Porcupine Ridge the wind lays heavy

The roof of her mouth felt like sandpaper. The hike up to the ridge had been straining on her small body, which was more used to crossing flat tundra for days on end. Ivev could feel the weariness in her back ankles which had propelled her up many a boulder. But the ache was nothing compared to what this stranger held in his own joints. With narrowed blue orbs, the arcticborn watched as he slowly clambered to his paws, seemingly stiff. She lifted her chin and her nostrils flared, catching the aroma of infection that had been hidden as the loner rested upon the rock.

How long have you been like that? Ivev questioned, immediately moving into action. Her frame vaulted up the incline to the silver loner's outlook, tail swinging behind her. Approaching, she lowered her head as her eyes roamed over his body. Berating herself for not paying closer attention, her pools alighted upon his back leg. There had been such a stretch of his skin that his fur was hard to distinguish from the red color of the swelling. She noticed angry welts, puncture marks that had become infected from improper cleaning.

Apart from her usual timid nature, Ivev turned her neck to cast a sharp glare at him. Were you planning to sit on your leg all day? the wolf demanded, ignoring his comment for water. She could hear his pain echoed through the locked and gritted nature of his voice. Ivev was surprised there weren't ravens perched in the nearby trees already. Through his stoic mask, this creature looked raggled.