Redtail Rise leggiero

Ashlar would allow her to leave with only a quiet nod of response. He did not want to ask and saw no sign that she did either. Perhaps, if he had, things would be different... he was not the type to simply take.

But even then, perhaps not, for he knew any pups she had would be hers. Not theirs, not his, not even their own. And he could not imagine his own sons or daughters growing up to think themselves wrong if they did not wish to fight.

After she left, her scent lingered, and Ashlar continued to work. He did not break the silence again and it settled heavily over him, suppressing the relative peace with quiet disappointment.