Phoenix Maplewood true like ice, true like fire

he stood patiently as new snow filed away the messages and missives he had brought toted in his fur. he himself rumbled lowly, swiping her own pelt from time to time with his tongue once more.

she did not growl or pull away from him. augur took this as acceptance of who he was. he held standing in the rise. if tall man did not return, the clawan meant to be hunter-master.

but none of this mattered without red woman's acceptance.

new snow circled around. she stood at his side. augur turned to face the rise. his sharp yellow eyes blinked for a moment; he faced into the wind. bringing her to the border would be unacceptable. she must prove herself, he felt. not for him, but for red woman and blood eyes.

he too would make a decision.

augur turned and nipped her ear. if blood eyes saw she was fit, then he would ask red woman to come.

but there was no guarantee. he crooned a roughened note. did new snow understand?