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.

[Marble Wash for Nav Skill] Dell was slowly making her way southwards, slowly being the keyword. She seemed to stop at every rock and plant to sniff around their base, flip them over or try to gaze at their underside... There was just so much to explore as she moved and the northern region's cooler climate was pleasant in conjuncture with her heat. Sometimes she even stopped to roll around in the snow and allow it's wet cold relieve some of her discomfort... it didn't stop the whole thing... obviously.  No for that she'd need another wolf and though she had met a female earlier she hadn't seemed particularly inclined to helping out of the kindness of her heart. Not that Hirondell mined really, she wasn't exactly throwing herself on strangers and didn't really expect too many strangers to be begging her for a lay... still a girl could dream.  As it was right now the dappled girl was enraptured by the great stone walls around her. Deep violets trailing a particular vein of color, she wanted to see if it had a beginning... or an end. Either one really. Movement caught her eye though as she walked, the form of another wolf on the horizon, head ducked. Male by his scent though he was till pretty far off. Suddenly she realized she had stopped looking at the vein of gold she had been following and turned suddenly to gaze at the wall.  "Dang it!" She exclaimed, probably louder than necessary and the girl could hear her voice bounce down the walls. She wasn't sure she could pick out the particular line of color she had chosen, not with so many gleaming in the early dawn light.  Pouting like a child Hirondell collapsed onto her haunches, snorting first at the wall then turning to cast a derisive puff of air in the direction of the male. He was definitely to blame in this!  Speech

He gave pause as a new sound echoed across rock, tail flagging high on his rump. His muscles flexed reflexively, gold eyes turning to catch movement just as she settled on her haunches, a low grunt exhaling. From this distance, comparing her size to the landscape, he guessed a yearling.

Cool curiousity brightened his gaze for a brief moment before he thought better of it, survival instincts on full alert. She seemed uninjured, and therefore fine enough that he could leave her be without effect on his conscience.

The last thing he needed now was some green yearling following him about looking for a new mentor. Instead, with a stern, confidence, he nodded cordially before turning and continuing on his way, paws cool on the harsh stone.

A deep snort exhaled from his nostrils, lowering his skull to the cool surface of snow as a few perfectly round droppings the size of pebbles were found. He rolled one with his paw, feeling for warmth and then his gaze snapped to attention, fur on edge. There was a rabbit near, and the male wouldn't pass up an opportunity for food.

He stepped over the droppings, searching the light snow for signs of trail and then grumbling in frustration. That was until a bit of snow shifted and a pair of long white ears twitched in the cold air.

Taho's voice faltered immediately, jaws agape in wonder at his own stroke of luck. Lightening his step, he crept forward until a pair of pink eyes turned and met his amber. He gave a bark, immediately taking charge as the rabbit turned and fled. Tail streaming like a banner behind him, powerful limbs carried him forth with full force at the fleeing critter. Breakfast would require quick thinking and speed on this morning.

Well now what was she going to do? The girl stared sullenly at the wall before her. Movement once more caught her eye and Hirondelle could see the male turning his back on her and starting to move away. Dell jumped to her paws, tail sticking straight in the air. Hey! Where does he think he's going? She questioned internally, indignation ruffling her fur. He made me lose my path and then he just walks away? Not on my watch!" She padded after the unknown male, she moved in an exaggerated tiptoe, thinking herself incredibly clever and stealthy.  Then the man barked and started to run and Dell gave chase, pounding after him.  Speech