[It's their responsibility as a mage to help, he says. That sounds a lot like being a healer, or even a Longinmouth. Carlisle was always told it was his duty to protect the people of Bear Den, as their bloodline had for generations; that expectation guided him in so much of his decision-making, from the way he willed the town all his possessions to the fact he stayed close even when he was the only one left. If he'd had siblings and were not cursed, would he have been free to explore the world beyond the mountains? Would he have even wanted to, had he the option?
Given the way he's still covering his eyes, lest he be petrified by the open space all around them, the answer is a resounding no. Even when Reynir says they're in the clear, he hesitates; however, when he finally does manage to peek at the promised land around them, Carlisle finds himself pleasantly surprised, stunned into outright awe. Clouds fill the open sky above them, blocking out portions of it and casting shadows on the grassy knolls below. Hills rise up in all directions, their vivid, green pastures dotted with rocky crags and woolly sheep. It's not a terrifying flatland devoid of life like the Land Beyond Living, but a welcoming expanse of color and warmth like Bear Den itself -- well, like Bear Den once was.
He's so taken aback he just stares, his eyes watering, though if those are tears or from how bright it is, he does not say. He's even forgotten to release Reynir's hand.]
no subject
Given the way he's still covering his eyes, lest he be petrified by the open space all around them, the answer is a resounding no. Even when Reynir says they're in the clear, he hesitates; however, when he finally does manage to peek at the promised land around them, Carlisle finds himself pleasantly surprised, stunned into outright awe. Clouds fill the open sky above them, blocking out portions of it and casting shadows on the grassy knolls below. Hills rise up in all directions, their vivid, green pastures dotted with rocky crags and woolly sheep. It's not a terrifying flatland devoid of life like the Land Beyond Living, but a welcoming expanse of color and warmth like Bear Den itself -- well, like Bear Den once was.
He's so taken aback he just stares, his eyes watering, though if those are tears or from how bright it is, he does not say. He's even forgotten to release Reynir's hand.]