The long grass rustled softly as a warm summer breeze whispered through the air. The blades danced and swayed delicately, each one moving in rhythm with its partner, yet always a little different to the next. One thing, and one thing only, disturbed their intricate movements: a she-wolf sliced between the blades smoothly, cutting a narrow trail through the tall growth.
Kuwindwa breathed deeply, taking in the rich smell of summer. She could see relatively little in these plains and in retrospect wondered if she shouldn't have circumvented them altogether, but it was too late to turn back now so the woman kept moving forward, relying primarily on smell and hearing to determine what was around her. It made her a little uneasy, being unable to see more than a tail-length ahead of her own snout, but she was a wolf; she wasn't helpless without her eyes. Nevertheless, it was with some relief Kuwindwa broke through the edge of the tall grass and promptly startled a hare. As the small animal darted away, the woman gave her pelt a quick shake, loosening some more of her winter coat (still shedding out) and some of the grass she'd managed to pick up along the way.
She looked (and felt) scruffy this time of year, more than usual. Journeying alone for so long did nothing to help her unkempt appearance: her paws were dusty and her fur had a tendency to stick up at angles it usually wouldn't, had she more time to groom herself. She had to remain focused on survival and pelt upkeep was only a small part of that. Sure, keeping it clean so she could stay warm and dry was important, but not as important as, oh say... hunting. And the glimpse of that small prey animal was a keen reminder that Kuwindwa was hungry. She could feel her gut clench almost painfully at the idea of food; her last meal had been days ago... and it hadn't been very big: a vole she'd managed to snap up when it wasn't paying any attention. Snuffling softly, the woman lowered her nose and took in a deep breath...
No wolves, the rabbit she'd just startled, a passing deer - make that two deer - and little else beyond the perfume of the flowers blooming in the area. Now was as good a time as any for a hunt. Kuwindwa hadn't seen hide nor hair of anyone or anything for a long time now: if she was still being followed she was far enough ahead to spend a little time feeding herself before pressing on. So facing west, the woman padded away from the tall grass, her eyes, ears, and nose all looking for that hare or its den.
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