Snowforest Taiga maugak ⋟

they must have kept busy, with how quickly dawn comes for them.

gjalla wakes to a loss of warmth from her back—fortunately, his bulk is too large to disappear in the mist, and his scent too strong to escape her. he had turned away, but he had not gone far.

she rose slow like a creature being dragged up from deep waters, frost clinging to her coat like star spots. her muscles protested, but she ignored the sting.

by the time she is at his back, she puffs a greeting as to alert him she is there—though she is sure he knows her approach from scent. no words.