Grouse Thicket quercus

"good hunting," germanicus intoned, returning the elated wave with his own plume. "it will serve you for a day, perhaps two." he meant to give it as a gift to the man who had hunted with him.

the eagle was not at all new to this place, nor the leaves, the stones, the branches. not in any direction of these hinterlands. he was only unaccustomed to its emptiness.

or perhaps his own.

"summer fast ends. any pack would have need of a hunter, if you practice." voice impassive, but head held with respect for the unknown man.