Mudminnow River a tall drink

Many long days had he traveled, following the seasons almost as summer bowed to autumn. As if he were chasing the passage of time. Better that than queens or dreams, at last for the moment. The thought stung him bitterly, mixed with regret and resentment that left a sour taste in his mouth. Fortunately there was a river nearby (he'd heard it, and could smell the water from a distance). His strength was steadily regained thanks to odd pockets of carrion and a smattering of good luck. Still, good food was a luxury. And as much as he felt like he were following the seasons, truthfully, it was them urging him onwards.

Winter would be coming soon, and he needed to prepare.

It wouldn't be his first, of course, nor his second or third, and certainly not the only one he'd had to weather alone. But the thought always frightened him in some way. He was a pack animal after all, the desire for companions was natural if not downright instinctive. Hya had a worried look as he ambled up to the river's edge, his tail bouncing limply behind him. The rest of him was far less animated. He stopped at the water's edge to have a look at himself for a moment. Then sighed, and tipped his head down to drink.