Redsand Canyon Bonfire and rumbling.

The shock of the icy water was more effective than a slap. Towhee sucked in a couple deep breaths, then shook the droplets from her face before the snowflakes could start sticking to them and turn her into a bearded lady.

She thought she smelled Kallik’s scent on the snowy air. Towhee tracked it toward the edge of the trees, then proceeded to walk into the forest. It was peaceful here, especially with the snowflakes drifting everywhere.

Eventually, she spotted the other Auxillary up ahead, through the trees. She woofed to announce herself, then moved closer. He hadn’t said a single word—at least that she’d caught—during her interview. But his body language had said quite a bit, particularly when he’d outright ignored her direct address.

The Redhawk didn’t think it was personal, at least less than Arsenio’s distaste, which had some justifiable cause. Kallik didn’t know the first thing about her and that was the rub. Towhee assumed he resented Germanicus’s task and she understood that, just like she understood she could demonstrate her merits if given a chance.

Yo, Kallik, she greeted. If you had to pick which one you liked the best, which would you choose: warrior, guardian or tactician? And then which one would you pick, if you had to choose the one you thought you were currently best at?