Logically assessed, having to carry a grown person up a mountain is excessive. An unreasonable expectation to make, and yet perhaps the grandness of the gesture was precisely why it must be done. Magni had it in her favour that she was stronger and taller than even her brother had been, that she could wield a hammer with such control, but to carry Lakshmi up the mountain and keep her safe—

that was a great responsibility, and one she could not underestimate.

Her gaze is caught on Lakshmi. She reminds her of so many things. The warmth of summer, the dance of flames, the shimmer of light over gold. She is the sun, rising in the sky and bringing colour and life to so much around her. When she looks at her, she feels her heart beat faster. Carrying her and holding her close for so long a time will be... a rare, precious thing. The vulnerability of the elation isn't lost on her, the fragility of whatever affection might be blossoming between them, and when she holds her hand out to Lakshmi she has to remind herself not to bite her lip nervously.

"Under the gaze of the Sky Lady and for the love of the Mountain-Father,"she says softly. And then quieter still, only for Lakshmi to hear, "do I have your permission?"