Chahaya

The tigeress padded slowly over the ground, watching for ice and making sure to walk only over the solidly frozen areas. Although she didn't have much to worry about falling in, for her fur was very thick, Autumn would be in trouble if she fell into the frigid waters.

"We'll rest here for now, Autumn. Then we will try to find your sister and Guntar."

Autumn

Autumn was exhausted and did not refuse to stop. She laid down and breathed heavily. She nodded and closed her eyes. She started to doze off, and soon she was asleep. She even snored a little bit.

Chahaya

Chahaya flicked her tail over Autumn and put her front paw over her too, to keep her warm. "When you are well and rested, little one, then we will search for your sister." The tigeress let her head drop down, tucked close to Autumn as she too fell to sleep. But her slumber was light, for her senses were vaguely alert to their surroundings still.

Autumn

She nudged Chahaya. Hungry. She was too young to speak in full sentences.

Chahaya

Chahaya smiled and licked Autumn, "That, I can help you with." The tigeress turned her blunt muzzle to the air, but there was hardly a breeze to bring her any scents. Carefully, she grabbed the cub by the nape and began to carry her towards a nearby tree. Shying past the slushy ground where snow was melting, Chahaya placed Autumn in a tangle of roots at the end of the fallen tree, where she'd be more hidden and protected from the wind. "I'll be right back. Stay here, and stay quite while I look for food." The tigeress moved off, looking for something that could feed Autumn. However, she didn't stray too far.

Autumn

She sniffed the roots and hit them with her paw. She nibbled on them, and was happy. Her attention was at the roots. She smelled them and hit them with her paws. She giggled with delight.