Blackfoot Forest microwave popcorn

Meerkat opted for the directest versus the scenic route, figuring they could always take their time on the way back. Eager to make it to the caldera and check on Caracal, she led @Issorartuyok due south at a steady clip. Over the course of nearly two days, they crossed through woods; wended between frozen marshes; and ended up following a winding stream toward a frosty meadow.

On the second night of their travels, she guided them into a thick forest at the foot of the mountains. The place smelled very pungent. Meerkat settled down and pondered whether they should try crossing the mountains in the morning or go around, which would add several hours to the trip.

Tucked up like a loaf of bread against the cold, she fell fast asleep with her head up. She didn't wake when the foxes began calling in the frigid night, though she did instinctively curl toward the only other source of warmth. Without ever waking, she cuddled up quite snugly to Issorartuyok.

A tickle in her nose roused her the next morning. Blinking and rubbing sleepily at her eyes, Meerkat tried to make sense of the blurry blackness. When she began to sit up and realized she was practically draped over her companion, she froze.