Valerie was a bit taken aback by how far she could see. Admittedly she'd been more focused on the difficult descent than the view. She could make out the smoke, but not what it was coming from. If it was that far in the distance though, it probably wasn't a simple campfire.

Any thought of a day ahead was driven from her mind with the terrible screech of the wyvern that appeared overhead. Valerie immediately ducked as low as she could without losing her balance, her heart instantly pounding in her chest. Apparently they weren't the only ones tracking out here. She didn't bother drawing her sword, instead trying to watch it through the bright sunlight. The forest below would offer them some much needed cover, and a chance to escape.

Without thinking, Valerie tried to proceed down the slope a little more quickly than she was capable of. She slipped, a loose rock coming out from under her boot, and she fell hard on her right side, sliding down several more feet before she could pull herself to a stop. She was still off of her feet when she heard the terrifying screech above her again, and saw the wyvern swooping down straight for her. There was no time to think, and her only reaction was to get out of the way.

She threw herself forward down the slope just as the wyvern touched down, its sharp talons failing to sink into her as it landed. It would remain there just long enough for Markus to make some kind of move to drive it off, but not much more. Valerie meanwhile tumbled harshly down the slope, unable to really protect herself against any of the rocks. The world spun viciously in front of her eyes until she came to a sudden stop at the bottom, and her entire body seemed to ignite in pain. She gasped sharply at the severity of it, trying to get to her feet, but momentarily unable to do so, only making it to her hands and knees.