His breath swirled from his gaped mouth. Walking through the snow was exerting, but he plowed forward with a strange determination. Like always he wanted to do something good. Wanted to bring something home to brighten faces. To ease the mess. So when he picked up the scent of blood against his better judgement he pursued it up the mountain. It was definitely a wounded mountain goat, and what a treat it would be.

Higher he was still forced to wade through the white. He kept his nose up, checking he was going in the right direction. Eventually, red drops in varying sizes, and hoof prints marred the fresh snow. Hastily he padded in its trail, half wishing he had the same grace as his prey. His fiery eyes searched up the slope but there were still enough trees to obscure his view. Just a little further, he told himself.  He was sure the trees would give way, and he could get a good look at his target.

The trail slowly twisted, and snaked away from the remaining trees. In the open he froze on the slope side, fiery eyes working slowly for a darker shade of white. The quiet moment was just what he needed.

 Locking eyes with the mountain goat on top of the ridge, his eyes soon found the red gash across its belly. But, could he reach it? Would it eventually grow tired and weak enough for him to kill? It noticed him as well, and vigorously threw itself forward. Again and again, angling parallel with the wolf. There was a faint smirk on his dark facade. Of course they'd have to do this the hard way. He copied the goat's moves, sure it would wear out quicker than him.

The Tainn did not get very far. The snow, not just beneath his feet, but above him began to shift from the goat's harsh movements. NO!!!!  NO!!! Frantic he searched for a way out where there wasn't one. The drifting snow had him caught, and the wave of icy particles tossed him like he was a mere leaf. Forcing him down the mountain side, enveloping every bit of his dark coat.  Should he try to hit a tree or would he die on impact? A whine pooled in his throat as he tried to keep his head above it. Tried to  swim against this strange wave. Against the fear that bit at his heart.  But the heavy snow couldn't be fought. It washed over his face, crushing him, and dragging him further into its depths where the world suddenly took on a miserable shade of all gray.

{end}