Mudminnow River if i didn't know better

birdsong greeted the first breath of dawnlight as it rippled over a thick layer of fresh snow. a blissful, windless moment, fractured now by the disturbed rustle of a star-lulled nephele. wrapped in the insulated blanket of winter's breath, she awoke slow and lazy, curling into herself more to seize some last moments of warmth before facing the daylight.

she eventually unraveled herself, snow shifting to settle beside her as she shook free what yet clung to her pelt. a few first steps beat an aching reminder of the sore shoulder she'd acquired some days before. poor footing during a hunt. it'd heal, though not without first tormenting her.

she pressed onward still, craning her neck to relieve some tension while scouting for a source of water. she'd avoided a mire half a day ago, though didn't feel like doubling back to lap at it's grimed waters. if her bearings were right, then bearclaw wasn't far off from here.

a churn in her stomach unveiled neglected emotions, bringing her pace to a glaring halt. she took a breath, rolled the sore shoulder, and then carried on again.