Lion Head Mesa lectus

the sound of air hissing between the shadow's teeth hurt the eagle's heart.

he never should have forbidden crowfeather from leaving. that had been the moment, had it not?

but he could not even ask. the young traveller was not present with him in a way that he understood.

"you must get better, crowfeather," germanicus murmured. "you must — heal."

learn to walk. learn to live with pain.

he suddenly loathed himself.

"i thought of your face while i was in the mountains."

the words slipped beneath the rein and into their reality.