Blackfeather Woods Through the Cold

Potema is neither a merc or a scout but this thread looked lonely (and they haven't formally met!)

She could not have picked a worse time to take a break from her pups. The chill blasted into her face, catching her off guard for a brief moment. She knew immediately that there needed to be some kind of windbreak to keep them warm while she was gone. At a lost for the moment, she tucked them in a corner, tucking them tightly in pelts, wrapping them together. She was wary, reluctant from leaving them for too long, but she could not stand another minute in the den.

Moving quickly, Potema broke off into a trot, already feeling her stiff limbs flare into life. Her body felt like pudding, what with the extra fat lining her body. She didn't get far before her heart was pounding rapidly, her breath quick. Potema licked her chops, shivering at the snow. As she reached the border she saw the true extent of the warped weather; the dark clouds in the distance, billowing and rumbling with malignant intent. She stared at storm, then glanced sideways at the unfamiliar wolf, barely recognizing him.