The ledge didn't offer much.
Just a bit of flat ground and less wind. But for Lindarion, it might as well have been a palace floor. His legs weren't shaking yet. That was the important part.
He kept the fire alive in his hand. Steady, quiet. It didn't flicker much. Just pulsed with low heat that brushed against his fingers and drifted outward in soft waves.
Ren didn't say anything. She just sat next to it like she was owed the warmth.
Meren curled around the nearest stone and moaned dramatically. "Tell my parents I froze nobly."
"You don't have parents," Ren muttered.
"Then tell my imaginary ones."
Ardan adjusted his footing near the ledge and scanned the slope like it had offended him personally. Lira stood nearby with her arms crossed. Still and silent, but not tense.
Lindarion stared at the flame. Let it move with his breath.
His thoughts weren't on the snow anymore.
