Blacktail Deer Plateau no turning back

Shelter was sought beneath the canopies, providing a moderate amount of protection from the freezing droplets as they fell; Aningan was not unaccustomed to the cold, nor was he unequipped to handle it, but he found himself disinterested in the rain—snow was one thing, an acceptable occurrence, but rain an entirely different story. He intended to remain there until the weather might shift, alone with his thoughts for the day, but that plan was brought swiftly to an end by unfamiliar summons.

Aningan drew in a breath before exposing himself to the chill of the rain, which he released slowly as a chill crept down his spine. He wasted little time before taking off in the direction from which the sound originated, knowing that the more he moved, the warmer he may remain (although, given the weather conditions, his efforts were likely to be futile).

The young leader arrived at the scene before long, his jog turning into a walk, and then the walk into a full stop once he was near enough to speak. From there, he said, “Salutitsinik,” which was joined by a nod. “Who are you? Why are you here?” His questions were direct—not that he really noticed.