Moonspear running up that hill

A second pup appeared so abruptly that Talisman gave a tiny squawk of surprise. He backpedaled before he even registered the cry of, “Intruder!” He also crouched, instinctively trying to demonstrate that he wasn’t a threat.

When he could gather his wits, the coyote said, Aw, hey, no, and then stopped to apprehend the pups now standing side by side, one aloof and the other scowling. I don’t mean any harm, I swear.

He couldn’t fault them for their distrust. He was a strange man lurking near their borders, no matter how inadvertently. Talis debated turning tail and leaving them alone, though he knew it probably wasn’t safe for them here. It wasn’t safe for him either; their mother might come along any moment.

The young coyote swallowed, deciding to risk wolfish ire by inquiring again, Is your mom nearby? You guys are super close to the borders. I don’t know if it’s safe… er, not that it’s any of my business, but… Talis trailed off and fidgeted, still hunched low.