Redtail Rise We are close to war.

It seemed as though rutting elk surrounded the rise, the chilly October air filled with their ghastly calls and the distant clash of antlers. Masquerade steered well clear of them, though they occasionally perched on an outlook to observe from a safe distance. They spent this morning watching a duel near the edge of the grotto before an incoming headache sent them into the territory’s interior.

After an hour’s respite beneath the boughs of their favorite evergreen, Masque felt much improved and slunk out to fetch a drink at the creek winding through the center of the rise. On their way across a field still stiff with morning frost, they spotted Riley.

The sight of the rise’s sole Blod did not evoke a particularly strong reaction. Masque acknowledged him with a tip of their snout and a woof, though they otherwise paid him no attention as they drifted to the stream and began to drink. As they took care of their thirst, they thought of gathering some of the young Toweards to practice tracking.

When they raised their head and licked their lips, they saw @Avicus across the field. She was looking at Riley, though her gaze swung to Masquerade as the Ulfr straightened. The former Wealda did not approach, offering a nod before she turned and prowled into a nearby cluster of trees.

Masque watched this a little pensively before their marigold eyes cut back to Riley. They considered the way their mother had looked at him just now. A realization struck them: Riley was the only potential match for Avicus, come springtime. Aside from @Reki, they supposed, he was the only male in the pack who wasn’t mated or related.

The thought should have evoked joy in the former and future Caru. But Masque only felt uncertain. Avicus wasn’t the Alpha female any longer, a fact which the yearling found hard to face, much less swallow. It was entirely possible @Lilia or @New Snow—or both—would assert themselves next spring, claiming breeding privileges. One of them may even seize the title of Wealda. Avicus may not have another litter at all.

An elk bugled somewhere in the distance and the Ulfr blinked, realizing they’d gotten quite lost in their thoughts for a moment. Masque snorted, ears splaying awkwardly before they padded closer to Riley. As they approached him, their head and tail both lifted a little, the latter slowly waving.

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