The Lonley Mountain

It was time to be cautious. FitzDutiful was on the defensive as he stalked the mountain lion that had so brazenly ignored their borders and wandered through their lands. He normally had no problem with the rest of the wildlife but big cats were another thorn altogether. Not only were they cats (and FitzDutiful detested cats) they were also prone to eat the same food and competition was not something to be toyed with lightly.

Spring may be on its way but, especially on the mountainside, the snow was still fairly prominent and had yet to water down completely. The cat appeared to be waiting for him as he approached, still cautious. Defence was priority but, ever dutiful, he would try to do the right thing.

"Is there something I can help you with?" he asked, loathe to be an accuser before he knew the female in front of him and what she wanted.