Dawnlark Plains fang and feeling

Moon Runner descended the ridge to the plains below. It was a familiar land – she had hunted here with Wise Father many times before. In the distance, Redtail Rise stood proud. Though her heart belonged to the Taiga, Moon Runner’s spirit was not sure she would ever step foot there again.

The days were short. Winter was cold. Yet, the dark and frigid hours sparked change within the dispersed young adult. She pined for the comfort of another. A mate. A family. Perhaps it was what had driven her to travel so far. To discover what region spoke to her spirit.

It was the dichotomy of life – to close one chapter in order to write another.

A gentle snow fell. Moon Runner tipped her crown back and began to sing a melody without lyrics, but plenty of emotion.

Tag for mention.

With word to @Sun Eater she had gone back to the river, checking if their stores remained, checking also for any invasive creatures which she could cull; then a little further on, Sulukinak moved westward, and this was done more to prove to herself she could do it. That she could run without Saatsine and be alright about it.

The plains spread as far as her eye could see, and there were no caribou here. The clouds overhead grew thick over the sea, so the line there was blue and dark; but the plains themselves were almost sullen with how empty they were.

She saw movement as she surveyed, and paused, staring. A stranger loped through the grass for some time, then they stopped and watched as snow fell freshly again, and Sulukinak regarded the clouds also, panting, tasting some snow as it caught across her nose.

The stranger sang, and Sulukinak moved again, this time to intercept, because she was curious — and because she needed to test herself further.

Moon Runner howled ancient hymns into the snowfall. Small clouds of warm breath puffed from her mouth before evaporating into the frosty air.

She paused, quiet as if to listen for replies – ears orbiting to focus on each direction.

A rustle in the grasses.

Moon Runner chuffed.

Who goes there?

So accustomed to being unseen, either because of her own skill upon the snow or the lack of interest by those of Saatsine, it was humbling to be caught so swiftly, and with only a look. As soon as the stranger turned their head Sulukinak caught their eye with her's, even though she ducked down among the grasses, and she knew by the sound the stranger made - she had been seen, or heard, but caught regardless.

Now came a new choice: remain flat and pretend to hide, turn and flee, or confront.

She slunk forwards, her belly mere inches from the ground and her limbs tucked close, even with the crawl. She came slithering from the grass to witness the pale shape of - a woman? Only a woman. Her tail lashed with annoyance, but beyond that Sulukinak appeared alert, interested, and stared at the stranger as if in childish challenge.

Moon Runner stood tall and stiff – white like the hard ice and snow atop a river.

The other stranger slunk low. Tempestuous like the frigid river’s dark waters.

They were too sides of the same thing, in this way.

Moon Runner’s tail elevated and waved stiffly yet her expression was open and attuned.

I wish to meet you – but don’t trifle with me, her spirit said.

Moon Runner took a step forward, as if dipping her toes into the cold river’s waters.