Starter for @retiretomysilence.
Winter treated the burrows harshly. The water rarely got below freezing, especially on the lower levels, however the season strained the kingdom’s supply of food more often than not, making these foraging trips unfortunately necessary. Some measure of hibernation was of course an option, but it was not uncommon to see all rats awake at some point during the day to have at least one small meal. Lichen usually did the trick, and the party was not necessarily equipped for hunting, but if they came across a fowl or two, it may be trapped and slain.
Much to the chagrin of both the rats and their protector, a heavy snow had recently blanketed the earth. Mire was up to their shins with every step, and the members of the vanguard they chaperoned were almost shoulder-deep. They would have to do some digging in order to find their prize. There was no way around it; though overcast, the day was new, there were many hours of light remaining, and none wanted to return home empty-handed to their King.
The forest some ways off the dilapidated township provided a modicum of comfort. Here, the snow was less deep for the cover of trees. Though, with this boon arrived a new penalty: fog. A thick, white mist enshrouded all things, setting all four rats and their human highly on edge. Their footsteps felt all too loud in the silence, but at least if they became lost, they could follow their footprints.
