Winter. It was only Dormu's second, by a sliver, and he was sick of it. Large chunky snowflakes made their way through the bare trees. Not but a week ago he had been higher in the mountains, resting under the bows of the great evergreens that grew there. Here, close to the valley floor, any spot of green was scarce. What family he had, a mother and sister, had joined a clan within the Torbu tribe. While he had considered staying, Dormu decided to go out into the world and learn more about it.
A thin layer of snow had collected on the forest floor. He flicked a whisker and paused, regretting his decision on when to make such a journey. Oh, to be by a nice warm fire!
One thing the valley floor did have, however, was more food. Leftover crops could be found here and there, and small rodents and things were plentiful enough.
With a yawn, he started trotting again along the snowy path.
