Bitterroot Valley if you could shine brighter, I’d be the dark

@Sunny !

Frost blanketed every millimetre of the low lying shrubland the valley cradled as Lars emerged from the depths of the evergreen forest and out into the open space, giving his pelt a brief shake in an attempt to warm himself up. The night had been bitterly cold, and as autumn began to fully enforce its grip the darkling could only hope his usually plush winter pelt would thicken up before even the first signs of snow began to settle in.

He followed a game trail - his nose leading him onwards through the crisp grasses along the path that a family of deer had presumably travelled the night before. Lars would have normally stuck to smaller prey but after days of the occasional pitiful meal, his stomach had really begun to protest. 

A sudden bleated wail split the silence of the morning and the silver-brushed canine froze in his tracks, head whipping round to finally see the shapes of three does becoming clear against the mountainous backdrop. His eyes had widened at the disruption - but the herd was distracted! Lars quickened his pace and broke out into a run, his breath steaming in great clouds behind him.