Grouse Thicket And winter came...

Rannoch had been within earshot when Liffey and Wraen's conversation and begun; he recognized both voices almost immediately. He redirected himself hastily, moving towards the others with a newfound purpose. But as quickly as Rannoch had moved, he had been careless to assess the potential hazards in his path. 

One of Rannoch's forepaws whacked against an extracted root, sending a sharp pain shooting through his foot. He stopped abruptly, his ears flattening and muzzle wrinkling as he let out a sharp yelp. For now, Rannoch's advance was delayed. 

Note: Sorry for the delay!