Wapun Meadow oh deceiver, was it worth it?

@Reek ;-; menny hearts

once more her heat had consumed her impulses, and once more indra swung out the mouth of the valley and into the open expanse of the frigid meadow. around her evergreens studded the flatlands at intermittent venues, their tall spires shivering with heavy eaves of snow. she ignored the groans of their wintry burdens, picking her way across the headland at a slow clip.

the absence of her tail had been an injurious hindrance up until the last week; now she moved with her normal fluidity. she still felt sore in the morning, and still was keenly aware of its absence -- but no longer felt vulnerable for its departure. her gait was almost returned to its normal length and she felt freedom from the yoke of pain that had straddled her the last two months.

she had not seen skwol, or laurel -- and realizing she was alone, relished the isolation by slowing to a casual walk. she would make for the stream that marked the meadow's end -- there she could supp of the water freely, and not worry about anything except for what her next meal would be. she spent the rest of the day alone, her thoughts unmarred by anything -- and later, returned in better spirits to the valley she called home.