Tundra Truce

Snowstorm howls like a Tundra wolf, gusts tear at Flykra cloak. Flakes bite, sink like fangs into exposed skin, carrying a sting of isolation. Frosted-rimmed panes of this cabin reveal boughs of Jasmine groaning under suffocating whiteness. Ventured out for kindling, drawn by the promise of a thaw never shown.Flykra’s breath misting ice-kissed air, meager fire, sputters, defiantly as an ember against the icy claw of winter. Fingers, despite being gloved, were numb, as hunger gnawed at her belly. Through drifts she escaped the harsh blizzard's grasp, clinging to this isolated haven. Flykra’s hope dwindling with lingering vapors.

Suddenly, a heavy paw crunched through the frost crust. Slinking closer within limits of her crackling firelights reach. Those eyes smolder like embers, an intensity echoes a gnawing hunger that clawed at Flykra's own gut. Desolate snowscape canvas offers no solace from the bone-chilling emptiness.

Fear froze, Flykra weaponless, defenseless prey to the beast icy glare. Grandfather's words, “fear attracts, respect commands,” flickered across her mind. Steeling herself met the predator’s gaze, gradually gloved hand outstretched. Tension fur bristled; growl lay dying behind the wolf’s throat. Approaches, shaking a snowy blanket off fur. A snowflake drifts into its nostril, wolf lets out a quick sneeze.

Heart hammering Flykra inhales as wolf nudged- hesitant not predatory. Relief not prey, not anymore. In that frigid adrenaline-soaked moment a bond formed. Warmth was found amongst the bleak wasteland. Different tongues, one language of survival. Fire's warmth blossomed, wilderness thawed, hope flickered.