Ningning's arms gave out completely. She slumped forward, her chest hitting the stone ledge with a soft oomph.
She whipped her head around, gasping for air, her hair plastered to her forehead in a sweaty mess.
Tolief was perched on a high, jagged outcrop just a few feet away. He was shirtless, his pale, lanky frame looking like a statue against the morning sun.
In his hands were his charcoal stick and stone tablet. He wasn't looking at her with mockery, but with the same intense, analytical focus he used to study the stars.
"Tolief!" Ningning barked, or tried to, but it came out as a ragged cough. "What are you... how long...?"
"I have been here since your 'run' began" Tolief said, hopping down with a light, effortless grace that made Ningning want to throw a rock at him. "I followed the sound. It sounded like a large animal was in distress, but instead, I found you performing... this."
