Sunbeam Lair I found peace in your violence.

For Chusi, sorry this is rubbish!

An awkward encounter with a fearful wolfess in the meadow had caused Talion to withdraw, turning his attention to the Eastern mountain range. He lived there quietly for a number of days, tucked away from the world while he weighed up his options on how to proceed. As much as he'd like to, the young Roux-Abrhen knew he couldn't stay alone; Winter had begun to take hold of the Teekon, causing the temperature to plummet and the flora to die. He needed the support of a pack, as was evident in the narrowing of his flanks.

The morning dew glistened, frozen, on rocky surfaces as the raven-tipped yearling abandoned the little hollow on the mountainside he'd used to rest. He eyed the slick ice curiously, aware that the higher he travelled the colder and thinner the air would become. Still, Talion didn't know what he was looking for, exactly. All he hoped was that he'd know in his core when the opportunity presented itself, at least for the duration of the cold season.

The sky remained murky, pale grey clouds lingering ominously and masking the highest points of the nearby mountains. Talion did not acknowledge them, focusing instead on his footing and trying to follow a less treacherous route. What he did not expect was for the path to lead him toward the mouth of a cavern, where he paused to investigate. Sniffing around the entrance for fresh scent markings to indicate a claim. Finding nothing, he was content to move on past and continue Northward - until a low thrum of thunder rolled across the heavens. Obsidian ears pricked, Talion looked up briefly before hunching his shoulders and entering the cave, half expecting a downpour to follow the rumble.

The hollow was much larger and deeper than the boy anticipated, and he looked around as he stepped gingerly across the cold stony floor. The clack of his claws echoed throughout and daylight broke through, breaking the darkness with pale rays. Frosty eyes glanced up, just in time to witness the first fluttering of snow he'd seen since the previous Winter, observing solemnly as it floated gently downward.

Sorry for being late! You didn't tag me so I had no idea you already put up the thread XD

The fewer their numbers, the more anxious the young butterfly became. She had survived winter in a pack before, but never in a place of power. Not with responsibilities to anyone but her father and not with the kind of support Mouse brought... He truly was an amazing friend, and secretly she wondered if he thought more of her than just that. Perhaps then they could be like Lotte and Arturo; hopelessly in love with some pops at their side, strengthening their numbers with their own blood. Was it a crazy idea? Perhaps. Was it possible that when her first heat arrived she'd do the thing Ingram had told her about so many moons ago? Somehow more unlikely, but desirable... Troubling thoughts came with troubling times, and the wandering spirit could not help but help her feminine frame up and out of the Vale for a while.

It was a gracious climb, not anything like the first few times she'd done it, and living in the mountains was surprisingly easier to navigate than their thick forest. As long as you remembered which peak was which side, it was hard to get lost. But today she did not go for those directions, instead choosing a rather dangerous path down.

She nearly froze at the rumble of the sky, hair standing on end as she poofed up more than usual. She calmed herself, took a deep breath, and went back to her small yet somewhat exciting adventure. And what she discovered was far more beautiful than most places she had seen. It was probably the biggest cavern - the lightest cavern - she had ever come across. It was like their vale but with a broken dome on top, just enough light getting through to spawn an empire of flora. But the scent of another was strong, and as she breathed in the strangling cold air, she let out a small; Hello? It echoed from side to side, somehow making her dizzy. She was not accustomed to these places and the slight feeling of being trapped gnawed at her heels and nearly forced the adventurer to return to where she had come from.

Edit: concluding now that Chusi has been removed

The air was bitterly cold, and a shiver trailed the length of Talion's spine as his periwinkle gaze observed the gentle descent of fluffy white snowflakes. He acknowledged his unease with bristled guard hairs and, quick in his attempt to shake off the discomfort, turned his attention to the bright cavern around him. Winter was truly upon him, and the fear of being claimed by the cold season suddenly became very real.

The surprised squeak of a rat caused the peppered yearling to yip, startled, and his heart leapt within his chest as he followed its rapid dash with wide eyes. It scrambled over the rocks and vanished into a crevice, gone from sight, though he quickly came to realise that it was not his presence that sent the rodent running. A voice echoed from behind and Talion blinked over a slim shoulder, and found himself look in upon the dark figure of a hesitant wolfess.

He whined softly, his aim to alert the uncertain female that her suspicion is correct: she is not alone. Nervously licking his upper lip, Talion turned to face the stranger and emitted a quiet woof with the intention of drawing her attention toward him. They chat briefly, and Talion gathers information on the young wolfess' nearby pack before he takes his leave.