Blacktail Deer Plateau Season's greetings

He still stank of sulfur when he arrived on Whitefish River's opposite shore, thick pelt dripping with cold water. Swordfish gave his body a thorough shake, then paused to clean his chafing paws before trotting slowly along the riverbed. He had crossed directly from the hot springs to avoid encroaching on the plateau's borders. As he came closer to the colossal rock shelf, the scents grew strong and he slowed, his body hunching out of respect.

The young Beta stopped well before he entered the red zone. He pondered waiting for someone, a guardian perhaps, to find him. However, the cold changed his mind and he tipped his muzzle into the air, sending up a polite howl for attention. Deciding it would be best to avoid wasting anyone's time, he even requested @Saena Blacktail specifically by name.

Swordfish fell silent then and sat, curling his tail so that the soft, white underside wrapped around his toes and kept his weary feet warm. Patiently and expectantly, he waited, picturing the young woman that had been described to him and keeping his copper eyes peeled for her face to hopefully appear on the plateau's ledge.