Redtail Rise LVI

Winter was fast approaching. She could smell it in the air, but it was not yet cold enough—even with the snow—to be bothersome. New Snow dozed in the burnt woods, restoring some energy from her own failed hunt (she had been chasing marmot—the last of them, before they hibernated). The thing had found its burrow and escaped her, even though she had tried to dig it out.

She lay next to the earth she had torn apart in the failed effort. 

The snow that came melted against the heat she put off. New Snow heard the heavy footfalls of another, but it was the scent that caused her to stir. Still half-dozing, her tail began to beat against the earth as he came closer and closer.