The view from atop the monadnock, whilst partially obscured by fog and snow, had been good enough for Rowena to notice the trees which grew along the southern borders of the lowlands. She had decided there and then that she would journey towards them and see what lay beyond the forest. However that meant once again stepping out into the open tundra and flurries of snow, and leaving the only shelter she had come across so far behind. Fortunately for Rowena, she didn’t feel the cold. Her arctic heritage had blessed her with a plush coat of white fur which worked well to keep her warm in even the harshest of conditions.
As she drew closer to the forest, she began to notice how the terrain grew increasing rough under her paws. Lichen and arctic willow was replaced by rock and sediment, spilling down from the mountain slopes which now peaked out from beyond the evergreen veil of pine trees. Rowena moved more cautiously now, careful not to stumble as the rocks grew larger and less easy to avoid. Clambering over the mountain debris the female was surprised to stumble upon a small body of water, which to her seemed almost inaccessible from her position as she stared down the steep drop.