Whitebark Stream the black sea

pings for visibility / mention! feel free to join -- other than that, maybe a @Sun Eater ?

her scarred muzzle dips low to lap at the icy water. the chill bites at her tongue, but it does little to cool the fire building beneath her skin. her season—soon to arrive, but not yet upon her—is an inescapable heat crawling through her veins. her crimson eyes flicker up briefly, scanning the trees, ears swiveling toward the faintest rustle of branches.

she exhales sharply, nostrils flaring, and steps back from the water. her agitation is palpable, her movements stiff and restless as she paces the edge of the stream. she knows what her season brings—brutes with swollen egos and no sense of restraint. the thought of it grates against her, her lips curling faintly at the edges in a silent snarl.

any man who comes unworthy will bleed. this she has already decided. her claws flex against the frost-bitten earth, her tail lashing behind her as if warding off unseen threats. even @Randolf, if he tries—though she has yet to decide his fate. he has proven his strength, his worth—it depends on her mood if he does approach her.

she will drink, rest, find @Sobeille and randolf, and move again soon.