Redtail Rise Whiplash

Grateful for Masque’s lead, Riley remained silent. His paw hurt, but he pressed the annoyance aside.

He was studied by several eyes. A new male strode to join them, commanding and stiff legged — but the loose shake of his ruff spoke of his ease with Riley’s presence. Riley averted his gaze from each of them, focused now on the rabbit between his teeth.

The seeming leader appraised Masque’s hunting skills; Riley was too slow to analyze if there was a barb in there intended for him. He’d noticed, however, that the yearling seemed to soften the edges of this crowd — more obvious then, was the sudden realization this was not a coalition of strangers, but a family.

When prompted to speak, Riley shook his head. Mno, He answered, having little to say for himself — but belatedly, remembering his manners, he spoke Thank you.::

The rabbit was pushed towards them, his eyes lowered to the stubble of stones at his feet.