Each whispered breath spoke of winter’s coming. The darkened skies herald the snowfall sure to blanket the land, yet all of nature remained still with bated breath. Shrill icy gust teased the delicate senses, bracing one for the sheer chill that would follow but never came. What were the skies waiting for, the woman often wondered as she peered into the blanketed sky. What transgressions need to happen before the land was blessed with endless white? She longed to see the first snow of winter. The wonder never dwindled from her time as a cub, and her anticipation only grew as she came of age. There was an indescribable calm that came with snow as well as a danger lying in wait. It was a time when nature itself became predator, consuming the weaker with frigid fangs while testing the strong to surpass their limits and prosper. It was a time of trial for all living beings from flora to fauna.
A shame she had pitted herself against nature, alone once again.
Return to Ichika was inevitable, but severely delayed. Even with the onset of winter nipping at autumn’s heels, she was in no rush to return and seek the warmth of her den. This was her prolonged punishment, she decreed to none but herself. This was what she deserved for betraying the trust of her friend. None had put it on her, in fact she was certain that in another light, an apology and perhaps some grieving would have sufficed, but it would not have done anything to ease the embarrassment she felt. She was better of wallowing til eventually her mind righted itself and she could muster the courage to confront the wronged mother and apologize sincerely.
For the time being, she found contentment wandering the familiar trails blazed by herself and the Shishen not long before. The familiar haunts gave her comfort and brought the smallest of smiles to her weary muzzle. And for an instant, she did not feel as guilty for her crime, for like her parting from the Nomads as well as Ichika, she had done what she felt was right and had remained true to herself… regardless of the consequence. With that in mind, she strode along with her companion upon her shoulder in silence.