Sometimes as I fly down the mountain I can go beyond myself. I become entirely one with the air, one with my board; in combat with Gravity my only friend and worthiest foe.
Nothing else matters but the rush of cold against my face.
As I train myself to best the mountain, I steel myself against all distractions. I am better than the mountain, I am the mountain.
They don't feel what I feel. They don't think I feel.
It's not exactly true. I do feel. Just not what they do.
I don't need to justify myself by conforming to their standards; if they perceive me as unapproachable or arrogant, then that's their prerogative. I simply can't bother myself to care what they think.
For me it's about evolving into something more than what I am. For others here it's about winning, money, pride, the adrenaline rush, or most reprehensibly: showing off.
It's revolting, really, the sort of people that can't see beyond the superficial. These are just perks, or side effects. The truth of the sport is beyond the game.
If such perseverance presents me to be an impenetrable fortress, then so be it.
I would never forsake my true love for anyone so common as these people. When I am riding the mountain, I know myself in and out, I am flush with confidence and thrilled with the knowledge that I am.
I fuse with the flash of white that hits my face when I land a jump. I dodge an obstacle only to come out to a clearing that delivers a view so fresh, so perfect, that I know no amount of money or fame can buy the feeling.
I am Elise Riggs, and I am the mountain.
I'm thinking of doing character shorts for all of ssx 3 boarders, but who knows... this could be just a one-shot.