Redtail Rise And I felt his blood pour fast and hot,

They were still searching for the Ulfhedinn when Masquerade came upon a murder of crows picking at the nearly bare bones of a pig eaten by the pack some days prior. The bold birds chattered noisily among themselves, paying little attention to the yearling. Then a breeze stirred their feathers and one by one, they took to the air, flapping after the promise of a heartier meal, perhaps.

That same breath of wind carried a familiar scent into the Ulfr’s nose. Riley was only a few hundred yards away, on the other side of a copse of trees. Masque walked steadily in his direction, head canting ever so slightly to the left when they spotted him watching leaves spinning down from the boughs overhead.

They exhaled and came closer, their mood still a little unpredictable. They opened their mouth to exalt the fragrance of fallen leaves once they started to decompose into the dirt—such a sweet, earthy smell—and ask him if he enjoyed it too.

What came out instead was, Fight me.

Their lips pulled into a little grin, their golden eyes sparkling with playful intent. Riley’s paw looked mended and Masquerade was brimming with sibylline energy in need of an outlet. Their long tail lashed as they nipped at the air beside the Blod’s shoulder.