Mercury made his way cautiously through this newest territory. The ice beneath his feet burned his paw pads, and he could feel each breath through his nostrils. He was beginning to regret exploring out this far! The wind was no laughing matter either, and it constantly swept through his coat, and tore away his body heat.

He was just deciding that exploring wasn’t worth the cold, when a shape appeared on the ice. Between the strangely frozen trees, he could see the movement. Blocking his way home. He paused, watching and waiting for more movement that would tell him what stalked him.

It was the whiteness of its coat, and the towing size that filled him. One of the greatest apex predators had his scent. To run, or stand his ground? If he ran, surely the polar bear would chase.


"Speech"

The icy landscape that Oscar trots through does little to calm the irate donkey and a loud, “FUCK” rings through the landscape as one of his small hooves finds a deep patch of snow. He grumbles, pulling his short leg from the hole as he mutters about not being made for this shit. The herd is made for snow but not Oscar. Shaking his head, long ears flicking, the ass continues onward, surveying the desolate land. Trees poke up through the ice in random places, forcing the donkey to detour around them. Underneath the thick layer of ice, more trees can be seen, their forms frozen forever in time.

What a crappy place. Slowly walking on, Oscar spies a white form of a polar bear slowly stalking across the ice. Oh shit! He stops, ready to flee when he sees that the bear is sizing a tall wolf. Shit, shit, shit! Should he help? Surely, a wolf as tall as that one can take on a bear alone. Oscar may be a grumpy ass but he has a heart of gold and, despite his instincts telling him to flee, the small ass charges into the fray. As the polar moves to charge the tall wolf, Oscar lets out a loud bray, effectively pulling the predator’s attention to himself. Shit, fuck, crap, damn!

Small body skids to stop and legs churn as he skirts around the polar bear, small tail tucks to protect some… very important things as large paws try to strike the fast, little donkey. All Oscar can think is, ‘Please let the tall wolf be friendly!’.


"Oscar Monaghan"

If Mercury lived to be twenty, he would never forget the sight. The image of the little donkey charging at the hulking form of the polar bear would forever be etched into his memory. For a moment, he could only watch as the tawny creature skidded to a stop and skirted out of the bear's powerful paws.

By the time the surprise had finally released his legs, the donkey was already racing around the polar bear. Mercury was torn. Should he leave now, while it was distracted? He couldn’t fathom the reason for the donkey's interference but… somehow, he couldn’t leave it.

Letting out a frustrated groan, Mercury went charging in. Distracted as the bear was, Mercury managed to land a hit on its back leg, and was already racing back out of the reach of its legs. “I don’t know if you can understand, or if you're brave or stupid. But we should run!”


"Speech"

The donkey works as perfect distraction… for wolf as well as the bear. Oscar groans inwardly as the tall wolf’s eyes follow him, the stranger seemingly struck dumb by the sight of prey animal trying to help. Huffing, the small ass lets out another loud bray as he races around the bear, hoping it will help to awaken the spell bound predator. A frustrated groan can be heard and the unknown wolf is charging in, striking the bear’s back leg before racing back out. The wolf yells at him and long ears flick in irritation as Oscar loudly says, “Yeah I can understand! Just make sure ta not to get yourself hurt!” His Irish accent is thick from the stress and annoyance he feels and, as if to spite the ass, a huge paw suddenly swings toward his head. Ducking under it, Oscar then turns his hooves to race past the wolf and away from the mad bear.

"Oscar Monaghan"

Hearing the donkey speak was also a shock, but one lessened by seeing it attack the bear. At least this time he didn’t let it strike him dumb! As the donkey turned and began to race away from the polar bear, Mercury followed suit. Hearing a confused, angry bellow from the bear behind them.

His paws were able to gain purchase better than the donkey, and it made up for the donkey's extra speed. He was able to race alongside it without getting lost behind. Once they were out of range of the polar bear they began to slow. Warmed from the fight and the run, he had all but forgotten about the cold. “I’ve never met a talking donkey before… never thought I’d like one, either but you really saved my ass out there. So, uh… thanks. I’m Mercury”


"Speech"

They run, the bear giving chase to the ass and wolf but it eventually gives up. Oscar stumbles a few times as they run, his hooves somehow finding the spots where the snow isn’t quite packed down. When the bear roars its displeasure at losing a meal, the pair are finally able to slow knowing that it has given up on them. Short tail flicks as Oscar snorts and shakes his head, long ears slapping against neck as he stomps his small hooves in excitement. That had been thrilling! Looking up at the tall wolf, the ass says, “Aye. Seems I’m a rarity in these parts. Just like a wolf who doesn’t immediately want ta eat a donkey.” Snorting a laugh, he dips his head while saying, “Nice ta meet ya Mercury. Name’s Oscar. Be happy ta help ya anytime.” A flash of flat teeth is given to friendly wolf.

"Oscar Monaghan"