spring and snow

The winter was slowly receding from the lands, however cold the northern reaches would remain throughout the year. Still, signs of spring were quite literally springing up. The massive deer was resting within a south facing meadow, the sun hit it from the time it rose to the time it set which melted the snow, greened the grass, and coaxed up little wildflowers all over the little glade. This was a rare place to find up here in the mountains. Personally he preferred grasses but you had to know how to forage when the snow covered the plains areas. The mountains here held heavy forests, and while he enjoyed the spring growth on the foliage, this was a little haven he didn’t even deserve.

The day had progressed past noon, it was as close to the heat of the day as it got this time of year. Rannoch had his long legs folded beneath him as he chewed his cud and watched over the sleeping cat beside him. His big ears twisted and turned, careful of any sound that was alarming. This was a peaceful place though, not many predators especially with the scent of Taiga lingering in the area. Still, the great elk was far more cautious without his antlers.

Rannoch was bald, reduced to his most vulnerable this time of year as well. Though he was not without his defenses being without them he could much more easily traverse the forests. For right now though, he was enjoying soaking up the sun with Taiga beside him. Maybe his herd was gone, but one he gained was enough. Taiga became incredibly special to him, though he would likely never find doe or hind for his mate, the lioness was everything he needed as a partner in this strange life. The difference in species be damned.

Verdant gaze shifted to the white marked cat, every time he looked at her he was taken aback to where he was now. The last of his kind alongside the beautiful lioness. She was supposed to be his enemy and yet here they were, curled against each other under the spring sun. It was surreal.


"Rannoch"