Noctisardor Bypass baelor

@Uktark and/or other GF recruits

in morning, the slumbering beast pulls himself from the high mountainside den. careful to not disturb the sleeping forms of his wife and her daughter when he moves from the entrance, silent sentinel to protect.

it is early dawn when he leaves for his patrol. the sky above bleeds an amalgamation of blood citrus and lilac feather, perforated by thick clouds gathering close. his dark frame cuts through the fog as he lumbers slowly across the high ridge.

down into the valley below where hard-packed snow settles beneath his weight. the blackbird moves with muted thuds for pawsteps, and a distant croak tugs at one ear. a cutting of his gaze, and he sees the raven swooping down.

it perches upon the thick hide of his ruff and preens at him.

uktark stills when the raven settles, weight accepted without flinch. his ear turns, jaw setting as the croak sinks in for what it is.
a summons.
he exhales once through his nose, fog curling thick in the cold air. there is a glance back toward the mountainside den, toward warmth and sleep and what he guards now, before he turns away.
the sangilak angles downhill, dark shape slipping into the valley’s spine, following the bird where it leads.
blackfell has called.
uktark answers.