It was peaceful. As peaceful as walking the naked scapes could be. However strong her convictions, however unyielding her pride, it was not enough to keep the restlessness at bay. And though she was not glad for it, she found herself walking toward the woodlands of the plateau once more. It was neither for camaraderie, or the pursuit again of food. But in the simple pleasure in bearing witness to the rise and fall of the sun behind its peaks. Such was the luxury of the wanderer; to take part in the beauty of nature at her leisure.
Though such moment's brought her no closer to a full belly, nor a warm bed to rest her head.
The last spell of comfort had been cast by the lakeside beneath the dark tresses of wild fur atop and equally wild frame. How glad she had been for that moment. It was near disheartening to know she would not encounter its likeness again.
A nomad both in name and purpose, she walked at her leisure beneath the shadows of the ridge. As the sun reached its peak smiling warmly to her withered frame, its luminous glow cast the long for shadow to conceal her ragged frame from the eyes of the all seeing. She was not a creature that took pride in her appearance, but she knew of her state... how disheveled she looked. Last she needed was the eye of another upon her casting is judging stare. Oh yes, she could feel it. Seasons of growth beneath such a gaze, she would have felt it even as she slumbered. And often did.
Sighing softly, she peered down to the blistered state of her paws. Cracked and split, furthering the width by the pressure applied with each step atop jagged foothills. The time was nigh that she would need to rest though her pace remained resilient, not urgent but steady. It was an aimless pace. A true wanderer's pace. One she had adopted and kept her rather well... |