Bitterroot Valley That's what it's always been

She'd not gone far into the territory and already it simply wasn't particularly appealing to her -- it was too bleak here before spring could really unfurl itself. It reminded her of harsher times -- what a lovely memory, was it not? No.

Her pace was quick as she moved forward, looking for signs of something that might make the trip worth it. But how many had gone without a good sign? More than a few. People enjoyed disappointing her, but that was probably their purpose in life.

She was following along the trail that a herd had followed some time in the last week -- not too recent, mind -- but right now none bothered to show themselves. Arbiter would waste maybe an hour or so of her time before turning back to the Bypass again. An hour of nothing, she suspected.