"Can you teach us today?" Were the soft words that filled the clearing, the group of five children sat uncaringly on the snow-coerced ground. The one that had asked was nearly bouncing on her bottom, hazel eyes were bright and filled with excitement. Wynn absently twirled a dagger in her hand as she eyed the group, her ears open for any other sounds. Sighing mock-exasperatedly, she rises to her feet and offers the children a nod a smile. 

"For awhile, there's a storm headed this way. Essa? Are you wearing shoes today?" The questing was aimed at the smiling ravenette, at the frown and wrinkle of her little nose, Wynn and the other children laughed. The nine-year-old hated wearing shoes, something Wynn didn't understand but firmly advised she wear. The last time the girl had come to her, by the end of the day, her feet were cut and bleeding. Her mother had scolded her in the middle of the village -Wynn always followed them home to make sure they got there-. 

"Let's go!" An excited shout had the other four turning and heading towards the path they'd arrived on. Wynn stayed back for a few moments and raised her head, sniffing the frigid air. This time of year wasn't supposed to have snow yet, this village was the only one that had it, rather odd that. 

"Come on Wy!!" Were the words that jarred her from her search, she blinked and turned to follow the bouncing children. She was the onein charge of them while they were with her, so far they'd managed to remain safe. The silver-haired woman led them to their usual spot, a smaller clearing with a canopy of trees protecting them from the elements. 

"Now, we're going to take turns and remain in this clearing while it isn't our turn. Fair?" She always started with these words, the children were usually well behaved, she'd only had one occasion where they'd wandered off. 

That was the first and last time. 

During the time, a family of grizzly bears had been wandering the forest. Needless to say, when Wynn was distracted, three of her charges had wandered off.  Shaking the memories off when she received vigorous nods, she moved to a hollowed-out tree and tugged out her bow. Her quiver of arrows was hidden in another hollowed-out tree, turning to her charges, she shifts both in her hands and smiles softly. 

They began to practice, each child taking a turn, the others waiting patiently. It was surprising how well they acted, usually kids their ages were running around and loud. The shifter was glad that they weren't, keeping a track of them would be impossible otherwise. 

By evening it was colder then before, the children huddling in their cloak for warmth. Wynn ended their lesson, ignoring the weak protests, and led them back to the village. Once the children were safe within their homes, Wynn turned on her heel and paused, a familiar face standing just behind her. 

"I hate to ask this with a storm coming-" Wynn shook her head and smiled at the Elder. She was always apologizing for asking her to hunt for them, Wynn always answered the same. 

"I don't mind. What do you need?" She asked, arms coming out from under her cloak to stretch above her head. The Elder smiled and pulled a list from her own  navy-blue cloak, taking it and scanning it, Wynn nodded. Colder temperatures meant easier prey, she handed the lost back and offered a smile. Bowing her head, she passes the elder woman with quick, quiet steps, the familiar heat unfurling in her stomach had a grin spreading across her lips. By the time she reached the trees, the heat had spread down her back, removing her cloak and dress she allows it to take hold. 

Shaking out her from, Wynn took off into the forest, her ears flicking forward and back. The list of needed foods flashing though her mind as she stealthily moves through the snow-covered foliage. The light from the fading sunlight aiding in her journey, her nose scenting the air as evening drew closer. 

Hopefully she'd find the food before the storm fully hit. [@paragloan] [@DeadlyEssence]