Percy slowly opened his eyes. Head turned to the heavens, he gazed adoringly into a great symphony of pink, orange, and red, the beautiful cascade of color stretching as far as the eye could see. A smile grew on his face and he collapsed back on his bedding, eyes still glued to the world above. He lay there for a few more moments, soaking in the gorgeous sight, then took a deep breath... and arose.
It took tremendous effort to remove himself from the blankets and enter the frigid air, but as he had many mornings before on his journey, he forced himself to stand. His near-nude body exposed, he scrambled to a large fallen pine that held his brown pants and a woolen sweater. Shivering, he pulled on the clothes and rubbed his arms with vigorous determination, wishing to be free of the chill that beset his bones.
Shifting to the center of his camp, Percy used a fallen branch to prod the cold, blackened, ash-covered earth before him. "I suppose I'll have to remake the fire," he remarked to himself, before walking a few paces to his pack. After rummaging a bit, he acquired a steel bowie knife and a flint stone, then an assortment of twigs and kindling. Perseus sparked the kindling, then raised the thin mesh-like material to his mouth and blew long bursts life into it. The process quickly conjured the mesmerizing flames he sought, so he placed it on the collection of sticks and sat back, watching it grow and dance.
Percy tended to the fire for a few more minutes, adding to it when necessary. When he felt as though the flames were relatively self-sufficient, he wandered off into a dense bit of underbrush in search of mountain hemlock for tea.
Alaska, he thought with a mixture of awe and reverence, it's truly the most incredible place on the planet. Before him stood a proud, powerful waterfall that rose hundreds of feet in the air, pounding rocks and sediment with tons of force that opened out into a small serene lake. He had finally arrived at the birthplace of his adventure; the base of Mount Denali.
He took the opportunity to run back to camp and grab his canteen, happy he would not have to boil water for a long while. After filling both his canteen and tea kettle with the pure glacial melt, he returned to camp and began preparing the beverage, though excitement had by now chased all thoughts of cold away. He hummed and danced foolishly as he placed the kettle by the fire, barely able to contain himself. He was here! At long last, he recollected, for he had begun the trip little over 2 months ago. But as his mind began to creep upon the reasons behind such a decision, he quickly cast his thoughts towards the tea. The fire was hot, and the tea was warm.
Mug in hand, the revitalized traveler stood tall and ready to continue, pack strapped and back facing where he had come. He inhaled a careful breath, then broke out into a small smile; the assent had begun.
This is essentially just to test the waters for an idea I've had as of late. If this goes anywhere, it'll pick from here and wrap back around. If you see some potential, let me know by favoriting or reviewing. Enough support and I'll attempt to write a 2-3,000 word chapter every week.
Well wishes, Cssszr.