Redtail Rise Phoenix

The display was violent and dangerous. Flashing teeth, whale-eyes, wrinkled muzzles, and snarling growls. Yet, it was their specie’s way to settle this without carnage, and so Moon Runner did not fear for Blood Spot’s life – only for her pride.

For a long moment, Moon Runner did not know who would come out on top. Both women were entering their prime. She could perceive the ripple of muscles beneath their skin. The point of their claws.

Strong, the spirit said.

Eventually, it was Blood Spot who crumpled as New Woman claimed the title of Wealda.

However, Moon Runner felt conflicted about this. She did not know New Woman, and that meant she did not trust New Woman.

Moon Runner’s tongue ran over the leather of her nose as she watched Blood Spot limp away. Then, she huddled towards Father, Mother, and offered calming signals like a low wag of her tail… but her uncertainty was clear by the way her ears splayed to the side. She glanced toward Shadow and Rolling Thunder, measuring them.