Shadewood when the last tree has fallen

tracker specialty thread (repost)

In the early light of dawn she did stalk, slipping in silence from the den she shared with Cry and masking herself in the cover of shade that the trees provided - both the still bare, and the evergreen, as well as those that had begun once more to blossom. The sky was visible through various cracks in the canopy, a wash of blue and orange that sped across the clouds in arrows of vibrant colour; where the sun glowed and the trees were sparce enough for a large expanse of open land, the keep's elk herd grazed. 

Gwen had no desire to hunt, not this morning. She could not, with a belly so large and full of life.

Her aim was to count the numbers, survey for any disappearances and ensure the population was healthy enough to continue providing for the wolves who resided here. Besides, the snowbird held a great deal of compassion for the creatures; yes, they filled her stomach and kept her limbs moving, but they were fascinating to watch. This is exactly what she intended to do, making her presence known by idly sitting in broad daylight - once the herd realised she was not hunting them, they settled, and she was able to properly observe them.

Mornings like this were often her favourite, despite the lingering shadow of tenebrosity that hung in anticipation behind her skull.