Tormented Tarns cool enough

Joining OS/STS. @Tonravik @Iqniq @Nanuk

A mosquito whined in his ear as he traipsed into the wetland. He flicked it repeatedly, yet the insect persisted. Finally, he whipped his head to the side and snapped his jaws, his teeth coming together with a loud click! The irritating sound ceased, though it was only a matter of time before another bloodsucker came buzzing around his head. He was wading through a bog on a summer evening, after all.

He reached the far side and found himself in the shadow of a mountain. He shook out his pelt, then sat down to wash the filthy water from his legs and underside. A breeze blew past him, ruffling the soft quills of white fur at his nape, and he suddenly sat upright, alert. He'd caught a strong whiff of a pack. His dark eyes roved the nearby mountainside, then narrowed. A strange smile wound slowly over his pale muzzle.

If he'd smelled them, they'd most certainly scented him too. He slowly rose onto all fours, posture steady but neutral, waiting for their inevitable approach.