] Mt. Tinder 4

Journal Entry - Friends in High Places

I made my way along the western path of Mount Tinder. The most significant obstacle presented itself in the form of a dilapidated bridge. Its deteriorating state left me no choice but to seek an alternative route. I turned my attention to the rocky face of the mountain, carefully choosing hand- and footholds to ascend the cliff. I came upon a sizeable ledge, approximately 4 meters squared. Large enough to rest, and to set up camp for the night - by the time I’d climbed up to it, the sun had kissed the horizon.

I sat down to enjoy my dinner, a welcome respite from the day's exertions, I noticed a small creature scurrying across the rocky terrain. It was a delicate bug, its iridescent wings shimmering in the fading light. With curious eyes, I watched as it went about its own miniature adventure, navigating the crevices and cracks of the cliff. I’ll describe it for you below;

The beetle is relatively small, I’d estimate 3 centimeters. Its body is elongated and slender, giving it sort of a sleek and streamlined appearance. The colors are interesting, it has a deep red hue as its base color (the color of arterial blood), and interspersed across the back are intricate patterns of iridescent gold. A bit like Victorian wallpaper. Its six legs are long and slender, each ending with tiny, translucent suction cup-like structures. (It walked along my palm at one point, they definitely have some strong suction to them.) 

At the front of its body, the beetle possesses a pair of elongated antennae. They’re a bit longer than the rest of its body, I think. These antennae are adorned with little luminescent orbs in shades of orange and yellow - somewhat like a torch bug - providing a delicate and captivating glow during the twilight hours. (As it is right now, it adds so much to the ambiance of this place.) The head is relatively small, featuring a pair of titchy little compound eyes.

I am no entomologist but hopefully that was clear enough. I may put him in a little cup and take him home with me - Jacira would have a better brain for either identifying it or naming it or what have you. She’ll probably come up with a full report for it later, ha!

But I digress. There isn’t much light left, the little bug can’t give me enough to write with. I’ll tuck in for the night, and get back to climbing come morning. The caldera of Mt. Tinder awaits.

Celandine woke with the first rays of dawn, the warmth of the morning sun gently caressing her face through tiny gaps in the tent’s canvas walls. As she emerged from her cozy hideaway, she began the task of dismantling her camp. She folded the tent with practiced efficiency and secured the rest of her gear within her backpack. So much stuff, yet so little space to hold it. It’s always a bit of a hassle to accomplish appropriately. Still, she’s well used to the task and was able to complete it with little fanfare. With the temporary camp packed away, Celandine's attention turned to her grumbling stomach. She reached into her provisions pouch, on one side of her belt, and retrieved a simple but nourishing breakfast. A ration of dried fruits, nuts, and a small loaf of lembas awaited her. She scarfed it all down, fueling her body for the challenges that lay ahead. With that taken care of, Celandine carefully packed away the remnants of her meal, ensuring that she left no trace of her presence in the pristine wilderness.

With her backpack securely fastened and her determination renewed, Celandine surveyed the route ahead. The jagged rocks and sheer walls presented a formidable challenge, but she relished in the thrill of the climb. Her hands grazed the rough surface of the cliff, paw pads seeking familiarity with the terrain. The wind-blown touch of the rock sent a shiver of anticipation down her spine. Thus she began her ascent. Each movement was calculated. With a grace borne from years of experience, she expertly navigated the contours of the cliff. Her claws found purchase in narrow crevices, her paws secured themselves on small ledges, and her muscles flexed with controlled strength. With calculated precision, she maneuvered her way higher, the thrill of the ascent coursing through her veins.

In the midst of her audacious climb, Celandine's mettle was put to the ultimate test. As she reached out for what appeared to be a reliable handhold, the rock she trusted betrayed her expectations. Like a deceptive trickster, it fell beneath her weight, giving way to the void. Time seemed to stand still as a surge of panic coursed through her veins. The precipice threatened to claim her, gravity asserting its dominion over her fragile existence. With a wild flutter of adrenaline-fueled desperation, she fought against the imminent descent, clawing at the rugged cliff face in a desperate bid for salvation. Her muscles strained and her mind sharpened with an unwavering determination to survive. Miraculously, she managed to seize hold of a more secure hold, her body teetering on the precipice of disaster. Gasping for breath, she clung to the side of the cliff, jagged rocks poking through her thick coat. With trembling limbs and a racing heart, Celandine allowed herself a brief respite. 

Glancing up, she saw the treacherous stone poking teasingly from the wall above her. Unnatural colors glinting in the - now early afternoon - sun. It looked more like a shard of colored glass that had been sanded down and polished than a rock. In complete contrast with the rest of the stone around it. Teetering as though it were mocking her. Something tickled the back of her brain. Like her cerebrospinal fluid was spontaneously carbonated. It was an entirely unwelcome feeling. She growled lowly before snatching the ‘stone’ out of the wall and shoving it into a random pocket. Thankfully, that action seemed to have decarbonated her brain. I’ll throw it into the active flarbing caldera the first chance I get. She promised herself. 

Regaining her composure, Celandine recommitted herself to the daunting ascent. Each subsequent move was executed with a delicate balance of caution and audacity. Her claws grazed the surface of each potential handhold, her paws tested the stability of each foothold. The memory of her near-fatal slip lingered in her thoughts, a humbling reminder of the fragility of her existence. She looked down for a moment, morbidly imagining her broken body splayed on the very ledge she’d slept on the previous night. There probably wouldn’t be much blood. That type of fall is more likely to cause internal injuries… Like a broken doll with all the limbs twisted around… She sighed and shook the cobwebs from her brain, pressing onward.

With every ounce of caution and care, Celandine continued her ascent, more aware than ever of the deadly nature of the cliff. Each step was deliberate, her grip on the rugged terrain unyielding.  As she approached the final stretch, her body trembled with a mix of exhaustion and adrenaline. Her hands quivered, betraying the nerves that gnawed achingly at her resolve. But with unwavering determination, she summoned the strength to push through, one painstaking step at a time.

Finally, the moment arrived. Celandine hoisted herself over the edge of the caldera's plateau, her body shaking from the exertion and the lingering fear. She collapsed onto the ground, her breath ragged, her muscles trembling. Lying there, she turned her head to the side and allowed herself a moment to absorb the magnitude of her achievement. The vast expanse of the caldera stretched before her. The air was thin with altitude. She took deeper breaths, the smell of the faraway ocean mingling with the scent of ash and soot.

Gradually, her trembling subsided, giving way to a sense of calm. She closed her eyes. The silence enveloped her, broken only by the distant sound of wind and the frenetic beating of her own heart. Seconds stretched into minutes as she lay there, allowing the stillness to seep into her bones. Slowly, Celandine began to come back to herself. She savored the crisp mountain air as it filled her lungs. Her trembling limbs gradually steadied. She rose from the ground slowly.  Celandine collected herself, her determination rekindled. She brushed off the dust from her clothes, adjusting her gear with practiced precision. The fear had subsided, replaced now by a steely resolve that burned within the depths of her heart. The caldera's plateau awaited, promising secrets and revelations that were hers to uncover. The journey was far from over, but she had conquered the most daunting part, overcoming her fears and pushing herself beyond her limits.