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

Somewhere overhead the skies rattled with the hoarse cries of crows on the wing. Riley's ear snapped back at the crunch of leaves underfoot. His head whipped around shortly after, anzac gaze settling on the crimson facade of a familiar face.

Fight me, she commanded. Her fur stirred with the hidden wind of energy. Riley assessed her for several seconds -- first, confused by the edit, then intrigued by it, and then, finally, wary.

He set back on his heels. What if it turned into something more? What if he hurt her? It did not even occur to him, in his bullish way, that she might best him -- his concern was on the optics. What conditions? He finally relented, buoyed by the friendly wave of her long tail and the playful nip at his shoulder.