Zirak-Zigil

Zirak-zigil loomed above him; a tall, brooding presence that matched his mood.  There was silence apart from the moan of the wind, broken only by the faint cries of eagles far below him, yet there was a harsh beauty here so high above the world.  Weather beaten stone, sculpted and worn smooth by wind, rain and snow surrounded him, twisted into fantastic shapes.  There were a thousand shades of grey as rock, sky and cloud merged into one.

But here at last was a different colour, a tumbled rock split open to reveal a glittering vein of pure white quartz.

(Author's Notes: Written last year for an alphabet challenge - the drabble had to begin and end with the same letter.  Many thanks to Elena Tiriel for reminding me about it!)