Blacktail Deer Plateau Black and blue

"I'm sure she does," Peregrine agreed, "I just haven't gotten around to asking. Besides, I wasn't sure there was a whole lot she could do with an internal injury. I don't think that chewing some leaves is going to take the edge off this pain," he explained with a tight grimace.

Osprey reassured him and even offered a consoling lick, which he received with appreciation. "Still," he countered, "four failures in a row tells me I need to improve my leadership and strategy with these hunts. Although Fox can take the blame for the third one; going to that beach was her idea." His lips twitched fondly. "Hope you're right, Oss."

He shifted slightly and painstakingly, then helped himself to the treat she'd brought. He hadn't eaten in a few days, so why not? After licking his chops, he gave her a grateful nudge and asked, "How're things?"