Redsand Canyon the day pressed on like crushing weights

Elbow-deep in a pit of red clay, and only bones to show for it. Rotten and dry. Sivugat rose from his stooped position and braced himself along the edge, feeling his claws grip at the dirt just as a familiar voice drawled his way. His shoulders were sore from the work. His mood was foul, seeing as he hadn't eaten in a couple of days and the caches were so pitiful. To hear that voice caused anxiety to coil in his gut — an unease shot up the back of his neck.

The boy turned his boorish mass around so that his good side faced the figure, and when he saw the shape of Aventus, moved further so that he could face him head-on. Whatever animosity Sivugat held for Aventus and his sister felt far away from him in the moment, replaced by a strong fear instead, the kind that a child might have for the monster under their bed.

Aventus. He could not look the other wolf in the face. Speaking his name felt taboo too, but Sivugat had grown at least a little more bold since his banishment. Whatever little joys he experienced while alone here in the canyon were forgotten immediately.

What're you doin' here? While Sivugat had not forgotten about the valley or Avicus, he had not expected to see anyone from that part of his life ever again, not after being left to the Moonglow wolves. Having the princeling here before him was unexpected.