Redtail Rise All Fired Up

Masquerade lifted their chin, proud of Sunrise for her courage and glad to have been part of the process. Her cool, damp nose prodded at their whiskered jaw, prompting Masque to thump their tail and mouth gently at the pup’s own muzzle.

Well done. Now, eat as much as you can. The meat nourishes you and helps you grow, the Caru purled.

They pushed upright, into a seated position, and shook their body free of clinging raindrops. Normally they might’ve lingered a while, yet Masque didn’t want to expose the pups or themself to this weather much longer. They scooted the rest of the remains a little closer to the den’s mouth.

Will you do as I say? they asked Sunrise, marigold eyes lingering on her face before flicking to Sunset. You too. I’ll be back soon with more.

And then they turned, snorting out a breath as they trotted away across the rainy rise.