Rising Sun Valley A Stray Ember

The air had stilled, a clear indicator that dawn was approaching. In fact, the snow beneath Sumac's weary paws was just beginning to turn a slightly fairer shade of blue. It would be time to rest soon... Ever since the incident that left him a lone soul in this world, he'd taken to traveling at night and regaining his strength during the day. He'd been coming west steadily since the summer, when the cooler months offered a welcome reprieve from this year's oppressive heat.

The lanky black male continued his solitary journey past gently sloping hills, wishing instead for the shelter of a dark forest. He could hear the rushing of a large river off to his right, and an owl screeched once in the distance. The ambient light was steadily increasing. Shaking his head vigorously in an attempt to regain some vigor, he issued a soft sigh at the sight of a large hill in front of him. Well, at least it would be a good place to survey the area.

Slowly ambling up the hill's snow-covered slope, he gasped aloud as he reached its crest: never before had he seen a landscape so awash in vibrant color. Reds, golds, purples... They delighted his tired eyes as his gaze drank eagerly of the scenery unfolding before him. Rolling hills, babbling creeks, towering mountains in the distance - ah, it was a masterwork of creation. 'Mac lingered for a moment longer before sense demanded he find a less exposed place to inhabit for the day.

Carefully picking a path back down the hill, his nose examined the myriad scents that were being delivered on the now-returning breeze. The aromas of other wolves piqued his interest... and scraped at a wound in his heart. Lonely. So lonely for so long. The morning suddenly seemed somber and barren of its previous splendor. Ah well, keep carrying on.