Ramble On

Dawn's creeping light wandered across the pale expanse of snow that still covered the halls of the old river bed. As the sun slowly emerged it highlighted the tawny gold tones in Taho's motley coat. He walked with a measured gait, gilded eyes warily wandering up the sides of ancient banks. The cold embrace of winter was still very much present here, it's icy caresses breaking past even the thickest of winter coats to prick the flesh beneath with each breeze.

Life here seemed barren, though he could every now and then make out the sound of tiny feet making their way beneath the snow toward buried burrows while the larger creatures stalked the surface. The scent of larger predators had faintly been caught here and there. Old scent trails signifying estrus for a young mountain cat and near petrified bear scat had been among the things he'd come across as he'd made his way along. Moving quickly in a southward direction.

His coat was still thick, brought on by the dense hairs that had sprung up during the fall the previous years. It kept him looking stout and hefty despite the slight lack in nutrition he'd had during the cold season. He'd gone days here and there without food so he wasn't in prime condition but he'd gotten enough to make it through. His huge paws paused at the edge of the river bed, as he tilted his head up toward the icicles that clung there, sniffing inquisitively. He stopped for a moment, letting the slow drip hit his nose before lapping it off. Not the most effective means to get a drink but it would work for now.

Once he'd gotten a sufficient drink, he backed off and turned over his shoulder to inspect the southern horizon, lapping chapped lips with a resolute expression. South meant a new home and new memories. Perhaps he'd be able to leave the past behind him.