Northstar Vale i'm so tired of eating all my misspoken words

this is one hell of a timeline wiggle, but I can't pass it up.  i'll figure out where this goes later.  probably around slavik..?

Winter was coming, and Ceara was not looking forward to its arrival.  The Plateau was too open for the cubs and those who did not grow a thick winter pelt like herself; she'd held off saying anything to Raven, who was busy tending to her cubs.

With the birth of Autumn, Ceara was looking tired and travel-worn.  She retained much of her muscle mass but had slimmed around the waistline to resemble something a little more waifish than previous seasons had seen.  If she were human, she'd have bags under her eyes from the late night drinking.  Her gunmetal eyes had an unfriendly bite to them.  She was hardened.

She just hoped she'd be strong enough for the coming winter.  There were others who dealt with it easier than she.  

She trailed over the scenic Vale's rolling slopes rather aimlessly.  Soon, she would have to return home.  She just wasn't ready.