Redtail Rise Whiplash

As they made for the Rise, Riley realized he had seen these foothills before. The footpaths were different, but the Rise slouched from a greying countryside like a hunched predator. He eyed the hills in dread.

He consciously tried to favor his sore limb as they drew closer. He understood the concept here: here sits a capable male, a possible asset to your pack -- except he was damaged goods, and what pack took in stragglers?

There was little warmth in the woman that greeted him. She assessed him in a manner clinical and almost familiar -- she was joined by another face, this one as watchful as the last time Riley had seen him. Stupidly, he continued holding the rabbits, glancing to Masquerade as if to implore her to take the lead.