Redtail Rise We built this city on rock 'n' roll

Even as the question left her lips, Junior folded herself onto her haunches. She was still a bit spindly even as a yearling, with harsh angles to her build that contrasted Saena's soft, pale curves. Her scarred forelegs didn't help much in the looks department. Once upon a time, she had been self-conscious about these things. Right now, she sat up straight and took a deep breath, careless of her physical presence beyond the breath in her lungs. She had come to accept herself for who she was, inside and out, and it was pretty damn liberating.

Her eyes closed as she tuned in to Reek's story. She felt tranquil as she listened, at least until he said the word Nereides. Junior's eyes flew open and she looked sharply at the homely wolf, black ears tilting backward. Her two-toned eyes hardened. She then snorted and smiled wanly when Reek used the word nutty to describe them. She scuffed a paw in the dirt, remaining silent until he finished.

"I know of them, the Nereides," she told him. "What do you mean about your leg?" Junior wanted to know before her expression eased back into a smile. "I know."