This week in my writing adventures, I got to "go on location" with Fin. As always, he's on an adventure, and this go-around it's the beautiful Yosemite National Forest. Here's a sneak peek...

My breath caught as the valley opened below us like a hidden world carved from Mother Nature herself. Massive stone monoliths rose from the valley floor, their faces sheared clean by ancient forces, catching the early sunlight and throwing it back in brilliant sheets of gold and amber. A thunderous waterfall plunged from impossible heights, its mist creating rainbows that danced in the morning light. The place truly was a sanctuary of towering trees and meadows, glistening so green they seemed to glow.

“You never told me it was like this,” I said, my voice hushed with awe.

Evin’s expression was unreadable and sweat dampened his brow as he stared down at the valley. “Even after all these years, every time I see it…” He shook his head.

Our horses picked their way down the narrow trail that wound between granite boulders and ponderosa pines. The air grew warmer as we descended, carrying scents of wildflowers and wet stone. Jays, goldfinches, blackbirds—they all called from the trees, inundating my senses and bringing me an unexpected peace. It was more birdsong than I’d heard in years of desert living. Even the animals felt safe here.

Don't forget, Fin lives in The Ending World, so he has Abilities - specifically, he's an animal telepath and a null - so it's important to him that places like this still exist in his world.

Now, I'm off to write a difficult scene and I have no idea how it will play out. Sometimes it just works that way. Others, I see it clearly from start to finish. Wish me luck!

Linds

P.S. You can read all of Fin and Del's chapters if you're a member at $5/month and up. But be prepared for major spoilers. :)