Raven's Watch She's a gun

Not quite HW, but for @Moonshadow

His soul-bird roosted along here. Their nests littered the nooks and crannies on the mountainside here. He moved quickly, knowing they didn't have the same respect for him as he did them. He quickly forged the river where it seemed shallowest, the rocks beneath him slipping and slick with aquatic flora. Winter was the worst time of year, but it had to be done. Down the mountain was a ravine, so up he went and it went on for miles and he was fed up with river crossing.

A rock he was particularly relying on to briefly support his weight decided to nope out from under him, and Earp being a little clunky int he water went tumbling on his side with the help of the current, being swept over a few times for extra measure, before he regained control and dragged himself to the other side.
Why couldn't this river freeze like the rest?

He grumbled, shaking water from his fur. It froze spiking out, making him look very much like a porcupine. He needed shelter. Moving off, he looked for it, licking the fur that he could quickly reach to flatten it.