winter grazing is hard

The north is Oscar’s least favorite place in the world. However, the cold climate suits the rest of his herd so, the small ass grins and bares it. Time seems to pass at a staggering rate and Rannoch, who the ass had met as a youngster is now entering the third year of his life. He trails after the massive form of the elk, slowly picking his way across the frozen terrain in hopes of finding some food to gaze on. The donkey’s joints feel stiff and he almost regrets not staying with Nugget in the lands further south but, as he watches Rannoch gracefully walk across the frozen lake, he is thankful to be able to spend some time with elk.

Eyes trail up the mighty tower that looms on the horizon, the moonlight catching the ice crystals and making appear to glow. Small hooves slip on the slick ice and Oscar grunts as he strains to keep himself standing. Part of him knows that he is expending a lot of energy in the search of food that, might not even be there but he doesn’t want to miss out on the chance to have some, one on one time with Rannoch. As the elk easily walks across the ice, the struggling ass longs for a pair of cloven hooves like Ran and Kyren have. Hooves crush through the frozen snow and great clouds of steam pour from the donkey’s mouth.

As he attempts to trot after Rannoch, one of Oscar’s hooves slip on the slick surface of the frozen lake and the donkey’s already tired muscles cannot compensate. Unceremoniously, the ass collapses onto the freezing snow and ice, muscles quiver from exertion while his body shakes slightly from the cold. He doesn’t try to get up yet and resolves to rest a few moments before chasing after the massive elk. Short legs curl toward his body in a vain attempt to keep him warm and he laying his head over his curled front legs. Oscar closes his eyes as sleep tugs at him and tries not to drift off.


"Oscar Monaghan"