Redtail Rise etude

Avicus looks at him with absolute consternation in her gaze. he doesn't get it. he never would. his place as healer didn't preclude him from the fight, should it come to that.

would he protect the pups, the other hunters, her, if evil came to their doorstep?

or would he balk, just as he had with that wretched, cache-stealing coyote way back when, when Merrick's evil eye hovered o'er them both?

you don' wanna fighh', she notes; it's not a question. what came next, however, was. why nohh'. . .go? to 'hhapphique. wi' your puphh'. where you wouldn' have'uh fighh'.

why stay? queries her indigo eyes.

she thinks she knows the answer, but she wants to hear it from him again.

and again. and again