Emberwood cruel canvas

for @Echelon! :P

Far off the hazy rise of Duskfire's twin mountains lined the horizon, their heads dipped in snow. But for the mild winter and it's lack of ice, the air seemed to be snippish and sharp, dancing about Dovev's leathery gums as he pushed himself up from the ground. His morning rest area was a hollow scoop of ground on an open stretch of land, nestled into a mat of dead grass. Even if the variable wind brough frosty air, Dovev had more than a thick enough coat to keep him warm and dry.

Setting off, the ghost stalker made little effort to keep his pace above a leisurely walk. His head swung low to the earth as he kept a solitary march on the sprawling plain in front of the Emberwood. Dovev had grown a little soft when he was in Swiftcurrent, and was reminded by his weakness by the rumbling in his stomach. Still, he knew there was bits and scraps to be scavanged, holes to be dug up and rodents to be snatched. His nose led him several miles before he stopped.

The bleached ribcage of a bighorn sheep lay exposed and nude to the world's prying eyes as animals wondered what had brought the creature down from the mountain slopes. It was probably an old ram by the looks of it's shrunken skull and horns. Most of the carcass had been picked clean and scattered across the frozen earth, but Dovev would always hold a special place in his heart for marrow.
Throwing caution to the wind, he stood upon the skeleton and began to sniff and sort through the deathpile, a pleased growl rumbling in his throat. Such a snack like this could keep him going for another day or two.