Redsand Canyon erased

two nights he had slept on it and he already grew tired of the waiting. as if anything might change either of their minds in two nights, but he was eager to jump into a new part of life. to settle into whatever a routine day would look like in this next chapter.

he had to imagine it would look mostly the same, but that did not tame his hidden intrigue for the new.

it was bad enough that he woke so early, sun not even up yet as he set out for the borders. he wished to lope where the land was stable. to run the nerves right out of himself.

perhaps he should find @Germanicus or perhaps he should see @Towhee again.

whoever he found first would do.

First was Killdeer, who couldn't sleep without Caracal by his side. (He'd relent to the others tagged if need be.)

He sashayed out to the open ground before spotting Maxim, and giving him a toothy grin, trotting closer. Hiya, he called out, chin lifted.

He was yet unaware of the man's connection with his grandmother. Probably just as well.

Killdeer bowed his head, looking submissive. What's up? he asked, the shadows of the canyon falling upon them both.

he found it humorous that it would be killdeer who came to him. he would only smile with warmth to the young auxillary.

join me for a patrol?

this asked with a tossing of his head towards his current path.

Sure! he replied, happy to be of service. Maybe this man could be a friend to him, at least somewhat filling the Caracal-shaped void. God, he missed his buddy. . .

Had it been a mistake to stay? Should he have gone back?

Fuuuuuck. Indecision, incoming.

How long have you been here? Killdeer asked, trying to shove this latest existential crisis to the far back of his brain. He focused on the question and the path ahead, noting the various features that dotted the pack's borders.

how long had it been? a soft hum in his throat as he thought it over.

a month, two. no longer, he thought. i am one of the newer soldiers. but you give me some seniority. he teased kindly with a warm smile.

he picked up their pace a touch, an eager jaunt.

how much have you seen?

Sure, Killdeer replied with a shrug. This dude was an adult. Of course he had seniority. He gave him a nod, smiling, then returned his gaze to the path before them. I'm just learning, anyway.

At the question, he paused a moment. I mean, not much, he said. Enough to kind of know where I'm going. But I knew my old home a little better.

Not really. The caldera had been barely touched by the whelp. But who let facts get in the way of a good backstory?

Killer turned to Maxim, intrigued. Know any cool places?