Redtail Rise Altay

He suggested they give it to “them” and when they realized Riley meant the pups, Masque’s nose wrinkled. They smiled. They liked that his first instinct was to give it away to the pack’s young.

They’d probably just get it dirty, if not outright destroy it, they argued, with all the fondness in the world. Can’t we skin it and keep that for ourselves, then give them the meat? they asked lightly, the smile still playing about their mouth.

They tried to catch his eye and only now noticed the sort of faraway look on his face. Masque’s head canted slightly to one side as they studied his expression. It reminded them of all the times they’d wandered off in their thoughts in Riley’s presence, a realization which earned a soft snort.

Earth to Riley, they joshed. Is there something on your mind? Without giving him a chance to answer, they playfully narrowed their eyes, took a step closer to him again and declared sagely, There is.