Dear Professor,

We have reached the summit. I’m writing this to you now, paper pressed against a book, which is in turn resting on my knee so I apologise if my writing is a bit messy. I suppose I could have waited until we returned to the base of the mountain, but the cool air has refreshed me and the words want to spill out now rather than later. It is beautiful up here. The sky is completely clear today and if I walk to the edge I can see out across the sea, to distant dark patches that I know are other the regions. It seems as though I am on top of the world. Perhaps I am.

It was not an easy climb, but we took our time. Syke has grown strong. I am proud of him. At the start I had to carry him through the afternoon, but soon his legs grew stronger and his heart bolder. Nothing slows him down now. He is nimble and quick. Areas that I must slowly climb over don’t even slow him down. As I write this he walking close to the mountain edge, unafraid of the dizzying drop and I do not worry, because he is always sure-footed.

We are close now and I can’t imagine not having him by my side. We will conquer even more together, I know it.

Once we begin to the task of climbing down the mountain, once we venture into the terrain of harsh snow and jagged rocks, we will both look forward to a long, hot bath at the bottom. But we won’t stray far from our new home. I believe have found our place here. Anything and everything I wish to study can be done right here and I will leave the rest of the island to my fellow trainers.

This is a beautiful mountain. She is proud and temperamental and she has challenged us, but we have held strong and now she feels like home. Helping guide others through her will be a great joy for both myself and Syke. Hopefully once we come down I will find my permit was accepted and we can begin building on our cabin.

Syke has returned to my side, don’t mind the line on the page, he just head-butted my arm for attention. At first he was quite timid and I am pleased with how well he has flourished, I’m sure you would be too. He loves the snow and heights and can rarely sit still for long. His manner is unflinching and his bravery unmatched. We came across a Beartic in a snowstorm one afternoon and he took her on without hesitation. Together we prevail.

The day has begun to wane and it is time for us to find somewhere to shelter before night sets in. They are hard up here, bitterly cold. My report ends here but I will write again soon, with perhaps something more scientific than my poetic ramblings. It’s hard to care much for science and facts when on the top of a mountain.

Until next time,

Everett Thorne