Ouroboros Spine all dolled up in gabardine

For @Mara. :)

The first decent layer of snow to last had finally come to the basin of the Spine. The air felt damp and chilled to Mordecai, who tested it early that morning with a wondering sense. It had begun, finally, though in reality it was probably safe to say that winter had already bore down upon them long before that. But things were not as bitter as he anticipated, just as the morning seemed far more tame than it should have been. He strode with confidence through the territory, drawing in the quiet surroundings with an appraising eye. Now their preparations would be put to the test, though he had no intentions of letting up on their efforts now.

Pausing to shake the lingering snow from his coat, Mordecai drew his attention skyward, peering through the boughs of the conifers still wearing their needle coats. Any other type of tree in their territory had long shed their leaves; his view was obscured greatly but still enough to ascertain how the weather really was. It was bright enough to imply to him that the sun had broken through the clouds that had been hanging around, and enough for him to decide what he wanted to do first. Instead of making haste for the borders to begin his rounds, he decided he would let the others pick up on it, and made for the higher ridges of the Spine.

Upon reaching one viewing spot, he lingered, taking in the warmth of the rising sun with a contented sigh.

the decemberists — down by the water