It was as cold as it was going to get and when the wind blew they drew their cloaks as close as they could get and put their heads down into the gusts. They carried packs with them that were half again the size of their torsos and also heat lanterns for the coldest nights.

They walked along what in summer was the river road and watched the current through the ice. There were swells and bubbles and occasional holes but it was otherwise a single sheet of shot through with cracks. Along the banks and all along the Valley there was only snow. The smallest trees had long been buried and even the tall ones were now starting to be overtaken. There were small animals all in white among the drifts but with their heads down they saw none of them.

Camp soon, she said.

Na, next mile.

Beyond that ridge there?

Ia.

She lifted her head and shielded her eyes against the glare coming off the snow. There was what might have been a deepfall in the distance but she could not tell. There was a snarl of cloud out in the near distance that cut off a longer view.

It’s a far walk still, she said.

We’ll make it ‘fore dark, it’s not so far. Better shield from the wind.

Sure?

I’ve gone it before. There’s a drop where the cloud is now, there’s shelter there if it’s not already taken. It’s a spot many use, good refuge.

I didn’t know you’d come here already.

Come most places in the Valley once or twice. Was my obsession for all a dozen years, after the Service. Had us try to build a road up off the snow for a time, abandoned it. Snowshoes might break by the thousands but they’re less cost than a walkway. And freight moves as well on sleighs when it’s so snowed.

She pushed back her hood. She was a taller woman and leanbuilt in the way of a cat, her hair pulled tight back against the bottom of her skull. Her skin was a darker grey of stormclouds or of rough steel and her teeth were very white. Across the back of her neck there was a long patch of paler skin that could have been a scar. Her name was Aiva.

They walked into the deepening dusk and in the distance they could see already the lights of fire or lanterns in the deepfall where the cloud had covered. There was a faint noise of metal as of hammers for pounding the stakes for tents. They drew up closer and Aiva was first to the edge and looked down and then turned back.

Ai, a whole village, looks.

Ia?

Not truth but close to it. See.

She stepped to the edge herself and looked over. A cluster of tents numbering in the dozens and fires burning though God knew from where the wood had been taken. There were areas where logs had been placed for sitting and groups from many camps were sat together. Conversation drifted up and they heard faint laughter.

Rope ladders, she said. She pointed to the braided rope that hung down to the bottom. Long climb.

Not the longest we’ve made.

Na, truth. Camp here for the night then?

I was planning to do alone, but I won’t turn down the warmth.

Only time in a week we’ll have it. Conversation too, of others from farther places. Don’t shun it so fast, it’s how you found me first.

She didn’t answer and Aiva turned to her. Hey, she said.

I don’t do well with people.

Lyrri. We can go elsewhere. I’m sorry, I didn’t think.

She smiled. That’s a change for you, she thought, and Aiva smiled back.

So you want to go elsewhere then?

I would rather. But you’re true that it’s how I met you, coming places like this.

Ia.

As long as we stay close to the edges.

You’re better than I deserve and that’s truth if there’s no other.