Zuri was content to stay in the nice comfortable and warm accommodations his friends had provided during the festive season. Due to the peace that he felt he decided to extend his stay, without properly preparing for it. Of course, his spontaneity would end up becoming an issue.
Waking up on a beautiful but windy cold day he ventured to the window to have a look outside. The snow that was steadily falling before he went to sleep now was raging outside against the wind as if it was in a fight. The shutters that were once a lovely decoration were now banging relentlessly against the window and side of the outside wall. The constant thump was getting louder with each hit, and it was beginning to grate on his nerves.
Sighing to himself for not thinking things through before making a decision he turned to make himself something to eat to break his morning fast. As he began, he suddenly realized his stores were low, to low. He would have to venture out to get more provisions if he intended to stay here. The only issue baring his way was the weather that raged outside. He did not need to venture outside to know the weather was extreme and traveling in that would be precarious and dangerous.
Turning back to make his food his mind was turning over with his options, which quite frankly were few. He could possibly stretch his supplies for approximately a week or so in the hopes the weather breaks and it was tolerable and the way he would need to travel passable to return home. Another option was wait a day or two, pack as much as he could and attempt the long trek home but the unknown about the depth of the snow and the future weather made him hesitate to do so. The other was leave immediately and hope he could make it to the town that is approximately 6 hours from where he currently was. The only issue is the weather would significantly slow him down, and the thought of sleeping outside in this extreme cold was not one he wanted to experience.
His only solace was that he was inside safe and warm while the storm raged on around him. The storm seemed to have a mind of its own, angry almost in the way the wind was whipping the snow making it almost white out conditions. He knew his friends were all safely back at their home as they had left weeks ago but he could not help but to worry.
They had a most festive time celebrating the season, the delicious cider drink he had made was a favorite among his friends. They all loved the flavor and how it warmed them up on the inside and make them feel good. He missed the comrade but it had to end at some point, his friends had to make their way home and he had asked if they minded that he stay for a extended visit. Promising to keep the accommodations clean, and when he left to ensure all was locked down and everything stowed as it should be.
His food was prepared as was a nice hot cup of cider and he sat down near the fire and relished the quiet as he ate. His mind adrift with what choice he would make in regard to if he stayed and when he left.
His eyes absent minded looked out the window as his mind focused its attention on this predicament. The words swirled about in his mind, each one feeling like dread as he weighed his options. A small noise carried on the wind which startled him. He was sure he was alone in this area, no one else should be anywhere near here. His senses were now on full alert, and he scanned the land outside the window. All he could see was white, blinding to the eyes. He had to attempt to shade his eyes best he could for he was sure he heard something. He kept vigilant, looking for anything.
Just as he was about to give up, he saw it. A flash of color very bright among the white that covered everything outside. The snow gave way to something that was not of it, someone was here! He straightened and peered towards the flash of color and immediately saw what appeared to be an animal of some sort. His eyes narrowed as he sized up the situation. From what he could see the animal was in need of desperate aid and he sighed. He could not leave it outside in the frigid weather it would not bode well for it if he did.
Grabbing a few supplies, he hurried out the door careful to make sure the door was unlocked before scurrying towards the flash of color he had saw a few moments earlier. The closer he got he realized it was a Mountain Lion. Which to him was odd since they usually did not live in this area, their habitat was several days the opposite way. He stopped in front of it, knelt down and placed a warm blanket around it and managed to get it onto the sled. Turning quickly, he pulled the rope, and the sled glided behind him, it took a few minutes to make it back to the warm place he was staying in. Opening the door, he made the quick decision to pull the sled inside and shut the door. In a few steps he was in front of the fire and left the Mountain Lion there to warm up and he stepped into make it something warm to drink to help regain its strength. When he returned a few minutes later, he saw the animal was shivering. Looking around he saw another blanket and tossed that one to on top of the animal. Slowly the animal stopped shivering but was unconscious.
The animal needed rest and when it awoke, he would provide food and drink and medical care if needed. He had plenty of supplies in that area on hand. He tried not to think of the strain having another here would put on his other supplies, he was not about to allow a living creature to suffer due to his unwillingness to share what he had.
Settling in front of the fireplace hearth he breathed a sigh of relief. The warmth of the fire and the crackling of the embers helped him relax. The chill of being outside in that horrendous frigid cold weather for a short time began to wane and his eyes began to close. Turning his head, he muttered "The worries from earlier can wait til tomorrow, for now I have someone to care for" as he drifted into a deep slumber.
WC: 1, 140
