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

For a moment their bodies collide; the heat of her breath, her scent — but it is over in a second, eclipsed by impertinent reality.

They stood apart from one another, sizing each other up. Riley’s tail began to climb — not so high to be challenging, but enough to show his engagement.

It was then she flung herself on the ground, absorbing the interesting scent of fall while leaf litter clung to her pelt. At this signal Riley relaxed, but he kept his distance.

A younger Riley might have nipped at an exposed toe in play; but Riley was still new and did not wish to provoke boundaries. He slid in the grass several feet away, watchful — but no longer intense.